A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heraklion vs. Lagos for Beaches, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Heraklion or Lagos?

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 Lagos 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 accessible, bustling, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Lagos

Lagos is a dramatic, vibrant, and beautiful resort town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Heraklion and Lagos: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Lagos?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Heraklion. Although Heraklion and Lagos are popular destinations, Heraklion has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heraklion is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Lagos attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Lagos is more touristy than Heraklion and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Heraklion is famous for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Palace of Knossos.

How is Heraklion different from Lagos?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Heraklion is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Heraklion and Lagos both to be very good 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 Lagos is an experience not to be missed. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

Is Heraklion or Lagos Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Heraklion and Lagos.

Heraklion has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Lagos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Is Heraklion or Lagos Better for Resorts?

Lagos is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Heraklion is not a resort destination.

Lagos is a world class resort vacation destination. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Heraklion is not a resort destination.

Is Heraklion or Lagos Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Heraklion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Lagos is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Heraklion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Heraklion or Lagos Better for Beaches?

Lagos is a world-class destination for the beache. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the beach.

Lagos is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Many people visit Heraklion for it's beautiful 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.

Is Heraklion or Lagos Better for Hiking?

Lagos is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Heraklion is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Lagos. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Heraklion is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Lagos?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Heraklion and Lagos.

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 Lagos to go shopping. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Heraklion or Lagos Better for Families?

Lagos is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Lagos is an extremely popular resort town to visit for families. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Heraklion. 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.

Is Heraklion or Lagos Better for Couples?

Lagos is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Lagos is a great resort town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

Couples visit Heraklion frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Heraklion or Lagos Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Lagos is extremely popular for backpackers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other 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.

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

Heraklion is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Heraklion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Heraklion or Lagos a more walkable city?

Heraklion is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Lagos is not a very walkable city. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Lagos or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Lagos?

In either Heraklion or Lagos, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Lagos than Heraklion because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 3-5 days is enough time in Lagos.

Families should spend more time in Lagos than Heraklion. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Lagos, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Lagos than Heraklion. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lagos that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lagos than Heraklion 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 Lagos.

One day in Heraklion or Lagos?

In Heraklion, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the resort town of Lagos. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Lagos?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heraklion. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the scenic destination of Lagos. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Lagos?

Heraklion is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Heraklion. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the dramatic resort town of Lagos. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this resort town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the beaches. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town has to offer.

A week in Heraklion or Lagos?

You'll find food and shopping around the accessible destination of Heraklion. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Lagos is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Lagos?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Lagos, 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 Lagos?

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 Lagos in the Summer?

Both Lagos and Heraklion during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Lagos for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Lagos. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Lagos fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Lagos. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Lagos in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Lagos. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Lagos in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Heraklion is cooler than Lagos in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Lagos fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Lagos. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Lagos in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Lagos. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Lagos for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Heraklion is much colder than Lagos. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Lagos averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Lagos. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Lagos in the Spring?

Both Lagos and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Heraklion is generally much colder than Lagos. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Lagos fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Lagos. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Lagos receives 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Lagos and Heraklion