What is the difference between the island of Crete and Rhodes? Holidays on the Greek islands: Crete or Rhodes? Where to go Crete or Rhodes

Rhodes and Crete are two famous islands in Greece, each of them has wonderful beaches, a beautiful clean sea, the Mediterranean sun, a huge number of hotels for every taste and budget, excellent cuisine and, in addition, a lot of attractions! Both Crete and Rhodes promise an unforgettable vacation! How to make a choice? Where to go on vacation?

Which is better - Rhodes or Crete?

On the one hand, comparing the two islands is not entirely correct. On the other hand, what can you do when there is only one vacation a year? Therefore, let’s still try to figure out which island is better and why. Once upon a time I was puzzled by this question;)) Until I visited both Rhodes and Crete.

Where is it warmer - Crete or Rhodes? Almost the same. These islands are very close to each other, and climate on them the same. Accordingly, it is impossible to answer the question “Where is it warmer in May (or in September) - in Rhodes or Crete.” Here we can only give standard recommendations - the water will be warmer in some closed bays, pay attention to this when choosing a hotel. According to average standard data, the water temperature in May on these islands is about 20 degrees. Cool. In summer, of course, it is better to go; in July and August the sea is very warm. Sea winds help withstand the heat. But in May and June it’s cheaper!

Beauty of nature. According to my personal impressions, Rhodes is still more beautiful than Crete. It is greener than Crete. But on the island of Crete there are also mountains (not very high), they certainly enliven the landscape.
Of course, both islands are beautiful and picturesque, but Rhodes is greener and more “blooming”, while the beauty of Crete is more severe, this can be seen even in my photos of the island of Crete.

Beaches. Both Rhodes and Crete have many beaches. Both here and there you can find excellent beaches - pebbly or sandy, there are many of them and they are varied. But personally, I got the impression that the beaches are better in Rhodes. There are “not very good” beaches in Crete, choose carefully.

Where are the more interesting sights - on Crete or Rhodes? Both islands have many interesting, magnificent sights!
On the island Rhodes A visit to the old medieval town of Rhodes is an absolute must - it is the number one UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is interesting to visit Lindos. The ruins of Kamiros, the fortress of Monolithos and Mount Filerimos are well worth a trip there. The Valley of Butterflies is very green, it’s nice to visit there, but this valley didn’t leave me with any special impressions. Prasonissi beach is interesting, where two seas meet, and you can really see it.
Crete- this is the cradle of the ancient European Minoan civilization; here, I believe, you need to visit at least once in your life to touch artifacts that are several thousand years old. Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, the mysterious Palace of Knossos (by the way, not the only Minoan palace on Crete) - these are not just number one attractions, but a “must-have”! The island of Crete is several times larger in size than Rhodes, and there are more attractions here. Samaria Gorge, Dictaean Cave, Elafonisi, Spinalonga fortress, architecture of the capital (Heraklion) and resort towns: Chania, Agios Nikolaos, Rethymnon. In Crete there are also the famous monasteries of Arkadi, Toplou, and Preveli.

If you rent a car on these islands, you will travel around Rhodes in 2-3 days, seeing all the main attractions. In Crete, even a week will not be enough to go around and see the entire island - both the distances are more impressive and there are more attractions.

Rhodes or Crete with a child. Both islands are great for families with children. Rhodes seems more affectionate (in Crete you still need to look for suitable beaches), then the island of Crete will also provide the opportunity to visit the Aquarium, which is located in the Heraklion area. There are water parks on both islands.

Crete and Rhodes - prices. Of course, prices on these islands are approximately the same. After all, this is one country, Greece. It is believed that since Crete is larger in size, the price range is also greater.

The Greek islands of Rhodes and Crete are beautiful! Having been both there and there, I can definitely say that they are completely different! I recommend visiting both Rhodes and Crete. The only question is which island to start with;)) Any!;)

Greece is a sunny and very hospitable country, which is why it is very popular among our tourists. What attracts you here first of all? A huge number of religious shrines, the rich history of the country and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere of relaxation, no matter which of the island resorts you choose. Travelers planning to spend their holidays on the Greek islands always have the same problem as you: which one should you choose? The most common choices are Crete or Rhodes. The formulation of the question itself is not entirely correct, since it is simply impossible to give an unambiguous answer to it. To make a choice, first of all, you should decide for yourself: what is the main purpose of your trip? Do you prefer a dynamic holiday with visits to various excursions, measured relaxation or vibrant nightlife in the spotlight of local discos? Perhaps you're just planning on lounging on the local beaches to get a golden tan? I will consider the main opportunities and advantages of both islands to help you decide where it would be better to go: Rhodes or Crete?

