A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heraklion vs. Amalfi for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Heraklion or Amalfi?

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 Amalfi 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Amalfi

Amalfi is a dramatic, charming, and picturesque town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Heraklion and Amalfi: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Amalfi?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Amalfi than Heraklion, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Amalfi is better known for its food, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Heraklion is more popular for its museums, beaches, and big city activities. Amalfi is more touristy than Heraklion and is popular for its dramatic views, charming character, and excellent limoncello. Also, Amalfi is famous for the dramatic coastline. Heraklion is well known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene.

How is Heraklion different from Amalfi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Heraklion is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Amalfi. The town is an attraction in and off itself. It's filled with charm and character and visitors spend much of their time simply walking around and soaking up the atmosphere.

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

Amalfi 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 Amalfi have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The town's access to the beautiful sea means that many dishes use a variety of seafood. Eggplant is also a common ingredient and you'll find everything from pastas to elegant desserts around town.

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 Amalfi Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Heraklion and Amalfi.

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.

Amalfi is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a good number of bars and clubs in town that often have live music or DJs. Alternatively, there are also clubs that dot the entire coastline.

Is Heraklion or Amalfi Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Amalfi is a town with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Heraklion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Amalfi. You'll find snorkeling trips that take you along the coastline and stop at several places so you can take a peak at the underwater world.

Heraklion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Heraklion or Amalfi Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is well known for the beache. Also, Amalfi is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

The beaches at Heraklion attract visitors from all over. 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.

Amalfi offers a nice beach destination. The beaches tend to be pebbly and rocky. During the summer months they can get very crowded, but taking a swim is a great way to escape the heat for a bit.

Is Heraklion or Amalfi Better for its Old Town?

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

Amalfi is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The town is charming and filled with great shops and restaurants. It's the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere of the Amalfi Coast.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is Heraklion or Amalfi Better for Hiking?

Amalfi 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 Amalfi. The coastline is filled with great trails that offer stunning views. Hiking is a top way to see the natural beauty of the Amalfi Coast and catch a glimpse at some of the best beaches.

Heraklion is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Amalfi?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Heraklion and Amalfi.

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 Amalfi to go shopping. You'll find many great shops that sell everything from clothing to fine wine, local foods, or limoncello.

Is Heraklion or Amalfi Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Amalfi are notable 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 Amalfi. The town is positioned in the middle of the Amalfi Coast, making it a great base for exploring the area. It's also one of the larger towns so you'll find more energy and things to do with kids, including the Museum of Paper.

Is Heraklion or Amalfi Better for Couples?

Amalfi is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Amalfi is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The Amalfi Coast is a world class honeymoon destination and couples will enjoy staying in the lively town of Amalfi. It's a quaint and beautiful town in the middle of everything, so you'll have access to all that the area has to offer.

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.

Is Heraklion or Amalfi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is well known for backpackers. However, Amalfi is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Amalfi is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The area has a couple of hostels around, but in general this is a difficult place to visit as a backpacker. There are SITA buses that offer transportation, and because the town is in the middle of the coastline, it offers decent access to everything.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Heraklion and Amalfi.

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

You'll find some public transit in Amalfi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The SITA buses offer transit between many of the towns along the Amalfi Coast.

Is Heraklion or Amalfi a more walkable city?

Amalfi is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Amalfi. It's a compact and charming town that is a bit flatter than some nearby villages so it's easy to explore on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Amalfi or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Amalfi?

Both Heraklion and Amalfi have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amalfi than in Heraklion. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 2-7 days is enough time in Amalfi.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heraklion than Amalfi 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 Amalfi?

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 nightlife and food around the town of Amalfi. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Heraklion or Amalfi?

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 food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the stunning destination of Amalfi. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Amalfi?

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.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the stunning town of Amalfi. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this town makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer.

A week in Heraklion or Amalfi?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant 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.

Amalfi is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Amalfi, 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 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Amalfi?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Amalfi. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Amalfi, 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 Amalfi?

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 Amalfi in the Summer?

Both Amalfi and Heraklion during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Amalfi this time of year.

Heraklion is around the same temperature as Amalfi in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Amalfi fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Amalfi, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Amalfi. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 313 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Amalfi. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Amalfi in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Heraklion is a little warmer than Amalfi. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Amalfi averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Amalfi receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Amalfi in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Amalfi. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Amalfi in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Amalfi. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Amalfi fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amalfi. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amalfi receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Amalfi. Heraklion usually gets less rain in January than Amalfi. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Amalfi in the Spring?

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

Heraklion is a little warmer than Amalfi in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Amalfi fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Amalfi during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Amalfi receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Amalfi. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Amalfi receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Amalfi and Heraklion