Which place is cheaper, Minsk or Heraklion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Heraklion or Minsk?
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 Minsk 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 Minsk?
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.
Minsk
Minsk is the capital city of Belarus, centrally located. Situated on the Svislac and Niamiha rivers, it is also capital of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), and was the capital of the former Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic from 1919-1991. It is a modern city dominated by monumental Stalinist architecture with many of its museums, theaters, and other cultural attractions.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHeraklion €158Minsk €59
The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, while the average daily cost in Minsk is €59. 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 Minsk in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHeraklion €81Minsk €29
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHeraklion €162Minsk €58
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Minsk
Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Minsk? 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.
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.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Heraklion €31Minsk €11
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion
Also for Heraklion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One-Way Shared Transfer From or To Heraklion Air - Hersonissos: $16
- Acqua Plus Water Park Admission with Optional Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer in Crete: $33
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to KOKKINI HANI area up to 7 customers: $44
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to AMMOUDARA HERAKLION area up to 7: $47
- Crete Private Transfer from Heraklion to Hersonissos: $51
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to ANISSARAS area up to 7 customers: $61
- VIP Private Transfer: Heraklion - Analipsi Hotels & Villas: $62
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to HERSONISSOS area up to 7 customers: $62
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to KOUTOULOUFARI area up to 7 : $62
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to AGIA PELAGIA area up to 7 customers: $62
- Transfer Heraklio Airport to ANALIPSI area up to 7 customers: $62
Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Minsk?
Prices for flights to both Minsk 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
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Food Meals for one dayHeraklion €52Minsk €19
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: $83
- 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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Heraklion €38Minsk €18
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: $8.52
- 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: $15
- 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHeraklion €26Minsk €13
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: $94
- Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $95
- Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $115
- 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: $133
- Full Day-Ecobike Old Villages Tour & Wine Tasting: $142
- Semi Private Heraklion Valley Wine Tour with Lunch: $159
- The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $180
- Private SUV Wine Tour with Lunch: $182
- Full Day Private Crete Wine Tour Experience from Heraklion : $190
- Full day Knossos Palace, Local Distillery, Lunch @ Archanes: $192
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heraklion and Minsk, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Minsk much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Minsk would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Minsk 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 Minsk.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Heraklion Expensive? and Is Minsk Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Minsk?
Minsk has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Minsk, 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 Minsk?
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 Minsk in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Minsk. 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 Minsk in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Minsk fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Minsk. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Minsk. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minsk receives 258 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Minsk. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Minsk receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHeraklion 25°C (78°F)Minsk 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Minsk in the Autumn?
Both Minsk and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In the autumn, Heraklion is much warmer than Minsk. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Minsk averages at about 8°C (47°F).
Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Minsk during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Minsk receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Minsk. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Minsk receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHeraklion 20°C (68°F)Minsk 8°C (47°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Minsk in the Winter?
Both Minsk and Heraklion during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Minsk. In January, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Minsk. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Minsk fluctuates around -5°C (22°F).
In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Minsk. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Minsk receives 46 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Minsk. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Minsk receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHeraklion 12°C (54°F)Minsk -5°C (22°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Minsk in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Minsk. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city.
Heraklion is much warmer than Minsk in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Minsk fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Minsk during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Minsk receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Minsk. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Minsk receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHeraklion 16°C (61°F)Minsk 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Minsk and Heraklion
| Heraklion | Minsk | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | -5°C (22°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 0°C (33°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 88 mm (3.5 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (58°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.