Crete vs Mallorca: Which island is the better holiday destination?

As holidaymakers search for their next vacation spot, it can be tough to choose between all the beautiful locations the Mediterranean has to offer. Two popular options are the Greek island of Crete and the Spanish island of Mallorca. Both have their own unique charms and attractions, but how do they compare to each other?

In this in-depth article, we'll take a closer look at the similarities and differences between Crete and Mallorca to help you decide which one is the best fit for your holiday plans.

Crete vs Mallorca. Location, Weather and Best Time to Visit

Crete and Mallorca are both located in the Mediterranean Sea, but they are quite far apart from each other.

Crete is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands and it is nestled in the southeasternmost basin of the Mediterranean Sea, with Turkey to the North-East, Europe to the North-West, Egypt and the Holy Lands to the South-East. Mallorca, on the other hand, is one of the Balearic Islands in Spain, located east of the Iberian Peninsula at the far west of the Mediterranean, with Algeria to the South.

Despite their geographical distance, both Crete and Mallorca have a similar Mediterranean climate. Both islands are hot and sunny throughout the summer months, with virtually zero rainfall. However, in Crete, the heat does not feel quite as extreme in July and August as in Mallorca. Indeed, thanks to the refreshing sea breeze of the Aegean, summertime temperatures in Crete can feel quite comfortable.

Both Crete and Mallorca start to get quite cool from about October to March, and the highest chances of rainy weather are in the winter months. Crete sees heavier rainfall concentrated in the months of December, January and February, while Mallorca has steadier rainfall from September to April.

Crete vs Mallorca. When is the best time to visit?

When planning a trip to the Mediterranean, consider visiting Crete or Mallorca from April to October for the best weather. Both islands offer warm and sunny summers, with virtually zero rainfall. However, Crete has a more comfortable heat in July and August thanks to the refreshing sea breeze of the Aegean. Choose Crete for a more comfortable summer vacation, or visit both islands to experience their unique cultures and landscapes.

Crete and Mallorca are both worth visiting year-round, despite the cooler temperatures and increased chances of rainy weather in the winter months. From October to March, both islands offer a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere, making it a great time for a relaxing getaway. While the summer is the best time to visit for warm and sunny weather, both Crete and Mallorca have much to offer during the winter season.

 

Crete vs Mallorca. The Stunning Beaches

One of the biggest draws for holidaymakers to the Mediterranean is the stunning beaches. Both Crete and Mallorca have plenty of sandy shores to choose from, but there are some differences to consider.

Crete has a wide variety of beaches, ranging from secluded coves to long stretches of golden sand. Some of the most popular beaches on the island include Elafonisi Beach, a stunning pink-sand beach with crystal-clear water; Balos Beach, a turquoise lagoon surrounded by cliffs; and Vai Beach, home to the largest palm forest in Europe. The longest stretch of sandy beach in Crete, Georgioupolis, lies on the north-west side, between Chania and Heraklion. It has received awards for its clean waters, so it’s an excellent place for swimming. It also has long shallows and lifeguards on hand, so it is the perfect place for families to relax and have fun.

Mallorca has a range of beautiful beaches to enjoy as well, from secluded coves to very accessible and often busy tourist hotspots lined with hotels. Some of the most popular beaches on the island include Cala Llombards, a secluded cove with crystal-clear water; Playa de Muro, a long stretch of golden sand; and Cala Santanyí, a picturesque cove with turquoise water.

Mallorca does have a national park, Mondrago, with a stretch of beach where no hotels are allowed. It is still a very popular destination, and served by a bus service, so you will still need to be willing to share the experience with many fellow visitors if you are there in peak season.

Crete vs Mallorca. Which island offers a better beach experience?

If you're looking to relax on stunning sandy shores, both Crete and Mallorca have plenty of options to choose from. But which island is the best choice for your beach holiday?

While both Crete and Mallorca have beautiful beaches, Crete may have the edge when it comes to variety and natural beauty. With its diverse range of landscapes and crystal-clear waters, Crete offers something for every beach-goer. On the other hand, Mallorca is also known for its beautiful beaches, but they may be more crowded and less natural compared to those in Crete.

