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

Should you visit Chania or Mainz?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Mainz, 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 idyllic, charming, and picturesque city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Mainz

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

Chania and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Mainz?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chania than Mainz. While Mainz is larger than Chania, Chania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chania is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Mainz is more popular for its impressive beauty. Chania is well known for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. Also, Chania is famous for The Venetian Harbor. Mainz is well known for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares.

How is Chania different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Chania is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Mainz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's an old university town with a number of historical sights. Check out the Church of St. Stephan, Mainz Cathedral, the Gutenberg Museum, and the Museum of Ancient Seafaring.

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

Chania is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Mainz. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes that serve local food. There are also wine taverns where you can sample the local wines and dine of regional specialties.

Is Chania or Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Chania is a city with good options for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Mainz. It's a sleepy little town, so even locals often head to bigger cities for better nightlife.

Is Chania or Mainz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is a city with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Mainz 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.

Mainz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Mainz Better for Beaches?

Chania is terrific for its beaches. However, Mainz 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.

Mainz is not a beach destination.

Is Chania or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

Chania and Mainz 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.

Mainz is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

Is Chania or Mainz Better for Hiking?

Chania is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Chania. Outside of town there are many hikes that take you through beautiful gorges, along the scenic coastline, or through the unique countryside.

Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Mainz?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Mainz 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 Mainz. Head to the boulevard of Am Brand near the cathedral for some of the town's best shopping. There are shops that line the street and it's a nice area to walk around.

Is Chania or Mainz Better for Families?

Chania is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Chania is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Mainz doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Kids will enjoy the Gutenburg Museum and the outdoor spaces where they can run around. There's also a nice old town that everyone will have fun exploring.

Is Chania or Mainz Better for Couples?

Chania and Mainz 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.

Mainz is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Located on the Rhine River, this scenic setting is popular for river cruises. The town is nice to explore on its own, or you can hop around and take in several of the German river towns. You can also sit at outdoor cafes and sip local wine.

Is Chania or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Mainz. The town is popular with river cruises but you'll also find a hostel or two where budget travelers can save some money and meet other backpackers.

Is Chania or Mainz Better for Students?

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

Mainz is a great town to visit as a student. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

Chania is not popular with students.

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

Mainz 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 Mainz. There are regional trains that make it easy to use Mainz as a base to explore the area, or you could visit Mainz as a day trip from another nearby 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 Mainz a more walkable city?

Mainz 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 Mainz on foot is easy. The town is easily explored 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 Mainz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Chania?

How long in Chania or Mainz?

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

Families should spend more time in Chania than Mainz. 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 Mainz. 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 Mainz 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.

One day in Chania or Mainz?

In Chania, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this idyllic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Mainz. 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 Mainz?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chania. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Mainz 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 Mainz?

Chania is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Chania. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the picturesque destination of Chania. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Mainz. 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Chania or Mainz?

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

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 Mainz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Chania as well as Mainz. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Chania is a little warmer than Mainz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chania in July average around 26°C (80°F), and Mainz averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mainz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chania this time of the year. In the summer, Chania often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in July than Mainz. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Mainz in the Autumn?

Both Mainz and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Chania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Mainz in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Chania usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during autumn. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chania usually receives more rain than Mainz. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chania or Mainz in the Winter?

Both Mainz and Chania during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Chania in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Mainz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Mainz can be very cold during winter. Chania is much warmer than Mainz in the winter. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Chania often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually gets more rain in January than Mainz. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Mainz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Mainz. Most visitors come to Chania for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mainz because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Chania is much warmer than Mainz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chania in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In Chania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during spring. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Mainz and Chania