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

Should you visit Chania or Ravenna?

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

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

Ravenna

Ravenna is a charming, authentic, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chania and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Ravenna?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chania than Ravenna. While Ravenna is larger than Chania, Chania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chania is more popular for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and big city activities, while Ravenna is known for its small town charm. Chania is more touristy than Ravenna and is popular for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also home to The Venetian Harbor. Ravenna is popular for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Chania different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Ravenna. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

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

Chania is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Dining out in Ravenna is an experience not to be missed. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Is Chania or Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Chania and Ravenna.

Chania has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Ravenna has a few options to choose from. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Is Chania or Ravenna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Ravenna Better for Beaches?

Chania is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Is Chania or Ravenna Better for its Old Town?

Chania is a very popular place for its old town. However, Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Chania or Ravenna Better for Hiking?

Chania is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Ravenna?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Ravenna 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 Ravenna. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Chania or Ravenna Better for Families?

Chania and Ravenna are both great 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.

Ravenna is a very family-friendly destination. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

Is Chania or Ravenna Better for Couples?

Chania and Ravenna are both great 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.

Ravenna is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Is Chania or Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

Is Chania or Ravenna 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 Ravenna.

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 Ravenna offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

Is Chania or Ravenna a more walkable city?

Chania and Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is very walkable. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Chania?

How long in Chania or Ravenna?

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

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

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.

Ravenna might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Chania or Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna 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 Ravenna?

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 Ravenna. 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 Ravenna?

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.

Ravenna is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Chania and Ravenna, 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 Ravenna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chania or Ravenna?

Ravenna has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Ravenna, 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 Ravenna?

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 Ravenna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Chania as well as Ravenna. Many travelers come to Chania for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Ravenna in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chania is generally a little warmer than Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 26°C (80°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Chania usually gets less rain in July than Ravenna. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Ravenna in the Autumn?

Both Ravenna and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Chania in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Ravenna for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

Chania is a little warmer than Ravenna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Ravenna fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In October, Chania usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chania or Ravenna in the Winter?

Both Ravenna and Chania during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Chania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ravenna can be very cold. In the winter, Chania is much warmer than Ravenna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chania in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Ravenna averages at about 3°C (37°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually gets more rain in January than Ravenna. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Ravenna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Ravenna. The spring months attract visitors to Chania because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the small town charm are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year.

In April, Chania is generally a little warmer than Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 17°C (62°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In April, Chania usually receives less rain than Ravenna. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ravenna and Chania