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

Should you visit Heraklion or Volterra?

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 Volterra 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. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Volterra

Volterra is a charming, medieval, and cultural town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

Heraklion and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Volterra?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Heraklion. Although Heraklion and Volterra are popular destinations, Heraklion has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heraklion is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Volterra attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Heraklion is more touristy than Volterra and is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Palace of Knossos. Volterra is famous for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.

How is Heraklion different from Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Volterra. For such a large town there are a huge number of historic sights packed into a small area. Check out the Roman Theater, the Etruscan Museum, and the Duomo.

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

Volterra 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 Volterra have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The town is surrounded by the region of truffles, so you'll find this item included in all kinds of recipes. Pumpkin sauce is also a specialty of the area and there are also many local cheeses. Many restaurants also have bruschetta as an appetizer.

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 Volterra Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is well known for nightlife. However, Volterra is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Volterra doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are cozy bars and cafes where you can sip wine and soak up the atmosphere, but the town isn't known as a nightlife destination.

Is Heraklion or Volterra Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is well known for its beaches. However, Volterra is not a beach destination.

Heraklion is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Volterra is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of Volterra is revered around the world. The walled town is perched on a hilltop and dates back to the 8th century BC. Visitors come specifically to explore its winding streets and stunning setting.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Volterra?

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

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 Volterra to go shopping. Some of the streets are lined with boutique shops and one of the most popular things to buy in town is Alabaster. You'll also find plenty of Italian wine from the nearby vineyards.

Is Heraklion or Volterra Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Volterra 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 Volterra. If you have a Twilight fan, this town is home to the Volturi, who are the royal family of vampires. For everyone else, its a charming town with medieval walls and wandering alleys that kids will enjoy exploring.

Is Heraklion or Volterra Better for Couples?

Volterra is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Volterra is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's unique atmosphere, amazing food, and medieval style make for a unique and world class couples destination. While many people visit as a day trip, you can spend the night and soak up the evening atmosphere as well.

Couples visit Heraklion frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Heraklion or Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is well known for backpackers. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Heraklion. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

Volterra is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's only one or two hostels in town, so if you're looking for a more social backpacker setting, then this may not be your spot. It does make for a great day trip though and if you're more interested in culture than meeting other backpackers, then definitely stop by.

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

Heraklion is a popular place for its public transit. However, Volterra is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Volterra. Public transit isn't necessary as the city is best explored on foot.

Is Heraklion or Volterra a more walkable city?

Volterra is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Volterra. Most people explore the town on foot.

Heraklion is a very walkable destination. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

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

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Volterra?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heraklion than Volterra 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 Volterra?

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.

Even though Volterra is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Volterra has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Volterra?

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.

Volterra is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Volterra?

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.

Volterra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Volterra?

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.

Volterra 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Volterra?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Volterra, 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 Volterra?

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 Volterra in the Summer?

Both Volterra and Heraklion during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Volterra in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Volterra. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 25°C (78°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Volterra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Volterra. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Volterra. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Volterra in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Volterra. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Volterra for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Volterra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Volterra fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Volterra receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Volterra. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Volterra in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Volterra. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Volterra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Heraklion is much warmer than Volterra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Heraklion in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Volterra averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Volterra. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Volterra. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Volterra in the Spring?

Both Volterra and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Volterra this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Volterra. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Volterra and Heraklion