Choosing Between Crete and Santorini: A Comparison of Greece’s Top Islands

Is Greece on your list for your next vacation, and would you like to spend some unforgettable time on a Greek island? If you’ve been eyeing some of the most popular destinations, you must know by now that you cannot have it all! When in doubt, go for the tried and tested options: Crete or Santorini.

Even so, there are quite a few things to consider before you settle on one. Fret not! I visited both and am here to help you based on my experience.

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Table of Contents

  1. Crete or Santorini: make the best choice
    1. Want a vacation by the beach?
    2. Going for a special occasion? Crete or Santorini for honeymoon?
    3. Traveling on a budget? Is Santorini more expensive than Crete?
    4. Are you traveling with kids?
    5. Looking for all-inclusive packages?
    6. Getting around the island
    7. Activities on the island
    8. Accessibility to and from the island
    9. Santorini vs Crete for foodies: which one has better food?
    10. Why should you choose Santorini
    11. Why should you choose Crete
    12. Other useful Greece resources

Crete or Santorini: make the best choice

Creta Grecia pareri

First, let us look at a like-for-like comparison between Greece’s most popular tourist destinations.

CreteSantorini
Dimensions260 km (160 mi) from east to west, is 60 km (37 mi) at its widest pointRegarding accommodation and dining, Crete is more affordable than Santorini.
PricesThe high demand for accommodation, dining, and activities in Santorini contributes to higher prices than many other Greek islands, including Crete.The high demand for accommodation, dining, and activities in Santorini contributes to higher prices compared to many other Greek islands, including Crete.
ActivitiesBecause of its size, Crete has many options of activities to choose from, no matter what you prefer to do on vacation. Activities in Santorini are mainly focused on water and wine tasting. However, there are plenty of activities for one week on the island.
Long vacation vs Short vacationYou can easily spend even one month exploring Crete without getting bored.One week is more than enough for a Santorini vacation.
For a honeymoonCrete could be a great option for a honeymoon, butSantorini is incredibly romantic and wins in this category

Want a vacation by the beach?

Even though Santorini has its beaches, these are usually located in the eastern part of the island, where you won’t have access to the famous caldera views.

Because it is a volcanic island, Santorini has plenty of unique beaches with black pebbles and red or white sand. Perissa or Kamari are the perfect places to stay in Santorini on a budget and with access to the sea. However, you won’t find the charming white sand beautiful beaches with easy access to the sea. 

Crete Island, on the other hand, has unbelievable places like the Balos Lagoon or Elafonisi Beach, with Caribbean-like water and sand. No matter which part of the island you choose to stay in, chances are you will be close to a sandy beach. 

Verdict: If you want perfect beaches, choose Crete.

vacanta Creta pareri

Going for a special occasion? Crete or Santorini for honeymoon?

While Crete has plenty of charming small towns, less explored towns in its Eastern part, and world-renowned destinations such as Chania or Rethimno, Santorini is simply at a whole other level. 

The perfect destination for your honeymoon or any other anniversary, Santorini offers not only state-of-the-art hotels and Michelin-star restaurants but also unique settings for your photos. You can go on a sunset wine-tasting tour, ride the catamaran into the sunset (Check out this great option here!), or even splurge on a helicopter ride over the Cyclades.

Another thing that makes Santorini special is that it has the only inhabited volcanic caldera.

Santorini is the go-to Greek island for couples looking for an unforgettable holiday.

In all fairness, though, I have to tell you that we spent the second half of our honeymoon in Crete. We had already been to Santorini, so we decided to explore a new destination.

Verdict: For a special occasion or celebration, I would always recommend Santorini.

Santorini honeymoon

Traveling on a budget? Is Santorini more expensive than Crete?

While Crete might be a better choice for those who want to travel during peak season, Santorini can offer a budget vacation option. 

If you know when to travel and what area of the island to choose to stay in, book everything in advance, and rent an apartment with a kitchenette, you can make Santorini work as well.

If you follow my guide to finding the best cheap hotels with caldera views, you can even afford to stay with a breathtaking view over the Aegean Sea. 

Finding great vacation deals in Crete is much easier. The high demand for accommodation, dining, and activities in Santorini contributes to higher prices than many other Greek islands, including Crete.

Additionally, food and other expenses are lower in Crete (in most parts of the island) than in Santorini. 

Verdict: While Santorini is manageable, Crete is the better choice for budget travelers.

Creta sau Santorini

Are you traveling with kids?

As mentioned previously, Santorini Island has plenty of beaches. However, these are not particularly child-friendly and are not recommended for people who don’t know how to swim. 

On top of that, since it is a honeymoon-preferred destination, on the island, you will find plenty of adult-only hotels or hotels and attractions perfect for couples – less so for kids.

However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t many cool things to do in Santorini with kids; you might have more to choose from in Crete. 

