Travel Budget for Heraklion Visit Heraklion on a Budget or Travel in Style

Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Europe / Greece / Greek Islands / Crete /
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Heraklion is an accessible city known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Heraklion that stays within your budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Heraklion?

A typical traveler spends $229 (€195) per day on a trip to Heraklion. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Heraklion based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $105 (€90) on meals
  • $37 (€31) on local transportation
  • $189 (€161) on hotels

A one-week trip to Heraklion for two people costs, on average, $3,203 (€2,730). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $229
    €195
  • One Week Per person
    $1,601
    €1,365
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $3,203
    €2,730
  • One Month Per person
    $6,863
    €5,850
  • One Week For a couple
    $3,203
    €2,730
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $6,405
    €5,460
  • One Month For a couple
    $13,726
    €11,700
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Heraklion cost?

A one week trip to Heraklion usually costs around $1,601 (€1,365) for one person and $3,203 (€2,730) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Heraklion on average costs around $3,203 (€2,730) for one person and $6,405 (€5,460) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Heraklion will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Heraklion on average costs around $6,863 (€5,850) for one person and $13,726 (€11,700) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Heraklion expensive to visit?

In Heraklion, budget travelers spend $100 (€85) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $229 (€195) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $442 (€376) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Heraklion.

Heraklion is a popular city that draws numerous visitors, each showcasing different travel styles and spending habits. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.

Heraklion can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Heraklion is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Bath or Lake Garda.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Heraklion Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Heraklion?

The average Heraklion trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Heraklion travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Heraklion cost?

Heraklion on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$41
(€35) 		$95
(€81) 		$185
(€157)
Local Transportation1 $16
(€14) 		$37
(€31) 		$70
(€60)
Food2 $46
(€39) 		$105
(€90) 		$201
(€171)
Entertainment1 $20
(€17) 		$45
(€38) 		$84
(€71)
Alcohol2 $7-20
(€6-17) 		$15-45
(€13-39) 		$29-86
(€25-74)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Heraklion. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.

The Truth on Budget Travel

While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $100 per day that backpackers often spend.

Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.

Fortunately, Heraklion features plenty of hostels, including Heraklion Youth Hostel, Intra Muros Hostel, and So Young Hostel. At hostels like these, you can find cheap dorm beds and a vibrant social atmosphere, though amenities are often scarce. Food is a major draw for all kinds of visitors to Heraklion, but budget travelers frequently rely on street food or prepare their own meals in hostels, which means they might miss out on the amazing local cuisine.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

If you're a couple or a family on a fun getaway, you might want to choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at well-liked restaurants, and visit the key museums and attractions that come with entry fees. Most travelers to Heraklion will be eager to explore the key attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities are not free, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to plan on a daily budget of about $229 per person, per day.

There are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals available in Heraklion. If you're traveling with companions, sharing a hotel with a partner, friend, or kids can help lower costs. Families should seek out hotels and dining options that are suitable for children. Kastro Hotel Heraklion is a wonderful family-friendly hotel, and Atrion Hotel is another excellent choice. For more family and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel cost guide for Heraklion here.

Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?

For a trip that encompasses every convenience with outstanding service, get ready for a daily cost nearing $442. To experience nicer hotels, enjoy award-winning cuisine, indulge in extravagant outings, and use taxis or private drivers for your journeys in the city, be prepared for premium pricing. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Heraklion SUV Private Guided Wine Tour with Lunch - offered by Viator.



Accommodation Budget in Heraklion

Hotel prices in Heraklion can vary significantly. Some hotels charge much higher rates but also offer more luxury and better amenities. During peak season, these prices rise even more. In the off-season, the average room costs around $77, while in peak summer season it jumps to an average of $144. Budget accommodations range from $40 to $401, but hostels are usually cheaper, especially in dorm rooms. Save money by traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, or by booking in advance and watching for deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Heraklion for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $189 (€161). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $95 (€81) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $95
    €81
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $189
    €161

Hotels in Heraklion

Looking for a hotel in Heraklion? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Heraklion

The average hotel room price in Heraklion based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $77 in the low season and $144 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Heraklion include:

  • Ibis Styles Heraklion Central starting at $95
  • Olive Green Hotel starting at $101
  • Veneziano Boutique Hotel starting at $81
  • Kastro Hotel Heraklion starting at $47
  • Atrion Hotel starting at $36
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Heraklion

Heraklion has a good public transit system, which means you could stay outside the city and commute in, but you'll have to balance cheaper accommodation with higher transport costs.

