Comparison · Crete vs Mykonos · Greece
Crete vs Mykonos
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: ISS Expedition 28 crew, Public domain
Quick answer
Choose Crete for Knossos, Samaria Gorge and lower day-to-day costs; choose Mykonos for Little Venice, Windmills of Kato Mili, free sights and a short break. Crete is generally less expensive, and the two are about 250 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 250 km
- Less expensive
- Crete
- Best time for Crete
- May–June and September–October
- Best time for Mykonos
- June and September
Side by side
| Crete | Mykonos | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Greece | Greece |
| Known for | Knossos, Samaria Gorge and Chania's Venetian harbour | Little Venice, Windmills of Kato Mili and Beach clubs |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September–October | June and September |
| Ideal stay | 10 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $130–$230 | $250–$450 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | August, 30°C (86°F) | July, 28°C (82°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 16°C (61°F) | January, 14°C (57°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 4 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | Elafonisi | Ornos |
| Airports | HER, CHQ, JSH | JMK |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Crete for…
Knossos, Samaria Gorge and lower day-to-day costs. 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…
Choose Mykonos for…
Little Venice, Windmills of Kato Mili, free sights and a short break. Mykonos is a small, dry Cycladic island whose main town, Chora, is a maze of whitewashed lanes, blue-shuttered houses and chapels around an old harbour. Its row of windmills and the balconied seafront of Little Venice are among the most photographed sights…
Top sights compared
| # | Crete | Mykonos |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Knossos | Little Venice |
| 2 | Heraklion Archaeological Museum | Kato Mili windmills |
| 3 | Chania Old Town and Venetian Harbour | Panagia Paraportiani |
| 4 | Samaria Gorge | Delos |
| 5 | Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa | Archaeological Museum of Mykonos |
Food compared
| Crete | Mykonos |
|---|---|
| Dakos | Kopanisti |
| Kalitsounia | Louza |
| Sfakian pie | Mostra |
| Wedding pilaf | Mykonian onion pie |
Which is cheaper?
Crete is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $130–$230 per person there, against $250–$450 in Mykonos (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Crete on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Crete and Mykonos are about 250 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 10 days in Crete and 4 in Mykonos.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Crete or Mykonos cheaper?
Crete is usually less expensive: about $130–$230 a day mid-range against $250–$450 (estimates).
+Is Crete or Mykonos better for a first trip?
Pick Crete for Knossos, Samaria Gorge and lower day-to-day costs, or Mykonos for Little Venice, Windmills of Kato Mili, free sights and a short break.
+How far is Crete from Mykonos?
About 250 km in a straight line.