In conclusion, both islands offer beautiful coastlines and a great beach vacation experience. However, if you're looking for a more peaceful and unspoiled beach experience, Crete may be the better choice.

 

Crete vs Mallorca. Local Hospitality and Culture

Another factor to consider when choosing a holiday destination is the culture and history of the place. Both Crete and Mallorca have rich histories and cultures that can be explored during a holiday.

Greeks are famed worldwide for their warm hospitality. Indeed, hospitality is central to the Greek culture and has been since ancient times. We learn from Homer that it was an unwritten law in ancient Greece that people had always to welcome travellers as guests. These customs continue to this day, and it is second nature to the Greeks to be warm, welcoming, and friendly. They’re not at all reserved; they are direct and open, and always glad to pull up a place at the table for a guest.

Crete has a long and varied history, dating back to ancient times. The island has been influenced by a range of cultures, including Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian, among others. This diverse history is reflected in the island's architecture, art, and cuisine, which are all worth exploring during a visit to Crete. The island is famed for being one of the most hospitable cultures in Greece, and offering some of the finest, freshest, and healthiest food. For Cretans, showing you a good time, offering their finest local food and drink, and welcoming you into their establishment is a matter of pride.

Mallorca also has a rich history, dating back to prehistory. The island has been influenced by a range of cultures, including Roman, Moorish, and Catalan. Mallorca's history can be seen in its architecture, art, and cuisine, which have been shaped by these different influences. Mallorca has a more typically western European culture than Crete, but it still has plenty of Mediterranean warmth and kindness. Mallorquins are more reserved than Cretans, in the style we are used to in Western Europe. Mallorquin culture, like mainland Spanish culture, is warm, fun, and vibrant, and there is a great deal of buzz and energy in Mallorca during the Summer months.

Crete vs Mallorca. Which island to choose in terms of local hospitality and culture?

Crete and Mallorca are both fun and vibrant destinations that offer a unique blend of history, tradition, and modern amenities. Both islands are known for their rich local culture, making them popular choices for travelers looking to experience the best of Mediterranean hospitality.

However, if you're looking for authentic local hospitality, Crete may be the better choice. The locals in Crete are famed worldwide for their warm and welcoming culture that values the importance of family and community, making it a great choice for those seeking authentic local experiences.

 

Crete vs Mallorca. Tourism and Accommodation Options

Both islands have a range of accommodation options, including hotels, apartments, and villas, to suit every budget and preference. However, the specific types and locations of these options differ, as well as the tourist infrastructure and density.

Crete is a much larger island and appears less densely developed than Mallorca in terms of tourism. In Crete, you will rarely find large multistorey hotels on the beaches like you do in Mallorca. Crete offers simpler, less built-up accommodation in a more traditional style as a rule, and you can find simple rooms in quiet complexes very inexpensively. The larger, high-end hotels are often very tasteful and sensitive to the environment around them, and they follow the same culture of hospitality that has always existed in Crete but on a more lavish scale.

Mallorca has over 2,000 hotels, with beds for 300,000 guests! The accommodation varies, and you can find sophisticated 5-star hotels, cheap hostels and guesthouses, apartments, and basic rooms in ordinary houses and stunning villas. Nevertheless, because of the popularity of this destination, particularly during peak season, flying to Mallorca is recommended only if you have already reserved rooms somewhere, as you may struggle to find a room otherwise.

Mallorca has experienced overtourism in certain areas, particularly in the popular tourist destinations of Palma de Mallorca and the southwest coast. In recent years, there have been efforts to address overtourism on the island, including measures to limit the number of tourist beds and promote sustainable tourism practices.

Crete vs Mallorca. On which island are tourist crowds more likely to avoid?

Crete and Mallorca are two popular vacation destinations that offer a wide range of accommodation options for travelers. However, if you're looking to avoid tourist crowds, you may want to consider the size and development of each island.

