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

Should you visit Chania or Valencia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Valencia, 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 charming, picturesque, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Valencia

Valencia is a friendly, coastal, and cultural coastal city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Chania and Valencia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Valencia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Valencia than Chania, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Valencia is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Chania is known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Chania is popular for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. Valencia is popular for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). It is also home to La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències.

How is Chania different from Valencia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Valencia. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

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

Foodies will find both Chania and Valencia both to be amazing destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Chania is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Many restaurants in Valencia have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

Is Chania or Valencia Better for Nightlife?

Valencia 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 Valencia just to party. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

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 Valencia Better for Resorts?

Valencia is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Chania is not a resort destination.

Valencia has a few great resort options. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Chania is not a resort destination.

Is Chania or Valencia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Valencia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Chania has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are snorkeling trips from town that take you to some of the better snorkeling sights in the area.

Valencia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Valencia Better for Beaches?

Chania is an amazing city to visit for the beache. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

The beaches in Chania are among the best in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Valencia. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Is Chania or Valencia Better for its Old Town?

Valencia 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 Valencia is revered around the world. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

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 Valencia Better for Hiking?

Chania is well known for its hiking experiences. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Chania. Outside of town there are many hikes that take you through beautiful gorges, along the scenic coastline, or through the unique countryside.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Valencia. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Valencia?

Valencia 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 Valencia. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

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 Valencia Better for Families?

Chania and Valencia are both superb 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.

Valencia is a very family-friendly destination. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

Is Chania or Valencia Better for Couples?

Chania and Valencia are both superb 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.

Valencia is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

Is Chania or Valencia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania and Valencia are superb 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.

Valencia is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

Is Chania or Valencia Better for Students?

Valencia is a world-class destination for students. However, Chania is not popular with students.

Valencia is a great destination for students. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

Chania is not popular with students.

Is Chania or Valencia 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 Valencia.

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 Valencia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

Is Chania or Valencia a more walkable city?

Chania and Valencia both are superb 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.

Valencia is very walkable. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Valencia or Chania?

How long in Chania or Valencia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Chania and Valencia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chania than in Valencia. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 2-3 days is enough time in Valencia.

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

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

One day in Chania or Valencia?

The city of Chania offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Valencia is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Chania or Valencia?

Chania is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Valencia 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 Valencia?

Chania is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Chania is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly big city of Valencia. This coastal 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

Which is Bigger, Chania or Valencia?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Valencia, 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 Valencia?

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 Valencia in the Summer?

Both Valencia and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Chania because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Valencia this time of year.

In July, Chania is generally around the same temperature as Valencia. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 26°C (80°F), and Valencia fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Valencia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Valencia during summer. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies, while Valencia receives 303 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Chania usually receives less rain than Valencia. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Chania or Valencia in the Autumn?

Both Valencia and Chania during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Valencia for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Chania is around the same temperature as Valencia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Valencia fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In the autumn, Chania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Valencia. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valencia receives 198 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in October than Valencia. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Valencia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Valencia. Many travelers come to Chania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Valencia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Chania is around the same temperature as Valencia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Chania in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Valencia averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Chania usually receives less sunshine than Valencia during winter. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies, while Valencia receives 162 hours of full sun in the winter.

Chania gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Chania usually receives more rain than Valencia. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Chania or Valencia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Chania as well as Valencia. Many visitors come to Chania in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Valencia for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Chania is generally around the same temperature as Valencia. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 17°C (62°F), and Valencia fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valencia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chania this time of the year. In the spring, Chania often gets more sunshine than Valencia. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valencia receives 213 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in April than Valencia. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Valencia and Chania