Which place is cheaper, Olympos or Heraklion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Heraklion or Olympos?
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 Olympos 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 Olympos?
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.
Olympos
Olympos was an ancient city in Lycia, situated in a river valley near the coast. Its ruins are located south of the modern town Cirali in the Kumluca district of Antalya Province, Turkey. An important Lycian city in the 2nd century BC, Olympos is more famous these days for being the beach resort of choice for backpackers. Staying in an Olympos 'tree house' at one of the dozen-or-so camps that line the path to the ruins and beach has long been the stuff of travel legend. The former hippy-trail hot-spot has been considerably renovated in past years and during summer can be pretty overcrowded. Olympos offers good value and an up-for-it party atmosphere in a lovely setting.
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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Turkey, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHeraklion €158Olympos €89
The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, while the average daily cost in Olympos is €89. 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 Olympos in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHeraklion €81Olympos €40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHeraklion €162Olympos €80
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Olympos
Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Olympos? 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 and Olympos Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Heraklion €31Olympos €28
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion
Also for Heraklion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Private Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands: $4,021
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to SITIA area up to 7 customers: $280
- Private Transfer Port/Airport to/from Ierapetra: $273
- Knossos and Arch Museum of Heraklion (Guide+Transfer+Ticket) : $229
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to Makris Gialos area up to 7 : $228
- KNOSSOS PALACE private tour ( with Transfer from Heraklion Prefecture ): $196
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to IERAPETRA area up to 7 customers: $184
- Private Transfer from Heraklion Airport to Makrygialos: $175
- Semi Private Wine and Olive Oil tour (Transfer & Lunch Incl.): $163
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to RETHIMNO CITY area up to 7 : $157
- Private Wine | Food Pairing at Titakis Winery with Free Transfer: $153
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to MATALA area up to 7 customers: $149
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Olympos
Also for Olympos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Two Days Tour to Cappadocia with HB Hotel & Transfer from Kemer: $192
- Suluada Boat Tour From Antalya (Maldives of Turkey) with Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $20
- Scuba Diving Tour in Kemer with Lunch and Transfer: $22
- Scuba Diving Tour in Kemer with Lunch and Transfer: $40
- Private Transfers Between Antalya Airport - Beldibi & Göynük & Kemer Resorts: $240
- Private Transfers Between Antalya Airport - Çıralı & Olympos & Adrasan Resorts: $299
- Private Transfer From Beldibi / Göynük / Kemer / Kiriş To Antalya Airport: $91
- Kemer to Antalya Ariport (AYT) - Departure Private Transfer: $24
- Kemer to Antalya Ariport (AYT) - Departure Private Transfer: $22
- Kemer Suluada Boat Tour (Maldives of Turkey) With Hotel Transfer: $20
- Kemer Pirate Boat Trip with transfer from Belek: $15
- Kemer Pirate Boat Trip With Lunch & Free Hotel Transfer: $20
Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Olympos?
Prices for flights to both Olympos 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 €52Olympos €28
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Olympos
For Olympos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Olympos, Cirali, Chimera Night Tour with Dinner at Ulupinar : $33
- Kemer Olympos & Yanartas Sunset Jeep Tour with Dinner: $35
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Heraklion €38Olympos €28
Tours and Activities in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4x4 Safari tour Southern Crete Tripitis Gorge: $108
- Adventure Safari Tour Secrets of the southern Crete : $100
- Ηeraklion Walking Tour with Archaeological Museum: $82
- 3-Hour Trekking Mount Karfi Adventure with pickup from Heraklion: $118
- 4-Hour Giouchtas Trekking Hiking Experience from Heraklion: $90
- 4x4 self drive adventure_Cretan mainland: $87
- Adventure Jeep Safari Amazing sunset : $85
- Agios Nikolaos-Spinalonga-Elounda Tour TR: $47
- All Year Tour to Knossos Palace & Heraklion: $618
- All-Day Knossos Palace Tour & Olive Mill Visit: $695
- Archaeological Museum of Heraklion Tour: $86
- Archaeological Museum of Guided Walking Tour: $86
Tours and Activities in Olympos
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Olympos.
- 2 Hour Olympos Cable Car Tour to Tahtali Mountains from Kemer: $66
- 2-in-1 Canyoning and White Water Rafting Adventure with Lunch From Kemer: $25
- 9 Hours Rafting, Buggy Safari and Zipline Adventure from Kemer: $38
- Antalya Full-Day City Tour From Kemer With Cable Car : $30
- Buggy Safari and Rafting Adventure from Kemer: $38
- Demre Myra Tour with Kekova Sunken City Boat Trip From Kemer: $36
- Full-day Boat Tour from Kemer with Lunch and Foam Party: $33
- Goynuk Canyon Tour with Entrance Ticket: $25
- Green Canyon Boat Tour with Lunch and Drinks from Kemer: $63
- Kemer 3 in 1 Tour Rafting Quad Safari and Zipline Experience: $40
- Kemer ATV Mountain Biking Tour: $54
- Kemer Bay Blue Cruise from Kemer: $53
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHeraklion €26Olympos €17
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 Olympos, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Olympos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Olympos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Olympos 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 Olympos.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Heraklion Expensive? and Is Olympos Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Heraklion or Olympos?
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 Olympos in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Olympos. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Olympos. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Olympos fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Olympos this time of the year. In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Olympos during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 385 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Olympos. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHeraklion 25°C (78°F)Olympos 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Olympos in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Olympos. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Heraklion is around the same temperature as Olympos in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Olympos fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Olympos. In the autumn, Heraklion often gets less sunshine than Olympos. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 249 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets more rain in October than Olympos. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHeraklion 20°C (68°F)Olympos 20°C (68°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Olympos in the Winter?
Both Olympos and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Olympos. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Olympos averages at about 11°C (52°F).
Heraklion usually receives less sunshine than Olympos during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Olympos receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Olympos. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHeraklion 12°C (54°F)Olympos 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Olympos in the Spring?
Both Olympos and Heraklion during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
In April, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Olympos. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Olympos fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
In Olympos, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets less sunshine than Olympos. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Olympos receives 250 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets more rain in April than Olympos. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Olympos receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHeraklion 16°C (61°F)Olympos 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Olympos and Heraklion
| Heraklion | Olympos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 11°C (53°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (58°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 9 mm (0.4 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.