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

Should you visit Heraklion or Kosice?

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 Kosice 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 Kosice?

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.

Kosice

Founded in the 13th century, Kosice today is the second largest city in Slovakia featuring churches, cathedrals, and fortifications which speak to its roots as a center of activity during the Middle Ages. Some of its top attractions include the city's historical center, Singing Fountain, and Cathedral of Saint Elizabeth.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Slovakia, and The Best Adventure Tours to Slovakia.


Which place is cheaper, Kosice 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 Kosice is €137. 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 Kosice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heraklion 81
    Kosice 73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heraklion 162
    Kosice 146
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Kosice

Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Kosice? 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 Kosice


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 Kosice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heraklion 31
    Kosice 29

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: $4,083
  • Knossos and Arch Museum of Heraklion (Guide+Transfer+Ticket) : $232
  • KNOSSOS PALACE private tour ( with Transfer from Heraklion Prefecture ): $199
  • Semi Private Wine and Olive Oil tour (Transfer & Lunch Incl.): $165
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to RETHIMNO CITY area up to 7 : $159
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to MATALA area up to 7 customers: $151
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to ELOUNTA area up to 7 customers: $141
  • Heraklion Int Airport (HER): Transfer to Heraklion hotels: $139
  • Heraklion Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Heraklion city: $139
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to Panormos area up to 7 customers: $133
  • Transfers in Crete from-to Airports/Ports/Hotels/Villas: $130
  • Crete Private Taxi and Transfer from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos: $124

Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Kosice?

Prices for flights to both Kosice 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
    Kosice 42

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
  • From Village Cretan Night, Live Dancers & dinner: $49
  • Crete: Olive Oil Festival, Farm Dinner, Live Show & Pickup: $60
  • Cretan Farm with scenic view: Olive Mill Festival & dinner: $65
  • Amazing Sunset Safari Route with Dinner: $85
  • Cook with Locals | Cretan cooking Class at Archanes (transfer - lunch included): $87
  • Crete: Land Rover Safari with Sunset Viewing, Dinner, & Wine: $91
  • Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $98
  • E-bike Food Tour Tasting in Heraklion : $114
  • Food tour tasting walking tour: $125
  • Walking Food Tour to Explore and Eat in Heraklion: $147
  • Heraklion Area: Cooking lessons with Dinner and Wine Tasting: $195

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heraklion 38
    Kosice 24

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: $109
  • Adventure Safari Tour Secrets of the southern Crete : $102
  • Ηeraklion Walking Tour with Archaeological Museum: $84
  • 4-Hour Giouchtas Trekking Hiking Experience from Heraklion: $91
  • 4x4 self drive adventure: $88
  • All-Day Knossos Palace Tour & Olive Mill Visit: $706
  • Archaeological Museum of Heraklion Tour: $87
  • Archaeological Museum of Guided Walking Tour: $87
  • Archeological Museum of Heraklion & Food Tasting Experience: $162
  • Beer Bike 1 hour Experience in Malia : $25
  • Best Wines of Heraklion Crete - Half day Tasting Group Tour: $119
  • Buggy Safari Tours In Crete Heraklion: $342

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heraklion 26
    Kosice 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Heraklion

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

  • Ecobike Tour with Wine Tasting: $96
  • Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $97
  • Jeep Safari Wine Tour and South sea swimming: $98
  • Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $104
  • Wine Tasting-Olive Oil Factory-Traditional Villages- Small Group : $133
  • Half Day Semi Private Wine Tour with Tastings: $136
  • Full Day-Ecobike Old Villages Tour & Wine Tasting: $144
  • The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $166
  • Semi Private Heraklion Valley Wine Tour with Lunch: $173
  • Private SUV Wine Tour with Lunch: $175
  • Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $179
  • All in One - Ecobike City Tour - Food Tasting - Wine Tasting: $204


When comparing the travel costs between Heraklion and Kosice, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Kosice?

Kosice has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Kosice, 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 Kosice?

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 Kosice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Kosice. 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 Kosice. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Kosice fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kosice this time of the year. In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Kosice during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Kosice receives 275 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Kosice. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Kosice receives 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Heraklion 25°C (78°F) 
    Kosice 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Kosice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Kosice. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Heraklion is much warmer than Kosice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Kosice fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Kosice. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kosice receives 150 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in October than Kosice. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Kosice receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Heraklion 20°C (68°F) 
    Kosice 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Kosice in the Winter?

Both Kosice 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 Kosice in the winter. In the winter, Heraklion is much warmer than Kosice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Kosice averages at about -2°C (28°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Kosice during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Kosice receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Kosice. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Kosice receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Heraklion or Kosice in the Spring?

Both Kosice 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 a little warmer than Kosice. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Kosice fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Kosice. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kosice receives 191 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Kosice. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kosice receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Heraklion 16°C (61°F) 
    Kosice 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for Kosice and Heraklion

Heraklion Kosice
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) -2°C (28°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 77 mm (3 in) 1°C (33°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (42°F) 32 mm (1.2 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 5°C (41°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 14°C (58°F) 77 mm (3 in) 0°C (32°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)