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

Should you visit Chania or Linz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Linz, 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 historic, idyllic, and charming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Linz

Linz is a cultural, historic, and beautiful town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Chania and Linz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • 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
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Chania or Linz?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Chania than Linz. While Linz is larger than Chania, Chania has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Chania is more popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and big city activities, while Linz is known for its 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. Linz is popular for its Baroque architecture, modern art museums, and great pastries.

How is Chania different from Linz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chania
Linz

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

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 Linz. The city has a lot of history which can be experienced with visits to The Castle of Linz, St. Martin's Church, and the New Cathedral. There are also several modern museums such as Ars Electronica Center, the OK Center, and the Lentos Art Museum.


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

Chania
Linz

Chania is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Linz is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find an endless supply of bakeries around town that serve cakes, tarts, and biscuits. A trip to Linz isn't complete without a sampling of the local pastries.

Is Chania or Linz Better for Nightlife?

Chania
Linz

Chania is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Linz is not a good town for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Chania. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Linz. The town isn't exactly a party place, but you'll find a good theater and some live music venues that are worth checking out.

Is Chania or Linz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania
Linz

Chania is a city with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Linz 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.

Linz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Chania or Linz Better for Beaches?

Chania
Linz

Chania is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Linz 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.

Linz is not a beach destination.

Is Chania or Linz Better for its Old Town?

Chania
Linz

Chania is a well-known place for its old town. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Linz has an old town worth visiting. The old town is filled with Baroque architecture and a market square. There are a number of interesting buildings and great cafes in the area.

Is Chania or Linz Better for Hiking?

Chania
Linz

Chania is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Linz is not a hiking destination.

Chania is a popular spot for hiking. Outside of town there are many hikes that take you through beautiful gorges, along the scenic coastline, or through the unique countryside.

Linz is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Linz?

Chania
Linz

Linz 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 Linz. There are a number of shopping streets around town, but the most popular is Landstraße. You'll find all kinds of retail stores with everything from clothing to furniture available.

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 Linz Better for Families?

Chania
Linz

Chania is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Chania is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Linz is a family-friendly city. Pöstlingberg Adventure World is a highlight for kids. You can take the tram up the mountain and see the views, visit the Grottenbahn, or explore the zoo. Kids will also appreciate the Ars Electronica Center, which is a futuristic museum in town as well as the The Linz Castle Museum.

Is Chania or Linz Better for Couples?

Chania
Linz

Chania and Linz 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.

Linz is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city is filled with beautiful baroque architecture. There's a lively main square and many great restaurants that couples will appreciate. There are also shopping areas and museums to explore.


Is Chania or Linz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania
Linz

Chania is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Linz is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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 Linz. Backpackers will find more budget hotels than hostels in town, so it can be a bit challenging to meet other travelers. Even so, this is a beautiful city that is well worth a visit.

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

Chania
Linz

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

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 Linz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses and streetcars that travel throughout the town.

Is Chania or Linz a more walkable city?

Chania
Linz

Chania and Linz 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.

Linz is very walkable. The tourist areas are easy to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Linz or Chania?

How long in Chania or Linz?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chania or Linz to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chania than Linz because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 1-2 days is enough time in Linz.

Families should spend more time in Chania than Linz. 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 Linz. 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 Linz 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 Linz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Chania 3-4 
    Linz 1-2

One day in Chania or Linz?

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 shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Linz. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Chania or Linz?

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.

Linz 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 Linz?

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 Linz. 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 Linz?

