What is better to choose for a holiday, Greece or Montenegro? Where and how best to relax in Greece: useful tips

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Editor: Irina

Greece or Türkiye? We were both there and there – only once, though. And because It’s impossible to make an objective comparison based on such experience; it was decided to ask friends and acquaintances and delve deeper into the forums.

And let the numbers for 2018 seem to hint at something:

🇹🇷 Türkiye – 5.9 million tourists from Russia
🇬🇷 Greece – 950 thousand

...we tried to present everything as impartially as possible :)

Addressed to non-Muscovites. Is there a flight from your city? - a question that can dispel any argument in favor of a particular country. And to top it off - are you ready to go to the nearest city where air traffic is established? There are no problems with Turkey in this regard, in the summer it is everywhere and from everywhere, but Greece... thank you if there are flights to Rhodes and Crete once a week.

You can inquire about tours and make sure in advance about the flight program to Greece or Turkey for 2019 at:

The services analyze the databases of all leading tour operators, compare offers and show the lowest possible prices - convenient for calculating where it is cheaper.

Visa differences

A visa to Greece with a clean passport was given for six months

🇹🇷 Türkiye is captivating because entry for 60 days is without a visa. The main thing is that the passport is valid for at least 4 months after arrival in the country.

🇬🇷 Greece “repels” with necessity presence of Schengen. Without a valid sticker abroad, it will not be possible to pick up and fly away tomorrow or the day after tomorrow. Schengen visa to Greece:

processed at the consulate/accredited visa centers, which is not available in every city
done within 7 days after submitting documents
costs - at best - 35 euros (consulate). For regions – from 55 euros (GVCW visa centers). Free for children under 6 years old

Flight and distances

Türkiye or Greece - which is better tolerated if you count the hours spent in the air? Almost equivalent.

🇹🇷 The flight from Moscow to any coast of Turkey lasts 3.5 hours.
🇬🇷 To Greece: mainland – 3-3.5 hours; islands – 3.5-4 hours.

A group transfer from Antalya Airport to a hotel on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey takes an hour and a half (but two or three to Alanya). But on the Aegean coast it may take the same amount of time, but it will take a lot of time - the coastline is very indented.

In Greece, the longest journeys are in Crete (from Heraklion airport to the resort of Paleochora in the south - 3 hours) and Halkidiki (from Thessaloniki airport to the south of the peninsula - about 2.5 hours). On other islands the bus rides don’t last longer than an hour and a half :)

For independent tourists: We resolve the transfer issue through . Especially if we travel with a group. So in Greece, in Athens, a car from the airport to the hotel costs the price of a bus ticket - 6-8 euros per person.

Where is the best place to relax in summer and spring? Seasons in countries

Is the weather similar in Turkey and Greece? In order not to burden you with definitions of where the climate is, let’s say it’s hot everywhere in the summer. Please note that the range of sensations from the heat is revealed depending on the humidity.

Resorts with high humidity:
🇹🇷 in Turkey - the entire Mediterranean Sea (Side, Belek, Alanya, Fethiye, Kemer is especially “atrocious”)
🇬🇷 in Greece - the island of Corfu and Chalkidiki
With a reduced temperature, and even blown by the winds:
🇹🇷 Aegean Sea (Bodrum, Marmaris, Kusadasi)
🇬🇷 islands of Kos, Rhodes, Crete

The drier, the easier. We vacationed in Rhodes in June - it felt like the sun was getting hot, but the wind was a great help (no, we didn’t have to freeze when leaving the water). And we vacationed in Side in August... can we not remember these +35 degree days and sticky evenings?

However, in Turkey on the Antalya coast - longest season, starting early, in May, and winding down late, in November. In Greece, Rhodes and Crete stay the longest (June-October).

What to choose?

in spring

At the end of April: Türkiye, from Kemer to Alanya. Swimming is possible (+20°С), but for sunbathing – excellent (+27°С)

The cheapness of “package” Greece continues further, the price of weekly trips to more star hotels is lower or at the same level as Turkey:

	3 stars	4 stars	5 stars
Greece	from 42 000	from 45 000	from 60 000
Türkiye	from 46 000	from 47 000	from 58 000

The whole irony is in the equivalence of hotels. A typical “Turkish” reservation - all inclusive, with a huge territory, its own sandy beach and active animation - is the request of every second tourist. And the most profitable way to satisfy it is in Turkey (for example, in 5* for 70,000 rubles in October). In Greece, such Wishlist will cost an order of magnitude more (as in 5* for 120,000 rubles). And if you check the ultra all box, you will be surprised not so much by the difference in price as by the choice: relatively speaking, if there are 150 such hotels in 🇹🇷, then in 🇬🇷 there are only 10!

