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

Should you visit Chania or Piazza Armerina?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Piazza Armerina, 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 scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a charming, authentic, and historic town. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Chania and Piazza Armerina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Piazza Armerina?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chania. Although Chania and Piazza Armerina are both popular with visitors, Chania has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chania is more touristy than Piazza Armerina and is known for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also home to The Venetian Harbor. Piazza Armerina is popular for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale.

How is Chania different from Piazza Armerina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Piazza Armerina. Most people head to town specifically to visit Villa Romana del Casale, which is a few kilometers away. It's a beautiful Roman villa that can be explored in a few hours. Also in town is an Aragonese Castle and an 18th century Duomo.

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

Chania is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Chania, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Piazza Armerina is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most visitors pass through town, stopping to visit Villa Romana del Casale. There are some pizzerias and other casual restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is Chania or Piazza Armerina Better for Nightlife?

Chania is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre 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.

Piazza Armerina doesn't offer many options. While many tourists pass through town with the intent of visiting the Villa Romana del Casale, most don't linger long enough appreciate the town at night.

Is Chania or Piazza Armerina Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Piazza Armerina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Chania. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Piazza Armerina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Piazza Armerina Better for Beaches?

Chania is an unbeatable place for the beache. However, Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

Chania offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

Is Chania or Piazza Armerina Better for its Old Town?

Chania and Piazza Armerina both have great 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.

Piazza Armerina is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town has a bit of authenticity that is missing from some of the more popular Sicilian cities. While it may feel a little worn to some people, those who like to get away from the souvenir shops will appreciate a visit.

Is Chania or Piazza Armerina Better for Hiking?

Chania is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Piazza Armerina?

Chania is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chania or Piazza Armerina Better for Families?

Chania is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town 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.

Piazza Armerina is not always a place people visit with their families. Most people head to the town to explore the Villa Romana del Casale. The beauty and history may not thrill all kids, but if your kids enjoy a bit of history they will likely appreciate a visit. The town also has an Aragonese Castle that you can visit.

Is Chania or Piazza Armerina Better for Couples?

Chania is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Chania is a very popular place to visit for couples. The old town, waterfront harbor, and outstanding restaurants make this a great place to stop on any romantic trip.

Piazza Armerina is a good city for couples to visit. For history enthusiasts, this is a popular place to visit. Like most visitors, couples will appreciate a visit to the town's main attraction Villa Romana del Casale.

Is Chania or Piazza Armerina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania is notable for backpackers. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town 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.

Piazza Armerina is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's a popular tourist destination, there are a limited number of hostels in town.

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

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

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 Piazza Armerina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can reach the town by bus and once there it's possible to explore on foot.

Is Chania or Piazza Armerina a more walkable city?

Chania and Piazza Armerina both are great 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.

Piazza Armerina is very walkable. You can explore most of the old and new towns on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Piazza Armerina or Chania?

How long in Chania or Piazza Armerina?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Chania or Piazza Armerina to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Chania than Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina.

Families should spend more time in Chania than Piazza Armerina. 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 Piazza Armerina. 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 Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina?

The idyllic destination of Chania offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Piazza Armerina. 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 Piazza Armerina?

The city of Chania offers scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina?

Chania is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Piazza Armerina. 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 Piazza Armerina?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Chania. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Piazza Armerina. 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 Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Chania and Piazza Armerina, we can see that Chania is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Chania or Piazza Armerina?

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

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 Piazza Armerina in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Piazza Armerina. Many travelers come to Chania for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Piazza Armerina in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chania is generally around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 26°C (80°F), and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Piazza Armerina this time of the year. In Chania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Piazza Armerina during summer. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies, while Piazza Armerina receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chania usually receives less rain than Piazza Armerina. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chania or Piazza Armerina in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chania as well as Piazza Armerina. Many visitors come to Chania in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Chania is around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

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

Chania usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Piazza Armerina. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Piazza Armerina in the Winter?

Both Piazza Armerina and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Chania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Piazza Armerina because of the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Chania is a little warmer than Piazza Armerina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chania in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Piazza Armerina averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Chania usually receives less sunshine than Piazza Armerina during winter. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies, while Piazza Armerina receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Chania. In January, Chania usually receives more rain than Piazza Armerina. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chania or Piazza Armerina in the Spring?

Both Piazza Armerina and Chania during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Chania because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Chania is generally a little warmer than Piazza Armerina. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 17°C (62°F), and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In Piazza Armerina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chania. In the spring, Chania often gets more sunshine than Piazza Armerina. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Piazza Armerina receives 204 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in April than Piazza Armerina. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Piazza Armerina and Chania