Crete vs Madeira

Crete

Crete has the warmest and longest summers of any Greek island, with some of the most sunshine hours in Europe. The east of the island (Lasithi) is noticeably warmer and drier than the west (Chania); the mountains create distinct microclimates with heavy snow in winter at altitude. The Meltemi wind blows strongly from the north in summer, cooling beach days but sometimes creating rough ferry crossings.

Madeira

Madeira's weather is the island's greatest paradox: it can be simultaneously sunny on the south coast (Funchal) and completely overcast in the mountains. The island creates its own microclimates — the north is wetter and cooler than the south, and the high peaks above 1,000m are frequently in cloud. Overall, the "Island of Eternal Spring" title is well-earned.

Crete

Crete is a large island (260 km east to west) and a rental car is the single best investment you can make. The KTEL bus network is functional and cheap for the main highway cities but is inadequate for reaching beaches, gorges, and villages. Taxis are available in main towns. Scooter and ATV rentals are popular but responsible for a disproportionate number of tourist injuries.

Walkability: High within Chania and Rethymno old towns; moderate in Heraklion center; low everywhere else on the island. A car is essential beyond the three main cities.

Madeira

Madeira has a decent bus network and an excellent motorway tunnel system, but the island's mountainous topography means a rental car gives access to many trailheads and viewpoints that buses don't reach. Funchal is walkable in the center; everywhere else requires transport.

Walkability: Good in central Funchal (Zona Velha, city center, waterfront). Moderate on the Monte Cable Car route. Low everywhere else — the island's steep, mountainous terrain and spread-out attractions make a car effectively necessary for serious exploration.