Why then do they go to this Greece? They come for active recreation, for independence. They stay in hotels without “all inclusive”, rent a car, communicate with the locals. The height of assimilation is to book air tickets (from 12,000 rubles roundtrip per person), rent an apartment near the beach you like (from 4,000 rubles per night) and not depend on anyone!

Excursions and attractions

If you choose where it is better to go - to Turkey or Greece, based on the excursion and educational component, then it is more difficult here. Each country has an equal share of historical and natural attractions and entertainment. The only thing is that Greece is a little more varied; you can’t travel around it even ten times. Just look at its 1000+ islands with azure coasts!

Prices for excursions (per person):

🇹🇷 Türkiye	🇬🇷 Greece
Outside the resort/country, for 1-2 days
Northern Cyprus: $200-250 Rhodes, Kos (Greece): €20-45 – for the Aegean coast Israel: $250-300	Marmaris, Fethiye (Türkiye): €20-45 Its nearby islands (for example, from Rhodes to Symi: €23) Santorini: €200-250
Overview of the resort, for the day
Tours around Antalya and Alanya: $20-40	Island tour: €50-60
Local hot spots
Pamukalle: $50 Ephesus: $6.5 – for the Aegean coast	Entrance to the historical site: €10-12

Were you surprised by the excursion from Turkey to Greece? Schengen is not required for this cruise. It is enough to apply for an island visa on the spot (photo, passport and 35 euros), and in an hour and a half by ferry you can find yourself on the opposite shore (and check for yourself where it is better). Of course, if you sail from Greece to visit Turkey, you don’t need any visa.

Please note that renting a car is a direct way to save money on excursions. But specifically in Greece, where you can find a car for €20-25 per day. In Turkey, for comparison, $35-50 per day. The situation with public transport is exactly the opposite: in Turkey, trips around the city or close intercity will cost 5-10 liras, in Greece - €3-4.

Holidays with children - Türkiye or Greece?

The next question on the agenda: Türkiye or Greece - which is better with children? This is probably one of the rare moments when you cannot argue with the opinion of the majority.

It’s really easier in Turkey with a child. There are many hotels with a club concept, where the territory has everything you could want; Children's animation (Russian-language!) is developed at a high level. But we would add an age range: with a child from a year and up to 10 years old. With those who are younger or older, you can fly to Greece. The first one doesn’t care where, the main thing is the mother, the second ones are already adults, so they can survive trips by car/buses to sights and travel on schedule :)

As for... We will list the obvious pros and cons:

– less common, but more “biting” in cost all inclusive
– even on all inclusive, sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach may be paid for. The entire coastline in Greece is municipal, so you’ll also have to look for private sandy beaches
– the hotel infrastructure for children’s recreation is meager: animation, water park slides, and carousels – not everyone will offer this

Lots of apart-hotels and apartments with kitchens - in case you need to cook
+ food, it seemed to us, was clearer; in stores - quality products

Where is a safer holiday?

Talking about security is too subjective, especially about Turkey. What does a tourist see when vacationing in a strictly limited area (hotel-beach)? Smiles, service, serene vacationers. You won’t find police or military like that, but everything is guarded with reinforced concrete.

Border between Syria and Turkey: all resorts are far from it. Yes, the number of police officers has been increased, checks have been stepped up at airports and at the entrances to them. But the war is already in its sixth year, and the flow of tourists is only increasing. If Greece is also afraid of the Syrian issue (for example, Rhodes, which is like an island bordering Turkey, i.e. a “window to Europe” for migrants), then here is personal experience - there are no refugees at all. And we visited many nooks and crannies.

Thefts: It’s interesting that even in Italy – on hotel grounds, not to mention beaches and cities – thefts are not uncommon. In this regard, Türkiye and Greece are much calmer.

Driving: what tourist reviews emphasize is that there is a certain extravagance in Turkish drivers. They're driving recklessly, driving, traffic rules? (no, we haven’t heard). In Greece it is quieter - measured, with understanding. Perhaps also because there are more holidaymakers on the roads.

Beach holidays and sea

I want white sand - where is the best place to go? Türkiye or Greece? The beaches here and there can be found both sandy and pebble. But the sand, alas, is yellowish in color, not Maldivian.

