Which island - Corfu or Crete??

sudzs

Myself and mr. sudzs are going for a cheep package holiday, just to get us to Greece and also self catering accomodation for cheap! We don't plan to spend the holiday at the poolside but get out and about and explore a bit.

I've searching on travelsupermarket.com but it's taking me forever to reseach each island and resorts so if i could at least narrow it down to one island it might make it a bit easier! And if anyone can recommend a particular town or area, that would be brilliant!

So which of these islands (or what resorts/areas) would suit a couple who want a bit of peace, bit of scenery, bit of boating or snorkeling, half decent food with beers! No clubbing or Ibiza type areas (!) no children, though they should still be at school even in a child friendly place. And not somewhere geared for gangs that just want pie and chips with HP sauce!

So our options are Corfu or Crete? Any info or suggestions much appreciated!

alphabeat

as far as crete is concerned ive been to

paelohora - chilled out hippie spot - very relaxed.
plakias - sunbather spot , with great scenery
almyrida - more of an older gen spot- very quiet , but nice .
chania - town - great spot

all in western / southern crete

best to have a car hired in crete , though the busses are very good.

not a fan of heraklion at all

but i love crete .

of course if you have a bit of xtra cash ,
Santorini island will blow your mind.
kamari is great chill out place , with a sweet open air cinema , and bars / restauraunts
as well as Oia


one of my fav places on earth.

unseen

I wish I was able to go to Santorini every year.
Check this:
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sudzs

Thanks you two for the replies, will check it all out!

Love the idea of Santorini, it's a bit more awkward to get to, but will definately check that out too...

Unshelved

Have been to both islands twice. STAY AWAY from the resorts in Eastern Crete - they're horrible. Western and Southern Crete is the way to go. Loved Paleochora. Check out Loutro - www.loutro.gr - for a piece of unspoiled paradise (might be a bit quiet for you though). Chania is a really nice city too.

Corfu is very different to Crete - it's a lot greener and they don't have the whitewashed houses that you see in the Cyclades. Corfu town is a nice spot. There's a small island off Corfu called Paxos which is totally gorgeous - www.paxos-greece.com. Have stayed there a couple of times and loved it.

Santorini is my favourite place in the world. If you can afford it, stay in Oia - even just for a night. Kamari and Perissa make cheaper alternatives for a base. Beaches are stony and not as nice as on Crete, but the views of the Caldera from Oia or Thera are just spectacular.

FunkyDa2

As far as I know, package holidays ex UK direct to western Crete(Chania airport), are available during the summer months. Platanias, and Agia Marina are the main destinations. Either would be a good spot to base yourselves with a view to exploring that end of the island.

Hersheys

I'm a bit biased in that I've essentially lived in Corfu for a few months and I love the place. Down the South of the Island is very nice.

But I've also been to Crete, which I also loved.

Stay away from Kavos (Corfu) and Hersonisis (Crete) and you'll get a nice chilled out resort. I mean that for accomodation, either are worthy of a visit as they have nice restaurants.

Either Island is great, possibly more to do in Crete.

Depends on what you fancy though!

And +1 for Santorini - wowzers.