Which place is cheaper, Peniche or Heraklion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Heraklion or Peniche?
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 Peniche 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 Peniche?
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.
Peniche
Peniche is a beach destination with many attractions for travelers. First, the raging sea and the lay of the land make this a popular surfing destination. The best of many supreme beaches is Praia dos Supertubos, which has a tubular wave fit for big time international events. Peniche has also been a port since the Early Modern Age, when a fort was constructed to defend it. This monument has an absorbing history, first as a maritime defense and then a prison during the Estado Novo regime in the 20th century. The walled historic center makes for pleasant strolling, and the seaside fort where Salazar's regime detained political prisoners is a must-see for anyone interested in Portuguese history. Artisan lovers will enjoy Peniche's specialty, handmade lace, and it is even possible to see the lace-work in action. And on top of everything, Peniche also has the Berlingas Islands, a natural reserve off the coast, which are well worth a visit.
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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in Portugal, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHeraklion €158Peniche €122
The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, while the average daily cost in Peniche is €122. 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 Peniche in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHeraklion €81Peniche €50
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHeraklion €162Peniche €100
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Peniche
Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Peniche? 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 Peniche Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Heraklion €31Peniche €53
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 Peniche
Also for Peniche, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Lisbon: Transfer from/to Peniche (Wave Capital): $128
Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Peniche?
Prices for flights to both Peniche 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 €52Peniche €41
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Heraklion €38Peniche €19
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 Peniche
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Peniche.
- From Lisbon: Berlenga Grande Sightseeing Tour: $134
- From 1-Hour Cabo Carvoeiro Boat Tour: $16
- From Round-Trip Boat Tour of Berlengas Archipelago: $24
- Lisbon: Private Full Day Tour to Berlengas Island: $235
- Peniche : Walking Tour: $37
- Berlenga Island and Cave Tour: $33
- Berlengas Island Caves Tour and Snorkeling: $44
- Berlengas Island Trip, Hiking and Cave Tour: $36
- Berlengas Roundtrip and Glass-Bottom Boat Cave Tour: $33
- Mountain Bike Tour: $53
- Private Jeep Tour + Tasting Offer: $53
- Private Walking Tour - Footsteps of Our People: $21
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHeraklion €26Peniche €12
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 Peniche, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Peniche much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Peniche would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Peniche 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 Peniche.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Heraklion Expensive? and Is Peniche Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Peniche?
Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Peniche. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Peniche, 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 Peniche?
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 Peniche in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Peniche. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
Heraklion is around the same temperature as Peniche in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Peniche fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Peniche 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 Peniche during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Peniche receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Peniche. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Peniche receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHeraklion 25°C (78°F)Peniche 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Peniche in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Peniche. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Peniche. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Peniche averages at about 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Peniche. In the autumn, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Peniche. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Peniche receives 213 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets less rain in October than Peniche. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Peniche receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHeraklion 20°C (68°F)Peniche 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Peniche in the Winter?
Both Peniche and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In January, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Peniche. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Peniche fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).
Heraklion usually receives less sunshine than Peniche during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Peniche receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Peniche. In January, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Peniche. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Peniche receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHeraklion 12°C (54°F)Peniche 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Peniche in the Spring?
Both Peniche and Heraklion during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year.
Heraklion is around the same temperature as Peniche in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Peniche fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In Peniche, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Peniche. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Peniche receives 235 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Peniche. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Peniche receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHeraklion 16°C (61°F)Peniche 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Peniche and Heraklion
| Heraklion | Peniche | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 111 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 64 mm (2.5 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 114 mm (4.5 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (58°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 108 mm (4.3 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.