A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chania vs. Pompeii for Attractions, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Chania or Pompeii?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Pompeii, 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Pompeii

Pompeii is a iconic, one-of-a-kind, and ancient archeological site. Other popular activities here include museums.

Chania and Pompeii: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Pompeii?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Chania. Although Chania and Pompeii are popular destinations, Chania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chania is very popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Pompeii attracts visitors for its museums. Pompeii is more touristy than Chania and is popular for its well preserved archaeological ruins that are still intact following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Chania is famous for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also well known for The Venetian Harbor.

How is Chania different from Pompeii?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pompeii is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Pompeii on the map. Pompeii is a city frozen in time and it is truly a one-of-a-kind destination. The streets remain as they once stood, lined with shops and homes. Highlights of a visit include the Forum, the Antiquarium, the Temple of Isis, and the Teatro Grande.

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.

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

Chania is renowned for its restaurants. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

Chania has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

While Pompeii is not famous for its food, you'll find what you need there. While there is a café near the Forum, the quality of the food isn't great and it can get crowded. You'd do best to bring your own food as the site is large and you'll want to eat on your own schedule.

Is Chania or Pompeii Better for Nightlife?

Chania is very good for its evening party scene. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for nightlife.

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 Pompeii. As a popular tourist destination, you'll find some bars nearby, but most people visit as a day trip and head out of town before the evening hours.

Is Chania or Pompeii Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Pompeii is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Chania. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Pompeii is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Pompeii Better for Beaches?

Chania is renowned for the beach. However, Pompeii is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Chania is a very popular vacation 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.

Pompeii is not a beach destination.

Is Chania or Pompeii Better for its Old Town?

Chania is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Chania. 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.

Pompeii does not have a historic old town.

Is Chania or Pompeii Better for Hiking?

Chania is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Pompeii 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.

Pompeii is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Pompeii?

Chania is very good for its shopping areas. However, Pompeii is lacking in options for shopping.

Chania has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Pompeii has some shopping areas for those that seek them out. There are some souvenir stands outside of the site where you can buy trinkets to remember your visit.

Is Chania or Pompeii Better for Families?

Chania and Pompeii are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

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.

Pompeii is a very family-friendly destination. Its a city frozen in time, and even kids will get lost in the history and story behind Pompeii. The trick is to find a kid-friendly tour and understand the layout before you arrive. Because it's so big, you want to know which places to visit and which you might want to skip with kids who have short attention spans.

Is Chania or Pompeii Better for Couples?

Chania is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Chania makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The old town, waterfront harbor, and outstanding restaurants make this a great place to stop on any romantic trip.

Pompeii is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination in Italy, and should be added to any Italian trip itinerary. It's not exactly a romantic destination, but it's something that every visitor should see.

Is Chania or Pompeii Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pompeii is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Chania. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Pompeii. It's touristy and crowded, but also world renowned and not-to-be-missed. Whether you're a backpacker or a luxury traveler, Pompeii is on most itineraries.

Is Chania or Pompeii Better for Students?

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

Pompeii is popular with students. It's history and educational significance make it a great study abroad destination, whether you visit alone, with friends, or as part of a tour group.

Chania is not popular with students.

Is Chania or Pompeii 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 Pompeii.

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 Pompeii offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Many visitors from Sorrento and Naples arrive via the the Circumvesuviana train. There are also buses from many different locations.

Is Chania or Pompeii a more walkable city?

Pompeii 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 Pompeii on foot is easy. You can walk around the entire site in about 4 hours, but you'll really want to allow a full day if you want to see everything in depth.

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 Pompeii Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pompeii or Chania?

How long in Chania or Pompeii?

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

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

In Chania, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Pompeii. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Chania or Pompeii?

In Chania, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Pompeii is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, 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 Pompeii?

Chania is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pompeii. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Pompeii?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chania. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Chania. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the famous destination of Pompeii. This archeological site 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

When is the best time to visit Chania or Pompeii?

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 Pompeii in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Chania as well as Pompeii. Most visitors come to Chania for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Pompeii because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chania this time of the year. In the summer, Chania often gets more sunshine than Pompeii. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 313 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in July than Pompeii. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Pompeii in the Autumn?

Both Pompeii and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Chania because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

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

Chania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii during autumn. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pompeii. In October, Chania usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chania or Pompeii in the Winter?

Both Pompeii and Chania during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pompeii for the museums.

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

In the winter, Chania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Pompeii. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pompeii receives 115 hours of full sun.

Pompeii gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually gets more rain in January than Pompeii. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Pompeii in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Pompeii. Many travelers come to Chania for the beaches and the activities around the city.

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

In Chania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Pompeii during spring. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Pompeii receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chania usually receives less rain than Pompeii. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Pompeii receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pompeii and Chania