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

Should you visit Provincie Friesland or Crete?

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

Should I visit Provincie Friesland or Crete? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Provincie Friesland

Provincie Friesland is a picturesque, scenic, and peaceful region. With stunning beauty, Provincie Friesland attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, shopping, and museums. See Provincie Friesland travel costs.

Crete

Crete is a stunning, breathtaking, and world-renowned island. Crete is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping. See Crete travel costs.

Provincie Friesland and Crete: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Not as many resort options
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
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Provincie Friesland or Crete?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Crete than Provincie Friesland, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Crete is more touristy than Provincie Friesland and is known for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins. Also, Crete is famous for the Palace of Knossos. Provincie Friesland is well known for its beautiful landscapes, charming towns, and rich cultural heritage.

How is Provincie Friesland different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Provincie Friesland or Crete?

Provincie Friesland
Crete

Crete is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Provincie Friesland is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

Crete offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Provincie Friesland offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Museums highlight the region's culture and history. The Fries Museum in Leeuwarden has exhibits on Frisian heritage, art, and the famous artist M.C. Escher. The Eise Eisinga Planetarium in Franeker is the oldest working planetarium in the world. For a more hands-on experience, the Museum of Friesland and AquaZoo in Leeuwarden provide interactive exhibits about local wildlife and the region's maritime history.


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

Provincie Friesland
Crete

Crete is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Provincie Friesland is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Crete is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Provincie Friesland has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The food scene in the area is influenced by the region's agricultural and maritime heritage. Traditional specialties like Frisian clove cheese, smoked eel, and suikerbrood (sugar bread) are popular. There are also many local markets and you'll find a lot of seafood in many restaurants such as oysters, mussels, and shrimp.

Is Provincie Friesland or Crete Better for Nightlife?

Provincie Friesland
Crete

Crete is notable for nightlife. However, Provincie Friesland is a mediocre region for nightlife and partying.

Crete has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Provincie Friesland. The area is relatively quiet with a more cozy and peaceful vibe. For the best nightlife, head to Leeuwarden, the region's capital. This is where you'll find the biggest variety of bars, pubs, and clubs.

Is Provincie Friesland or Crete Better for Resorts?

Provincie Friesland
Crete

Crete is a must-visit destination for its resorts. Also, Provincie Friesland is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Crete is a great 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.

With a selection of resorts, Provincie Friesland makes a nice vacation spot. There are a number of resorts in the region, particularly near the Frisian Lakes, Wadden Sea, or the IJsselmeer. Many offer waterfront views and outdoor activities like sailing, hiking, and cycling.


Is Provincie Friesland or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Provincie Friesland
Crete

Crete is notable for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Provincie Friesland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Provincie Friesland is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Provincie Friesland or Crete Better for Beaches?

Provincie Friesland
Crete

Crete is a must-visit destination for its beaches. Also, Provincie Friesland is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for the beach.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Crete. 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.

Provincie Friesland is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You'll find some of the best beaches along the shores of the IJsselmeer and the Wadden Sea. The IJsselmeer beaches have sandy shores that are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, with popular spots like Lemmer and Makkum providing a relaxing atmosphere. The Wadden Sea has distinctive mudflat beaches, where visitors can take part in the unique experience of wadlopen (mudflat hiking) during low tide. Terschelling and Ameland, two of the Frisian Islands, boast stunning natural beaches perfect for long walks, cycling, or simply unwinding by the sea. These islands are known for their wide, untouched coastlines, dunes, and abundant birdlife.

Is Provincie Friesland or Crete Better for Hiking?

Provincie Friesland
Crete

If you're looking to go hiking, Provincie Friesland and Crete both have high quality trails.

Provincie Friesland is a popular spot for hiking. De Alde Feanen National Park has some of the region's best hiking. The trails go through wetlands, heathlands, and forests. The Wadden Sea coast also offers unique walking experiences, such as mudflat hiking (wadlopen), where you can explore the shifting sands and tidal flats during low tide. For a cultural and scenic hike, the Elfstedenpad (Eleven Cities Trail) takes you through historic towns, canals, and beautiful countryside.

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.


Is the Shopping Better in Provincie Friesland or Crete?

Provincie Friesland
Crete

Both Provincie Friesland and Crete are notable shopping destinations.

Provincie Friesland is a great destination for shopping. The region has a mix of charming boutiques, local markets, and larger retail centers. In cities like Leeuwarden, you'll find a variety of shops ranging from high-street fashion to unique independent stores selling Dutch design, antiques, and local handicrafts. Local markets also sell fresh produce, flowers, cheeses, and regional specialties like Frisian sugar bread. Towns like Sneek and Hindeloopen are perfect for exploring quaint shops that sell artisanal goods, souvenirs, and traditional Dutch items.

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.

Is Provincie Friesland or Crete More Beautiful?

Provincie Friesland
Crete

Provincie Friesland and Crete both are comparable with their high quality scenery and beauty.

Provincie Friesland is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The area is filled with natural beauty and serene landscapes. There are also charming towns, green pastures, and tranquil canals.

The beauty of Crete is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The island has some of the world's most beautiful beaches. The blue waters and striking landscapes make this a world class destination.

Is Provincie Friesland or Crete Better for Families?

Provincie Friesland
Crete

Crete is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Provincie Friesland is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Crete is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Provincie Friesland is very family-friendly. Kids will love the beaches, hiking, and other outdoor activities. There's also a zoo in the area and a planetarium, as well as Sybrandy's Speelpark, which is good for younger kids.


Is Provincie Friesland or Crete Better for Couples?

Provincie Friesland
Crete

Crete is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Provincie Friesland is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its romantic activities.

