Crete vs. Rhodes: which is better for Greek island holidays

Crete vs. Rhodes: Which Greek Island is Right for You?

Are you unable to make the choice between Crete vs. Rhodes - which is better for a Greek island holiday? Rest assured that both Rhodes and Crete are two of the most iconic islands in Greece, each offering a myriad of diverse attractions to keep tourists of all ages entertained. You'll come across everything from sun-soaked beaches with seaside tavernas to ancient ruins, scenic hikes, cultural tours, and gastronomical adventures.

Invariably, each Greek island has its distinctive characteristics, promising paradisiacal holidays to Greece like you've never imagined. So, if you’re unable to pick which to explore it's completely understandable why you'd be torn between the two!

Fortunately, the following Rhodes vs. Crete guide will help you weigh the pros and cons (if any!) of each destination, helping you to choose the one that best suits your travel style and taste.

Key Highlights of What Crete and Rhodes are Each Best Known for:

Why You Should Visit Crete

Beaches

Famous for its diversity in beaches, Crete offers everything from lively shores strewn with soft sands perfect for families, to hidden rocky coves ideal for private romantic escapes. Elafonisi Beach and Balos Lagoon are renowned for their lush pink sands and exotic blue waters, while the striking Preveli Beach is loved for its river and palm forest. If you're a surfer, make your way to Falasarna Beach, a famous surfing hotspot thanks to its impressive waves.

Natural Wonders

Hikers will simply fall in love with the UNESCO-stamped Samaria Gorge, offering a challenging albeit panoramic hike through a mesmerising, dramatic canyon. The Kourtaliotiko Gorge is another excellent spot to gawk at unspoiled natural scenery, its steep gorge embellished with tall cliffs and a stunning river. The Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete are a must-visit to see a variety of plants from around the world, including herbs, fruit trees, and medicinal plants.

So, when it comes to natural wonders, which island is better to visit, Rhodes or Crete? They're both excellent in terms of diversity, but Crete hands down has the greater variety.

Food and Drink

Cretan cuisine is characterised by its use of fresh seafood, wild greens, olive oil, and unique dishes like snails and gamopilafo (rice cooked in lamb broth). It's also famous for its local cheeses, often incorporated into pies, desserts, and savoury dishes. Goat and lamb meat is typically grilled or roasted, while seafood is prepared in various ways with a potent hint of lemon and fresh herbs. Olive oil is a staple in Crete and used liberally in all meal preparations.

Must-Try Dishes and Drinks in Crete: Dakos, Kalitsounia, Gamopilafo, and Snails, with Cretan wine and Raki (Tsikoudia).

Nightlife

The nightlife scene in Crete is vibrant and lively, with beach bars, chic pubs, and open-air spaces offering a relaxed outing. The areas of Stalis and Malia are best for wild partying, attracting a younger, more energetic crowd. The capital city of Heraklion offers elegant evenings at places like the Labyrinth Lounge Bar, and thumping beats at clubs like Pulse and Club Crete along the Ammoudara Beach area. For a traditional night out, discover smaller villages that offer late-night meals alongside folk music and cultural performances.

Hotels and Resorts

Have you ever contemplated Rhodes or Crete, which has the better hotels? Both! Owing to its mammoth size, Crete is blessed with a full spectrum of hotel choices. You can pick all-inclusive stays, beachfront resorts, budget self-catering accommodations, or luxury hotels. Many of these are sustainable-friendly, offering a wide range of top-class amenities and services. Couples will be thrilled to know of boutique hotels guaranteeing private romantic hideaways in the hills, surrounded by lush emerald greenery and packed with enchanting character.

Weather and Climate

In general, Crete boasts a Mediterranean climate with dry, warm summers and mild, wet winters. Due to its diverse geography, the weather in Crete can vary significantly, particularly between the mountainous and coastal regions. July and August are the hottest months in Crete, with average temperatures around 30°C (86°F), while January is the coldest month, averaging around 15°C (59°F).

