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.
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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 3-Day Tours in Greece, The Best 2-Week Tours in Greece, The Best Bicycle Tours in Greece, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece.
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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
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZakynthos €334Crete €55
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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
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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 One Way Transfer: $34
- Private Airport Transfer - Alykes One Way Journey: $48
- Private Airport Transfer - Argassi One Way : $28
- Private Airport Transfer - Argassi Return Journey: $56
- Private Airport Transfer - Kalamaki One Way Transfer: $24
- Private Airport Transfer - Laganas One Way Transfer: $38
- Private Airport Transfer - Laganas Return Journey: $75
- 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 - One Way Journey: $37
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: $23
- Shared Transfer to/from Airport-Georgioupolis/Kavros: $26
- Acqua Plus Water Park Admission with Optional Transfer: $34
- AcquaPlus WaterPark Entrance Ticket optional Transfer: $36
- Rethymno: Shared Transfer to/from Chania Airport: $36
- One way shared transfer from or to Chania Airport To Bali : $37
- Crete Private Transfer to&from Heraklion Airport Port all Crete: $40
- Private Transfer from Heraklion Airport (HER) to Heraklion Port: $41
- Heraklion Airport (HER) to Heraklion - Arrival Private Transfer: $42
- Chania & Rethymno:Limnoupolis Water Park with Lunch+Transfer: $47
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
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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: $108
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: $36
- Olive Oil Factory Tour, Dinner & Traditional Dancing: $66
- Olive Oil Festival in Cretan Farm with Traditional Dinner: $78
- Heraklion: Finikia Horse Riding Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $82
- The Delicious Chania Street Food Tour : $96
- Half Day Sunset Tour in Rethymno with Dinner and Wine: $101
- Chania Walking Food Tours Crete with a local!: $101
- Sightseeing Day Trip with Cooking Lesson and Lunch: $104
- Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $105
- Chania: Evening Feasts A Journey through Cretan Flavors Food Tour: $108
Entertainment
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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:
- Exploration Sunset Cruise – A Magical Day in Laganas Bay: $24
- Turtle Spotting, Marathonísi & Keri Caves Cruise: $27
- Go karting experience: $28
- Turtle Spotting Cruise with Glass-Bottom Boat: $30
- 3 Hours Marathonissi Island Tour, Keri Caves and Turtles Spotting: $30
- Turtles, Marathonisi & Keri Caves Speedboat Tour: $31
- Zakynthos West Coast Tour and Navagio Bay: $35
- From St.Nikolaos: Boat Cruise to Navagio Beach & Blue Caves: $36
- Zakynthos boat tour:Shipwreck& Local blue caves with 3 Swim Stops: $36
- Zakynthos Half Day Tour and Cruise Turtle Island and Keri Caves: $36
- Turtle Cruise of Marathonisi Island and Keri Peninsula: $41
- Turtle Island & Keri Caves Glass-Bottom Boat Tour: $42
Tours and Activities in Crete
Here are a few actual costs in Crete for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Chania Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $9.57
- CRETAquarium Entrance Ticket in Crete: $9.58
- The Terra Creta Olive Oil Experience Tour: $12
- Chania: Sunset Boat Cruise with Guide: $17
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum Ticket & Audio Guide: $19
- Gramvousa Island & Balos Bay Full-Day Tour from Rethymno English & German guide: $20
- Chersonissos: Mini-Train City Highlights Tour: $21
- Heraklion City Tour - Aquarium: $22
- Heraklion Museum Ticket and City Audio Tour: $22
- Heraklion: Heraklion Market & CretAquarium *SKIP The Line: $23
- Heraklion: Palace of Knossos 3D Virtual Audio Tour by Tablet: $23
- Heraklion Market and CretAquarium Guided Tour: $23
Alcohol
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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: $43
Sample the Local Flavors in Crete
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Crete:
- Local Wine Tasting & Visit to the Ancient Olive Tree: $143
- Heraklion: Half Day Small Group Wine Tour with Wine Tastings: $150
- Ecobike-Knossos Palace-Wine tasting-Olive oil tasting: $180
- Cave and Cretan Brewery tour with lunch: $186
- PRIVATE Walking Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting by a Sommelier: $192
- The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $198
- Gastronomy tour and wine tasting in traditional villages : $216
- Heraklion SUV Private Guided Wine Tour with Lunch : $237
- From Elounda Private Heraklion Wine Tour with Tastings and Lunch: $251
- From Heraklion: Villages and Vines A Scenic Wine Tasting Journey: $289
- Private Knossos Skip The Line Tour inc. lunch & wine tasting: $341
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.