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

Should you visit Heraklion or Lugo?

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 Lugo 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 Lugo?

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.

Lugo

Located in northwestern Spain, Lugo is a city of the Galicia region best known for its old city, completely surrounded by Roman walls. Within these walls are some of Lugo's most impressive sights including a striking city hall, elaborate cathedral, and many beautiful city squares and plazas. The city is also known for its festivals and is the capital of a province of the same name.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Lugo 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 Lugo is €98. 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 Lugo in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heraklion 81
    Lugo 50
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heraklion 162
    Lugo 100
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Lugo

Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Lugo? 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 Lugo


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 Lugo Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heraklion 31
    Lugo 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion

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

  • Acqua Plus Water Park Admission with Optional Transfer: $32
  • Crete Private Taxi Transfer from Heraklion Airport to Bali: $95
  • Crete Private Taxi and Transfer from Heraklion Airport to Malia: $81
  • Crete Private Taxi and Transfer from Heraklion Airport to Panormo: $103
  • Crete Private Taxi and Transfer from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos: $122
  • Crete Private Transfer from Heraklion to Hersonissos: $51
  • Day Cruise from Heraklion with Catamaran & Transfer service: $123
  • From Airport to Elounda Private Transfer: $107
  • From Private Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands: $4,021
  • Heraklion Airport (HER): Private Transfer to Heraklion Port: $105
  • Heraklion Cruise Port: Private Transfer to Heraklion city: $137
  • Heraklion Int Airport (HER): Transfer to Heraklion hotels: $137

Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Lugo?

Prices for flights to both Lugo 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
    Lugo 34

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heraklion 38
    Lugo 13

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 Lugo

Here are a few actual costs in Lugo for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $80
  • ¡¡NEW!! Private Walking Tour with Local Guide: $80
  • Cathedral of Santa Maria Entry Ticket and Audio Guide: $6.42

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heraklion 26
    Lugo 16

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 Lugo, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Lugo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lugo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lugo 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 Lugo.

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


Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Lugo?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 49% larger than the population of Lugo. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Lugo, 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 Lugo?

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 Lugo in the Summer?

Both Lugo and Heraklion during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Lugo in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Lugo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Lugo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Lugo. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lugo receives 248 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Lugo. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Heraklion 25°C (78°F) 
    Lugo 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Lugo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Lugo. The autumn months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Heraklion is a little warmer than Lugo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Lugo averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Lugo during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Lugo receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Lugo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Lugo. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Heraklion 20°C (68°F) 
    Lugo 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Lugo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Lugo. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year.

In January, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Lugo. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Lugo fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Lugo. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lugo receives 103 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Lugo. Heraklion usually gets less rain in January than Lugo. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Heraklion 12°C (54°F) 
    Lugo 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Lugo in the Spring?

Both Lugo and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Lugo in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Lugo fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Lugo during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Lugo receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Lugo. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Lugo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Heraklion 16°C (61°F) 
    Lugo 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Lugo and Heraklion

Heraklion Lugo
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 131 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 77 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (58°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (66°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 19°C (67°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Dec 14°C (58°F) 77 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 128 mm (5 in)


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