Which place is cheaper, Heraklion 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 Heraklion?
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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion?
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.
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.
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.
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Zakynthos Prices
Greece PricesHeraklion Prices
Greece Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZakynthos €521Heraklion €195
The average daily cost (per person) in Zakynthos is €521, while the average daily cost in Heraklion is €195. 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 Heraklion in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZakynthos €334Heraklion €81
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZakynthos €668Heraklion €162
Compare Hotels in Zakynthos and Heraklion
Looking for a hotel in Zakynthos or Heraklion? 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 Heraklion Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zakynthos €84Heraklion €31
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zakynthos
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zakynthos:
- Zante Water Village Admission Ticket & Transfers Included: $41
- Private Airport Transfer Zakynthos Town - Return Journey: $53
- Private Airport Transfer Alykes- Return Journey: $90
- Private Airport Transfer Alykanas- Return Journey: $90
- Private Airport Transfer Alykanas - One Way Journey: $48
- Private Airport Transfer - Laganas One Way Transfer: $37
- Private Airport Transfer - Kalamaki Return Transfer: $48
- Private Airport Transfer - Kalamaki One Way Transfer: $24
- Private Airport Transfer - Argassi Return Journey: $56
- Private Airport Transfer - Argassi One Way : $28
- Private Airport Transfer - Alykes One Way Journey: $48
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Heraklion
Also for Heraklion, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- One-Way Shared Transfer From or To Heraklion Air - Hersonissos: $18
- From Voulisma Beach Day Trip with Hotel Transfer: $36
- Crete Private Transfer to&from Heraklion Airport Port all Crete: $39
- Private Transfer from Heraklion Airport (HER) to Heraklion Port: $41
- Heraklion Airport (HER) to Heraklion - Arrival Private Transfer: $42
- Transfer Service in Crete - Starts from Heraklion Prefecture: $48
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to Gouves area up to 7 customers: $49
- Crete Private Transfer from Heraklion to Hersonissos: $56
- Private Transfer Service Only to Lyrarakis Winery : $60
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to AMMOUDARA HERAKLION area up to 7: $66
- Transfer Airport to HERAKLION CITY CENTER OR PORT area up to 7 : $66
- Transfer Heraklion Airport to ANISSARAS area up to 7 customers: $67
Is it cheaper to fly into Zakynthos or Heraklion?
Prices for flights to both Heraklion 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 €126Heraklion €90
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: $107
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
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zakynthos €74Heraklion €38
Tours and Activities in Zakynthos
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zakynthos are as follows:
- 3 Hours Marathonissi Island Tour, Keri Caves and Turtles Spotting: $30
- 7 Hour Shared 4x4 Off Road Experience in Zakynthos: $131
- Ceramic Making Experience in Zakynthos: $58
- Corelli's Kefalonia Island Tour from Zante: $69
- Discover the Zakynthos Past an Exclusive Tour: $54
- Exclusive Shipwreck & Blue caves Tour : Up to 10 guests: $60
- Go karting experience: $27
- Half Day Shipwreck Bay Guided Tour by Fast Boat: $115
- Mizithres Sunset Cruise and Turtle Spotting Boat Tour Zakynthos : $78
- Mizithres Sunset Cruise in Zakynthos: $45
- Shipwreck and Blue Caves Bus and Boat Tour: $94
- Small Group Turtle Tour Zakynthos: $84
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZakynthos €22Heraklion €26
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 Zakynthos and Heraklion, we can see that Zakynthos is more expensive. And not only is Heraklion much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Heraklion would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Heraklion 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 Heraklion.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zakynthos Expensive? and Is Heraklion Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zakynthos or Heraklion?
Heraklion has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Zakynthos. When comparing the sizes of Zakynthos and Heraklion, 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.