It’s no surprise that Brits keep returning to both. The sunshine is reliable, the beaches are tempting, the resorts are generous, and the whole experience feels effortless. Whether you’re drawn to sun-soaked daydreams or big, carefree resorts, we’ll uncover what makes each destination unique, and the little details that shape your perfect holiday.
Which is cheaper, Greece or Turkey?
Let’s talk money. When it comes to choosing between holidays to Greece and Turkey, cost is often the deciding factor. Both can offer great value, but they go about it in very different ways. One loves an all-wrapped-up deal, while the other prefers a little freedom.
Holiday prices & package deals
Turkey holidays make a strong case for value straight away. It’s easy to find All Inclusive holidays in Turkey that bundle flights, food and fun into one reassuring price. For families and couples who like clarity, cheap holidays to Turkey often feel like money well spent rather than simply money saved.
Greece takes a little more timing. Cheap holidays to Greece are also possible if you avoid the peak summer months and can be flexible with things like your dates and departure airport.
Accommodation, food & spending money
Turkey’s resorts are famously abundant, with big hotels, big pools and big plates, making it one of the best value holidays Turkey has to offer, with little need for extra spending. Greece, on the other hand, shines when you enjoy exploring. Tavernas, local cafés and small hotels add charm, though daily costs can add up. If you plan carefully, this opens the door to some of the best value holidays Greece has available.
If you like knowing what you’re spending upfront, Turkey is hard to beat - especially while the Turkish lira remains weak, making everyday costs like meals, drinks, and excursions noticeably lighter on the wallet. Greece can still be affordable with the right deal, and while it may cost a little more, it often gives back in atmosphere, charm and those moments you keep thinking about long after you’re home.
Is Turkey hotter than Greece?
Trying to choose the best time to visit Greece or Turkey? The weather might just make the decision for you. Sunshine and rainfall in Greece and Turkey are generally predictable, but the details matter.
Summer temperatures & sunshine
Greece
• Southern islands such as Crete, Rhodes and Santorini often soar to around 30°C
• Northern islands and the mainland are slightly cooler, but still ideal for beach or pool days
• Sea temperatures: 25 - 27°C, warm enough for long, lazy swims and floating without a care
Turkey
• Southern coastal resorts including Antalya, Bodrum and Marmaris regularly reach around 32°C
• Sunshine is consistent, with very few cloudy days
• Sea temperatures: Just as warm, perfect for paddling, swimming or relaxed dips
Spring and autumn weather
• Weather in Greece in April: 18 - 22°C, quiet streets, gentle sunshine and ideal conditions for village exploring
• Weather in Greece in October: 25 - 28°C, occasional showers, still warm enough for swimming in the south, and far fewer crowds
• Weather in Turkey in April: 20 - 23°C, mild sunshine, low rainfall and excellent sightseeing weather without summer crowds
• Weather in Turkey in October: 25 - 28°C, sunny and pleasantly calm, with evenings perfect for cocktails by the pool
For the most reliable heat, the weather in Turkey, particularly along the southern coast, has a slight edge. For dreamy islands, sparkling seas and sunlit escapes, Greece wins hearts. Looking at the average temperatures in Greece and Turkey, both deliver warmth, with Turkey running a little hotter and Greece a touch softer. Either way, it’s a holiday worth booking.
Greece vs Turkey - which is better for families?
Families have a particular way of travelling. They want ease, but also joy, small adventures, and the comforting sense that everyone will be looked after. It’s why both Greece family holidays and Turkey family holidays remain firm favourites, offering calm beaches, family-focused resorts, and days that unfold without too much fuss.
Family holidays to Greece are all about variety and ease. Many resorts sit close to beaches with calm, clear waters that are ideal for younger children, while older kids love the mix of boat trips, water parks and exploring ancient ruins. Greece works especially well for families who enjoy a slower pace, shorter transfer times, and the freedom to combine hotel stays with evenings at family-friendly tavernas.
Crete, often considered the best Greek island for families, brings it all together. Large family-friendly resorts, excellent water parks, varied beaches, and activities suit toddlers and teenagers alike, making it a perfect choice when booking Greek island holidays for families.
Turkey family holidays lean into convenience and fun in equal measure. Resorts are purpose-built for children, with water slides, kids’ clubs, evening shows, and pools so large they feel like miniature lakes. A family holiday All Inclusive Turkey style often covers meals, snacks, drinks, and activities, taking the stress out of daily planning so parents can actually relax while kids explore safely.
April and October half terms are golden in both countries: mild weather, smaller crowds, and better value than the height of summer. Greece suits families who like to explore, Turkey suits families who like everything served on a plate. Both are among top destinations for families in Greece and Turkey - sunshine, sand and memories all guaranteed!
Family-friendly resorts in Greece and Turkey
Choosing the right resort can turn a good family holiday into a great one.
Family-friendly resorts in Greece
The best family hotels in Greece range from beachfront resorts with spacious family rooms to apartments and villas where everyone enjoys a little extra privacy.
