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

Should you visit Odense 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 Odense 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.

Odense

Odense is a European, progressive, and beautiful city. Other popular activities here include nightlife and food. See Odense travel costs.

Crete

Crete is a stunning, breathtaking, and world-renowned island. With stunning beauty, Crete attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Crete travel costs.

Odense and Crete: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Odense or Crete?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Crete than Odense. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Crete is more touristy than Odense and is known for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins. It is also well known for the Palace of Knossos. Odense is famous for

How is Odense different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Odense
Crete

Crete is notable for its sights and museums. However, Odense does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Odense does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Odense
Crete

Crete is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Odense is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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 plenty of up and coming restaurants around Odense. You'll find local restaurants serving local favorites such as smoked salmon. You'll also find burger joints and international options such as sushi.

Is Odense or Crete Better for Nightlife?

Odense
Crete

Evening events are superb in both Odense and Crete.

Odense has plenty to do after the sun goes down. You'll find a number of bars and clubs around town. Many are conveniently close together so you can hit up several places in one night. Start your night at a pub before heading out dancing in the club a few hours later.

Crete has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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 Odense or Crete Better for Resorts?

Odense
Crete

Crete is terrific for its resorts. However, Odense 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.

Odense is not a resort destination.


Is Odense or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Odense
Crete

Crete is notable for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Odense 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.

Odense is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Odense or Crete Better for Beaches?

Odense
Crete

Crete is terrific for the beach. However, Odense 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.

Odense is not a beach destination.

Is Odense or Crete Better for Hiking?

Odense
Crete

Crete is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Odense is not a hiking destination.

Crete is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Odense is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Odense or Crete?

Odense
Crete

Crete is a good destination for its shopping areas. However, Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors go to Crete to go 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.

Odense is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Odense or Crete More Beautiful?

Odense
Crete

Crete is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Odense is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Crete attracts visitors from all around. The island has some of the world's most beautiful beaches. The blue waters and striking landscapes make this a world class destination.

Odense is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Odense or Crete Better for Families?

Odense
Crete

Crete is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Odense is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-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.

Odense is a very family-friendly destination. As the home of Hans Christian Andersen, this town is a child's playhouse. You can visit the H.C. Andersen House, which will bring his fairytale mind to life. The city also has more than 200 playgrounds, an amazing zoo, and the Funen Village, which is an open air museum. There's also a castle to explore and paddle boating on the water.


Is Odense or Crete Better for Couples?

Odense
Crete

Crete is terrific for couples. However, Odense is a mediocre city for romance.

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.

Odense is not the best destination for a couple to visit. It's a charming city with a lot of green space and paddle boating on the water, but it lacks some of the romance that you find in many European cities.

Is Odense or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Odense
Crete

Crete is notable for backpackers. However, Odense is a mediocre city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Odense is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There's a hostel or two in town, but most backpackers don't make the time to visit this off-the-beaten-path destination.

Is Odense or Crete Better for Students?

Odense
Crete

Crete is notable for students. Also, Odense is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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

Plenty of students visit Odense. It's a charming and friendly city that makes a fun place to learn and live. There's a fascinating culture and a number of things to do.


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

Odense
Crete

Crete is a good destination for its public transit. However, Odense does not have public transit.

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

Odense does not have public transit.

Is Odense or Crete a more walkable city?

Odense
Crete

Crete is a moderate island for its ease of walking around. However, Odense is not a walkable destination.

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.

Odense is not a walkable destination.

Should I spend more time in Crete or Odense?

How long in Odense or Crete?

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

Families should spend more time in Crete than Odense. 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 Odense. 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 Odense 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.


  • How many days in Odense or Crete? Ideal Length of Stay
    Odense 2-3 
    Crete 5-7

One day in Odense or Crete?

In Odense, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this beautiful destination offers. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Crete. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Odense or Crete?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Odense. 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.

Crete is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Odense or Crete?

Odense is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Odense. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Crete. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Odense or Crete?