Verdict: Crete would be the best option when traveling with kids.

Looking for all-inclusive packages?

That’s one concept you surely won’t find in Santorini. Most hotels offer breakfast only, but you will have plenty of authentic and high-class restaurants to choose from on the island. 

While I don’t suggest you choose this kind of package when traveling to Greece, I’m sure Crete might offer you something. With such a wide variety of restaurants and delicious food, you won’t want to eat in the same place daily

Verdict: Go for Crete for an all-inclusive package or breakfast and dinner. 

Best Greek islands

Getting around the island

Crete is the biggest island in Greece, and it is difficult to get around by public transportation. That’s why it is absolutely necessary to rent a car as soon as you land on the island. 

Additionally, because the distances are quite long, you will spend a lot of time on the road, and you will probably not get to see it all in just one week. 

On the other hand, Santorini is a small island with a good public transportation system. Even so, booking private tours, an ATV, or at least a private transfer from the airport to your hotel would be easier. You can do all that here!

Verdict: Santorini is easier to get around, and you won’t spend too much time on the road.

Activities on the island

Both islands offer plenty of activities, so you definitely won’t have time to get bored no matter which vacation you choose. 

From Crete, you can book a one-day ferry trip to Santorini to get a taste of it and decide whether you want to return at a future time. 

You will probably manage to do and see everything in Santorini in one week. However, you could spend two weeks or more in Crete without seeing everything. 

Both islands have important Minoan archeological sites you can explore (Akrotiri in Santorini and Knossos in Heraklion), which are perfect for history lovers. 

See activities in Crete here!

See activities for Santorini here!

Verdict: Choosing the right island depends on your vacation plans and interests. 

Crete or Santorini

Accessibility to and from the island

Since they are both on the top of Greek islands, Santorini and Crete have great connections and numerous flights linking them to most European destinations. 

Additionally, there is no significant difference in the time spent flying to one island compared to the other since they are relatively close to one another. 

Verdict: Whichever one you choose, you will find it easy to get there. 

Crete or Santorini

Santorini vs Crete for foodies: which one has better food?

We love Greek food and always eat a lot no matter where we go.

Crete food

Cretan food celebrates simplicity and authenticity and is renowned for emphasizing fresh, local ingredients. Olive oil, a diet staple, infuses dishes with a distinctive flavor.

Mezes, a combination of various plates for sharing, showcase an array of flavors, including local cheeses like graviera and mizithra, vibrant salads with tomatoes and cucumbers, and traditional dips like tzatziki.

Main courses often include seafood, lamb, and goat, which are often seasoned with aromatic herbs such as oregano and thyme.

Signature dishes like moussaka and dakos – a Cretan bruschetta – offer a taste of the island’s culinary identity.

The abundance of fruits, honey, and nuts also contributes to delectable desserts, making Cretan dining a journey through flavors deeply rooted in tradition and local authenticity.

Santorini food

Santorini’s fertile volcanic soil yields exceptional produce. The local cherry tomatoes, fava beans, and capers are prominently featured in local dishes.

The renowned Assyrtiko wine, cultivated in the island’s vineyards, complements the diverse flavors of Santorini’s gastronomy.

Every moussaka and souvlaki contains locally grown ingredients. Similarly, seaside tavernas offer grilled octopus, sun-dried tomatoes, and white eggplants.

Verdict: No matter where you choose to go, food won’t disappoint in Greece

Crete or Santorini

Why should you choose Santorini

In conclusion, choose Santorini for the following reasons:

  • Romantic Atmosphere: Santorini is renowned for its romantic ambiance, especially in Oia, famous for its sunsets. It’s a popular destination for couples and honeymooners.
  • Unique Landscape: The island’s volcanic landscape, dramatic cliffs, and whitewashed buildings create a unique and iconic setting.
  • Luxury and Relaxation: Santorini offers upscale accommodations, fine dining, and luxurious experiences, making it ideal for those seeking a more exclusive getaway.
  • Short Stay: If you have a shorter timeframe for your trip and want to focus on stunning views and a romantic atmosphere, Santorini is a compact island that can be explored relatively quickly.

Why should you choose Crete

On the other hand, go to Crete for:

  • Diverse Activities: Crete is the largest Greek island and offers a wide range of activities, from historical sites like the Palace of Knossos to hiking in the Samaria Gorge and relaxing on beautiful beaches.
  • Cultural Exploration: Crete has a rich history and culture, with archaeological sites, museums, and traditional villages providing immersive experiences.
  • Varied Landscapes: From the rugged mountains of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) to fertile plains and stunning beaches, Crete’s diverse landscapes cater to different interests.
  • Family-Friendly Options: Crete has numerous family-friendly accommodations and activities, making it an excellent choice for travelers with children.

Other useful Greece resources

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Santorini or Crete

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