Are you trying to decide between Greece vs Italy for vacation? Truth be told, if you already love Italy, you’ll be equally captivated by Greece – and vice versa.
At surface level, Italy and Greece carry a lot of similarities. Both are known for their remarkable historical sites: Greece is home to the Parthenon, Olympia, and the Palace of Knossos. Italy is where you’ll find the Colosseum, Brunelleschi’s Duomo, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
That’s not to say either country is rooted in the past. Both wear their heritage with pride yet offer a thoroughly modern travel experience, innovative cuisine, and lively nightlife.
But how about the beaches? And which is better, Greece or Italy, for a family? Should you choose Greece or Italy for honeymooning? Let’s take a closer look at Italy vs Greece for vacation.
Italy vs Greece for Vacations at a Glance
Situated on the border of southern and western Europe, Italy is a land of Roman ruins, Renaissance cities, idyllic seaside villages, swathes of vineyards and olive groves, and dramatic mountain ranges.
Located in southeast Europe, Greece is the country that birthed modern democracy and gave us the Olympic Games. It’s most known for its islands with whitewashed towns, magical sunsets, and spellbinding coves that’ll have you believing all the myths. The islands are dotted across the Aegean and Ionian seas with some being closer to Turkey.
The islands in the Cyclades Island group in Greece are some of the most beautiful places that I have been to in all of Europe.
Italy
- Endless history sites, museums, and art galleries
- Has a handful of oh-so-chic islands floating off the Bay of Naples and Sicily
- Great food
- Wonderful wine
- Seasonal activities including skiing
- Good hiking, especially in the north
- Romantic and family-friendly
- Safe and fun for solo travelers
- Possible to visit on a budget but tends to be pricier on the whole
- Possible to see multiple cities on a 7-day or 10-day itinerary
Greece
- Has lots of islands to suit different budgets
- Incredible historical sites
- Unbelievable sunrises and sunsets
- Awesome island-hopping and sailing prospects
- Fewer cities and headliner sights in comparison to Italy
- Great food with an emphasis on seafood
- Free-flowing ouzo
- Romantic and family-friendly
- Safe and fun for solo travelers
- Slightly more affordable than Italy
- Geographical nature of Greece means that a typical 7-day or 10-day itinerary will include Athens plus one or two islands max
There isn’t much better than a perfectly cooked pizza in Italy.
Greece vs Italy for Vacation Activities
Both countries have an incredible offering to satisfy history-minded travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. However, Italy has more sights in terms of ruins, museums, and archaeological sites.
Whereas Greece has 19 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Italy has a whopping 58. In fact, it’s the country with the highest number in the world.
Greece wins for an island experiences full of swimming, seafood, and sunshine. There aren’t masses to do on the islands individually although islands such as Crete, Mykonos, and Naxos have a good amount of sights beyond the beach.
How about Italy vs Greece for vacations outdoors? Both have fantastic hiking, with Italy winning out for the more adventurous thanks to the point-to-point trails in the Dolomites as well as the abundance of trails along the coast in Cinque Terre.
If you love hiking and want to explore the best in Greece, consider renting a car and trekking the Menalon Trail in the Peloponnese. Climbers should not miss a trip to Leonidio where some of the best rock climbing in the country can be found.
I had so much fun rock climbing in Leonidio, Greece and the town there is also so beautiful!
Bucketlist things to do in Greece
- Go island hopping
- Trawl the ancient sites in Athens
- Step back in time at the Acropolis of Athens
- Catch a sunset over the Santorini caldera
- Visit the Sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi
- Hang out in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second city
- Escape the crowds at quieter islands like Naxos and Paros
- Hike Mount Olympus – home of the deities
- Dine on grilled octopus, spanakopita, souvlaki, baklava, and olives
- See the minotaur’s labyrinth at the Palace of Knossos in Crete
- Spend a day on the island of Delos
- Explore the beautiful beaches
Bucketlist things to do in Italy
- Stand in the Colosseum of Rome and climb the Palatine Hill
- Tour the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum
- Visit Vatican City
- See Michelangelo’s David in Florence
- Find Leonardo’s The Last Supper in Milan
- Take a food tour in Naples (or any other city for that matter)
- Walk between the Cinque Terre villages
- Sip limoncello on the Amalfi Coast
- Ski in the Aosta Valey and the Italian Alps
- Hike in the Dolomites
- Follow the Via Francigena pilgrimage trail
The verdict: Italy has more activities and tourist attractions. Greece is more appropriate for a relaxing seaside vacation with a side of sightseeing.
Bergamo is such a beautiful and affordable city in Italy. It is packed with history dating back to the 15th century!
Italy or Greece for a City Break
Greece isn’t really a city break destination. There’s more than enough to fill a weekend in Athens and Thessaloniki but otherwise, it’s all about getting out to the villages and towns of the Peloponnese or exploring the many islands which can take more time. Unless of course, you are able to fly directly to one of the islands like Crete or Rhodes.
