A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chania vs. Split for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Chania or Split?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Split, 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 hiking, shopping, and museums.

Split

Split is a budget-friendly, historic, and active city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Chania and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Split?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chania than Split. While Split is larger than Chania, Chania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chania is more popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, and hiking, while Split is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping. Split is more touristy than Chania and is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. Chania is popular for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also home to The Venetian Harbor.

How is Chania different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Split. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

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

Chania is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Split 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 Split is an experience not to be missed. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

Is Chania or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

People head to Split just to party. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

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 Split Better for Resorts?

Split is well known for its resorts. However, Chania is not a resort destination.

Split is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Chania is not a resort destination.

Is Chania or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is well known for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors go to Split to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Chania. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Is Chania or Split Better for Beaches?

Chania is terrific for the beache. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

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.

Split is considered a top beach destination. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

Is Chania or Split Better for its Old Town?

Chania is an excellent place to visit for its old town. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

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.

Split offers a nice historic old town area. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Is Chania or Split Better for Hiking?

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

Split is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Split?

Split is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Split. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Is Chania or Split Better for Families?

Chania and Split 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.

Split is a very family-friendly destination. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun for the whole family.

Is Chania or Split Better for Couples?

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

Split has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

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 Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Split is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many backpackers.

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 Split Better for Students?

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

Split is a great city to visit as a student. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

Chania is not popular with students.

Is Chania or Split 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 Split.

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 Split offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Chania or Split a more walkable city?

Chania and Split 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.

Split is very walkable. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

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

Should I spend more time in Split or Chania?

How long in Chania or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Chania or Split. In our opinion, Split has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Split than Chania. In general, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Split 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 Split.

One day in Chania or Split?

In Chania, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this historic 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 scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Split. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chania or Split?

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.

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

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 Split. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Split?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the idyllic 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 nightlife and food when visiting the fun-filled destination of Split. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting 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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Chania or Split?

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

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 Split in the Summer?

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

In July, Chania is generally around the same temperature as Split. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 26°C (80°F), and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chania this time of the year. In the summer, Chania often gets more sunshine than Split. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in July than Split. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split 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 Split for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Chania is a little warmer than Split in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. Chania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Split during autumn. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chania usually receives around the same amount of rain as Split. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chania or Split in the Winter?

Both Split 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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Split because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Chania is a little warmer than Split. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chania in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Split averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Chania often gets less sunshine than Split. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually gets more rain in January than Split. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Split in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Split. The spring months attract visitors to Chania because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In April, Chania is generally a little warmer than Split. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 17°C (62°F), and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. In Chania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Split during spring. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chania usually receives less rain than Split. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Split and Chania