Crete is a much larger island and appears less densely developed in terms of tourism compared to Mallorca. In Crete, you'll rarely find large multistorey hotels on the beaches like you do in Mallorca. Mallorca, on the other hand, has experienced overtourism in certain areas and may be more crowded in those areas.

Overall, both islands have a wide range of accommodation options to suit every taste and budget, but if you're looking for a more tasteful and less built-up resort, Crete may be the better choice. It offers a more unique and natural experience with its hotel buildings that are usually only up to 2 floors high and are embedded nicely in the environment.

 

Crete vs Mallorca. Cost of Eating Out and Dining Options

Both Crete and Mallorca have a range of local and international dining options, but the specific cuisine and specialties vary.

Dining in Crete

Crete is known for its traditional Greek dishes and local ingredients, such as olives, feta cheese, and lamb. The island has a range of restaurants that serve traditional Greek cuisine, as well as more modern and international options. Crete is also known for its local wines and spirits, such as raki and ouzo.

Eating out is usually fairly inexpensive in Crete, and the portions are always generous. There are options for all budgets, with fish restaurants usually being the more expensive – but it is well worth spending that little extra because of the quality of the fish. In a tavern, generously portioned meals for two typically cost between 20 and 40 Euro, and in higher-end restaurants between 30 and 70 Euro.

You can eat a very hearty meal very economically (5 – 10 Euro per person) at a place for souvlaki– which is a kind of Greek kebab, which usually consists of chicken or pork on a skewer accompanied by home cooked chips, bread, and fresh salad – and another popular choice is ‘gyros’ which is typically chicken or pork on a spit that is then ‘shaved’ off and served in a Greek-style thick pita with salad, tzatziki or mustard-mayo, and chips.

If you have vegetarians and vegans among you, Crete is an excellent destination – you’ll have none of the usual trouble of one member of the family being disappointed with their dining options. All Greek tavernas offer plenty of tried-and-tested vegan and vegetarian options. The Greek diet is generally “flexitarian” with vegetarian/vegan dishes eaten several times weekly by many Greeks. You never have to worry about hidden animal fats, either – as traditionally everything is cooked in olive oil.

Don’t miss out on savoury pastries from the bakery with your morning or afternoon iced coffee: tiropita – cheese pie with feta, spanakotiropita – spinach pie with feta, kaseropita – yellow cheese pie, zambonotiropita – ham and cheese pie, and loukanokopita – sausage roll – all well worth a try. Coffee typically costs 1.50 - 3.50 Euro, and pastries are within the same price range.

There will be range of options for international cuisine in Crete, particularly in the popular resorts and high-end hotels. However, the key in Crete is to sample as much of the local cuisine as possible.

Dining in Mallorca

In Mallorca, you will find local delicacies alongside plenty of options for international cuisine. For breakfast, you can sample the local pastries, which include the famous ensimada, a puff pastry bun, very light in texture – like a croissant, owing its lightness to the use of lard (pork fat) in the dough - coated in powdered sugar. Another popular option is cocas, a tasty sponge cake. Coca is actually Mallorca’s traditional dough – made with flour, water, olive oil, yeast, and salt – and it is used to make many dishes. Coca de trempó is another great snack option, combining trempó, Mallorca’s traditional salad of diced onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes and coca into a kind of baked pizza bread without cheese. Mallorca is also famous for its sausages and selection of local cheeses, and of course, no trip to Mallorca would be complete without sampling the local paella and tapas.

If you’re looking for a quick meal, tapas, offering small appetizer-style plates of traditional Spanish cuisine, is a great option that can keep you going until dinner – which is famously very late in Mallorca. However, there are also many popular chain fast food restaurants on the island if you are looking for something cheap, quick, and familiar. The cost of eating out in Mallorca is typical of south-western Europe: a three-course meal will typically cost around 30 – 50 Euro and small tapas dishes typically cost between 3 and 5 euro per piece. Coffee typically costs 1.50 – 4.50 Euro, and a fast-food set would cost around 7 – 8 Euro.

Crete vs Mallorca. Which destination offers better dining options?