Choosing to travel outside of summer and in the low or shoulder season will give you lower hotel prices and less tourist congestion.

Many visitors prefer to discover Heraklion by walking, so it's best to find accommodations in a central location. However, this convenience may come with a higher cost.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Heraklion

Heraklion has a decent public transportation system that reaches several top attractions. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages. For an affordable and quick way to get around, public transit works well, depending on your location. Taxis and rideshares are also an option if needed.

Those who enjoy exploring on foot will have a great time here. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (good)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (great)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $37 (€31) per person, per day, on local transportation in Heraklion. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Heraklion is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $37
    €31

Being the largest city on the largest island of Greece, there are many ways to reach Heraklion.

By air, one can fly to Nikos Kazantzakis International Airport located about 5km east of the city center. The airport has a bank, an ATM, a duty-free shop and a cafe bar.

By boat, one can take a ferry from the port of Piraeus in Athens. Minoan, Anek and Blue Star all operate daily between the two cities. The ferry port of Heraklion is located about 500m east of the Koules Fortress and old harbor. From Heraklion, Anek also has a weekly service to Karpathos, Kasos, Milos, Rhodes, and Santorini-and Hellenic Seaways goes to Mykonos, Paros, and Santorini daily.

Once you are on Crete, you can navigate the city's center by foot, or hail a taxi if you wish to see Knossos or any other part of the island. There are operating taxi stands located all around Heraklion.

As far as buses go, there are three main bus stations. One provides local, city, and Knossos buses, while the other two provide transportation to just about anywhere else on Crete. K.T.E.L. operates the two regular bus services between the cities of Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos offer the best affordable secure way to travel Crete.

Transportation Tips

If you're planning to drive, ensure that your hotel offers convenient parking.

Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:

  • Airports/ports Transfers from /to Rethymno (one way) for $168 details
  • Private Transfer From-To Heraklion Airport, PORT To-From RETHYMNO for $132 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Heraklion
How much does it cost to go to Heraklion? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Heraklion
The price of renting a car in Heraklion will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Heraklion

The culinary offerings in Heraklion are superb, so be sure to dedicate some time to experience all the local flavors. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Heraklion can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Heraklion is $105 (€90) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $105
    €90

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Heraklion is around $105 (€90) per person, with previous travelers spending from $46 to $201. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Heraklion are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $11 to $32
  • Lunch: $16 to $42
  • Dinner: $32 to $74
  • Coffee: $8
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $16

Being a large city, Heraklion offers just about any kind of food from Starbucks to traditional Greek cuisine. As mentioned before, 25th August Street will have more than enough dining options for you to choose from. Anywhere around Lion Square offers a charming view of Venetian architecture while enjoying a bustling center of good eats.

If you are looking to experience some of the local food culture, try the Atsalenio Wednesday market in Heraklion. Here you can sample all kinds of Cretan cheeses, from goat's to sheep's, mild and soft to earthy and hard, and even some fried varieties that will melt in your mouth. The market also offers all sorts of fresh vegetables and baked goods. And do not forget the olive oil. With over 15 million olive trees, the island of Crete uses olive oil in just about everything.

Food in Heraklion

Food & Dining Tips

Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.

Pack a water bottle to save on drinks. It's also a way to help protect the environment.

When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.

Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Heraklion. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Premium Cretan Olive Oil Tasting, Wine, Raki and Local Food Tour for $178 details
  • Full-Day Jeep Safari Tour with Cooking Lesson for $105 details
  • Heraklion E-Bike Food Tour – Discover the Flavors of Crete for $138 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Heraklion

The reason people visit Heraklion is clear, as it offers museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and beaches.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Heraklion typically cost an average of $45 (€38) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $45
    €38

The Koules Venetian Fortress is Heraklion's main landmark. This 16th century fortress and its surrounding structure embody an impressive stone mass of solid walls that have stood the test of time. The fortress is open to visitors who wish to see up close the restored reliefs of the Lion of St. Mark, or enjoy views from above on the turret and roof.

