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

Should you visit Heraklion or Cappadocia?

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 Cappadocia 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 Cappadocia?

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.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia is in Central Anatolia, between the mountains Erciyes, Melendiz and Hasan. It is famous for its underground cities, fairy chimneys, and caves. The landscape of the area is some of the most unique you'll ever see. The fairy chimneys are bizarrely shaped rock outcroppings that have evolved from the unique geography in the area. There are hiking trails through the series of valleys that make up the area. It's a great place to explore for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

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 from Istanbul, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Istanbul.


Which place is cheaper, Cappadocia 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 Cappadocia is €142. 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 Cappadocia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heraklion 81
    Cappadocia 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heraklion 162
    Cappadocia 98
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Cappadocia

Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Cappadocia? 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 Cappadocia


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 Cappadocia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heraklion 31
    Cappadocia 48

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion

Also for Heraklion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Private Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands: $4,021
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to SITIA area up to 7 customers: $280
  • Private Transfer Port/Airport to/from Ierapetra: $273
  • Knossos and Arch Museum of Heraklion (Guide+Transfer+Ticket) : $229
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to Makris Gialos area up to 7 : $228
  • KNOSSOS PALACE private tour ( with Transfer from Heraklion Prefecture ): $196
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to IERAPETRA area up to 7 customers: $184
  • Private Transfer from Heraklion Airport to Makrygialos: $175
  • Semi Private Wine and Olive Oil tour (Transfer & Lunch Incl.): $163
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to RETHIMNO CITY area up to 7 : $157
  • Private Wine | Food Pairing at Titakis Winery with Free Transfer: $153
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to MATALA area up to 7 customers: $149

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cappadocia

Also for Cappadocia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Whirling Dervishes Show in Cappadocia w/ Free Hotel Transfer: $20
  • VIPPrivate Airport Transfer From or To Kayseri & Nevsehir Airport: $49
  • Transfer from Kayseri and Nevsehir Airport Cappadocia mercedes for 16 people: $163
  • Transfer from Kayseri Airport to Cappadocia Hotels (Small Group): $16
  • Shuttle Transfer from Cappadocia Hotels to "Kayseri Erkilet Airport": $22
  • Shared Shuttle Airport or Hotel Transfer in Cappadocia: $16
  • Shared Airport Transfer to Nevsehir Airport From Cappadocia: $22
  • Shared Airport Transfer from Nevsehir Airport to Cappadocia: $22
  • Shared Airport Transfer From Nevsehir/Kayseri Airports to Hotels: $15
  • Private transfer from Nevşehir airport (NAV) to any hotel in Cappadocia: $104
  • Private Transfers Nevşehir Apt to/from Kaymaklı or Özkonak Underground Cities: $131
  • Private Transfers Kayseri Erkılet Airport to/from Cappadocia Region: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Cappadocia?

Prices for flights to both Cappadocia 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
    Cappadocia 46

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

Typical Food Prices in Cappadocia

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Cappadocia:


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    0.03

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cappadocia

For Cappadocia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Turkish Night Show in Cave Restaurant with Dinner and Transfer: $44
  • Cappadocia Turkish Night in Avanos Dinner Included: $48
  • Cappadocia Traditional Turkish Night with Dinner (in Authentic Cave Restaurant): $53
  • Cappadocia Night: Turkish Dance & Dinner : $60
  • Cappadocia Turkish Night Show with Dinner and Entertainments: $62
  • Cappadocian cooking - hands-on class with pickup: $64
  • Romantic Cappadocia Sunset Dinner and Wine : $65
  • Turkish Night Show With Dinner in a Cave Restaurant: $65
  • Turkish night show with dinner and unlimited free alcohol: $69
  • Cappadocia Cave Restaurant for Dinner and Turkish Entertainments: $71
  • Half-Day Private Food Tour in Kayseri: $75
  • Romantic Cappadocia Private Sunset Dinner With Wild Food : $78

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heraklion 38
    Cappadocia 89

Tours and Activities in Heraklion

For Heraklion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 4x4 Safari tour Southern Crete Tripitis Gorge: $108
  • Adventure Safari Tour Secrets of the southern Crete : $100
  • Ηeraklion Walking Tour with Archaeological Museum: $82
  • 3-Hour Trekking Mount Karfi Adventure with pickup from Heraklion: $118
  • 4-Hour Giouchtas Trekking Hiking Experience from Heraklion: $90
  • 4x4 self drive adventure_Cretan mainland: $87
  • Adventure Jeep Safari Amazing sunset : $85
  • Agios Nikolaos-Spinalonga-Elounda Tour TR: $47
  • All Year Tour to Knossos Palace & Heraklion: $618
  • All-Day Knossos Palace Tour & Olive Mill Visit: $695
  • Archaeological Museum of Heraklion Tour: $86
  • Archaeological Museum of Guided Walking Tour: $86

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cappadocia

For Cappadocia, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Underground City Entrance for Two
    0.87
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride for Two
    17
  • Horseback Riding for Two
    3.32
  • Cappadocia Driving Tour
    3.54
  • Goreme Museum Entrance Fee
    0.43
  • Whirling Dervishes Show
    2.90
  • Turkish Bath
    2.03
  • Hot air ballooning
    12
  • Goreme open air museum
    0.58
  • Bellydancing Show
    3.76

Tours and Activities in Cappadocia

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Cappadocia.

  • 2 Days Cappadocia Red & Erciyes Ski Tour: $220
  • 2 days Cappadocia Full Turkish night Show, Atv & Red Tour: $175
  • ATV (Quad) Tour in Cappadocia-2 Hours: $49
  • Cappadocia Red Tour Small Group: $98
  • Cappadocia relax tour car and driver: $131
  • Private Day Tour Natural Beauties of Cappadocia and Underground Caves: $283
  • 1 Hour ATV Tour: $27
  • 1-Hour Hot Air Balloon Tour in Cappadocia Goreme Valley: $250
  • 2 Days Private Guided Cappadocia Tour with Pick Up: $225
  • 2 Days Red and Green tour: $163
  • 2 Hour Cappadocia Atv Experience : $40
  • 2 Hour Cappadocia Jeep Safari Tour: $101

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heraklion 26
    Cappadocia 17

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 Cappadocia

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Cappadocia:

  • Cappadocia Nightlife Experience: Bar and Pub Crawl Tour: $32
  • Wine tasting in Cappadocia: $64
  • Cappadocia Wine Cellar and Wine Yard with Wine Tasting: $79
  • Full-day Cappadocia Tour with wine tasting and clay shaping : $90
  • Wine Tasting and Sunset in Cappadocia: $196


When comparing the travel costs between Heraklion and Cappadocia, 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 Cappadocia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Cappadocia?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cappadocia. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Cappadocia, 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.