A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heraklion vs. Pontevedra for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Heraklion or Pontevedra?

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 Pontevedra 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 Pontevedra?

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.

Pontevedra

An important port city with a medieval past, Pontevedra sits on the northwestern coast of Spain where the Lerez River opens out into the ocean. It is a part of the Galicia region and is known for its seafood, charming plazas, and old world architecture that include a number of chapels, churches, and cathedrals.

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 10-Day Tours in Spain, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Spain.


Which place is cheaper, Pontevedra or Heraklion?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, while the average daily cost in Pontevedra is €120. 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 Pontevedra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heraklion 81
    Pontevedra 61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heraklion 162
    Pontevedra 122
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Pontevedra

Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Pontevedra? 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.

Hotels in Heraklion


Hotels in Pontevedra


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 Pontevedra Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heraklion 31
    Pontevedra 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion

Also for Heraklion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Wine Tasting Experience @ Lyrarakis Winery (Transfer Included): $119
  • VIP Private Transfer: Heraklion - Analipsi Hotels & Villas: $62
  • Transfers in Crete from-to Airports/Ports/Hotels/Villas: $128
  • Transfer Services From Heraklion To Rethymno Hotels: $96
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to SITIA area up to 7 customers: $280
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to RETHIMNO CITY area up to 7 : $157
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to PLAKA ELOUNTA area up to 7: $148
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to Makris Gialos area up to 7 : $228
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to MATALA area up to 7 customers: $149
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to MALIA area up to 7 customers: $80
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to KOUTOULOUFARI area up to 7 : $62
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to KOKKINI HANI area up to 7 customers: $44

Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Pontevedra?

Prices for flights to both Pontevedra 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Heraklion 52
    Pontevedra 42

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

Typical Food Prices in Pontevedra

For Pontevedra, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for 2
    11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pontevedra

For Pontevedra, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Galician Cooking Class with Chef Instructor: $159

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heraklion 38
    Pontevedra 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 Pontevedra

For Pontevedra, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • NEW!! Private Walking Tour with local guide: $64
  • Pontevedra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • O Grove Aquarium Experience: $16
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $43
  • Walking Tour and Galician Food Tasting: $64

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heraklion 26
    Pontevedra 20

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Pontevedra

Also in Pontevedra, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Albariño Wine Tasting with Winery Tour: $32


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

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


Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Pontevedra?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Pontevedra. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Pontevedra, 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 Pontevedra?

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 Pontevedra in the Summer?

Both Pontevedra and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Pontevedra in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Pontevedra fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Pontevedra. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Pontevedra during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Pontevedra receives 299 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Pontevedra. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Heraklion 25°C (78°F) 
    Pontevedra 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Pontevedra in the Autumn?

Both Pontevedra and Heraklion during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Heraklion is a little warmer than Pontevedra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Pontevedra averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Pontevedra. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pontevedra receives 174 hours of full sun.

Pontevedra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Heraklion usually gets less rain in October than Pontevedra. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Heraklion 20°C (68°F) 
    Pontevedra 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Pontevedra in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Pontevedra. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year.

In January, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Pontevedra. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Pontevedra fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Pontevedra during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Pontevedra receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

Pontevedra receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Pontevedra. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 232 mm (9.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Heraklion 12°C (54°F) 
    Pontevedra 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Pontevedra in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Pontevedra. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Pontevedra in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Pontevedra fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the spring, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Pontevedra. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pontevedra receives 198 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pontevedra. Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Pontevedra. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Pontevedra receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Heraklion 16°C (61°F) 
    Pontevedra 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Pontevedra and Heraklion

Heraklion Pontevedra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 232 mm (9.1 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 77 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 230 mm (9.1 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 160 mm (6.3 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 137 mm (5.4 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 21°C (70°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 21°C (69°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 118 mm (4.6 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Dec 14°C (58°F) 77 mm (3 in) 11°C (51°F) 228 mm (9 in)


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