A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heraklion vs. Katowice for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Heraklion or Katowice?

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 Katowice 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 Katowice?

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.

Katowice

Katowice is a city east of Krakow, in the Silesian province of southern Poland. A large dome crowns the Cathedral of Christ the King, built between 1927 and 1955. The adjacent Archdiocesan Museum exhibits Silesian sacred art. The ultramodern Silesian Museum features several glass structures on the site of a former coal mine. It exhibits Polish art and chronicles the history of Upper Silesia. Historically, Katowice is a product of the 19th-century industrial boom, but it only became a city in the interwar period. After WWII, at the height of the Stalinist cult craze, the city was renamed Stalinogrod, but reverted to its old name soon after Comrade Joe died in 1953. Katowice has few significant historical monuments, but it's a major commercial and cultural center and holds sufficient attractions to make it worth a stop.

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 Krakow, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Warsaw.


Which place is cheaper, Katowice or Heraklion?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, while the average daily cost in Katowice is €43. 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 Katowice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heraklion 81
    Katowice 18
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heraklion 162
    Katowice 36
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Katowice

Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Katowice? 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.

Hotels in Heraklion


Hotels in Katowice


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 Katowice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heraklion 31
    Katowice 12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion

Also for Heraklion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • One-Way Shared Transfer From or To Heraklion Air - Hersonissos: $16
  • Acqua Plus Water Park Admission with Optional Transfer: $32
  • Private Transfer in Crete: $33
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to KOKKINI HANI area up to 7 customers: $44
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to AMMOUDARA HERAKLION area up to 7: $47
  • Crete Private Transfer from Heraklion to Hersonissos: $51
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to ANISSARAS area up to 7 customers: $61
  • VIP Private Transfer: Heraklion - Analipsi Hotels & Villas: $62
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to HERSONISSOS area up to 7 customers: $62
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to KOUTOULOUFARI area up to 7 : $62
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to AGIA PELAGIA area up to 7 customers: $62
  • Transfer Heraklio Airport to ANALIPSI area up to 7 customers: $62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Katowice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Katowice:

  • Katowice Pyrzowice KTW to Krakow City Private Transfer: $129
  • Katowice Airport: Private Transfer to or from Krakow: $186
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau: Fast-Track Ticket & Guided Tour No Transfers: $32
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Katowice with Private Transfers: $199

Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Katowice?

Prices for flights to both Katowice 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Heraklion 52
    Katowice 18

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

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Katowice

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Katowice.

  • Private Traditional Polish Food Tour: $179

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heraklion 38
    Katowice 6.00

Tours and Activities in Heraklion

For Heraklion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Heraklion Area: CRETAquarium Admission Ticket: $8.56
  • CRETAquarium Entrance Ticket in Crete: $8.73
  • Mobile Self-Guided Audio Sightseeing Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Crete: Palace of Knossos E-Ticket and Optional Audio Guide: $11
  • Herakleion: City Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
  • Heraklion Market & CretAquarium *Skip the line: $16
  • Heraklion City Tour - Aquarium: $17
  • Knossos Palace: E-ticket with Audio and Heraklion City Tour: $18
  • Party Bike 1 hour Experience in Malia : $19
  • Knossos Self-Guided Treasure Hunt & Tour KIDS: $21
  • Minoan Day Experience: $22

Tours and Activities in Katowice

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Katowice are as follows:

  • Auschwitz & Birkenau Live Guide Tour Entrance Ticket: $55
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau - Skip the Line Tickets : $32
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau: Entry Ticket with Guided Tour: $32
  • Entrance Ticket to Auschwitz Birkenau with Guide and FREE ebook: $32
  • From Auschwitz-Birkenau Skip-the-Line Guided Tour: $95
  • Jasna Gora and Czestochowa Private Tour from Katowice by Car: $349
  • Katowice Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $99
  • Katowice Private Polish Beer Tasting Tour: $160
  • Katowice Private Vodka Tasting Tour: $159
  • Katowice and Nikiszowiec: bicycle tour with guide: $42
  • Private City Tour with Stories & Viewing Points: $154
  • Private Tour to Auschwitz Birkenau: $156

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heraklion 26
    Katowice 5.33

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Katowice

Also in Katowice, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Tyskie Brewery Tour: $111


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

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


Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Katowice?

Katowice has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Katowice, 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 Katowice?

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 Katowice in the Summer?

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

Heraklion is a little warmer than Katowice in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Katowice fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Katowice. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Katowice. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 219 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Katowice. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Heraklion 25°C (78°F) 
    Katowice 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Katowice in the Autumn?

Both Katowice 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.

In the autumn, Heraklion is much warmer than Katowice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Katowice averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Katowice during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Katowice. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Heraklion 20°C (68°F) 
    Katowice 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Katowice in the Winter?

Both Katowice 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.

The weather in Katowice can be very cold. In January, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Katowice. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Katowice fluctuates around -2°C (28°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Katowice. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Katowice receives 51 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Katowice. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Heraklion 12°C (54°F) 
    Katowice -2°C (28°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Katowice in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Katowice. The spring months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Heraklion is much warmer than Katowice in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Katowice fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Katowice during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Katowice receives 152 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Katowice. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Katowice receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Heraklion 16°C (61°F) 
    Katowice 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Katowice and Heraklion

Heraklion Katowice
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) -2°C (28°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 77 mm (3 in) -2°C (28°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 16°C (61°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 18°C (64°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 17°C (63°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 14°C (58°F) 77 mm (3 in) 0°C (32°F) 50 mm (2 in)