The first question: where is it warmer? Both of these islands are in the same climate zone. Therefore, if you are going to go on vacation during the beach season - that is, from May to September, then both Crete and Rhodes will meet you with a comfortable, stable temperature around +30⁰С, as well as a pleasant wind, which will make it easier to tolerate possible heat and water temperature , which will be optimal for swimming. By the way, speaking of swimming, it should be noted that Crete is washed by the waters of the calm Mediterranean Sea, and Rhodes, although it has a much more modest size, is also washed by the waters of the stormy Aegean. Therefore, I can recommend going there first of all to fans of extreme wave riding and other types of extreme water activities. For tourists who are planning a relaxing family vacation, and even with small children, it is better to choose cities and resort areas that are located on other shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

If your vacation is short in time, then it’s better to go to Rhodes and you will have the opportunity to travel almost all of it by car in just a few days and get to know the main attractions. But if you have enough free time, you won’t be bored much in Crete. The significant difference between the islands of Crete and Rhodes is precisely that the former is significantly larger in area. And the terrain here is more varied; you will find both plains and rocky mountains. These features will make walking around the island memorable, but also more tiring, which again needs to be taken into account if you are going on a trip with children.

As for the entertainment industry, on each of the two islands you will find something that you will definitely like. For your leisurely or, conversely, active recreation, the necessary infrastructure is equipped there. However, it seemed to us that Rhodes would probably be more suitable for lovers of a calm and peaceful holiday. In Crete, there are more opportunities for various sports, extreme entertainment: including surfing, diving, and a more active nightlife. The excursion program in Crete is also more intense. This is logical: the larger the island’s territory, the more interesting places it will have. Although it is difficult to compare here - both Crete and Rhodes have their own priceless cultural and historical monuments.

The question often arises about where the holiday will be cheaper: in Rhodes or in Crete? It’s also impossible to answer unequivocally here, but there is an opinion with which I agree that prices will still be lower in Crete. In general, both islands have a sufficient number of hotels of various levels and price categories: from three to full five stars. This will allow you to plan your vacation in accordance with your existing budget.

Many travelers are planning their holidays abroad. Greece is an ideal holiday destination for both family and friends. Beautiful embankments, resort areas, clean beaches, delicious food and extraordinary nature do not leave tourists from different countries indifferent. The most popular resort areas are the islands of Rhodes and Crete. Russian tourists often wonder: is Rhodes or Crete better for a family holiday? This article will carefully consider all issues related to both entertaining and relaxing holidays. The distance from Crete to Rhodes is 485 km or 266 nautical miles. The plane flight takes one hour. The ferry journey from Crete is 10-14 hours. Rhodes or Crete, which is better, is up to the tourist himself to decide.

Tourist destinations in Greece

Rhodes Dodecanese is one of the most beautiful and popular Greek islands. Its medieval sites, amazing views and pristine beaches have made Rhodes world famous, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The Old Town of Rhodes, with the Grand Master's Palace, the Street of the Knights, the old port of Mandraki and Hippocrates Square, is the most important place to visit on the island.

The trip will lead to many other attractions such as the Acropolis of Lindos, Filerimos Monastery, Kallithea Springs. Tourists are offered to visit various castles located on the island. In addition to these attractions, there are many beaches to visit in Rhodes, such as Tsambika, Ladiko, Kallithea, St. Paul's Bay and others.

Tourist holidays in Greek resorts

Exploring the island of Rhodes is full of surprises. This magnificent resort is known not only for its history and beautiful beaches, but also for its tranquil, well-kept villages. Among them is the village of Lindos. It is certainly one of the most picturesque and fascinating seaside villages in the Mediterranean.

Many tourists love the island of Rhodes not only because of the beach and colorful views, but also because of the medieval culture. This area has preserved ancient traditions that are so popular with visiting guests. Tour agencies recommend that guests stay in the medieval old town of Rhodes to soak up the atmosphere, among the cobbled streets and narrow paths. For those who like a relaxing holiday, busy tourist areas should be avoided.

The towers of the walls of the old city of Rhodes are etched in the memory of many guests. This fortress can be viewed from all angles by moving through the various entry gates and exploring the different plazas. The mixture of medieval towers, Greek and Italian architecture and tiny cobbled streets creates an amazing atmosphere in an amazing resort location.

Crete

The length of stay of guests on the island of Crete depends on financial capabilities and taste preferences. After all, this resort offers guests a variety of recreation. Because Crete is quite vast, it takes a week to visit the small towns and explore the island (renting a car is highly recommended).

