Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Heraklion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Heraklion or Karlovy Vary?
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 Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary?
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.
Karlovy Vary
Founded in 1370, Karlovy Vary translates to "Charles' Bath" for its founder Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, as well as its famous hot springs. It is located in Bohemia in the western Czech Republic and is also known as Karlsbad (German) or Carlsbad (English). Another highlight is the International Film Festival in July with draws celebrities and other film enthusiasts worldwide.
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 Cultural Tours in Czech Republic, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Czech Republic.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHeraklion €158Karlovy Vary €76
The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is €76. 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 Karlovy Vary in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHeraklion €81Karlovy Vary €36
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHeraklion €162Karlovy Vary €72
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Karlovy Vary
Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Karlovy Vary? 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 Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Heraklion €31Karlovy Vary €24
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion
Also for Heraklion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Private Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands: $4,021
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to SITIA area up to 7 customers: $280
- Private Transfer Port/Airport to/from Ierapetra: $273
- Knossos and Arch Museum of Heraklion (Guide+Transfer+Ticket) : $229
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to Makris Gialos area up to 7 : $228
- KNOSSOS PALACE private tour ( with Transfer from Heraklion Prefecture ): $196
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to IERAPETRA area up to 7 customers: $184
- Private Transfer from Heraklion Airport to Makrygialos: $175
- Semi Private Wine and Olive Oil tour (Transfer & Lunch Incl.): $163
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to RETHIMNO CITY area up to 7 : $157
- Private Wine | Food Pairing at Titakis Winery with Free Transfer: $153
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to MATALA area up to 7 customers: $149
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary
Also for Karlovy Vary, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $128
- Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $120
- Private Transfer Karlovy Vary to Prague Vaclav Havel Airport : $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Karlovy Vary?
Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary 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 €52Karlovy Vary €25
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 €38Karlovy Vary €11
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 Karlovy Vary
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Karlovy Vary.
- A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $224
- Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $298
- Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $112
- Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $209
- Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $35
- Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $32
- Private Walking Tour: $227
- LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $255
- Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $77
- Private Tour to Karlovy Vary: $353
- Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $168
- Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $168
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHeraklion €26Karlovy Vary €6.13
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 Karlovy Vary, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Karlovy Vary much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Karlovy Vary would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Karlovy Vary 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 Karlovy Vary.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Heraklion Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Karlovy Vary?
Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Karlovy Vary, 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 Karlovy Vary?
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 Karlovy Vary in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Karlovy Vary. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Karlovy Vary this time of the year. In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHeraklion 25°C (78°F)Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Karlovy Vary. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
Heraklion is much warmer than Karlovy Vary in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets more rain in October than Karlovy Vary. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHeraklion 20°C (68°F)Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?
Both Karlovy Vary and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Karlovy Vary in the winter. In the winter, Heraklion is much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 1°C (33°F).
Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Karlovy Vary during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHeraklion 12°C (54°F)Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?
Both Karlovy Vary and Heraklion during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year.
In April, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Karlovy Vary. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHeraklion 16°C (61°F)Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Heraklion
| Heraklion | Karlovy Vary | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 1°C (33°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 2°C (36°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (67°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (58°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 46 mm (1.8 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.