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

Should you visit Heraklion or Imperia?

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 Imperia 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 historic, vibrant, and accessible city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Imperia

Imperia is a charming, undiscovered, and authentic town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Heraklion and Imperia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Imperia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Heraklion. Although Heraklion and Imperia are both popular with visitors, Heraklion has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Heraklion is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Imperia is known for its impressive beauty. Heraklion is more touristy than Imperia and is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to The Palace of Knossos. Imperia is popular for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Heraklion different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Heraklion is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Heraklion offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Imperia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

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

Heraklion is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Heraklion is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Heraklion or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Heraklion has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Heraklion or Imperia Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is notable for the beach. However, Imperia 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.

Imperia is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Imperia?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Heraklion and Imperia.

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 Imperia to go shopping. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Heraklion or Imperia Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Imperia 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 Imperia. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Is Heraklion or Imperia Better for Couples?

Heraklion is notable for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Heraklion is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

Is Heraklion or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is notable for backpackers. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Heraklion is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

Imperia is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Imperia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

Is Heraklion or Imperia a more walkable city?

Heraklion is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

Heraklion is a very walkable destination. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

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

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Imperia?

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

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

One day in Heraklion or Imperia?

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 town of Imperia. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Imperia has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Imperia?

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 undiscovered destination of Imperia. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Imperia?

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 authentic town of Imperia. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Imperia?

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.

Imperia 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 Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Imperia?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Imperia. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Imperia, 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 Imperia?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Heraklion or Imperia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Imperia. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Imperia in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Imperia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Imperia averages at about 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Imperia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Imperia. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Imperia. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Imperia in the Autumn?

Both Imperia and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Imperia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Imperia. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Imperia. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Imperia in the Winter?

Both Imperia and Heraklion during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Imperia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Imperia in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Imperia fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 127 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Imperia. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Imperia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Imperia. The spring months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Imperia this time of year.

In the spring, Heraklion is a little warmer than Imperia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Imperia averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Imperia. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Imperia and Heraklion