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

Should you visit Heraklion or Biarritz?

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 Biarritz 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a quirky, dynamic, and cultural seaside town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Heraklion and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Biarritz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Heraklion than Biarritz, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Heraklion is better known for its museums and big city activities, while Biarritz is more popular for its resorts, shopping, and small town charm. 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. Biarritz is well known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere.

How is Heraklion different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Heraklion is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Heraklion offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Foodies will find both Heraklion and Biarritz both to be excellent 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 Biarritz is an experience not to be missed. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Heraklion or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Heraklion and Biarritz.

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.

Biarritz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

Is Heraklion or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Heraklion is not a resort destination.

In Biarritz, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Heraklion is not a resort destination.

Is Heraklion or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Both Heraklion and Biarritz are considered to be excellent beach destinations.

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.

Many people visit Biarritz for it's beautiful beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Biarritz?

Biarritz is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Biarritz is well-known for its shopping. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Many visitors go to Heraklion to go shopping. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Is Heraklion or Biarritz Better for Families?

Biarritz 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, Biarritz is very family-friendly. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

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 Biarritz Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Biarritz are excellent 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 Biarritz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Heraklion or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion and Biarritz are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

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

Biarritz is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Heraklion or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Biarritz are excellent 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.

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Biarritz?

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

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

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

One day in Heraklion or Biarritz?

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 food and shopping around the seaside town of Biarritz. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Biarritz?

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 shopping and nightlife around the dynamic destination of Biarritz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Biarritz?

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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the cultural seaside town of Biarritz. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this seaside town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside town has to offer.

A week in Heraklion or Biarritz?

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.

Biarritz is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Biarritz, 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 Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Biarritz?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Biarritz, 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 Biarritz?

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 Biarritz in the Summer?

Both Biarritz and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Biarritz in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Biarritz in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Biarritz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Biarritz in the Autumn?

Both Biarritz and Heraklion during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Heraklion is a little warmer than Biarritz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Biarritz averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Heraklion usually gets less rain in October than Biarritz. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Biarritz in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Biarritz. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Biarritz in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Biarritz. The spring months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, the beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Biarritz in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the spring, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Biarritz. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Heraklion