How Much Does Heraklion Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Heraklion serves as a vibrant gateway to Crete, offering a pricing structure that is generally more affordable than the Cycladic islands but slightly higher than mainland Greek towns. Daily budgets for travelers range from approximately $53 / €45 for solo budget explorers to $377 / €320 for those seeking high-end luxury. The cost of a visit is largely dictated by accommodation choices, which vary from simple harbor-side hostels to five-star historical monuments. While dining in the historic center remains accessible, the proximity to major archaeological sites like Knossos introduces standard tourist pricing. Overall, the city provides excellent value for money, especially when utilizing the efficient local bus network and traditional tavernas.
Is Heraklion expensive to visit?
Heraklion is a moderately priced destination, with daily costs ranging from $53 / €45 to $377 / €320 depending on whether you choose budget hostels or luxury harbor-front hotels.
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Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Heraklion
$53
per person /day
$147
per person /day
$377
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $159 | $441 | $1,130 |
| 5-Day Trip | $265 | $736 | $1,883 |
| 7-Day Trip | $371 | $1,030 | $2,636 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
A 15% budget buffer is recommended to account for the Climate Crisis Resilience Fee, which can reach $12 / €10 per night for 5-star hotels, and restaurant 'couvert' charges. Additionally, this buffer covers the $2.94 / €2.5 transaction fees at local bank ATMs and potential late-night taxi surcharges.
How Does It Compare?
See how Heraklion stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Heraklion
Food & Drink (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Meal at an Inexpensive Restaurant Standard price for a single main course and local bread. | $15 €13 |
| Mid-Range Three-Course Dinner for Two Typical for a traditional taverna in the Old Town. | $59 €50 |
| Freddo Espresso (Takeaway) The ubiquitous Greek iced coffee. Expect to pay ~$1.77 / €1.5 more for sit-down service in Lions Square. | $4.12 €3.5 |
| Pita Gyros (Street Food) A filling and cheap lunch option found throughout the city. | $5.3 €4.5 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Urban Bus Single Ticket (Zone A) Buying from the driver costs ~$2.35 / €2. Zone A covers the city center and Knossos. | $1.41 €1.2 |
| Taxi: Airport to City Center Flat rates are common; confirm the price before departing the terminal. | $18 €15 |
| KTEL Intercity Bus: Heraklion to Chania The journey takes approximately 2–3 hours along the northern coast. | $16 €14 |
| Daily Car Rental (Compact) Crucial for visiting remote beaches like Matala or the Lasithi Plateau. | $41 €35 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Intra Muros Hostel (Dorm Bed) Lowest dorm rate available for solo travelers. Private rooms are available from ~$11 / €9. | $18 €15 |
| Life Boutique Hotel (Mid-Range Room) Centrally located mid-range boutique accommodation. | $82 €70 |
| GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel Heraklion's premier 5-star hotel overlooking the harbor. Includes breakfast. | $218 €185 |
Activities (2)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Knossos Palace & Museum Combined Ticket Valid for 3 days. Single entry to Knossos alone is ~$18 / €15. | $24 €20 |
| Koules Fortress Entry The Venetian fortress at the harbor entrance. Last entry is usually 15:30. | $4.71 €4 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| eSIM Greece 3GB (7 days) Reliable data-only option for tourists. | $9.42 €8 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape is defined by a mix of quick street food, such as $5.3 / €4.5 pita gyros, and traditional tavernas where a three-course dinner for two costs around $59 / €50. For a casual sit-down meal, an inexpensive restaurant main course averages $15 / €13, while a signature Freddo Espresso takeaway is typically $4.12 / €3.5.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Chop Chop
$5.3–$14 / €4.5–€12Center · Local chain
Arguably the best gyros in the city center for a quick ~$5.89 / €5 lunch.
Kirkor
$4.71–$9.42 / €4–€8Lions Square · Bakery
Open since 1922; their bougatsa with cream and cinnamon is a local breakfast staple for ~$4.71 / €4.
Amalia's Kitchen
$12–$21 / €10–€18Arkouleontos · Local chain
Very popular with locals for large portions and budget-friendly variety.
Hovoli
$3.53–$8.24 / €3–€7Old Town · Bakery
Great for Greek coffee and handmade loukoumades.
Paradosiako
$5.89–$12 / €5–€10Near Lions Square · Street food area
Try the dakos (Cretan rusk salad) for a healthy and cheap snack ~$7.06 / €6.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating the city is most cost-effective via the urban bus system, with single tickets in Zone A costing $1.41 / €1.2 if purchased at a kiosk. Exploring the wider island often requires a compact car rental for roughly $41 / €35 daily, while a taxi from the airport to the city center is a manageable flat rate of $18 / €15.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging options cater to all tiers, from the Intra Muros Hostel at $18 / €15 per night to the premier GDM Megaron Historical Monument Hotel at $218 / €185. A comfortable mid-range stay at a property like Life Boutique Hotel typically costs around $82 / €70, providing a balance of modern amenities and central location.
