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

Should you visit Tartu or Crete?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tartu and Crete can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tartu

Tartu is a lively, intellectual, and student-oriented university town. Tartu offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include nightlife. See Tartu travel costs.

Crete

Crete is a scenic, stunning, and breathtaking island. With stunning beauty, Crete attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Crete travel costs.

Tartu and Crete: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tartu or Crete?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Crete than Tartu. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Crete is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Tartu attracts visitors for its historical sights. Crete is more touristy than Tartu and is popular for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins. It is also well known for the Palace of Knossos. Tartu is famous for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Crete is a great island for its historical sights. However, Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Crete is an amazing island to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tartu is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Tartu offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The restaurant scene is surprisingly limited because of the large student population. Most students prefer saving their money for a night out drinking over a quiet meal at a restaurant. There are some cafes around town as well as pastry shops and a few good ethnic restaurants to choose between.

Is Tartu or Crete Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find excellent options in both Tartu and Crete.

The nightlife in Tartu has something for everybody. With its huge student population, there is plenty of activity year round. The nightlife scene includes many bars, dance clubs, and pubs that are popular with students and visitors alike. You'll find large parties and music festivals throughout the year that bring crowds to the city.

Crete offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Tartu or Crete Better for Resorts?

Crete is an amazing island to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Tartu is not a resort destination.

Crete is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Tartu is not a resort destination.

Is Tartu or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Crete is a great island for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tartu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Crete is an extremely popular place to visit for 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.

Tartu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tartu or Crete Better for Beaches?

Crete is an amazing island to visit for the beach. However, Tartu is not a beach destination.

Crete is considered to be a world-class beach 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.

Tartu is not a beach destination.

Is Tartu or Crete Better for its Old Town?

Tartu is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Crete does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Tartu. The old town is where you'll find one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. There is also Town Hall Square and St. John’s Quarter with many historic buildings and beautiful architecture.

Crete does not have a historic old town.

Is Tartu or Crete Better for Hiking?

Crete is a great island for hiking. However, Tartu is not a hiking destination.

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.

Tartu is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Crete?

Crete is a island with good options for its shopping areas. However, Tartu is not known for shopping.

Crete has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Tartu is a good destination for shopping. While most people don't visit to go shopping, there is an active art scene in town so you can find some creative pieces that are worth checking out.

Is Tartu or Crete More Beautiful?

Crete is a great island for its scenery and beauty. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its scenery and 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.

Tartu is a gorgeous place to visit. It's a beautiful city with a long history and a number of unique historical buildings.

Is Tartu or Crete Better for Families?

Crete is an amazing island to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its family-friendly activities.

Crete is an extremely popular island to visit for families. 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.

Tartu is a family-friendly place to visit. Many of the kid-friendly activities are outdoors, so summer visits are better if you're traveling with children. There are adventure parks, animal parks, and educational museums that you can choose from.

Is Tartu or Crete Better for Couples?

Crete is an amazing island to visit for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

Crete is a great island for couples, as it 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.

Tartu is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a young population, so you'll find many activities center around a more youthful vibe. There are some great museums that couples will enjoy, as well as a lively nightlife scene. Outside of old town, couples will enjoy wandering through the Karlova and Supilinn districts.

Is Tartu or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tartu and Crete are excellent places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Tartu. With it's young population and budget friendly entertainment options, there are many things that backpackers will enjoy. It's not nearly as popular with backpackers as some other cities, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have a lot to offer.

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.

Is Tartu or Crete Better for Students?

Tartu is an amazing university town to visit for students. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Tartu. It is a university town and home to one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. The student population is large here, with many activities, museums, and nightlife options to choose from. There always seems to be something going on in this vibrant city.

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

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

Tartu and Crete both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Tartu offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around the town.

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

Is Tartu or Crete a more walkable city?

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

Tartu is a very walkable destination. The city is compact with most of its sights and restaurants close together along a couple of streets.

Crete is generally not a very walkable university 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 Tartu Worth Visiting? and Is Crete Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Crete or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Crete?

Both Tartu 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 Tartu. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Tartu, and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.

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

In Tartu, many people enjoy the nightlife that this intellectual destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Crete, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this world-renowned 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 Tartu or Crete?

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

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 Tartu or Crete?

Tartu is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife when visiting the destination of Tartu. 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 Tartu or Crete?

You'll find nightlife around the student-oriented destination of Tartu. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Estonia, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.

When comparing the travel costs between Tartu 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 Tartu Expensive? and Is Crete Expensive?.

Which has a larger population, Tartu or Crete?

Crete has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu 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.