A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint-Tropez vs. Crete for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Saint-Tropez or Crete?

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

Should I visit Saint-Tropez 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.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is a ritzy, celebrity-filled, and extravagant resort town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Crete

Crete is a world-renowned, scenic, and stunning island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint-Tropez and Crete: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Saint-Tropez or Crete?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Crete. Although Saint-Tropez and Crete are both popular with visitors, Crete has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Crete is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, and hiking, while Saint-Tropez is known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and shopping. Crete is more touristy than Saint-Tropez and is known for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins. It is also home to the Palace of Knossos. Saint-Tropez is popular for its trendy beach clubs around the Bay of Pampelonne, as well as its popularity with celebrities and the extravagantly wealthy.

How is Saint-Tropez different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Tropez or Crete?

Saint-Tropez
Crete

Crete is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Saint-Tropez or Crete? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saint-Tropez
Crete

Crete is an amazing island to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Saint-Tropez is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Saint-Tropez is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is all about the local flavors. You'll find plenty of local seafood as well as local organic meats, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, garlic, and truffles. Cheese is a common ingredient as well. There are many different soups and stews, and bouillabaisse is a common fish soup found in the restaurants around town. Daube is another popular stew that is made with beef. Ratatouille is a vegetable casserole that has made a name for itself both inside and outside of France. And, of course, you have to try the local salads and pastries. Because it's such a touristy area, there are many restaurants geared specifically to the tourists, many of which are overpriced.

Is Saint-Tropez or Crete Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Tropez
Crete

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Saint-Tropez has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. It is a place to see and be seen, so if you're looking for A-list celebrities, glamourous yacht parties, and ritzy dance clubs, then this is your place. While the nightlife scene is filled with extravagance, there are still laid back clubs where you can sip a cocktail in style. The best season to come and party is during the summer months, but you'll still find plenty to do throughout the year.

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 Saint-Tropez or Crete Better for Resorts?

Saint-Tropez
Crete

Saint-Tropez and Crete offer a relatively similar set of first-rate luxury resort options.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Saint-Tropez is a great choice. Luxury and extravagance is what this resort town is all about. If you have the money to spend, you'll have no trouble finding a glamourous villa or luxury hotel where you can relax, party, or soak up the French Riviera sun.

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.


Is Saint-Tropez or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Saint-Tropez
Crete

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

The clear water and abundant marine life make Saint-Tropez a world-class scuba diving and snorkeling destination. The Gulf of Saint Tropez is one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive along the French Riviera. There are wreck dives including the most famous, The Rubis, a submarine that is surrounded by marine life. Although you're not allowed to enter the vessel, there is still plenty to see. There are also plenty of dive spots that feature rock formations, schools of fish, and lobsters.

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.

Is Saint-Tropez or Crete Better for Beaches?

Saint-Tropez
Crete

Crete is an amazing island to visit for the beache. Also, Saint-Tropez is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Saint-Tropez is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The beaches are frequented by celebrities, so you'll find plenty of glitz and glamour by the water. For some of the best beaches, you'll want to head a little out of town. The most famous beach in the area is Pampelonne Beach which is popular with Hollywood celebrities during the summer months. Bouillabaisse Beach is the place to go if you want to look at the yachts, but for a more natural setting head to Graniers Beach.

Is Saint-Tropez or Crete Better for Hiking?

Saint-Tropez
Crete

Crete is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Saint-Tropez is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Saint-Tropez is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Tropez or Crete?

Saint-Tropez
Crete

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Saint-Tropez is a world class destination for shoppers. Surrounded by luxury, shopping is a must in this glamourous resort town. There are international luxury brands as well as local designer boutiques. Whether you're looking for yachting clothes, cigars, jewelry, or perfume, this is one of the best shopping destinations along the Cote d'Azur. Art is a particularly popular item to purchase while you're in town.

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 Saint-Tropez or Crete Better for Families?

Saint-Tropez
Crete

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Saint-Tropez or Crete.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Saint-Tropez is a very family-friendly destination. With great beaches, several amusement parks, waterparks, and even Marineland, there are an endless supply of activities for kids. There's also a zoo and nature reserve for wildlife enthusiasts. For adventure lovers, there are a number of different watersports to try and if the weather isn't cooperating, there are a few good museums and other indoor activities as well.

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.

