A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chania vs. Graz for Food, Old Town, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Chania or Graz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Graz, 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Graz

Graz is a beautiful, medieval, and cultural city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chania and Graz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students


Is there more to do in Chania or Graz?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chania than Graz. While Graz is larger than Chania, Chania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chania is more popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Graz is known for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Chania is popular for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also home to The Venetian Harbor. Graz is popular for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture.

How is Chania different from Graz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chania
Graz

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

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 Graz. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.


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

Chania
Graz

Chania is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Dining out in Graz is an experience not to be missed. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

Is Chania or Graz Better for Nightlife?

Chania
Graz

Graz is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Graz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

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.

Is Chania or Graz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania
Graz

Chania is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Graz 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.

Graz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Chania or Graz Better for Beaches?

Chania
Graz

Chania is renowned for the beache. However, Graz 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.

Graz is not a beach destination.

Is Chania or Graz Better for its Old Town?

Chania
Graz

Graz 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 Graz is revered around the world. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

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 Graz Better for Hiking?

Chania
Graz

Chania is great for hiking. However, Graz 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.

Graz is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Graz?

Chania
Graz

Graz is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Graz. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

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 Graz Better for Families?

Chania
Graz

Chania and Graz 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.

Graz is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

Is Chania or Graz Better for Couples?

Chania
Graz

Chania and Graz are both very good to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Chania frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The old town, waterfront harbor, and outstanding restaurants make this a great place to stop on any romantic trip.

Graz is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.


Is Chania or Graz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania
Graz

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

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

Graz is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Is Chania or Graz Better for Students?

Chania
Graz

Graz is well known for students. However, Chania is not popular with students.

Graz is a great city to visit as a student. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

Chania is not popular with students.

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

Chania
Graz

Graz 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 Graz. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

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 Graz a more walkable city?

Chania
Graz

Graz 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 Graz on foot is easy. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore 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 Graz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Graz or Chania?

How long in Chania or Graz?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chania and Graz. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chania than in Graz. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 2-3 days is enough time in Graz.

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

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


  • How many days in Chania or Graz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chania 3-4 
    Graz 2-3

One day in Chania or Graz?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Graz. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chania or Graz?

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.

Graz 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 Graz?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the historic 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 Graz. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Graz?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Graz. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Christmas Market Tours in Austria, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Graz or Chania?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Chania is €93, while the average daily cost in Graz is €112. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Chania and Graz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chania 46
    Graz 67
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chania 92
    Graz 134
Compare Hotels in Chania and Graz

Looking for a hotel in Chania or Graz? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Chania


Hotels in Graz


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Chania Hotel Prices and Graz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chania 15
    Graz 18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chania

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chania:

  • One-Way Private Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands: $7,914
  • Private Transfer minivan transport in Creta: $616
  • Chania to Faistos Palace Private Transfer Full Day Tour: $529
  • Chania to Knossos Palace & Heraklion City Private Transfer: $529
  • Chania to Irini Gorge & Sougia Village: Private Transfer: $406
  • Chania to Imbros Gorge Private Full Day Transfer: $364
  • Heraklion Cruise Port: Transfer to Chania city hotels: $351
  • Chania Int Airport (CHQ): Transfer to Heraklion Cruise Port: $351
  • Chania to Elafonissi Beach/ Cretan Villages Private Transfer: $332
  • Balos Beach Private Roundtrip Transfer with Free Time: $235
  • Full-Day Trip to Santorini island by Boat from Rethymno with Transfer your Hotel: $228
  • Transfer from Chania airport to Elafonisi up to 3 or vise versa: $224

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Graz

Also for Graz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz Airport to City centre: $58
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz city centre to Graz Airport: $58
  • Transfer from Graz Airport to Koper: $207

Is it cheaper to fly into Chania or Graz?

Prices for flights to both Graz and Chania change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Chania 32
    Graz 32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chania

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chania.

