A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chania vs. Siena for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Chania or Siena?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Siena, 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 historic, idyllic, and charming city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Siena

Siena is a charming, medieval, and history city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chania and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Siena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chania. Although Chania and Siena are about the same size, Chania has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chania is better known for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Siena is more popular for its historical sights 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. Siena is well known for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Chania different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Siena. At the heart of the city is Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Piazza del Campo. Other world famous sights include Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico, Torre del Mangia, and Pinacoteca Nazionale.

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

Chania is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Siena has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town is all about local flavors and many restaurants use local ingredients in their dishes. Pecorino of Pienza is the local cheese, and you'll also find many cured meats. Local pasta dishes include wild boar ragu and a local spaghetti. You'll also find local meats such as lamb, rabbit, chicken and pork.

Is Chania or Siena Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Siena has a few options to choose from. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. Most visitors enjoy socializing in the evening and meeting friends at Piazza del Campo. There are often live performances which you can enjoy as well as many cafes and wine bars around town.

Is Chania or Siena Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Siena Better for Beaches?

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

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Chania or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

The historic old town of Siena is revered around the world. The beautiful old town is filled with medieval brick buildings. At the heart of the city is Piazza del Campo, which is a lively square with many neighborhoods spreading out from there.

Chania is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Is Chania or Siena Better for Hiking?

Chania is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Siena is not a hiking destination.

Chania is a popular spot for hiking. Outside of town there are many hikes that take you through beautiful gorges, along the scenic coastline, or through the unique countryside.

Siena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Siena?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Siena 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 Siena. The main shopping street in town is Via Banchi di Sopra, which has many boutiques that sell clothing, bags, and other items. The town also has many leather goods, ceramics, and other local items available.

Is Chania or Siena Better for Families?

Chania is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Siena is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

Chania is 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.

Siena is not always a place people visit with their families. The beauty and history may be lost to the little ones but there is a great atmosphere that even the young ones will appreciate. Kids will enjoy climbing to the top of Torre del Mangia or visiting one of the many playgrounds around town.

Is Chania or Siena Better for Couples?

Siena is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Siena has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its impressive beauty and long running history, this is a truly romantic city. The atmosphere is relaxed and there are plazas and neighborhoods that are great for exploring. There are also many great restaurants, superb wine, and world class sights that are not to be missed.

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.

Is Chania or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania is notable for backpackers. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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 Siena. Many backpackers visit Siena as a daytrip from nearby Florence. While there are some affordable places to stay here, the atmosphere isn't as backpacker friendly as nearby Florence.

Is Chania or Siena Better for Students?

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

Siena is a great city to visit as a student. It's home to one of the oldest universities in Italy, and it's a wonderful study abroad destination for any student who wants to spend some time in Italy.

Chania is not popular with students.

Is Chania or Siena 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 Siena.

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 Siena offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. TIEMME is the bus service that runs in and around town. Many lines pass through the train station and provide service from there.

Is Chania or Siena a more walkable city?

Chania and Siena 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.

Siena is very walkable. The compact town center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Chania?

How long in Chania or Siena?

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

Families should spend more time in Chania than Siena. 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 Siena than Chania. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Siena that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chania than Siena 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 Siena?

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Siena. 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 Siena?

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.

Siena 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 Siena?

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 Siena. 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 Siena?

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 medieval destination of Siena. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Chania or Siena?

Chania has a larger population, and is about 4% larger than the population of Siena. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Siena, 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 Siena?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Chania or Siena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Siena. 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 Siena because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Chania is a little warmer than Siena. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chania in July average around 26°C (80°F), and Siena averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Siena this time of the year. In Chania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Siena during summer. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chania usually receives less rain than Siena. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chania or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Chania as well as Siena. The autumn months attract visitors to Chania because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Siena this time of year.

In October, Chania is generally a little warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 20°C (68°F), and Siena fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Chania often gets more sunshine than Siena. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in October than Siena. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Chania is much warmer than Siena in the winter. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Chania usually receives more sunshine than Siena during winter. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Chania. In January, Chania usually receives more rain than Siena. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chania or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena and Chania during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Chania for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Siena in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Chania is a little warmer than Siena. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chania in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Siena averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Chania. In the spring, Chania often gets more sunshine than Siena. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in April than Siena. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Siena and Chania