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

Should you visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Heraklion?

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 Heraklion. 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 spiritual, dramatic, and historic destination. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a vibrant, accessible, and bustling city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Kalampaka (Meteora) and Heraklion: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Heraklion than Kalampaka (Meteora), as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Heraklion is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Kalampaka (Meteora) is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Kalampaka (Meteora) is well known for its striking beauty, spiritual setting, and other-worldly rock formations. 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.

How is Kalampaka (Meteora) different from Heraklion?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Kalampaka (Meteora) are world-renowned. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

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

Heraklion is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

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 Heraklion Better for Nightlife?

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

Heraklion has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

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 Heraklion Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a very popular place for the beache. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Heraklion for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a beach destination.

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

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

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.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Heraklion Better for Families?

Both Kalampaka (Meteora) and Heraklion are notable family-friendly destinations.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is a family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Heraklion. 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.

Is Kalampaka (Meteora) or Heraklion Better for Couples?

Heraklion is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Kalampaka (Meteora) is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

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 Heraklion Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

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

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

Heraklion 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.

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

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 Heraklion a more walkable city?

Heraklion is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. However, Kalampaka (Meteora) is lacking in good options for its ease of walking around.

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.

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

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

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

How long in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Heraklion?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kalampaka (Meteora) and Heraklion. In our opinion, Heraklion has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Heraklion than Kalampaka (Meteora). In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Kalampaka (Meteora), and 1-3 days is enough time in Heraklion.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heraklion 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 Heraklion.

One day in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Heraklion?

You'll find food and museums around the destination of Kalampaka (Meteora). Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Heraklion, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Heraklion?

You'll find museums and food around the spiritual destination of Kalampaka (Meteora). This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this destination has to offer. This destination offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Many people visit Heraklion for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. 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.

Five days in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Heraklion?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the spiritual destination of Kalampaka (Meteora). The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the museums. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The destination of Heraklion offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Kalampaka (Meteora) or Heraklion?

Kalampaka (Meteora) 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Heraklion. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This city offers something for everyone. 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.

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 Heraklion, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Kalampaka (Meteora) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kalampaka (Meteora) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kalampaka (Meteora) 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 Kalampaka (Meteora).

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 Heraklion Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kalampaka (Meteora) or Heraklion?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kalampaka (Meteora). When comparing the sizes of Kalampaka (Meteora) and Heraklion, 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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Heraklion?

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 Kalampaka (Meteora) or Heraklion in the Summer?

Both Heraklion and Kalampaka (Meteora) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kalampaka (Meteora) for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is around the same temperature as Heraklion in the summer. The daily temperature in Kalampaka (Meteora) averages around 26°C (78°F) in July, and Heraklion fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

It's quite sunny in Heraklion. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kalampaka (Meteora). Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives less sunshine than Heraklion during summer. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 330 hours of sunny skies, while Heraklion receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives more rain than Heraklion. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Heraklion receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Heraklion in the Autumn?

Both Heraklion and Kalampaka (Meteora) during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Kalampaka (Meteora) because of the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year.

In the autumn, Kalampaka (Meteora) is cooler than Heraklion. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kalampaka (Meteora) in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Heraklion averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In the autumn, Kalampaka (Meteora) often gets less sunshine than Heraklion. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 165 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heraklion receives 199 hours of full sun.

Kalampaka (Meteora) usually gets less rain in October than Heraklion. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Heraklion receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Heraklion in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kalampaka (Meteora) and Heraklion. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Kalampaka (Meteora) this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Kalampaka (Meteora) is generally much colder than Heraklion. Daily temperatures in Kalampaka (Meteora) average around 6°C (42°F), and Heraklion fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives less sunshine than Heraklion during winter. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Heraklion receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kalampaka (Meteora) usually receives less rain than Heraklion. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Heraklion receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kalampaka (Meteora) or Heraklion in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kalampaka (Meteora) as well as Heraklion. Many travelers come to Kalampaka (Meteora) for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Heraklion in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Kalampaka (Meteora) is cooler than Heraklion in the spring. The daily temperature in Kalampaka (Meteora) averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Heraklion fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kalampaka (Meteora) this time of the year. In the spring, Kalampaka (Meteora) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Heraklion. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 209 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heraklion receives 224 hours of full sun.

Kalampaka (Meteora) usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Heraklion. Kalampaka (Meteora) gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Heraklion receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Heraklion and Kalampaka (Meteora)