It seemed to us that if in Turkey it’s not so easy to stumble upon pebbles (except for Kemer and the Aegean Sea), then in Greece it’s the opposite - you need to know where to choose a hotel near the sandy coast. But this is also a plus, clear water is a direct result of small pebbles, there is no cloudy suspension of sand.

What other differences? In Greece, hotels do not have their own beach, with very rare exceptions. You can also count on one hand the beach bars that are dear to the hearts of Turkish fans (where everything is free, if on all). But the Greek coast is more picturesque! These cozy bays and the blue-blue sea - for the sake of this you can put up with a towel and the absence of a mojito :)

Cost of 2 sun loungers and an umbrella: in Greece a set costs ≈ €7; in Turkey, if you manage to get to a public or paid beach - 15 liras.

Resorts in countries

Which vacation do you like more - lying on the beach or walking around the sights and the city? It’s clearly the latter for us :)

Most likely, you know how categorical reviews from tourists can be. And when it comes to contrasting one “pop” resort with another, the quietly peacefully emerging discussion quickly slides into a whole battle, where those participating do not hesitate to express contempt in a free form. And behind this, all the valuable information that could be lost is lost...

In the case of Turkey and Greece, such topics are very hot 🙂 Against the first, “weighty” arguments are given in the style of “a low-budget vacation spot in Tagil” or “a potbelly vacation in an ollo-factory with a fattening until the elastic of your panties breaks.” Well, about Greece they write something like “they wander around with children in the heat, looking for where to eat”, “they cook themselves, wash their towels”, “they trudge to the public beach with some mats.” In general, you can see who is affected by what.

Therefore, opinions should be formed on facts. Which we hope we have clearly stated in each of the sections.

And to summarize, let’s do this approximate “to whom and where”:

It seems you are in Türkiye!
If:

– ... for the first time abroad. Get comfortable, look around, understand whether you need all-inclusive on vacation
- ... the weather and the sea are important, but to make it hotter - it’s warmer in Turkey at any time of the year
– ... we need a lazy reboot, i.e. sunbed, food and sea, and even more so in a luxury hotel
- ... you’re going to hang out and sunbathe, but it’s cheap
– ... vacation in November or May, but I want to swim
– ... the budget is strictly limited, and it is more convenient for you to pay for everything at once, rather than look for places according to the principle “where can we eat inexpensively today?”
– ... you are planning to fly with a child from 1 to 10 years old and you hope that you will be able to entertain him, feed him, and bathe him
-... you haven’t been there yet

Looks like you're in Greece!
If:

– ...were in Turkey and you doubt whether to return
– ... tour operators offer last-minute tours in both directions, and you have Schengen
Explanation: we are afraid to go to a 3* Turkish all-inclusive (and, as a rule, they are on fire), but we have no doubt about a Greek 2* without meals. In the end, the concept of “five level three” and “three level …” is applicable only to Turkey.
– ... lounging on the beach is not for you; you love to walk a lot, climb both on foot and by car to historical ruins and natural attractions
- ... terrified of anthill hotels, can’t stand group transfers and hate being tied to a hotel because it’s “paid for” - in short, for complete independence
– ... do you like how this plan sounds: “let’s rent a car, see all 28 places that are marked (and also sail to the islands), be sure to try Khoriatiki/moussaka/meze/kleftiko, relax in the evenings with wine and olives”

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Ypres and Crete are very similar. These are islands with a similar name, quite large, and both are located in the Mediterranean Sea. You can also have a good rest in Cyprus and Crete, which tourists from all over the world enjoy. But, naturally, each island has its own characteristics.

Finding Cyprus and Crete on the map is very easy. They are located close to each other, in the Mediterranean Sea. From the airport of the Cypriot resort of Larnaca to the airport of Heraklion on Crete, the plane flies for about an hour and a half, covering about 800 km. This proximity determined the similarity of these two geographical objects:

Cyprus and Crete: how are they different?

We will find the most important difference if we look at the world map again, only politically. The island of Crete has a very interesting history. It experienced both the flourishing of civilization and conquests, for example, by the Ottoman Empire, was autonomous, and finally joined Greece in 1913. But Cyprus has an even more interesting, complicated and tragic history. He also experienced different periods, including wars of conquest and liberation. In 1960, Cyprus became an independent state. However, after this, the conflict between the Turks and the Greeks (the main people groups in Cyprus) did not go away. And now the island is de jure one state - the Republic of Cyprus, and de facto - its northern part (about 40% of the territory) belongs to the unrecognized state of Northern Cyprus.

