A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Heraklion vs. Figueira da Foz for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Heraklion or Figueira da Foz?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Figueira da Foz 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: Heraklion or Figueira da Foz?

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.

Figueira da Foz

Located along the glistening waters of the Atlantic Ocean, a bustling city thrives near its shores with towering skyscrapers guarding the city like metallic giants. Figueira da Foz, or simply Figueira, is nestled within the Columbia District and is both a city and municipality. Sheltered by the hills of Serra da Boa Viagem, Figueira is near the mouth of the Mondego River and right beside the Atlantic. Only about 40 kilometers from Coimbra, Figueira has a population of 46,600 and is the second largest city found throughout the region. Because it is a seaside city, Figueira subsists off of Portuguese as well as international tourism, maintaining its pristine beaches, supplying seaport facilities, and a plethora of restaurants, gift shops, cafes, and more. Some of the beaches include Quiaios, Cabedelo, Claridade, Costa de Lavos, Murtinheira, Leirosa, Molhe Norte, Cabo Mondego, and many more. Tourists are also attracted to Figueira because it is a well-known gambling spot in Portugal with the Casino da Figueira da Foz and the Casino da Figueira present and popular. There are also popular landmarks that are recommended by tourists to visit, such as Forte de Santa Catarina and Torre de Relogio. There is also a museum that features the history of the Figueira within the city. Whether you are looking to surf or sight-see, there is much to do in Figueira da Foz, Portugal.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Portugal, and The Best Budget Tours to Portugal.


Which place is cheaper, Figueira da Foz or Heraklion?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Heraklion Prices
    Greece Prices
    Figueira da Foz Prices
    Portugal Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Heraklion 195
    Figueira da Foz 140

The average daily cost (per person) in Heraklion is €195, while the average daily cost in Figueira da Foz is €140. 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 Heraklion and Figueira da Foz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Heraklion 81
    Figueira da Foz 49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Heraklion 162
    Figueira da Foz 98
Compare Hotels in Heraklion and Figueira da Foz

Looking for a hotel in Heraklion or Figueira da Foz? 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 Heraklion


Hotels in Figueira da Foz


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: Heraklion Hotel Prices and Figueira da Foz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Heraklion 31
    Figueira da Foz 34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion

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

  • Airports/ports Transfers from /to Rethymno (one way): $167
  • Crete Private Taxi Transfer from Heraklion to Bali: $104
  • Crete Private Taxi and Transfer from Heraklion to Panormo: $112
  • Crete Private Transfer from Heraklion to Hersonissos: $56
  • Crete Private Transfer to&from Heraklion Airport Port all Crete: $39
  • From Airport to Elounda Private Transfer: $123
  • From Private Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands: $6,742
  • From Voulisma Beach Day Trip with Hotel Transfer: $36
  • Heraklion Airport & Port Transfer to / from Agios Nikolaos: $127
  • Heraklion Airport & Port Transfer to / from Rethymno: $152
  • Heraklion Airport & Port Transfer to Hersonissos, Piskopiano: $96
  • Heraklion Airport (HER) to Heraklion - Arrival Private Transfer: $42

Is it cheaper to fly into Heraklion or Figueira da Foz?

Prices for flights to both Figueira da Foz and Heraklion 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
    Heraklion 90
    Figueira da Foz 72

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Heraklion

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

  • Crete: Traditional Dance Show and Buffet Dinner with Wine: $34
  • Troy Dinner-Show: $36
  • Crete : Cooking Lessons In Lasithi Plateau: $45
  • Hersonissos: Spectacular Dinner Show Ticket: $47
  • Cretan Village Feast, Live Music, Dancers & Local Dinner: $54
  • Crete: Olive Oil Festival, Farm Dinner, Live Show & Pickup: $76
  • Olive Oil Festival in Cretan Farm with Traditional Dinner: $78
  • Dia Island Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner: $80
  • Cretan Cooking Class at Archanes Village with transfer & Lunch: $82
  • Crete: Land Rover Safari with Sunset Viewing, Dinner, & Wine: $99
  • Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson: $104
  • Jeep Tour Psiloritis the Mountain of Gods & Cooking Lesson: $114

