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

Should you visit Heraklion or Split?

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 Split 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 vibrant, accessible, and bustling city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Split

Split is a historic, active, and touristy city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Heraklion and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Split?

You'll generally find more things to do in Split than Heraklion. Split is bigger than Heraklion, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Split is more touristy than Heraklion and is known for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. Also, Split is famous for Diocletian's Palace. Heraklion is well known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene.

How is Heraklion different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Split. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

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

Foodies will find both Heraklion and Split both to be very good destinations.

Heraklion has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Split is an experience not to be missed. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

Is Heraklion or Split Better for Nightlife?

Split is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

People head to Split just to party. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

Heraklion is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Heraklion or Split Better for Resorts?

Split is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Heraklion is not a resort destination.

In Split, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Heraklion is not a resort destination.

Is Heraklion or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Heraklion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Split is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

Heraklion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Heraklion or Split Better for Beaches?

Both Heraklion and Split are considered to be very good beach destinations.

The beaches at Heraklion attract visitors from all over. 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.

Many people visit Split for it's beautiful beaches. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

Is Heraklion or Split Better for its Old Town?

Split is a city with good options for its old town. However, Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Split. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Split?

Split is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Split is well-known for its shopping. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

Many visitors go to Heraklion to go shopping. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Is Heraklion or Split Better for Families?

Split 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, Split is very family-friendly. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun for the whole family.

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 Split Better for Couples?

Split is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Split is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

Couples visit Heraklion frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Heraklion or Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split 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, Split is extremely popular for backpackers. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many backpackers.

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 Split Better for Students?

Split 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 Split. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Heraklion and Split.

Heraklion has some public transit options. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

You'll find some public transit in Split, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Heraklion or Split a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Split are very good 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.

Split is a very walkable destination. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

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

Should I spend more time in Split or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Heraklion or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Split due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

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

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

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

One day in Heraklion or Split?

In Heraklion, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Split. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Split?

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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the fun-filled destination of Split. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Split?

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.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the fun-filled city of Split. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Split?

You'll find food and shopping around the bustling 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.

Split is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Split?

Split has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Split, 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 Split?

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 Split in the Summer?

Both Split and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Split for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Heraklion is around the same temperature as Split in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Split fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Split during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Split. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Split in the Autumn?

Both Split and Heraklion during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Split in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Heraklion is a little warmer than Split. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Split averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Split. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in October than Split. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Split in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Split. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Split for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Split. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Split during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Split. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Split in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Split. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Split because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Heraklion is around the same temperature as Split in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Split fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Split. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the spring, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Split. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Split. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Split and Heraklion