Tourists need to understand that all these political events do not affect their vacation. In both Greece and the Republic of Cyprus, tourism has become one of the budget revenue items. Therefore, government agencies simplify the visa regime as much as possible and attract tourists in every possible way. So most travelers can visit both countries, naturally, if they have the financial means.

Greece or Cyprus, which is better for tourists and what other differences they have:

Visa regime. Cyprus allows Russians into the country with a national visa. It is easier to obtain than the Schengen visa required for tourists in Greece. However, experienced travelers know that becoming the owner of a “Greek Schengen” is easy, the percentage of refusals is minimal.
In Cyprus, traffic is on the left, and in Crete, as throughout Greece, it is on the right. Naturally, most of the world's tourists in Cyprus will need some time to get used to if they want to rent a car.
Beaches and hotels. There are more pebble beaches in Crete, and sandy ones in Cyprus. This is especially important for parents with children. And the service in hotels in Cyprus is better. For some reason, in Crete hotels there is a discrepancy between the level of services provided and the declared stars. But holidays here are cheaper.
Differences in cuisines. You will taste a lot of delicious food in taverns in both countries. But in Cyprus it would be a crime not to taste local wines, and in Crete it would be a crime not to taste honey. By the way, you should buy them as a souvenir for yourself and your loved ones.

Cyprus or Crete: which is better?

Knowing the features of these islands, their similarities and differences, each tourist will be able to choose where to spend their vacation. Those who value a high level of service and a comfortable stay will buy a trip to Cyprus. Families with children also often choose this island because of its sandy beaches. Those who want to relax cheaper are more likely to go to Greek Crete. And the money saved will be spent on excursions.

Which is better to choose Cyprus or Crete (Greece) for a holiday?

Rating:

Where is it better to relax - in Greece or Turkey? Where is the sea warmer and the beaches cleaner? Where are there more sandy ones? We compare prices for tours, food, entertainment and excursions. Material based on tourist reviews about holidays in Turkey and Greece!

Beaches and sea

Greece. Greece is washed by 7 seas. On the western side is the Ionian Sea (Corfu, Zakin, Ithaca, Cephalonia), which warms up to +14°C in winter, and up to +26°C in the hottest month. here lasts from June to the end of October.

In the Mediterranean Sea, the water has a beautiful blue color. It is warmer and saltier, which is why the islands in this part of Greece are the most popular among tourists. The water even in October is up to +23°C.

The Aegean Sea is distinguished by the absolute cleanliness of its beaches (42 of them) and water. This part has the best equipped beaches. The water warms up enough already in the spring and is still warm even in November. Yacht owners and divers gather here: the bottom is incredibly beautiful even at shallow depths, and there is a lot to see in the numerous caves.

Map of the best resorts and beaches in Greece

Türkiye. Turkey is washed by 4 seas, the warmest and shallowest of which is Marmara. This part has gently sloping sandy beaches and a lot of them. The Aegean Sea is distinguished by its depth, and the Black Sea is also cool. Here the beaches are strewn with large pebbles and stones, and the shores are indented with rocks. The seabed is also rocky, which is not suitable for a family holiday. However, for divers and yachtsmen this is a favorite part of the country. There are also beautiful mountains in the Black Sea coast area, so there are no fewer climbers here.

The Mediterranean side with fine sand or a small admixture of pebbles is beyond competition. Even in October the sea water is very warm. And if you have children with you and you are choosing where it is better - in Turkey or Greece, then feel free to give preference to the Turkish coast of the Mediterranean Sea. If, of course, you want to save a little on your vacation and not go wrong with comfort.

Where is better? Türkiye is a little poorer in terms of beautiful waters, but is not inferior in cleanliness of the beaches. Many of them are annual Blue Flag holders. The development of coastal areas and hotel service are also excellent.

There are 380 beaches in Greece, all awarded the Blue Flag. According to reviews, if you choose where the beaches are better - in Turkey or Greece, then tourists choose Greece.

Map of the best resorts and beaches in Turkey

Infrastructure

Greece. All Greek beaches are municipal - anyone can see the beauty. The coastal areas are landscaped, including even small bays. The necessary amenities are provided for tourists, but sunbeds and umbrellas are paid. Hotels charge 8 euros for them, which is twice the Turkish prices.

