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

Should you visit Chania or Porto?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Porto, 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Porto

Porto is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, and historic port city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chania and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Porto?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chania than Porto. While Porto is larger than Chania, Chania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chania is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Porto is more popular for its nightlife, big city activities, and 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. Porto is well known for its authentic old town and the local port wine.

How is Chania different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Porto. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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

Foodies will find both Chania and Porto both to be terrific 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 Porto have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

Is Chania or Porto Better for Nightlife?

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

Porto is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

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 Porto Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Porto 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.

Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Porto Better for Beaches?

Chania is very popular for its beaches. However, Porto 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.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Chania or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Chania and Porto both have excellent 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.

Porto is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Is Chania or Porto Better for Hiking?

Chania is a great city for hiking. However, Porto 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.

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Porto?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Porto 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 Porto. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Chania or Porto Better for Families?

Chania and Porto 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.

Porto is a very family-friendly destination. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

Is Chania or Porto Better for Couples?

Chania and Porto are both excellent 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.

Porto is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

Is Chania or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Porto is a very popular port city to visit for backpackers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

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.

Is Chania or Porto Better for Students?

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

Porto is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Chania is not popular with students.

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

Porto 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 Porto. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

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 Porto a more walkable city?

Chania and Porto both are excellent 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.

Porto is very walkable. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

Should I spend more time in Porto or Chania?

How long in Chania or Porto?

In either Chania or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than Chania because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 2-5 days is enough time in Porto.

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

One day in Chania or Porto?

In Chania, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this picturesque 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.

Porto is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. 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 Porto?

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.

Porto 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 Porto?

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 Porto. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Chania or Porto?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming 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 cultural big city of Porto. This port 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.

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

Which is Bigger, Chania or Porto?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Porto, 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 Porto?

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 Porto in the Summer?

Both Porto and Chania during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Chania for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Porto because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Chania is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chania in July average around 26°C (80°F), and Porto averages at about 21°C (69°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chania. In the summer, Chania often gets more sunshine than Porto. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in July than Porto. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Porto. The autumn months attract visitors to Chania because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

In October, Chania is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 20°C (68°F), and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Chania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Porto during autumn. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Chania usually receives less rain than Porto. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chania or Porto in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chania as well as Porto. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Chania is a little warmer than Porto in the winter. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Chania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Porto. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Chania receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chania usually gets less rain in January than Porto. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Porto in the Spring?

Both Porto and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Chania for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Porto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Chania is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chania in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Porto averages at about 14°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Porto during spring. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In April, Chania usually receives less rain than Porto. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Porto and Chania