Crete's probably the better choice for a first trip to the Greek islands because it's so large that you can do something else if you're getting bored at the beach. I'd recommend hiring a car and visiting Chania port and Heraklion. Plenty of beaches between them on the north coast. Drive over the mountains to the south coast and the beaches and villages are very different. Crete was also the site of a major WW2 battle and British evacuation so there's a lot of that history too if it interests you. There's a fascinating little museum on the road to Sfakia which is basically some fellas house that he's filled with WW2 relics that he's collected from all over the island. Knock on his door and he'll show you around but he doesn't speak English so he just points to the items saying "English" or "German".
Yeh but pa you're forgetting lasithi and the cave where zeus was born, not to mention knossos and spinalonga
Most of the Greek islands I've visited in the last 10-15 years have clearly seen better days. All are looking pretty shabby except perhaps Santorini.
Also if you get up in the hills-maybe on a moped-look out for the vultures-about the size of a hearth-rug.
Have fun! Where in crete you stopping?
Me too!