Why You Should Visit Rhodes

Beaches

There are several beaches in Rhodes for families, couples, and all other types of travellers. Soft-sand, shallow-water beaches like Tsambika Beach and Agathi Beach are ideal for families with young ones, while pebbly ones like Aandu Beach and Ixia Bay are suitable for sea lovers seeking a unique experience. Additionally, there are extremely well-organised ones like Faliraki Beach and Elli Beach, featuring sunbeds, restaurants, parasols, bars, shops, and water sports.

Mediaeval Charm

In the battle of Rhodes versus Crete when it comes to mediaeval attractions, Rhodes takes an indisputable lead, thanks to its rich historical and cultural treasures.

The Palace of the Grand Master is a great place to start, transformed into the residence of the Order of Saint John's Grand Master from its original state as a Byzantine fortress. The fortified Walls of Rhodes are a jaw-dropping sight by themselves, encircling the Old Town and promising picturesque views of the Aegean Sea. The cobblestone Street of the Knights and the Archaeological Museum are other major highlights of a holiday to Rhodes.

Food and Drink

Rhodes and Crete go hand-in-hand when it comes to culinary delights. Rhodes guarantees a plethora of tasty food, featuring a mix of authentic Greek traditional cooking alongside inventive dishes with a modern touch. It enjoys an abundance of fresh seafood supplied from the Aegean Sea, with many visitors praising the delicious way it is prepared. Rhodes is also known for its local Myzithra cheese, refreshing Greek yogurt, slow-cooked meat dishes, and Turkey-inspired desserts like Baklava.

Must-Try Dishes and Drinks in Rhodes: Myzithra cheese, Giaprakia, Pitaroudia, and Lakani, with Souma (local alcoholic beverage) and Rhodes wines.

Nightlife

Have you ever asked yourself - Should we visit Crete or Rhodes in Greece for nightlife? If yes, then Rhodes should be your first choice. Faliraki's Bar Street is renowned for its 24/7 party atmosphere, teeming with chic nightclubs, bars, pubs, discotheques, and lounges. Orfanidou Street attracts youngsters with lavish cocktail bars, fun sports bars, dance clubs with DJs, and live music venues. Rhodes Old Town is great for experiencing quieter, more traditional evenings at beautiful tavernas and bars playing bouzouki music and serving refreshing drinks and food.

Hotels and Resorts

Rhodes does not disappoint when it comes to accommodation options, allowing visitors to sift through an extensive list of luxury hotels, seafront villas, exclusive family hotels, adults-only resorts, spa breaks, and budget accommodations. Many hotels in Rhodes feature immaculate onsite perks, including infinity pools, full-service spas, and gourmet dining at classy restaurants. There are plenty of boutique resorts on the island for travellers seeking tranquil stays, often boasting a unique architectural design and personalised service.

Weather and Climate

Typically, Rhodes enjoys a hot-summer Mediterranean climate with dry, hot summers and mild winters. The summer months of July and August are popular for sun-drenched island getaways, with highs averaging in the low 30s°C (low 90s°F). Spring (April) and autumn (October) are perfect for mild-weather escapes with fewer crowds and a tranquil ambience.

In Conclusion, Which is the Better Choice - Crete or Rhodes?

So, which is the better pick - Crete or Rhodes? They're both fantastic, so the choice is absolutely yours. Both are exceptionally beautiful and promise ample sunshine all through the year, stunning beaches, a mild climate, and relief from blistering heat in the summer.

You'll find plenty to explore in terms of history, cultural extravaganzas, quiet villages, scenic mountain hikes, river adventures, water sports, and food tours. Rhodes and Crete are also both suitable bases to explore the other captivating islands in Greece.

Therefore, knowing what you know each Greek island is best loved for, rest assured that you're in for an unforgettable experience whether you visit Crete or Rhodes. In fact, why not plan a trip to both these spectacular destinations for your next getaway?

Plan and embark on your Geek adventure now!