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Heraklion 38
    Figueira da Foz 13

Tours and Activities in Heraklion

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

  • CRETAquarium Entrance Ticket in Crete: $9.56
  • Mobile Self-Guided Audio Sightseeing Tour: $12
  • Video Games Museum Entry Ticket: $12
  • Heraklion Area: CRETAquarium Admission Ticket: $14
  • Archaeological Museum Ticket with City Audio Tour: $19
  • Crete: Day Tour to Heraklion City, Market & CRETAquarium: $21
  • Heraklion City Tour - Aquarium: $22
  • Heraklion Museum Ticket and City Audio Tour: $22
  • Heraklion Market and CretAquarium Guided Tour: $23
  • Minoan Day Experience: $24
  • E-Ticket to Heraklion Archaeological Museum with Audio Guide: $26
  • Spinalonga Kritsa Olive Factory Tour From Heraklion: $30

Tours and Activities in Figueira da Foz

Here are a few actual costs in Figueira da Foz for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Guided Walking Tour to a coastal town: $80
  • Onewheel Lessons & Tours: $47

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Heraklion 26
    Figueira da Foz 21

Sample the Local Flavors in Heraklion

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

  • Guided Organic Wine Tasting & Vineyard Tour: $40
  • Cretan Wine Tasting Experience: $41
  • Ecobike Tour with Wine Tasting: $100
  • Walking city tour & Wine tasting: $100
  • Wine Tasting E-Bike Tour: $104
  • Half Day Small Group Wine Tour with Wine Tastings: $149
  • Ecobike-Knossos Palace-Wine tasting-Olive oil tasting: $179
  • The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area: $197
  • Knossos, Olive Grove, Winery - Distillery with Tastings & Lunch : $221
  • Olive oil and Wine Tour with Lunch: $235
  • Heraklion SUV Private Guided Wine Tour with Lunch : $237
  • Guided Tour Palace of Knossos & Archanes Wine Tasting Tour: $416


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Heraklion and Figueira da Foz, we can see that Heraklion is more expensive. And not only is Figueira da Foz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Figueira da Foz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Figueira da Foz 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 Figueira da Foz.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Heraklion Expensive? and Is Figueira da Foz Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Figueira da Foz?

Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Figueira da Foz. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion and Figueira da Foz, 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.


When is the best time to visit Heraklion or Figueira da Foz?

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 Heraklion or Figueira da Foz in the Summer?

Both Figueira da Foz and Heraklion during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Heraklion because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Heraklion is a little warmer than Figueira da Foz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Figueira da Foz averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Figueira da Foz, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Figueira da Foz. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Figueira da Foz receives 308 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Figueira da Foz. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Figueira da Foz receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Heraklion 25°C (78°F) 
    Figueira da Foz 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Figueira da Foz in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Figueira da Foz. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year.

In October, Heraklion is generally around the same temperature as Figueira da Foz. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Figueira da Foz fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Figueira da Foz during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Figueira da Foz receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Figueira da Foz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Figueira da Foz. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Figueira da Foz receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Heraklion 20°C (68°F) 
    Figueira da Foz 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Figueira da Foz in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Figueira da Foz. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Heraklion is a little warmer than Figueira da Foz in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Figueira da Foz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Figueira da Foz. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Figueira da Foz receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Figueira da Foz. Heraklion usually gets less rain in January than Figueira da Foz. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Figueira da Foz receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Heraklion 12°C (54°F) 
    Figueira da Foz 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Heraklion or Figueira da Foz in the Spring?

Both Figueira da Foz and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Heraklion is around the same temperature as Figueira da Foz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Figueira da Foz averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Figueira da Foz. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Figueira da Foz during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Figueira da Foz receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Figueira da Foz. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Figueira da Foz receives 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Heraklion 16°C (61°F) 
    Figueira da Foz 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Figueira da Foz and Heraklion

Heraklion Figueira da Foz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Feb 12°C (54°F) 77 mm (3 in) 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in)
Sep 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Dec 14°C (58°F) 77 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)