A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heraklion vs. Tangier for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Heraklion or Tangier?

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 Tangier 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 Tangier?

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.

Tangier

Welcome to the gateway to Africa. Sitting on the coast of the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier, Morocco has historically served as the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Africa.

After World War II, this city became a destination for eccentric foreigners, artists, spies and hippies. After that, the city was neglected and gained a horrible reputation for the hustlers cheating visitors left and right.

In 1999 Morocco saw the beginning of a new monarch who was more progressive with his vision for tourism. This message lit a fire under Tangier, helping the people see the amazing potential in their great city. They built a new port, a new business district and revamped the airport. The beaches and streets have been cleaned up of trash and hustlers and there's a sudden surge in cultural activities.

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 10-Day Tours in Morocco, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Tangier or Heraklion?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, while the average daily cost in Tangier is €57. 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 Tangier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heraklion 81
    Tangier 22
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heraklion 162
    Tangier 44
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Tangier

Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Tangier? 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.

Hotels in Heraklion


Hotels in Tangier


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 Tangier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heraklion 31
    Tangier 22

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 Tangier

Also for Tangier, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • transfers from Tangier Airport, port or city to Fez (Door to Door): $146
  • Vip Private Transfer From Airport/Port to Tangier Vice Versa: $36
  • Vip Private Transfer From Airport / Port to Tangier or Vice Versa: $34
  • VIP transfer from Tangier to Chefchaouen or vice versa: $198
  • VIP Private Transfer from Tanger Airport / Port to Hotel Vice Versa: $38
  • Transfers from Tangier to chefchaouen "blue city": $71
  • Transfers from - to Tangier airport: $27
  • Transfers From Tangier to Casablanca: $140
  • Transfers From Tangier To Marrakech: $245
  • Transfers From Tangier To Chefchaouen-Asilah-Fes-Casablanca .: $131
  • Transfers From Tangier Airport to Asilah: $51
  • Transfer to Tangier from fes via Chefchaeun: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Tangier?

Prices for flights to both Tangier 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Heraklion 52
    Tangier 19

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

Typical Food Prices in Tangier

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tangier:


  • Fruit & Yogurt
    1.59

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Tangier

For Tangier, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • 3 Hour Private Moroccan Food Tour in Tanger : $49
  • Tanger Local Street food tours: $60
  • Tangier Private Cooking Class With a Local Family: $66
  • Tangier Food Tour with a certified local guide!: $67
  • Tangier food tour with Rababe: $71
  • Tangier food tour : $71
  • Tangier Food Tour with a certified guide!: $71
  • Morocco Food Cooking Class and Tangier City Tour: $71
  • Moroccan 3-in-1 Cooking Experience: $75
  • Moroccan 3 in 1 Cooking Experience: $76
  • The Food tour of Tangier: $76
  • Inclusive Beach Camel Ride, Cap Spartel, Hercules & Full Dinner: $80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heraklion 38
    Tangier 18

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 Tangier

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tangier.

  • 3-Hour Private Enchanting Tangier Coastal Adventure: $87
  • Highlights of Tangier Half Day Tour: $87
  • Luxury Tangier private Day Tour from Tarifa Spain All inclusive : $251
  • Private Guided Food Experience Tour in Medina of Tangier: $76
  • Private LuxuryTour of Tangier for 4hours: $76
  • Tangier Private Tour from Tarifa Ferry & Lunch Included : $209
  • Tangier private customized tour & camel ride experience : $102
  • Tangier walking tour with lunch Moroccan food : $60
  • The Best of Tangier Walking Tour : $208
  • 2 Days Chefchaouen and Tangier Tour from Casablanca: $541
  • 2 Days Chefchaouen and Tangier Tour from Casablanca: $512
  • 2 Days Luxury Tour to Merzouga Desert from Fez with Small Group: $251

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heraklion 26
    Tangier 9.87

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 Tangier, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Tangier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Heraklion is in Europe and Tangier is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Tangier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tangier 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 Tangier.

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


Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Tangier?

Tangier has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Tangier, 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 Tangier?

Heraklion has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Tangier experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Tangier in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Tangier. The summer months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Tangier attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In July, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Tangier. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Tangier fluctuates around 24°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tangier 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 Tangier during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Tangier receives 346 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Tangier. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Heraklion 25°C (78°F) 
    Tangier 24°C (74°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Tangier in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Tangier. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Tangier throughout the year.

Heraklion is around the same temperature as Tangier in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Tangier fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tangier. In the autumn, Heraklion often gets less sunshine than Tangier. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tangier receives 235 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Tangier. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Heraklion 20°C (68°F) 
    Tangier 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Tangier in the Winter?

Both Tangier and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Plenty of visitors come to Tangier because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In the winter, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Tangier. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Tangier averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Heraklion usually receives less sunshine than Tangier during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Tangier receives 169 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tangier. In January, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Tangier. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Heraklion 12°C (54°F) 
    Tangier 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Tangier in the Spring?

Both Tangier and Heraklion during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Tangier year-round.

In April, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Tangier. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Tangier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In Tangier, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets less sunshine than Tangier. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tangier receives 251 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Tangier. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Tangier receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Heraklion 16°C (61°F) 
    Tangier 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Tangier and Heraklion

Heraklion Tangier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 77 mm (3 in) 13°C (56°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 24°C (74°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) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)
Dec 14°C (58°F) 77 mm (3 in) 13°C (56°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)