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

Should you visit Heraklion or Annecy?

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 Annecy 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 bustling, historic, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Annecy

Annecy is a stunning, breathtaking, and quaint alpine town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Heraklion and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Annecy?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Heraklion than Annecy, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Heraklion is better known for its museums, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Annecy is more popular for its food, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Annecy is more touristy than Heraklion and is known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. Heraklion is well known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Heraklion is famous for The Palace of Knossos.

How is Heraklion different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Heraklion is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Heraklion specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Annecy. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

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

Annecy 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 Annecy have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

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 Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Heraklion has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Annecy. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Is Heraklion or Annecy Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a great city for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

Heraklion is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Annecy is revered around the world. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is Heraklion or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy 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 Annecy. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Heraklion is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Annecy?

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

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 Annecy to go shopping. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Is Heraklion or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy 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, Annecy is very family-friendly. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

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 Annecy Better for Couples?

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

Annecy is a great alpine town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

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 Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for backpackers.

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

It's common for backpackers to visit Annecy. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Annecy, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Heraklion or Annecy a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Annecy are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

Annecy is a very walkable destination. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Heraklion or Annecy. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Annecy due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 2-4 days is enough time in Annecy.

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

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

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

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.

Even though Annecy is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Annecy?

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.

Annecy is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. 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 alpine town has to offer. This alpine town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Annecy?

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.

Annecy is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Annecy?

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.

Annecy is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Heraklion and Annecy, we can see that Annecy is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Annecy?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Annecy. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Annecy, 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 Annecy?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Heraklion or Annecy in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Annecy. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Annecy for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Annecy in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Annecy this time of the year. In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Annecy. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Annecy in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Annecy. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Annecy because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Heraklion is a little warmer than Annecy. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Annecy averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in October than Annecy. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Annecy in the Winter?

Both Annecy and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

It's quite cold in Annecy in the winter. In January, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Annecy during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Annecy. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Annecy in the Spring?

Both Annecy and Heraklion during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Annecy for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Annecy in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Annecy. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Heraklion