It is the largest Greek island and has the most diverse combination of landscapes. The northern coast of the island is the most densely populated area and the most famous for tourists. Heraklion is the capital of the island and a major tourist destination. The working city is home to several world-class museums. Rethymnon and Chania in the west retain a distinctive Venetian influence. Visitors to Greece can travel east to Agios Nikolaos or Ag Nik to Britos. The main resort islands are less known to tourists.

Note! The south coast is less visited than the north. It is criss-crossed with gorges and dotted with isolated villages and coves. It is also a transition point for the isolated islets south of Crete. The last thing that makes Crete stand out from other islands is its rich history.

Like anywhere in the world, tourists may stumble upon a tourist trap that serves bad food, and that's okay. Despite all these troubles, food in Greece is usually delicious. Crete is a top destination for food lovers. On this island, tourists can discover completely new traditional dishes. Cretan food is varied and tasty. They serve sweets, delicious food and drinks.

Both islands have beautiful beaches that are loved by travelers from different countries. While Cretan beaches have a small number of places dedicated to swimming in the water, the beaches of Rhodes are beautiful, boasting turquoise waters. In Rhodes you can go to the beaches of Kalathos, Ladiko, Glystra, Pefkos, Stegna and Anthony Queens, and in Crete - Balos, Lasithi, Matala, Balos or Elafonisi. To make the right decision, you need to visit both islands and decide on a place for permanent vacation.

The islands of Rhodes and Crete on the interactive map

The island of Rhodes and Crete on the map of Greece

The interactive map of Greece is a modern and convenient tool in searching for various objects of the country, namely, the map of Greece presents: resorts of Greece, cities, districts, towns, beaches of Greece, attractions of Greece, as well as hotels in Greece, places of recreation and entertainment.

Weather

Differences between the islands in climate and weather in July, August, September

The Greek islands have a warm and sunny Mediterranean climate. Everywhere summers are hot and dry with scorching sun and clear skies. During the summer peak season, temperatures reach over 40 degrees. Many people come to the islands exclusively in the spring. May is the month when the sun becomes more moderate and wild flowers begin to bloom. Winter in these areas is quite mild. But snow may fall on the islands. Autumn days in Crete and Rhodes are rainier. Among the rainy months are September, October and November.

The summer season on the Greek islands is from May to October. The weather can be unpredictable, so tourists are advised to book a holiday on the island for two weeks. One week may be cloudier and the next glorious for swimming and tanning.

Important! When planning an early or late holiday, you should definitely consider the southern islands such as Crete and Rhodes, where the weather tends to be calmer.

Greece is an ideal holiday destination. Especially for those who like to swim in clear water and sunbathe on a well-kept beach. Young people prefer the island of Rhodes until the end of August, when interesting events begin. It's too hot at the end of the month of August. High temperatures are recorded on the southern coasts of the southern islands. The average sea temperature in July is 27 degrees.

Holiday trip with children

Vacation with children

One of the most visited places for families with children is Rhodes. This island is located in the eastern Aegean Sea and is part of the Dodecanese island group.

A walk through the small cobbled alleys of the old town of Rhodes attracts not only adults, but also children. A visit to the magnificent palace of the great masters will make the child feel as if he is living in another century. Children will have an extraordinary chance to visit a site of historical value, the site of the 40th century statue of the Colossus of Rhodes.

This fascinating historic island also boasts beautiful sandy beaches. From the east coast to bustling Faliraki, with plenty of water sports and nightlife, tourists have an amazing opportunity to enjoy the Greek sea at its best. A must-see beach excursion is Lindos, an ancient acropolis of captivating beauty, and Prassonissi, one of the most popular windsurfing spots in the Mediterranean. For those who prefer a place with a relaxing holiday, you should not miss the chance to visit the Butterfly Valley.

How to choose a place to stay

Which one is better, which one to choose

The most remarkable thing about Rhodes and Crete should be highlighted - these are islands that have a variety of opportunities for sightseeing, it all depends only on the desires and preferences of the guests. Crete has stunning archaeological sites such as Minoan palaces, and Rhodes has the Acropolis of Lindos or the majestic medieval old town. The Italians and Turks have left their marks on Rhodes with ancient architectural buildings, while Crete has rich natural wonders such as the Samaria Gorge, Balos Lagoon and Elafonisi.

This question is of interest to those who are planning on such a long journey for the first time and have not yet made their choice. Both Greece and Cyprus are two legendary lands that are worth visiting not only for a beach holiday, but also to touch the ancient history of the ancient gods. So where should we go?

