Crete is bigger than Cyprus.
Complete answer
Crete, the largest Greek island, is indeed bigger than Cyprus, the third largest island in the Mediterranean. According to the CIA World Factbook, Crete has a total land area of 8,336 square kilometers, while Cyprus has a total land area of 9,251 square kilometers. However, size is not the only factor that determines the beauty and charm of an island.
As Kevin Rushby, a travel writer for The Guardian, wrote about Crete: “This island, the biggest of Greece’s many, is impossible to pin down with a single experience. Its topography alone is wildly varied, from the rugged White Mountains in the west – where the walking season lasts from April to November – to the barren hills of the east that look like the set for a Spaghetti Western.”
Similarly, Cyprus boasts its own unique attractions, such as the ancient coastal city of Paphos, which is a World Heritage site, and the stunning beaches of Ayia Napa. It also has a fascinating blend of Greek and Turkish cultural influences.
Here are some interesting facts about these two beautiful islands:
- Crete is home to the oldest city in Europe, Knossos, which dates back to 7000 BC.
- According to Greek mythology, Crete was the birthplace of Zeus, the king of the gods.
- Cyprus is famous for its production of halloumi cheese, which is a staple in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
- Cyprus is also home to the oldest wine label in the world, Commandaria, which dates back to 800 BC.
- Both Crete and Cyprus were important centers of the ancient Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations.
- Cyprus has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlements dating back to 10,000 BC.
To summarize, while Crete may be slightly smaller than Cyprus, both islands have a wealth of history, culture, and natural beauty to offer visitors. As the popular saying goes, “good things come in small packages,” and these two islands certainly prove that true.
Table:
| Crete | Cyprus | |
|---|---|---|
| Land area | 8,336 sq km | 9,251 sq km |
| Population | Approx. 632,000 | Approx. 1.2M |
| Capital | Heraklion | Nicosia |
| Official languages | Greek | Greek, Turkish |
Associated video
In “Crete: The Best & Worst of Visiting Crete, Greece,” the speaker covers various topics on visiting Crete. They caution that driving on the island, especially on mountainous and narrow roads, can be nerve-wracking. However, the island’s sand beaches, hospitality, affordability, and unique cuisine, including regional dishes like “Cretan pasta,” offer visitors an excellent experience. Furthermore, the speaker mentions exploring small villages beyond the popular tourist destinations, hiking mountains, and visiting monasteries and churches to appreciate the island’s culture and beauty. Despite the summer months being peak season with a high volume of tourists, Crete offers year-round tourism.
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Crete – The Largest Island In Greece Crete is not an independent country. Instead, it is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands and the 5th largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.
Crete island is 0.90 times as big as Cyprus It has an area of 8,336 km 2 (3,219 sq mi) and a coastline of 1,046 km (650 mi).
Crete island is 0.91 times as big as Cyprus
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What is the difference between Crete and Cyprus?
Response to this: Cyprus is a very different island from Crete. It is the third largest and the third most populated island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is an island steeped in myth and riddled with ancient cities and tales. Cyprus was settled by Mycenaean Greeks in ancient times and has long had a predominately Greek identity.
Is it possible to visit Crete and Cyprus?
Answer to this: Both islands are very different – if one has the time, perhaps it would be possible to visit both islands while there. As Crete is part of Greece, it is also part of the Schengen Area. Cyprus is part of the European Union but not part of the Schengen Area.
Is Crete better than Cypriot cuisine?
Cypriot cuisine has a rich and unique flavor. It offers thousands of local specialities full of fresh ingredients. However, the Greek island of Crete is considered the “most delicious” island in the world and one of the top 10 best culinary destinations on the planet, so if you are planning to enjoy an amazing culinary journey, Crete is preferable.
What is Crete known for?
Response will be: Instead, it is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands and the 5th largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is around 100 miles south of the Greek mainland. Like many other regions in the area, Crete has a long history, with evidence of people on the island going back as far as 130,000 years ago (the Paleolithic age).
What is the difference between Crete and Cyprus?
The reply will be: Cyprus is a very different island from Crete. It is the third largest and the third most populated island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is an island steeped in myth and riddled with ancient cities and tales. Cyprus was settled by Mycenaean Greeks in ancient times and has long had a predominately Greek identity.
Is it possible to visit Crete and Cyprus?
Response to this: Both islands are very different – if one has the time, perhaps it would be possible to visit both islands while there. As Crete is part of Greece, it is also part of the Schengen Area. Cyprus is part of the European Union but not part of the Schengen Area.
What is Crete known for?
Response: Instead, it is the largest and most populous of the Greek islands and the 5th largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is around 100 miles south of the Greek mainland. Like many other regions in the area, Crete has a long history, with evidence of people on the island going back as far as 130,000 years ago (the Paleolithic age).
Is Crete better than Cypriot cuisine?
Answer to this: Cypriot cuisine has a rich and unique flavor. It offers thousands of local specialities full of fresh ingredients. However, the Greek island of Crete is considered the “most delicious” island in the world and one of the top 10 best culinary destinations on the planet, so if you are planning to enjoy an amazing culinary journey, Crete is preferable.