Torn: Crete or Peloponnesian peninsula
 

Dear fellow Fodorites,

I'm in the early stages of planning my Next Big Trip. I had hoped to travel this past year, but alas,given recent job/career changes, we never did. But I'm hoping to travel sometime next Spring/early summer.

I have my heart on Santorini, but I'm torn between making the trip Peloponnese + Santorini, or Crete + Santorini (and a few days in Athens).

Which one? I think I lean toward the Peloponnese, as the idea of off-the-beaten track really appeals, but Crete also seems to be have much to offer.

I love experiencing the flavor of a region (culture - ie, interacting with locals in small towns, via small cafes, B&Bs, markets; intimate museums and sites); beauty (lovely vistas & dramatic topography); ruins (old, older, oldest).

Anyone have any recommendations one way or another?

Many, many thanks,
Paule

I thing it depends on how much time you have altogether. Crete is huge. You really can't do justice to an island with so much size and diversity without a rental car and at least a week, or even two, so if you don't have the time and budget then go to the Peloponnese instead.

I'm planning about 7-9 days for either destination. If I were to go to the Peloponnese, I'd go beyond the Nafplion area and to Momevasia, Mani, Mystras (the Mmms!).

My husband and I plan on having a car, so what might be a comparable trip in Crete, and what do you recommend?

Thanks,
Paule

It's been a long time since I went to Crete, but I started out in Western Crete, Chania, rented a car and drove south and east, ended up in Matala on the south coast, then drove north to Heraklion and from Heraklion explored the northeast area before returning to Heraklion for the ferry to Santorini. There are lots of interesting places to go that having a car allows.

Hi, thanks for your responses, brotherleelove. I'm still a little unclear, though, about what the differences are between the regions and why I might choose one over the other.

Is there anyone here who has been to both who prefers one over the other? Can you tell me why you do like it more? Hopefully that might be able to help me make a decision!

thanks again

Both destinations are wonderful; Nafplion is a friendly, interesting town with easy access to Mycennae, Corith, etc. ... a quite touristed area until you go further south (Mani ... ).
Crete is very commercail along the coast, but the interior (like the Lassithi Valley) is much more rural and laid-back. If you choose Crete, the archaeological museum and Knossos are must-sees.
It's a tough choice, but IMHO, since you are going to Santorini, I think I would save a day traveling and choose the Peloponnese which is so near Athens.
How long will you be in Santorini? It's worth at least four days ... great island!

Paule,
I've never been to the Peloponnese area but want to put my two cents in anyway.
My husband and I spent 9 nights in Greece in April. We stayed in Chania on Crete for 4 nights and loved it. We took just one day trip to Poleochora (not sure if I got that spelling right) and spent the rest of our days just strolling through Chania. We loved it there and would go back again. We stayed at a very inexpensive place called Pension Nora. It was simple but had everything we needed.
We then spent two nights in Oia on Santorini, staying at Casa Delphini.
Santorini was stunning and we could have used another day there.
We spent the last 3 nights in the Plaka section of Athens and would have been happy with 1 night less there. Although there is obviously a lot to see and do, we enjoyed the islands so much more. We did take a beautiful 1 day cruise out of Athens that visited 3 islands and that was a perfect day!
Hope this helps some!

Both are beautiful places to visit. I have recently returned from Crete (near Chania) - my 4th visit to the island and have also had a number of trips to various parts of the Peloponnese. I'd be hard pushed to choose between them but if I had to make a decision, I'd probably go to the Peloponnese. There is a wide variety of things to see and do, ruins a plenty, mountains, pretty villages and beaches and not too much commercialisation. Some pictures from some of these trips-

Crete:
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/346735/index.html

Peloponnese:
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/296138/index.html
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/166201/index.html

Many thanks, everyone. I'm still in the early stages of planning, and am looking to go next Spring. It depends upon my vacation schedule (ah, work) and how much time I can take, but I should have about 2 weeks. I figured I would stay about 3 nights in Santorini (as that seems to be the minimum), and have a total of 2-3 nights in Athens, leaving about 7-9 nights in the other destination. I do lean toward the Peloponnese, and I look forward to looking at your links, Maria!
Thanks again,
Paule

I was under the impression that Nafplion was a day traveling as well, even though it is close to Athens.

