A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chania vs. Dubrovnik for Food, Beaches, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Chania or Dubrovnik?

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

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

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a cultural, coastal, and historic coastal town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Chania and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Dubrovnik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chania. Although Chania and Dubrovnik are popular destinations, Chania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chania is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Dubrovnik attracts visitors for its resorts, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Dubrovnik is more touristy than Chania and is popular for its well-preserved medieval old town that is surrounded by stone walls and has been the production sight for many major movies and television shows. 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 Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Chania or Dubrovnik.

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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dubrovnik. The old town is a living museum that is filled with historic landmarks like the old town walls, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, and Loggia Square.

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

Foodies will find both Chania and Dubrovnik both to be fantastic 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 Dubrovnik have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta dishes.

Is Chania or Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Dubrovnik has a few options to choose from. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.

Is Chania or Dubrovnik Better for Resorts?

Dubrovnik is well known for its resorts. However, Chania is not a resort destination.

Dubrovnik is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The old town is the most famous and charming part of the city, but you'll find most of the resorts spanning the coastline outside of town. Inside the old town there are a few boutique hotels and a number of rooms available for rent, but make sure you book early during peak seasons. For a resort, look outside of the old town with popular options including Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the Hilton Imperial, and Rixos Premium.

Chania is not a resort destination.

Is Chania or Dubrovnik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Dubrovnik is not known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Snorkeling is an option in Dubrovnik. On clear days, snorkeling can be a fun activity, but the weather and visibility can vary so conditions are unpredictable. Buža is a popular snorkeling spot in town, but you can also organize tours to other areas.

Is Chania or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

Chania is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its beaches.

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.

Many people head to Dubrovnik to enjoy the beach. The old town is the main appeal of the area, but there are several beaches that are nice for taking a swim or sunbathing. They are often pebbly, but the water is blue and the views are beautiful.

Is Chania or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

Dubrovnik is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Dubrovnik is revered around the world. This walled old town is among the most famous in Europe. It's sits beautifully along the coast and it is pedestrian only. You can spend plenty of time exploring the historic lanes, popping in shops and restaurants, and soaking up the charming atmosphere.

Chania is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Is Chania or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

Chania and Dubrovnik are both places where visitors can find very good 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 Dubrovnik for the hiking trails. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Dubrovnik?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Dubrovnik and Chania.

Many visitors go to Chania to go shopping. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Dubrovnik. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Is Chania or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

Chania and Dubrovnik are both very good 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.

Dubrovnik is a very family-friendly destination. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.

Is Chania or Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

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

Dubrovnik has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dubrovnik is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Dubrovnik is a very popular coastal town to visit for backpackers. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town to hang out with.

Chania is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for backpackers.

Is Chania or Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik.

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 Dubrovnik offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

Is Chania or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Dubrovnik on foot is easy. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls on foot.

Chania is very walkable. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Chania?

How long in Chania or Dubrovnik?

In either Chania or Dubrovnik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubrovnik than Chania because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 1-5 days is enough time in Dubrovnik.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dubrovnik than Chania 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 Dubrovnik.

One day in Chania or Dubrovnik?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Chania. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Dubrovnik. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Chania or Dubrovnik?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the idyllic destination of Chania. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Dubrovnik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Dubrovnik?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the historic city of Chania. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Dubrovnik. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Chania or Dubrovnik?

Chania is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Dubrovnik. This coastal town 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 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Chania and Dubrovnik, we can see that Dubrovnik is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Chania or Dubrovnik?

Chania has a larger population, and is about 92% larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?

Both Dubrovnik 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Chania is around the same temperature as Dubrovnik in the summer. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 26°C (80°F) in July, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Chania usually gets less rain in July than Dubrovnik. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Dubrovnik. Most visitors come to Chania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Chania is a little warmer than Dubrovnik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chania in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Chania usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chania or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

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

In January, Chania is generally a little warmer than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 12°C (54°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Chania receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chania usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Dubrovnik. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

Both Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Chania is a little warmer than Dubrovnik in the spring. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. In April, Chania usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Chania