In Greece, 2* and 3* complexes are the most popular. They have minimal furnishings (with air conditioning and TV) and a small territory, but they are inexpensive. 4* complexes are very comfortable, and at the Deluxe level guests of 5-star apartments are served.

families with children choose Halkidiki - there are hotels of all types on this island.
Connoisseurs of comfort will also find it suitable - in Crete it is customary to rent entire villas, and Rhodes is loved by wealthy Europeans.
Corfu offers luxury holidays - there are only luxury hotels of the Deluxe type.

Türkiye. In Turkish resorts, the best hotels are located on the 1st or 2nd line (up to 500 m from the sea). Usually these are 4* and 5*, less often - 3*. Moreover, the actual status of the complexes does not always correspond to real estimates. Boutique hotels have become popular in Turkey: there are few rooms, a minimum number of staff and there is no all-inclusive system, but the design of the apartments is unique.

What's better. When choosing between Greece and Turkey, study reviews of the hotels you like. In Greek hotels there is no service for issuing or renting beach towels. You will also have to pay for umbrellas and sun loungers that belong to your hotel (including pool seats). The Turks beat their competitors and offered the most thoughtful service.

Video - seaside holidays in Greece

Kitchen

Greece. Greek cuisine is distinguished by an abundance of seafood dishes, fresh salads with cheeses such as feta and olives, a variety of vegetables and fruits, and delicious wine. Tourists are offered to start with the tzatziki appetizer, try the vegetable meatballs keftedes, local cabbage rolls dolmadakya, and the famous Greek salad khoriatiki. The lunch diet is dominated by lamb, stewed vegetables, and pasta. Children really love sweet puff pastries, which may even have meat filling. Tourists are also delighted with loukoumades donuts, melomacarona cookies and kourabiedes.

Note! Hotels may not have a children's menu, and cheap complexes provide only breakfast or no food at all.

Prestigious hotels in Greece operate on Full Board (three meals a day), Half Board - two meals a day and All Inclusive - buffet, the most expensive type of voucher.

(Photo © ohhenry415 / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Türkiye. The cuisine is predominantly meat-based: it is prepared from lamb, beef, and poultry. The portions are large and the dishes are filling. Kebabs, sweets, and various salads are extremely popular.

All Turkish 4* and 5* hotels operate according to two systems - “all inclusive” and “ultra all inclusive”. In each case, there is a buffet for adults (several types of soups, a selection of national meat dishes and cold cuts, fresh salads, desserts, lots of fresh fruit), children's cuisine (yogurts, cereals, low-fat broths, juices). All Inclusive includes locally produced alcohol, and Ultra All Inclusive includes additional imported alcohol, snacks throughout the day, etc.

Where is better? Keep in mind that Türkiye and Greece offer different food systems. Greek cuisine is more varied, but it is better to try it in local taverns, and in hotels, for example, take only breakfast. Tourists are advised to come to Turkey on an all-inclusive basis.

(Photo © booking.com / Palmiye Beach Hotel)

Tours to Greece and Turkey in 2019

Greece. In summer, trips to Greek resorts with departure from Moscow cost from 25-30 thousand rubles for two for 7 nights - these are 1* or 2* hotels without meals. Weekly vouchers to 2* and 3* hotels on line 1 cost from 35-40 thousand, 4* - from 55 thousand, 5* - from 85 thousand rubles.

Prices for all-inclusive tours to Greece from June to November 2019:

month	7 days	11 days	14 days
June	40000	55000	66000
July	42000	62000	67000
August	48000	68000	75000
September	44000	55000	61000
October	43000	53000	60000
november	44000	54000	59000

Türkiye. As in Greece, trips to Turkey are always cheap. A trip for a week in the summer costs from 28 thousand rubles in 2* or 3*, from 40 thousand in 4* hotels, from 50 thousand in 5* hotels. Prices are for two with departure from Moscow.

Prices for all-inclusive tours to Turkey from June to November 2019:

month	7 days	11 days	14 days
June	32000	40000	43000
July	34000	43000	47000
August	38000	44000	49000
September	36000	41000	45000
October	34000	39000	42000
november	44000	52000	56000

Where is better? If you choose between Turkey and Greece in terms of price, then Turkey is cheaper. Tourists advise choosing a good hotel in Turkey with all the services, and your vacation will be no worse than a Greek one, but much more economical.

Video - why is it better to fly to Turkey in autumn?

Prices for food, excursions and entertainment

In Turkey expensive restaurants. Lunch for two will cost about $60 or more. Thrifty tourists can find:

local catering establishments with set lunches up to $11;
fast food - up to $19;
inexpensive cafes where an omelette with filling, fresh salad and two cups of tea/coffee will cost up to $40.

