A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Thiva (Thebes) vs. Heraklion for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Thiva (Thebes) and Heraklion 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.

Thiva (Thebes)

Thiva (Thebes) is a authentic, vibrant, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a accessible, bustling, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Thiva (Thebes) and Heraklion: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Heraklion than Thiva (Thebes), as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Heraklion is more touristy than Thiva (Thebes) and is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Also, Heraklion is famous for The Palace of Knossos. Thiva (Thebes) is well known for its standing as one of the oldest cities in the world.

How is Thiva (Thebes) different from Heraklion?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Heraklion and Thiva (Thebes). Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion?

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Thiva (Thebes) and Heraklion.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Thiva (Thebes). The city is filled with archeological museums and sights that reflect its long-running history as one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Heraklion. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

Is the Food Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Heraklion is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Heraklion. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

Thiva (Thebes) is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a large city with restaurants that cater to locals and visitors alike. You can expect high quality ingredients at a fraction of the price that you'll find in more touristy areas.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion Better for Nightlife?

Heraklion is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Heraklion know how to have a good time. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

If you're looking for night time activities Thiva (Thebes) has a few options to choose from. The city is filled with lively cafes, bars, and pubs that spill out onto the city's vibrant squares.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is a great destination for the beache. However, Thiva (Thebes) is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Heraklion attract visitors from all over. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Thiva (Thebes) is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Heraklion and Thiva (Thebes).

Thiva (Thebes) offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find all of the normal retail options around town. Many are in shopping centers and malls.

Heraklion has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion Better for Families?

Both Thiva (Thebes) and Heraklion are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Thiva (Thebes). Kids who are interested in history will appreciate the many archeological ruins and museums in the city.

Heraklion offers lots of family activities. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion Better for Couples?

Heraklion is a great destination for its romantic activities. However, Thiva (Thebes) is a city with minimal options for couples.

Couples visit Heraklion frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

Thiva (Thebes) is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's often overlooked as a honeymoon destination in Greece but the history of this long-running city is unique. Today it's a large city but you can still catch glimpses of its past.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is a great destination for backpackers. However, Thiva (Thebes) is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Heraklion is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

Thiva (Thebes) is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really on the backpacker circuit so their aren't a lot of hostels in town.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Thiva (Thebes) and Heraklion.

You'll find some public transit in Thiva (Thebes), but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses in the area.

While Heraklion offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion a more walkable city?

Heraklion is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Heraklion is a very walkable city. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

Thiva (Thebes) is a somewhat walkable city. Some areas are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Thiva (Thebes) Worth Visiting? and Is Heraklion Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Heraklion or Thiva (Thebes)?

How long in Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Thiva (Thebes) and Heraklion. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Heraklion than in Thiva (Thebes). Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Thiva (Thebes), and 1-3 days is enough time in Heraklion.

Families should spend more time in Heraklion than Thiva (Thebes). Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Heraklion, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Heraklion than Thiva (Thebes). You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Heraklion that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Heraklion than Thiva (Thebes) 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 Heraklion.

One day in Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Thiva (Thebes). One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Thiva (Thebes) has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Heraklion, you'll find museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Thiva (Thebes). This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Heraklion is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Thiva (Thebes). The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Heraklion. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion?

Thiva (Thebes) is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Heraklion. It's also a great beach destination, too. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Thiva (Thebes) and Heraklion, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Thiva (Thebes) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Thiva (Thebes) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Thiva (Thebes) 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 Heraklion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Heraklion than you might in Thiva (Thebes).

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Thiva (Thebes) Expensive? and Is Heraklion Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Thiva (Thebes). When comparing the sizes of Thiva (Thebes) and Heraklion, 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.

When is the best time to visit Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Thiva (Thebes) as well as Heraklion. The summer months attract visitors to Thiva (Thebes) because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year.

Thiva (Thebes) is around the same temperature as Heraklion in the summer. The daily temperature in Thiva (Thebes) averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Heraklion fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thiva (Thebes) this time of the year. In the summer, Thiva (Thebes) often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Heraklion. Thiva (Thebes) gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heraklion receives 366 hours of full sun.

Thiva (Thebes) usually gets more rain in July than Heraklion. Thiva (Thebes) gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Heraklion receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion in the Autumn?

Both Heraklion and Thiva (Thebes) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Thiva (Thebes) this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Thiva (Thebes) is around the same temperature as Heraklion. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Heraklion averages at about 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thiva (Thebes). Thiva (Thebes) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Heraklion during autumn. Thiva (Thebes) gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Heraklion receives 199 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thiva (Thebes) usually receives less rain than Heraklion. Thiva (Thebes) gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Heraklion receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion in the Winter?

Both Heraklion and Thiva (Thebes) during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Thiva (Thebes) for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Heraklion in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Thiva (Thebes) is generally cooler than Heraklion. Daily temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) average around 10°C (51°F), and Heraklion fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the winter, Thiva (Thebes) often gets more sunshine than Heraklion. Thiva (Thebes) gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heraklion receives 121 hours of full sun.

Thiva (Thebes) usually gets less rain in January than Heraklion. Thiva (Thebes) gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Heraklion receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thiva (Thebes) and Heraklion. Many visitors come to Thiva (Thebes) in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Thiva (Thebes) is around the same temperature as Heraklion in the spring. The daily temperature in Thiva (Thebes) averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Heraklion fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Heraklion this time of the year. In Thiva (Thebes), it's very sunny this time of the year. Thiva (Thebes) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Heraklion during spring. Thiva (Thebes) gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Heraklion receives 224 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thiva (Thebes) usually receives less rain than Heraklion. Thiva (Thebes) gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Heraklion receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Heraklion and Thiva (Thebes)