Which place is cheaper, Setubal or Heraklion?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Heraklion or Setubal?
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 Setubal 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 Setubal?
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.
Setubal
Setubal is a busy working port and major commercial fishing center. Setubal is a city that has always had a close connection to the seas, and this is celebrated along the newly rejuvenated waterfront, which encompasses the colorful fishing harbor, the popular urban park and the Troia Peninsula ferry terminal. Within the charming historic center is a maze of narrow alleys, hidden plazas, and family-owned shops, along with Portugal's largest fish market. Setubal is primarily an industrial city, but is situated in a region of immense beauty; to the east is the stunning Serra da Arrabida, to the north is historic Palmela, while to the south are the paradise beaches of the Troia Peninsula. Setubal may not be a conventional holiday destination, but there is a surprising amount to see and do within the city and the surrounding region.
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 2-Week Tours in Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHeraklion €158Setubal €123
The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, while the average daily cost in Setubal is €123. 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 Setubal in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHeraklion €81Setubal €59
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHeraklion €162Setubal €118
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Setubal
Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Setubal? 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 Setubal Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Heraklion €31Setubal €54
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 Setubal
Also for Setubal, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfers (Lisbon - Évora) / (Évora - Lisbon): $197
- Transfer Sesimbra to Lisbon Airport: $82
- Paragliding experience near Lisbon with transfers from Lisbon: $148
- Boat Transfer to Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach with Return: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Setubal?
Prices for flights to both Setubal 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 €52Setubal €35
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 €38Setubal €12
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 Setubal
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Setubal.
- Évora Private Walking Tour, By Local Guide: $44
- Évora Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
- Évora Tales and Legends Walking Tour from Évora: $55
- Évora With Love Walking Tours: $55
- Évora: Christian Heritage Private Walking Tour: $64
- Évora: Private Walking Tour: $64
- 4x4 Tour to the Wonders of Cabo Espichel : $49
- 4x4 and Boat Tour in Arrabida Natural Park: $98
- Arrábida Jeep 4x4 tour to Arrábida, the most beautiful beach of Europe: $93
- Arrábida National Park Rock Climbing Experience: $128
- Arrábida Natural Park: Stand Up Paddleboard Tour and Lesson: $53
- Arrábida Nature Jeep Tour: $64
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHeraklion €26Setubal €10
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 Setubal
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Setubal:
- Jeep Tour through Arrábida Azeitão and Wine Tasting: $56
- Monsaraz and Wine Tasting Tour from Évora: $71
- Alentejo Wine Tour from Évora: $76
- Sesimbra: Half-Day Tour to Arrabida with Wine Tasting: $106
- Wine Tour, discovering the famous Setúbal Moscatel: $137
- Private Full Day Evora & Alentejo Wine Tour from Lisbon : $152
- Private Wine Tour from Lisbon to Arrábida: Wine & Cheese Tasting: $170
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heraklion and Setubal, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Setubal much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Setubal would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Setubal 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 Setubal.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Heraklion Expensive? and Is Setubal Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Setubal?
Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Setubal. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Setubal, 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 Setubal?
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 Setubal in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Setubal. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Setubal. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Setubal fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal 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 Setubal during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 352 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Setubal. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Setubal 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)Setubal 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Setubal in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Setubal. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.
Heraklion is around the same temperature as Setubal in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Setubal fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Setubal. In the autumn, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Setubal. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 213 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets less rain in October than Setubal. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Setubal 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)Setubal 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Setubal in the Winter?
Both Setubal 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 the winter, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Setubal. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Setubal averages at about 12°C (53°F).
Heraklion usually receives less sunshine than Setubal during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 144 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Setubal. In January, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Setubal. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Setubal 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)Setubal 12°C (53°F)
Should I visit Heraklion or Setubal in the Spring?
Both Setubal 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.
In April, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Setubal. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Setubal fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In Setubal, 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 Setubal. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 235 hours of full sun.
Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Setubal. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Setubal 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)Setubal 16°C (60°F)
Typical Weather for Setubal and Heraklion
| Heraklion | Setubal | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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.