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

Should you visit Heraklion or Cesky Krumlov?

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 Cesky Krumlov 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 Cesky Krumlov?

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.

Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov is a beautiful town located in Southern Bohemia in the Czech Republic. It sits along the Vltava River and is home to just over 13,000 residents. The town has many Baroque buildings as well as many pleasant cafes, restaurants and bars. It also has the second largest castle in the Czech Republic, and a beautiful old town square. The town remains very similar to how it was in the 18th century. Many of the buildings are well maintained, and many have been restored to their original beauty. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, and has become a very popular tourist destination. During the summer months tourists may outnumber the local population.

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 Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Prague.


Which place is cheaper, Cesky Krumlov 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 Cesky Krumlov is €58. 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 Cesky Krumlov in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heraklion 81
    Cesky Krumlov 35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heraklion 162
    Cesky Krumlov 70
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Cesky Krumlov

Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Cesky Krumlov? 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 Cesky Krumlov


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 Cesky Krumlov Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heraklion 31
    Cesky Krumlov 2.74

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion

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

  • Wine Tasting Experience @ Lyrarakis Winery (Transfer Included): $108
  • Transfers in Crete from-to Airports/Ports/Hotels/Villas: $128
  • Transfer Services From Heraklion To Rethymno Hotels: $97
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to RETHIMNO CITY area up to 7 : $157
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to Makris Gialos area up to 7 : $228
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to MALIA area up to 7 customers: $80
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to LIGARIA area up to 7 customers: $62
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to FODELE area up to 7 customers: $71
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to ELOUNTA area up to 7 customers: $140
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to ANISSARAS area up to 7 customers: $61
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to AMMOUDARA HERAKLION area up to 7: $47
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to AGIOS NIKOLAOS area up to 7 : $122

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cesky Krumlov

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

  • Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $156
  • Private Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Prague, English-speaking driver: $121
  • Private Transfer from Cesky Krumlov to Hallstatt with 2 hours for sightseeing: $147

Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Cesky Krumlov?

Prices for flights to both Cesky Krumlov 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
    Cesky Krumlov 20

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
  • From Village Cretan Night, Live Dancers & dinner: $48
  • 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: $89
  • Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $97
  • Food tour tasting walking tour: $122
  • E-bike Food Tour Tasting in Heraklion : $126
  • Walking Food Tour to Explore and Eat in Heraklion: $144
  • Private Interactive Cooking Class with Aggeliki : $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heraklion 38
    Cesky Krumlov 6.12

Tours and Activities in Heraklion

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

  • Adventure Safari Tour Secrets of the southern Crete : $100
  • Ηeraklion Walking Tour with Archaeological Museum: $82
  • 4-Hour Giouchtas Trekking Hiking Experience from Heraklion: $90
  • 4x4 self drive adventure: $87
  • Adventure Jeep Safari Amazing sunset : $85
  • All Year Tour to Knossos Palace & Heraklion: $615
  • All-Day Knossos Palace Tour & Olive Mill Visit: $692
  • Archaeological Museum of Heraklion Tour: $86
  • Archaeological Museum of Guided Walking Tour: $85
  • Archeological Museum of Heraklion & City tour: $197
  • Archeological Museum of Heraklion & Food Tasting Experience: $159
  • Best Wines of Heraklion Crete - Half day Tasting Group Tour: $117

Tours and Activities in Cesky Krumlov

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

  • 2h Chateau Collections and Tower Tour with Coffee & Dessert: $70
  • A day in the life of Český Krumlov - Private tour with a local: $195
  • Cesky Krumlov Old Town Private Walking Tour: $92
  • Cesky Krumlov Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $208
  • Cesky Krumlov Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.51
  • Cesky Krumlov Tour 4 hours : $277
  • Enchanting Český Krumlov Walking Tour: Echoes of the Past: $94
  • First white water experience with Tomáš Kobes: $217
  • Private Night tour of Český Krumlov: $85
  • Private evening tour Cesky Krumlov Old Town and Castle area: $60
  • Private tour of best of Český Krumlov - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $167
  • Touristic highlights of Český Krumlov on a Private half day tour with a local: $167

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heraklion 26
    Cesky Krumlov 3.15

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
  • Half Day Semi Private Wine Tour with Tastings: $133
  • Wine Tasting-Olive Oil Factory-Traditional Villages- Small Group : $134
  • 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 Knossos Palace, Local Distillery, Lunch @ Archanes: $192
  • Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $197
  • All in One - Ecobike City Tour - Food Tasting - Wine Tasting: $200
  • Heraklion SUV Private Guided Wine Tour with Lunch : $216


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

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


Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Cesky Krumlov?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cesky Krumlov. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Cesky Krumlov, 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 Cesky Krumlov?

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 Cesky Krumlov in the Summer?

Both Cesky Krumlov and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Cesky Krumlov. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

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

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Cesky Krumlov. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Heraklion 25°C (78°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Cesky Krumlov in the Autumn?

Both Cesky Krumlov and Heraklion during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Heraklion is much warmer than Cesky Krumlov in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Cesky Krumlov. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cesky Krumlov receives 108 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in October than Cesky Krumlov. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Heraklion 20°C (68°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Cesky Krumlov in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Cesky Krumlov. 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 Cesky Krumlov. In the winter, Heraklion is much warmer than Cesky Krumlov. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Cesky Krumlov averages at about -0°C (31°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Cesky Krumlov during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Cesky Krumlov receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Cesky Krumlov. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Heraklion 12°C (54°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Cesky Krumlov in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Cesky Krumlov. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Cesky Krumlov. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Cesky Krumlov fluctuates around 11°C (51°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 Cesky Krumlov. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cesky Krumlov receives 155 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Cesky Krumlov. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cesky Krumlov receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Heraklion 16°C (61°F) 
    Cesky Krumlov 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Cesky Krumlov and Heraklion

Heraklion Cesky Krumlov
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) -0°C (31°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 77 mm (3 in) 2°C (36°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (43°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 18°C (65°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 91 mm (3.6 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (67°F) 93 mm (3.6 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 14°C (58°F) 77 mm (3 in) 1°C (35°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)