A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marseille vs. Crete for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Marseille or Crete?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marseille or Crete, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marseille

Marseille is a energetic and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Crete

Crete is a breathtaking, world-renowned, and scenic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Marseille and Crete: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marseille or Crete?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Crete than Marseille. While Marseille is larger than Crete, Crete has more sights and attractions for tourists. Crete is very popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Marseille attracts visitors for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, christmas markets, and quaint atmosphere. Crete is more touristy than Marseille and is popular for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins. It is also well known for the Palace of Knossos. Marseille is famous for its unique history, its diverse population, and its authenticity.

How is Marseille different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Crete is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Crete can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Marseille does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Marseille and Crete both to be fantastic destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Marseille is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It's famous for its bouillabaisse, which is a hearty seafood soup that was once affordable but is now quite pricey.

Many restaurants in Crete have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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 Marseille or Crete Better for Nightlife?

Marseille is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Marseille has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. Much of the city's nightlife is centered around being outdoors. Whether you're on the beach or hanging out at a rooftop bar, Marseille is a magical place.

Many people head to Crete for the nightlife scene. 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.

Is Marseille or Crete Better for Resorts?

Crete is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Marseille is not a resort destination.

Crete offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Marseille is not a resort destination.

Is Marseille or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Crete is an excellent place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Marseille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Crete to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. 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.

Marseille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marseille or Crete Better for Beaches?

Crete is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

The beaches in Crete are among the best in 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Marseille. The city has nice beaches that offer both culture and diversity, which may be lacking some other coastal parts of the French Riviera.

Is Marseille or Crete Better for its Old Town?

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

Marseille offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The Old Port is filled with shops and boutiques, and is the most scenic part of the city. It dates back to the Middle Ages and is filled with history and character.

Crete does not have a historic old town.

Is Marseille or Crete Better for Hiking?

Crete is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Marseille 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.

Marseille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Marseille or Crete?

Marseille is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Marseille. The city has boutiques, farmers markets, and flea markets to explore, as well as any luxury brand you may want.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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.

Is Marseille or Crete Better for Christmas Markets?

Marseille is a popular place for its Christmas markets. However, Crete does not offer Christmas markets.

Many visitors go to the Christmas markets in Marseille. The old town has a Christmas craft market where you can buy toys, Christmas treats, or decorations.

Crete does not offer Christmas markets.

Is Marseille or Crete Better for Families?

Crete is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. However, Marseille is lacking in options for its family-friendly activities.

Crete is an amazing family-friendly island to visit. 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.

Marseille doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Nearby beaches and an outdoor climbing area make it a diverse city to visit with kids.

Is Marseille or Crete Better for Couples?

Crete is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Crete has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

Couples visit Marseille frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Strolling the boulevards and exploring the history and culture of this city make it a top couples' destination.

Is Marseille or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Crete is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Marseille is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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

Marseille is a good city to visit for backpackers. It has a decent number of hostels for a city of its size.

Is Marseille or Crete Better for Students?

Both Marseille and Crete are very good destinations for students.

Marseille is a great city to visit as a student. It attracts international students because of its rich culture, unique atmosphere, and lively bar scene.

Students come from all over to stay in Crete. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Marseille and Crete.

Marseille has some public transit options. The city has trams, a metro, and buses that you can use to explore.

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.

Is Marseille or Crete a more walkable city?

Marseille is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known for its walkability.

Marseille is a very walkable destination. The Old Port (Vieux Port) is particularly walkable and is one of the best areas to explore on foot.

Crete is generally not a very walkable city. 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 Marseille Worth Visiting? and Is Crete Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Crete or Marseille?

How long in Marseille or Crete?

Both Marseille 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 Marseille. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Marseille, and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.

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

In Marseille, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this energetic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Crete. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

A weekend in Marseille or Crete?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marseille. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the scenic destination of Crete. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Marseille or Crete?

Marseille is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Marseille. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the breathtaking island of Crete. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer.

A week in Marseille or Crete?

You'll find nightlife and food around the energetic destination of Marseille. 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.

Crete is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Crete, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Marseille and Crete, we can see that Marseille 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 Marseille would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Marseille 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 Marseille Expensive? and Is Crete Expensive?.

Which has a larger population, Marseille or Crete?

Marseille has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Crete. When comparing the sizes of Marseille 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.