Crete makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

Provincie Friesland makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic outdoor areas, beaches, lakes, and other beautiful places to explore, particularly by bike. There are also spas in the area that many couples enjoy.

Is Provincie Friesland or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Provincie Friesland
Crete

Crete is notable for backpackers. Also, Provincie Friesland is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Provincie Friesland is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are places to camp in the area as well as many free activities like hiking or cycling.

Is Provincie Friesland or Crete Better for Students?

Provincie Friesland
Crete

Crete is notable for students. However, Provincie Friesland is not popular with students.

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

Provincie Friesland is not popular with students.


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

Provincie Friesland
Crete

Both Provincie Friesland and Crete offer notable public transit options.

Provincie Friesland has a few public transit options. There are regular bus and train services linking the region's towns and cities. The Friesland Rail network provides connections between key destinations like Leeuwarden, Sneek, and Heerenveen. There are also local buses that travel to smaller villages and more remote areas.

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

Is Provincie Friesland or Crete a more walkable city?

Provincie Friesland
Crete

Provincie Friesland and Crete both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Provincie Friesland is generally not very walkable. Friesland is walkable in certain areas, particularly its small towns and nature reserves, but getting between destinations typically requires biking, driving, or public transport.

Crete is generally not a very walkable region. 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 Provincie Friesland Worth Visiting? and Is Crete Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Crete or Provincie Friesland?

How long in Provincie Friesland or Crete?

Both Provincie Friesland 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 Provincie Friesland. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Provincie Friesland, and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.

Families should spend more time in Crete than Provincie Friesland. 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 Provincie Friesland. 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 Provincie Friesland 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 Provincie Friesland or Crete? Ideal Length of Stay
    Provincie Friesland 2-4 
    Crete 5-7

One day in Provincie Friesland or Crete?

In Provincie Friesland, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this scenic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This region 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 Provincie Friesland or Crete?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Provincie Friesland. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

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 Provincie Friesland or Crete?

Provincie Friesland is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Provincie Friesland. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Provincie Friesland or Crete?

You'll find food and shopping around the scenic destination of Provincie Friesland. Most people come for the beaches. 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 shopping and museums that this scenic 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 Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands, The Best Adventure Tours to Netherlands, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Crete or Provincie Friesland?

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

  • Provincie Friesland Prices
    Netherlands Prices
    Crete Prices
    Greece Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Provincie Friesland 245,875
    Crete 144

The average daily cost (per person) in Provincie Friesland is €245,875, while the average daily cost in Crete is €144. 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 Provincie Friesland and Crete in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Provincie Friesland 132,547
    Crete 55
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Provincie Friesland
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    264
    Crete 110
Compare Hotels in Provincie Friesland and Crete

Looking for a hotel in Provincie Friesland 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 Provincie Friesland


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: Crete Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Provincie Friesland 18,325
    Crete 47

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: $23
  • 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: $40
  • Private Transfer from Heraklion Airport (HER) to Heraklion Port: $41
  • Heraklion Airport (HER) to Heraklion - Arrival Private Transfer: $42
  • Transfer Heraklion Airport to Gouves area up to 7 customers: $49
  • Acqua Plus Water Park Entrance with Transfer & Lunch: $50
  • Day Trip to Elafonisi Beach with Hotel Transfers: $53

Is it cheaper to fly into Provincie Friesland or Crete?

Prices for flights to both Crete and Provincie Friesland 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
    Provincie Friesland 89,227
    Crete 58

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: $36
  • Olive Oil Factory Tour, Dinner & Traditional Dancing: $66
  • Olive Oil Festival in Cretan Farm with Traditional Dinner: $78
  • Heraklion: Finikia Horse Riding Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $81
  • The Delicious Chania Street Food Tour : $96
  • Half Day Sunset Tour in Rethymno with Dinner and Wine: $101
  • Chania Walking Food Tours Crete with a local!: $101
  • Sightseeing Day Trip with Cooking Lesson and Lunch: $102
  • Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $105
  • Chania: Evening Feasts A Journey through Cretan Flavors Food Tour: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Provincie Friesland 15,702
    Crete 25

Tours and Activities in Crete

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

  • Chania Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $9.57
  • CRETAquarium Entrance Ticket in Crete: $9.58
  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum Ticket & Audio Guide: $19
  • Gramvousa Island & Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Rethymno English & German guide: $20
  • Chersonissos: Mini-Train City Highlights Tour: $21
  • Heraklion Museum Ticket and City Audio Tour: $22
  • Heraklion City Tour - Aquarium: $22
  • 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: $23
  • Heraklion: Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour: $23
  • Heraklion: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $23

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Provincie Friesland 6,000
    Crete 22

Sample the Local Flavors in Crete

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

  • Local Wine Tasting & Visit to the Ancient Olive Tree: $143
  • Heraklion: Half Day Small Group Wine Tour with Wine Tastings: $150
  • Ecobike-Knossos Palace-Wine tasting-Olive oil tasting: $180
  • Cave and Cretan Brewery tour with lunch: $186
  • PRIVATE Walking Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting by a Sommelier: $192
  • The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $198
  • Gastronomy tour and wine tasting in traditional villages : $216
  • Heraklion SUV Private Guided Wine Tour with Lunch : $237
  • From Elounda Private Heraklion Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $251
  • Private Wine Tour: $270
  • From Heraklion: Villages and Vines A Scenic Wine Tasting Journey: $289
  • Private Knossos Skip The Line Tour inc. lunch & wine tasting: $337


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


Which has a larger population, Provincie Friesland or Crete?

Provincie Friesland has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Crete. When comparing the sizes of Provincie Friesland 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.