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

Should you visit Heraklion or Pamplona?

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 Pamplona 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 historic, vibrant, and accessible city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a historic, elegant, and laid-back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Heraklion and Pamplona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Pamplona?

You'll generally find more things to do in Pamplona than Heraklion. Pamplona is bigger than Heraklion, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Pamplona is better known for its historical sights and hiking, while Heraklion is more popular for its museums and beaches. Heraklion is well known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Pamplona is well known for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. Also, Pamplona is famous for The Running of the Bulls Festival.

How is Heraklion different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Heraklion is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Heraklion offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pamplona. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

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

Foodies will find both Heraklion and Pamplona both to be excellent 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 Pamplona is an experience not to be missed. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

Is Heraklion or Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Heraklion and Pamplona.

Heraklion has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Pamplona is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

Is Heraklion or Pamplona Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a well-known place for the beache. However, Pamplona is not a beach destination.

Heraklion is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Pamplona is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

Pamplona is a city 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 Pamplona. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is Heraklion or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

Pamplona is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Heraklion is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Pamplona. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Heraklion is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Pamplona?

Shoppers can find a variety of notable stores in both Heraklion and Pamplona.

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 Pamplona to go shopping. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Is Heraklion or Pamplona Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Pamplona are notable 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 Pamplona. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

Is Heraklion or Pamplona Better for Couples?

Heraklion is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Heraklion is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Pamplona is a good city for couples to visit. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Is Heraklion or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion and Pamplona are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

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

Pamplona is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

Is Heraklion or Pamplona Better for Students?

Pamplona is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Pamplona. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Heraklion and Pamplona.

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

You'll find some public transit in Pamplona, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Heraklion or Pamplona a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Pamplona are excellent 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.

Pamplona is a very walkable destination. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Pamplona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Heraklion or Pamplona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Heraklion than Pamplona 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 Pamplona.

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

Couples should spend more time in Heraklion than Pamplona. 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 Pamplona than Heraklion 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 Pamplona.

One day in Heraklion or Pamplona?

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 shopping and museums around the city of Pamplona. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pamplona has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Pamplona?

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 museums and nightlife around the elegant destination of Pamplona. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Pamplona?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the laid-back city of Pamplona. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Pamplona?

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.

Pamplona is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Pamplona?

Pamplona has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Pamplona, 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 Pamplona?

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 Pamplona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Pamplona. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Pamplona in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Pamplona in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Pamplona fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Pamplona. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Pamplona in the Autumn?

Both Pamplona and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Pamplona for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Heraklion is a little warmer than Pamplona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Pamplona averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. In October, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Pamplona in the Winter?

Both Pamplona and Heraklion during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Heraklion usually gets less rain in January than Pamplona. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Pamplona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Pamplona. The spring months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Pamplona in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Pamplona fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Heraklion