A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heraklion vs. Stratford-upon-Avon for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Heraklion or Stratford-upon-Avon?

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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a historic, quaint, and idyllic town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. Visitors also love the food and theater.

Heraklion and Stratford-upon-Avon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Stratford-upon-Avon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Heraklion than Stratford-upon-Avon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Heraklion is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Stratford-upon-Avon is more popular for its theatre productions, historical sights, and small town charm. Heraklion is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Heraklion is famous for The Palace of Knossos. Stratford-upon-Avon is well known for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Heraklion different from Stratford-upon-Avon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon?

Heraklion is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Heraklion specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Heraklion or Stratford-upon-Avon Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a world-class destination for its theatre productions. However, Heraklion is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Stratford-upon-Avon that are not to be missed. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Heraklion is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Heraklion or Stratford-upon-Avon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Heraklion is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Stratford-upon-Avon area. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

Is Heraklion or Stratford-upon-Avon Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Heraklion or Stratford-upon-Avon Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a very popular place for the beache. However, Stratford-upon-Avon 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Stratford-upon-Avon Better for its Old Town?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a town 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Stratford-upon-Avon?

Heraklion is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Heraklion or Stratford-upon-Avon Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Stratford-upon-Avon are notable to visit with kids.

Heraklion is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Stratford-upon-Avon. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

Is Heraklion or Stratford-upon-Avon Better for Couples?

Heraklion is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good city for couples to visit. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Is Heraklion or Stratford-upon-Avon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Heraklion. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Heraklion or Stratford-upon-Avon Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Heraklion is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Heraklion or Stratford-upon-Avon a more walkable city?

Heraklion is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable city. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Heraklion Worth Visiting? and Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Stratford-upon-Avon or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Stratford-upon-Avon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Heraklion or Stratford-upon-Avon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Heraklion than Stratford-upon-Avon because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 1-2 days is enough time in Stratford-upon-Avon.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heraklion than Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Heraklion.

One day in Heraklion or Stratford-upon-Avon?

In Heraklion, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Even though Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stratford-upon-Avon has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Stratford-upon-Avon?

Many people visit Heraklion for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Heraklion, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town where visitors enjoy the theater and food. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Stratford-upon-Avon?

The destination of Heraklion offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the theater. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Stratford-upon-Avon?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Heraklion. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This city offers something for everyone. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh.

When comparing the travel costs between Heraklion and Stratford-upon-Avon, we can see that Stratford-upon-Avon is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Stratford-upon-Avon?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Stratford-upon-Avon, 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 Stratford-upon-Avon?

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 Stratford-upon-Avon in the Summer?

Both Stratford-upon-Avon and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Stratford-upon-Avon in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Stratford-upon-Avon fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Stratford-upon-Avon during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Stratford-upon-Avon. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Stratford-upon-Avon in the Autumn?

Both Stratford-upon-Avon and Heraklion during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Heraklion is much warmer than Stratford-upon-Avon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Stratford-upon-Avon averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Stratford-upon-Avon. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 107 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in October than Stratford-upon-Avon. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Stratford-upon-Avon in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Stratford-upon-Avon. The winter months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year.

It's quite cold in Stratford-upon-Avon in the winter. In January, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Stratford-upon-Avon. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Stratford-upon-Avon fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Stratford-upon-Avon during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Stratford-upon-Avon. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Stratford-upon-Avon in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Stratford-upon-Avon. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm.

Heraklion is much warmer than Stratford-upon-Avon in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Stratford-upon-Avon fluctuates around 9°C (48°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 Stratford-upon-Avon. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 147 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Stratford-upon-Avon. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Stratford-upon-Avon receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Stratford-upon-Avon and Heraklion