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

Should you visit Heraklion or Toledo?

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 Toledo 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Toledo

Toledo is a medieval, fascinating, and beautiful city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Heraklion and Toledo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Toledo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Heraklion than Toledo. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Heraklion is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Toledo attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Toledo is more touristy than Heraklion and is known for its medieval buildings, ancient landmarks, and fascinating history. Heraklion is famous for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Palace of Knossos.

How is Heraklion different from Toledo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Toledo. This medieval city is filled with ancient landmarks including the iconic Catedral de Toledo. In the old town you'll find many many historic buildings and a fascinating Jewish Quarter. Other notable sights include the Monasterio de San Juan de los Reyes, the Alcázar de Toledo, and the Museo de Santa Cruz.

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

Foodies will find both Heraklion and Toledo both to be high quality 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 Toledo is an experience not to be missed. The city offers a great cuisine at a reasonable price. The dishes are influenced by the city's diverse past. You'll find many meat dishes due to the area's long running tradition of hunting. There are also classic dishes like carcamusas, which is pork covered in a tomato sauce. Dishes in general tend to be heavy and saucy with filling and delicious flavors.

Is Heraklion or Toledo Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Toledo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Toledo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Most tourists visit the town as a day trip, so things can quiet down somewhat at night. There is a large student population that frequents the bars around town and help keep things lively.

Is Heraklion or Toledo Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a very popular place for its beaches. However, Toledo is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Heraklion. 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.

Toledo is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Toledo Better for its Old Town?

Toledo is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Toledo is revered around the world. Perched on a hill and spilling out around the cathedral, this Spanish old town is filled with historic landmarks.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Toledo?

Shoppers can find a variety of nice stores in both Heraklion and Toledo.

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 Toledo to go shopping. Calle Comercio is the main shopping street in town and there are two major shopping malls in the new part of town.

Is Heraklion or Toledo Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Toledo are nice 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 Toledo. The ancient streets are fun to explore. There are city gates, ancient Arab walls, and older kids will be fascinated by a visit to the Toledo Torture Museum. The city is known for its swords, and there are shops that you can visit to learn about this craft.

Is Heraklion or Toledo Better for Couples?

Heraklion is a very popular place for romance. Also, Toledo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Toledo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an ancient city that is filled with fascinating history and impressive historic sights. Couples will enjoy wandering the medieval streets and visiting the ancient gates.

Is Heraklion or Toledo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Toledo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Heraklion is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

Toledo is a good city to visit for backpackers. Many travelers visit Toledo as a day trip from Madrid, but for backpackers who want to spend more time, there are a handful of hostels in town.

Is Heraklion or Toledo Better for Students?

Toledo 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 Toledo. The city is popular with students, and you'll find many activities and a lively atmosphere both during the day and at night.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Heraklion and Toledo.

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

You'll find some public transit in Toledo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a good bus system through town.

Is Heraklion or Toledo a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Toledo are high quality 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.

Toledo is a very walkable destination. It's a compact and easily walkable city, particularly within the old town. The bus and train stations are also about a 15 or 20 minute walk from the city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Toledo or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Toledo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Heraklion or Toledo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Heraklion than Toledo 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 Toledo.

Couples should spend more time in Heraklion than Toledo. 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 Toledo 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 Toledo?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Heraklion. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Toledo. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Toledo has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Toledo?

Heraklion is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Toledo. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Toledo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heraklion. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the medieval city of Toledo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Toledo?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the accessible destination of Heraklion. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Toledo is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Adventure Tours to Spain, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Toledo?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 84% larger than the population of Toledo. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Toledo, 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.