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

Should you visit Heraklion or Trieste?

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 Trieste 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. 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.

Trieste

Trieste is a diverse, cultural, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and museums.

Heraklion and Trieste: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Trieste?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Heraklion than Trieste. While Trieste is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Heraklion is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Trieste is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Heraklion is more touristy than Trieste and is known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to The Palace of Knossos. Trieste is popular for its Adriatic harbor and its Austrian heritage.

How is Heraklion different from Trieste?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Heraklion is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Trieste is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Because Trieste was part of Austria for such a long stretch of time, you'll find that it looks different from many Italian cities. This is also evident in the different architectural and historic monuments around town. Major landmarks and sights include Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia, which is the largest square in the old part of the city, Miramare Castle, San Giusto Castle, Museum Riseria di San Sabba, and the Cathedral of San Giusto.

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

Heraklion is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Heraklion has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Trieste offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. It's hard to pinpoint exactly how to categorize the local cuisine. It's been influenced by the city's Austro-Hungarian past and you'll find Austrian, Slovenian, and even Croatian flavors. The food scene is often overlooked for more famous Italian cities, but that doesn't mean there's not a lot to enjoy. Make sure you try jota (a bean, potato, and sauerkraut stew), calandraca (a salted meat stew), and gulasch alla triestina (a local twist on goulash. The city is also a coffee capital in Italy.

Is Heraklion or Trieste Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is a very popular place for its evening party scene. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

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.

Trieste has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's not known as a party destination, there is a laid-back nightlife scene that usually involves a late night enjoying drinks at a local bar with friends. Many establishments blur the café and bar concepts, but you'll find a number of lively bars west of Piazza Unità in the trendy Cavana neighborhood. There always seems to be something new in the area worth checking out.

Is Heraklion or Trieste Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a very popular place for the beach. Also, Trieste is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Trieste offers a nice beach destination. The beaches tend to be pebbly, but they are a nice way to experience the sea. Locals still refer to it as "bathing" in the sea, a throwback to years past. The most common beach to visit is Ausonia, which is at the bottom of the Rive past the port of Sacchetta. Nearby are La Lanterna, also called Pedocin. This area still separates men and women in the bathing areas.

Is Heraklion or Trieste Better for its Old Town?

Trieste is a city with good options for its old town. However, Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Trieste. The old town highlights the diversity of cultures and influences from the city's past.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Trieste?

Heraklion is a city with good options for its shopping areas. However, Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Heraklion has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Trieste is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Heraklion or Trieste Better for Families?

Trieste is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Trieste is very family-friendly. The caves, adventure parks, and interactive museums all make for a fun family vacation. Make sure you check out Grotta Gigante, which will impress kids and adults alike. The Museum of Natural History has a collection of fossils that any dinosaur lover will appreciate, and Trieste Adventure Park is filled with ropes courses and ziplines. Finally, a visit to Miramare Castle will spark every child's imagination.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Heraklion. 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.

Is Heraklion or Trieste Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Trieste 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 Trieste frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Visit the castles, cathedrals, and historic monuments, experience the atmosphere of the city's historic center, people watch in one of the grand piazzas, and watch the city light up at night. There are so many romantic sides to this cultural Italian city.

Is Heraklion or Trieste Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Trieste. It's often overlooked for more popular Italian city's but there is still a lot that this under-rated city has to offer. You'll also find hostels for every budget and a youthful energy that will bring the city to life.

Is Heraklion or Trieste Better for Students?

Trieste 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 Trieste. Italy attracts students from around the globe and this city is no exception. The city's diverse population and unique cultural opportunities make it a great place to study abroad or immerse yourself in university life.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Trieste is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Trieste has some very good public transit options. There are buses and trams to help you get around town.

You'll find some public transit in Heraklion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Is Heraklion or Trieste a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Trieste 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.

Trieste is a very walkable destination. It's a hilly city, but it's also very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Trieste or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Trieste?

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

Families should spend more time in Trieste than Heraklion. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Trieste, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

In Heraklion, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find food and museums around the city of Trieste. 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 Trieste?

In Heraklion, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Heraklion has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the dynamic destination of Trieste. 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 Trieste?

Heraklion is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the energetic city of Trieste. 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 Trieste?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heraklion. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Heraklion. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Trieste 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 Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Trieste?

Trieste has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Trieste, 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 Trieste?

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 Trieste in the Summer?

Both Trieste and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Trieste this time of year.

In the summer, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Trieste. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Trieste averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Trieste. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Trieste during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Trieste. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Trieste in the Autumn?

Both Trieste and Heraklion during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Trieste for the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Trieste. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Trieste fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Trieste. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 167 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in October than Trieste. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Trieste in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Trieste. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Trieste in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Heraklion is much warmer than Trieste in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Trieste fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Trieste during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Trieste receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Trieste. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Trieste in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Trieste. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Trieste for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Heraklion is a little warmer than Trieste. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Trieste averages at about 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 Trieste. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trieste receives 177 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Trieste. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Trieste receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Trieste and Heraklion