A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chania vs. Pisa for Food, Beaches, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Chania or Pisa?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Pisa, 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 picturesque, historic, and idyllic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Pisa

Pisa is a iconic, world-famous, and classic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Chania and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Pisa?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chania than Pisa. While Pisa is larger than Chania, Chania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chania is more popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Pisa is known for its nightlife, 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. Pisa is popular for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere.

How is Chania different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Pisa. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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

Chania is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Chania is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Pisa is an experience not to be missed. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Is Chania or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

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

Pisa is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

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 Pisa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Pisa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Chania has a few good snorkeling spots. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Pisa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Chania is terrific for the beache. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Chania. 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.

Many people head to Pisa to enjoy the beach. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Is Chania or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Chania and Pisa both have very good 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.

Pisa is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Is Chania or Pisa Better for Hiking?

Chania is a great city for hiking. However, Pisa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Chania for the hiking trails. Outside of town there are many hikes that take you through beautiful gorges, along the scenic coastline, or through the unique countryside.

Pisa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Pisa?

Pisa 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 Pisa. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

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 Pisa Better for Families?

Chania is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Chania is very family-friendly. 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.

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Chania or Pisa Better for Couples?

Chania is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Chania is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The old town, waterfront harbor, and outstanding restaurants make this a great place to stop on any romantic trip.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Chania or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania and Pisa are very good 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.

Pisa is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

Is Chania or Pisa Better for Students?

Pisa is a world-class destination for students. However, Chania is not popular with students.

Pisa is a great destination for students. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

Chania is not popular with students.

Is Chania or Pisa 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 Pisa.

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 Pisa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Chania or Pisa a more walkable city?

Chania and Pisa both are very good 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.

Pisa is very walkable. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Chania?

How long in Chania or Pisa?

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

Families should spend more time in Chania than Pisa. 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 Pisa. 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 Pisa 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 Pisa?

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 museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Pisa. 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 Pisa?

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.

Pisa 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 Pisa?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the historic 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 Pisa. 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 Pisa?

The picturesque 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 world-famous destination of Pisa. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Chania or Pisa?

Pisa has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Pisa, 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa in the Summer?

Both Pisa and Chania during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Chania in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pisa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Chania is generally a little warmer than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 26°C (80°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Pisa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chania. In the summer, Chania often gets more sunshine than Pisa. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in July than Pisa. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Pisa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Pisa. Most visitors come to Chania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Pisa because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Chania is a little warmer than Pisa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Pisa fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Chania usually receives more sunshine than Pisa during autumn. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pisa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Chania usually receives less rain than Pisa. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chania or Pisa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chania as well as Pisa. The winter months attract visitors to Chania because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

In the winter, Chania is much warmer than Pisa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chania in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Pisa averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Chania often gets more sunshine than Pisa. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun.

Chania receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chania usually gets more rain in January than Pisa. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Pisa in the Spring?

Both Pisa and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pisa for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Chania is generally a little warmer than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 17°C (62°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Pisa during spring. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pisa. In April, Chania usually receives less rain than Pisa. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Chania