A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chania vs. Karlovy Vary for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Chania or Karlovy Vary?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Karlovy Vary, 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.

Where Should I go: Chania or Karlovy Vary?

Chania

Chania is a city on the northwest coast of the Greek island of Crete. Chania is Crete's most evocative city, with its pretty Venetian quarter, crisscrossed by narrow lanes, culminating at a magnificent harbor. At the harbor entrance is a 16th-century lighthouse with Venetian, Egyptian, and Ottoman influences. On the other side, the Nautical Museum has model ships, naval objects and photographs. The former monastery of St. Francis houses the Archaeological Museum of Chania. Remnants of Venetian and Turkish architecture abound, with old townhouses now transformed into atmospheric restaurants and boutique hotels. Although all this beauty means the old town is packed with tourists in summer, it's still a great place to unwind. The Venetian Harbor is super for a stroll and a coffee or cocktail. Plus it’s got a university and a modern area to the city, which means that it retains its charm in winter. Indie boutiques and an entire lane dedicated to leather products provide good shopping and, with a multitude of creative restaurants, you’ll likely have some of your best meals on Crete here.

Karlovy Vary

Founded in 1370, Karlovy Vary translates to "Charles' Bath" for its founder Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, as well as its famous hot springs. It is located in Bohemia in the western Czech Republic and is also known as Karlsbad (German) or Carlsbad (English). Another highlight is the International Film Festival in July with draws celebrities and other film enthusiasts worldwide.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary is €76. 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 Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chania 46
    Karlovy Vary 36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chania 92
    Karlovy Vary 72
Compare Hotels in Chania and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Chania or Karlovy Vary? 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 Karlovy Vary


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 Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chania 15
    Karlovy Vary 24

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 Karlovy Vary

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

  • Private Transfer Karlovy Vary to Prague Vaclav Havel Airport : $66
  • Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $120
  • Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $128

Is it cheaper to fly into Chania or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary 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
    Karlovy Vary 25

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
    Karlovy Vary 11

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 Karlovy Vary

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

  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $32
  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $35
  • Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $77
  • Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $112
  • Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $168
  • Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $168
  • Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $209
  • A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $224
  • Private Walking Tour: $227
  • LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $255
  • Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $298
  • Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $353

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chania 18
    Karlovy Vary 6.13

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 Karlovy Vary, we can see that Chania is more expensive. And not only is Karlovy Vary much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Karlovy Vary would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Karlovy Vary 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 Chania would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chania than you might in Karlovy Vary.

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


Which is Bigger, Chania or Karlovy Vary?

Chania has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Karlovy Vary, 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 Karlovy Vary?

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 Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

Both Karlovy Vary and Chania during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Chania for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Chania is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chania in July average around 26°C (80°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Karlovy Vary, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chania. In the summer, Chania often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in July than Karlovy Vary. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Chania 26°C (80°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Chania or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Karlovy Vary. The autumn months attract visitors to Chania because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Chania is generally much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 20°C (68°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Chania usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during autumn. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chania usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chania 20°C (68°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Chania or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chania as well as Karlovy Vary. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Chania this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Karlovy Vary. Chania is much warmer than Karlovy Vary in the winter. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Chania often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.

Chania receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chania usually gets more rain in January than Karlovy Vary. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chania 12°C (54°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Chania or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

Both Karlovy Vary and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Chania for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Chania is much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chania in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 10°C (50°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during spring. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chania usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chania 17°C (62°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Chania

Chania Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 20°C (69°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 25°C (76°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 26°C (80°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)