Which place is cheaper, Crete or Venice?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Venice 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 Venice and Crete can help you decide which place is right for you.
Venice
Venice is a romantic, cultural, and magical city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and shopping.
Crete
Crete is a scenic, stunning, and breathtaking island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.
Venice and Crete: Pros and Cons
Venice
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Scenic old town
- Fun shopping
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good public transit
- Very walkable
- Impressive beauty
- Quaint atmosphere
- Home to St. Mark's Basilica
- Less popular for food
- Less popular for nightlife
Crete
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Popular for food and cuisine
- Active nightlife
- Nice resorts
- Good scuba and snorkeling destination
- Popular beach
- Good for hiking
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Impressive beauty
- Less popular for shopping
- Public transit not as usable
- Less walkable
Is there more to do in Venice or Crete?
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Venice than Crete. While Crete is larger than Venice, Venice has more sights and attractions for tourists. Venice is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Crete attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Venice is famous for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. It is also well known for St. Mark's Basilica. Crete is famous for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins.
How is Venice different from Crete?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Crete and Venice. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Venice or Crete?
Venice
Crete
Venice is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Venice on the map. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.
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.
Is the Food Better in Venice or Crete? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Venice
Crete
Crete is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and 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.
Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.
Is Venice or Crete Better for Nightlife?
Venice
Crete
Crete is great for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.
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.
Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.
Is Venice or Crete Better for Resorts?
Venice
Crete
Crete is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Venice 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.
Venice is not a resort destination.
Is Venice or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?
Venice
Crete
Crete is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Venice is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
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.
Venice is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.
Is Venice or Crete Better for Beaches?
Venice
Crete
Crete is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Venice is not a beach destination.
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.
Venice is not a beach destination.
Is Venice or Crete Better for its Old Town?
Venice
Crete
Venice is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Crete does not have a historic old town.
Venice offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.
Crete does not have a historic old town.
Is Venice or Crete Better for Hiking?
Venice
Crete
Crete is great for hiking. However, Venice 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.
Venice is not a hiking destination.
Is the Shopping Better in Venice or Crete?
Venice
Crete
Venice is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.
Venice is a world class destination for shoppers. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.
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 Venice or Crete Better for Families?
Venice
Crete
Crete is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-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.
Venice is a very family-friendly place to visit. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.
Is Venice or Crete Better for Couples?
Venice
Crete
Both Venice and Crete are world-class destinations to visit as a couple.
For those traveling as a couple, Venice has plenty to offer. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.
Crete has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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 Venice or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Venice
Crete
For backpackers, both Venice and Crete are great places to visit.
Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.
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 Venice or Crete Better for Students?
Venice
Crete
Venice is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.
Many students frequent Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.
Crete is very popular with students. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.
Is Venice or Crete Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Venice
Crete
Venice is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.
Public transit in Venice is top-notch. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.
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 Venice or Crete a more walkable city?
Venice
Crete
Venice is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known for its walkability.
Getting around Venice on foot is easy. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.
Crete is generally not a very walkable 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 Venice Worth Visiting? and Is Crete Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in Crete or Venice?
How long in Venice or Crete?
Both Venice and Crete have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Crete has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Crete than Venice. In general, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Venice, and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.
Families should spend more time in Crete than Venice. 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 Venice. 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 Venice than Crete 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 Venice.
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How many days in Venice or Crete? Ideal Length of StayVenice 2-7Crete 5-7
One day in Venice or Crete?
In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city 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.
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 Venice or Crete?
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. 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.
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 Venice or Crete?
Venice is a fun place to experience. In Venice, many people enjoy the museums and food that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.
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 Venice or Crete?
In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this romantic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.
Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the breathtaking 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayVenice €229Crete €102
The average daily cost (per person) in Venice is €229, 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 Venice and Crete in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personVenice €120Crete €48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomVenice €240Crete €96
Compare Hotels in Venice and Crete
Looking for a hotel in Venice 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.
