Thinking about taking a vacation in Greece? There are so many gorgeous islands to explore, with their very own charm. As such, it’s going to be hard to find an island that suits you best. Crete and Lefkada are both popular choices, but they do offer different experiences. Still not sure whether Crete or Lefkada is the right choice for you? Read on!

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Crete or Lefkada? Where to Go in Greece…

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Let’s start by describing the top characteristics of each island…

All About Lefkada

So first of all, let’s take a look at Lefkada. It’s one of the biggest Greek Ionian islands, which is known for its natural beauty and green landscapes.

And it’s also one of the top places to go if you’re looking to enjoy outdoor adventures in Greece.

The island is home to a dramatic mountain landscape, combined with unspoiled beaches, often listed among the most stunning in the country.

Many say that it has the best beaches in Greece, period. 

Lefkada has become a tourist hotspot, as many have discovered the beauty of the area as well as how easy it is to reach with a direct flight from many European cities. As such it can get quite crowded.

However, you can visit during the shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October) and get the full experience, without the crowds. 

All About Crete

Being this a blog that heavily focuses on Crete, this would be an easy choice if I was the one to make it. But if you’re here is simply because you’re still not sure whether to choose Crete or Lefkada.

So, yes, Crete is your other option, and it’s also another popular Greek destination.

There’s a real melting pot of cultures here, with Minoan, Venetian, and Turkish influences all contributing to the feel of the island. 

Just like in Lefkada, you’ll see there’s some great natural scenery, including impressive mountains, valleys, and some of the most stunning gorges in the country.

There are certainly lots of beaches where you can lay in the sun all day, should you want to relax, and plenty of opportunities for water sports too. If you want to explore though, you can find plenty of archaeological sites, traditional villages, and monasteries where you can learn more about the island and its history. 

Crete or Lefkada: Which is the Best Destination?

Of course, every person is different and so will be looking for something different from their holiday. That’s why you should compare Lefkada and Crete, and see which one is better for you. Let’s take a look and see what they both offer.

Family Friendly Resorts

If you have children, you want a holiday destination that will give you something for everyone. You may already know that Crete has a lot of family-friendly resorts, so you can take your pick and enjoy your time together in the sun.

You certainly could visit for a day or two with the kids to visit the island’s amazing beaches, but it may not be your main destination for your trip to Greece. 

Relaxing Atmosphere

For those who want to go on holiday and simply relax by the pool or at the beach, with nothing to do but sunbathe and maybe read a book… Lefkada might prove the best choice.

If that sounds like your kind of holiday keep in mind that Lefkada offers many great beaches. So you can take your pick and stake out your sunbathing spot for the trip. 

While Crete feels busier, there are times you can go when it’s more relaxed, the island is so big that finding a spot all for yourself is not that hard at all.

You can also find seaside resorts that are just for adults, should that be something you want too. You may want to choose your timing carefully to get the right atmosphere here, though.

Tourist Season

Most visitors will want to visit Greece when it isn’t as crowded. The problem is, both Lefkada and Crete are popular destinations.

If you visit during the busy seasons, then you’ll be rubbing shoulders with tourists wherever you go. The good news is, there are quieter seasons when you can go and properly enjoy the experience. 

As mentioned above, that’s the so-called shoulder season, when all over Greece visiting is easier as the environment gets quieter to visit.

Typically, these are late April to early June and mid-September to the end of October.

You’ll still get the beautiful weather and be able to enjoy everything, but you won’t be fighting with other visitors for space as you do so. 

These timings are very true for Crete as well. For many, they like to stay into late autumn, as the weather stays warm for a long time here. It’s a great destination if you want to escape the grey cold weather from the rest of Europe. 

Best Beaches

When it comes to beaches, it’s hard to say which island has the upper hand.

While some consider the beaches in Lefkada to be the best in Greece, and for good reason, other people might argue that the beaches in Crete are different and unbeatable: exotic shores like Vai, Balos, and Elafonisi with its unique pink sand, or home to a distinctive hippie vibe!

On the other hand, Lefkada is famous for boasting beaches with white sand and turquoise water as far as the eye can see.

There are so many beaches to choose from on the island. Porto Katsiki has a dramatic mountain backdrop for example, while Egremni Beach has one of the most unspoiled stretches of water you’ve ever seen.

History and Culture

While sunbathing is a great part of any holiday, it’s not everything that you want to be doing while you’re in a different country. If you want to get out and explore, which island has more to offer you?

This is where Crete shines, as there’s so much to see and do. Part of this is because it’s a bigger island, so you’ll be able to find a lot more to enjoy while you’re here.

As touched on earlier, there are a lot of archaeological sites to check out, places that will tell you a lot about the history of the island and the country too.

For example, you can visit Chania’s Archaeological Museum, which has just opened its door in a brand new building in the historic district of Halepa, right out of town. 

This is something that Lefkada is also able to offer you but in a more limited way.

For instance, you can check out the interesting ruins of the Temple of Apollo, check out several ancient monasteries, or even pay a visit to the well-preserved castle of Agia Maura. 

How Long You Should Stay

Something else you want to keep in mind when you’re considering whether to go to Crete or Lefkada is how long you want to stay.

No one wants to get to their destination, without realizing that there’s only enough there to see and do for a couple of days at most. Ok… let’s be honest, that’s never the case in Greece though.

However, it’s good to keep in mind that being Lefkada much smaller than Crete, this is the right destination for a shorter holiday.

This destination is well suited to short trips and you can see everything it has to offer in that time frame. 

This means that if you plan to take a longer vacation, then you might want to consider a visit to Crete. Most visitors agree (and those of us who live here confirm it) that you can travel around Crete for two weeks and still not scratch the surface of what the island has to offer.

As such, it’s one of the best places to go in Greece if you want a longer vacation.

Being the island so large (its surface is about 8,336 km² or 3,219 sq miles), there’s so much packed onto the island where there is a lot to see and do. 

As you can see, both islands have their charms, but many find that Crete has the upper hand over them. It’s a bigger island, with lots to do and family-friendly resorts too. Of course, you can always visit Lefkada and check out those amazing beaches that perfectly embody the essence of Greece! Have you made up your mind? Are you visiting Crete or Lefkada soon?

Read more about Greece

• Crete or Corfu: Which Island Should Be Your Next Greek Destination?
• Incredibly Cool Things to Do in Naxos During Your Greek Adventure!
• Greek Islands to Visit From Crete: 5 Beautiful Islands Near Crete for a Fun Escape
• Discover the Best Scuba Diving Spots in Greece
• 10 Amazing Places to Visit in Greece

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More resources to enhance your Crete adventure

Start by checking out my guide to planning your trip to Crete, packed with helpful essential information. Explore the articles on prices in Crete, common mistakes to avoid, and insider secrets. If you prefer, you can purchase one of the digital travel guides I’ve specifically written about Crete. They are affordable and practical to check from your mobile.

When it’s time to plan, explore the best places to visit on Crete Island, discover my tours and activities, and be amazed at Crete’s incredible beaches. If you are exploring specific areas like Heraklion, Rethymnon, Lasithi, and Chania, I’ve got detailed guides to help you make the most of your time.

Suggested accommodation in Crete

No time to read all my accommodation guides? Check out these places to stay:

• Heraklion: Galaxy Hotel.
• Chania: Porto Antico.
• Rethymnon: Archipelagos Hotel.
• Agios Nikolaos: Hotel Port 7.

Writer: This is a collaboration article: Madeline Miller is a writer at Best Essay Writing Service, where she covers travel tips for readers. 

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