A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Heraklion vs. Arachova for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Heraklion or Arachova?

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 Arachova 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Arachova

Arachova is a outdoorsy, bustling, and beautiful town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Heraklion and Arachova: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Arachova?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Heraklion. Although Heraklion and Arachova are popular destinations, Heraklion has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heraklion is very popular for its museums, beaches, and big city activities, while Arachova attracts visitors for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Heraklion is famous for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Palace of Knossos. Arachova is famous for its surrounding mountain beauty, festive Christmas atmosphere, and nearby winter skiing.

How is Heraklion different from Arachova?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Heraklion or Arachova Better for Skiing?

Arachova is a town with good options for skiing and snowboarding. However, Heraklion is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Arachova is a great destination to visit. The Parnassos Ski Resort is located just 24 kilometers from town and offers skiing that is beautiful and fun. There are spectacular views and the area has gained popularity in recent years. There are lessons for kids and many other fun winter activities nearby.

Heraklion is not a skiing destination.

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Heraklion can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Arachova offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting sights in the surrounding area, as well as the unique Ai Giorgis Church near town.

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

Foodies will find both Heraklion and Arachova both to be high quality destinations.

Heraklion has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Arachova is an experience not to be missed. The town is filled with old tavernas that serve up traditional local cuisine. You'll find a lot of the local cheese, formaela, as well as a local noodle dish called hilopites. Pork ribs and delicate desserts are also popular.

Is Heraklion or Arachova Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Heraklion and Arachova.

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.

Arachova is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There are many charming bars around town that stay open late into the night. During the popular winter months, you'll find the streets filled with people that come for the unique winter atmosphere.

Is Heraklion or Arachova Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is well known for its beaches. However, Arachova is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Heraklion. 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.

Arachova is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Arachova Better for its Old Town?

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

Arachova is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is at its best during the Christmas season when there are decorations around the town square and the streets are filled with people.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is Heraklion or Arachova Better for Hiking?

Arachova 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 Arachova. For the best outdoor activities, head to nearby Mount Parnassos, where there's skiing and snowboarding during the winter months and beautiful hikes through the mountainous terrain during the summer months.

Heraklion is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Arachova?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Heraklion and Arachova.

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 Arachova to go shopping. The charming town has many unique shops that sell carpets, woven goods, and local food items.

Is Heraklion or Arachova Better for Families?

Arachova 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, Arachova is very family-friendly. The charming town has long served as a winter escape for those living in Athens. There's plenty for kids to do including and ice skating rink, a horse ranch, and even nearby skiing.

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 Arachova Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Arachova are high quality 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 Arachova frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a romantic setting with nice accommodation, delicious local taverns, and plenty of unique activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Heraklion or Arachova Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Backpackers come from all over to visit Heraklion. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

Arachova is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers don't think to visit this area on their trip to Greece. There are some guesthouses, but not a lot of hostels, so you might find a limited number of social activities.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Heraklion and Arachova.

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

You'll find some public transit in Arachova, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are some public buses in the area.

Is Heraklion or Arachova a more walkable city?

Heraklion is well known for its walkability. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Arachova is a somewhat walkable place. The town has many walkable streets that are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Arachova or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Arachova?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Heraklion and Arachova. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 2-3 days is enough time in Arachova.

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

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

The city of Heraklion offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the town of Arachova. 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 Arachova?

Heraklion is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Heraklion, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the beautiful destination of Arachova. 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 Arachova?

Heraklion is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the outdoorsy town of Arachova. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Arachova?

Heraklion is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Arachova 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 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 Arachova, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Arachova much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Arachova would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Arachova 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 Arachova.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Arachova?

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

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 Arachova in the Summer?

Both Arachova and Heraklion during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Arachova because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Arachova. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Arachova fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Arachova, 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 Arachova. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arachova receives 357 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Heraklion or Arachova in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Arachova. The autumn months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Arachova this time of year.

Heraklion is around the same temperature as Arachova in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Arachova fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

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

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

Should I visit Heraklion or Arachova in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Arachova. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Arachova for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Heraklion is a little warmer than Arachova. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Arachova averages at about 10°C (51°F).

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

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

Should I visit Heraklion or Arachova in the Spring?

Both Arachova and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Arachova in the spring for the small town charm.

In April, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Arachova. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Arachova fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

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

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

Typical Weather for Arachova and Heraklion