Comparison · Crete vs Santorini · Greece
Crete vs Santorini
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 Santorini for Caldera views, Oia sunsets, free sights and a short break. Crete is generally less expensive, and the two are about 142 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 142 km
- Less expensive
- Crete
- Best time for Crete
- May–June and September–October
- Best time for Santorini
- May–June and September–October
Side by side
| Crete | Santorini | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Greece | Greece |
| Known for | Knossos, Samaria Gorge and Chania's Venetian harbour | Caldera views, Oia sunsets and Blue-domed churches |
| Best time to visit | May–June and September–October | May–June and September–October |
| Ideal stay | 10 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $130–$230 | $200–$380 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Expensive |
| Warmest month | August, 30°C (86°F) | July, 29°C (84°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 16°C (61°F) | January, 14°C (57°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 4 | 10 |
| Day trips in our guide | 6 | 4 |
| Beaches | Elafonisi | Kamari |
| Airports | HER, CHQ, JSH | JTR |
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…
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Choose Santorini for…
Caldera views, Oia sunsets, free sights and a short break. Santorini is a crescent of volcanic cliffs around a flooded caldera in the southern Cyclades, left by one of the largest eruptions in human history about 3,600 years ago. Whitewashed villages — Fira, Firostefani, Imerovigli and Oia — line the caldera rim up…
Top sights compared
| # | Crete | Santorini |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Knossos | Oia village and sunset |
| 2 | Heraklion Archaeological Museum | Fira to Oia caldera hike |
| 3 | Chania Old Town and Venetian Harbour | Akrotiri archaeological site |
| 4 | Samaria Gorge | Museum of Prehistoric Thera |
| 5 | Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa | Fira caldera promenade |
Food compared
| Crete | Santorini |
|---|---|
| Dakos | Santorini fava |
| Kalitsounia | Tomato fritters |
| Sfakian pie | Greek salad with Santorini capers |
| Wedding pilaf | Grilled octopus and fresh fish |
Which is cheaper?
Crete is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $130–$230 per person there, against $200–$380 in Santorini (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Crete on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Crete and Santorini are about 142 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 10 days in Crete and 4 in Santorini.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Crete or Santorini cheaper?
Crete is usually less expensive: about $130–$230 a day mid-range against $200–$380 (estimates).
+Is Crete or Santorini better for a first trip?
Pick Crete for Knossos, Samaria Gorge and lower day-to-day costs, or Santorini for Caldera views, Oia sunsets, free sights and a short break.
+How far is Crete from Santorini?
About 142 km in a straight line.