A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chania vs. Chartres for Food, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Chania or Chartres?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Chartres, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Chania

Chania is a picturesque, historic, and idyllic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Chartres

Chartres is a spectacular, historic, and grand town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Chania and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Chartres?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chania. Although Chania and Chartres are both popular with visitors, Chania has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chania is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Chartres is known for its small town charm. Chania is more touristy than Chartres and is popular for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also home to The Venetian Harbor. Chartres is popular for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Chania different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Chartres and Chania. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Chania or Chartres?

Chania is great for its historical sights. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Chania offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historic sights such as the Venetian Lighthouse, the Castle of Gramvoussa, the Ottoman Baths, and the Clock Tower. There's also the Archeological Museum, where you can learn about the history of the area.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Chartres. Most visitors make the trip to see the spectacular Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame. It was completed in 1220 and is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows.

Is the Food Better in Chania or Chartres? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chania is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Chania is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city is filled with traditional and modern restaurants that serve fresh and delicious dishes. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the many invaders of the island. You'll note culinary influences from the Venetians, Egyptians, and Ottomans. The island also traded with the Jewish, Arab, and European populations, so they have also influenced the cuisine.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Chartres area. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Chania or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Chania is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Chania has a few options to choose from. The town is more known for its relaxed vibe in the evening than its all-night parties. Many visitors enjoy a laid back night in one of the town's many local pubs. You'll find the most charming places tucked away down side alleys in the old town.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chania or Chartres Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Chania has a few good snorkeling spots. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Chartres Better for Beaches?

Chania is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Chartres is not a beach destination.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Chania. You'll find picturesque beaches near town that have white sand or colored pebbles. The beaches range from urban and crowded to hidden gems, but each has striking blue water and the atmosphere of paradise. Favorite beaches in the area include Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is Chania or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

Chania is great for its old town. However, Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Chania. Surrounding the Venetian Harbor is the town's old town. It's filled with restaurants, shops, and cafes that offer a quaint atmosphere for visitors.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is Chania or Chartres Better for Hiking?

Chania is great for hiking. However, Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Chania for the hiking trails. Outside of town there are many hikes that take you through beautiful gorges, along the scenic coastline, or through the unique countryside.

Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Chartres?

Chania is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Chania. Head to the old town to browse shops selling local favorites such as traditional island knives and locally made ceramics. There are also jewelry boutiques and other clothing shops around town.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chania or Chartres Better for Families?

Chania is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Chania is very family-friendly. Kids will enjoy exploring the old town, with its many markets and shops. Wandering around the harbor is also a highlight for many families. There are also several kid-friendly museums such as the Minoan's World 3D Museum and 9D Cinema, the Maritime Museum, and the Archaeological Museum of Chania. There are also kid-friendly activities just outside of town like a visit to Lake Kournas or any of the nearby archeological sites.

Chartres is not the most family-friendly destination. The main attraction in town is the cathedral, but the surrounding area is also filled with history. This may not keep your kids entertained for long, so you can also check out the Stained Glass Museum, La Tanière (a zoo), or one of the parks around town.

Is Chania or Chartres Better for Couples?

Chania is great for its romantic activities. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Chania is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The old town, waterfront harbor, and outstanding restaurants make this a great place to stop on any romantic trip.

Chartres is a good city for couples to visit. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.

Is Chania or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Chania. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for backpackers.

Chartres is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's easy enough to visit as a day trip from Paris, so backpackers and other tourists typically allow themselves a few hours to explore.

Is Chania or Chartres Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chartres is well known for its public transit. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Chartres. There are trains that leave Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 every half hour and travel to Chartres. The trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

While Chania offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. KTEL bus service operates routes both within town and to nearby localities.

Is Chania or Chartres a more walkable city?

Chania and Chartres both are very good when exploring on foot.

Chania is a very walkable destination. The historic center and harbor areas are compact and walkable. There are some beaches outside of town that can be walked to as well if necessary.

Chartres is very walkable. It's easy to see the sights around town on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Chania Worth Visiting? and Is Chartres Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Chania?

How long in Chania or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chania or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chania than Chartres because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chartres.

Families should spend more time in Chania than Chartres. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Chania, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Chania than Chartres. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chania that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chania than Chartres if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Chania.

One day in Chania or Chartres?

The city of Chania offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Chartres. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Chania or Chartres?

Chania is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Chartres is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Chania or Chartres?

Chania is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chartres. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Chania or Chartres?

Chania is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic destination of Chartres. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chania and Chartres, we can see that Chartres is more expensive. And not only is Chania much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chania would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chania and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Chartres would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chartres than you might in Chania.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chania Expensive? and Is Chartres Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chania or Chartres?

Chania has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Chartres, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Chania or Chartres?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Chania or Chartres in the Summer?

Both Chartres and Chania during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Chania in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Chania is generally a little warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 26°C (80°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Chartres, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chania. In the summer, Chania often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in July than Chartres. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Chartres in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Chartres. Most visitors come to Chania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town atmosphere.

Chania is much warmer than Chartres in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Chania usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during autumn. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chania usually receives more rain than Chartres. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chania or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chania as well as Chartres. The winter months attract visitors to Chania because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

It's quite cold in Chartres in the winter. In the winter, Chania is much warmer than Chartres. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chania in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Chartres averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Chania often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun.

Chania receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chania usually gets more rain in January than Chartres. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Chartres in the Spring?

Both Chartres and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the small town charm.

In April, Chania is generally a little warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 17°C (62°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during spring. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chania usually receives less rain than Chartres. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Chania