Which is better to choose Cyprus or Crete (Greece) for a vacation? Greece or Cyprus - which is better?

Before going on vacation, many tourists think, where is the best holiday - Greece or Spain? To find the answer to this question, you need to weigh all the pros and cons of both directions, and only then decide for yourself.

Sunny, bright Spain provides a lot of opportunities for tourists. Centuries-old history, traditions, culture - all this will allow you to get to know one of the most popular countries in Europe better. Ancient museums, palace complexes, and temples will take you on an excursion into history. Spain is different, if Barcelona allows you to enjoy the historical aesthetics, then while relaxing in Mallorca you can plunge into the rhythm of waves and salsa.

Greece allows you to subtly combine excursion and beach holidays.

Climate

The Mediterranean climate dominates the territory of both countries. The average air temperature is + 32 degrees in the summer months.

Visa

To travel to both countries you need a Schengen visa. You can get it by contacting a travel agency or on your own. To do this, you will need a passport and proof of payment of the visa fee. You can also obtain a Schengen visa yourself at the country's embassy.

Flight

Aeroflot planes fly from Moscow to Madrid several times a day. Approximate travel time is 5 hours.

Flights from various airlines operate from Moscow to Athens several times a day. Approximate flight time 4 hours.

Where are the best beaches?

Of course, both countries are rich in numerous resorts, but Spain is a significant leader in this ranking. The most popular beach regions are:

• Ibiza
• Majorca
• Tenerife
• Costa Brava
• Costa Tropical
• Costa Dorada

On their territory there are snow-white beaches, cool grottoes, luxury hotels, nightclubs and other places of entertainment. Here, all conditions for a good rest on the picturesque Mediterranean coast are created for tourists.

The coastal territory of Greece is washed by five seas, and the length of the embankment is tens of kilometers. The most popular resorts are:

• Rhodes
• Corfu
• Halkidiki
• Santorini

These picturesque resorts provide plenty of opportunities for beach time. Here it will even be difficult for you to choose where to relax and on which island! A distinctive feature is affordability. Almost all beaches are well-maintained and provide various opportunities.

Entertainment

Spain is primarily about flamenco and bullfighting. Water activities, diving, surfing, etc. are also in demand among tourists. party lovers will have a great time in nightclubs and bars.

Greek types of entertainment are concentrated on beach holidays.

Here tourists have freedom, they can go on an excursion by renting a yacht, or engage in water sports.

National cuisine

The cuisine of both countries mainly uses vegetables and olive oil. Seafood comes in second place in popularity. Spanish resorts have many bars, cafes and restaurants. But there are some peculiarities, for example, a beach bar in Spain will offer the visitor only soft drinks, while in Greece you can order salads and even main courses. This also applies to restaurants. Spanish establishments offer high service and top quality dishes.

Greece is famous not for its restaurants, but for its cozy taverns. In most cases, such establishments have not one owner, but a whole family. And what does the tavern have to do with changing from one type to another? The atmosphere in such establishments is cozy and homely. If in Spanish restaurants a guest is a client, then in Greek restaurants he is a family guest.

Attractions

In this sense, Greece is the birthplace of ancient Greek myths, legends, and secrets, so in terms of historical artifacts, it is, of course, without competition. The country is home to many historical sites, ancient settlements, and ruins. The most popular cities and attractions are:

• Acropolis
• Rhodes
• Meteora
• Delphic Theater
• Achilleion Palace
• Melissani Cave

Where are the best hotels?

In Spain, most hotels and inns are multi-storey. In Greece, on the contrary, these are mostly cozy bungalows. Service in Spanish hotels is high; even 3* hotels have everything necessary for a comfortable stay. Their only drawback is their small area.

There are more small hotels in Greece. Each of them has a special twist. You can stay in a hotel that has its own vegetable garden or unusual balconies. In this regard, fantasy has no boundaries. The infrastructure in such complexes is moderately developed. You will have access to a standard set of services. But the low cost greatly compensates for some of the inconveniences.