Accommodation Budget in Heraklion
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Purchase urban bus tickets from kiosks or vending machines for $1.41 / €1.2 rather than from the driver, who charges $2.35 / €2 per ticket.
- 2 Buy the $24 / €20 combined ticket for Knossos Palace and the Archaeological Museum to save $5.89–$12 / €5–€10 compared to buying individual entries.
- 3 Visit Kirkor in Lions Square for a traditional and filling bougatsa breakfast, which is significantly cheaper than a full hotel brunch.
- 4 Avoid the $1.77 / €1.5 'sit-down' surcharge for coffee at Lions Square by ordering your Freddo Espresso for takeaway at $4.12 / €3.5.
- 5 Use official bank ATMs like Alpha or Piraeus for a $2.94 / €2.5 fee rather than the high-commission Euronet machines found near the harbor.
- 6 Opt for the KTEL intercity bus to reach Chania for $16 / €14 instead of expensive private transfers or taxis.
- 7 Eat at 'Cheap Eats' spots like Chop Chop or Hovoli in the Old Town for high-quality mains around $15 / €13.
- 8 Travel during May, June, or September to find room rates that are $35–$47 / €30–€40 lower than the peak August prices.
- 9 Fill up on the complimentary raki and fruit often served after meals in local tavernas rather than ordering extra desserts.
- 10 Walk the 2km length of the 'Mole' pier for harbor views instead of paying for a coastal boat tour.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jul, Aug
+30–50%
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
-40–60%
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Shoulder season (May–June and September–October) offers the perfect balance of warm sea temperatures (~22–24°C (72–75°F)) and room rates ~$35–$47 / €30–€40 lower than August.
Events to Watch
- ● Orthodox Easter (varies): +20% transport
- ● Heraklion Summer Arts Festival (July/Aug): High accommodation demand
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Walking the Venetian Walls, which offer a panoramic view of the city and the sea.
- 2 Visiting the Tomb of Nikos Kazantzakis located at the Martinengo Bastion.
- 3 Exploring the 25th of August Street to view the neoclassical architecture and St. Titus Cathedral.
- 4 Watching the sunset from the Venetian Harbor pier, also known as 'The Mole'.
- 5 Entering the Cathedral of St. Minas, one of the largest cathedrals in Greece.
- 6 Browsing the vibrant stalls of the Central Market (Agora) on 1866 Street.
- 7 Relaxing on the public sections of Ammoudara Beach, located just west of the city.
- 8 Hiking through the Karteros Gorge, accessible for free a short distance from the city center.
- 9 Viewing the exterior of the Koules Fortress and the historic Venetian shipyards.
- 10 Visiting the Basilica of St. Mark, which often hosts free municipal art exhibitions.
- 11 Exploring the picturesque village of Archanes, located a 15km drive south of the city.
- 12 Walking through the Georgiadis Park, a popular local green space with frequent free community events.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Semi-Private Sailing Trip to Dia Island
Escape the city heat for snorkeling and a freshly cooked Mediterranean lunch on board. Typically ~$112 / €95 per person.
Degustation Menu at Peskesi
The best farm-to-table Cretan dining experience in Greece. A full feast with wine is ~$77 / €65.
Private Guided Tour of Knossos Palace
The site is complex and lacks signage; a 2-hour private guide for ~$141 / €120 makes the history come alive.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Heraklion
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Heraklion and what they cost
Matala Beach & Caves
$18 / €16 by bus
$4.71 / €4
$41 / €35
Agios Nikolaos & Spinalonga
$18 / €15 by bus + boat
$9.42 / €8
$53 / €45
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Euro (EUR)
1 € ≈ 1.18 $
Yes
Widely accepted in most restaurants and hotels, but small bakeries and traditional kiosks often prefer cash.
Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill or leaving ~5–10% in tavernas is standard practice.
Stick to bank-affiliated ATMs like Piraeus Bank or National Bank of Greece to avoid the ~$4.71–$5.89 / €4–€5 fees found at independent machines.
Connectivity
eSIM: $9.42 for 3GB (7 days) (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $18–$24 / €15–€20 for 10GB–20GB at airport kiosks.
WiFi: Reliable in almost all cafés and hotels in the city center.
Airalo eSIMs are easy to set up, but for long stays, a Cosmote local SIM provides the best coverage across rural Crete.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Heraklion.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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