If you don't rent a car (which we wouldn't), don't you have to take bus, train, bus or something like that to reach it, and then backtrack back to Athens to get to Santorini? Or is there a way to Santorini from Nafplion?

I don't know about public transport but Athens airport to Nafplion took us 2 hours 20 minutes by car.

progol: I haven't been to Crete, so I cannot guide you one way or the other on that decision. But if you decide in favor of the Peloponnese, we just took that trip recently, hitting all the spots you mention.

You can find our full report (with pix) here:
http://www.onelittleworld.com/greece_1.html

Hope it helps. Either way, enjoy Greece!

I am thinking about spending at least a week in Crete (will rent a car) and also perhaps a week in Cyprus. Am not sure yet as to the details. Is there a lot to see in these places? I have already been to Santorini, Athens and other islands so I want to concentrate on Crete and Cyprus. What are the most worthwhile sights to see and would you recommend staying in Chania?

Mr. Go -
Your trip report and photos are one of inspirations for my planning!

I keep going back to look at the photos - they are wonderful!

Paule

Maria,
I just finished viewing your photos, and the ones of the Peloponnese are especially beautiful! You have a wonderful eye. I'm struck by the very lush scenery - and loved your shots of the goats! How close were you to the single goat?

Paule

We spent a week in Crete a few years ago. For us it was all about R&R, so we plopped ourselves down at the Kalimera Kriti resort, which was absolutely wonderful. We had a one bedroom cabana overlooking the sea, just perfect and very romantic. We had a car and spent 4 of our days visiting Ag. Nicholos, Knosos ruins and Chania among other things.

I agree with Oisa that the interior of Crete is much more rural and laid back. We met many locals in the small villages at the cafes and gelato stands though English wasn't spoken by too many and it's all we speak. That said, I love coastal geography and cities so touring the perimeter route was also a pleasure. We made a special point of hitting the southern coastline just so I could say I swam in the Libyan Sea.

Hi Paule,

This is a difficult decision. I have been to both and explored these areas. You need to rent a car which ever destination you decide upon. It really is a toss up, but I would go to the Peloponnes. There are some charming towns on the water on the way to Naphlion. We stayed over night at Nea Epidavros. There are water taxis there that will take you to Hydra. Plus the antiquties around that area are wonderful. Driving from there to the mani takes you through orachard areas, cherry, orange etc. Parts of the interior of the Peloponnes is mountainous. Forget Sparta; it is depressing. Also off the coast of the mani are some nice islands that have very few tourist. On the way back to Athens go north to Olympia and cross over to the other side of the Corinth gulf and check out some cute towns there. Nafpaktos comes to mind. You could then go to Delphi and back to Athens.

Crete is wonderful also. We were there last summer for 10 days. Also I like the Pelion Penninsula, which is not for you on this trip, but is a more lush area with charming sea towns and fabulous food. The spices and herbs they use are different and delcious. There are running brooks coming from Mt. Olympus. Every towns has lovely fountains and there are places all around to fill up your water bottels.

Either place will fill you with great memories.

Have a fabulous trip. Yipper

I haven't been to the Peloponnese but I have great memories of Crete. I stayed at the very eastern tip of the island in a remote village whose name I can't remember. It was another world altogether. Ag. Nikolaus is gorgeous as well in a much more developed posh way. Has anyone else been to the eastern tip of Crete and know the place I'm talking about?

Hi Paule

Thanks. The picture of the goat was taken with a zoom lens. Though they may stare menacingly from a distance, if you get close, they generaly run off. The biggest danger was when a large flock of them were on the hillside above us, sending loose rocks hurtling down the hillside!

If you want it green and lush, go in spring. The 2 Peloponnese trips were done in early May when the spring flowers were spectacular.

I am looking at the possibility of spending 10 days or so in Crete next September and have looked at the map. I see a town Hania. I presume this is the same as Chania which is mentioned on this thread several times. I couldn't find a town Chania so I leaped to that conclusion.
What do you folks think about spending half the time there, touring the western part of the island and the other half in Heraklion and touring the eastern part.

Yes Chania = Hania or or even Xania. If you are hiring a car and stay in Chania town itself, you will will have to negotiate the one way system and town traffic each time you head off and Heraklion itself isn't a place I'd stay in myself but the idea a a week east and west is fine in principle.

Be aware that driving in Crete can be slow and map distances don't always prepare you for the actual time it can take to drive. I have spent 4 holidays (a total of 7 weeks) in Crete and haven't seen it all.

