Crete vs Capri. What is better?

When it comes to a place for vacation, the choice can be very difficult. So, where to set up your vacation GPS-navigator: Greece or Italy? Crete or Capri? We’ll try to help.

Briefly about Capri

No doubt you saw network pictures of Domenico Dolce, Stefano Gabbana, Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts, John Travolta and other representatives of the fashion and cinema Olympus walking around the wides of Capri. By the way, as for Olympus. It was this island that became a real challenge for Odysseus who had hardly stood the mesmerizing call of mermaids. As you probably guessed, dangerous seductresses lived in the sea near Capri. A small glamorous Capri of only 10 square kilometers became a symbol of Dolce Vita. The island of rocks and flourishing gardens, luxury hotels, fashion boutiques, yachts, and expensive restaurants.

Briefly about Crete

What about Crete? It is the largest of the Greek islands and provides the most options for holidaymakers. Does not matter whether you are travelling with your family, in a cheerful company of friends, or alone. Does not matter how old you are. Does not matter what you prefer: hiking, diving or dancing. Here you will find anything you need and even more. It may take you just an overnight to go hiking, eat well at a wonderful seaside tavern and dance until morning at a nightclub. An interesting fact: Crete is the home island of Zeus, the supreme god of the entire Olympic pantheon. And this is not just some mermaids.

Having made a brief description of the two islands, we nearly fell into despair. Is it possible to choose the winner? Capri and Crete have their own energy, personalities, unique sights and nature, so you should… or even must visit each island to have your own idea.  We are here just to express our subjective opinion

Capri's strengths

Decent views of the island. The rocky Capri’s land has many observation points overlooking spectacular views. No wonder the writer Maxim Gorky called the island the emerald rimmed by the Bay of Naples. The main point from which you can see this pearl in all its glory is Monte Solaro Mount in Anacapri. Just 10-minutes by cable car and you are on the terrace of the famous Villa San Michele. It is here that professional photographers catch successful shots. And be sure, they will be perfect.

Shopping. No doubt, there comes a moment when you strive for shopping. So move to the center of the village, the Vittoria Piazzetta,  made for people watching and those looking for retail shopping therapy. Gucci, Prada, Versace? Make your choice! There’re also lots of local boutiques offering various goodies. Of course, you can’t leave without getting a pair of iconic hand-made leather sandals that made Jackie Kennedy-Onassis famous and brought her atop the fashion Olympus.

Magic Water. One might wonder how usual sea water may be unique. Take a boat tour to the famous Blue Grotto and you will understand everything. Once the grotto was the sanctuary of Roman Emperor Tiberius and was decorated at that time with statues of Roman sea gods, which you can view at the San Michele museum. The water’s electric blue colour is thanks to the sunlight filtering through two small cavities in the cave wall.

Crete's strengths

Beaches. To make sure, we had to inspect all the Cretan beaches and chose Myrtos and Vai as our favourites. Myrtos sits at the foot of Mount Dikti, which protects the beach from winds and waves making it comfortable for swimming with its calm and warm waters. If you want to feel like in the Caribbean, go to Vai — a long stretch of golden sand with a tavern, parasols as well as diving and snorkeling equipment for rent. We mentioned only two, but in fact, there are much more worthy beaches in Crete.

Walks and Hikes. If Capri’s landscapes are created for contemplation, Crete’s mountainous terrain was made for hiking. It’s time to get out your hiking boots and take the road. The most popular location for hikers is the Samaria Gorge. The well-marked trails make the way easy so you needn’t a guide. Other spots aren’t so well marked, so a map or a navigator will be of help. The you will be able to find the Cave of Zeus on Mount Ida. Greek mythology says that Zeus was born there and was hidden there to keep him safe from his father. Of course, if you get tired of hiking under the hot sun, you can just stroll along the historic streets of Heraklion. You can visit the ruins of Knossos Palace, drop in the Archaeological Museum and shop for dainties at the central market.

Night Life. A holiday in Crete cannot be complete without visiting one of its nightclubs. Life on the island is just beginning after sunset. You can choose any club based on the feedbacks or your own taste. We liked Big Fish known for their theme parties. For something calmer, romantic and low-key, we recommend SixtySix Disco Lounge Bar, a bar with delicious cocktails and nice soft music allowing chatting without trying to outvoice the sound.

Capri's Flavours

Exquisite delicacies. Expect an abundance of pasta, pizza and seafood almost everywhere you drop in, so it may be hard to choose where to go. If you don’t mind, trust us that a must-try is Lo Smeraldo on Piazza Vittoria. The restaurant has a gorgeous terrace overlooking the sea, the perfect place for indulging in delicate raviolis, fresh fish and a famous Caprese cake. For dinner, go to the Michelin-starred Aurora with its elegant and romantic atmosphere and you will remember your meal accompanied by the some of the best vintages in the world forever.

Ice cream There is a cafe in Capri that will make you to reconsider what you called “ice cream” before. Gelateria Buonocore is the place to serve this ambrosia.  Regular goers choose classic chocolate hazelnut as well as lemon tarts. The main thing is to correctly ones strength although this is incredibly difficult.

Crete's Flavours

The food of long-livers. No wonder the Cretan cuisine is recognized as one of the most healthful worldwide. Even simple rural tavernas serve up some incredible and perfectly balanced cuisine, such as Dakos (a bruschetta with tomatoes and creamy cheese) and Kalisunia (Cretan cheese pies). The flavour of almost every dish takes much from wild mountain herbs decorating baked lamb and smoked pork dishes. Whatever you eat, everything will benefit the body, well-being and beauty.

Top-notch taverns. We are sure you might be tempted to splurge on French cuisine at Calypso, but try to control yourself. Spend as much time as you can tasting local delicacies at the classic tavernas with sea views, live music and friendly personnel. Our favourite menus include I Sterna Tou Bloumofisis and Thalassino Ageri. I Sterna Tou Bloumofisis is in the village of Vamos and has no special decorations. But you will forget about everything as soon as you try their specialties. You can’t go wrong if oder squid and goat roasted in a wood-fired oven there. Thalassino Ageri is a spot for seafood-lovers and is located in Chania. Don’t forget the code word: lavraki, which is the most delicate melt-in-your-mouth sea bass.