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

Should you visit Chania or Naples?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Naples, 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Naples

Naples is a fascinating, historic, and authentic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chania and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Naples?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Chania than Naples. While Naples is larger than Chania, Chania has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Chania is very popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Naples attracts visitors for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Chania is more touristy than Naples and is known for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also well known for The Venetian Harbor. Naples is famous for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza.

How is Chania different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Naples. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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

Foodies will find both Chania and Naples both to be amazing destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chania is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Many restaurants in Naples have been singled out for their culinary prowess. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

Is Chania or Naples Better for Nightlife?

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

Naples is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

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 Naples Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Naples is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Chania has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Naples is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Naples Better for Beaches?

Chania is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Naples is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Chania are among the best in the world. 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.

Naples is not a beach destination.

Is Chania or Naples Better for its Old Town?

Chania and Naples both have superb 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.

Naples is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Is Chania or Naples Better for Hiking?

Chania is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Naples 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.

Naples is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Naples?

Naples 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 Naples. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

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 Naples Better for Families?

Chania is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Chania or Naples Better for Couples?

Chania and Naples are both superb 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.

Naples is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Chania or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania and Naples are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chania is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for backpackers.

Naples is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

Is Chania or Naples Better for Students?

Naples is a nice place to visit for students. However, Chania is not popular with students.

Naples is popular with students. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

Chania is not popular with students.

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

Naples 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 Naples. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

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 Naples a more walkable city?

Chania and Naples both are superb 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.

Naples is very walkable. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Chania?

How long in Chania or Naples?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chania and Naples. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chania than in Naples. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 1-3 days is enough time in Naples.

Families should spend more time in Chania than Naples. 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.

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

One day in Chania or Naples?

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.

Naples is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Chania or Naples?

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.

Naples is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Naples?

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 Naples. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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 Naples?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic big city of Naples. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Chania or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Naples, 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 Naples?

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 Naples in the Summer?

Both Naples and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Chania because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Naples this time of year.

Chania is a little warmer than Naples in the summer. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 26°C (80°F) in July, and Naples fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Naples. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Naples during summer. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chania usually receives less rain than Naples. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chania or Naples in the Autumn?

Both Naples and Chania during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Naples for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Chania is a little warmer than Naples. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chania in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Naples averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Chania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Naples. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

Naples gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Chania usually gets less rain in October than Naples. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Naples in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Naples. Many travelers come to Chania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Naples in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Chania is generally a little warmer than Naples. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 12°C (54°F), and Naples fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Chania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Naples during winter. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Naples receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chania gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Chania usually receives more rain than Naples. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chania or Naples in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chania as well as Naples. Many visitors come to Chania in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Naples for the activities around the city during these months.

Chania is a little warmer than Naples in the spring. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Naples fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chania this time of the year. In the spring, Chania often gets more sunshine than Naples. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in April than Naples. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Naples and Chania