Best hotels and service

Many argue about the quality of hotels in Cyprus, Rhodes and Crete, that is, in Greece. But it should immediately be noted that the quality of hotel service in Cyprus is much higher than in Greece. You should also keep in mind that often in Cyprus a hotel of the same category as in Rhodes or Crete may be of a higher level. But their prices also vary significantly. It should be noted that where the hotel business focuses on “expensive” clients, the quality of services is very high, while in middle-class hotels the quality of services has decreased somewhat and this is mainly due to the difficult economic situation in the country as a whole.

Do you need a Schengen visa everywhere?

But with a visa it’s a little more complicated. If you have a Schengen visa, you will get to Greece without any problems. But those who don’t have it must go through a huge number of procedures in order to get it. Also, this is not the cheapest “pleasure”, considering that you have prepared a considerable amount to pay for the tour and daily expenses. And in order to get to Cyprus, you only need a pro-visa, which is issued for a period of 90 days. And you can even apply for this visa online, as it will be much cheaper.

Climate, beaches and sea

These three islands are located in the Mediterranean, so we can say that here they are equal “partners”.

But Crete and Rhodes are also washed by the slightly turbulent and cooler Aegean Sea, which even on the hottest summer days does not warm up above +23°C. The Mediterranean Sea is quiet and calm everywhere, so in Cyprus you will not have problems choosing a beach. It should also be taken into account that in Greece, in Crete and Rhodes, conditions can be very different.

In Rhodes you can relax on the sandy beaches of the cleanest and calmest Ionian Sea, but also part of the coast is washed by the Aegean Sea with pebble beaches, and this is not very suitable for families with children. In Crete you can also find both clean sandy beaches and pebble beaches, which are mainly located on the Aegean coast and are very popular with surfers and divers.

In Cyprus, everything is simpler, since the entire island is washed only by the Mediterranean Sea and the water in each of the bays is clean and clear. There are excellent conditions for windsurfing, diving, parasailing, yachting and the climate is almost the same everywhere, but only in Limassol the temperature is slightly higher than in Paphos. You should also take into account that in Cyprus you can sunbathe and swim 365 days a year, while in Crete only from the end of April to November, and in Rhodes only from the end of May to October. Therefore, when choosing a destination, you should take into account the month when you are going on vacation.

The beaches in Cyprus are mostly sandy with a convenient and gentle entrance to the sea. On holiday with children, it is best to go to Ayia Napa or Protaras, where you will find excellent beach infrastructure and white clean sand. This will be the most wonderful place to relax for your child. On the Greek islands, children will also be comfortable on the beaches:

• Chania,
• Hersonissos,
• Rethymno,
• Kallithea,
• Faliraki,
• Lindos, etc.

How to have fun at resorts

If we talk about excursions and compare Cyprus and the Greek islands, there are quite a lot of them and they are all mainly related to ancient monuments of history, culture and architecture. Therefore, you can enjoy extensive excursion programs on all three islands equally. But each island has its most famous historical monuments. For example, Rhodes is famous for:

• Valley of butterflies,
• Mount Filerimos,
• ruins of temples to Athena and Zeus,
• the ancient Acropolis and the site where the Colossus of Rhodes used to be.

In Crete, you should definitely see the Palace of Knossos, ancient Gortyna, the Temple of St. Titus, the Praetorium, as well as a huge number of ancient fortresses. Cyprus has no less interesting places and among them are:

• Cyprus Archaeological Museum,
• Kykkos Monastery,
• Water Park,
• Kolossi Castle,
• Cathedral of St. Sofia.

Naturally, you will have a question about nutrition. So here there is a lot in common, since both Cypriots and Greeks cannot imagine their cuisine without olive oil, olives, fresh vegetables and feta cheese. But meanwhile, in Cyprus you will be pampered with pork and lamb, and in Crete and Rhodes with fish and seafood.

An extraordinary holiday in May

At this time, many people prefer to go to Cyprus, since on the islands of Crete and Rhodes the air temperature is slightly lower this month. Usually in Cyprus in May, the average daily air temperature is about +24°C ... +26°C, and the water temperature is about +22°C ... +23°C, and the swimming season can already open. Every day it gets warmer and warmer. But if you don’t need the heat, then feel free to go to Crete or Rhodes. At this time, all three destinations are perfect for excursions and active recreation. It should also be noted that the price of tours and vouchers at this time is still quite reasonable for both directions – Greek and Cypriot.

Holidays in June, July and August

It is very difficult to compare here, since in both Cyprus and the Greek islands at the beginning of summer the air temperature rises to +30°C...+35°C. Therefore, in the hottest months, it is necessary to plan only a beach holiday and choose only mountainous areas for excursions, such as the Toodoros Mountains in Cyprus. In Crete, you can choose a holiday in the resort of Agios Nikolaos, which is located on the north-western shore of Mirabello Bay, in Heraklion, located on the northern coast of the island or in Chania, where extensive cypress forests help create shady coolness. In Rhodes, you can choose to relax on the cooler Aegean Sea.