You'll find food and nightlife around the historic destination of Odense. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic destination of Crete. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Copenhagen, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Crete or Odense?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Odense is $216, while the average daily cost in Crete is $168. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Odense and Crete in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Odense $87
    Crete $64
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Odense $174
    Crete $128
Compare Hotels in Odense and Crete

Looking for a hotel in Odense or Crete? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Odense


Hotels in Crete


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Odense Hotel Prices and Crete Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Odense $48
    Crete $55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Crete

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Crete:

  • One-Way Shared Transfer From or To Heraklion Air - Hersonissos: $18
  • Heraklion Airport: Shared Transfer To/From Rethymno: $19
  • One Way Shared Transfer From/To Heraklion Airport - Bali: $22
  • Acqua Plus Water Park Admission with Optional Transfer: $34
  • Acqua Plus Water Park Admission with Optional Transfer: $34
  • AcquaPlus WaterPark Entrance Ticket optional Transfer: $35
  • One way shared transfer from or to Chania Airport To Bali: $37
  • Crete Private Transfer to&from Heraklion Airport Port all Crete: $39
  • Heraklion Airport (HER) to Heraklion - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
  • Private Transfer from Heraklion Airport (HER) to Heraklion Port: $40
  • Transfer Service in Crete - Starts from Heraklion Prefecture: $47
  • Acqua Plus Water Park Entrance with Transfer & Lunch: $50

Is it cheaper to fly into Odense or Crete?

Prices for flights to both Crete and Odense change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Odense $96
    Crete $68

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Crete

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Crete.

  • Traditional Cretan Night: Live Show and Dinner: $33
  • Traditional Dance Show and Buffet Dinner with Wine: $34
  • Troy Dinner-Show: $41
  • Olive Oil Factory Tour, Dinner & Traditional Dancing: $66
  • Plate smashing | Greek Night with Dancing & Buffet Dinner: $68
  • Heraklion: Finikia Horse Riding Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $81
  • Rethymno Old Town Walking Food Tour Local Market Visit Tastings: $88
  • Amazing Sunset Jeep Safari Route with Dinner: $92
  • Half Day Sunset Tour in Rethymno with Dinner and Wine: $99
  • Maravel Garden Experience Herbal Tour with Yoga and Dinner: $100
  • 12:00 Beer & Food Tour Chania Old Town - Crete - shore excursion: $100
  • Sightseeing Day Trip with Cooking Lesson and Lunch: $102

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Odense $32
    Crete $29

Tours and Activities in Odense

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Odense are as follows:

  • Craft Beer Walking Tour: $62
  • Odense Private Guided Walking Tour: $381

Tours and Activities in Crete

Here are a few actual costs in Crete for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Chania Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.42
  • CRETAquarium Entrance Ticket in Crete: $18
  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum Ticket & Audio Guide: $19
  • Full Day Tour Gramvousa Balos Bay from Georgioupolis with Guide: $20
  • Chersonissos: Mini-Train City Highlights Tour: $21
  • Heraklion: Heraklion Market & CretAquarium *SKIP The Line: $22
  • Heraklion: Palace of Knossos 3D Virtual Audio Tour by Tablet: $22
  • Heraklion Market and CretAquarium Guided Tour: $22
  • Heraklion: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $23
  • Heraklion: Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour: $23
  • Heraklion City Tour-Market-Creta Aquarium: $28
  • Spinalonga Kritsa Olive Factory Tour From Heraklion: $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Odense $24
    Crete $26

Sample the Local Flavors in Crete

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Crete:

  • Crete Countryside Escape Farm Visits and Wine Tasting: $51
  • Wine Tasting: Meet the Cretan Vineyard at West Chania: $59
  • Evening -Wine Tasting and Olive Oil Factory: $118
  • E-Bike Tour - Knossos Olive Oil Farm to Winery Wine Tasting: $128
  • PRIVATE Walking Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting by a Sommelier: $189
  • The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $195
  • Heraklion SUV Private Guided Wine Tour with Lunch: $207
  • Gastronomy tour and wine tasting in traditional villages: $212
  • Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch: $218
  • Private Wine Tour: $270
  • Private Wine Tour at Peza Valley - 2 Wineries and Lunch at Peza: $274
  • Private Wine Tour with Tastings at Peza Valley (Lunch Included): $295


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


Which has a larger population, Odense or Crete?

Crete has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Odense. When comparing the sizes of Odense 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.