  • The Delicious Chania PRIVATE Street Food Tour : $87
  • CHANIA WALKING FOOD TOURS – 3 HOUR WALKING TOUR: $107
  • CHANIA CRETE COOKING CLASSES – 3 HOURS: $107
  • Chania Cooking Class-The Authentic: $118
  • Guided Walking Food Tour with Tasting: $123
  • From The Ultimate Food Tour Of Chania Villages: $123
  • Wine, Food, and Sunset Tour with 3-Course Dinner: $127
  • From Agioi Theodoroi Catamaran Dinner Cruise: $127
  • Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour: $128
  • Sunset Craft Beer & Food Tour - Chania: $131
  • Horse riding,falasarna sunset,dinner in a tavern,drone video: $214

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Chania 21
    Graz 13

Tours and Activities in Chania

Here are a few actual costs in Chania for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Cretan Night Show Tour From Rethymnon: $54
  • Private Tour to Elafonisi and Falasarna: $131
  • 6-Hours Safari Tour in Damnoni and Skinaria Beach, from Plakias: $37
  • All Day Family Tour to Rethymno & Kournas Lake | JMP Tours: $352
  • All Inclusive Full-day Private Tour of Crete Villages from Chania: $279
  • Amazing Crete - Elafonisi, Day Tour: $557
  • Authentic Wine & Food Tastings - PRIVATE Walking Tour with Lunch: $158
  • Avra, full day sailing cruise: $749
  • Avra, half - day sailing cruise: $535
  • Balos & Falassarna Beach - Jeep Tour with Loungers and Lunch: $164
  • Chania Alternative Sunset Bike Tour: $47
  • Chania Battle of Crete Private Tour: WW2 Military History: $144

Tours and Activities in Graz

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Graz.

  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Graz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Graz Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Kunsthaus Graz Museum Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Graz city tours: $14
  • 2.5-hour puzzle tour through Graz city center: $16
  • Graz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $129
  • Guided Tour: Courtyards of Graz: $138
  • Tour with Private Guide: $176
  • Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $191

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chania 18
    Graz 16

Sample the Local Flavors in Chania

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chania:

  • Cretan wine tasting, hosted in French: $91
  • Milia Mountain Tour w/Lunch Olive Oil/Wine Tastings: $144
  • Wines, Olives, and History: A Private Wine Tour from Chania: $791


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


Which is Bigger, Chania or Graz?

Graz has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Graz, 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 Graz?

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 Graz in the Summer?

Both Graz 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 Graz for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Chania is generally a little warmer than Graz. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 26°C (80°F), and Graz fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Graz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chania. In the summer, Chania often gets more sunshine than Graz. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Graz receives 236 hours of full sun.

Graz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Chania usually gets less rain in July than Graz. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Graz receives 126 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chania 26°C (80°F) 
    Graz 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Chania or Graz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Graz. 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 Graz because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Chania is much warmer than Graz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Graz fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Chania usually receives more sunshine than Graz during autumn. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Graz receives 139 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chania usually receives more rain than Graz. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Graz receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chania 20°C (68°F) 
    Graz 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Chania or Graz in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Graz in the winter. In the winter, Chania is much warmer than Graz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chania in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Graz averages at about 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Chania often gets more sunshine than Graz. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Graz receives 95 hours of full sun.

Chania receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chania usually gets more rain in January than Graz. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Graz receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chania 12°C (54°F) 
    Graz 1°C (34°F)

Should I visit Chania or Graz in the Spring?

Both Graz 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 Graz for the natural beauty.

In April, Chania is generally a little warmer than Graz. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 17°C (62°F), and Graz fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Graz during spring. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Graz receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chania usually receives less rain than Graz. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Graz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chania 17°C (62°F) 
    Graz 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Graz and Chania

Chania Graz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 1°C (34°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 20°C (69°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jun 25°C (76°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Jul 26°C (80°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 7°C (44°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)


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