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

Should you visit Heraklion or Lucca?

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 Lucca 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. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Lucca

Lucca is a charming, quaint, and popular city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Heraklion and Lucca: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Lucca?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Heraklion than Lucca, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Heraklion is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Lucca is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Heraklion is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to The Palace of Knossos. Lucca is popular for its ancient city walls and its many historic buildings.

How is Heraklion different from Lucca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Lucca. There are many interesting historic sights and buildings around this charming town. You can climb to the top of the Guinigi Tower or visit the Roman Amphitheater. Many visitors enjoy walking or biking around the city walls as well. Also make sure you visit the cathedral.

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

Foodies will find both Heraklion and Lucca both to be great 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 Lucca is an experience not to be missed. There are many great Tuscan restaurants inside the city walls. Perhaps the most popular local dish is tordelli Lucchesi. Its a meat filled pasta that has a beef ragu sauce. There are also other Tuscan recipes that include steak, boar, or rabbit.

Is Heraklion or Lucca Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Heraklion is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Lucca has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is most lively during the spring and summer months when tourists crowd into the city. For the highest concentration of bars, clubs, and lounges, head to Piazza Amfiteatro, Piazza San Michele and Via Fillungo.

Is Heraklion or Lucca Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is well known for the beach. However, Lucca is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Heraklion attract visitors from all over. 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.

Lucca is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Lucca Better for its Old Town?

Lucca is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Lucca is revered around the world. The historic city is surrounded by city walls, which you can walk around. Within the walls there are cobblestone streets and a charming atmosphere.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Lucca?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Heraklion and Lucca.

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 Lucca to go shopping. The city is filled with a mix of tourist shops and more authentic local vendors. If you look hard, you can still find some interesting local items that make for a more unique and personal shopping experience.

Is Heraklion or Lucca Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Lucca are good 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 Lucca. You can pass through town in a day or two, or stay longer and use it as a base for exploring Tuscany. There are playgrounds for the kids as well as some fun activities like cycling the city walls and climbing towers.

Is Heraklion or Lucca Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Lucca are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

Heraklion makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Lucca frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a beautiful city with good restaurants and access to nice countryside. Couples who want to explore Tuscany can use this town as a base to take in much of the region.

Is Heraklion or Lucca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is well known for backpackers. Also, Lucca is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Lucca. While there aren't many traditional hostels around town, guesthouses are usually affordable.

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

Heraklion is a city with good options for its public transit. However, Lucca 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 quite limited in Lucca. There's no public transit within the city so if you can't walk somewhere, you'll want to take a taxi. In general, walking is the best option though.

Is Heraklion or Lucca a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Lucca are great 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.

Lucca is a very walkable destination. Much of the city can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Lucca or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Lucca?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Heraklion or Lucca to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Heraklion than Lucca because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 1-2 days is enough time in Lucca.

Couples should spend more time in Heraklion than Lucca. 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 Lucca 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 Lucca?

In Heraklion, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic 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 shopping and museums around the city of Lucca. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lucca has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Lucca?

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 museums and nightlife around the quaint destination of Lucca. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Lucca?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Lucca. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Lucca?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic 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.

Lucca is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Lucca?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Lucca. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Lucca, 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.