Which place is cheaper, Ericeira or Heraklion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Heraklion or Ericeira?
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 Ericeira 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 Ericeira?
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.
Ericeira
Beneath an indigo sky, a city perches at the edge of sandstone cliffs that overlook the vast expanse of the Atlantic. A seaside resort and fishing community, Ericeira is located in western Portugal within the municipality of Mafra. A picturesque village, Ericeira is quaint, quiet, and absolutely breathtaking with a population of no more than 10,260. Because of its blue waters and pristine coastlines, it has been named the Surfing Mecca of Europe. The town was a famous summer retreat for the families of Lisbon during the 1940s and 1950s and still remains so today for families beyond Lisbon's borders. Ericeira also has a World Surfing Reserve, the first in Europe and second in the world. Besides the many beaches on Ericeira, including Ribeira d'Ilhas, Pescadores, and Mataduoro, the town also has a park called Parque de Santa Maria as well as an old town center that has a collection of cafes, shops, restaurants, and bars. There are also some important landmarks that can be explored as no more than a brief visit, such as Forte Mil Regos and Casa De Cultura Jaime Lobo E. Silvs. Whether you are a surfer, fisher, or simply a lover of the beach, Ericeira is the perfect place for those who wish to experience the Atlantic like never before.
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 G Adventures Tours to Portugal, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lisbon.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHeraklion €158Ericeira €100
The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, while the average daily cost in Ericeira is €100. 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 Ericeira in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHeraklion €81Ericeira €51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHeraklion €162Ericeira €102
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Ericeira
Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Ericeira? 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Heraklion €31Ericeira €25
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: $4,021
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to SITIA area up to 7 customers: $280
- Private Transfer Port/Airport to/from Ierapetra: $273
- Knossos and Arch Museum of Heraklion (Guide+Transfer+Ticket) : $229
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to Makris Gialos area up to 7 : $228
- KNOSSOS PALACE private tour ( with Transfer from Heraklion Prefecture ): $196
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to IERAPETRA area up to 7 customers: $184
- Private Transfer from Heraklion Airport to Makrygialos: $175
- Semi Private Wine and Olive Oil tour (Transfer & Lunch Incl.): $163
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to RETHIMNO CITY area up to 7 : $157
- Private Wine | Food Pairing at Titakis Winery with Free Transfer: $153
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to MATALA area up to 7 customers: $149
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ericeira
Also for Ericeira, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Lisbon Airport to Ericeira: $91
- Transfer Privado de/para Aeroporto de Lisboa para Ericeira: $47
- Private Transfer To or From Ericeira: $91
- Lisbon: Private Transfer between the Airport & Ericeira Area: $75
- Lisbon Airport Private Transfer: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Ericeira?
Prices for flights to both Ericeira 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
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Food Meals for one dayHeraklion €52Ericeira €25
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: $48
- Cretan Night with Dinner & Live Show: $49
- 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: $84
- Cook with Locals | Cretan cooking Class at Archanes (transfer - lunch included): $86
- Crete: Land Rover Safari with Sunset Viewing, Dinner, & Wine: $90
- Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $97
- Food tour tasting walking tour: $123
- E-bike Food Tour Tasting in Heraklion : $125
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Heraklion €38Ericeira €26
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: $108
- Adventure Safari Tour Secrets of the southern Crete : $100
- Ηeraklion Walking Tour with Archaeological Museum: $82
- 3-Hour Trekking Mount Karfi Adventure with pickup from Heraklion: $118
- 4-Hour Giouchtas Trekking Hiking Experience from Heraklion: $90
- 4x4 self drive adventure_Cretan mainland: $87
- Adventure Jeep Safari Amazing sunset : $85
- Agios Nikolaos-Spinalonga-Elounda Tour TR: $47
- All Year Tour to Knossos Palace & Heraklion: $618
- All-Day Knossos Palace Tour & Olive Mill Visit: $695
- Archaeological Museum of Heraklion Tour: $86
- Archaeological Museum of Guided Walking Tour: $86
Tours and Activities in Ericeira
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ericeira.
- Custom-Tailored Immersive Photo Experiences: $48
- Ericeira Private Tour: Hidden Gastronomic Gems with lunch: $106
- Highlights & Culinary Kickstart of Ericeira | PRIVATE Tour: $71
- Lisbon: Wellington's Defensive Lines Tour: $385
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHeraklion €26Ericeira €17
Sample the Local Flavors in Heraklion
Also in Heraklion, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $95
- Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $115
- Ecobike Tour with Wine Tasting: $118
- Luxury Private Wine Tasting Experience in Haralabakis Winery: $119
- Half Day Small Group Wine Tour with wine Tastings: $125
- Half Day Semi Private Wine Tour with Tastings: $134
- Semi Private Heraklion Valley Wine Tour with Lunch: $159
- The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $180
- Private SUV Wine Tour with Lunch: $183
- Full Day Private Crete Wine Tour Experience from Heraklion : $190
- Full day Knossos Palace, Local Distillery, Lunch @ Archanes: $192
- Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $196
Sample the Local Flavors in Ericeira
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Ericeira:
- Portuguese Wine Tasting - 4 Wines: $43
- Private Portuguese Wine Tasting - 4 Wines & Snacks: $61
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heraklion and Ericeira, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Ericeira much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ericeira would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ericeira 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 Ericeira.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Heraklion Expensive? and Is Ericeira Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Ericeira?
Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ericeira. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Ericeira, 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 Ericeira?
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 Ericeira in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Ericeira. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Ericeira. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Ericeira averages at about 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ericeira this time of the year. In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ericeira during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Ericeira receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Ericeira. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ericeira receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHeraklion 25°C (78°F)Ericeira 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Ericeira in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Ericeira. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In October, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Ericeira. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Ericeira fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ericeira. In the autumn, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ericeira. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ericeira receives 213 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets less rain in October than Ericeira. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Ericeira receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHeraklion 20°C (68°F)Ericeira 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Ericeira in the Winter?
Both Ericeira and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Heraklion is around the same temperature as Ericeira in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Ericeira fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Heraklion usually receives less sunshine than Ericeira during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Ericeira receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ericeira. In January, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Ericeira. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Ericeira receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHeraklion 12°C (54°F)Ericeira 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Ericeira in the Spring?
Both Ericeira and Heraklion during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year.
In the spring, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Ericeira. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Ericeira averages at about 16°C (60°F).
In Ericeira, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ericeira. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ericeira receives 235 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Ericeira. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Ericeira receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHeraklion 16°C (61°F)Ericeira 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Ericeira and Heraklion
| Heraklion | Ericeira | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (58°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.