Those who cook themselves are better off buying food at markets or chain supermarkets - it’s cheaper.

Turkish resorts offer standard entertainment organized by hotel complexes. There must be animation (free), trips to a water park (no more than $30), scuba diving ($40-60), safari (no more than $40). Sea excursion programs will cost the most (about $70).

Greece famous for its gastronomy and affordable lunch prices. Breakfast in the restaurant will cost 5 euros, lunch - up to 14, and dinner - around 25 €. If you compare the cost of steaks, on the islands a dish costs 14 €, and in Turkish restaurants it costs up to $40. For small taverns, of which there are many on the islands, the indicated prices are divided in half. Therefore, vacationers buy cheap tours without meals, and have lunch and dinner in inexpensive cafes or taverns with an average price tag per person of 7 €.

In Greece, short tours to historical places cost 20-40 euros (visiting ancient buildings, excavations) and excursion programs to 7 islands costing 400/650/1000 euros are common. On such excursions you will see beautiful bays and sunken ships. You can also visit numerous museums for 2-6 €, go to a water park (from 30 euros per person), and ride a yacht for 70 €.

Where is better? In both countries you can eat deliciously and inexpensively (with the exception of restaurants), and there is plenty of entertainment and excursions everywhere.

Which is better for vacation - Greece or Türkiye

If Turkey has different parts of its coastline washed by four seas, then Greece has about 2 thousand islands. The waters of both countries are clean, but the Greeks can boast of warm seas almost all year round.

Flight tickets are equally in demand in the summer heat and winter frosts. In both countries, October is considered the high season, but even in December, hotels do not stop receiving tourists and are ready to offer the best conditions to their visitors.

So where is it better to relax - in Greece or Turkey? The choice is difficult, and there is no clear answer. If you want quality service at an affordable price, go to Turkey, especially since it is “tailored” to Russians and their tastes. If you want an intense cultural and excursion holiday, go to Greece. Türkiye is popular among couples: here, every hotel provides not only a children's menu, but also animation. Greece is often chosen by romantic couples and shopping lovers, because the country's specialty is shopping tours for fur products.

(Photo © Mariamichelle / pixabay.com)

Introductory image source: © booking.com / Domes Noruz Chania.

I definitely recommend Greece. I'll try to explain why. Going to Greece just to frantically explore the tourist attractions or just lazily lie on the local beach is a crime. In this country you can and should enjoy your holiday: food and wine, warm sea, interesting communication with local residents and enjoying amazing nature, the antiquities of Hellas and silence, cheerful discos and fun. Everyone at once - there is simply no other way to relax in Greece.

Sunny Greece is closer to Russia than it might seem to you when studying its location on the map. In fact, if we forget for a while about unmistakably precise parallels and meridians, it turns out that our countries are very similar in mentality, and Greeks and Russians, in addition to the Orthodox faith, have much in common.

It is not surprising that Greece in our country has already developed its own and quite a considerable army of loyal and constant fans, to which I include myself. First of all, these are those travelers who intend to fully taste the charm of a beach holiday “Mediterranean style” and enjoy the historical excursion program, while being among like-minded people, feeling like they belong everywhere.

Winter guests in Greece will enjoy comfortable warm weather, no influx of tourists, a huge number of year-round attractions and an ideally developed tourist infrastructure. And also, in winter the popular “fur coat tours”, beautiful nature and the opportunity to relax on one of the many islands of the country do not disappear. Significantly reduced prices in the country's spa hotels during the off-season will pleasantly complement the picture.

In Mediterranean Greece, it will be hot and dry in the summer, with more than 300 sunny days a year. The very hot season is from July to August, so those who like to relax in moderate air temperatures are better off coming to Greece in May or June, as well as in September or October. And it is better to choose Crete or Rhodes. But the islands will still be hotter than in the northern part of mainland Greece. In Athens, the average temperature will be the same as on the islands, but their climate is milder, and therefore the heat will be easily tolerated. At the beginning and end of summer, it can even be cool here at night due to the constant breeze. By the way, the active tourism season on the islands begins much earlier than in northern Greece, and lasts from April until October. In northern Greece, the season lasts from early May to September. But the mildest periods for stay are May-June and from September to October.

Please note that all beaches in Greece are only municipal. Sun beds and umbrellas are available for an additional fee (about 4-6 euros per day), but many hotels provide them for free. The vast majority of beaches here are sandy, but pebble ones are rare. Beaches on the mainland are noisier than on secluded islands; in the latter there are many pleasant cozy bays and often the sea is calmer.