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: Venice Hotel Prices and Crete Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Venice €27Crete €23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Venice
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Venice:
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Venice 12 Hour Transport Pass€16
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Vaporetto Ride€6.50
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1 Day Travel Card€18
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7 Day Transport Card (for Two)€101
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Venice
Also for Venice, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Airport Transfer from Venice Airport to Portorož: $181
- Arrival Transfer: Marco Polo Airport VCE to Venice in Sedan Car: $192
- Bologna Airport:1-Way Private Transfer to Venice+water taxi: $836
- Burano + water taxi to Ravenna or Cruise Port -Departure Transfer: $164
- Burano + water taxi to Venice Airport (VCE) - Departure Transfer: $99
- Burano +water taxi to Trieste or port -Departure Private Transfer: $164
- Chioggia Cruise Port to Malpensa Milan Airport (MXP) -Departure Private Transfer: $208
- Chioggia Port : One Way Transfer to Venice, Piazzale Roma: $431
- Departure Transfer: Venice to Marco Polo Airport VCE (Luxury Van): $196
- From Marco Polo Airport: Speedboat Transfer to Venice: $269
- From Milan: One-Way Transfer to/from Venice Cruise Port: $1,171
- From Venice Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Padua: $231
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Crete
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Crete:
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to SITIA area up to 7 customers: $282
- Private Transfer Port/Airport to/from Ierapetra: $275
- Full-Day Trip to Santorini island by Boat from Ag.Nikolaos Elounda with Transfer: $254
- Private Guided Trek to Samaria Gorge with Transfer: $253
- Taxi Transfers from Heraklion Airport to Rethymno City : $242
- Private Taxi & Transfer from Chania to Hersonissos in Crete: $235
- Knossos and Arch Museum of Heraklion (Guide+Transfer+Ticket) : $231
- Full-Day Trip to Santorini island by Boat from Rethymno with Transfer your Hotel: $230
- Transfer from Chania airport to Elafonisi up to 3 or vise versa: $225
- Knossos palace & the Archaeological museum of Heraklion (with Transfer): $219
- One-Way Private Taxi/Transfer Heraklion to/from Chania: $218
- Private Airport Transfers from Chania Airport to Heraklio one way: $203
Is it cheaper to fly into Venice or Crete?
Prices for flights to both Crete and Venice 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
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Food Meals for one dayVenice €65Crete €34
Typical Food Prices in Venice
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Venice:
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Panini Sandwich€4.00
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Gelato€6.00
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Artichoke & Mushroom Pizza€7.90
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Expresso€1.95
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Slice of Pizza€2.23
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Three Course Dinner (for Two)€79
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Venice
For Venice, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
- Hard Rock Cafe Venice with Set Lunch or Dinner: $33
- Tiramisu Cooking Class on Line from Venice: $35
- Street Food Tour with a Local Guide and Tastings: $47
- Tasty Street Food Tour of Venice City Center with Cicchetti & Local Specialties: $48
- Venice Street Food Tour with a Native & Top Rated Expert: $48
- Eating Venice Street Food Tour with Guided Tasting and Sightseeing: $48
- Guided City Highlights and Street Food Tour: $52
- Venetian Dinner: $62
- Twilight Food Tour with Cicchetti and Spritz Tasting: $64
- Venetian Dinner: $68
- 2-Course Dinner in a Typical Venetian Restaurant: $74
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
- Spectacular Dinner-Show: $44
- Olive Oil Factory Tour, Dinner & Traditional Dancing: $60
- Chania: Cretan Folklore Dance Show with Dinner and Pickup: $75
- Cook with Locals | Cretan cooking Class at Archanes (transfer - lunch included): $87
- The Delicious Chania PRIVATE Street Food Tour : $88
- Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $88
- Sightseeing Day Trip with Cooking Lesson and Lunch: $96
- Cretan Cooking Class at Archanes Village with transfer & Lunch: $98
- Authentic and Traditional Cooking Class in Chania Crete: $101
- Chania Cooking Class in Crete with rustic, delicious and homely Cretan food!: $101
- Chania Walking Food Tours Crete with a local!: $101
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Venice €101Crete €26
Typical Entertainment Prices in Venice
For Venice, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Venice Boat Ride€15
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Bell tower of St. Mark Entrance Fee€8.00
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Gondola Ride (for Group)€80
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Secret Itinerary Tour- Doge's Palace€16
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The Jewish Museum Admission€3.00
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The Glass Museum in Murano€8.00
Tours and Activities in Venice
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Venice.
