A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heraklion vs. Marbella for Nightlife, Beaches, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Heraklion or Marbella?

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 Marbella 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 vibrant, accessible, and bustling city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Marbella

Marbella is a glamorous, fun-filled, and high energy resort town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Heraklion and Marbella: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Marbella?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Marbella than Heraklion, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Marbella is better known for its nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Heraklion is more popular for its museums, food, and big city activities. Heraklion is well known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Marbella is well known for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. Also, Marbella is famous for Plaza de los Naranjos.

How is Heraklion different from Marbella?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Heraklion is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Heraklion can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Heraklion is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Heraklion or Marbella Better for Nightlife?

Marbella is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

People head to Marbella just to party. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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.

Is Heraklion or Marbella Better for Music?

Marbella is a very popular place for its live music scene. However, Heraklion is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Marbella while you're in town. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Heraklion is not a live music destination.

Is Heraklion or Marbella Better for Resorts?

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

Marbella is a world class resort vacation destination. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Heraklion is not a resort destination.

Is Heraklion or Marbella Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Heraklion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Marbella is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Heraklion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Heraklion or Marbella Better for Beaches?

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

Marbella is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

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 Marbella Better for its Old Town?

Marbella is a resort town with good options for its old town. However, Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Marbella. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Marbella?

Marbella is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Marbella draws large crowds to its stores. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

Many visitors go to Heraklion to go shopping. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Is Heraklion or Marbella Better for Families?

Marbella is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Marbella is very family-friendly. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

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 Marbella Better for Couples?

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

Marbella is a great resort town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

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 Marbella Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Heraklion. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

Marbella is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

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

Heraklion is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Heraklion has some public transit options. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Heraklion or Marbella a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Marbella are high quality 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.

Marbella is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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

Should I spend more time in Marbella or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Marbella?

In either Heraklion or Marbella, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Marbella than Heraklion because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 2-5 days is enough time in Marbella.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heraklion than Marbella 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 Marbella?

The city of Heraklion offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the resort town of Marbella. 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 Marbella?

Heraklion is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Heraklion, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

You'll find live music and food around the glamorous destination of Marbella. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town has to offer. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Marbella?

Heraklion is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the glamorous resort town of Marbella. 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. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town has to offer.

A week in Heraklion or Marbella?

Heraklion is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Marbella?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Marbella, 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 Marbella?

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 Marbella in the Summer?

Both Marbella and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Heraklion is around the same temperature as Marbella in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Marbella fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Marbella. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Marbella during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Marbella. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Marbella in the Autumn?

Both Marbella and Heraklion during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Marbella this time of year.

In the autumn, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Marbella. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Marbella averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marbella. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 213 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in October than Marbella. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Marbella in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Marbella. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Marbella. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Marbella fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Heraklion usually receives less sunshine than Marbella during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Marbella receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Marbella. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Marbella in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Marbella. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Marbella in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Heraklion is around the same temperature as Marbella in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Marbella fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the spring, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Marbella. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Marbella receives 220 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Marbella. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Marbella receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Marbella and Heraklion