The historic 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 Linz. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 in Austria, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Linz 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 Linz is €114. 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 Linz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Chania 46
    Linz 58
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Chania 92
    Linz 116
Compare Hotels in Chania and Linz

Looking for a hotel in Chania or Linz? 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 Linz


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 Linz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Chania 15
    Linz 41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chania

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chania:

  • Crete Private Transfer to from Chania Port Airport Town: $19
  • Private Transfer from Chania Airport (CHQ) to Chania Souda Port: $23
  • Private Transfer from Chania Hotels to Chania Souda Cruise Port: $23
  • Arrival Transfer Chania Airport to Chania, Rethimno or Heraklion: $25
  • Cretan Folklore Night with Buffet and transfer: $31
  • Bali: Shared Transfer from Chania/Heraklion Airport to Bali: $33
  • Elafonisi Beach Day Trip with Elos Stop and Transfer: $34
  • Falassarna Beach Sunset Trip with Transfer: $36
  • Private Airport Transfer (CHQ) from/to Chania city: $48
  • Transfer from Chania airport to Chania City Center up to 3 : $54
  • From Shared Transfer from Chania Airport to Plakias: $64
  • Transfer from Chania airport to Agia Marina up to 3 customers: $71

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Linz

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Linz:

  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz Airport to City centre: $70
  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz Airport to Wels city: $68
  • Linz Private Transfer from Linz city centre to Linz Airport: $70
  • Private Transfer from Linz to Munich, Hotel-to-hotel, English-speaking driver: $180
  • Transfer from Linz to Munich: Private daytrip with 2 hours for sightseeing: $212

Is it cheaper to fly into Chania or Linz?

Prices for flights to both Linz 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
    Linz 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

Typical Food Prices in Linz

Some typical examples of dining costs in Linz are as follows:


  • Leberkäse (Sausage Loaf)
    4.20
  • Lunch
    8.50

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

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 Linz

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Linz are as follows:

  • Linz Harbor Cruise: $15
  • Detective Trail puzzle tour for the whole family: $16
  • What the bloody hell is there in Linz? 1,5 hour walking tour: $24
  • Linz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Private History Tour with a Linzer Cake Tasting: $149
  • Linz Exploration: Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $176
  • Linz Old Town Highlights Walking Tour with Pöstlingbergbahn: $191
  • Linz Cultural Marvels Walking Tour: $205
  • Literature in Adalbert Stifter Institute Private Tour: $210
  • Family Tour of Linz's Old Town, Pöstlingberg and Grottenbahn: $210
  • Literature in Adalbert Stifter Institute Private Tour : $214

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Chania 18
    Linz 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 Linz, we can see that Linz 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 Linz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Linz 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 Linz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Chania or Linz?

Linz has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Linz, 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 Linz?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Chania or Linz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Linz. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Linz for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chania is generally a little warmer than Linz. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 26°C (80°F), and Linz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Linz this time of the year. In Chania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Linz during summer. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies, while Linz receives 236 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chania usually receives less rain than Linz. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Linz receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Chania or Linz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chania as well as Linz. Many travelers come to Chania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Linz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Chania is much warmer than Linz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Linz fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Chania often gets more sunshine than Linz. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Linz receives 129 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets more rain in October than Linz. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Linz receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Chania 20°C (68°F) 
    Linz 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Chania or Linz in the Winter?

Both Linz and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Chania in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Linz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Linz can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Chania is much warmer than Linz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chania in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Linz averages at about -0°C (31°F).

Chania usually receives more sunshine than Linz during winter. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies, while Linz receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Chania. In January, Chania usually receives more rain than Linz. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Linz receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Chania 12°C (54°F) 
    Linz -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Chania or Linz in the Spring?

Both Linz and Chania during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Chania for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Linz because of the natural beauty.

In April, Chania is generally much warmer than Linz. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 17°C (62°F), and Linz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

It's quite sunny in Chania. In the spring, Chania often gets more sunshine than Linz. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Linz receives 163 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in April than Linz. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Linz receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Chania 17°C (62°F) 
    Linz 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Linz and Chania

Chania Linz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 142 mm (5.6 in) -0°C (31°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 2°C (36°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 20°C (69°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Jun 25°C (76°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 26°C (80°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 17°C (62°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 5°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 14°C (57°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 1°C (35°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)


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