Which place is cheaper, Crete or Zakynthos?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Zakynthos 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 Zakynthos 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.
Where Should I go: Zakynthos or Crete?
Zakynthos
Zakynthos (also known as Zante) is a breathtaking island in the Ionian Sea, renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're traveling on a budget, seeking scenic sights, engaging in activities, or savoring Greek cuisine, Zakynthos has it all. Exploring Zakynthos without breaking the bank is absolutely possible despite its generally high prices for hotels. Budget travelers can find affordable accommodations, dine at local tavernas, and enjoy many of the island's attractions for free or at a low cost, such as on the numerous hiking trails with epic views. Also, utilize public buses or rent a scooter for economical travel around the island.
Crete
The largest and most populous island of Greece, Crete has become a frequent vacation destination for many visitors. The terrain of the place is quite varied - very mountainous stretching east to west, with lush valleys, fertile plateaus, gorges, and famous caves like Idaion, the birthplace of the Greek god Zeus. The surrounding smaller islands and beaches are key attractions as well.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece.
-
Zakynthos Prices
Greece PricesCrete Prices
Greece Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZakynthos €521Crete €144
The average daily cost (per person) in Zakynthos is €521, while the average daily cost in Crete is €144. 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 Zakynthos and Crete in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZakynthos €334Crete €55
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZakynthos €668Crete €110
Compare Hotels in Zakynthos and Crete
Looking for a hotel in Zakynthos 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: Zakynthos Hotel Prices and Crete Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zakynthos €84Crete €47
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zakynthos
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zakynthos:
- Private Airport Transfer - Agios Sostis Return Transfer: $67
- Private Airport Transfer - Argassi One Way: $28
- Private Airport Transfer - Kalamaki One Way Transfer: $24
- Private Airport Transfer - Kalamaki Return Transfer: $48
- Private Airport Transfer - Laganas One Way Transfer: $37
- Private Airport Transfer - Vassillikos One Way Transfer: $47
- Private Airport Transfer Alykanas - One Way Journey: $48
- Private Airport Transfer Alykanas- Return Journey: $90
- Private Airport Transfer Alykes- Return Journey: $90
- Private Airport Transfer Tsilivi/Planos - Return Journey: $75
- Private Airport Transfer Xirocastello - One Way Journey: $33
- Private Airport Transfer Xirocastello - Return Journey: $65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Crete
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Crete:
- One-Way Shared Transfer From or To Heraklion Air - Hersonissos: $18
- Heraklion Airport: Shared Transfer To/From Rethymno: $19
- One Way Shared Transfer From/To Heraklion Airport - Bali: $22
- Acqua Plus Water Park Admission with Optional Transfer: $34
- Acqua Plus Water Park Admission with Optional Transfer: $34
- AcquaPlus WaterPark Entrance Ticket optional Transfer: $35
- One way shared transfer from or to Chania Airport To Bali: $37
- Crete Private Transfer to&from Heraklion Airport Port all Crete: $39
- Heraklion Airport (HER) to Heraklion - Arrival Private Transfer: $39
- Private Transfer from Heraklion Airport (HER) to Heraklion Port: $40
- Transfer Service in Crete - Starts from Heraklion Prefecture: $47
- Acqua Plus Water Park Entrance with Transfer & Lunch: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Zakynthos or Crete?
Prices for flights to both Crete and Zakynthos 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 dayZakynthos €126Crete €58
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zakynthos
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zakynthos.
- Half-Day Greek Cooking Class of Zakynthian Culture with Lunch: $129
- Taste the Culture of Greece: A Live Cooking Experience: $211
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Crete
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Crete.
- Traditional Cretan Night: Live Show and Dinner: $33
- Traditional Dance Show and Buffet Dinner with Wine: $34
- Troy Dinner-Show: $41
- Olive Oil Factory Tour, Dinner & Traditional Dancing: $66
- Plate smashing | Greek Night with Dancing & Buffet Dinner: $68
- Heraklion: Finikia Horse Riding Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $81
- Rethymno Old Town Walking Food Tour Local Market Visit Tastings: $88
- Amazing Sunset Jeep Safari Route with Dinner: $92
- Half Day Sunset Tour in Rethymno with Dinner and Wine: $99
- Maravel Garden Experience Herbal Tour with Yoga and Dinner: $100
- 12:00 Beer & Food Tour Chania Old Town - Crete - shore excursion: $100
- Sightseeing Day Trip with Cooking Lesson and Lunch: $102
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zakynthos €74Crete €25
Tours and Activities in Zakynthos
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zakynthos are as follows:
- Zakynthos Glass Bottom Boat Tour to Keri Caves and Turtle Island: $26
- Go karting experience: $27
- Zakynthos Shipwreck Beach and Blue Caves Boat Tour: $28
- Zakynthos VIP Above & Beyond Shipwreck & Blue Caves Tour: $29
- Zante Water Village Admission Ticket: $29
- Zakynthos Half Day Tour and Cruise Turtle Island and Keri Caves: $32
- Zakynthos Shipwreck Beach with Blue Caves Land and Sea Tour: $33
- Zakynthos Cruise Ship Friendly 5 hours Boat & Land Tours: $34
- Zakynthos boat tour:Shipwreck& Local blue caves with 3 Swim Stops: $35
- From St Nikolaos port: Boat cruise to navagio shipwreck beach and blue caves: $35
- Turtle Spotting Cruise in Zakynthos: $41
- Zakynthos Speedboat Sunset Cruise: Caves & Free Wine: $41
Tours and Activities in Crete
Here are a few actual costs in Crete for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Chania Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $9.42
- CRETAquarium Entrance Ticket in Crete: $18
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum Ticket & Audio Guide: $19
- Full Day Tour Gramvousa Balos Bay from Georgioupolis with Guide: $20
- Chersonissos: Mini-Train City Highlights Tour: $21
- Heraklion: Heraklion Market & CretAquarium *SKIP The Line: $22
- Heraklion: Palace of Knossos 3D Virtual Audio Tour by Tablet: $22
- Heraklion Market and CretAquarium Guided Tour: $22
- Heraklion: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $23
- Heraklion: Hop-on Hop-off Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour: $23
- Heraklion City Tour-Market-Creta Aquarium: $28
- Spinalonga Kritsa Olive Factory Tour From Heraklion: $29
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayZakynthos €22Crete €22
Sample the Local Flavors in Zakynthos
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Zakynthos:
- Wine Tasting with Panagiotis aka Chilly August: $168
Sample the Local Flavors in Crete
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Crete:
- Crete Countryside Escape Farm Visits and Wine Tasting: $51
- Wine Tasting: Meet the Cretan Vineyard at West Chania: $59
- Evening -Wine Tasting and Olive Oil Factory: $118
- E-Bike Tour - Knossos Olive Oil Farm to Winery Wine Tasting: $128
- PRIVATE Walking Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting by a Sommelier: $189
- The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $195
- Heraklion SUV Private Guided Wine Tour with Lunch: $207
- Gastronomy tour and wine tasting in traditional villages: $212
- Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch: $218
- Private Wine Tour: $270
- Private Wine Tour at Peza Valley - 2 Wineries and Lunch at Peza: $274
- Private Wine Tour with Tastings at Peza Valley (Lunch Included): $295
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zakynthos and Crete, we can see that Zakynthos 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 Zakynthos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zakynthos 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 Zakynthos Expensive? and Is Crete Expensive?.
Which has a larger population, Zakynthos or Crete?
Crete has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Zakynthos. When comparing the sizes of Zakynthos 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.