Which place is cheaper, Hondarribia or Heraklion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Heraklion or Hondarribia?
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 Hondarribia 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 Hondarribia?
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.
Hondarribia
The characteristic Spanish buildings painted in the brightest, most vibrant of colors only match the true spirit of the town, Hondarribia, Spain. Hondarribia is located on the west shore of Bidasoa river's mouth in Gipuzkoa of Basque Country. The town is rich in its Spanish history, holding both an ancient old quarter with walls and a castle within. Hondarribia is also known for its gorgeous beach of bright blue water across the Bidasoa alongside the fertile, roaming mountain of Jaizkibel. What's more, Hondarribia faces the border of Hendaye, France, so if you are yearning to expand your cultural learning, take a service boat over to Spain's friendly neighbor! No matter if you want to explore the ancient architecture or enjoy the cooling waters of the bay, Hondarribia is definitely a location known for its beauty and activity!
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 Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHeraklion €158Hondarribia €132
The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, while the average daily cost in Hondarribia is €132. 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 Hondarribia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHeraklion €81Hondarribia €70
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHeraklion €162Hondarribia €140
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Hondarribia
Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Hondarribia? 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 and Hondarribia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Heraklion €31Hondarribia €32
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Hondarribia?
Prices for flights to both Hondarribia 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 €52Hondarribia €41
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 €38Hondarribia €22
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHeraklion €26Hondarribia €18
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 Hondarribia, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Hondarribia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hondarribia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hondarribia 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 Hondarribia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Heraklion Expensive? and Is Hondarribia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Hondarribia?
Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Hondarribia. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Hondarribia, 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 Hondarribia?
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 Hondarribia in the Summer?
Both Hondarribia and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year.
In July, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
It's quite sunny in Hondarribia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Hondarribia during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHeraklion 25°C (78°F)Hondarribia 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Hondarribia in the Autumn?
Both Hondarribia and Heraklion during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Heraklion is a little warmer than Hondarribia in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Hondarribia fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Hondarribia. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 144 hours of full sun.
Hondarribia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Heraklion usually gets less rain in October than Hondarribia. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHeraklion 20°C (68°F)Hondarribia 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Hondarribia in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Hondarribia. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Heraklion is a little warmer than Hondarribia. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Hondarribia averages at about 8°C (47°F).
Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Hondarribia during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.
Hondarribia receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHeraklion 12°C (54°F)Hondarribia 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Hondarribia in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Hondarribia. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
In April, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 12°C (54°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 Hondarribia. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 141 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Hondarribia. Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Hondarribia. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHeraklion 16°C (61°F)Hondarribia 12°C (54°F)
Typical Weather for Hondarribia and Heraklion
| Heraklion | Hondarribia | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 183 mm (7.2 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 148 mm (5.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 163 mm (6.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 139 mm (5.5 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 134 mm (5.3 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 155 mm (6.1 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 190 mm (7.5 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (58°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 9°C (49°F) | 184 mm (7.2 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.