Crete and Mallorca are two popular vacation destinations that offer a wide range of dining options for travelers.

If you're looking for a more authentic culinary experience, Crete may be the better choice. Known for its fresher, healthier cuisine, Crete offers a range of local dishes that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. The island is also known for its great vegetarian options, making it a great choice for those looking to eat a little healthier on vacation.

However, if you're looking for more international dining options and chain restaurants, Mallorca may be the better choice. With a wide range of cuisines to choose from, Mallorca has something to satisfy every taste and budget.

 

Crete vs Mallorca. Sightseeing around the islands

Both Crete and Mallorca offer very good transportation options for tourists, but if you want to fully explore the islands' stunning natural beauty and ancient ruins, renting a car will give you the most freedom. However, depending on your preferences and plans for your trip, either island's public transportation may be suitable for your needs.

Sightseeing around Crete

Heraklion is at a central point between the east and west of the island and a good base from which to visit both sides. It’s a busy working city – bursting with life, day, and night – and not the best choice if you’re seeking peace and quiet. A must-see attraction nearby is Knossos. You’ll feel like Indiana Jones when you step into this ancient Minoan world. The palace of Knossos was built around 4000 years ago! This is the home of King Minos, the labyrinth, and the Minotaur. When you see it with your own eyes, you’ll be stunned that something so ancient and mythical is still so beautifully intact, with painted scenes of a lost civilization on the still-erect walls of the palace. Incredibly, Knossos is only 5 km from the city of Heraklion, and you can take a bus there in just 20 minutes. If you’re staying farther afield, chances are that your hotel will run a tour to Knossos.

A good base on the wilder eastern side of Crete is the relatively quiet seaside town of Aghios Nikolaos. A popular day trip is a visit to the island of Spinalonga, which was the basis for the popular historical novel “The Island”, by Victoria Hislop. Another favourite is the cave of Diktaion Andron, also known as “Zeus’ Cave” – full of stalactites and epic scenery, with a steep uphill walk for hikers and intrepid explorers. If you do not have a rented vehicle, you can access these sites by joining a tour organised at your accommodation or by companies operating in the resort where you are staying.

On the more developed west of the island, there are more options for those who are looking for a stroll around a picturesque old town with plenty of dining options easily on hand. The delightful old towns of Rethymno and Chania are unforgettable, with their colourful Venetian and Ottoman architectural influences, stunning harbours, and narrow back streets full of traditional Greek charm.

Sightseeing around Mallorca

Mallorca is well equipped to deal with the influx of tourists it sees each summer and so it has an excellent system of buses that can get to you to destinations across the island efficiently. In addition, a lot of Mallorca’s cultural sites are in the city of Palma, where you can spend a day or more looking around without the need of a vehicle.

A favourite attraction is the imposing Cathedral of Santa Maria Palma, a large, impressive, and highly ornate gothic cathedral, seated on the Roman citadel of the old city of Palma, overlooking the Parc de la Mar and the Mediterranean Sea. Another is Bellver Castle, a gothic style castle on the hill about 3 km west of Palma. It offers impressive history and views of the island for those who visit. In Palma there is even a hop-on-hop-off bus tour which will take you around all of the city’s main attractions.

For those who wish to explore natural wonders, Mallorca also has caves to explore with stalactites and stalagmites. The caves of Drach and the Arta Caves in particular are very impressive examples. They can get very busy during peak season, though, as they are a popular attraction, so go early to avoid queuing and not to be rushed through your tour. If you want to escape the crowds, Mallorca has a great hiking trail in the Serra de Tramuntan, a craggy mountain range stretching across the north-west coast of the island and offering magnificent views from the peaks of the island and sea below.

Crete vs Mallorca. Which destination is best for sightseeing?

Experience the best of both worlds on a sightseeing vacation in Crete or Mallorca. Both islands offer a wide range of attractions and activities for tourists, but each has its own unique charm and character.

If you're looking for an easily accessible island with plenty of tourism infrastructure, Mallorca may be the right choice for you.

