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

Should you visit Heraklion or Chartres?

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 Chartres 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 bustling, historic, and vibrant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Chartres

Chartres is a grand, spectacular, and historic town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Heraklion and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Chartres?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Heraklion than Chartres, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Heraklion is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Chartres is more popular for its small town charm. Heraklion is more touristy than Chartres and is known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Heraklion is famous for The Palace of Knossos. Chartres is well known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Heraklion different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Heraklion is great for its historical sights. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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 Chartres. Most visitors make the trip to see the spectacular Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame. It was completed in 1220 and is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows.

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

Heraklion is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Chartres area. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Heraklion or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is great for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Many people head to Heraklion for the nightlife scene. 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.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Heraklion or Chartres Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is great for the beache. However, Chartres 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.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Chartres?

Heraklion is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Heraklion or Chartres Better for Families?

Heraklion is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Heraklion offers lots of family activities. 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.

Chartres is not the most family-friendly destination. The main attraction in town is the cathedral, but the surrounding area is also filled with history. This may not keep your kids entertained for long, so you can also check out the Stained Glass Museum, La Tanière (a zoo), or one of the parks around town.

Is Heraklion or Chartres Better for Couples?

Heraklion is great for its romantic activities. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Heraklion is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Chartres is a good city for couples to visit. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.

Is Heraklion or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

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

Chartres is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's easy enough to visit as a day trip from Paris, so backpackers and other tourists typically allow themselves a few hours to explore.

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

Chartres 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.

Chartres has some very good public transit options. There are trains that leave Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 every half hour and travel to Chartres. The trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

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 Chartres a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Chartres are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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.

Chartres is a very walkable destination. It's easy to see the sights around town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Heraklion or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Heraklion than Chartres because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chartres.

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

The city of Heraklion offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Heraklion or Chartres?

Heraklion is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Heraklion, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Heraklion or Chartres?

Heraklion is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the grand town of Chartres. 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 Chartres?

Heraklion is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Chartres 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Chartres?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Chartres. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Chartres, 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 Chartres?

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 Chartres in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Chartres. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Chartres in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Chartres in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chartres this time of the year. In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Chartres. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Chartres in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Chartres. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Heraklion is much warmer than Chartres. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Chartres averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in October than Chartres. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Chartres in the Winter?

Both Chartres and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Chartres because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Chartres can be very cold. In January, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Chartres. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Chartres in the Spring?

Both Chartres and Heraklion during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, the small town charm are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Chartres in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Chartres. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Heraklion