A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heraklion vs. Taormina for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Heraklion or Taormina?

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 Taormina 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 bustling, historic, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Taormina

Taormina is a opulent, historic, and beautiful town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Heraklion and Taormina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Taormina?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Heraklion. Although Heraklion and Taormina are both popular with visitors, Heraklion has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Heraklion is more popular for its museums, beaches, and big city activities, while Taormina is known for its resorts, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Heraklion is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to The Palace of Knossos. Taormina is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views.

How is Heraklion different from Taormina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Heraklion is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Taormina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

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

Foodies will find both Heraklion and Taormina both to be great 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 Taormina is an experience not to be missed. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

Is Heraklion or Taormina Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Heraklion and Taormina.

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.

Taormina is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

Is Heraklion or Taormina Better for Resorts?

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

In Taormina, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Heraklion is not a resort destination.

Is Heraklion or Taormina Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a great city for the beach. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

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.

Taormina offers a nice beach destination. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Taormina?

Shoppers can find a variety of good stores in both Heraklion and Taormina.

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.

Many visitors go to Taormina to go shopping. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

Is Heraklion or Taormina Better for Families?

Heraklion is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Heraklion offers lots of family activities. 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.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Heraklion or Taormina Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Taormina are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Couples visit Taormina frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

Is Heraklion or Taormina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

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

Taormina is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't many hostels around town and you won't find a large backpacker crowd here. The town has the feel of an exclusive resort community with high end resorts more common than anything else.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Heraklion and Taormina.

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

You'll find some public transit in Taormina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

Is Heraklion or Taormina a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Taormina are great 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.

Taormina is a very walkable destination. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Taormina or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Taormina?

It's fun to spend time in either Heraklion or Taormina. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Taormina 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 Taormina.

Families should spend more time in Heraklion than Taormina. 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 Taormina. 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 Taormina 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 Taormina?

The city of Heraklion offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Even though Taormina is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Taormina?

Heraklion is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

Taormina is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Taormina?

Heraklion is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Taormina 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. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Taormina?

Heraklion is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Taormina 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Taormina?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Taormina, 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 Taormina?

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 Taormina in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Taormina. The summer months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Taormina this time of year.

In the summer, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Taormina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Taormina averages at about 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Taormina this time of the year. In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Taormina during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 332 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Taormina. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Taormina in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Taormina. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Taormina for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Taormina. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Taormina. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Taormina. Heraklion usually gets less rain in October than Taormina. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Taormina in the Winter?

Both Taormina 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. Also, many visitors come to Taormina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Heraklion is around the same temperature as Taormina in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Taormina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Taormina during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Taormina. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Taormina in the Spring?

Both Taormina 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. Also, most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Taormina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Taormina averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Taormina. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 207 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Taormina. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Taormina and Heraklion