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

Should you visit Heraklion or Porto?

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 Porto 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 bustling, historic, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Porto

Porto is a cultural, cosmopolitan, and dynamic port city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Heraklion and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Porto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Porto than Heraklion. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Porto is very popular for its food, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Heraklion attracts visitors for its beaches. Heraklion is famous for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Porto is famous for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also well known for Cais da Ribeira.

How is Heraklion different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Heraklion and Porto.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Heraklion. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Porto. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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

Porto is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Porto have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

Dining out in Heraklion is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Heraklion or Porto Better for Nightlife?

The superb nightlife scene is relatively similar in Heraklion and Porto.

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.

Porto is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Is Heraklion or Porto Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a great city for its beaches. However, Porto is not a beach destination.

Heraklion is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Porto Better for its Old Town?

Porto is a very popular place for its old town. However, Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Porto is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Porto?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Heraklion and Porto.

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 Porto to go shopping. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Heraklion or Porto Better for Families?

Porto is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Porto is very family-friendly. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Heraklion. 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.

Is Heraklion or Porto Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Porto are superb destinations for a couple's getaway.

Heraklion makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Porto frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

Is Heraklion or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Porto is extremely popular for backpackers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

Heraklion is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

Is Heraklion or Porto Better for Students?

Porto is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Porto. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Porto is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Porto has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

You'll find some public transit in Heraklion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Is Heraklion or Porto a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Porto are superb 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.

Porto is a very walkable destination. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

Should I spend more time in Porto or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Porto?

In either Heraklion or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than Heraklion because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 2-5 days is enough time in Porto.

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

Couples should spend more time in Porto than Heraklion. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Porto that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Porto 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 Porto.

One day in Heraklion or Porto?

In Heraklion, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this bustling destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

People visit Porto because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heraklion. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

People visit Porto because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Porto?

Heraklion is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Heraklion. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

People visit Porto because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this port city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer.

A week in Heraklion or Porto?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Heraklion. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Porto is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Porto?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 82% larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Porto, 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 Porto?

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 Porto in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Porto. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Porto this time of the year. In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Porto during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Porto. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Porto. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Porto because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Porto in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Porto fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Porto. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Heraklion usually gets less rain in October than Porto. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Porto in the Winter?

Both Porto 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Porto this time of year.

In the winter, Heraklion is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Porto averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Porto during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In January, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Porto. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Porto in the Spring?

Both Porto 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. Also, many travelers come to Porto for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Porto. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In Porto, 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 Porto. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Porto. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Porto and Heraklion