Hi Progol,
It all depends on how you plan and break the days. In a bit of rush you could do all, but than you should choose one destination in Crete.

I had to drive very long to go far end and to see Olympia. My idea was to fly there and get back driving but could not match.

If it makes you happy, 4 Days mainland, 2 in Santorini and 2 in Crete doable. If you have the 9th day thats even better. Using domestic flights would help.

I have the same feeling of difficulty of choosing which is better.......Good luck
Happy travelling,

Murat

Which would you recommend: Peloponnese or Crete, if you were interested in nature and national parks and beautiful scenery?

Crete-gorgeous scenery with lots of interesting little towns,mountains,fabulous cities,food and wine. I loved Naplion and the peninsula but Crete took her family's heart!

Zx, it's a win-win situation ... PLEASE do not ask us to choose ... I have been to both the Peloponnese (6 times) AND to Western Crete (5 times) and lovwe them both.

The only answer is -- One destination this time, the other, NExt time!

Funny seeing this posted -- it's from 2008! We ended up taking our trip in September/October 2011 and spent 6 lovely days on Crete (as well as Santorini, Naxos and ending in Athens):

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...tober-2011.cfm

We have yet to make it back to Greece, but plan on visiting the Peloponnese the next time we go.

Hi xxcvbnm,

Yes, I noticed this was an 8 year old thread, and normally wouldn't bother to reply. It would have been better to start your own thread.

Your question is so general I can only provide a general answer: go to Crete if you plan to combine it with a visit to other islands in the Aegean, e.g. Santorini; go to the Peloponnese if you plan to combine it with a visit to other parts of the mainland, e.g. Delphi.

You need to provide additional information in order to get a useful answer. What time of the year will you travel? Where will you enter Greece? There are direct flights to Crete from other European countries, while Athens is the main entry point for flights from other continents.

Eight years later...and now we've finally been to both. I'd say the biggest determining factor is time of year, and not necessarily destination. Springtime is a riot of wild flowers all over the Peloponnese, just gorgeous. But later on in the year, I'd say Crete is your best bet... especially the Samaria Gorge which is one of the most dramatic hikes we've taken. Gorgeous beaches, too.

As TJ says, it's a win-win situation

Hi there!

I vote for Crete and Santorini!

During early summer both islands are amazing!

going at the end of april.
mr go, how far is samaria gorge from crete?
do we need to rent a car to see all the scenic places or are there tour buses that go?

The Samaria Gorge doesn't open until May: http://www.samaria.gr/useful-information-for-visitors/

I vote for Crete and the Peloponnese and forget about Santorini. Its a place that gets far too many followers here and is vastly overrated ....... in my opinion.

zyc -- you still don't supply more than minimal information. It makes a big difference how much time you have. What is Total # of days in Greece (NOT counting arrival or departure days).. how many days r u allotting for Crete (or Pelops or both). Would you fly/ferry in or out of Crete, and to which airport or port? Or would you fly IN to one and out of other (usually a good plan, avoids backtracking).

As to car rental -- depends on how many days you have. You can see a lot on public transit, but takes much more time. You need to tell us or we cannot advise you. People I say hold off until zy gives key facts.

YES, there are tour busses to many places. For example, from the 3 north coast cities (Heraklion-Rethymnon-Chania) there are day trip to S. Coast, & beaches lke Matala (but too early to swim in April). Chania has bus trips for people who want to walk Samaria gorge, but as Heimdall says, too early. You may be able to walk Imbros Gorge, IMHO is JUST as enjoyable far easier, only 3-4 hrs vs. 7-8, but need a car. From REth & Chania, day excursions to 2 gorgeous beach areas - Balos/Gramvousa but again, prob too early.

In Pelops, can see most "sights" in area surrounding Nafplio by public transit or day tours, IF you have enough time. If time limited (3-4 days) must prune yr list. Would you be interested in public transit (easy/fast) from Ath area to Nafplio, then car rental 1-2 days from there (good level roads, low traffic). Again, cannot advise without key details. We have the experience to help your itinerary, but not the magical power to read your mind, LOL.

we have 10-11 days not including travel time. would fly in to crete, for peloponnese, looks like no airlines fly from athens to araxos at the end of april on the day we need, so would probably need transportation like bus, cab ( I know its a 4 hour drive.)