Which place is cheaper, Braga or Heraklion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Heraklion or Braga?
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 Braga 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.
Where Should I go: Heraklion or Braga?
Heraklion
The largest city on the island of Crete, Heraklion on first glance is almost completely modern - a frenzy of traffic, concrete, and dust. Do not expect pristine beaches and glittering waves (those can be found on other parts of Crete). Heraklion is first and foremost a city. Once you get past its grittiness, you will find that there are some attractive features beneath first impressions. The antiquity of the place lies embedded in the modern and is presented in one of the best museums in Greece, the food is excellent, and the people are friendly and welcoming. And though the sea is not great for swimming, its presence along the Venetian port will take you to another time if you need a break from Heraklion's bustling center.
Braga
Located in the Cavado Valley of Northern Portugal, Braga is a medium sized city with both historical and modern characteristics. There is a university in town, known as Universidade do Minho, which gives the city a young feel with a lot of life. There are also many bars, clubs, and activities around to keep you entertained.
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 from Porto, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHeraklion €158Braga €112
The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, while the average daily cost in Braga is €112. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Heraklion and Braga in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHeraklion €81Braga €54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHeraklion €162Braga €108
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Braga
Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Braga? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Heraklion Hotel Prices and Braga Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Heraklion €31Braga €20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion
Also for Heraklion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One-Way Shared Transfer From or To Heraklion Air - Hersonissos: $16
- Acqua Plus Water Park Admission with Optional Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer in Crete: $33
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to KOKKINI HANI area up to 7 customers: $44
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to AMMOUDARA HERAKLION area up to 7: $47
- Crete Private Transfer from Heraklion to Hersonissos: $51
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to ANISSARAS area up to 7 customers: $61
- VIP Private Transfer: Heraklion - Analipsi Hotels & Villas: $62
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to HERSONISSOS area up to 7 customers: $62
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to KOUTOULOUFARI area up to 7 : $62
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to AGIA PELAGIA area up to 7 customers: $62
- Transfer Heraklio Airport to ANALIPSI area up to 7 customers: $62
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Braga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Braga:
- Traditional Vinho Verde Tour in Bowl with Private Transfer (Porto and Braga): $131
- Braga Private Transfer:To/From the Oporto Airport: $102
Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Braga?
Prices for flights to both Braga and Heraklion change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayHeraklion €52Braga €40
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Troy Dinner-Show: $33
- Spectacular Dinner-Show: $44
- From Village Cretan Night, Live Dancers & dinner: $48
- Cretan Night with Dinner & Live Show: $49
- Crete: Olive Oil Festival, Farm Dinner, Live Show & Pickup: $59
- Cretan Farm with scenic view: Olive Mill Festival & dinner: $64
- Amazing Sunset Safari Route with Dinner: $84
- Cook with Locals | Cretan cooking Class at Archanes (transfer - lunch included): $86
- Crete: Land Rover Safari with Sunset Viewing, Dinner, & Wine: $90
- Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $97
- Food tour tasting walking tour: $123
- E-bike Food Tour Tasting in Heraklion : $125
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Braga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Braga.
- Small-Group Braga Food Tour With A Local Guide: $84
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Heraklion €38Braga €16
Tours and Activities in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Heraklion Area: CRETAquarium Admission Ticket: $8.56
- CRETAquarium Entrance Ticket in Crete: $8.73
- Mobile Self-Guided Audio Sightseeing Tour: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Crete: Palace of Knossos E-Ticket and Optional Audio Guide: $11
- Herakleion: City Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
- Heraklion Market & CretAquarium *Skip the line: $16
- Heraklion City Tour - Aquarium: $17
- Knossos Palace: E-ticket with Audio and Heraklion City Tour: $18
- Party Bike 1 hour Experience in Malia : $19
- Knossos Self-Guided Treasure Hunt & Tour KIDS: $21
- Minoan Day Experience: $22
Tours and Activities in Braga
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Braga are as follows:
- KAYAK TOUR I Going down the Lima River in Kayak | AV: $66
- 1h Buggy Tour | Arches of Valdevez | Peneda Gerês: $76
- 2h Buggy Tour | Arcos de Valdevez | Peneda Gerês: $131
- 4X4 Tour – Minho Litoral - Beaches and Mountains between Viana do Castelo and Caminha: $82
- 4X4 Tour - Discovering Serra d´ Arga: $175
- Alto Douro Walk & WineTour: $197
- TOUR HD BRAGA MERCEDES V EXT LONG: $225
- TOUR HD BRAGA SEDAN: $198
- Barcelos, Braga & Guimarães Tour: $109
- Braga & Guimarães: Premium Day Tour: $321
- Braga Private Walking Tour: $254
- Braga Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $216
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHeraklion €26Braga €21
Sample the Local Flavors in Heraklion
Also in Heraklion, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $95
- Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $115
- Ecobike Tour with Wine Tasting: $118
- Luxury Private Wine Tasting Experience in Haralabakis Winery: $119
- Half Day Small Group Wine Tour with wine Tastings: $125
- Half Day Semi Private Wine Tour with Tastings: $134
- Semi Private Heraklion Valley Wine Tour with Lunch: $159
- The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $180
- Private SUV Wine Tour with Lunch: $183
- Full Day Private Crete Wine Tour Experience from Heraklion : $190
- Full day Knossos Palace, Local Distillery, Lunch @ Archanes: $192
- Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $196
Sample the Local Flavors in Braga
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Braga:
- Wine Tasting & Lunch | Quinta de Santa Cristina Vinho Verde: $50
- Green Wine Region-Small Group Tour with Lunch and Wine Tastings, from Porto city: $142
- Douro Valley Private Tour from Lunch & Wine Tour: $288
- Vinho Verde Private Wine Tour: $535
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heraklion and Braga, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Braga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Braga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Braga 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 Braga.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Heraklion Expensive? and Is Braga Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Braga?
Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Braga. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Braga, 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 Braga?
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 Braga in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Braga. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Heraklion is a little warmer than Braga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Braga averages at about 21°C (69°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Braga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Braga. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Braga receives 308 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Braga. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Braga receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHeraklion 25°C (78°F)Braga 21°C (69°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Braga in the Autumn?
Both Braga and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Braga. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Braga fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Braga during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Braga receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Braga. In October, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Braga. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Braga receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHeraklion 20°C (68°F)Braga 17°C (62°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Braga in the Winter?
Both Braga and Heraklion during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Heraklion is a little warmer than Braga in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Braga fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
In the winter, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Braga. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Braga receives 124 hours of full sun.
Braga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Heraklion usually gets less rain in January than Braga. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Braga receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHeraklion 12°C (54°F)Braga 10°C (50°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Braga in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Braga. The spring months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
In the spring, Heraklion is a little warmer than Braga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Braga averages at about 14°C (56°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Braga this time of the year. In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Braga during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Braga receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.
Braga receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Braga. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Braga receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHeraklion 16°C (61°F)Braga 14°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Braga and Heraklion
| Heraklion | Braga | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 169 mm (6.7 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 131 mm (5.2 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (58°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.