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

Should you visit Heraklion or Granada?

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 Granada 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Granada

Granada is a beautiful, charming, and cultural city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Heraklion and Granada: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Granada?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Heraklion than Granada. While Granada is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Heraklion is very popular for its food, beaches, and big city activities, while Granada attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty. Heraklion is famous for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Palace of Knossos. Granada is famous for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra.

How is Heraklion different from Granada?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Granada 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 Granada are world-renowned. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

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 Granada? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Heraklion is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Heraklion. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Heraklion or Granada Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Heraklion and Granada.

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.

Granada is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

Is Heraklion or Granada Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Granada 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.

Granada is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Granada Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of Granada is revered around the world. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is Heraklion or Granada Better for Hiking?

Granada is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Heraklion is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Granada. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Heraklion is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Granada?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Heraklion and Granada.

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.

Many visitors go to Granada to go shopping. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Heraklion or Granada Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Granada are nice 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 Granada. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Heraklion or Granada Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Granada are excellent destinations for a couple's getaway.

Heraklion makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Couples visit Granada frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

Is Heraklion or Granada Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion and Granada are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

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

Granada is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

Is Heraklion or Granada Better for Students?

Granada is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Granada. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Heraklion and Granada.

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

You'll find some public transit in Granada, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

Is Heraklion or Granada a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Granada 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.

Granada is a very walkable destination. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

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

Should I spend more time in Granada or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Granada?

It's fun to spend time in either Heraklion or Granada. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Granada due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 2-4 days is enough time in Granada.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Granada than Heraklion 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 Granada.

One day in Heraklion or Granada?

In Heraklion, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Granada. 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 Granada?

In Heraklion, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Heraklion has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Granada. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Granada?

Heraklion is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful city of Granada. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Granada?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heraklion. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Heraklion. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Granada 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Granada?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Granada, 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 Granada?

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 Granada in the Summer?

Both Granada 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. Also, many visitors come to Granada in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Granada. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Granada fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Granada. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Granada during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Granada receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Granada. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Granada receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Granada in the Autumn?

Both Granada 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Granada for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Heraklion is around the same temperature as Granada in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Granada fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Granada. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 213 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in October than Granada. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Granada receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Granada in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Granada. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Granada averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Heraklion usually receives less sunshine than Granada during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Granada receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Granada. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Granada receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Granada in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Granada. The spring months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Granada this time of year.

In April, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Granada. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Granada fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the spring, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Granada. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Granada receives 220 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Granada. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Granada receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Granada and Heraklion