A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Thiva (Thebes) vs. Heraklion for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

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.

Where Should I go: Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion?

Thiva (Thebes)

The City of Thiva (Thebes in ancient times) is a place built on top of history. Dating back to its powerful city-state status in the 4th Century BC, the city was home to legends like Hercules and Dionysus, and laid basis to the famous story of Oedipus as well. Following the Trojan War, Thiva had reached its golden age as a dominant city of the Boeotia region. The glory however was short to last. Around 335 BC, Thiva was all but destroyed by Alexander the Great for siding with the Persians under Xerxes against Athens.

Heraklion

The largest city on the island of Crete, Heraklion on first glance is almost completely modern - a frenzy of traffic, concrete, and dust. Do not expect pristine beaches and glittering waves (those can be found on other parts of Crete). Heraklion is first and foremost a city. Once you get past its grittiness, you will find that there are some attractive features beneath first impressions. The antiquity of the place lies embedded in the modern and is presented in one of the best museums in Greece, the food is excellent, and the people are friendly and welcoming. And though the sea is not great for swimming, its presence along the Venetian port will take you to another time if you need a break from Heraklion's bustling center.

Which city is cheaper, Heraklion or Thiva (Thebes)?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Thiva (Thebes) is €102, while the average daily cost in Heraklion is €126. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Thiva (Thebes) and Heraklion in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thiva (Thebes) 49
    Heraklion 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thiva (Thebes) 98
    Heraklion 130
Compare Hotels in Thiva (Thebes) and Heraklion

Looking for a hotel in Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion? 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 Thiva (Thebes)


Hotels in Heraklion


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Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Thiva (Thebes) Hotel Prices and Heraklion Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thiva (Thebes) 30
    Heraklion 25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion

Also for Heraklion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Transfer Heraklion Area: $13
  • Creta Private Transfer from Heraklion (HER) Airport to Agia Marina: $311
  • Creta Private Transfer from Heraklion (HER) Airport to Agia Pelagia: $68
  • Creta Private Transfer from Heraklion (HER) Airport to Agios Nikolaos: $129
  • Creta Private Transfer from Heraklion (HER) Airport to Ammoudara: $42
  • Creta Private Transfer from Heraklion (HER) Airport to Analipsis: $61
  • Creta Private Transfer from Heraklion (HER) Airport to Anissaras: $65
  • Creta Private Transfer from Heraklion (HER) Airport to Bali: $108
  • Creta Private Transfer from Heraklion (HER) Airport to Chania: $291
  • Creta Private Transfer from Heraklion (HER) Airport to Eloúnda: $146
  • Creta Private Transfer from Heraklion (HER) Airport to Fodele: $73
  • Creta Private Transfer from Heraklion (HER) Airport to Georgioupoli: $214

Is it cheaper to fly into Thiva (Thebes) or Heraklion?

Prices for flights to both Heraklion and Thiva (Thebes) 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
    Thiva (Thebes) 33
    Heraklion 41

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heraklion

For Heraklion, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Live from Heraklion - Cheese Making and Vegeterian Pie Online Cooking class: $39
  • Cretan Cooking Class Gouves (Free Transfer Included): $86
  • Private Cooking Class Gouves (Free Transfer Included): $123
  • Heraklion Private Cretan Cooking Class at a Traditional Village: $218
  • Private Cooking Class and Wine Tasting in Heraklion: $440
  • Authentic Greek Food Cooking Class: $519
  • Crete: Farm Experience with Cooking Class, Pottery and Meal: $744

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Thiva (Thebes) 21
    Heraklion 30

Tours and Activities in Heraklion

For Heraklion, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Crete: Palace of Knossos Archaeological Site Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Skip the Line: Heraklion Archaeological Museum Entrance Ticket: $12
  • Skip the Line: Knossos Palace and Archaeological Site Entrance Ticket: $15
  • Knossos Palace: Pre-Booked E-Ticket & Smartphone Audio Tour: $19
  • Heraklion Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $19
  • Palace of Knossos 3D Virtual Audio Tour by Tablet: $20
  • From Rethymno: Full-Day Knossos and Heraklion Tour: $25
  • Royalty Heraklion City Tour-Market-Creta Aquarium: $25
  • Heraklion City Tour-Market-Creta Aquarium: $32
  • Day Tour: Spinalonga, Elounda, Agios Nikolaos, & Kolokitha: $41
  • Hersonissos: Acqua Plus Water Park Entrance Ticket: $42
  • From Heraklio: Full-Day Knossos & Heraklion Tour Guided English and German: $45

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thiva (Thebes) 14
    Heraklion 21

Sample the Local Flavors in Heraklion

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

  • Crete: Haralabakis Winery Tour & Wine Tasting: $101
  • Heraklion Area: Secrets of Olive Oil and Wine Tasting Tour: $169
  • The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $187


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).


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.

Thiva (Thebes) is around the same temperature as Heraklion in the summer. The temperature in Thiva (Thebes) is usually 27°C (81°F) in July, and Heraklion stays 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.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Thiva (Thebes) 27°C (81°F) 
    Heraklion 25°C (78°F)

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.

In the autumn, Thiva (Thebes) is around the same temperature as Heraklion. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) in October are around 19°C (67°F), and Heraklion is 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.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Thiva (Thebes) 19°C (67°F) 
    Heraklion 20°C (68°F)

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

Both Heraklion and Thiva (Thebes) during the winter are popular places to visit.

In January, Thiva (Thebes) is generally cooler than Heraklion. Temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) average around 10°C (51°F), and Heraklion stays 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.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Thiva (Thebes) 10°C (51°F) 
    Heraklion 12°C (54°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thiva (Thebes) and Heraklion.

Thiva (Thebes) is around the same temperature as Heraklion in the spring. The temperature in Thiva (Thebes) is usually 16°C (60°F) in April, and Heraklion stays 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.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Thiva (Thebes) 16°C (60°F) 
    Heraklion 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Heraklion and Thiva (Thebes)

Thiva (Thebes) Heraklion
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 77 mm (3 in)


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Thiva (Thebes) vs. Heraklion Travel Comparison

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