Are you planning your next big vacation and want to go to one of the popular Greek islands? Are you having a hard time choosing between Santorini or Crete and need some guidance when it comes to making your decision?
Greek culture and its captivating history, combined with stunning beaches and remarkable landscapes, have long attracted travelers from all over the world. When planning a holiday to Greece, deciding between these two picturesque islands can seem like a daunting task: should you explore the volcanic landscape of Santorini or take in some archeological sites in Crete? The two are connected by a regular Crete – Santorini ferry route, so it would be easy to visit them both when on vacation, but if you have to decide which one to go to, this is the guide for you.
Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or leisurely beach days, this guide will help you weigh up both locations and decide which is perfect for your vacation.
Location
When it comes to choosing the location for your next vacation, especially when choosing between two beautiful islands such as Santorini and Crete, one of the first things that you need to look at is the location.
Crete is a more southern island, and Santorini is located more in the southeastern part. Something to note is that Crete is the largest of all of the Greek islands, and Santorini is one of the smallest. While size does play a big role when it comes to the different islands, there is still plenty to do on each, and you all have never-ending fun no matter where you go.
Choosing an island based on its location would be best if you plan on visiting any of the other islands nearby.
Weather
The next thing to take into consideration is the weather. While the weather across both islands is typically very similar, they have some slight differences that could be better suited to different types of vacations.
The weather in Crete is generally a lot milder than the weather in Santorini. Crete has an average temperature of around 26 degrees Celsius in peak season, while Santorini has an average temperature of around 22 degrees Celsius.
Visiting in summer you should always expect to be greeted by the heat no matter where you go. If you enjoy swimming in the sea and being outside, something to note is that the water temperature in Crete is always a few degrees warmer than that of Santorini.
Beaches
One of the main reasons why people visit Greece, especially in the summertime, is because both the mainland and all of the islands have an abundance of some of the most incredible beaches in the entire world.
When it comes to choosing between Crete and Santorini, something to note is that Santorini has black sand beaches, which are an after-effect of volcanic eruptions in the past. Create also has a huge variety of beaches to choose from, including sandy beaches, pebble beaches, and even rocky beaches.
Activities
One of the most important considerations to make when choosing between Crete or Santorini for your next vacation is the activities. Both Crete and Santorini have a huge variety of activities that you can enjoy both during the day and throughout the night. However, they have their differences.
If you are looking for a more active vacation that includes activities such as hiking, biking, and even canyoning, Crete is the best option for you. However, if you’re looking for something more relaxed with options such as wine tours and cruises, Santorini is the way to go.
Accommodations
The final consideration to make when it comes to choosing between Santorini or Crete for your next vacation is the type of accommodation that you want. While both islands have great options when it comes to accommodations and options that can suit all budgets, there is no doubt that Crete generally has more affordable accommodation options than Santorini does.
There is no doubt that Santorini is a destination vacation that people are willing to pay a lot more for; however, you will still be able to find affordable accommodation there.