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

Should you visit Chania or Venice?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Venice, 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Venice

Venice is a magical, historic, and beautiful city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.

Chania and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Venice?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chania than Venice. While Venice is larger than Chania, Chania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chania is very popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and big city activities, while Venice attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Venice is more touristy than Chania and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. Chania is famous for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. It is also well known for The Venetian Harbor.

How is Chania different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Venice on the map. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

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

Chania is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and 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.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Chania or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Chania is very good for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Chania or Venice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Venice 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.

Venice is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Venice Better for Beaches?

Chania is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Venice 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.

Venice is not a beach destination.

Is Chania or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice 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 Venice is revered around the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

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 Venice Better for Hiking?

Chania is great for hiking. However, Venice is not a hiking destination.

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.

Venice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Venice?

Venice is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Venice is a world class destination for shoppers. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice Better for Families?

Chania and Venice are both excellent 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.

Venice is a very family-friendly destination. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

Is Chania or Venice Better for Couples?

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

Venice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania and Venice are excellent 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.

Venice is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

Is Chania or Venice Better for Students?

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

Venice is a great destination for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

Chania is not popular with students.

Is Chania or Venice Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Venice is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Venice can get you around easily. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

While Chania offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. KTEL bus service operates routes both within town and to nearby localities.

Is Chania or Venice a more walkable city?

Venice is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Venice on foot is easy. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

Chania is very walkable. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Venice or Chania?

How long in Chania or Venice?

Both Chania and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Chania. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Chania, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

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

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

One day in Chania or Venice?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Chania. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Venice. 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 Venice?

Chania is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Venice 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 Venice?

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. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Chania or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the idyllic destination of Chania. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the romantic destination of Venice. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Chania or Venice?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

Both Venice and Chania during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Venice because of the family-friendly experiences.

Chania is a little warmer than Venice in the summer. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 26°C (80°F) in July, and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Venice, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chania. In the summer, Chania often gets more sunshine than Venice. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Chania or Venice in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Venice. 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 Venice this time of year.

In the autumn, Chania is a little warmer than Venice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Chania in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Venice averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Chania usually receives more sunshine than Venice during autumn. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chania usually receives more rain than Venice. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chania or Venice in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chania as well as Venice. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Venice for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Venice. In January, Chania is generally much warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 12°C (54°F), and Venice fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Chania often gets more sunshine than Venice. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun.

Chania receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chania usually gets more rain in January than Venice. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Venice in the Spring?

Both Venice and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Chania for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Venice in the spring for the natural beauty.

Chania is a little warmer than Venice in the spring. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Venice fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Venice during spring. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chania usually receives less rain than Venice. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Venice and Chania