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

Should you visit Chania or Como?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Como, 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 idyllic, charming, and picturesque city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Como

Como is a fun, vibrant, and scenic lake area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Chania and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Como?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chania than Como. While Como is larger than Chania, Chania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chania is very popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, and big city activities, while Como attracts visitors for its shopping and impressive beauty. Como is more touristy than Chania and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Chania is famous for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also well known for The Venetian Harbor.

How is Chania different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Como 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 Como?

Chania is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Chania can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

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

Foodies will find both Chania and Como both to be amazing destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chania is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Many restaurants in Como have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

Is Chania or Como Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Chania and Como.

Chania has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Como has a few options to choose from. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Is Chania or Como Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Como is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Chania has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Como is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Como Better for Beaches?

Chania is renowned for the beach. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

The beaches in Chania are among the best in the world. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Como. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Is Chania or Como Better for its Old Town?

Chania is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Como does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Chania to see the historical old town. 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.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Chania or Como Better for Hiking?

Chania and Como are both places where visitors can find superb hiking trails.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Chania. Outside of town there are many hikes that take you through beautiful gorges, along the scenic coastline, or through the unique countryside.

Many visitors go to Como for the hiking trails. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Como?

Como is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Como is a world class destination for shoppers. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Is Chania or Como Better for Families?

Chania and Como are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Chania is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Como is a very family-friendly destination. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

Is Chania or Como Better for Couples?

Como is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Como has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

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.

Is Chania or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania and Como are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chania is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for backpackers.

Como is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Chania and Como.

You'll find some public transit in Chania, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL bus service operates routes both within town and to nearby localities.

While Como offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Is Chania or Como a more walkable city?

Chania and Como both are superb 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.

Como is very walkable. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Chania?

How long in Chania or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Chania or Como. In our opinion, Chania has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Chania than Como. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chania than Como 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 Como?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Chania. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Como. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chania or Como?

Chania is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Como 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 Como?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the idyllic destination of Chania. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Como. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Como?

The charming city of Chania offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the trendy destination of Como. This lake area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chania and Como, we can see that Como 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 Como would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Como 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 Como Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chania or Como?

Como has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Como, 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 Como?

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 Como in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Chania as well as Como. The summer months attract visitors to Chania because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Como this time of year.

Chania is a little warmer than Como in the summer. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 26°C (80°F) in July, and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Como. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chania this time of the year. In the summer, Chania often gets more sunshine than Como. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in July than Como. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Chania is a little warmer than Como. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chania in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Como averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Chania usually receives more sunshine than Como during autumn. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Como. In October, Chania usually receives less rain than Como. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chania or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Chania during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Chania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Como in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Como can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Chania is generally much warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 12°C (54°F), and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Chania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Como. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually gets more rain in January than Como. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Como in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Como. Many visitors come to Chania in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Chania is a little warmer than Como in the spring. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Chania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Como during spring. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chania usually receives less rain than Como. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Chania