The Greek islands are an iconic vacation destination for tourists from around the world. Santorini and Crete, two of the Greek islands, each offer stunning views and unique landscapes that make choosing which to visit extremely difficult. Travelers flock to Santorini to see white-washed architecture and blue domes, while others choose Crete for its unique outdoor activities and rich history.
If you can only visit one, how do you choose between Santorini vs Crete? After visiting both Crete and Santorini, I’ve learned they offer completely different Greek island experiences—here’s how to choose the one that suits you.
Features of Santorini
Santorini is Greece’s most photographed and famous island, as well as one of the most-visited islands in the world (drawing in upwards of 3 million tourists per year). From one-day cruise stops to luxury honeymoons, you’ll find a mix of tourists from around the world while in Santorini.
Who should visit Santorini?
- Couples & honeymooners: Santorini is undoubtedly Greece’s most romantic island, known for its dramatic landscapes, blue domes, and famous sunsets. Many resorts here offer a romantic, luxurious atmosphere and unique experiences for relaxation-focused travelers, such as various cave hotels and candle-lit Greek dinner experiences.
- Aesthetic travelers: Travelers chasing the Greek vacation you see on social media (think flying dress photo shoots and narrow alleyways) will love Santorini.
- Luxury hotel travelers: Santorini is home to some of the nicest luxury resorts in Greece, which offer curated spa experiences and private villas. If you’re looking for luxury accommodations, you’ll find a never-ending selection in Santorini.
- Travelers seeking a walkable vacation: The best way to get around Santorini is to walk, as driving can be quite hectic. Travelers seeking a walkable getaway will like the easy walkability between Oia and Fira, two of Santorini’s most-visited towns.
Features of Crete
Crete is known as Greece’s largest island — by both population and land size. It’s also the southernmost region of Greece and Europe. From nature-focused activities to experiences for foodies, this island offers a huge array of activities that will appeal to many different types of travelers.
Who should visit Crete?
- Nature lovers: Crete is the perfect Greek island for those who love outdoor, nature-focused activities, such as an exploration of the White Mountains(Lefka Ori). Popular outdoor activities in Crete include hiking the Samaria Gorge and visiting the Blue Lagoon. Crete has a great mix of mountainous scenery, beaches, and gorges to explore. Crete’s unique landscape also caused the formation of several popular caves, like the Dikteon Cave.
- Beach lovers: If you love a day on the beach, you’ll appreciate a visit to the Elafonissi Beach, a beach known for its pink sand(something you can’t find just anywhere).
- History-focused travelers: Crete’s history spans over 9,000 years, leaving lots to explore for travelers who like to learn. Popular historical sites include a visit to Knossos Palace and Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
- Foodies: Crete is known for its production of fresh olive oil, honey, and cheeses, which opens up the door for lots of unique food-based experiences. Foodies can enjoy tours of olive oil tree mills and olive oil tastings, as well as local wineries. In the Chania region, many tour companies also offer food walking tours geared towards foodies who want to try traditional Cretan foods.
Deciding between Santorini vs. Crete
The Greek islands aren’t too far apart, which is why many travelers who head to the Greek islands often do a multi-island visit. Crete and Santorini are only about 88 miles apart, which is why many travelers choose to use the high-speed ferry (takes about 2 hours) to visit both.
Flying is also an option; however, there are no direct flights from Santorini to Crete, meaning you’ll need to fly back to Athens (which logistically isn’t worth the effort). If you want to see multiple Greek islands, I recommend a Greek Island-hopping cruise — a convenient way to see both Crete and Santorini.
Choosing just one Greek island
If your travel plans only allow for a visit to either Santorini or Crete, you’re in for a tough decision. Overall, I recommend Santorini if you’re seeking a romantic and luxurious Greek vacation like you see on Instagram. Santorini’s famous blue domes, volcanic cliffs, and high-end luxury cave hotels set a good tone for honeymooners, couples, or travelers seeking an aesthetic Greek vacation. If you only have 2 to 3 days to spend on a Greek island, Santorini is a solid choice.
In comparison, Crete is a much larger island with so much more to do. As such, the wide range of activities, such as food tours and cave explorations, makes Crete a better choice for longer stays (upwards of 5 days). Crete offers a balance of history, nature, and food that can appeal to a wider range of travelers. Crete has more of a laid-back, authentic vibe, but less of a romantic vibe than Santorini.
