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

Should you visit Heraklion or Avignon?

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 Avignon 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 vibrant, accessible, and bustling city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Avignon

Avignon is a historical, quaint, and charming town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Heraklion and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Avignon?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Heraklion than Avignon, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Heraklion is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Avignon is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm. Heraklion is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to The Palace of Knossos. Avignon is popular for its architectural beauty and historical importance.

How is Heraklion different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Avignon is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Avignon are world-renowned. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

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.

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

Avignon 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 Avignon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in 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 Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

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.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Heraklion or Avignon Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a very popular place for the beach. However, Avignon is not a beach destination.

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.

Avignon is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of Avignon is revered around the world. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Avignon?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Heraklion and Avignon.

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 Avignon to go shopping. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Heraklion or Avignon Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Avignon 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 Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Heraklion or Avignon Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Avignon 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 Avignon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Is Heraklion or Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Avignon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

Is Heraklion or Avignon a more walkable city?

Avignon 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 Avignon. There's almost no traffic in the city center 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 Avignon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Avignon?

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

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

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

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

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.

Even though Avignon is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Avignon has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Avignon?

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.

Avignon is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Avignon?

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.

Avignon 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. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Avignon?

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.

Avignon 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heraklion and Avignon, we can see that Avignon 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 Avignon would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Avignon 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 Avignon Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Avignon?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Avignon, 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 Avignon?

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 Avignon in the Summer?

Both Avignon and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Avignon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Avignon. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Avignon averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Avignon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Avignon. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Avignon in the Autumn?

Both Avignon and Heraklion during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Avignon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Avignon. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Avignon. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun.

Avignon gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Heraklion usually gets less rain in October than Avignon. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Avignon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Avignon. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Avignon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Heraklion is much warmer than Avignon in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Avignon fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Heraklion usually receives less sunshine than Avignon during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Avignon. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Avignon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Avignon. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Avignon because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Heraklion is a little warmer than Avignon. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Avignon averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Avignon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the spring, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Avignon. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Avignon and Heraklion