A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Chania vs. Thessaloniki for Food, Beaches, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Chania or Thessaloniki?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Thessaloniki, 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 food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a bustling, historic, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Chania and Thessaloniki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Thessaloniki?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chania than Thessaloniki. While Thessaloniki 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, and hiking, while Thessaloniki is known for its nightlife and shopping. Chania is popular for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also home to The Venetian Harbor. Thessaloniki is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections.

How is Chania different from Thessaloniki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Thessaloniki. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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

Chania is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Chania is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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 Thessaloniki is an experience not to be missed. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Is Chania or Thessaloniki Better for Nightlife?

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

Thessaloniki is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

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 Thessaloniki Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Chania has a few good snorkeling spots. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Thessaloniki is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Thessaloniki Better for Beaches?

Chania is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Thessaloniki is lacking in options for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Chania. 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.

The beach in Thessaloniki is worth checking out. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Is Chania or Thessaloniki Better for its Old Town?

Chania is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is Chania or Thessaloniki Better for Hiking?

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

Thessaloniki is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Thessaloniki?

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

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 Thessaloniki Better for Families?

Chania is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Thessaloniki. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

Is Chania or Thessaloniki Better for Couples?

Chania is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Chania makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The old town, waterfront harbor, and outstanding restaurants make this a great place to stop on any romantic trip.

Thessaloniki is a good city for couples to visit. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Is Chania or Thessaloniki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania and Thessaloniki are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Chania is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There is no shortage of hostels around town that make this an affordable place to stay for backpackers.

Thessaloniki is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Is Chania or Thessaloniki Better for Students?

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

Thessaloniki is a great city to visit as a student. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Chania is not popular with students.

Is Chania or Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki.

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 Thessaloniki offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

Is Chania or Thessaloniki a more walkable city?

Chania is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

Should I spend more time in Thessaloniki or Chania?

How long in Chania or Thessaloniki?

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

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

In Chania, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming city offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Thessaloniki. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chania or Thessaloniki?

Chania is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki?

You'll find nightlife and food around the historic destination of Chania. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thessaloniki. 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 Thessaloniki?

Chania is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the high energy destination of Thessaloniki. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Which is Bigger, Chania or Thessaloniki?

Thessaloniki is bigger, and its population is about 6.5 times larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the population of Chania vs. Thessaloniki, 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 and the activities that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Chania or Thessaloniki?

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 Thessaloniki in the Summer?

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

In July, Chania is generally around the same temperature as Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 26°C (80°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thessaloniki. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chania this time of the year. In the summer, Chania often gets more sunshine than Thessaloniki. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 327 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in July than Thessaloniki. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Thessaloniki in the Autumn?

Both Thessaloniki and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Chania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Chania is a little warmer than Thessaloniki in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Chania usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during autumn. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 159 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chania usually receives more rain than Thessaloniki. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chania or Thessaloniki in the Winter?

Both Thessaloniki and Chania during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Chania because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year.

In the winter, Chania is much warmer than Thessaloniki. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chania in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Thessaloniki averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Chania often gets more sunshine than Thessaloniki. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 101 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually gets more rain in January than Thessaloniki. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Thessaloniki in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Thessaloniki. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Chania is generally a little warmer than Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 17°C (62°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Chania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during spring. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 196 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chania usually receives less rain than Thessaloniki. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Thessaloniki and Chania