Crete or Rhodes: Which Island Is for You?
Are you planning an island getaway? Not sure if you should choose Crete or Rhodes? Culture Trip will help you decide. Here is a list of information that might help you make your decision.
For a short trip
The length of your stay will determine where you should go. As Crete is quite vast, it requires a week to properly visit and explore the island (renting a car is highly recommended). If you are short on time, Rhodes is an ideal choice; even though it’s packed with great things to see and do, it can be explored in three or four days.
For good food
Just like anywhere else in the world, you may stumble across a tourist trap serving food that is just okay. However, food in Greece is generally good, and Crete, being as expansive as it is with a plethora of regions and small villages, is a top destination for food lovers. On this island, you will discover that Cretan food is as diverse and delicious as you imagined it to be – whether it is sweets, savoury dishes or drinks.
For must-see sites that are not ancient Greek ruins
The great thing about Rhodes and Crete is that both islands have diversified sightseeing options; it all depends on what you prefer. Crete has stunning archaeological sites such as the Minoan palaces, while Rhodes has the Acropolis of Lindos or the majestic medieval old town of Rhodes. Italians and Turks have left their marks in Rhodes, while Crete boasts natural wonders, such as the Samaria Gorge, Balos Lagoon and Elafonisi.
For the best beaches
This one is also a tie. Both islands have beautiful beaches which will make any beach-goer happy. While Cretan beaches may have that little something which makes them stand out, Rhodes’ beaches are lovely and boast turquoise waters. Rhodes has Kalathos, Ladiko, Glystra, Pefkos, Stegna and Anthony Queen beaches, and Crete has Balos, Lasithi, Matala, Balos or Elafonisi. You might just have to visit both islands.
For family-friendly holidays
Rhodes and Crete both rank high as family-friendly Greek islands, with various all-inclusive hotels and family resorts where you can relax with your children. And if you do venture out, both islands have plenty of water activities and fun attractions suitable for your little tribe.
Fun day trips
Crete and Rhodes have a plethora of day trip destinations, whether you decide to explore a nearby island or the scenic inland dotted with Instagram-worthy villages and natural areas. The Valley of Butterflies in Rhodes is simply enchanting, while a visit to the CretAquarium is a fun and entertaining activity for the whole family.
The final verdict
Rhodes and Crete both have a lot of things to offer. The main reason why you should go to one over the other has to with time constraints. Whether you’re a solo traveller, an adventurer or a family with small children, Crete and Rhodes, although sometimes considered similar, are very diverse. So, what is the final verdict? If you can, try to visit both islands. You won’t regret it.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.