Italy, on the other hand, is overflowing with charismatic cities where you can spend days mooching around museums, sipping espresso, stocking up on the latest fashions, and summiting bell towers.
The verdict: Italy.
Italy or Greece for Vacations on the Beach
Greece has islands (and more sandy beaches), so it’s an instant win.
All islands have a different vibe. Some have easily accessible beaches with amenities while others make you earn your sea salt. The best beaches of Kefalonia require a hike or boat!
However, the beaches of Naxos and Paros are far easier to access.
Italian beach towns are extraordinarily photogenic with the kinds of aquamarine water you see in travel brochures. But, they’re usually pebble beaches rather than sand. You’ll need to add a pair of aqua socks to your summer in Italy packing list!
Greece is also a better choice for scuba diving and water sports. Due to the Meltemi summer winds, the Cycladic Islands in particular are great for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
The verdict: Greece.
The beaches in Greece and the insane color of the water there is so magical. The beaches here are hard to beat!
Greece vs Italy for Food and Wine
This is a close call. Italy is renowned globally for its cuisine, spanning Neapolitan pizza, gnocchi, gelato, hearty soups, and crusty bread forming the backbone.
Greek cuisine flies somewhat under the radar and is insanely underrated. Typical foods of Greece are delightfully light, with lots of seafood and vegetable-based dishes making the cuisine wonderful for pescatarians. Dishes are seasonal and fresh with a focus on letting the ingredients shine.
There’s also a wonderful medley of dips, grilled meats, and heavier plates such as moussaka.
Much of Italian gastronomy revolves around wheat, red meat, and cheese, which can make it harder for vegans and travelers with allergies in some regions. However, modern Italian cuisine does cater to vegetarians and gluten-free diets.
Wine is produced in every region of Italy. While Greece is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world, it’s nowhere near as famous. However, you will find Greek wines in taverns as well as the national spirit, ouzo.
Cooking classes, food tours, and gourmet experiences are prominent in both.
The verdict: Tie.
Italian food is hard to beat, especially handmade pasta, deliciously rich gelato, and local dishes that you have never even heard of.
Weather and Climate in Greece and Italy
Italy straddles southern and western Europe and enjoys a blended Mediterranean, oceanic, and continental climate. Sitting in southeast Europe, Greece has a predominantly Mediterranean climate.
As such, each country experiences hot summers, mild winters, and pleasant shoulder seasons.
You can visit Italy all year round. Summer is extremely busy and it can get uncomfortably hot. Winter is enjoyable if you’re seeking a culture-focused vacation and are happy to pack for winter in Italy.
The best time to visit Italy is during the shoulder season: mid to late spring, early summer, or fall.
The best time to visit Greece’s most popular islands is during early summer or late summer. Island breezes take the edge off of the rising temperatures. However, those ferocious Meltemi winds can disrupt summer activities on occasion in the Cyclades.
If you’re planning a Greece or Italy vacation in July or August, consider looking beyond Santorini for a more pleasant experience.
You could visit Greece in winter, especially if your goal is Athens and historical sites. However, many of the islands are quite chilly and rainy and many restaurants and hotels shut for the off-season.
The verdict: Subjective and a crucial component of your research process.
It’s hard to beat late spring in Greece where you can sit outside with a delicious plate of food, a cold Mamos, and look out at the beach.
Greece or Italy Holiday for Nightlife
Italian cities give you the option for theater, live music, clubbing, and putting the world to rights over late-night negronis.
Athens has a lively nightlife scene as do a handful of islands – Mykonos and Ios in particular. On the whole, the Greek nightlife scene is calmer and orbits around sundowners, jovial oceanside meals, and romantic strolls through the cobblestone streets.
The verdict: Italy for diversity, Greece for mellow island vibes.
Greece vs Italy for Vacations on a Budget
This depends largely on what you plan to do on your vacation.
Greece and Italy cater to budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers. However, Italy makes parting with your hard-earned euros somewhat easier. That is, of course, because there are more ways to spend your money when traveling around Italy. Those skip-the-line museum tickets and daily scoops of gelato add up fast.
If you are looking to simply relax at the beach, the two countries are comparable. And you would likely save on transportation costs in Italy because you don’t need to travel to an island to get to the beach. You can take the bus or train from major cities.
When weighing up a Greece or Italy holiday on a budget, Greece works out more affordable on the whole. This takes into account the costs of public transport, accommodation, food, and activities.
Both countries are significantly more expensive during the summer season: July, August, and early September.
And, travelers not constrained by budget will find an abundance of 5-star hotels, upscale gastronomy, private suppers, and luxury activities in Greece and Italy.
The verdict: Greece (but both can still be done on a budget if planned well in advance).
Pistachio gelato is my weakness whenever I’m in Italy.
