Comparison · Corfu vs Crete · Greece
Corfu 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: StefanosKozanis, Public domain
Quick answer
Choose Corfu for Venetian old town, Olive groves, free sights and a short break; choose Crete for Knossos and Samaria Gorge. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 651 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 651 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Corfu
- May–June and September
- Best time for Crete
- May–June and September–October
Side by side
| Corfu | Crete | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Greece | Greece |
| Known for | Venetian old town, Olive groves and Achilleion Palace | Knossos, Samaria Gorge and Chania's Venetian harbour |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September | May–June and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 7 days | 10 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $120–$220 | $130–$230 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 32°C (90°F) | August, 30°C (86°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 14°C (57°F) | January, 16°C (61°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 11 | 4 |
| Day trips in our guide | 4 | 6 |
| Beaches | Glyfada | Elafonisi |
| Airports | CFU | HER, CHQ, JSH |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Corfu for…
Venetian old town, Olive groves, free sights and a short break. Corfu is the greenest of the major Greek islands, lying in the Ionian Sea just off the coast of Albania and north-western Greece. Its capital, Corfu Town, is a UNESCO-listed old town shaped by four centuries of Venetian rule and later French and British…
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
| # | Corfu | Crete |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Corfu Old Town | Knossos |
| 2 | Spianada and the Liston | Heraklion Archaeological Museum |
| 3 | Old Fortress | Chania Old Town and Venetian Harbour |
| 4 | Church of Saint Spyridon | Samaria Gorge |
| 5 | Achilleion Palace | Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa |
Food compared
| Corfu | Crete |
|---|---|
| Pastitsada | Dakos |
| Sofrito | Kalitsounia |
| Bourdeto | Sfakian pie |
| Bianco | Wedding pilaf |
Which is cheaper?
Corfu and Crete cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $120–$220 in Corfu and $130–$230 in Crete (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Corfu on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Corfu and Crete are about 651 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 7 days in Corfu and 10 in Crete.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Corfu or Crete cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $120–$220 in Corfu and $130–$230 in Crete (estimates).
+Is Corfu or Crete better for a first trip?
Pick Corfu for Venetian old town, Olive groves, free sights and a short break, or Crete for Knossos and Samaria Gorge.
+How far is Corfu from Crete?
About 651 km in a straight line.