A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Kalampaka (Meteora) vs. Crete for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Crete?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Kalampaka (Meteora) and Crete. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Kalampaka (Meteora)

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a dramatic, historic, and spiritual destination. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Crete

Crete is a breathtaking, world-renowned, and scenic island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the hiking, shopping, and museums.

Kalampaka (Meteora) and Crete: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Crete?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Crete. Although Kalampaka (Meteora) and Crete are both popular with visitors, Crete has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Crete is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Kalampaka (Meteora) is known for its museums. Crete is more touristy than Kalampaka (Meteora) and is popular for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins. It is also home to the Palace of Knossos. Kalampaka (Meteora) is popular for its striking beauty, spiritual setting, and other-worldly rock formations.

How is Kalampaka (Meteora) different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Crete and Kalampaka (Meteora). Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Crete?

Kalampaka (Meteora) is an amazing destination to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Kalampaka (Meteora) on the map. The Meteora monasteries are an impressive spiritual site that are set against a dramatic rock formation. They date back centuries, and, of the original 24 monasteries, there are 6 that are currently open to the public. Several have museums and many people prefer to visit as a guided tour.

Many visitors head to Crete specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The island is filled with archeological sites including the famous Palace of Knossos. While most people come to Crete for the natural beauty, in the cities you'll find some great museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Crete? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Crete is terrific for its restaurants. Also, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Crete, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Local cuisine is influenced by the island's fertile environment and excellent agriculture. You'll find olive oil in most dishes and seafood is a major staple. You'll also find a lot of stews and recipes that incorporate local ingredients.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Kalampaka (Meteora) area. In town you'll find some authentic Greek restaurants. The dishes are local, and very different from the seafood based cuisine that is found along the coast. Instead, many dishes involve meatballs or stew and are slow cooked with rich flavors.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Crete Better for Nightlife?

Crete is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for its evening party scene.

Crete has a large number of nightlife venues. The island has excellent nightlife with clubs and bars found in Chania, Malia and Stalis to Elounda. The area is popular with British tourists and you'll find many bars open until 2 or 3 in the morning.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Kalampaka (Meteora). This is a spiritual destination where nightlife is not encouraged. There are some cafes in town that turn into bars at night and play relaxing music in a mellow setting. These can be found near the central square.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Crete Better for Resorts?

Crete is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Crete for its luxury resorts. The island has world class resorts that include pools and buffet meals. There are many beachfront resorts that range in style from romantic to family-friendly.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a resort destination.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Crete is a very popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Crete. The island is surrounded by clear waters that make for great snorkeling and diving. There's a number of beautiful fish and other sea life that you can see. Be on the lookout for crabs, sea stars, sponges, and even octopi.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Crete Better for Beaches?

Crete is terrific for the beache. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a beach destination.

Crete offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There are some of the best beaches in the world on Crete. The areas around Chania have some of the island's best beaches, with one of the most beautiful being Balos. On the northern side of the island, be on the lookout for strong winds, particularly in August, which can make for larger waves. The island is large, so you'll find everything from secluded and quiet beaches to more active and lively places.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a beach destination.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Crete Better for Hiking?

Crete is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Crete. The island is filled with beautiful hikes that run along the shoreline or head inland through the island's beautiful landscapes. There are hikes for every ability level that offer spectacular views and an incredible experience.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Crete?

Crete is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Crete. The island has many markets that sell local foods and handicrafts. There are also shops and boutiques where you can buy anything from souvenirs to homemade artwork.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Crete Better for Families?

Crete is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Crete is very family-friendly. The island is large and filled with countless family-friendly activities. You can spend several days at the beach, explore Lake Kournas, visit a water park, or even take a pirate themed boat cruise. There's also the amusement park, ​​Labyrinth Park, aquariums and more.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kalampaka (Meteora). There are six monasteries of Meteora that will fascinate older children. There are also several museums affiliated with the monasteries including a Folklore Museum as well as spectacular views over the oddly shaped rock mountains.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Crete Better for Couples?

Crete is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Crete is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a good destination for couples to visit. The setting is beautiful and unique, and its an interesting and fascinating place to visit as a couple.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Crete is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Crete. It's a large island with a great social scene and no shortage of hostels for backpackers to choose from.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Unless you're willing to rent a car or scooter, or take an organized tour, this is a very difficult area to explore independently. Some visitors hire a taxi after they arrive to take them to the monasteries.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Crete Better for Students?

Crete is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not popular with students.

Many students visit Crete. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not popular with students.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Crete Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Crete is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Crete has some public transit options. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.

Public transit is generally limited in Kalampaka (Meteora). While there is a bus service, many people prefer to explore the six monasteries with their own car or scooter. You could also hire a taxi to take you to and from. Alternatively, there are organized tours that will provide transportation as part of the package.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Crete a more walkable city?

Kalampaka (Meteora) and Crete are decent when it comes to walkability.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is generally not a very walkable destination. There are walking trails in the area but most people need access to a vehicle, whether its a rental car, scooter, taxi, or bus.

Crete is generally not very walkable. The island is large and requires a vehicle to get around, but there are short strolls that let you enjoy the stunning landscapes.

For even more information, also check out Is Kalampaka (Meteora) Worth Visiting? and Is Crete Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Crete or Kalampaka (Meteora)?

How long in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Crete?

Both Kalampaka (Meteora) and Crete have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Crete than in Kalampaka (Meteora). Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kalampaka (Meteora), and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Crete than Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Crete.

One day in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Crete?

In Kalampaka (Meteora), many people enjoy the food and museums that this spiritual destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Crete, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Crete?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kalampaka (Meteora). For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Many people visit Crete for a weekend. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Crete?

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Kalampaka (Meteora). Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

In Crete, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Many people spend five days here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Crete, five days is sufficent for most.

A week in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Crete?

You'll find museums and food around the spiritual destination of Kalampaka (Meteora). Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Crete, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this breathtaking destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for one week. This island offers something for everyone. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Crete has to offer.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Greece, The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, and The Best Budget Tours to Greece.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Kalampaka (Meteora) Expensive? and Is Crete Expensive?.

Which has a larger population, Kalampaka (Meteora) or Crete?

Crete has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Kalampaka (Meteora). When comparing the sizes of Kalampaka (Meteora) and Crete, 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.