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

Should you visit Heraklion or Gothenburg?

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 Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg?

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.

Gothenburg

Gothenburg is the second largest city in Sweden with a population of about 500,000. It is located on the western coast at the edge of the Gota River. It's a very friendly and welcoming city with a great vibe. Part of its energy comes from the Gothenburg University, which, with over 60,000 students, is the largest university in the country. Historically, Gothenburg has working class roots which are still apparent today, particularly in the city's harbour area. Recently there has been a growing number of expensive restaurants and cafes, showing that the demographic continues to evolve.

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 10-Day Tours in Sweden, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Gothenburg 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 Gothenburg is €91. 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 Gothenburg in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heraklion 81
    Gothenburg 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heraklion 162
    Gothenburg 74
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Gothenburg

Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Gothenburg? 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 Gothenburg


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 Gothenburg Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heraklion 31
    Gothenburg 17

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): $119
  • VIP Private Transfer: Heraklion - Analipsi Hotels & Villas: $62
  • Transfers in Crete from-to Airports/Ports/Hotels/Villas: $128
  • Transfer Services From Heraklion To Rethymno Hotels: $96
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to SITIA area up to 7 customers: $280
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to RETHIMNO CITY area up to 7 : $157
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to PLAKA ELOUNTA area up to 7: $148
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to Makris Gialos area up to 7 : $228
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to MATALA area up to 7 customers: $149
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to MALIA area up to 7 customers: $80
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to KOUTOULOUFARI area up to 7 : $62
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to KOKKINI HANI area up to 7 customers: $44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gothenburg

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

  • Umea Private Transfer from Umea city centre to Umea airport: $145
  • Umea Private Transfer from Umea (UME) Airport to City centre: $145
  • Transfer From Gothenburg Hotel To Gothenburg Museum of Art: $32
  • Private Transfer from Gothenburg city to Goteborg Cruise Port: $64
  • Private Transfer Gothenburg Airport GOT to Gothenburg by Sedan: $102
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Stockholm: $505
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg To Alingsås: $119
  • Private Transfer From Gothenburg Landvetter Airport to Gothenburg Hotels: $95
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Ostersund (OSD) airport to central Ostersund: $174
  • Ostersund Private Transfer from Central Ostersund to Ostersund Airport: $174
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $15
  • Landvetter Airport Bus Transfer Arrival: $15

Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Gothenburg?

Prices for flights to both Gothenburg 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
    Gothenburg 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: $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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heraklion 38
    Gothenburg 14

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 Gothenburg

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

  • 2-Days Private Tour in Gothenburg: $300
  • 24h Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour: $32
  • After Dark in A Guided Nightlife Tour: $263
  • Archipelago Tour with guide Gothenburg: $40
  • Bike Tour Gothenburg, Guided Bicycle Tours: $113
  • City Sightseeing Gothenburg Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $32
  • Discover Gothenburg - Private Walking Tour: $224
  • Egypt Oasis Adventure Package: $918
  • Entry Ticket To Gothenburg Museum of art with pickup: $37
  • Entry Ticket To Universeum in Gothenburg with pickup: $64
  • Fatbike Experience in Sorsele: $113
  • Full Day Private Shore Tour in Gothenburg from Gothenburg Port: $283

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heraklion 26
    Gothenburg 19

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Gothenburg?

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

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 Gothenburg in the Summer?

Both Gothenburg and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Heraklion is much warmer than Gothenburg. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Gothenburg averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Gothenburg. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Gothenburg during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 243 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Gothenburg. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Heraklion 25°C (78°F) 
    Gothenburg 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Gothenburg in the Autumn?

Both Gothenburg and Heraklion during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Gothenburg. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Gothenburg fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Gothenburg. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 94 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in October than Gothenburg. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Heraklion 20°C (68°F) 
    Gothenburg 9°C (47°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Gothenburg in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Gothenburg. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Gothenburg can be very cold. Heraklion is much warmer than Gothenburg in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Gothenburg fluctuates around -2°C (29°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Gothenburg during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Gothenburg receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Gothenburg. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Heraklion 12°C (54°F) 
    Gothenburg -2°C (29°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Gothenburg in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Gothenburg. The spring months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Heraklion is much warmer than Gothenburg. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Gothenburg averages at about 5°C (41°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 Gothenburg. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gothenburg receives 182 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Gothenburg. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Gothenburg receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Heraklion 16°C (61°F) 
    Gothenburg 5°C (41°F)

Typical Weather for Gothenburg and Heraklion

Heraklion Gothenburg
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) -2°C (29°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 77 mm (3 in) -2°C (29°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 1°C (34°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (61°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 16°C (60°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (47°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (38°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 14°C (58°F) 77 mm (3 in) 0°C (32°F) 75 mm (3 in)