On the other hand, if you want to explore a more authentic and less touristy destination, Crete is the way to go. With its magical ancient sites and less crowded attractions, Crete offers a truly amazing sightseeing experience.

Overall, both islands have plenty to see and do, so choose the one that best fits your travel preferences and style.

 

Crete vs Mallorca. The Nightlife Scene

For many holidaymakers, a big part of the vacation experience is the nightlife. Both Crete and Mallorca have a vibrant nightlife scene, but there are some differences to consider.

Nightlife in Crete

On Crete, the type of nightlife on offer depends on the resort you are staying at. Nightlife ranges from very quiet in the smaller villages to very lively in some large tourist hotspots and the big cities. There is one resort, Malia, which is a youth tourist destination, where you will find young people from the U.K., Europe and all over the world having the typical package- style holiday, and the resort is geared toward them, with bars and clubs offering inexpensive alcohol and hotels offering plenty of entertainment.

Outside of Malia, the rest of Crete is rather different, with the large cities and popular resorts offering lively but more civilised options – bars (usually coffee shops by day) with a gentle buzz, tasteful music ranging from deep house to rock, pop, and traditional Greek rebetiko. Crete does not have a binge-drinking culture, and is very family friendly, so you will see whole families out 'till late, children playing in the village square, families strolling down the beachfront, teenagers getting icecream, crepes, and waffles; adults eating and drinking in large lively groups.

Nightlife in Mallorca

Mallorca also has a youth hotspot called Magaluf, which is best avoided unless you are looking for a binge-drinking holiday with youths from the U.K. and across the world. Even outside of Magaluf, Mallorca is generally a lively and busy island with an abundance of bars and nightclubs.

Palma itself has a very lively nightlife. The Old Town, La Llonja, and Santa Catalina host some of the liveliest places. In the summertime, there is plenty of life at the Paseo Marítimo, down by the marina, with loud music playing along the mile-long stretch of bars and crowds overflowing onto the streets.

Mallorca is visited by a lot of luxury yachts and very wealthy people. Some of the smarter marinas, such as Port Adriano, Puerto Portals, Cala d'Or, Port de Soller and Port d'Andratx, are very busy during the peak season, and these are where you’ll find the high-end restaurants and bars, with a stunning backdrop for al-fresco dining. After dinner, you'll find a few latenight bars for visitors of all ages.

Crete vs Mallorca. Which island offers a better nightlife scene?

Crete and Mallorca are two popular vacation destinations that offer a wide range of nightlife options for travelers. While both islands offer a range of clubs, bars, and restaurants that stay open late, each destination has its own unique nightlife scene.

Mallorca is known for its livelier atmosphere and has a range of clubs and bars that stay open late into the night, making it a great choice for those looking to party nonstop.

However, if you're looking for a more laid-back nightlife scene, Crete may be the better choice. With its more relaxed atmosphere and the presence of traditional tavernas often with live music, which offer a unique cultural experience, Crete is a great choice for those looking for a quieter break.

Overall, both Crete and Mallorca offer a range of nightlife options to suit every taste and budget.

 

Crete vs Mallorca. How to Get There – Travelling to Crete vs Mallorca

How to get to Crete

Crete has two international airports – Heraklion Airport (HER) and Chania Airport (CHQ). Heraklion airport is on the north coast of the island near Heraklion, the largest city and administrative capital of the island. Chania airport is situated in the north-west, a few kilometres east of picturesque town of Chania. Having two options makes accessing locations across this large island easier. You can get a direct flight to Crete from major UK and European airports between April and November. It takes around 4 hours to get to Crete from the UK.

Travelling to Crete can be more challenging in the winter months, but it can be easily reached via Athens, either by connecting flight or ferry. Travelling by ferry is a fun and refreshing way to explore Greece all year round.

How to get to Mallorca

Mallorca has one international airport, Palma de Mallorca, but flights from the UK and Europe are plentiful and reasonably priced. Overall, Mallorca is a much more tourist-dense destination than Crete, meaning flights are very frequent in summer and easy to come by all year round. The busy airport is situated near the capital. It takes 2.5–3 hours to get to Mallorca from the UK, depending on which airport you’re coming from.

