A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Toulon vs. Crete for Food, Beaches, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Toulon or Crete?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Toulon and Crete can help you decide which place is right for you.

Toulon

Toulon is a real world, industrial, and authentic port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Crete

Crete is a stunning, breathtaking, and world-renowned island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Toulon and Crete: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Toulon or Crete?

You'll generally find more things to do in Crete than Toulon. Crete is bigger than Toulon, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Crete is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Toulon is more popular for its historical sights and shopping. Crete is more touristy than Toulon and is known for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins. Also, Crete is famous for the Palace of Knossos. Toulon is well known for its old town, its coastal setting, and its popularity with local vacationers.

How is Toulon different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Crete is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Crete specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Toulon offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Many of the sights are found in the old town and harbor areas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the Opera House, the Allied Landings Museum, the Naval Museum, and Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-de-la-Seds.

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

Crete is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its restaurants.

Crete has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Toulon has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a variety of cafes and restaurants that are found along the harbor or in the old town. Whether you want waterfront views or a charming street front cafe, there are great options available. Many restaurants offer local seafood but you'll also find pastries, traditional local food, a several Italian restaurants.

Is Toulon or Crete Better for Nightlife?

Crete is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Toulon. It's a relatively large city and traditionally a sailor's town, so the city has a long running tradition of partying into the night. While it doesn't have the party-hard reputation of some places, you likely won't be bored at night. Head to the harbor area or the beaches around Mourillon for the most lively bars and cafes.

Is Toulon or Crete Better for Resorts?

Crete is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Toulon is not a resort destination.

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.

Toulon is not a resort destination.

Is Toulon or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Crete is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Toulon is not a good port city for its diving and snorkeling.

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.

It's possible to go snorkeling in Toulon. There are a few beaches in the area that are worth checking out with a mask and snorkel. You'll likely see some underwater life hanging out by the rocks in the quieter areas.

Is Toulon or Crete Better for Beaches?

Crete is an unbeatable place for its beaches. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beache.

With world-famous beaches, Crete is a very popular vacation 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.

Toulon has a beach worth visiting. The beaches are sandy and less crowded than some of the more popular areas. The most accessible beach is Mourillon Beach which has public facilities and restaurants. If you're willing to venture a little farther from the center of town you'll find Mitre Beach which has some snorkeling. Battere Basse Beach is a bit quieter and also has snorkeling. Anse de Méjean is a popular spot with the locals.

Is Toulon or Crete Better for its Old Town?

Toulon is a port city with a few options for its historic old town charm. However, Crete does not have a historic old town.

The old town area in Toulon is worth visiting. The old town has plazas, terraced cafes, and plenty of outdoor shopping opportunities that visitors can enjoy.

Crete does not have a historic old town.

Is Toulon or Crete Better for Hiking?

Crete is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Crete is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Toulon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Toulon or Crete?

Toulon is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Toulon. If you're looking for traditional local shopping opportunities then this is your place. There are a number of traditional Provençal markets around town but the most famous is Cours Lafayette. You can shop with the locals looking for produce or flowers. There's also a weekend farmers market, Petit Cours, that is fun to explore.

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 Toulon or Crete Better for Families?

Crete is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Toulon is a family-friendly port city. The city may be known as a hub for the French navy, but there are also activities that kids and adults alike can enjoy. There are several military themed museums, a few good beaches, and local shopping. There's also the enjoyable cable car ride that you can take to the top of Mont Faron as well as several nice seaside walks in the area.

Is Toulon or Crete Better for Couples?

Crete is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Toulon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples will appreciate the walks along the coast or through the harbor. There are also nice restaurants, interesting art galleries, and a few good hotels around town that make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Toulon or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Crete is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Toulon is not as famous, but is still a good port city 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Toulon. It doesn't have the reputation of many nearby towns along the French Riviera, so you can still find some affordable hostels and cafes in the area. You also won't find the crowds so you can enjoy a touch of the authentic local culture.

Is Toulon or Crete Better for Students?

Crete is a well-known place for students. However, Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Toulon is not popular with students.

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

Both Toulon and Crete offer notable public transit options.

Toulon has a few public transit options. There are buses as well as petits trains (little tourist trains) that you can take around town.

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

Is Toulon or Crete a more walkable city?

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

Toulon is a very walkable destination. You can walk around the old town and harbor area where many of the sights are concentrated.

Crete is generally not a very walkable port city. 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 Toulon Worth Visiting? and Is Crete Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Crete or Toulon?

How long in Toulon or Crete?

Both Toulon 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 Toulon. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Toulon, and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.

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

In Toulon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this real world destination offers. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Crete. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Toulon or Crete?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Toulon. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Toulon or Crete?

Toulon is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Toulon. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Crete. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Toulon or Crete?

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Toulon. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the stunning destination of Crete. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to France, The Best Budget Tours to France, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.

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

Which has a larger population, Toulon or Crete?

Crete has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Toulon. When comparing the sizes of Toulon 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.