Transport

Rental prices in Greece and Spain are approximately the same. There are many car rental points in cities and resorts. To rent a car, you just need to pay part of the rental and provide an international license. The quality of roads in both countries is good. Spanish road signs are close to European ones, but you have to think about the Greek indicators.

Public transport is well developed, but in Spain it is much easier. Since on the Internet you can find any information about the necessary transport. Starting from the flight schedule and ending with the bus model.

Prices and shopping

Where is the best holiday in Spain or Greece? Budget tourists are better off choosing the second option. In Greece, shopping prices are much lower, but the quality of the goods also differs. But, in any case, goods from Greece are much better than the same goods from China. Particularly popular are the so-called fur tours, in which, in addition to visiting the country, you are required to visit a store or buy a fur coat.

When it comes to buying expensive branded items, first of all, after Italy comes Spain. The largest number of famous brand stores are located in Barcelona.

Bottom line

Greece is:

• Children's holiday
• Low prices
• Climate
• Possibility of combined holidays
• Peaceful holiday
• Hospitality

Spain is:

• High customer service
• Beach holiday
• Entertainment
• Rich story
• Attractions
• Europe at its best

Spain and Greece provide different opportunities, the main thing is to choose the right resort.

The choice between a holiday in Cyprus and Greece becomes a real dilemma for inexperienced tourists. After all, according to rumors, these two states are almost identical. Let's try to figure out whether this is so, and also, Cyprus or Greece - which is more expensive or which is cheaper?

The main question that any traveler should ask himself is what goals he is pursuing? What do you want to get from your vacation? Vacationers are divided into several categories - those who love to fry under the scorching rays of the sun all day long with breaks for swimming in the azure sea, lovers of bars, discos and other entertainment events, and those who adore various excursions to significant places. Therefore, the answer to the question of what to choose and what is better – Cyprus or Greece – is different for everyone.

Are we going to see the sights?

Greece is rightfully considered the cradle of civilization, and there is a lot of evidence of this. Having been here once, you want to come back again and again, because it is impossible to see all the splendor of Greece at one time. How not to see with your own eyes the famous amphitheater at Epidaurus, the Palace of Knossos and numerous monasteries and temples scattered throughout the country.

On each of the numerous Greek islands, in every town and village, you can find your own monuments of the Middle Ages. And therefore, people who do not want to laze idly on the beach, but want to enrich their inner world, know where it is better - Cyprus or Greece. I don’t want to diminish the advantages of the island of Cyprus, there are also interesting places here, but it still loses in this regard compared to Greece.

Places that will be of interest to young people are located mainly on the islands. These are Rhodes, Crete, Hersonissos, Malia. Rethymno. Nikolaus and Agios are preferred by older people.

Let's have fun and have fun

Mostly those who want fun and a festive mood go to Cyprus. All conditions have been created for this: amusement parks, famous beaches and water attractions of Ayia Napa will exceed the wildest expectations of vacationers. Lovers of night parties Limassol's numerous nightclubs will be appreciated. The calmest and quietest place in Cyprus is Paphos, which is chosen by older people.

The question of which is cheaper – Cyprus or Greece – is ambiguous. There are inexpensive three-star hotels in Cyprus, and there are reputable, and correspondingly expensive, hotels in Greece. On average, accommodation and food in Greece will cost less than in Cyprus. But if you add the cost of excursion trips to these expenses, it will turn out approximately the same. And if you rent a car for independent sightseeing, then it is worth considering that the price of fuel in Greece is much higher than in Cyprus.

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 on 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:

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:

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. Turkey 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.

The economic crisis has made holidays with children an expensive pleasure, so Russian tourists are looking for budget destinations for summer trips. Egypt and Turkey were banned, and Greece and Cyprus came to the fore. These are comfortable Mediterranean resorts, but which is better for family travelers? The answer to this question was prepared by employees of the Travelata online hypermarket.

Greece - ancient ruins, fur coats and pristine beaches

Cyprus - fast flight, comfortable living environment

Cyprus vs Greece - where to go?