Greek cuisine deserves special attention. This is an abundance of vegetables and herbs, all kinds of fresh dairy products, olives and oil made from them, bread and wine. And from the “heavy” meat, poultry and lamb are most often prepared here, but they do not shy away from beef and pork. I definitely recommend trying a real Greek salad, grilled octopus, “moussaka” - a kind of eggplant casserole with minced meat and tomatoes, “pastitsio” - similar to lasagna, “stifado” - a stew of meat with onions in a wine-cinnamon sauce, finally, “spetsofai” - sausages with fresh tomatoes.

In any point of any district of the Greek city there will definitely be some kind of snack bar, pastry shop or just a coffee shop. Restaurants serving international and Greek cuisine are also everywhere, and the portions served will definitely not offend even the hungriest travelers.

Well, what kind of purchases can be made in Greece? In addition to fur coats and fur products, it is profitable to purchase good knitwear, leather goods and leather shoes. It’s not for nothing that many tourists go to Greece on shopping tours. In addition, here you can find high-quality and quite varied gold jewelry. Antique lovers will love the Athens antique markets. As souvenirs, figurines made of marble or alabaster, as well as other ceramics, lace or embroidery, will be economical. One of the products that tourists most often buy in Greece is olive oil. It can be bought both in supermarkets and at the airport in duty free. It is worth paying attention to honey, olives, and ouzo. They often replace tourists with souvenirs and gifts for friends.

Even experienced tourists may initially think that there are no significant differences between Greece and Turkey, which share a 206-kilometer land border and similar climatic conditions. But meticulous tourists manage to refute this assumption. They always find many differences between these countries, washed by the warm waters of two seas: the Aegean and Mediterranean.

It remains to decide which country is better to choose for a summer holiday - Greece or Turkey.

Criteria	Greece	Türkiye
	0	1
	1	1
	1	1
	0	0
	1	1
	0	1
	0	0
	0	0
	3	5

Where to vacation is cheaper?

To compare prices for travel packages for two vacationers with accommodation in a good hotel of at least three stars, you can take mid-August as an example. If you purchase a tour with a standard duration of 7 nights, then the cost starts with the following indicators:

From 47607 rub.

From RUB 35,039

After simple calculations, you can easily notice the benefits of holidays for budget tourists in Turkish hotels. The cost of tours to this country is approximately 1.2–1.4 times lower than to Greece.

The price difference remains for more expensive hotels.

Where are the best beaches?

If the length of Greek beaches can reach 3 kilometers or more (in this there is a similarity with Turkey), then a width exceeding 50 meters is rare.

Both in the quiet bays of Ios, Santorini and other islands, and in crowded resort areas, there is almost everything you need for a comfortable pastime, from ordinary sun loungers and umbrellas to areas for sports entertainment.

The same can be said about most Turkish beaches, among which there are both sandy and pebble ones. Their width often reaches 100 meters, and in some places (Iztuzu) even 400 m.

But Greece offers vacationers much more choice in the types of beaches - with large and small pebbles, black and red volcanic, rocky or sandy.

Türkiye will suit, first of all, lovers of wide sandy or pebble strips.
Greece will appeal to those looking for solitude in picturesque bays or fun on the water.

Where is the climate more favorable?

Tourists are primarily interested in how quickly the water in the sea warms up in the spring and how hot it is in the middle of summer.

	Temperature in Turkey		Temperature in Greece
	air	water	air	water
End of spring	+ 23ºС	+ 20ºС	+ 23ºС	+ 20ºС
Summer	from + 30ºС	+ 27ºС	from + 30ºС	+ 28ºС
Beginning of autumn	+ 28 ºС	+ 25ºС	+ 27ºС	+ 24ºС

All these indicators clearly indicate that tourists can expect almost identical climatic conditions in both countries.

Whose hotels are better?

In both Turkey and Greece, travelers encounter familiar categories of hotels. But in both countries, stars do not always accurately guarantee that they will receive the level of service that vacationers expect from them.

Hotels in Alanya : Rating

Hotel	Stardom	Discount	Price per night, from	Select dates
	★★★★		5 016 3 478
Lemon Villa Hotel	★★★		8 777 3 524
Green Garden Suites Hotel	★★★★		10 219 5 270
Hotel Villa Turka	★★★		4 814 2 920
	★★★★★		22 322 10 277
Floria Beach Hotel	★★★★		8 374 3 440

Greece has its own national classification in parallel, where deluxe corresponds to 5-star hotels, while the remaining categories are designated by letters from A to E. Moreover, often four- and five-star hotels undeservedly receive their category, given the modern standards adopted in most European countries. The same thing is observed in Turkey.

