A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Heraklion vs. Delphi for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Heraklion or Delphi?

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 Delphi 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. 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.

Delphi

Delphi is a fascinating, world-renowned, and historic archeological site. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Heraklion and Delphi: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife


Is there more to do in Heraklion or Delphi?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Heraklion than Delphi. While Delphi is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Heraklion is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Delphi is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Delphi is more touristy than Heraklion and is known for its world renowned archeological ruins and its connection to Greek mythology. 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 Delphi?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Heraklion
Delphi

Delphi is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Delphi are world-renowned. This is one of the most popular archeological sites in Greece. You will find the Temple of Apollo and most of the monuments are dedicated to this God. There is an Ancient Theatre, an Ancient Stadium, as well as an Archaeological Museum. There's also the Sanctuary of Athena Pronea and the Treasury of the Athenians.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Heraklion. 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.


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

Heraklion
Delphi

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

Heraklion has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Delphi offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of restaurant options in the area, some of them offering spectacular views. There are traditional Greek restaurants as well as modern cafes with international cuisine. You'll find all of the standard Greek staples such as gyros, lamb chops, and seafood.

Is Heraklion or Delphi Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion
Delphi

Heraklion is great for its evening party scene. However, Delphi is not a good destination for 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.

People don't go to Delphi for the nightlife. This is a quiet town that shuts down in the evening. If you're looking for more of a nightlife scene, head to nearby Arachova, which is just a 10 minute drive away.

Is Heraklion or Delphi Better for Beaches?

Heraklion
Delphi

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

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.

Delphi is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Delphi?

Heraklion
Delphi

Heraklion is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Delphi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Delphi is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Heraklion or Delphi Better for Families?

Heraklion
Delphi

Both Heraklion and Delphi 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 Delphi. The archeological ruins are world class, and kids who enjoy mythology and history will love this place. It's the perfect place for kids to let their imagination run wild.

Is Heraklion or Delphi Better for Couples?

Heraklion
Delphi

Heraklion is great for couples. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for romance.

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.

Delphi is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic destination that is a great addition to any couple's itinerary to Greece.


Is Heraklion or Delphi Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion
Delphi

Heraklion is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Delphi is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site 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.

Delphi is a good city to visit for backpackers. There's a hostel or two in the area, and the prices are reasonable for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Heraklion
Delphi

Visitors will find good public transit in both Heraklion and Delphi.

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

You'll find some public transit in Delphi, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel to Delphi from Greece.

Is Heraklion or Delphi a more walkable city?

Heraklion
Delphi

Heraklion and Delphi are high quality 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.

Delphi is a very walkable destination. Both the museum are archeological site are within walking distance of the town. The town is also small enough to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Delphi or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Delphi?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Heraklion or Delphi to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Heraklion than Delphi 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 Delphi.

Families should spend more time in Heraklion than Delphi. 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 Delphi. 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 Delphi 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.


  • How many days in Heraklion or Delphi? Ideal Length of Stay
    Heraklion 1-3 
    Delphi 1-2

One day in Heraklion or Delphi?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Heraklion. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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

A weekend in Heraklion or Delphi?

Heraklion is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Heraklion or Delphi?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heraklion. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the fascinating archeological site of Delphi. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Heraklion or Delphi?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Heraklion. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Delphi 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 3-Day Tours in Greece, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Delphi 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 Delphi is €102. 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 Delphi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heraklion 81
    Delphi 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heraklion 162
    Delphi 118
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Delphi

Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Delphi? 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 Delphi


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heraklion 31
    Delphi 8.57

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: $4,095
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to SITIA area up to 7 customers: $285
  • Private Transfer Port/Airport to/from Ierapetra: $277
  • Knossos and Arch Museum of Heraklion (Guide+Transfer+Ticket) : $233
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to Makris Gialos area up to 7 : $232
  • Knossos palace & the Archaeological museum of Heraklion (with Transfer): $221
  • KNOSSOS PALACE private tour ( with Transfer from Heraklion Prefecture ): $200
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to IERAPETRA area up to 7 customers: $187
  • Private transfer from Heraklion airport to Chania: $177
  • Private Transfer from Heraklion Airport to Makrygialos: $177
  • Semi Private Wine and Olive Oil tour (Transfer & Lunch Incl.): $165
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to AGIA GALINI area up to 7 customers: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Delphi?

Prices for flights to both Delphi 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
    Delphi 36

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: $49
  • Cretan Night with Dinner & Live Show: $50
  • Crete: Olive Oil Festival, Farm Dinner, Live Show & Pickup: $60
  • Olive Oil Festival in Cretan Farm with Traditional Dinner: $61
  • Cretan Farm with scenic view: Olive Mill Festival & dinner: $65
  • Amazing Sunset Safari Route with Dinner: $85
  • Cretan Cooking Class at Archanes Village with transfer & Lunch: $88
  • Cook with Locals | Cretan cooking Class at Archanes (transfer - lunch included): $88
  • Crete: Land Rover Safari with Sunset Viewing, Dinner, & Wine: $91
  • Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $99

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heraklion 38
    Delphi 11

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: $110
  • Adventure Safari Tour Secrets of the southern Crete : $102
  • Ηeraklion Walking Tour with Archaeological Museum: $84
  • 3 Hour Fishing and Swimming Boat Experience in Schisma Eloundas: $133
  • 3-Hour Trekking Mount Karfi Adventure with pickup from Heraklion: $120
  • 4-Hour Giouchtas Trekking Hiking Experience from Heraklion: $92
  • 4x4 self drive adventure: $89
  • 6.5 Western Crete Exploration Tour for Cruise Ships: $233
  • Adventure Jeep Safari Amazing sunset : $86
  • Agios Nikolaos-Spinalonga-Elounda Tour TR: $48
  • All-Day Knossos Palace Tour & Olive Mill Visit: $708
  • Archaeological Museum of Heraklion Tour: $88

Tours and Activities in Delphi

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

  • Athens: 2-Day tour to Delphi and Meteora: $1,013
  • Delphi Guided Walking Tour and Admission Ticket: $109
  • Delphi Navel Of Earth Hosios Loukas Full Day Private Tour: $185
  • Delphi and Monastery of Hosios Loukas family day tour: $447
  • Delphi&Thermopylae private full day tour: $206
  • Archaeological Site & Museum Ticket with Audio Guide: $9.80
  • Archaeological Site & Museum Ticket with Audio Tour: $13
  • Audiovisual self-guided tour with 3D models: $7.61
  • Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour in Earth's Navel: $4.68
  • Self-Guided Virtual Tour Experience from your Home: $17
  • Self-guided audio tour in French or English: $22
  • From Athens: Delphi Full-Day Tour: $588

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heraklion 26
    Delphi 13

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: $96
  • Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $97
  • Jeep Safari Wine Tour and South sea swimming: $99
  • Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $105
  • Luxury Private Wine Tasting Experience in Haralabakis Winery: $121
  • Wine Tasting-Olive Oil Factory-Traditional Villages- Small Group : $133
  • Half Day Semi Private Wine Tour with Tastings: $136
  • Full Day-Ecobike Old Villages Tour & Wine Tasting: $145
  • Full Day - Ecobike - Discover old villages & Wine tasting: $160
  • The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $166
  • Semi Private Heraklion Valley Wine Tour with Lunch: $173
  • Private SUV Wine Tour with Lunch: $176


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

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


Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Delphi?

Delphi has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Delphi, 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.

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