Is Crete Expensive?

No, we have not found Crete expensive, as long as you choose carefully where and what you eat, drink and stay. It is a question we are often asked. Crete is the largest Greek island, with many beach resorts, and one of the most visited places in Greece.

A holiday on Crete was once very cheap. Prices changed during the Greek debt crisis of the 2010s, and the cost of a holiday has risen since then, as it has across Europe.

Compared with Turkey or Egypt, or with Greek islands such as Mykonos and Santorini, we still have not found Crete expensive.

Crete is big and offers a lot of choice, which keeps it affordable. Unlike some smaller Greek Islands and mainland Greece, Crete grows most of its own food and indeed exports many fruits, vegetables, wine and olive oil to other areas of Greece and abroad. Locally grown and produced food is cheap in Crete.

Cheap local produce keeps prices down in tavernas, restaurants and many hotels. Residents can compare day-to-day costs in our guide to the cost of living in Crete.

Is Crete Expensive for Drinks?

Drinks in Crete are cheap if you stick to local ones. Imported spirits such as gin, whisky and rum can be expensive, but the local ouzo and raki are very cheap. Imported beers and ciders can also seem pricey, while Greek beers such as Alfa and Mythos make your budget go much further.

Local wine is cheap on Crete, and most restaurants and tavernas serve barrel wine in half-litre and litre carafes. Some very good red, rosé and white wines are served this way. And of course the pine flavoured Retsina is very cheap in Crete.

Cocktail prices vary from resort to resort and bar to bar. A ‘Happy Hour’ two-for-one offer can be a good bargain, and on Crete the ‘Happy Hour’ often stretches over many hours!

Soft drinks and fresh orange juice can also be reasonably priced in Crete.

Is Crete Expensive for Food?

Food in Crete is good value, especially if you choose seasonal, locally grown, locally raised or locally caught produce.

The Gyros (kebabs) are also very cheap and you’ll find they are the most popular take away food in Crete.

Rabbit and lamb dishes on Cretan menus are usually cheaper than imported beef or veal.

Fresh fish and seafood can be expensive in Crete, often priced by the kilo. Octopus and squid (kalamari) dishes stretch your budget further.

Vegetarians have a good choice of cheap food in Crete. Greek vegetarian dishes include stuffed tomatoes, Fava which is a split pea dish, Briam which is similar to ratatouille and Spanakopita which is a tasty spinach pie.
 
Portions are often huge in Crete, so sharing a salad or main course is quite acceptable on a budget. One Greek or Cretan salad and one main course, such as moussaka, makes a cheap meal for two.

Is Crete Expensive for Accommodation?

Accommodation in Crete ranges from cheap studios to expensive villas and 5-star hotels, which cost most in June, July and August. Even so, Crete’s luxury and all-inclusive hotels compare favourably with other destinations such as Cyprus, Turkey or Egypt and are cheaper than some areas of Greece and its islands such as Mykonos and Santorini.

Crete also has plenty of budget studios, cheap apartments, self-catering suites and small bed-and-breakfast hotels.

Is Crete Expensive for Car and Scooter Hire?

Car hire in Crete costs about the same as in other holiday destinations such as Spain, Cyprus, Turkey or Egypt. The same applies to scooter, moped and quad bike hire.

Is Crete Expensive for Excursions?

Excursions in Crete can be cheap, and some sights are free. The Commonwealth War Cemetery at Souda Bay and the German war cemetery at Maleme are free to visit. Ancient Aptera charges an entry fee; check current prices on the Ministry of Culture’s Odysseus site.

Crete’s plateaus, mountains and gorges cost little or nothing to explore, and the scenery is the reward.