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

Should you visit Heraklion or Inverness?

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 Inverness 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. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Inverness

Inverness is a traditional, local, and historic city. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Heraklion and Inverness: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Inverness?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Heraklion than Inverness, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Heraklion is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Inverness is more popular for its shopping and small town charm. Heraklion is well known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Heraklion is famous for The Palace of Knossos. Inverness is well known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness.

How is Heraklion different from Inverness?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Heraklion and Inverness.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Inverness. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

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

Foodies will find both Heraklion and Inverness both to be superb destinations.

Heraklion has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Inverness is an experience not to be missed. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

Is Heraklion or Inverness Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Heraklion offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

Is Heraklion or Inverness Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a well-known place for the beache. However, Inverness is not a beach destination.

Heraklion is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Inverness is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Inverness?

Inverness is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Inverness is well-known for its shopping. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

Many visitors go to Heraklion to go shopping. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Is Heraklion or Inverness Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Inverness are notable 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 Inverness. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

Is Heraklion or Inverness Better for Couples?

Heraklion is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Inverness is a good city for couples to visit. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

Is Heraklion or Inverness Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.

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

Heraklion is very good for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.

Is Heraklion or Inverness a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Inverness are superb 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.

Inverness is a very walkable destination. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Inverness or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Inverness?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Heraklion and Inverness. In our opinion, Heraklion has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Heraklion than Inverness. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Heraklion than Inverness. 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 Inverness. 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 Inverness 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 Inverness?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Heraklion. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Heraklion has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Inverness. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Inverness has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Inverness?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Heraklion. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Inverness. 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 Inverness?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the accessible city of Heraklion. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Inverness. 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 Inverness?

Heraklion is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

Inverness 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heraklion and Inverness, we can see that Inverness is more expensive. And not only is Heraklion much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Heraklion would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Heraklion 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 Inverness would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Inverness than you might in Heraklion.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Inverness?

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

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 Inverness in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Inverness. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Inverness for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Heraklion is much warmer than Inverness in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Inverness fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Inverness. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 147 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Inverness. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Inverness in the Autumn?

Both Inverness and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Inverness because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Heraklion is much warmer than Inverness. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Inverness averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Inverness during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 84 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Inverness. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Inverness in the Winter?

Both Inverness and Heraklion during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Inverness this time of year.

It's quite cold in Inverness in the winter. In January, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Inverness. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Inverness fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Inverness. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Inverness receives 42 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Inverness. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Inverness in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Inverness. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Inverness for the small town charm.

Heraklion is much warmer than Inverness in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Inverness fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Inverness during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Inverness receives 136 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Inverness. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Inverness receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Inverness and Heraklion