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

Should you visit Heraklion or Calais?

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 Calais 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 accessible, bustling, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Heraklion and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Calais?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Heraklion than Calais, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Heraklion is more touristy than Calais and is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to The Palace of Knossos. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Heraklion different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Heraklion is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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

Heraklion is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Heraklion or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Heraklion is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Heraklion or Calais Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is well known for the beach. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Heraklion is considered a top beach destination. 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 head to Calais to enjoy the beach. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Calais?

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

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 Calais to go shopping. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Heraklion or Calais Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Calais 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 Calais. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Heraklion or Calais Better for Couples?

Heraklion is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Heraklion frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Heraklion or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is well known for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Heraklion is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Calais, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Heraklion or Calais a more walkable city?

Heraklion is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Calais?

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Heraklion. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Calais. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Calais has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Calais?

Heraklion is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Calais. 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 Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heraklion. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the undiscovered city of Calais. 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 Calais?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Heraklion. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Calais 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 Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Heraklion and Calais, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Calais?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Calais, 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 Calais?

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 Calais in the Summer?

Both Calais and Heraklion during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Heraklion is a little warmer than Calais. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Calais averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Calais, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Calais. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Calais. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Calais in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Calais. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Calais during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Calais. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Calais in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Calais. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Calais because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Calais can be very cold. Heraklion is much warmer than Calais in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Calais. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Calais. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Calais in the Spring?

Both Calais and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

In the spring, Heraklion is much warmer than Calais. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Calais averages at about 9°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Calais during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Calais. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Calais and Heraklion