Crete or Kos?
Both are beaches, history and food destinations in Europe. Crete adds hiking. Kos adds nature and islands.
| Crete | Kos | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Greece | Greece |
| Cost of a week | mid-priced | mid-priced |
| Crowds at peak | high | medium |
| Best months | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep |
| Warmest month | July, 31°C | July, 31°C |
| Coolest month | January, 16°C | January, 15°C |
| Known for | Minoan palace of Knossos, Samaria Gorge, Elafonisi pink sands, legendary Cretan cuisine | Asklepion, Neratzia Castle, Plane Tree of Hippocrates, Embros Thermae |
Month by month, side by side
| Month | Crete | Kos |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 16°C | 15°C |
| Feb | 16°C | 15°C |
| Mar | 16°C | 15°C |
| Apr | 21°C | 19°C |
| May | 24°C | 23°C |
| Jun | 28°C | 27°C |
| Jul | 31°C | 31°C |
| Aug | 31°C | 31°C |
| Sep | 28°C | 28°C |
| Oct | 24°C | 24°C |
| Nov | 22°C | 21°C |
| Dec | 18°C | 17°C |
So which one?
Pick Crete if…
you want hiking. It suits older travellers particularly well.
Pick Kos if…
you want nature and islands. It suits groups of friends particularly well.
Both are at their best in May, June, July, August, September.
Book whichever wins
Common questions
Is Crete or Kos cheaper?
Crete is mid-priced for a week, Kos is mid-priced.
Which is warmer, Crete or Kos?
Crete peaks at 31°C in July; Kos peaks at 31°C in July.
Can you do both in one trip?
Yes — they are in the same country, so combining them is straightforward.
Temperatures are measured averages (ERA5, Open-Meteo). Hotel links are partner links — your price is unchanged.