A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chania vs. Saint-Etienne for Food, Attractions, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Chania or Saint-Etienne?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Saint-Etienne, 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a industrial, undiscovered, and authentic city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Chania and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chania than Saint-Etienne. While Saint-Etienne is larger than Chania, Chania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chania is more popular for its museums, food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint-Etienne is known for its impressive beauty. Chania is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also home to The Venetian Harbor. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Chania different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Chania is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Chania or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chania is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Chania or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Saint-Etienne has a few options to choose from. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Chania or Saint-Etienne Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Chania is an amazing city to visit for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Chania or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Chania is great for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Chania or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Chania is great for hiking. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Saint-Etienne?

Chania is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Chania or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Chania is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Chania or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Chania is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Chania or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Chania or Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.

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 Saint-Etienne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Chania or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Chania is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Chania is a very walkable city. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Chania Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Chania?

How long in Chania or Saint-Etienne?

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

Families should spend more time in Chania than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the picturesque destination of Chania. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint-Etienne. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Chania or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chania. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the idyllic destination of Chania. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the city of Chania. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the historic destination of Saint-Etienne. This city 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Chania and Saint-Etienne, we can see that Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Chania or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne and Chania during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Chania for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Chania is generally a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 26°C (80°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Saint-Etienne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chania. In the summer, Chania often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in July than Saint-Etienne. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Chania is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Chania usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during autumn. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chania usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint-Etienne. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chania or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chania as well as Saint-Etienne. Most visitors come to Chania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Saint-Etienne can be very cold. In the winter, Chania is much warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chania in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Chania often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun.

Chania receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chania usually gets more rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Chania because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during spring. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chania usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Chania