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

Should you visit Heraklion or Windsor?

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 Windsor 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 beaches, shopping, and museums.

Windsor

Windsor is a royal, traditional, and touristy town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

Heraklion and Windsor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Windsor?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Heraklion than Windsor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Heraklion is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Windsor is more popular for its historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Heraklion is well known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Heraklion is famous for The Palace of Knossos. Windsor is well known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world.

How is Heraklion different from Windsor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Windsor. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

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

Heraklion is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Heraklion or Windsor Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Is Heraklion or Windsor Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is well known for the beache. However, Windsor 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.

Windsor is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Windsor Better for its Old Town?

Windsor is a town 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 Windsor. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Windsor?

Heraklion is a popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Heraklion offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Heraklion or Windsor Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Windsor are notable 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 Windsor. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Is Heraklion or Windsor Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Windsor are excellent 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 Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Is Heraklion or Windsor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is well known for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Heraklion is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

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

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

You'll find some public transit in Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

Is Heraklion or Windsor a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Windsor are excellent 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.

Windsor is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

Should I spend more time in Windsor or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Windsor?

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

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

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.

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

A weekend in Heraklion or Windsor?

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.

Windsor is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. 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 Windsor?

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.

Windsor 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. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Windsor?

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.

Windsor 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom.

When comparing the travel costs between Heraklion and Windsor, we can see that Windsor 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 Windsor Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Windsor?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Windsor, 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 Windsor?

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 Windsor in the Summer?

Both Windsor 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 Windsor in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Windsor in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Windsor fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Windsor. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Windsor receives 195 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Windsor. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Windsor in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Heraklion is much warmer than Windsor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Windsor averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Windsor during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Windsor receives 107 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Windsor. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Windsor in the Winter?

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

The weather in Windsor can be very cold. In January, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Windsor. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Windsor fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Windsor. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Windsor receives 52 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Windsor. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Windsor in the Spring?

Both Windsor 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 Windsor this time of year.

Heraklion is much warmer than Windsor in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Windsor fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Windsor during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Windsor receives 147 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Windsor. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Windsor receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Windsor and Heraklion