• Crete steals the spotlight. The best family hotels in Crete, Greece combine beachfront locations, teen-friendly activities such as windsurfing or snorkelling, and evening entertainment that doesn’t keep little ones up too late.
• Family activities in Greece include day trips to water parks like Aqualand Corfu Water Park which opens from mid-May as well as interactive visits to ancient sites such as the magnificent Palace of Knossos in Crete, bringing Greek mythology to life.
• Food is forgiving and flexible, with generous buffets for cautious eaters and simple children’s menus widely available.
• Resorts are typically walkable and relaxed, offering quiet reassurance for parents while children roam happily within sight.
Family-friendly resorts in Turkey
Turkey approaches family holidays with confidence and scale.
• The best family hotels in Turkey, especially in Antalya, are purpose-built resorts offering family suites, interconnecting rooms, and vast shared spaces designed for comfort and convenience.
• Entertainment is centralised and impressive, featuring full-scale water parks, supervised kids’ clubs for ages 3 - 15, playgrounds, sports courts, and evening shows that run like clockwork.
• Family activities in Turkey are mostly on-site and include mini-golf, beach volleyball, crafts, games and organised excursions, ideal for parents who prefer not to plan every detail.
• Dining is straightforward and generous, with meals, snacks and drinks often included in Turkey family holiday packages, removing the daily maths of holiday spending.
• Private beaches, secure resort layouts and efficient transfers make travelling feel smooth rather than complicated.
Whether you’re choosing family holiday resorts in Greece or family holiday packages in Turkey, both destinations understand the assignment. Choose Greece if your family enjoys a little improvisation, and choose Turkey if you prefer zero guesswork.
Greece vs Turkey - Best destinations for couples?
Couples look for holidays that slow time, gently pull them away from everyday life, and leave them feeling refreshed. That’s why holidays to Greece and Turkey never lose their appeal. Both offer sweeping beaches, indulgent hotels, rich culture, and the rare luxury of uninterrupted time together.
Top Greek destinations for couples
• Santorini holidays for couples: feature cliffside villages, sweeping caldera views, boutique hotels, and sunset cruises made for two.
• Crete holidays for couples: combine golden beaches with mountain villages, finishing in seaside tavernas where evenings drift slowly and the outside world fades away.
• Zante holidays for couples: offer turquoise waters, hidden coves, and adults-only retreats with a private atmosphere, perfect for couples seeking intimacy with a hint of adventure.
Top Turkish destinations for couples
• Istanbul holidays for couples: blend rooftop dining overlooking the Bosphorus with historic streets rich in culture, plus hammams for a shared pampering experience.
• Antalya holidays for couples (All Inclusive): deliver private beaches, spa treatments, and elegant resorts where most of the planning is taken care of, leaving couples free to relax.
• Bodrum holidays for couples: feature boutique hotels, yacht-lined harbours, and stylish beach clubs where evenings flow naturally from cocktails to starlit walks.
Romantic resorts in Greece and Turkey
For most couples, a holiday isn’t just about the destination. It’s about the experience. That’s why romantic holidays in Greece and romantic holidays in Turkey are so sought after.
Greece excels at quiet, intimate luxury. Couples’ resorts Greece and adults-only hotels Greece offer cliffside suites with panoramic views, private plunge pools, secluded terraces, and spa facilities that feel designed for two. Many feature sunset dining on terraces or beaches, boutique rooms with elegant touches, and honeymoon packages that turn every moment, from morning coffee to evening cocktails, into an effortless romantic experience.
Luxury holidays for couples Greece combine golden sunsets, turquoise waters, and charming villages with spaces created for privacy and shared discovery.
Turkey, meanwhile, delivers indulgence on a grand scale. Couples’ resorts in Turkey and adults-only hotels offer private beaches, infinity pools, immersive spa rituals, and gourmet dining with both local and international flavours.
Luxury holidays for couples Turkey often come with All Inclusive packages, allowing you to focus on each other rather than logistics. Coastal resorts in Antalya and Bodrum excel in creating a sense of privacy, from serene poolside lounges to intimate terraces, where couples can unwind, explore, or simply watch the Mediterranean sun sink into the horizon together.
Turkey vs Greece Holidays – Which is right for you?
So, Greece or Turkey? It’s less a rivalry and more a personality test. Think of it this way: Turkey likes to take care of everything, while Greece prefers to let you wander. Regardless of the type of holiday you’re after, cheap holidays, romantic escapes or full-blown luxury, both destinations will more than accommodate. Browse the options, follow your instincts and pick the place that feels most like you. The sun, happily, is waiting in both.
📝Reminder: Check the latest travel guidance for Turkey before booking, so you can plan your holiday with confidence and peace of mind.
About the author
Jeslin is happiest when exploring new places and immersing herself in different cultures. When she’s not travelling, she’s often getting lost in a good book (sometimes literally), enjoying wild adventures from the comfort of her sofa.