- Venezia: Digital Guide made by a Local for your walking tour: $2.15
- First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.23
- Self Guided Tours Venice With 100 Captivating Audio Stories: $3.28
- Venice self guided audio tour: $4.29
- Exclusive Self-Guided Audio Tour in Jewish Ghetto: $4.63
- From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.84
- From 1-Way Bus Ticket to Florence or Vice Versa: $5.35
- independent walking tour with an audio guide: $5.38
- walking tour with audio guide in French: $5.38
- Digital Audio Guide Tour of The Jewish Ghetto: $5.38
- Doge's Palace Audio Guide (Admission Ticket NOT included): $5.99
- San Marco Basilica Audio Tour Experience: $5.99
Tours and Activities in Crete
Here are a few actual costs in Crete for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 4x4 Safari tour Southern Crete Tripitis Gorge: $109
- Seitan Limania - Marathi private Jeep tour with lunch: $154
- 3-Hour Trekking Mount Karfi Adventure with pickup from Heraklion: $119
- 4-Hour Giouchtas Trekking Hiking Experience from Heraklion: $91
- 4x4 self drive adventure_Cretan mainland: $88
- Adventure Jeep Safari Amazing sunset : $86
- Agia Pelagia: Quad Safari-Family Tour: $86
- Agios Nikolaos: Private Sailing Cruise in Mirabello Bay: $2,153
- All Inclusive Full-day Private Tour of Crete Villages from Chania: $280
- An Unexpected Journey: Chania Trikke City Tour: $30
- Archaeological Museum & Knossos Palace Guided Tour Half Day: $110
- Archaeological Museum Guided Tour Half Day: $62
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayVenice €24Crete €20
Typical Alcohol Prices in Venice
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Venice:
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1/2 Liter Wine€5.20
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Beer€4.90
Sample the Local Flavors in Venice
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Venice:
- Venice Food and Wine Tasting Tour with a Local Guide: $11
- Guided Tour and wine tasting 5 wines to discover the Conegliano Valdobbiadene: $27
- Guided Visit and Wine Tasting at the Winery in Veneto: $27
- Wine Tasting in Venice: $38
- private tour in the city and wine tasting: $51
- Wine tasting Asolo Prosecco at Tenuta Baron: $59
- Food and Wine Tasting Bar Tour & Evening Guided Tour: $72
- Venetian Style Carnival Pub Crawl: $80
- Eat, drink and repeat: Wine tasting tour in Venice: $98
- Authentic Neighborhood Cicchetti Food & Wine Tour: $106
- Evening in Venice with a local: food and wine tasting tour: $117
- Experience Venice Like A Local: Small Group Cicchetti & Wine Tour: $118
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: $96
- Ecobike Wine Tasting Tour in Heraklion: $104
- Luxury Private Wine Tasting Experience in Haralabakis Winery: $120
- Heraklion: Half Day Small Group Wine Tour with wine Tastings: $126
- Wine Tasting-Olive Oil Factory-Traditional Villages- Small Group : $141
- Full Day - Ecobike - Discover old villages & Wine tasting: $158
- Wine Tasting on Luxury Yacht Sunset Evening in Marina: $175
- Full Day Private Crete Wine Tour Experience from Heraklion : $191
- Knossos, Olive Mill, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $198
- Heraklion SUV Private Guided Wine Tour with Lunch : $217
- From Elounda Private Heraklion Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $230
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Venice and Crete, we can see that Venice 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice 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 Venice Expensive? and Is Crete Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Venice or Crete?
Crete has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Venice. When comparing the sizes of Venice 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.