portugal or crete

[nojoma]

little advice please.....late 20s couple from usa going to Europe for the first time looking for sun and fun primarily.....they have narrowed it down to Portugal or crete....any comments greatly appreciated

[kurnell]

Loved Crete. Never been to Portugal, though if Ronaldo is anything to go by, they must all be aszholes

[AnotherOneAmerican]

Portugal is a bit dull.

Crete is much better, better beaches.

If you want to party, Spain beats the pants off them both.

[nojoma]

AOA.....recommendations in spain

[robertthebruce]

The party island is Ibiza for sure, beautiful place, with loads of clubs and nightlife, beautiful beaches and

Also nice quiet beaches and towns too.

If I had to pick between Portugal or Crete, Crete would win hands down... Another beautiful island...

[Ace of Pop]

Portugal has a nicer climate,but very much more upmarket and expensive than the others.No wild nightlife , im from there, but at your age i went to Corfu or Cyprus, Spain was a Lads only destination.Wild.!!!.

[AnotherOneAmerican]

rb has it

Ibiza or Majorca, maybe Marbella or Malaga

Edited July 13, 2014 by AnotherOneAmerican

[Thainess]

If they're looking for sun and fun and maybe a threesome or two, Pattaya is most definitely the place to be!

[phetphet]

If you want clubbing, in Ibiza you can party 24/7. Google "Ibiza spotlight clubbing" for info on current club nights.

Northern part of the island more family orientated. Also look at day trips or short break to Formentera, (ferry ride from Ibiza Town port).

So much info on the internet, as this place has been "party central" since the '80's Can be expensive.

Crete also very nice. Maybe check out Malia to Agios Nikolaos, but of the two, I would go IBZ.

Can't comment on Portugal as have not been there.

[Lite Beer]

Take a look at Elounda in Crete.

A very beautiful spot.

[SDM0712]

Been to Praia da Lux a few times in Portugal in The Algarve and found it lovely, but a bit sleepy. Never been to Crete but has some great holidays in and Rhodes. I'd definitely recommend the Greek Islands over most other European costal towns in the mid/budget range.

SDM

PS Beware Greeks bearing gifts, especially if it looks like a big horse.

Edited July 13, 2014 by SDM0712

[nidieunimaitre]

OP, just make sure to go in the summer months, Portugal and Greece have a lot of rain outside the summer season!

[nojoma]

muchas gracias for all the advice......will pass it on

[petermik]

Western Crete-Hania area is the nicest part of Crete

[Costas2008]

OP, doesn't really matter if you choose Crete or Portugal.

Each one is unique on it's own.

As long as you book a nice, upmarket resort/hotel to stay, with all the modern facilities.

Try also to rent a car and look around.

Enjoy your Holiday.

[BillyBobThai]

Crete, I spent two months there when I was you age, but that was 38 years ago, and loved it.

[Lite Beer]

Make sure you walk the Samaria Gorge. Western Crete.

http://www.west-crete.com/samaria-gorge.htm

[el jefe]

I've been to Crete twice. First time was in August. Packed. Fun. the second time was in November. It was closed. Unrecognizable from the first trip. We were the only guests in hotels in 3 different towns. So it depends on when you go. Portugal never closes.

[slipperylobster]

Fond memories of Crete....stayed one year in 1973. I am quite I would not recognize Iraklion and the surrounding areas anymore.

[mikebell]

The sea is cold in Portugal. The people rather sour-faced/glum. The Greeks are much more effusive and smiley: in my experience. Get up into the mountains; find a taverna that does Greek dancing; you'll love it.

[Klong Song]

I was on Crete in 71 and 73 and found it to be one if the best places I have been. Like Lite Beer said the Samaria Gorge is a must. A beach called Vai on the other end of the island was the paradise of your dreams. Probably developed by now but still a possibility.

[meatboy]

Portugal has a nicer climate,but very much more upmarket and expensive than the others.No wild nightlife , im from there, but at your age i went to Corfu or Cyprus, Spain was a Lads only destination.Wild.!!!.

been to most of the greek isl.Corfu,kos,Cyprus,and to Portugal.

so if I could go back 50yrs.it would have to be Corfu.