Which place is cheaper, Playa de las Americas or Heraklion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Heraklion or Playa de las Americas?
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 Playa de las Americas 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 Playa de las Americas?
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.
Playa de las Americas
If you are looking to escape your life - to relax on a modern day pleasure island, then you need to book a trip to the Playa de las Americas resort town. Located on the south coast of Tenerife, this party, beach, and vacation capital never goes to sleep. Packed with nightclubs, bars, live music, shops and restaurants, Playa de las Americas is the stuff Hollywood movies are made of.
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 from Barcelona, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHeraklion €158Playa de las Americas €195
The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, while the average daily cost in Playa de las Americas is €195. 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 Playa de las Americas in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHeraklion €81Playa de las Americas €115
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHeraklion €162Playa de las Americas €230
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Playa de las Americas
Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Playa de las Americas? 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 Playa de las Americas Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Heraklion €31Playa de las Americas €56
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Playa de las Americas?
Prices for flights to both Playa de las Americas 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 €52Playa de las Americas €45
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 €38Playa de las Americas €30
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHeraklion €26Playa de las Americas €8.57
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 Playa de las Americas, we can see that Playa de las Americas is more expensive. And not only is Heraklion much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Heraklion would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Heraklion 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 Playa de las Americas would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Playa de las Americas than you might in Heraklion.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Heraklion Expensive? and Is Playa de las Americas Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Playa de las Americas?
Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Playa de las Americas. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Playa de las Americas, 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 Playa de las Americas?
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 Playa de las Americas in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Playa de las Americas. 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 Playa de las Americas in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Playa de las Americas this time of the year. In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Playa de las Americas during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Playa de las Americas receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Playa de las Americas. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHeraklion 25°C (78°F)Playa de las Americas 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Playa de las Americas in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Playa de las Americas. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Heraklion is cooler than Playa de las Americas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Playa de las Americas averages at about 24°C (75°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Playa de las Americas. In the autumn, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Playa de las Americas. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa de las Americas receives 200 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets more rain in October than Playa de las Americas. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHeraklion 20°C (68°F)Playa de las Americas 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Playa de las Americas in the Winter?
Both Playa de las Americas 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 much colder than Playa de las Americas. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Heraklion usually receives less sunshine than Playa de las Americas during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Playa de las Americas receives 191 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Playa de las Americas. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHeraklion 12°C (54°F)Playa de las Americas 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Playa de las Americas in the Spring?
Both Playa de las Americas 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 cooler than Playa de las Americas in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Playa de las Americas fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
In Playa de las Americas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Playa de las Americas. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Playa de las Americas receives 205 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets more rain in April than Playa de las Americas. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Playa de las Americas receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHeraklion 16°C (61°F)Playa de las Americas 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Playa de las Americas and Heraklion
| Heraklion | Playa de las Americas | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Jun | 23°C (74°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (78°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (77°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Sep | 23°C (73°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (58°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 43 mm (1.7 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.