Is Saint-Tropez or Crete Better for Couples?

Saint-Tropez
Crete

With fun activities for couples, both Saint-Tropez and Crete make for a first-rate place to visit.

Saint-Tropez makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Whether you're honeymooning or taking a short getaway to the French Riviera, this is a great option for couples. You can take a stroll at sunset, relax on one of the beautiful beaches, dine on local seafood, and soak up the rich local culture. The romance and beauty of this French Riviera city make it a world class romantic destination.

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.


Is Saint-Tropez or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saint-Tropez
Crete

Crete is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Saint-Tropez is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Saint-Tropez is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. For many backpackers it may seem cost prohibitive to visit the French Riviera, but for those with the money, it is well worth the splurge. You can save some money by staying outside of town or finding a vacation rental where you can cook meals. There are also hostels and rooms in local homes that come at a more reasonable price.

Is Saint-Tropez or Crete Better for Students?

Saint-Tropez
Crete

Crete is a great destination for students. However, Saint-Tropez 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.

Saint-Tropez is not popular with students.

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

Saint-Tropez
Crete

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Saint-Tropez and Crete.

You'll find some public transit in Saint-Tropez, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system that connects many parts of the area.

While Crete offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.


Is Saint-Tropez or Crete a more walkable city?

Saint-Tropez
Crete

Saint-Tropez is an amazing resort town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known for its walkability.

Getting around Saint-Tropez on foot is easy. It's easy to explore many places on foot, passing by beautiful beaches, stunning views, impressive yachts, and glamourous villas.

Crete is generally not a very walkable resort 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 Saint-Tropez Worth Visiting? and Is Crete Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Crete or Saint-Tropez?

How long in Saint-Tropez or Crete?

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

Families should spend more time in Crete than Saint-Tropez. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Crete than Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez or Crete? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saint-Tropez 2-4 
    Crete 5-7

One day in Saint-Tropez or Crete?

In Saint-Tropez, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this ritzy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort 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 shopping and museums that this stunning island offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Saint-Tropez or Crete?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Tropez. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.


Five days in Saint-Tropez or Crete?

Saint-Tropez is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Saint-Tropez. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

In Crete, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this world-renowned destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Saint-Tropez or Crete?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the celebrity-filled destination of Saint-Tropez. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Crete or Saint-Tropez?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Saint-Tropez is €148, while the average daily cost in Crete is €102. 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 Saint-Tropez and Crete in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saint-Tropez 86
    Crete 48
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saint-Tropez 172
    Crete 96
Compare Hotels in Saint-Tropez and Crete

Looking for a hotel in Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez


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: Saint-Tropez Hotel Prices and Crete Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saint-Tropez 34
    Crete 23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Saint-Tropez

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Saint-Tropez:

  • Private Direct Transfer From Saint Tropez to Marseille: $186
  • Private Direct Transfer From Saint Tropez to Monaco: $260
  • Private Direct Transfer From Saint Tropez to Nice: $162
  • Private Transfer From Saint Tropez To Nice, 2 Hour Stop in Cannes: $222
  • Private Transfer From Saint Tropez to Marseille, 2 Hour Stop: $244
  • Santorini Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Santorini: $60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Crete

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Crete:

  • Acqua Plus Water Park Admission with Optional Transfer: $32
  • Acqua Plus Water Park Admission with Optional Transfer: $31
  • Crete Private Taxi Transfer from Heraklion Airport to Bali: $96
  • Crete Private Taxi and Transfer Georgioupoli to Heraklion Airport: $162
  • Crete Private Taxi and Transfer from Chania to Adelianos Kampos: $110
  • Crete Private Taxi and Transfer from Chania to Bali: $140
  • Crete Private Taxi and Transfer from Heraklion Airport to Malia: $82
  • Crete Private Taxi and Transfer from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos: $124
  • Crete Private Taxi and Transfer from Kalyves to Heraklion Airport: $218
  • Crete Private Transfer from Heraklion to Hersonissos: $52
  • Acqua Plus Water Park Entrance Ticket with Transfer: $33
  • Acqua Plus Water Park Entrance with Transfer & Lunch: $43

Is it cheaper to fly into Saint-Tropez or Crete?

Prices for flights to both Crete and Saint-Tropez 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
    Saint-Tropez 38
    Crete 34

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Saint-Tropez

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Saint-Tropez.

