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

Should you visit Heraklion or Auxerre?

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 Auxerre 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a under-rated, undiscovered, and authentic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Heraklion and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Auxerre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Heraklion. Although Heraklion and Auxerre are both popular with visitors, Heraklion has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Heraklion is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Auxerre is known for its small town charm. Heraklion is more touristy than Auxerre and is known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to The Palace of Knossos. Auxerre is popular for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Heraklion different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Heraklion is great for its historical sights. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Auxerre is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.

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

Heraklion is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Heraklion has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Auxerre offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Is Heraklion or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is great for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Heraklion for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is Heraklion or Auxerre Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is great for the beach. However, Auxerre 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.

Auxerre is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Auxerre?

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

Heraklion has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Heraklion or Auxerre Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Auxerre 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 Auxerre. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Is Heraklion or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Heraklion is great for couples. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Heraklion is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Auxerre is a nice destination for couples. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

Is Heraklion or Auxerre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Auxerre is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular stop off on the backpacker circuit, but you will find some affordable accommodation options.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Auxerre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town.

Is Heraklion or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Heraklion is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Auxerre is somewhat walkable. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Auxerre?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Heraklion or Auxerre to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Heraklion than Auxerre 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 Auxerre.

Families should spend more time in Heraklion than Auxerre. 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 Auxerre. 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 Auxerre 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 Auxerre?

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 food and museums around the town of Auxerre. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Auxerre has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Auxerre?

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 museums and food around the authentic destination of Auxerre. 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 Auxerre?

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 food and museums when visiting the undiscovered town of Auxerre. 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 Auxerre?

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.

Auxerre 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Auxerre?

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

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 Auxerre in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Heraklion is a little warmer than Auxerre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Auxerre averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Auxerre this time of the year. In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Auxerre during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Auxerre. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Auxerre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Auxerre. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the small town atmosphere.

In October, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Auxerre. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in October than Auxerre. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Auxerre in the Winter?

Both Auxerre 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 and the cuisine are the main draw to Auxerre this time of year.

It's quite cold in Auxerre in the winter. Heraklion is much warmer than Auxerre in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Auxerre fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Auxerre during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Auxerre in the Spring?

Both Auxerre 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Auxerre for the small town charm.

In the spring, Heraklion is much warmer than Auxerre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Auxerre averages at about 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Auxerre. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Auxerre. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Heraklion