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

Should you visit Chania or Lindau?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Lindau, 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 charming, picturesque, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Lindau

Lindau is a picturesque, fun-filled, and scenic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food.

Chania and Lindau: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Chania or Lindau?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chania. Although Chania and Lindau 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, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Lindau is known for its small town charm 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. Lindau is popular for its lakefront location and quaint old town.

How is Chania different from Lindau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chania
Lindau

Chania is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Chania. 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.

While most people don't head to Lindau specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The town is more about it's beautiful setting than landmarks and museums, but there are some interesting sights including the harbor and lighthouse.


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

Chania
Lindau

Chania is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Lindau is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Chania have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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.

Lindau has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Head to the waterfront for the best seafood restaurants. Many restaurants use seasonal ingredients and serve local fish. The local whitefish is particularly popular. Dishes are influenced by the town's proximity to Switzerland and Austria, so you'll enjoy a hybrid of flavors and recipes.

Is Chania or Lindau Better for Nightlife?

Chania
Lindau

Chania is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

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.

Lindau doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's not known for its nightlife scene but there are bars where you can enjoy a relaxing night out.

Is Chania or Lindau Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania
Lindau

Chania is a city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lindau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Chania. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Lindau is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Chania or Lindau Better for Beaches?

Chania
Lindau

Chania is terrific for the beache. However, Lindau is not a beach destination.

Chania is considered to be a world-class beach destination. 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.

Lindau is not a beach destination.

Is Chania or Lindau Better for its Old Town?

Chania
Lindau

Chania and Lindau both have high quality historical old towns that attract visitors.

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.

Lindau is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is located on Lindau island in Lake Constance. It has quaint buildings and many waterfront restaurants.

Is Chania or Lindau Better for Hiking?

Chania
Lindau

Chania is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Lindau is not a hiking destination.

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.

Lindau is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Lindau?

Chania
Lindau

Chania is a city with good options for its shopping opportunities. However, Lindau is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Chania offers some nice shopping areas. 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.

Lindau is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chania or Lindau Better for Families?

Chania
Lindau

Chania and Lindau are both high quality 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.

Lindau is a very family-friendly destination. Head to the waterfront where there's a playground, stand up paddleboarding, paddleboats, and more. Kids will also enjoy climbing to the top of the Old Lighthouse or exploring the Museum of Local History.

Is Chania or Lindau Better for Couples?

Chania
Lindau

Chania and Lindau are both high quality 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.

Lindau is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With its charming old town, beautiful waterfront, great seafood restaurants, and nice hotels, couples will really enjoy a few days away at this lakefront town. It's the perfect place to have a romantic weekend.


Is Chania or Lindau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania
Lindau

Chania is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Lindau is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Lindau. The town has a couple of hostels and affordable hotels that make this waterfront town accessible to backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Chania
Lindau

Chania is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lindau. It's possible to reach town by bus or train and once you're in town you can walk many places.

Is Chania or Lindau a more walkable city?

Chania
Lindau

Chania and Lindau both are high quality 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.

Lindau is very walkable. The town is very walkable and there are also many walks into the countryside.


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

Should I spend more time in Lindau or Chania?

How long in Chania or Lindau?

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

Families should spend more time in Chania than Lindau. 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 Lindau. 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 Lindau 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 Lindau? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chania 3-4 
    Lindau 2-4

One day in Chania or Lindau?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Chania. 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.

Lindau might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Lindau?

Chania is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Lindau 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 Lindau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chania. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lindau. 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 Lindau?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the idyllic destination of Chania. This city 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.

Lindau is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Lindau 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 Lindau is €163. 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 Lindau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chania 46
    Lindau 91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chania 92
    Lindau 182
Compare Hotels in Chania and Lindau

Looking for a hotel in Chania or Lindau? 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 Lindau


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 Lindau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chania 15
    Lindau 40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chania

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chania:

  • Arrival Transfer Chania Airport to Chania, Rethimno or Heraklion: $25
  • Bali: Shared Transfer from Chania/Heraklion Airport to Bali: $33
  • Balos Beach Private Roundtrip Transfer with Free Time: $235
  • Chania Int Airport (CHQ): Transfer to Heraklion Cruise Port: $351
  • Chania to Elafonissi Beach/ Cretan Villages Private Transfer: $332
  • Chania to Faistos Palace Private Transfer Full Day Tour: $529
  • Chania to Imbros Gorge Private Full Day Transfer: $364
  • Chania to Irini Gorge & Sougia Village: Private Transfer: $406
  • Chania to Knossos Palace & Heraklion City Private Transfer: $529
  • Cretan Folklore Night with Buffet and transfer: $31
  • Elafonisi Beach Day Trip with Elos Stop and Transfer: $34
  • Falassarna Beach Sunset Trip with Transfer: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Chania or Lindau?

Prices for flights to both Lindau 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
    Lindau 45

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
    Lindau 27

Tours and Activities in Chania

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Chania's Turbulent History: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Discover Chania's Echoes: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Archaeological Museum Entry Ticket and Audio Guide: $11
  • Full-Day Tour Gramvousa Balos Bay from Rethymno with French Guide: $19
  • Gramvousa Island & Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Rethymno English & German guide: $19
  • Shared Falassarna Beach Tour Visit from Rethymno: $25
  • Skip the Line: Limnoupolis Water Admission Ticket: $27
  • Full Day Guided Botanic Garden Tour in Spili, Preveli and Plakias: $27
  • From Rethymno Areas: Full-Day Knossos and Heraklion Guided Tour: $27
  • Chania Town: Glass-Bottom Boat Cruise to Thodorou & Lazareta: $29

Tours and Activities in Lindau

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

  • Lindau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $207
  • Lindau Private Christmas Market Tour: $267
  • Lindau - Town Highlights Walking Tour: $321

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chania 18
    Lindau 25

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Lindau

Also in Lindau, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Lake Constance wine tour > day tour > wine tasting at 3 winemakers: $195


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


Which is Bigger, Chania or Lindau?

Chania has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Lindau. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Lindau, 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.