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

Should you visit Heraklion or Zaragoza?

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 Zaragoza 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 historic, vibrant, and accessible city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and food.

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a historical, compact, and authentic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Heraklion and Zaragoza: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Zaragoza?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Heraklion than Zaragoza. While Zaragoza is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heraklion is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Zaragoza is known for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Heraklion is more touristy than Zaragoza and is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to The Palace of Knossos. Zaragoza is popular for its grand landmarks, local cuisine, and rich cultural scene.

How is Heraklion different from Zaragoza?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Zaragoza. For such a small city, it really has a large number of cultural and historical attractions. The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is the most recognizable sight, but there's also the Museum of the Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta, the cathedral of Zaragoza, and the Aljafería Palace, among others.

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

Foodies will find both Heraklion and Zaragoza both to be high quality destinations.

Heraklion has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Zaragoza is an experience not to be missed. There are authentic restaurants that cater to locals and tourists alike. You'll also find some interesting food tours around town. Tapas are popular, as is chocolate and fresh, traditional recipes.

Is Heraklion or Zaragoza Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Heraklion has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Zaragoza. The nightlife is at its best on weekends, when students and young locals head out on the town. Many evenings start with tapas and wine, but there are nightclubs and dancing as well.

Is Heraklion or Zaragoza Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is notable for the beach. However, Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Zaragoza Better for its Old Town?

Zaragoza is a very popular place for its old town. However, Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Zaragoza is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is small but filled with monumental buildings and an authentic atmosphere.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Zaragoza?

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

Zaragoza is well-known for its shopping. The city has many local shops selling locally produced items and interesting souvenirs. There are also boutiques, markets, and vintage shops that are fun to browse though.

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 Zaragoza Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Zaragoza are good 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 Zaragoza. When your kids get their fill of architecture and history, you can head to the Zaragoza Aquarium. Also worth a visit is the Emoz Museum, which is an origami museum. And if you need a break from sightseeing, take a kayak out on the Ebro River.

Is Heraklion or Zaragoza Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with culture, beauty, and monumental buildings, this is a small and romantic city. It's particularly romantic at night when the streets are quiet and many of the buildings are lit up.

Is Heraklion or Zaragoza Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is notable for backpackers. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Heraklion is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

Zaragoza is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are enough hostels around town to choose from, and while it's not the backpacker haven that some Spanish cities are, it still sees a good number of young travelers.

Is Heraklion or Zaragoza Better for Students?

Zaragoza is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Zaragoza. International students enjoy this small city because it has a local vibe where they can practice their Spanish and enjoy an authentic experience.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza has some very good public transit options. There are buses and trams around the city.

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 Zaragoza a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Zaragoza or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Zaragoza?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Heraklion and Zaragoza. In our opinion, Zaragoza has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Zaragoza than Heraklion. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Zaragoza. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zaragoza has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Zaragoza?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the compact destination of Zaragoza. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Zaragoza?

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 authentic city of Zaragoza. 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 Zaragoza?

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.

Zaragoza 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 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Zaragoza?

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

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 Zaragoza in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Zaragoza. 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 Zaragoza because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Zaragoza. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Zaragoza averages at about 26°C (79°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zaragoza. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In the summer, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zaragoza. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 344 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Zaragoza. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Zaragoza in the Autumn?

Both Zaragoza and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zaragoza this time of year.

In October, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Zaragoza. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Zaragoza fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zaragoza during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 196 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Zaragoza. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Zaragoza in the Winter?

Both Zaragoza and Heraklion during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Zaragoza for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Heraklion is much warmer than Zaragoza in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Zaragoza fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets less sunshine than Zaragoza. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 131 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Zaragoza. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Zaragoza in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Zaragoza. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Zaragoza in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Heraklion is a little warmer than Zaragoza. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Zaragoza averages at about 15°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zaragoza this time of the year. In Heraklion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zaragoza during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Zaragoza. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Zaragoza and Heraklion