Mallorca can also be reached by ferry from Barcelona and other Spanish ports, as well as from Italy and North Africa.

Crete vs Mallorca. How easily accessible are both destinations?

Overall, Mallorca is more easily accessible due to its well-connected international airport and frequent flights from the UK and Europe. It is a popular tourist destination and can get quite busy, especially during the summer months.

On the other hand, Crete has two airports, Heraklion Airport and Chania International Airport, which makes it easier to access different locations on the island. Direct flights to Crete are available between April and November, and it takes around 4 hours to get there from the UK. In the winter months, Crete can be reached via Athens by connecting flight or ferry.

While it may require a bit more effort to reach, Crete offers a more peaceful and uncrowded vacation experience. Both islands have much to offer and are worth visiting, depending on what type of trip you are looking for.

 

Crete vs Mallorca. Other Considerations

Language

The official language of Crete is Greek, and the official language of Mallorca is Catalan. Most Cretans, especially in the tourist resorts, speak English quite fluently and they often speak German or French as well. In Mallorca most people also speak Spanish, and people working in tourist-facing roles speak English as well.

Currency

The currency used in Crete and Mallorca is the Euro (EUR). The Euro is the official currency of the European Union (EU) and is used by a number of countries in Europe, including Greece and Spain. It's worth noting that the Euro is a strong and stable currency, so you can expect to get good exchange rates when converting from other currencies. However, it's always a good idea to check the current exchange rate before traveling to ensure you have a good understanding of the relative value of your money.

Both islands are both typically European in the sense that prices will be displayed on items, and barter is not typically used even by locals.

Electricity

Both Crete and Mallorca use the same type of electrical plugs and sockets, which are known as Type C (Europlug) and Type E (Schuko). These plugs and sockets are used throughout Europe and are compatible with appliances that have two round pins. It's worth noting that the electrical voltage in both Crete and Mallorca is 220-240V, which is the standard voltage used in most of Europe. Some appliances may not be compatible with this voltage, so it's a good idea to check the voltage requirements of your appliances before traveling.

Entry requirements

The entry requirements for Crete and Mallorca depend on the country you are traveling from and your nationality. Both Crete as part of Greece and Mallorca as part of Spain are located within the Schengen Area, which is a group of European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders. This means that if you are traveling from another Schengen country, you will not need a passport to enter Crete or Mallorca. However, if you are traveling from a non-Schengen country, you will need a valid passport to enter Greece or Spain. It's worth noting that both Crete and Mallorca are popular tourist destinations and have a high influx of visitors from various countries, so it's a good idea to check the latest entry requirements before traveling to ensure you have the necessary documentation.

Local time

Crete, as part of Greece, is located in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET) and observes Eastern European Summer Time (EEST) during the summer months. The time in Crete is 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). This means that when it is 12:00 noon UTC, the local time in Crete is 14:00. During the summer months, Crete observes Daylight Saving Time (DST) and moves its clocks ahead by 1 hour.

Mallorca, as part of Spain, is located in the Central European Time Zone (CET) and observes Central European Summer Time (CEST) during the summer months. The time in Mallorca is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). This means that when it is 12:00 noon UTC, the local time in Mallorca is 13:00. During the summer months, Mallorca observes DST and moves its clocks ahead by 1 hour.

Crete vs Mallorca. Which island is the better holiday destination?

Both Crete and Mallorca have their own unique charms and attractions, and both offer a range of experiences for holidaymakers to enjoy: stunning beaches and scenery, excellent weather, a rich history and culture, and plenty of dining and nightlife options.

However, Crete may be the better option if you are looking for a destination that still offers an authentic experience and is not overrun by tourists.

 

Recommended hotels for your perfect getaway to the island of Crete, Greece

Compare Crete to another holiday destination

Experience your own amazing Crete, Greece's island paradise

Put together your own itinerary of amazing experiences and activities in Crete, a place of beauty, history and unforgettable memories.



When is the best time to travel to Crete?