Comparison · Antalya vs Crete · Turkey / Greece
Antalya vs Crete
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Esginmurat, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Antalya for Kaleiçi old town, Hadrian's Gate, lower day-to-day costs and free sights; choose Crete for Knossos and Samaria Gorge. Antalya is generally less expensive, and the two are about 562 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 562 km
- Less expensive
- Antalya
- Best time for Antalya
- May–June and September–October
- Best time for Crete
- May–June and September–October
Side by side
| Antalya | Crete | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Turkey | Greece |
| Known for | Kaleiçi old town, Hadrian's Gate and Konyaaltı and Lara beaches | Knossos, Samaria Gorge and Chania's Venetian harbour |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September–October | May–June and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 6 days | 10 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $90–$180 | $130–$230 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 34°C (93°F) | August, 30°C (86°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 15°C (59°F) | January, 16°C (61°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 4 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 6 |
| Beaches | Konyaaltı Beach | Elafonisi |
| Airports | AYT | HER, CHQ, JSH |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Antalya for…
Kaleiçi old town, Hadrian's Gate, lower day-to-day costs and free sights. Antalya is the largest city on Turkey's Mediterranean coast and the gateway to the Turquoise Coast. Its historic core, Kaleiçi, is a walled quarter of Ottoman houses and lanes on cliffs above a Roman harbour, entered through the triple-arched Hadrian's Gate…
Choose Crete for…
Knossos and Samaria Gorge. Greece's largest island stretches about 260 km from west to east, with high mountains running down its spine. The north coast holds the main towns — Chania with its Venetian harbour, Rethymno's old town and fortress, and Heraklion, base for the Minoan palace…
Top sights compared
| # | Antalya | Crete |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kaleiçi old town | Knossos |
| 2 | Hadrian's Gate | Heraklion Archaeological Museum |
| 3 | Yivli Minaret | Chania Old Town and Venetian Harbour |
| 4 | Antalya Museum | Samaria Gorge |
| 5 | Old harbour boat trip | Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa |
Food compared
| Antalya | Crete |
|---|---|
| Antalya-style piyaz | Dakos |
| Şiş köfte | Kalitsounia |
| Hibeş | Sfakian pie |
| Gözleme | Wedding pilaf |
Which is cheaper?
Antalya is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $90–$180 per person there, against $130–$230 in Crete (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Antalya on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Antalya and Crete are about 562 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 6 days in Antalya and 10 in Crete.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Antalya or Crete cheaper?
Antalya is usually less expensive: about $90–$180 a day mid-range against $130–$230 (estimates).
+Is Antalya or Crete better for a first trip?
Pick Antalya for Kaleiçi old town, Hadrian's Gate, lower day-to-day costs and free sights, or Crete for Knossos and Samaria Gorge.
+How far is Antalya from Crete?
About 562 km in a straight line.