Comparison · Crete vs Palma de Mallorca · Greece / Spain
Crete vs Palma de Mallorca
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 Palma de Mallorca for La Seu cathedral, Old town courtyards, free sights and a short break. Crete is generally less expensive, and the two are about 2,010 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 2,010 km
- Less expensive
- Crete
- Best time for Crete
- May–June and September–October
- Best time for Palma de Mallorca
- May–June and September–October
Side by side
| Crete | Palma de Mallorca | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Greece | Spain |
| Known for | Knossos, Samaria Gorge and Chania's Venetian harbour | La Seu cathedral, Old town courtyards and Ensaïmada |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September–October | May–June and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 10 days | 5 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $130–$230 | $160–$270 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | August, 30°C (86°F) | August, 31°C (88°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 16°C (61°F) | January, 15°C (59°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 4 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 7 |
| Beaches | Elafonisi | Can Pere Antoni |
| Airports | HER, CHQ, JSH | PMI |
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 Palma de Mallorca for…
La Seu cathedral, Old town courtyards, free sights and a short break. Palma, the capital of Mallorca and the Balearic Islands, is dominated by La Seu, the Gothic cathedral that rises straight from the old sea walls above the bay. Behind it, the old town is a warren of lanes with stone mansions and hidden courtyards, Moorish…
Top sights compared
| # | Crete | Palma de Mallorca |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Knossos | La Seu cathedral |
| 2 | Heraklion Archaeological Museum | Royal Palace of La Almudaina |
| 3 | Chania Old Town and Venetian Harbour | Bellver Castle |
| 4 | Samaria Gorge | Es Baluard |
| 5 | Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa | Fundació Miró Mallorca |
Food compared
| Crete | Palma de Mallorca |
|---|---|
| Dakos | Ensaïmada |
| Kalitsounia | Sobrassada |
| Sfakian pie | Pa amb oli |
| Wedding pilaf | Tumbet |
Which is cheaper?
Crete is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $130–$230 per person there, against $160–$270 in Palma de Mallorca (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Crete on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 2,010 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 16 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Crete or Palma de Mallorca cheaper?
Crete is usually less expensive: about $130–$230 a day mid-range against $160–$270 (estimates).
+Is Crete or Palma de Mallorca better for a first trip?
Pick Crete for Knossos, Samaria Gorge and lower day-to-day costs, or Palma de Mallorca for La Seu cathedral, Old town courtyards, free sights and a short break.
+How far is Crete from Palma de Mallorca?
About 2,010 km in a straight line.