Holidays in September

The velvet season will be a great time to relax on all three islands. The air temperature drops significantly, the weather is simply beautiful and it becomes very comfortable in Cyprus, sunbathing, swimming and visiting various excursion programs in Larnaca or Limassol. Late summer isn't so bad. Crete and Rhodes are not inferior to their competitors in almost anything, and if we talk about attractions, then when you come to Crete, you can also explore the nearby islands, including Rhodes, so in terms of excursions, Greece can offer you many more interesting places.

Where is the best place to go?

Summarizing the above information, we can say with confidence that if you do not want extra expenses and do not have a Schengen visa, then it is better to choose Cyprus, as you can relax there at any time of the year. But if you like variety and are a fan of a huge number of attractions, then you should choose Crete or Rhodes. We can also say that when you come to Crete, nothing will stop you from visiting the beaches and attractions of Rhodes.

Greece has long been loved by Russian travelers: Orthodox shrines, many attractions, quality beach holidays and a warm attitude towards Russians. The advantages can be listed for quite a long time. Most travelers choose the mainland for their first trip. This is understandable. Tourists consider it almost their duty to visit. Meteors are mesmerizing, and Olympus can safely be called a cult place.

Having enjoyed a holiday on the mainland or having decided to go to Greece for the first time, many are thinking about visiting one of them. And then the question often arises about what to choose: Rhodes or Crete. The beauty and comfort of the first one is admired; the second one, the largest in Greece, offers an excellent cultural program, lots of entertainment and beautiful beaches.

Thus, to answer the question: “Rhodes or Crete, which is better?” - It's hard enough. Moreover, amateurs often say that all corners of the country are good in their own way, and they do not have disadvantages, but have distinctive features. Which?

Rhodes or Crete: weather

The islands are quite close to each other, so it is impossible to say that the climate on them differs significantly. For example, in this case, it doesn’t matter whether Crete or Rhodes is chosen - in July they will both meet the traveler with almost the same weather: a temperature of about thirty degrees, wind that makes it easier to endure the heat, and a warm sea. Both islands have a Mediterranean climate.

True, some tourists claim that the water is warmer in the quiet bays of Crete. But this does not affect the situation globally, and the weather can change from season to season, even at the same time.

When choosing Crete, you need to know that the resorts located in the northern part of the island are famous, among other things, for their rough sea - a paradise for those who like to ride, but not very suitable for families with children. The same can be said about the Aegean coast. Ixia and Ialysos are deservedly considered one of the best Greek windsurfing centers.

Rhodes or Crete: features of geography

While vacationing in Crete, you can swim in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, and in Rhodes - also the Aegean. The landscape and dimensions of the islands vary significantly. Rhodes is significantly smaller than Crete. Most of its territory is plain. Thus, if you compare the comfort of movement, it has superiority. This is especially important for people who do not tolerate traveling in a car or bus. The landscape of Crete includes mountains, so when going to the island, you need to be prepared to travel along winding serpentines with noticeable elevation changes.

Having arrived in Rhodes and rented a car for a few days, you can travel around it all and see a lot of interesting things, and the trips will not be tiring even for small children.

But Crete cannot be explored in one go, and significant distances will have to be covered. Some argue that Rhodes is the greener island. In fact, the nature of Crete is more diverse, there are rocky mountains, and there are areas surrounded by greenery.

Rhodes or Crete: excursions and activities

On both islands you can find quiet resort towns for a relaxing, secluded holiday, for example, Lindos and Kallithea in Rhodes and Falassarna, Sitia and others in Crete. Fans of nightlife also have plenty to choose from. In Rhodes these are Faliraki, in Crete - Platanias and Hersonissos. While relaxing on any of the islands, you can visit the water park.

The excursion program offered by Heraklion, Spinalonga, boat trips to Diya is rightfully considered more extensive - you can list them for a long time. On the other hand, it is impossible to explore every corner of the island in detail even during a two-week vacation. Therefore, the rush to see all the sights is not the best way to organize leisure time, and you will certainly want to return to the island again.

Rhodes is also not deprived of interesting places: Lindos, Valley of the Butterflies, Palace of the Masters, Valley of the Seven Springs, despite its smaller size compared to Crete, you won’t be bored either.

Thus, a great holiday is guaranteed on both islands, but for families with small children who plan not only to spend time on the beach, but also to see the island, Rhodes looks a little more preferable.