Typical of the Anatolian coast, luxury 5-star hotel complexes almost always meet tourists' expectations.

Hotels in Rhodes Island: Rating

Hotel	Stardom	Discount	Price per night, from	Select dates
Kleopatra Suit Hotel - Adults Only	★★★★		5 016 3 478
Lemon Villa Hotel	★★★		8 777 3 524
Green Garden Suites Hotel	★★★★		10 219 5 270
Hotel Villa Turka	★★★		4 814 2 920
	★★★★★		22 322 10 277
Floria Beach Hotel	★★★★		8 374 3 440

There are many more private hotels in Greece, where the quality of service will not disappoint demanding travelers.

Three-star hotels in both countries almost always correspond to their category and will suit both budget tourists and those who are used to saving on vacation, but do not give up comfort.

Excursion program

The most active travelers always prefer to combine a vacation on the seaside with trips around the country where they were lucky enough to spend their short vacation.

Greek companies offer such vacationers many educational excursion programs and tours:

ferry trips to picturesque Crete, unique Santorini and other well-known and unfamiliar islands;
a large selection of boat trips in the vastness of the Aegean Sea;
acquaintance with the remains of ancient cities on the islands, in the Greek capital and other regions of the country;
a trip to Athos, Corfu and Meteora to visit ancient monasteries.

Turkish excursion companies are also not lagging behind, offering resort guests no less exciting and varied programs:

walks through the ancient quarters of Istanbul, Side, Bodrum and other cities;
boat rides along the picturesque Bosphorus;
a fascinating excursion to the canyon and underground cities of mysterious Cappadocia;
swimming in the hot springs of the famous Pamukkale;
walks among the remains of ancient buildings in Olympos, Phaselis, Perga, Sagalassos, Ephesus, Aspenda and Troy,
rafting on a mountain river.

The only thing in which Türkiye is inferior to Greece is the much smaller number of boat trips around the islands.

Vacation with children

Parents vacationing with their young children should always choose hotels where young tourists can enjoy a variety of animation programs, swimming in special pools and games on the playgrounds. All this is available in most 4-5 star hotels in Turkey.

In addition, in Alanya, Marmaris, Belek and Antalya, large water parks are open to young travelers. There are dolphinariums in several cities. And in Antalya, an oceanarium awaits young visitors.

Greek hotels are also trying to keep up with modern requirements for a variety of animation programs. They open swimming pools especially for children, and have playrooms or playgrounds. But all this is much less than on the Turkish Riviera.

The Greek islands can “boast” of large water parks, but there are no dolphinariums at the country’s resorts yet.

We can safely say that the conditions for a varied children's recreation in Turkey are much better.

Safety at resorts

The Greek hospitality and friendliness of the people are legendary. Foreign travelers are only concerned about cases of pickpocketing in crowded places and the increased theft in hotels.

After overcoming the crisis in relations between Russia and Turkey, the local resorts began to be filled again with Russian vacationers, who felt a more friendly attitude from the service staff. Police patrols monitor security on the streets.

Therefore, in general, tourists can expect a relaxing holiday in both countries.

The Syrian conflict does not affect the life of Turkish resorts.

Cost of products

Before a trip, travelers always try to determine possible expenses. To do this, you should familiarize yourself with at least some of the prices in the countries of your future holiday.

Cafes and inexpensive restaurants will delight you with the relatively low cost of food. Breakfast there will cost each guest approximately:

Greece – 5.5 €,
Türkiye – 4.5 €.

In Greece, tourists pay at least 0.60 € per kilogram of vegetables or fruits; Turkish costs will be slightly higher - from 0.90 €.

Meat lovers should expect an amount of 5 € in Greece and 9 € at the resorts of the Anatolian coast. We are talking about one kilogram of products.

If we continue the comparisons, there will be no significant differences between the prices for most products in both countries.

Summary

For those who prefer a luxurious holiday in 4-5 star hotels, a more preferable option is a holiday in Turkey.
Private hotels and seclusion on picturesque islands await travelers in Greece.

The Turkish Riviera is also suitable for those adult tourists and young wanderers looking for fun and wide beaches.
Cozy bays await guests of resorts on the Greek islands and Attica.

But, regardless of the choice of country, travelers will not be disappointed.