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

Should you visit Heraklion or Trento?

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

Trento

Trento is a youthful, high energy, and dynamic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Heraklion and Trento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Trento?

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

How is Heraklion different from Trento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Trento offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Perhaps one of the most popular sights is Castello del Buonconsiglio. The Museum of Science is also fun for kids and adults alike and the Duomo is beautiful.

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

Foodies will find both Heraklion and Trento both to be superb 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 Trento is an experience not to be missed. The food in the region is influenced by nearby countries such as Austria. Carne salada, which is like corned beef, has a long history in the area. Schüttelbrot is a local flatbread and meraner wurst is a bit like a hot dog. You'll also find salamis and various cheeses.

Is Heraklion or Trento Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is great for nightlife. However, Trento is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Heraklion for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Trento specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Despite the large student population, there aren't a lot of bars and clubs around town. Most parties are held in private residences, so visitors may find the nightlife scene a bit slow.

Is Heraklion or Trento Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is great for its beaches. However, Trento 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.

Trento is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Trento Better for Hiking?

Trento is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Heraklion is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Trento. The surrounding countryside has many beautiful hikes and stunning viewpoints that make for a great outing outside of town.

Heraklion is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Trento?

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

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 Trento to go shopping. Head to the main shopping street, Via Balenzani for boutique shopping. You'll also find artisan shops and other unique vendors around town.

Is Heraklion or Trento Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Trento 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 Trento. Outside of town you'll find plenty of outdoor adventures that the kids will enjoy. In town, there's history and fun kid-friendly museums.

Is Heraklion or Trento Better for Couples?

Heraklion is great for romance. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Heraklion is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Trento makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The town mixes old and new in a beautiful setting that makes for a great romantic getaway. Nearby there are outdoor adventures and in town there's a beautiful atmosphere and great restaurants.

Is Heraklion or Trento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Trento. There aren't many hostels in town, but there are some fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Heraklion or Trento Better for Students?

Trento is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion is not popular with students.

Trento is a very popular city for students. It's a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of interesting places to explore in the area.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Trento, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has a number of bus lines through town.

Is Heraklion or Trento a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Trento are superb 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.

Trento is a very walkable destination. Much of the city can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Trento or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Trento?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Heraklion and Trento. In our opinion, Heraklion has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Heraklion than Trento. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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 Trento. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Trento has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Trento?

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 food around the youthful destination of Trento. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Trento?

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 food and shopping when visiting the high energy city of Trento. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Trento?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic 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.

Trento is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Trento?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Trento. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Trento, 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 Trento?

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 Trento in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Trento. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Trento for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Trento. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Trento fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Trento this time of the year. In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Trento during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Trento receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Trento. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Trento receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Trento in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Trento. 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 Trento because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Trento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Trento fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Trento. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trento receives 137 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in October than Trento. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Trento receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Trento in the Winter?

Both Trento and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Trento this time of year.

It's quite cold in Trento in the winter. In the winter, Heraklion is much warmer than Trento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Trento averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Trento during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Trento receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Trento. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Trento receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Trento in the Spring?

Both Trento and Heraklion during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Trento for the natural beauty.

In April, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Trento. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Trento fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Trento. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trento receives 169 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Trento. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Trento receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Trento and Heraklion