A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heraklion vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Couples, Beaches, and Backpackers

Should you visit Heraklion or Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre 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 vibrant, accessible, and bustling city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a picturesque, idyllic, and quaint coastal region. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Heraklion and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Cinque Terre?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Heraklion. Although Heraklion and Cinque Terre are both popular with visitors, Heraklion has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Heraklion is more popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Cinque Terre is known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Heraklion and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Heraklion is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to The Palace of Knossos.

How is Heraklion different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Heraklion is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Heraklion can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Cinque Terre have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

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.

Is Heraklion or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Heraklion has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Heraklion or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Heraklion is not a resort destination.

There isn't the widest selection of resorts in Cinque Terre, but you'll find a few options to choose from. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Heraklion is not a resort destination.

Is Heraklion or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Heraklion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Cinque Terre. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Heraklion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Heraklion or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Heraklion. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cinque Terre. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Is Heraklion or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Cinque Terre is revered around the world. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is Heraklion or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its hiking trails. However, Heraklion is not a hiking destination.

Around Cinque Terre visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Heraklion is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Cinque Terre?

Heraklion is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Heraklion has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Heraklion or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Heraklion or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Cinque Terre is a great coastal region for couples, as it has plenty to offer. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

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.

Is Heraklion or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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

Cinque Terre is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Heraklion and Cinque Terre.

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

You'll find some public transit in Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Heraklion or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Cinque Terre. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Cinque Terre?

In either Heraklion or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Heraklion because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

Families should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Heraklion. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Cinque Terre, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Heraklion. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cinque Terre that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heraklion than Cinque Terre 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 Cinque Terre?

In Heraklion, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this bustling city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Cinque Terre?

Heraklion is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal region has to offer. This coastal region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the bustling destination of Heraklion. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal region makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal region has to offer.

A week in Heraklion or Cinque Terre?

Heraklion is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cinque Terre is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Cinque Terre?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Cinque Terre, 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 Cinque Terre?

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 Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre 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. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Cinque Terre. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre 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. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

In October, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Heraklion usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Cinque Terre. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Heraklion is much warmer than Cinque Terre in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Heraklion is a little warmer than Cinque Terre. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 14°C (57°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 Cinque Terre. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Heraklion