A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Chania vs. Versailles for Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Chania or Versailles?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Chania or Versailles, 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles

Versailles is a opulent, historic, and extensive palace. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums.

Chania and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Chania or Versailles?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Chania than Versailles. While Versailles is larger than Chania, Chania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Chania is better known for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Versailles is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Chania and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Chania is well known for its beautiful beaches, impressive historic sights, and diverse local cuisine. Also, Chania is famous for The Venetian Harbor.

How is Chania different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Versailles 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 Versailles on the map. The palace is filled with history and impressive items relating to the royal family. Within and near the palace you should make sure you see the Gardens of Versailles, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera of Versailles.

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 Versailles? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Chania is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Versailles. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

Is Chania or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Chania is a nice place to visit for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy 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.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Chania or Versailles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Chania is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Versailles 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.

Versailles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Chania or Versailles Better for Beaches?

Chania is an amazing city to visit for its beaches. However, Versailles is not a beach destination.

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.

Versailles is not a beach destination.

Is Chania or Versailles Better for its Old Town?

Chania is a great city for its historic old town. However, Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Chania to see the historical old town. 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.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is Chania or Versailles Better for Hiking?

Chania is a great city for hiking. However, Versailles 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.

Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Chania or Versailles?

Chania is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Chania or Versailles Better for Families?

Chania is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Chania is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Versailles does not offer many kid-friendly activities. While there are those unicorn children who fall in love with the grand setting, for most kids, a visit to Versailles can make for make for a long and draining day.

Is Chania or Versailles Better for Couples?

Chania and Versailles 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.

Versailles is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's opulence, grandeur, and history make this a wonderful place to explore as a couple. There are gardens and other unique settings that make Versailles very romantic.

Is Chania or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chania is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Versailles is well known for its public transit. Also, Chania is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Versailles. There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.

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 Versailles a more walkable city?

Chania and Versailles 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.

Versailles is very walkable. It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.

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

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Chania?

How long in Chania or Versailles?

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

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

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the charming city of Chania, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Versailles. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Chania or Versailles?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Chania, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

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

Chania, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Versailles. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. 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 Versailles?

Chania is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Versailles. This palace offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Chania or Versailles?

Versailles has a larger population, and is about 57% larger than the population of Chania. When comparing the sizes of Chania and Versailles, 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 Versailles?

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 Versailles in the Summer?

Both Versailles and Chania during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Chania because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Chania is a little warmer than Versailles. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chania in July average around 26°C (80°F), and Versailles averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Versailles, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Chania. In the summer, Chania often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Chania gets 380 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun.

Chania usually gets less rain in July than Versailles. Chania gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Versailles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Chania and Versailles. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Chania this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Chania is generally much warmer than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Chania average around 20°C (68°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Chania usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during autumn. Chania gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Chania usually receives more rain than Versailles. Chania gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Chania or Versailles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Chania as well as Versailles. Many travelers come to Chania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Versailles in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Versailles can get quite cold in the winter. Chania is much warmer than Versailles in the winter. The daily temperature in Chania averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Chania often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Chania gets 118 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun.

Chania receives a lot of rain in the winter. Chania usually gets more rain in January than Versailles. Chania gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Chania or Versailles in the Spring?

Both Versailles and Chania are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Chania in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Chania is a little warmer than Versailles. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chania in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Versailles averages at about 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Chania. Chania usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during spring. Chania gets 237 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Chania usually receives less rain than Versailles. Chania gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Versailles and Chania