A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heraklion vs. Almeria for Food, Beaches, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Heraklion or Almeria?

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 Almeria 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 food, beaches, and shopping.

Almeria

Almeria is a pristine, cultural, and historic region. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Heraklion and Almeria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Almeria?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Heraklion than Almeria. While Almeria is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heraklion is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Almeria is known for its food, resorts, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Heraklion is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to The Palace of Knossos. Almeria is popular for its stunning beaches that feel pristine despite their popularity.

How is Heraklion different from Almeria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Heraklion is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Almeria is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Almeria have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is focused on local, fresh ingredients with many traditional recipes that have been passed down for centuries. Popular dishes change with the seasons because they rely so heavily on local produce. Particularly during the winter months you'll find hearty stews like patatas en ajopollo and gurullos con conejo, which is prepared with rabbit. Sardines are also popular year round.

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.

Is Heraklion or Almeria Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Heraklion know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Almeria has a few options to choose from. The city's nightlife vibe is about enjoying a cold beer on a terrace with friends. The city has a laid back Mediterranean atmosphere and plenty of terraced bars along the main streets, particularly in old town. With mild temperatures year around, you'll find yourself spending time outside most evenings while you enjoy tapas and drinks with friends. Flamenco and bullfighting are also popular in the evenings.

Is Heraklion or Almeria Better for Resorts?

Almeria is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Heraklion is not a resort destination.

Almeria is a world class resort vacation destination. Stretched along the coastline you'll find many high end resorts with pools and nice atmospheres. There are all inclusive resorts as well as family-friendly and romantic options to choose from.

Heraklion is not a resort destination.

Is Heraklion or Almeria Better for Beaches?

Almeria is a world-class destination for the beache. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Almeria is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Outside of town you'll find kilometers of stunning coastline and beaches. There are pristine natural beaches that still feel undiscovered with beautiful long stretches of sand. One of the biggest resort areas is Roquetas de Mar.

Many people visit Heraklion for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Is Heraklion or Almeria Better for its Old Town?

Almeria is a very popular place for its old town. However, Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Almeria is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is at the cultural heart of the city. It has the most energy during the evenings, as well as many museums and sights worth visiting.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is Heraklion or Almeria Better for Hiking?

Almeria is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Heraklion is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Almeria. The area has stunning hikes that run along the coastline or into the beautiful interior countryside. For some of the area's best hikes head into Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.

Heraklion is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Almeria?

Heraklion is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Heraklion to go shopping. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Heraklion or Almeria Better for Families?

Almeria is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Almeria is very family-friendly. The area has many beautiful beaches as well as waterparks, amusement parks, and fun activities like sailing and water sports. There's also a very impressive fort that the kids will enjoy exploring.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Heraklion. 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.

Is Heraklion or Almeria Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Almeria are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Heraklion makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Almeria frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nature lovers and beach enthusiasts will find this to be the perfect romantic getaway. There are many outdoor activities and places to immerse yourself in nature. A highlight of a trip is a visit to Crystal Cave.

Is Heraklion or Almeria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion and Almeria are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Heraklion. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

Almeria is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There's plenty of affordable accommodation to choose from as well as all kinds of activities that backpackers will enjoy. If you like nature and enjoy spending time outside, then this is your place.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Almeria, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are a number of bus lines that run through Almeria city and to Cabo de Gata.

Is Heraklion or Almeria a more walkable city?

Heraklion is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Almeria is a region with minimal options 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.

Almeria is generally not a very walkable city. While there are many beautiful walks in the area, if you want to truly explore, you'll likely want to have access to a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Almeria or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Almeria?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Heraklion and Almeria. In our opinion, Almeria has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Almeria than Heraklion. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Heraklion or Almeria?

In Heraklion, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find nightlife and food around the region of Almeria. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Almeria has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Almeria?

In Heraklion, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Heraklion has to offer.

You'll find food and nightlife around the historic destination of Almeria. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this region has to offer. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Almeria?

Heraklion is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural region of Almeria. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Almeria?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heraklion. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Heraklion. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Almeria is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heraklion and Almeria, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Almeria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Almeria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Almeria 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 Almeria.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Almeria?

Almeria has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Almeria, 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 Almeria?

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 Almeria in the Summer?

Both Almeria and Heraklion during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Almeria for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Almeria. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Almeria averages at about 26°C (78°F).

In Almeria, 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 Almeria. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Almeria receives 343 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Almeria. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Almeria receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Almeria in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Almeria. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Almeria in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Almeria this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives less sunshine than Almeria during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Almeria receives 220 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Almeria. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Almeria receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Almeria in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Almeria. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Almeria for the cuisine during these months.

Heraklion is around the same temperature as Almeria in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Almeria fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets less sunshine than Almeria. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Almeria receives 186 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Almeria. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Almeria receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Almeria in the Spring?

Both Almeria and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Almeria because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

It's quite sunny in Almeria. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Almeria during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Almeria receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Almeria. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Almeria receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Almeria and Heraklion