A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Heraklion vs. Aegina for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Heraklion or Aegina?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Aegina can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Heraklion

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

Aegina

Aegina is a vibrant, fun, and active island. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Heraklion and Aegina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Aegina?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Heraklion. Although Heraklion and Aegina are both popular with visitors, Heraklion has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Heraklion is more popular for its food, beaches, and big city activities, while Aegina is known for its small town charm. Heraklion is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to The Palace of Knossos. Aegina is popular for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens.

How is Heraklion different from Aegina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Heraklion or Aegina?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Heraklion and Aegina.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Heraklion. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Aegina. There are several temples on the island such as the Temple of Athena Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo. There's also and Archeological Museum that is nice to visit.

Is the Food Better in Heraklion or Aegina? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Heraklion is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Heraklion is an experience not to be missed. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Aegina. There's a vibrant restaurant scene that includes traditional eateries serving seafood and refreshing ice cream shops where you can cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor.

Is Heraklion or Aegina Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Heraklion and Aegina.

Heraklion has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

Aegina is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a great nightlife scene on the island. Most of the dance clubs are found in Agia Marina and you'll find more relaxing lounges around Aegina Town and other villages on the island.

Is Heraklion or Aegina Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a great destination for the beach. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Heraklion is considered a top beach destination. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Many people head to Aegina to enjoy the beach. While most of the beaches are small and crowded, they do offer a number of tourist facilities such as nearby bars and restaurants, as well as hotels. The most popular beaches on the island are Souvala and Agia Marina.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Aegina?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Heraklion and Aegina.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Heraklion. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Many visitors go to Aegina to go shopping. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Is Heraklion or Aegina Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Aegina are good to visit with kids.

Heraklion is a family-friendly city. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Aegina. Kids will enjoy the ferry ride from Athens as well as the pirate stories they'll hear throughout their trip. There are places that the whole family can swim and great restaurants with kid-friendly food.

Is Heraklion or Aegina Better for Couples?

Heraklion is a great destination for couples. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Heraklion frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

Aegina is a nice destination for couples. Couples will appreciate the beauty and great restaurants that this beautiful island offers. It's a charming day trip from Athens that is filled with impressive historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Heraklion or Aegina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Heraklion is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

Aegina is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Like most visitors, backpackers can hop on a ferry in Athens and visit the island as a day trip. It makes a nice excursion with many affordable restaurants and fun activities.

Is Heraklion or Aegina Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find good public transit in both Heraklion and Aegina.

Heraklion has some public transit options. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

You'll find some public transit in Aegina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You'll find the central bus station in Aegina Town and there you can catch buses that travel around the island.

Is Heraklion or Aegina a more walkable city?

Heraklion is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Heraklion is a very walkable destination. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

Aegina is somewhat walkable. The town is walkable, but to explore elsewhere on the island, it's easiest to have your own vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Heraklion Worth Visiting? and Is Aegina Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aegina or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Aegina?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Heraklion or Aegina to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Heraklion than Aegina because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 1-2 days is enough time in Aegina.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heraklion than Aegina 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 Heraklion.

One day in Heraklion or Aegina?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Heraklion. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the island of Aegina. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Aegina has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Aegina?

Heraklion 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the relaxing destination of Aegina. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Aegina?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heraklion. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant island of Aegina. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Aegina?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the accessible destination of Heraklion. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Aegina is a popular choice for travelers. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours in Greece, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Greece.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Aegina?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Aegina, 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 Heraklion or Aegina?

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 Heraklion or Aegina in the Summer?

Both Aegina and Heraklion during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Aegina in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Aegina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Aegina averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In Aegina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the summer, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aegina. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aegina receives 357 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Aegina. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Aegina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Aegina in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Aegina. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Aegina for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In October, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Aegina. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Aegina fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aegina this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aegina during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Aegina receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Aegina. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Aegina receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Aegina in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Aegina. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Aegina because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Aegina in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Aegina fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets less sunshine than Aegina. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aegina receives 143 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Aegina. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Aegina receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Aegina in the Spring?

Both Aegina and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Aegina this time of year.

In the spring, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Aegina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Aegina averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Aegina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aegina during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Aegina receives 226 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Aegina. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Aegina receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Aegina and Heraklion