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

Should you visit Heraklion or Caen?

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 Caen 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Caen

Caen is a park-filled, important, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

Heraklion and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Caen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Heraklion than Caen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Heraklion is more touristy than Caen and is known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Palace of Knossos. Caen is famous for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Heraklion different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Heraklion and Caen.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Caen. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

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

Foodies will find both Heraklion and Caen both to be very good 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 Caen is an experience not to be missed. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

Is Heraklion or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Caen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

Is Heraklion or Caen Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Caen?

Heraklion is a good destination for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Heraklion. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Heraklion or Caen Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Caen are nice 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 Caen. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Heraklion or Caen Better for Couples?

Heraklion is a very popular place for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Heraklion or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Heraklion is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

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

Caen is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Caen has some very good public transit options. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

You'll find some public transit in Heraklion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Is Heraklion or Caen a more walkable city?

Heraklion is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Heraklion is very walkable. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Heraklion and Caen. In our opinion, Heraklion has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Heraklion than Caen. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 2-3 days is enough time in Caen.

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Heraklion. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find food and museums around the city of Caen. 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 Caen?

Heraklion is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Caen. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Caen?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Heraklion. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Caen. 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 Caen?

The historic city of Heraklion offers nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Caen 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 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 Caen, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Caen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Caen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Caen 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 Caen.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Caen?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Caen, 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 Caen?

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 Caen in the Summer?

Both Caen 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 Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Caen. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Caen during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Caen. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Caen in the Autumn?

Both Caen 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 Caen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions.

Heraklion is much warmer than Caen in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Caen fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Caen. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Caen. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Caen in the Winter?

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

Caen can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Heraklion is much warmer than Caen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Caen averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Caen during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Caen. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Caen in the Spring?

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

In April, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°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 Caen. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Caen. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Caen and Heraklion