A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kotor vs. Crete for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Hiking

Should you visit Kotor or Crete?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Kotor and Crete can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kotor

Kotor is a beautiful, charming, and historic coastal town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and food.

Crete

Crete is a world-renowned, scenic, and stunning island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Kotor and Crete: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kotor or Crete?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Crete than Kotor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Crete is better known for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Kotor is more popular for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Crete is more touristy than Kotor and is known for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins. Also, Crete is famous for the Palace of Knossos. Kotor is well known for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs.

How is Kotor different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kotor or Crete?

Crete is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Kotor or Crete? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Kotor and Crete both to be world-class destinations.

Kotor has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Crete is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Is Kotor or Crete Better for Nightlife?

Crete is well known for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

Crete is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Kotor or Crete Better for Resorts?

Crete is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Kotor is not particularly known for its luxury resorts.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Crete is a perfect choice. 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.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Is Kotor or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Crete is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its diving and snorkeling.

There is a nice variety of marine life that makes scuba diving and snorkeling great in 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.

Kotor has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Is Kotor or Crete Better for Beaches?

Crete is a world-class destination for its beaches. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

With world-famous beaches, Crete is a very popular vacation destination. 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.

Kotor has a beach worth visiting. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Is Kotor or Crete Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Crete does not have a historic old town.

Kotor offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Crete does not have a historic old town.

Is Kotor or Crete Better for Hiking?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for its hiking experiences. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Kotor specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Many visitors go to Crete for the hiking trails. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Kotor or Crete?

Crete is very good for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Crete is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Kotor or Crete Better for Families?

Crete is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Crete is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Kotor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Kotor or Crete Better for Couples?

Crete is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Crete has plenty to offer. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

Kotor is a great coastal town if you're traveling as a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Kotor or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kotor and Crete are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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

Is Kotor or Crete Better for Students?

Crete is well known for students. However, Kotor is not popular with students.

Crete is very popular with students. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.

Kotor is not popular with students.

Is Kotor or Crete Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Crete is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Crete, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Kotor or Crete a more walkable city?

Kotor is an amazing coastal town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known for its walkability.

Getting around Kotor on foot is easy. The old town is best explored on foot.

Crete is generally not a very walkable coastal town. 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 Kotor Worth Visiting? and Is Crete Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Crete or Kotor?

How long in Kotor or Crete?

Both Kotor 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 Kotor. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Kotor, and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.

Families should spend more time in Crete than Kotor. 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 Kotor. 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 Kotor 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 Kotor or Crete?

Even though Kotor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This coastal town 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 food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this breathtaking destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island 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.

A weekend in Kotor or Crete?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kotor. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Crete. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Kotor or Crete?

Kotor is a fun place to experience. Kotor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Crete is a fun place to experience. In Crete, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Kotor or Crete?

Kotor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

In Crete, many people enjoy the museums and nightlife that this world-renowned destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.

When comparing the travel costs between Kotor and Crete, we can see that Crete 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 Kotor Expensive? and Is Crete Expensive?.

Which has a larger population, Kotor or Crete?

Crete has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Kotor 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.