A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubrovnik vs. Crete for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Dubrovnik or Crete?

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

Should I visit Dubrovnik or Crete? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a charming, famous, and cultural coastal town. The famous beauty of Dubrovnik 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 beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Dubrovnik travel costs.

Crete

Crete is a scenic, stunning, and breathtaking island. With stunning beauty, Crete attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Crete travel costs.

Dubrovnik and Crete: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubrovnik or Crete?

Both Crete and Dubrovnik have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Dubrovnik is very popular for its historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Crete attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Dubrovnik is famous for its well-preserved medieval old town that is surrounded by stone walls and has been the production sight for many major movies and television shows. Crete is famous for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins.

How is Dubrovnik different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Crete and Dubrovnik. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubrovnik or Crete?

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Crete and Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is a living museum that is filled with historic landmarks like the old town walls, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, and Loggia Square.

Many visitors head to Crete specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The island is filled with archeological sites including the famous Palace of Knossos. While most people come to Crete for the natural beauty, in the cities you'll find some great museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Dubrovnik or Crete? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Dubrovnik and Crete offer a number of first-rate restaurants to choose from.

For foodies, Dubrovnik is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta dishes.

Crete has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Local cuisine is influenced by the island's fertile environment and excellent agriculture. You'll find olive oil in most dishes and seafood is a major staple. You'll also find a lot of stews and recipes that incorporate local ingredients.

Is Dubrovnik or Crete Better for Nightlife?

Crete is a great island for its evening party scene. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Crete has something for everybody. The island has excellent nightlife with clubs and bars found in Chania, Malia and Stalis to Elounda. The area is popular with British tourists and you'll find many bars open until 2 or 3 in the morning.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dubrovnik. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.

Is Dubrovnik or Crete Better for Resorts?

Crete is a must-visit destination for its luxury resorts. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Crete is a great choice. The island has world class resorts that include pools and buffet meals. There are many beachfront resorts that range in style from romantic to family-friendly.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Dubrovnik. The old town is the most famous and charming part of the city, but you'll find most of the resorts spanning the coastline outside of town. Inside the old town there are a few boutique hotels and a number of rooms available for rent, but make sure you book early during peak seasons. For a resort, look outside of the old town with popular options including Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the Hilton Imperial, and Rixos Premium.

Is Dubrovnik or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Crete is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Dubrovnik is not known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Crete. The island is surrounded by clear waters that make for great snorkeling and diving. There's a number of beautiful fish and other sea life that you can see. Be on the lookout for crabs, sea stars, sponges, and even octopi.

Snorkeling is an option in Dubrovnik. On clear days, snorkeling can be a fun activity, but the weather and visibility can vary so conditions are unpredictable. Buža is a popular snorkeling spot in town, but you can also organize tours to other areas.

Is Dubrovnik or Crete Better for Beaches?

Crete is a must-visit destination for the beach. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Crete. There are some of the best beaches in the world on Crete. The areas around Chania have some of the island's best beaches, with one of the most beautiful being Balos. On the northern side of the island, be on the lookout for strong winds, particularly in August, which can make for larger waves. The island is large, so you'll find everything from secluded and quiet beaches to more active and lively places.

Many people head to Dubrovnik to enjoy the beach. The old town is the main appeal of the area, but there are several beaches that are nice for taking a swim or sunbathing. They are often pebbly, but the water is blue and the views are beautiful.

Is Dubrovnik or Crete Better for its Old Town?

Dubrovnik is an amazing coastal town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Crete does not have a historic old town.

Dubrovnik offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This walled old town is among the most famous in Europe. It's sits beautifully along the coast and it is pedestrian only. You can spend plenty of time exploring the historic lanes, popping in shops and restaurants, and soaking up the charming atmosphere.

Crete does not have a historic old town.

Is Dubrovnik or Crete Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Dubrovnik and Crete both have high quality trails.

Many visitors go to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.

Crete is a popular spot for hiking. The island is filled with beautiful hikes that run along the shoreline or head inland through the island's beautiful landscapes. There are hikes for every ability level that offer spectacular views and an incredible experience.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubrovnik or Crete?

If you're looking to go shopping, Dubrovnik and Crete both offer plenty of nice spots.

Dubrovnik has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Crete is a great destination for shopping. The island has many markets that sell local foods and handicrafts. There are also shops and boutiques where you can buy anything from souvenirs to homemade artwork.

Is Dubrovnik or Crete More Beautiful?

Dubrovnik is an amazing coastal town to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Dubrovnik is one of the main draws. This historic city has a famous walled old town. It sits beautifully along the coast and offers stunning views of the area.

Crete is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The island has some of the world's most beautiful beaches. The blue waters and striking landscapes make this a world class destination.

Is Dubrovnik or Crete Better for Families?

Crete is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Crete is a very family-friendly destination. The island is large and filled with countless family-friendly activities. You can spend several days at the beach, explore Lake Kournas, visit a water park, or even take a pirate themed boat cruise. There's also the amusement park, ​​Labyrinth Park, aquariums and more.

Dubrovnik is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.

Is Dubrovnik or Crete Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Dubrovnik and Crete make for a first-rate place to visit.

Dubrovnik makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.

For those traveling as a couple, Crete has plenty to offer. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

Is Dubrovnik or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dubrovnik is an amazing coastal town to visit for backpackers. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Dubrovnik is a very popular coastal town to visit for backpackers. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town to hang out with.

Crete is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a large island with a great social scene and no shortage of hostels for backpackers to choose from.

Is Dubrovnik or Crete Better for Students?

Crete is a great island for its student-friendly activities. However, Dubrovnik is not popular with students.

Crete is a very popular island for students and younger travelers. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.

Dubrovnik is not popular with students.

Is Dubrovnik or Crete Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dubrovnik and Crete both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Dubrovnik offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

Crete has a few public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.

Is Dubrovnik or Crete a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik is an amazing coastal town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known for its walkability.

Getting around Dubrovnik on foot is easy. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls on foot.

Crete is generally not a very walkable coastal town. The island is large and requires a vehicle to get around, but there are short strolls that let you enjoy the stunning landscapes.

For even more information, also check out Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting? and Is Crete Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Crete or Dubrovnik?

How long in Dubrovnik or Crete?

Both Dubrovnik and Crete have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Crete than in Dubrovnik. Usually, 1-5 days is a good amount of time for Dubrovnik, and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.

Families should spend more time in Crete than Dubrovnik. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Crete, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dubrovnik than Crete 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 Dubrovnik.

One day in Dubrovnik or Crete?

In Dubrovnik, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this coastal destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the food. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Crete. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Dubrovnik or Crete?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubrovnik. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the stunning destination of Crete. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Dubrovnik or Crete?

Dubrovnik is a fun place to experience. In Dubrovnik, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quaint destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the stunning island of Crete. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Dubrovnik or Crete?

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal destination of Dubrovnik. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Crete is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Crete, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Split, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubrovnik and Crete, we can see that Crete is more expensive. And not only is Dubrovnik much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dubrovnik would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dubrovnik 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 Crete would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Crete than you might in Dubrovnik.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubrovnik Expensive? and Is Crete Expensive?.

Which has a larger population, Dubrovnik or Crete?

Crete has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Dubrovnik and Crete, 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.