Greece › Italy or Greece
Updated: April 21, 2022
By Santorini Dave
See Also
- Where to Go in Greece
- Where to Go in Italy
- Best Time to Visit Greece
- Best Time to Visit Italy
- Greece Travel Guide
- Italy Travel Guide
The colorful streets of Nafplio, Greece.
Where To Holiday: Italy or Greece?
Italy has more (easily accessible) history, a richer range of cuisine, better cooking and food tours, and more sightseeing opportunities. Greece has better beaches, a more relaxing atmosphere (especially on the islands), and cheaper food and hotels.
See AlsoYour guide to the cost of living in Italy (2023-2024)Italian breakfast: all you need to know about breakfast in Italy (+ how to order) | Mama Loves ItalyItalian lifestyle and culture: a day in the life of an ItalianTravel Trends by Age Demographic: Age as the Key Factor in Tourism - MizeTop Tip: To see both Greece and Italy you need 2 weeks minimum. If you only have 1 week to travel then pick one country, don’t do both.
Greece vs Italy – Which Is Best For A Vacation?
- Best Beaches: Greece
The best Greek Islands are loaded with wonderful beaches (too many to count). Italy has a beautiful coastline and plenty of places to swim but not a lot of great sandy beaches. - History and Historical Sightseeing: Italy
Both countries are historical gems but Italy has more to actually see and visit, and much of it is better preserved. - Climate & Weather: Greece
Italy and Greece have very similar weather and seasons. Warm and sunny from May to October, cool and wet from November to April. Greece does have a slightly longer summer and beach season (especially in the southern islands). And during the super hot months of July and August, the Greek islands are refreshed by cooling breezes. - Better for Budget Travelers: Greece
Greece tends to be a little cheaper than Italy but there’s not a huge difference in prices, especially outside of the large cities. - Better for Luxury Travelers: Tie
Both Greece and Italy have some fantastic hotels and restaurants. Italy has more top end hotels and fine dining but nowhere beats Santorini and Mykonos for indulgent, pampered luxury. - Better Food: Italy
Greece and Italy are both known for their phenomenal food and restaurants so there’s no clear winner though you will see more variety and range of styles in Italian cuisine. There are also far more cooking courses in Italy than in Greece. - Better for Honeymoon: Greece
Italy is slightly better for an active honeymoon with tours, sightseeing, and multiple destinations. Greece is better for a romantic honeymoon on one or two idyllic islands. - Better Nightlife: Greece
Both countries have active club and bar scenes. The nightlife in Greece is more geared towards tourists and is thus easier to find and enjoy for a visitor. - Better for Families: Greece
Italians and Greeks love kids and welcome them everywhere so both countries are wonderful family destinations. Italy has more historical sightseeing so if your children are history buffs then Italy will be better; if they are fans of Percy Jackson and interested in Mythology, Greece will not disappoint. Greece has more beaches, better swimming, a slower pace, and the fantastic Greek islands for island hopping.
Should I Go to Greece or Italy?
Best Beaches: Greece. The best Greek beaches are in Mykonos and Naxos.
Best for a Honeymoon: Greece.
Best for Bars, Clubs, Nightlife: Greece.
Best for Food and Cooking Courses: Italy.
