Hi! I am looking to spend a week in either. Is it still too cold in Turkey? As long as it's sunny, I don't mind (I'm visiting from Amsterdam, so my weather bar is low). Which is more expensive (any benefit from the falling Lira)? We recently visited Tenerife, so also wondering if Crete will give similar vibes.
Posted by
8447 posts
We have been to Crete (stopped on a cruise for one day to see Knossos), Istanbul and Tenerife.
They are all different. They are all good.
I have been thinking of going back to Crete for a longer stay, it is a large island and there is much to see there. Istanbul we did five days there prior to a cruise over 10 years ago.
Tenerife is not as historical as Istanbul or Crete, but has more exotic wildlife and plantlike.
Turkey is a bit cheaper than the other sites, but not by much.
The only negative about Turkey is that the current President is anti-American and has generated some anti-American feelings in the country. For example, Hagia Sofia, the 15 Century Basilica that the Ottomans converted to a Mosque, was turned into a Museum over a hundred years ago, but recently was turned back into a mosque, limiting where Christians can go in the amazing building.
My choice would be Crete.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
And what about the weather? Also, which month did you go?
Posted by
8447 posts
It was in July and hot, but I have been to mainland Greece in late March and the weather was nice, but a bit chilly.
Seems like there were highs in the 60s Fahrenheit.
Posted by
1536 posts
If you go to istanbul, include the basilica cistern!!!
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1471 posts
I haven't been to Crete,but IMO Istanbul and Cappadocia are wionderful! I hope tou have two weekends to bracket your trip. Turkey has lots to see and do. Istanbul, 3 days for sure.