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

Should you visit Ventimiglia or Crete?

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

Should I visit Ventimiglia or Crete? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is a authentic, elegant, and scenic seaside town. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of Ventimiglia is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, food, and beaches. See Ventimiglia travel costs.

Crete

Crete is a world-renowned, scenic, and stunning island. With stunning beauty, Crete attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Crete travel costs.

Ventimiglia and Crete: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ventimiglia or Crete?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Crete. Although Ventimiglia and Crete are popular destinations, Crete has more sights and attractions for tourists. Crete is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Ventimiglia attracts visitors for its historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Crete is more touristy than Ventimiglia and is known for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins. It is also well known for the Palace of Knossos. Ventimiglia is famous for its weekly market, colorful old town, and nice beaches.

How is Ventimiglia different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Crete is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.

Crete offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Ventimiglia does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Crete is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Crete is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Ventimiglia. Italian classics are abundant including tiramisus, Italian pizzas, risotto alla milanese, and traditional lasagna. If you're in town on a Friday you should visit the local market which has stalls selling local produce and foods.

Is Ventimiglia or Crete Better for Nightlife?

Crete is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Ventimiglia is a seaside town with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Crete know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Ventimiglia Most people don't head to town for the nightlife, but there are some bars where you can grab a drink or sip a glass of wine.

Is Ventimiglia or Crete Better for Resorts?

Crete is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Ventimiglia is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Crete is a great 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.

Ventimiglia is not a resort destination.

Is Ventimiglia or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Crete is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Ventimiglia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting 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.

Ventimiglia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ventimiglia or Crete Better for Beaches?

Crete is a world-class destination for the beach. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Crete. 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.

Many people head to Ventimiglia to enjoy the beach. The lungomare is a promenade along the sea that allows visitors to wander and take in waterfront views. Most of the beaches are free to access and have been influenced by the coastal erosion efforts which have led to a series of scalloped bays. If you reach the end of the lungomare you'll find a natural area where the Roya and Nervia rivers meet the ocean. This is also a popular spot for breeding birds.

Is Ventimiglia or Crete Better for its Old Town?

Ventimiglia is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Crete does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ventimiglia. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming pastel buildings. There are also a number of historic buildings and monuments that give the town a special atmosphere.

Crete does not have a historic old town.

Is Ventimiglia or Crete Better for Hiking?

Crete is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Ventimiglia is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Crete. 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.

Ventimiglia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ventimiglia or Crete?

Ventimiglia 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 Ventimiglia. Most people head in town on Friday for the market, which has stalls selling crafts and local products.

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 Ventimiglia or Crete More Beautiful?

Ventimiglia is an amazing seaside town to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Ventimiglia is one of the main draws. With its uniquely Italian buildings and quaint streets, this is a truly beautiful town.

Crete is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The island has some of the world's most beautiful beaches. The blue waters and striking landscapes make this a world class destination.

Is Ventimiglia or Crete Better for Families?

Crete is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Crete is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Ventimiglia offers lots of family activities. The charming town is a great place for kids to explore. There is a botanical garden and hiking trails that the whole family can enjoy as well as quiet beaches where they can play. The Italian food is also perfect for young palates.

Is Ventimiglia or Crete Better for Couples?

Crete is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Ventimiglia is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Crete makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

Ventimiglia is a great seaside town if you're traveling as a couple. This quintessential Italian town offers a romantic setting with cobblestone streets and pastel buildings. There are many culinary delights and romantic settings that are perfect for couples. The hiking trails and botanical gardens are also fun places to explore.

Is Ventimiglia or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Crete is a great destination for backpackers. However, Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Crete is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a large island with a great social scene and no shortage of hostels for backpackers to choose from.

Ventimiglia is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Ventimiglia or Crete Better for Students?

Crete is a great destination for students. However, Ventimiglia is not popular with students.

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

Ventimiglia is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Ventimiglia and Crete.

You'll find some public transit in Ventimiglia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains and buses to town. Once you're in town it's easy to explore on foot.

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 Ventimiglia or Crete a more walkable city?

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

Ventimiglia is a very walkable destination. It's small size and charming atmosphere make it a great town to explore on foot.

Crete is generally not a very walkable seaside town. 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 Ventimiglia Worth Visiting? and Is Crete Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Crete or Ventimiglia?

How long in Ventimiglia or Crete?

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

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

Even though Ventimiglia is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This seaside town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the world-renowned island of Crete. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Ventimiglia or Crete?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ventimiglia. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the stunning destination of Crete. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Ventimiglia or Crete?

Ventimiglia is a fun place to experience. Ventimiglia is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the breathtaking island of Crete. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Ventimiglia or Crete?

Ventimiglia is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Crete. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.

When comparing the travel costs between Ventimiglia and Crete, we can see that Ventimiglia is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which has a larger population, Ventimiglia or Crete?

Crete has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Ventimiglia. When comparing the sizes of Ventimiglia 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.