Examples of similar Venetian architecture exist in various places throughout the city. The Venetian Loggia, now Heraklion's city hall, is a two-story Venetian mansion, which used to be a meeting place for the nobles of Crete in the 15th Century. There are also many fountains of the Venetian era still preserved in the city, such as the Bembo fountain, the Priuli fountain, Palmeti fountain, Sagredo fountain and Morosini fountain (located in Lions Square).

Other notable landmarks include statues and sculptures commemorating significant events and figures of the island's history, like El Greco, Vitsentzos Kornaros, Nikos Kazantzakis and Eleftherios Venizelos.



The top museum in the city is by far the Archaeological Museum located on a corner of Eleftherias Square. Just walk down Dedalou off of 25th August and it will lead to right to the square where the museum is located. The museum spans a period starting several thousand years ago, through the Minoan, post-Minoan and later periods with findings from Knossos, Archanes, Phaestos, Zakros and many other archeological sites in Crete. A few highlights include the Phaestos disc and famous leaping bull fresco, but the museum holds a plethora of artifacts from Hellenic and Roman sculptures to ancient coins, jewelry, wall-paintings, and pottery. This museum is a major highlight of Heraklion and can easily occupy a few hours of your day.

Located just about 20-25 minutes from Heraklion's center is the archaeological site of the Palace of Knossos. A major piece of Minoan history, the excavated palace is great way to experience walk through the Bronze Age. Much of the place had been well-restored by English archaeologist Arthur Evans starting in 1900, which gives visitors today a visual of the vibrant colors and frescoes used in Minoan architecture. A thorough exploration of the site is another activity that can take several hours, and further artifacts from Knossos can be seen at the Archaeological Museum mentioned above.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
Attractions in HeraklionHeraklion is well-known for its iconic museums and renowned landmarks. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

Beaches:
Beaches in HeraklionNumerous travelers flock to Heraklion to unwind on the beach. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

A nice way to explore destinations in Heraklion is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Explore Crete by Sunset Full-Day Guided Tour for $101 details
  • Heraklion Half-Day Tour | Cruise Friendly | Knossos & Top Sights for $72 details
  • Daily cruises to Dia Island with All -Inclusive Meal and drinks for $78 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Heraklion

The nightlife in Heraklion is vibrant and lively, with visitors reveling in evenings spent at local bars, clubs, and parties. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $30 (€26) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Heraklion per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $30
    €26

Nightlife in Heraklion

Nightlife Tips

Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.

If you're out drinking at night, keep an eye on your surroundings. You could be a target for pickpockets, so it's wise to stay in a group and with people you trust.

Nightlife activities and tasting tours are popular in Heraklion. A few favorites from other travelers include:

  • The Gourmet Wine Tour of Heraklion area for $198 details
  • Ecobike-Knossos Palace-Wine tasting-Olive oil tasting for $180 details
  • Half Day Small Group Wine Tour with Wine Tastings for $150 details

Recommended


Travel cost data last updated: Aug 14, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Heraklion

  • Prices usually spike during peak season in summer, and the city tends to be quite busy. To save some cash and steer clear of the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Taking your time while traveling can save you some cash, allowing you to soak in the area's beauty at a leisurely pace. If you cram every day full of activities, you'll likely spend a fortune. But by slowing down and savoring your experience, you often find that your expenses decrease.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Traveling with young children? You might find that a private vehicle or taxi is your best bet. Sometimes, it's just less stressful to skip public transit, even if it means paying more.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers

We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Heraklion.

How can you save money during your time in Heraklion?

We found a cheap but modern hotel right in the middle of the historic area in town. The restaurants in this area were all really good and not very expensive, too. It's easy to walk around to most places, and there are some free and cheap museums.

Tanner
-
Jun 26 2023
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Traveling in Heraklion
Heraklion Heraklion, Crete, Greece

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.



Neighborhoods & Around

One of the best ways for navigating Heraklion is to start at 25is Avgoustou Street (25th August). Repaved as a pedestrian street, there is very little car traffic and the place is lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, and bakeries. This is the hub for commercial activity. The road begins with a view of the sea, and as you walk inland, the denser the buildings become. Amidst the shops and eateries you may stumble upon the beautiful church of Agios Titos or the famous fountain at Lion Square. The further you explore the more you will begin to see the enchanting antiquity beneath bustling modernity.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


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.
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