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

Should you visit Heraklion or Versailles?

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 Versailles 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Versailles

Versailles is a ornate, opulent, and historic palace. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the museums.

Heraklion and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Versailles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Heraklion than Versailles. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Heraklion is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Versailles attracts visitors for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Heraklion and is known for its long running history and its grand architecture. 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 Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Versailles is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Versailles are world-renowned. The palace is filled with history and impressive items relating to the royal family. Within and near the palace you should make sure you see the Gardens of Versailles, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera of Versailles.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

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

Heraklion is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Heraklion. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Versailles. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

Is Heraklion or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is a great city for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Heraklion has something for everybody. 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.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Heraklion or Versailles Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a great city for its beaches. However, Versailles 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.

Versailles is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Versailles?

Heraklion is a nice place to visit for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Heraklion. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Heraklion or Versailles Better for Families?

Heraklion is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Versailles is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Heraklion offers lots of family activities. 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.

Versailles does not offer many kid-friendly activities. While there are those unicorn children who fall in love with the grand setting, for most kids, a visit to Versailles can make for make for a long and draining day.

Is Heraklion or Versailles Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Versailles 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 Versailles frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's opulence, grandeur, and history make this a wonderful place to explore as a couple. There are gardens and other unique settings that make Versailles very romantic.

Is Heraklion or Versailles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Versailles is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Versailles 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.

Versailles has some very good public transit options. There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.

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 Versailles a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Versailles 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.

Versailles is a very walkable destination. It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.

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

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Versailles?

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

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

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Heraklion, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Heraklion, one day is sufficent for most.

You'll find museums around the palace of Versailles. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Versailles has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Versailles?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Heraklion, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find museums around the extensive destination of Versailles. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this palace has to offer. This palace offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Versailles?

Heraklion, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the beautiful palace of Versailles. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Versailles?

Heraklion is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Versailles 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 Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heraklion and Versailles, we can see that Versailles is more expensive. And not only is Heraklion much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Heraklion would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Heraklion 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 Versailles would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Versailles than you might in Heraklion.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Versailles?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Versailles. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Versailles, 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 Versailles?

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 Versailles in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Versailles. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Versailles this time of the year. In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Versailles. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Heraklion or Versailles in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Versailles. The autumn months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Versailles this time of year.

Heraklion is much warmer than Versailles in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Versailles fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in October than Versailles. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Versailles in the Winter?

Both Versailles and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Versailles for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Versailles. In the winter, Heraklion is much warmer than Versailles. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Versailles averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Versailles. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Heraklion or Versailles in the Spring?

Both Versailles and Heraklion during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Versailles in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Versailles. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Versailles and Heraklion