Which place is cheaper, Puerto de la Cruz or Heraklion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Heraklion or Puerto de la Cruz?
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 Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz?
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.
Puerto de la Cruz
The coast of the island of Tenerife is a dream destination for those seeking a luxurious getaway full of beaches and parties. However, for those of you traveling with families or looking to simply avoid the hustle and bustle of the nightclub crowd, there's Puerto de la Cruz. Known as a sophisticated destination, Puerto de la Cruz is one of the top places to visit yet still retains its authentic, Canarian charm.
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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, and The Best Luxury Tours to Spain.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHeraklion €158Puerto de la Cruz €112
The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, while the average daily cost in Puerto de la Cruz is €112. 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 Puerto de la Cruz in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHeraklion €81Puerto de la Cruz €51
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHeraklion €162Puerto de la Cruz €102
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Puerto de la Cruz
Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Puerto de la Cruz? 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 Puerto de la Cruz Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Heraklion €31Puerto de la Cruz €40
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion
Also for Heraklion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One-Way Shared Transfer From or To Heraklion Air - Hersonissos: $16
- Acqua Plus Water Park Admission with Optional Transfer: $32
- Private Transfer in Crete: $33
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to KOKKINI HANI area up to 7 customers: $44
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to AMMOUDARA HERAKLION area up to 7: $47
- Crete Private Transfer from Heraklion to Hersonissos: $51
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to ANISSARAS area up to 7 customers: $61
- VIP Private Transfer: Heraklion - Analipsi Hotels & Villas: $62
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to HERSONISSOS area up to 7 customers: $62
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to KOUTOULOUFARI area up to 7 : $62
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to AGIA PELAGIA area up to 7 customers: $62
- Transfer Heraklio Airport to ANALIPSI area up to 7 customers: $62
Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Puerto de la Cruz?
Prices for flights to both Puerto de la Cruz 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 €52Puerto de la Cruz €34
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 €38Puerto de la Cruz €28
Tours and Activities in Heraklion
For Heraklion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Heraklion Area: CRETAquarium Admission Ticket: $8.56
- CRETAquarium Entrance Ticket in Crete: $8.73
- Mobile Self-Guided Audio Sightseeing Tour: $11
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- Crete: Palace of Knossos E-Ticket and Optional Audio Guide: $11
- Herakleion: City Self-Guided Game & Tour: $12
- Heraklion Market & CretAquarium *Skip the line: $16
- Heraklion City Tour - Aquarium: $17
- Knossos Palace: E-ticket with Audio and Heraklion City Tour: $18
- Party Bike 1 hour Experience in Malia : $19
- Knossos Self-Guided Treasure Hunt & Tour KIDS: $21
- Minoan Day Experience: $22
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHeraklion €26Puerto de la Cruz €5.00
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 Puerto de la Cruz, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Puerto de la Cruz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Puerto de la Cruz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Heraklion Expensive? and Is Puerto de la Cruz Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Puerto de la Cruz?
Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Puerto de la Cruz. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Puerto de la Cruz, 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 Puerto de la Cruz?
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 Puerto de la Cruz in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Puerto de la Cruz. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year.
In the summer, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Puerto de la Cruz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Puerto de la Cruz averages at about 24°C (75°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Puerto de la Cruz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Puerto de la Cruz. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 334 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Puerto de la Cruz. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHeraklion 25°C (78°F)Puerto de la Cruz 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Puerto de la Cruz in the Autumn?
Both Puerto de la Cruz and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
In October, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Puerto de la Cruz. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Puerto de la Cruz fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).
It's quite sunny in Puerto de la Cruz. Heraklion usually receives less sunshine than Puerto de la Cruz during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 218 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Puerto de la Cruz. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHeraklion 20°C (68°F)Puerto de la Cruz 21°C (70°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Puerto de la Cruz in the Winter?
Both Puerto de la Cruz and Heraklion during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Heraklion is cooler than Puerto de la Cruz in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Puerto de la Cruz fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).
In the winter, Heraklion often gets less sunshine than Puerto de la Cruz. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 180 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Puerto de la Cruz. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHeraklion 12°C (54°F)Puerto de la Cruz 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Puerto de la Cruz in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Puerto de la Cruz. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.
In the spring, Heraklion is cooler than Puerto de la Cruz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Puerto de la Cruz averages at about 20°C (68°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Puerto de la Cruz 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 Puerto de la Cruz during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 229 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Puerto de la Cruz. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Puerto de la Cruz receives 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHeraklion 16°C (61°F)Puerto de la Cruz 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Puerto de la Cruz and Heraklion
| Heraklion | Puerto de la Cruz | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 12°C (54°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Feb | 12°C (54°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) |
| Mar | 14°C (56°F) | 57 mm (2.2 in) | 19°C (66°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) | 23°C (73°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 20 mm (0.8 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Dec | 14°C (58°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 18°C (64°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.