Crete or Lefkada: Which Greek Island You Should Visit
This post offers information to decide whether to visit Crete of Lefkada Islands in Greece, including what to do on each island and why to pick them.
Thinking about taking a vacation in Greece? There are so many gorgeous islands to explore, and their charm is great. As such, it will be hard to find an island that suits you best. Crete and Lefkada are both popular choices but offer different experiences. Still not sure whether Crete or Lefkada is the right choice for you? Read on!
Let’s start by describing the top characteristics of each island…
Lefkada
So, first of all, let’s take a look at Lefkada. It’s one of the biggest Greek Ionian islands, known for its natural beauty and green landscapes. And it’s also one of the top places to go if you want to enjoy outdoor adventures in Greece.
The island is home to a dramatic mountain landscape and unspoiled beaches, often listed among the most stunning in the country. Many say that it has the best beaches in Greece.
Lefkada has become a tourist hotspot, as many have discovered its beauty and how easily it is to reach it 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.
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, it’s 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 some great natural scenery, including impressive mountains, valleys, and some of the country’s most stunning gorges.
There are many 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, 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 will look for something different from their holiday. That’s why you should compare Lefkada and Crete and see which is better. 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.
These resorts offer lots of activities, so the little ones will be entertained while you relax. Of course, you can visit the beaches and other tourist destinations as well, so there are many things to do.
Lefkada has a much more laid-back vibe, so you’ll need to consider if it’s the right destination for your family. You could visit the island’s amazing beaches for a day or two with the kids, but it may not be your main destination for your trip to Greece.
Relaxing Atmosphere
For those who want to go on holiday and 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, remember Lefkada offers many great beaches. So you can take your pick and stake out your sunbathing spot for the trip.
While Crete feels busier, you can sometimes go when it’s more relaxed. The island is so big that finding a spot all for yourself is not hard. You can also find seaside resorts just for adults, should that be something you want. 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 that both Lefkada and Crete are popular destinations. If you visit during the busy seasons, you’ll rub shoulders with tourists wherever you go. The good news is there are quieter seasons when you can enjoy the experience properly.
As mentioned above, that’s the so-called shoulder season, when all over Greece, visiting is easier as the environment gets quieter. 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. Many like to stay into late autumn, as the weather stays warm for a long time here. It’s a great destination 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 on the island to choose from. 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 you want to be doing 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 doors in a brand new building in the historic district of Halepa, right out of town.
This is something that Lefkada can offer you but in a more limited way. For instance, you can check out the Temple of Apollo’s interesting ruins and several ancient monasteries or even visit the well-preserved castle of Agia Maura.
How Long You Should Stay
Something else you want to remember when 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 there’s only enough there to see and do for a couple of days. Ok… let’s be honest, that’s never the case in Greece though.
However, it’s good to remember that Lefkada is much smaller than Crete, so this is the right destination for a shorter holiday. This destination is well suited for short trips, and you can see everything it offers in that time frame.
This means that if you plan to take a longer vacation, you might want to consider visiting Crete. Most visitors agree (and those who live here confirm it) that you can travel around Crete for two weeks and still not scratch the surface of what the island offers. As such, it’s one of the best places to go in Greece if you want a longer vacation.
The island is so large (its surface is about 8,336 km2 or 3,219 sq miles), so much is packed onto the island where there is much 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. Of course, you can always visit Lefkada and check out those amazing beaches that perfectly embody the essence of Greece!
