A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antalya vs. Crete for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Antalya or Crete?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Antalya or Crete? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Antalya

Antalya is a historic, cultural, and vibrant vacation spot. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Crete

Crete is a breathtaking, world-renowned, and scenic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Antalya and Crete: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Crete?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Antalya than Crete. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Antalya is very popular for its music, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Crete attracts visitors for its food and scuba diving & snorkeling. Antalya is famous for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. It is also well known for Hadrian's Gate. Crete is famous for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins.

How is Antalya different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Crete and Antalya. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Antalya or Crete?

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Crete and Antalya.

Antalya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

Many visitors head to Crete specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The island is filled with archeological sites including the famous Palace of Knossos. While most people come to Crete for the natural beauty, in the cities you'll find some great museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Antalya or Crete? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Crete is an amazing island to visit for its restaurants. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Crete is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Local cuisine is influenced by the island's fertile environment and excellent agriculture. You'll find olive oil in most dishes and seafood is a major staple. You'll also find a lot of stews and recipes that incorporate local ingredients.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Antalya makes for a great culinary experience. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

Is Antalya or Crete Better for Nightlife?

The high quality nightlife scene is relatively similar in Antalya and Crete.

Antalya has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

Crete is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The island has excellent nightlife with clubs and bars found in Chania, Malia and Stalis to Elounda. The area is popular with British tourists and you'll find many bars open until 2 or 3 in the morning.

Is Antalya or Crete Better for Music?

Antalya is a popular place for its music scene. However, Crete is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Antalya is active and vibrant. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Crete is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Crete Better for Resorts?

Antalya and Crete offer a relatively similar set of first-rate luxury resort options.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Antalya is a great choice. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Crete is a perfect choice. The island has world class resorts that include pools and buffet meals. There are many beachfront resorts that range in style from romantic to family-friendly.

Is Antalya or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Crete is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling.

Many visitors partake in scuba diving or snorkeing while visiting Crete. The island is surrounded by clear waters that make for great snorkeling and diving. There's a number of beautiful fish and other sea life that you can see. Be on the lookout for crabs, sea stars, sponges, and even octopi.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Is Antalya or Crete Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Antalya and Crete are first-rate choices.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Antalya. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

With world-famous beaches, Crete is a very popular vacation destination. There are some of the best beaches in the world on Crete. The areas around Chania have some of the island's best beaches, with one of the most beautiful being Balos. On the northern side of the island, be on the lookout for strong winds, particularly in August, which can make for larger waves. The island is large, so you'll find everything from secluded and quiet beaches to more active and lively places.

Is Antalya or Crete Better for its Old Town?

Antalya is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Crete does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Crete does not have a historic old town.

Is Antalya or Crete Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Antalya and Crete both have high quality trails.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Antalya. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Crete. The island is filled with beautiful hikes that run along the shoreline or head inland through the island's beautiful landscapes. There are hikes for every ability level that offer spectacular views and an incredible experience.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Crete?

Antalya is an amazing vacation spot to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Antalya is a world class destination for shoppers. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Crete. The island has many markets that sell local foods and handicrafts. There are also shops and boutiques where you can buy anything from souvenirs to homemade artwork.

Is Antalya or Crete Better for Families?

Crete is an amazing island to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Crete is a very family-friendly destination. The island is large and filled with countless family-friendly activities. You can spend several days at the beach, explore Lake Kournas, visit a water park, or even take a pirate themed boat cruise. There's also the amusement park, ​​Labyrinth Park, aquariums and more.

Antalya is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

Is Antalya or Crete Better for Couples?

Crete is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Crete makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

Couples visit Antalya frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Is Antalya or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya and Crete are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Crete. It's a large island with a great social scene and no shortage of hostels for backpackers to choose from.

Is Antalya or Crete Better for Students?

Crete is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Antalya is not popular with students.

Crete is a very popular island for students and younger travelers. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.

Antalya is not popular with students.

Is Antalya or Crete Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Antalya is well known for its public transit. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Antalya offers a very effecient public transportation network. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

While Crete offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.

Is Antalya or Crete a more walkable city?

Antalya is a popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known for its walkability.

Antalya is a somewhat walkable vacation spot. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

Crete is generally not a very walkable vacation spot. The island is large and requires a vehicle to get around, but there are short strolls that let you enjoy the stunning landscapes.

For even more information, also check out Is Antalya Worth Visiting? and Is Crete Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Crete or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Crete?

Both Antalya and Crete have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Crete than in Antalya. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.

Families should spend more time in Crete than Antalya. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Crete, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Crete than Antalya. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Crete that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antalya than Crete if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Antalya.

One day in Antalya or Crete?

In Antalya, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this luxurious destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This vacation spot offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Crete, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Antalya or Crete?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antalya. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Crete, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Antalya or Crete?

Antalya is a fun place to experience. In Antalya, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Crete is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Crete has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antalya or Crete?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the relaxing destination of Antalya. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Crete. In Crete, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antalya and Crete, we can see that Antalya is more expensive. And not only is Crete much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Crete would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Crete and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Antalya would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antalya than you might in Crete.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Antalya Expensive? and Is Crete Expensive?.

Which has a larger population, Antalya or Crete?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Crete. When comparing the sizes of Antalya and Crete, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.