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

Should you visit Heraklion or Cardiff?

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 Cardiff 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a industrial, up-and-coming, and green city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Heraklion and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Cardiff?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Heraklion than Cardiff. While Cardiff is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heraklion is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, and beaches, while Cardiff is more popular for its impressive beauty. Heraklion is more touristy than Cardiff and is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Heraklion is famous for The Palace of Knossos. Cardiff is well known for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Heraklion different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Heraklion is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cardiff 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cardiff. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

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

Heraklion is a great destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Heraklion. 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.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Heraklion or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Heraklion know how to have a good time. 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 Cardiff has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Is Heraklion or Cardiff Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a great destination for the beache. However, Cardiff is not a beach destination.

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.

Cardiff is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Cardiff?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Heraklion and Cardiff.

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 Cardiff to go shopping. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Is Heraklion or Cardiff Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Cardiff are notable 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 Cardiff. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

Is Heraklion or Cardiff Better for Couples?

Heraklion is a great destination for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Heraklion or Cardiff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is a great destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Heraklion is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Heraklion or Cardiff Better for Students?

Cardiff is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Heraklion is a popular place for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Heraklion or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Heraklion is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

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

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Cardiff?

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

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

In Heraklion, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

A weekend in Heraklion or Cardiff?

In Heraklion, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Heraklion has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the industrial destination of Cardiff. 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 Cardiff?

Heraklion is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the green city of Cardiff. 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 Cardiff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heraklion. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Heraklion. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Cardiff 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Heraklion and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff 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 Cardiff Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Cardiff?

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

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 Cardiff in the Summer?

Both Cardiff 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cardiff in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Cardiff in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Cardiff fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Cardiff, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Heraklion or Cardiff in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Heraklion is much warmer than Cardiff. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Cardiff averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cardiff receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Cardiff in the Winter?

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

The weather in Cardiff can be very cold. In January, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

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

Heraklion usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Cardiff. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Cardiff in the Spring?

Both Cardiff 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 activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.

Heraklion is much warmer than Cardiff in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Heraklion