A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heraklion vs. Vitoria-Gasteiz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Heraklion or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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 Vitoria-Gasteiz 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.

Where Should I go: Heraklion or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Heraklion

The largest city on the island of Crete, Heraklion on first glance is almost completely modern - a frenzy of traffic, concrete, and dust. Do not expect pristine beaches and glittering waves (those can be found on other parts of Crete). Heraklion is first and foremost a city. Once you get past its grittiness, you will find that there are some attractive features beneath first impressions. The antiquity of the place lies embedded in the modern and is presented in one of the best museums in Greece, the food is excellent, and the people are friendly and welcoming. And though the sea is not great for swimming, its presence along the Venetian port will take you to another time if you need a break from Heraklion's bustling center.

Vitoria-Gasteiz

In the midst of a vast, starry night, medieval cathedrals and ancient buildings are scattered with light across the humming city. This is none other than Vitoria-Gasteiz, a town located in the province of Araba/Alava in northern Spain. Within its border, this city contains Basque Country's House of Parliament, the headquarters of the Government, and the Lehendakari's (Prime Minister's) official residence. In 2012, Vitoria-Gasteiz was awarded the title of European Green Capital and now is one of the top five places to live in Spain. This multicultural city is chock full of amazing national history as well as unique cultural traditions. Vitoria-Gasteiz is also well known for its festivals, including Azkena rock festival, FesTVal, Vitoria-Gasteiz jazz festival, and the Virgen Blanca Festivities. Whether you seek to explore its world-renowned wineries or dine in a chic restaurant, Vitoria-Gasteiz holds an endless amount of possibilities.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Vitoria-Gasteiz or Heraklion?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €158, while the average daily cost in Vitoria-Gasteiz is €146. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Heraklion and Vitoria-Gasteiz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heraklion 81
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heraklion 162
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 138
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Vitoria-Gasteiz

Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Vitoria-Gasteiz? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Heraklion


Hotels in Vitoria-Gasteiz


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Heraklion Hotel Prices and Vitoria-Gasteiz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heraklion 31
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion

Also for Heraklion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Private Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands: $4,021
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to SITIA area up to 7 customers: $280
  • Private Transfer Port/Airport to/from Ierapetra: $273
  • Knossos and Arch Museum of Heraklion (Guide+Transfer+Ticket) : $229
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to Makris Gialos area up to 7 : $228
  • KNOSSOS PALACE private tour ( with Transfer from Heraklion Prefecture ): $196
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to IERAPETRA area up to 7 customers: $184
  • Private Transfer from Heraklion Airport to Makrygialos: $175
  • Semi Private Wine and Olive Oil tour (Transfer & Lunch Incl.): $163
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to RETHIMNO CITY area up to 7 : $157
  • Private Wine | Food Pairing at Titakis Winery with Free Transfer: $153
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to MATALA area up to 7 customers: $149

Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Prices for flights to both Vitoria-Gasteiz and Heraklion change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Heraklion 52
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heraklion

For Heraklion, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Troy Dinner-Show: $33
  • Spectacular Dinner-Show: $44
  • From Village Cretan Night, Live Dancers & dinner: $48
  • Cretan Night with Dinner & Live Show: $49
  • Crete: Olive Oil Festival, Farm Dinner, Live Show & Pickup: $59
  • Cretan Farm with scenic view: Olive Mill Festival & dinner: $64
  • Amazing Sunset Safari Route with Dinner: $84
  • Cook with Locals | Cretan cooking Class at Archanes (transfer - lunch included): $86
  • Crete: Land Rover Safari with Sunset Viewing, Dinner, & Wine: $90
  • Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $97
  • Food tour tasting walking tour: $123
  • E-bike Food Tour Tasting in Heraklion : $125

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heraklion 38
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 36

Tours and Activities in Heraklion

For Heraklion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 4x4 Safari tour Southern Crete Tripitis Gorge: $108
  • Adventure Safari Tour Secrets of the southern Crete : $100
  • Ηeraklion Walking Tour with Archaeological Museum: $82
  • 3-Hour Trekking Mount Karfi Adventure with pickup from Heraklion: $118
  • 4-Hour Giouchtas Trekking Hiking Experience from Heraklion: $90
  • 4x4 self drive adventure_Cretan mainland: $87
  • Adventure Jeep Safari Amazing sunset : $85
  • Agios Nikolaos-Spinalonga-Elounda Tour TR: $47
  • All Year Tour to Knossos Palace & Heraklion: $618
  • All-Day Knossos Palace Tour & Olive Mill Visit: $695
  • Archaeological Museum of Heraklion Tour: $86
  • Archaeological Museum of Guided Walking Tour: $86

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heraklion 26
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 23

Sample the Local Flavors in Heraklion

Also in Heraklion, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $95
  • Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $115
  • Ecobike Tour with Wine Tasting: $118
  • Luxury Private Wine Tasting Experience in Haralabakis Winery: $119
  • Half Day Small Group Wine Tour with wine Tastings: $125
  • Half Day Semi Private Wine Tour with Tastings: $134
  • Semi Private Heraklion Valley Wine Tour with Lunch: $159
  • The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $180
  • Private SUV Wine Tour with Lunch: $183
  • Full Day Private Crete Wine Tour Experience from Heraklion : $190
  • Full day Knossos Palace, Local Distillery, Lunch @ Archanes: $192
  • Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $196


When comparing the travel costs between Heraklion and Vitoria-Gasteiz, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Vitoria-Gasteiz?

Vitoria-Gasteiz has a larger population, and is about 64% larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Vitoria-Gasteiz, 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz?

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 Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Vitoria-Gasteiz. 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 Vitoria-Gasteiz. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz during summer. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 188 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Heraklion 25°C (78°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Vitoria-Gasteiz. The autumn months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Vitoria-Gasteiz in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

In the autumn, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 125 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Heraklion usually gets less rain in October than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Heraklion 20°C (68°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 16°C (62°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Winter?

Both Vitoria-Gasteiz 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.

In the winter, Heraklion is a little warmer than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz during winter. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 77 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vitoria-Gasteiz. In January, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Heraklion 12°C (54°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Vitoria-Gasteiz in the Spring?

Both Vitoria-Gasteiz and Heraklion during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 16°C (61°F), and Vitoria-Gasteiz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the spring, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 117 hours of full sun.

Vitoria-Gasteiz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Heraklion usually gets less rain in April than Vitoria-Gasteiz. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Vitoria-Gasteiz receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Heraklion 16°C (61°F) 
    Vitoria-Gasteiz 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Vitoria-Gasteiz and Heraklion

Heraklion Vitoria-Gasteiz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 77 mm (3 in) 10°C (50°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (51°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 20°C (68°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 16°C (62°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Dec 14°C (58°F) 77 mm (3 in) 10°C (50°F) 135 mm (5.3 in)


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