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

Should you visit Heraklion or Valencia?

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 Valencia 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 accessible, bustling, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Valencia

Valencia is a coastal, cultural, and historic coastal city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Heraklion and Valencia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Valencia?

You'll generally find more things to do in Valencia than Heraklion. Valencia is bigger than Heraklion, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Valencia is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Heraklion is more popular for its beaches. Heraklion is well known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Valencia is well known for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). Also, Valencia is famous for La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències.

How is Heraklion different from Valencia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Valencia. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

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

Valencia is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Valencia have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

Dining out in Heraklion is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Heraklion or Valencia Better for Nightlife?

Valencia is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

People head to Valencia just to party. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

Heraklion is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Heraklion or Valencia Better for Resorts?

Valencia is a coastal city with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Heraklion is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Valencia makes a nice vacation spot. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Heraklion is not a resort destination.

Is Heraklion or Valencia Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is well known for the beache. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Valencia. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Is Heraklion or Valencia Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of Valencia is revered around the world. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is Heraklion or Valencia Better for Hiking?

Valencia is a coastal city with good options for its hiking trails. However, Heraklion is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Valencia. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Heraklion is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Valencia?

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

Valencia is well-known for its shopping. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

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 Valencia Better for Families?

Valencia 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, Valencia is very family-friendly. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

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 Valencia Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Valencia are high quality 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 Valencia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

Is Heraklion or Valencia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion and Valencia are both high quality 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.

Valencia is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

Is Heraklion or Valencia Better for Students?

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

Valencia is a very popular coastal city for students. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Valencia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

Is Heraklion or Valencia a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Valencia 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.

Valencia is a very walkable destination. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Valencia or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Valencia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Heraklion and Valencia. In our opinion, Valencia has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Valencia than Heraklion. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Heraklion, and 2-3 days is enough time in Valencia.

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

Couples should spend more time in Valencia than Heraklion. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Valencia that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Valencia than Heraklion 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 Valencia.

One day in Heraklion or Valencia?

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.

People visit Valencia because there is so much to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Valencia?

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.

People visit Valencia because there is so much to do. 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 coastal city has to offer. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Valencia?

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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the friendly coastal city of Valencia. 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 Valencia?

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.

Valencia 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 G Adventures Tours to Spain, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Valencia?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Valencia, 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 Valencia?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Heraklion or Valencia in the Summer?

Both Valencia and Heraklion during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Valencia because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Heraklion is around the same temperature as Valencia in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Valencia fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

In Valencia, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Valencia. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valencia receives 303 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Valencia. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Valencia in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Valencia. The autumn months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Valencia this time of year.

In the autumn, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Valencia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Valencia averages at about 19°C (66°F).

Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valencia during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Valencia receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Valencia. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Valencia in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Valencia. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Valencia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Valencia. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Valencia fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets less sunshine than Valencia. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Valencia receives 162 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Valencia. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Valencia in the Spring?

Both Valencia and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Valencia in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Heraklion is around the same temperature as Valencia in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Valencia fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Valencia. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Valencia during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Valencia receives 213 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Valencia. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Valencia receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Valencia and Heraklion