Comparison · Crete vs Rhodes · Greece
Crete vs Rhodes
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 and Samaria Gorge; choose Rhodes for Medieval Old Town, Knights of St John, free sights and a short break. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 335 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 335 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Crete
- May–June and September–October
- Best time for Rhodes
- May–June and September–October
Side by side
| Crete | Rhodes | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Greece | Greece |
| Known for | Knossos, Samaria Gorge and Chania's Venetian harbour | Medieval Old Town, Knights of St John and Lindos Acropolis |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September–October | May–June and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 10 days | 7 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $130–$230 | $130–$250 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | August, 30°C (86°F) | August, 32°C (90°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 16°C (61°F) | January, 15°C (59°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 4 | 7 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 5 |
| Beaches | Elafonisi | Elli Beach |
| Airports | HER, CHQ, JSH | RHO |
Which one is right for you?
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…
Choose Rhodes for…
Medieval Old Town, Knights of St John, free sights and a short break. Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands, about 80 km long and closer to the Turkish coast than to Athens. At its northern tip, Rhodes Town wraps around the walled medieval Old Town built by the Knights of St John, with the Palace of the Grand Master…
Top sights compared
| # | Crete | Rhodes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Knossos | Palace of the Grand Master |
| 2 | Heraklion Archaeological Museum | Street of the Knights |
| 3 | Chania Old Town and Venetian Harbour | Old Town walls and moat |
| 4 | Samaria Gorge | Archaeological Museum of Rhodes |
| 5 | Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa | Acropolis of Lindos |
Food compared
| Crete | Rhodes |
|---|---|
| Dakos | Pitaroudia |
| Kalitsounia | Symi shrimp |
| Sfakian pie | Melekouni |
| Wedding pilaf | Souma |
Which is cheaper?
Crete and Rhodes cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $130–$230 in Crete and $130–$250 in Rhodes (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Crete on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Crete and Rhodes are about 335 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 10 days in Crete and 7 in Rhodes.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Crete or Rhodes cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $130–$230 in Crete and $130–$250 in Rhodes (estimates).
+Is Crete or Rhodes better for a first trip?
Pick Crete for Knossos and Samaria Gorge, or Rhodes for Medieval Old Town, Knights of St John, free sights and a short break.
+How far is Crete from Rhodes?
About 335 km in a straight line.