Italy or Greece: Unique Accommodation
Italy has it all: luxury hotels, characterful apartment rentals, agriturismos, vineyard lodges, mountain chalets, and seaside villas. Venture south and you can sleep in a “sassi” cave dwelling in Matera or rent a “trullo” in Puglia.
Greece has a mix of different accommodation styles ranging from cave hotels in Santorini to yacht charters, monastery stays, and eye-popping beach resorts.
The verdict: Tie.
Greece or Italy for Honeymoons
Which is better – Greece or Italy – for romance? It can’t get much more romantic than sharing a bottle of Chianti in Tuscany, can it?
Actually, these two countries have a lot to offer a couple seeking a romantic escape.
If you’re seeking a languid honeymoon in a classy beach resort, you’ll want to go for Greece. Luxury properties tend to lean on the boutique side of things rather than great big high rises. Greece also has a wonderful array of adults-only hotels suitable for honeymooners and romantic holidays.
Between Greece or Italy for honeymooning, choose the former. Save Italy for a landmark anniversary – it’s known for leather and gold!
The verdict: Greece.
Greece is so romantic! Rent a quad bike and explore the island together, then come back and relax at your boutique hotel by the pool and watch the sunset at a beach club with a glass of cold beer or local wine.
Italy vs Greece for a Family Vacation
Families with younger children and tots will likely find Greece more suitable. The islands are family-friendly destinations with sandy beaches and calm swimming conditions. The Greek islands are also a great fit for families with teenagers.
Italy is more likely appreciated by older children/teenagers with an interest in history, food, and culture. Just bear in mind that most places are inundated during the summer school holidays and patience will be needed.
The verdict: Greece.
Italy vs Greece for Vacation Safety
Greece and Italy are safe countries where petty theft is the main challenge for tourists. Particularly in the cities, you’ll want to choose a practical travel bag for days out and a small purse for evenings.
Solo female travelers can feel as safe traveling in Italy and Greece as they might in the US or UK (perhaps even more so). Greece is particularly LGBTQIA+ friendly while Italy is gradually catching up to its progressive neighbor.
Greece is facing unprecedented heatwaves and a rise in summer wildfires.
Italy does have a couple of active volcanoes that occasionally make the headlines. It’s important to keep up to date with the latest news leading up to and during your vacation. And, don’t forget your trusty travel insurance.
The verdict: Both are very safe for travel.
Italy is home to tons of tiny towns and villages that you can visit as day trips from larger hubs or stay in local villages for a more immersive and budget-friendly experience. This country always surprises me with more reasons to love it.
Greece vs Italy for Getting There
All major tourist cities in Italy have an international airport, usually with train or bus links to the city center. Rome, Naples, Milan, and Venice have direct flights from the US and all international airports have stellar connections to the UK and mainland Europe.
Athens is usually the point of entry in Greece for international travelers. There are a handful of direct flights from East Coast cities including NYC, Washington, Chicago, and Boston. You’ll then fly out to the islands or switch to a ferry.
Crete, Rhodes, Mykonos, and Santorini have international airports whereas others have national airports.
When weighing up the costs of Greece vs Italy for vacation, July and August are the most expensive months for inbound flights.
The verdict: Italy.
Getting Around Greece vs Italy
Mainland Greece is served by trains and buses with regional services linking Athens and Thessaloniki. Hellenic Train operates scenic routes including the Pelion Train and Katakolo to Ancient Olympia.
The islands are linked by ferries and it’s easy to plan an island-hopping Greek itinerary by sea.Italy has an incredible train service with two high-speed networks operated by Trenitalia and Italo. Train is the best way to travel in Italy.
Locally, you can rent cars and mopeds in both. It’s also possible to rent quad bikes on Greek islands.
Check out train tickets on Omio and ferries on Ferry Hopper and Direct Ferries.
The verdict: Italy and Greece have excellent public transport. A car rental isn’t necessary in Italy but might be required in some Greek islands and far flung destinations.
Whether you choose Greece or Italy, you’ll find plenty of beautiful places to explore and insanely delicious food to eat.
Final Verdict: Should I go to Italy or Greece for Holiday?
Italy wins for diversity and the sheer volume of activities and attractions. There’s plenty of opportunities to relax in Italian cities and beach resorts but you’ll find it very easy to pack out a day anywhere in Italy.
Greece can be experienced as more of a traditional beach vacation with a healthy mix of gentle sightseeing and unwinding. Although there’s always something to do, a Greek island getaway can focus more on swimming and resting. Island hopping is a fun way to pad out your days but you’ll need to be realistic with your timescale.
Either destination is suitable for couples with Italy feeling more romantic on the whole but Greece being a catch for a chilled-out honeymoon. Solo travelers might find Italy easier to get around and meet other travelers but Greece would work out more affordable.
Greece feels more suited to a family holiday with younger children and either work for those traveling with teens/young adults. It’s easier to escape the summer crowds in Greece but Italy would be more fun in winter.