  • Saint Tropez : Food tour and highlights: $119
  • Saint Tropez unical food tour !: $121

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Crete

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

  • Troy Dinner-Show: $33
  • Olive Oil Factory Tour, Dinner & Traditional Dancing: $60
  • Chania: Cretan Folklore Dance Show with Dinner and Pickup: $76
  • Cook with Locals | Cretan cooking Class at Archanes (transfer - lunch included): $87
  • The Delicious Chania PRIVATE Street Food Tour : $88
  • Sightseeing Day Trip with Cooking Lesson and Lunch: $97
  • Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $98
  • Chania Cooking Class in Crete with rustic, delicious and homely Cretan food!: $101
  • Authentic and Traditional Cooking Class in Chania Crete: $101
  • E-bike Food Tour Tasting in Heraklion : $114
  • Heraklion: Cretan Cooking Lesson with Lunch in Arolithos: $119
  • Chania: Authentic Cooking Class in the White Mountains: $119

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saint-Tropez 26
    Crete 26

Tours and Activities in Saint-Tropez

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

  • Guided walking tour of Saint Tropez: $27
  • Kayak Experience in Ramatuelle Reserve: $41
  • FREJUS - ACTIVITY and ADVENTURE in Survival Techniques KATALANTA: $50
  • Ramatuelle: Tracks & Tasting Winery Tour by Mountain E-Bike: $81
  • Saint Tropez : Netflix Emily in Paris Tour: $103
  • From BB to Emily in Paris: the beauties' tour of Saint Tropez: $105
  • Saint Tropez : Private Walking tour with a Tropezienne guide: $130
  • From Cannes: St Tropez & Port Grimaud Sightseeing Tour: $136
  • From Nice: St Tropez & Port Grimaud Full Day Tour: $136
  • Saint Tropez : tour and sweet tasting: $163
  • Saint Tropez Guided Tour and Tarte Tropezienne Tasting: $166
  • 2 hours - Private tour of Saint Tropez with a local guide!: $243

Tours and Activities in Crete

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

  • Chania: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Tour: $7.06
  • Heraklion Archaeological Museum Ticket & Audio Guide: $8.36
  • Palace of Knossos Entry Ticket & Optional Audio Guide: $11
  • The Terra Creta Olive Oil Experience Tour: $11
  • Chania: Sunset Boat Cruise with Guide: $15
  • Heraklion: Palace of Knossos 3D Virtual Audio Tour by Tablet: $16
  • Heraklion: Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour: $16
  • Heraklion: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $16
  • Heraklion: Virtual Reality Experience at VR Lab: $16
  • Chersonissos: Mini-Train City Highlights Tour: $17
  • Heraklion City Tour - Aquarium: $18
  • Gramvousa Island & Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Rethymno English & German guide: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saint-Tropez 19
    Crete 20

Sample the Local Flavors in Saint-Tropez

Also in Saint-Tropez, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Horse riding in the vineyards of Grimaud + wine tasting: $87
  • Horse back riding + wine tasting in Ramatuelle: $97
  • Small group wine tour from Saint-Tropez: $118
  • Provence Day, Saint Tropez Grimaud village Wine tasting: $119
  • Small group wine tour in the vineyards of the Gulf of St-Tropez: $120
  • Private 1/2 day wine tour St-Tropez: $131
  • Private wine tour in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez: $253
  • Vintage wine tour in Saint-Tropez: $597

Sample the Local Flavors in Crete

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

  • Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour From Chania: $42
  • Chania: Off-Road Tour at Sunset with Wine Tasting: $97
  • Jeep Safari Wine Tour and South sea swimming: $98
  • Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $104
  • Wine Tasting-Olive Oil Factory-Traditional Villages- Small Group : $133
  • The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $166
  • Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $179
  • Private-Knossos Palace and Wine tasting in Heraklion countryside: $221
  • From Elounda Private Heraklion Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $232
  • Ecobike Tour • All in One • Historical Tour-Food Tasting-Wine Tasting: $234
  • Heraklion SUV Private Guided Wine Tour with Lunch : $243
  • Heraklion: Private Knossos & Wine Tasting Tour with Lunch: $250


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


Which has a larger population, Saint-Tropez or Crete?

Crete has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Saint-Tropez. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Tropez 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.