A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Heraklion vs. Thessaloniki for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Heraklion or Thessaloniki?

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 Thessaloniki 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a high energy, bustling, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Heraklion and Thessaloniki: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Thessaloniki?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Heraklion than Thessaloniki. While Thessaloniki is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Heraklion is better known for its beaches, while Thessaloniki is more popular for its shopping. Heraklion is well known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Heraklion is famous for The Palace of Knossos. Thessaloniki is well known for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections.

How is Heraklion different from Thessaloniki?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Thessaloniki. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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

Foodies will find both Heraklion and Thessaloniki both to be excellent 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 Thessaloniki is an experience not to be missed. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Is Heraklion or Thessaloniki Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Heraklion and Thessaloniki.

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.

Thessaloniki is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

Is Heraklion or Thessaloniki Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is an excellent place to visit for the beache. However, Thessaloniki is lacking in options for the beach.

Heraklion is considered a top beach destination. 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.

The beach in Thessaloniki is worth checking out. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Thessaloniki?

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

Thessaloniki is well-known for its shopping. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

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 Thessaloniki Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

Is Heraklion or Thessaloniki Better for Couples?

Heraklion is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki is a good city for couples to visit. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Is Heraklion or Thessaloniki Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion and Thessaloniki are both excellent destinations for backpackers.

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

Thessaloniki is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

Is Heraklion or Thessaloniki Better for Students?

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Thessaloniki, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

Is Heraklion or Thessaloniki a more walkable city?

Heraklion is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Thessaloniki or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Thessaloniki?

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

Families should spend more time in Heraklion than Thessaloniki. 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 Thessaloniki. 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.

One day in Heraklion or Thessaloniki?

In Heraklion, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this accessible city offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Thessaloniki. 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 Thessaloniki?

Heraklion is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the bustling destination of Thessaloniki. 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 Thessaloniki?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the bustling destination of Heraklion. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy city of Thessaloniki. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Thessaloniki?

Heraklion is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Thessaloniki 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 3-Day Tours in Greece, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Greece.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Thessaloniki?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Thessaloniki, 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 Thessaloniki?

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 Thessaloniki in the Summer?

Both Thessaloniki and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Thessaloniki in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Heraklion is around the same temperature as Thessaloniki in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Thessaloniki. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 327 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Thessaloniki. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Thessaloniki in the Autumn?

Both Thessaloniki and Heraklion during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Heraklion is a little warmer than Thessaloniki. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Thessaloniki averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Thessaloniki. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 159 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in October than Thessaloniki. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Thessaloniki in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Thessaloniki. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Thessaloniki. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Thessaloniki during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Thessaloniki receives 101 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Thessaloniki. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Thessaloniki in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Thessaloniki. The spring months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Thessaloniki in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Thessaloniki fluctuates around 13°C (56°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 Thessaloniki. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Thessaloniki receives 196 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Thessaloniki. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Thessaloniki receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Thessaloniki and Heraklion