A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heraklion vs. Brasov for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Heraklion or Brasov?

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 Brasov 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 Brasov?

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.

Brasov

Brasov is a mountain resort city in the region of Transylvania in Romania, surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains and best known for its medieval architecture and history.

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 Luxury Tours to Romania, and The Best Budget Tours to Romania.


Which place is cheaper, Brasov or Heraklion?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, while the average daily cost in Brasov is €56. 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 Brasov in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heraklion 81
    Brasov 21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heraklion 162
    Brasov 42
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Brasov

Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Brasov? 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.

Hotels in Heraklion


Hotels in Brasov


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 Brasov Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heraklion 31
    Brasov 17

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 Brasov

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Brasov:

  • Transfer from Brasov to Bucharest with Hotel Pick-up: $66
  • Transfer Bucuresti - Brasov: $364
  • Private transfer from OTP Airport to Brasov or Return: $139
  • Private Transfer from Brasov to Bucharest, 2h of Sightseeing, Local Driver: $123
  • Private Transfer from Brasov to Bucarest (OTP) Airport: $250
  • Private Airport Transfers from Bucharest: $77
  • Premium Private Transfer : Bucharest Airport to/from Brasov: $248
  • Departure Private Transfer from Brasov to Bucharest Airport OTP in Business Car: $146
  • Bucharest to Brasov - Private Transfer: $321
  • Bucharest Private Transfer to/from Brasov: $139
  • Brasov to Bucharest - Private Transfer: $321
  • Airport transfer, Bucharest tour, Prahova Valley tour: $21

Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Brasov?

Prices for flights to both Brasov 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Heraklion 52
    Brasov 24

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: $83
  • 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 Brasov

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Brasov.

  • Small-Group organic home-made dinner in a Brasov village: $92
  • Enjoy Traditional Romanian Cooking in Brasov: $94

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heraklion 38
    Brasov 9.04

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: $8.52
  • 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: $15
  • 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

Tours and Activities in Brasov

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Brasov are as follows:

  • Bran Castle Entry Tickets : $24
  • PIATRA CRAIULUI NATIONAL PARK eBike tour(BRASOV): $87
  • 1 day cycling tour in Brasov: $3.25
  • 3 Castles : Peles ,Bran ,Cantacuzino Wednesday filming site-Tour from Brasov : $98
  • Bear watching experience near Brasov: $148
  • Best day adventure: Transfagarasan private tour from Brasov: $150
  • Bran Castle - Guided Tour: $42
  • Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Entrance Fees Included - Optional Peles Castle Visit: $88
  • Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Optional Peles Castle Visit: $50
  • Bran Castle, Bear Sanctuary and Palinca from Brasov with Tickets: $206
  • Bran and Rasnov Castles Tour from Brasov: $54
  • Brasov City Tour - Visit the CROWN City included Black Church entrance: $85

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heraklion 26
    Brasov 7.35

Sample the Local Flavors in Heraklion

Also in Heraklion, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Ecobike Tour with Wine Tasting: $94
  • Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $95
  • Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $115
  • 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: $133
  • Full Day-Ecobike Old Villages Tour & Wine Tasting: $142
  • Semi Private Heraklion Valley Wine Tour with Lunch: $159
  • The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $180
  • Private SUV Wine Tour with Lunch: $182
  • Full Day Private Crete Wine Tour Experience from Heraklion : $190
  • Full day Knossos Palace, Local Distillery, Lunch @ Archanes: $192

Sample the Local Flavors in Brasov

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Brasov:

  • Bran Castle, Rasnov Fortress and Palinca Distillery Day Trip From Brasov: $98
  • Azuga wine tasting on a day trip from Brasov: $133


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

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


Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Brasov?

Brasov has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Brasov, 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 Brasov?

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 Brasov in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Brasov. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Brasov. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Brasov fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brasov. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Brasov. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brasov receives 288 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Brasov. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Brasov receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Heraklion 25°C (78°F) 
    Brasov 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Brasov in the Autumn?

Both Brasov and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Heraklion is much warmer than Brasov in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Brasov fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Brasov during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Brasov receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Brasov. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Brasov receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Heraklion 20°C (68°F) 
    Brasov 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Brasov in the Winter?

Both Brasov and Heraklion during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Brasov. In the winter, Heraklion is much warmer than Brasov. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Brasov averages at about -1°C (30°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Brasov. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Brasov receives 85 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Brasov. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Brasov receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Heraklion 12°C (54°F) 
    Brasov -1°C (30°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Brasov in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Brasov. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Brasov. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Brasov fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Brasov during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Brasov receives 188 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Brasov. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Brasov receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Heraklion 16°C (61°F) 
    Brasov 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Brasov and Heraklion

Heraklion Brasov
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) -1°C (30°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 77 mm (3 in) 1°C (34°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (70°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (44°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Dec 14°C (58°F) 77 mm (3 in) 1°C (35°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)