What is better than a holiday in Cyprus Greece. Which is better for vacation - Greece or Türkiye? Entry documents

The desire to soak up the beaches of the Mediterranean leads to thoughts about which country is better to choose - Greece or Cyprus? An ordinary person can perceive both countries as something unified: one sea, a similar climate and even the same people.

There is indeed some truth to this, but there are also some differences between countries that should be taken into account when planning your holiday.

Tour costs

Greece is on the list of Schengen countries, so staying on its territory means additional time and money spent on a visa.

The economic crisis in the country has partly affected the level of service to tourists, although many hotels, mainly aimed at British tourists, continue to maintain a high brand.

A hotel stay for 7 days in August for two (3-star hotel) will cost from 41,000 to 50,000 rubles.

It is easier to obtain a visa to Cyprus, and Russians do not have to pay money for it.

The cost and level of service in hotels is slightly higher than that of a competitor. Accommodation with a traditional friendly and polite attitude towards clients for 7 days in 3 stars will cost from 47,000 to 60,000 rubles.

Cyprus 2 — Greece 1

Climate and beaches

The island of Cyprus is surrounded on all sides by the Mediterranean Sea. The beach season here begins a little earlier, back in May, which is an undeniable advantage. If your vacation falls in the winter, you should definitely choose this island - you won’t be able to swim, but you can fully enjoy the warm sunny days and the beauty of the bays.

Most of the beaches here have gentle, comfortable slopes to the sea. There are both sandy ones with pure white sand and pebble ones. All conditions for windsurfing, yachting and diving are provided.

Greece is washed by 8 seas. The warmest is the Libyan, and the purest is the Ionian. Since the country is much larger, the choice of beaches here is richer. Several hundred of them are awarded the Blue Flag, an award for being well-groomed and safe. Prevail sandy beaches with golden or white sand, there are significantly fewer pebbles.

Cyprus 4 — Greece 2

Holidays with children

The best places for families with children are traditionally considered to be the islands of Rhodes, Crete, Corfu, and the Halkidiki peninsula. There are many resorts with a quiet homely atmosphere. The only downside would be that it’s modest animation program. And the time to travel with your baby should be planned for the end of May, June and September. The weather remains very hot in July and August.

Cyprus resorts are more suitable for families with children, thanks to well-groomed beaches, gentle slopes to the sea, and a particularly high level of service, which takes into account the interests of the youngest tourists.

Cyprus 5 — Greece 2

Attractions

Greece looks preferable here. Exciting excursions include:

• climbing Olympus,
• pilgrimage to holy places,
• cruises on yachts and liners.
• visiting Athens,
• The main shrine is the Meteora monasteries, located among rocks cut off from the world.

Everything here preserves the memory of distant times of antiquity. There is only one minus - it takes time to get to interesting places.

Cyprus also makes sure that guests do not get bored during breaks between sunbathing and fun discos. Off-road safaris and sea ​​travel the picturesque bays will not leave anyone indifferent. It’s easier to see all the interesting things on the island, given its small size. Tourists love to visit the remains ancient city, nature reserves, a romantic bay where, according to legend, the goddess Aphrodite herself swam.

Cyprus 6 — Greece 3

Cost of food

The cost of food in Greece, as well as the price of lunch or dinner in a restaurant, will be lower than in Cyprus. There is a rich selection of seafood, vegetables, fruits and wine. Lunch in a regular restaurant will cost only 12-14 euros per person, while in Cyprus you will have to fork out 15-30 euros. Prices at resorts located on the Greek islands are traditionally higher.

Cyprus 6 — Greece 4

Choosing between countries is not an easy task.

If you prefer a beach holiday in picturesque bays, it is better to choose Cyprus, and if you cannot imagine a trip to the resort without sightseeing and studying the culture and traditions of the country, buy trips to Greece.

Holidays in Europe in the summer are the dream of many tourists. Sometimes the most difficult thing in preparing for a trip is choosing a country. It so happened that some European countries Having a common and sometimes centuries-old history, they now live on opposite sides of the border.

For the residents themselves, such a difference resulted in language, bureaucratic and other barriers - and for tourists - into a problem of choice. Similar fraternal countries include Greece and Cyprus. Despite general culture, the differences in the two countries are much greater now than they were a few decades ago.

Let's try to compare these two European countries and decide which is better.

Greece or Cyprus? It's up to you to decide, of course.

Entry documents

Schengen visa holders do not need to worry about how to get to Greece. But those tourists who do not have it must go through all the circles of hell in order to get it. Obtaining a Schengen visa is not easy, but very troublesome and expensive.

In order to fly to Cyprus, it is enough to have only provisions, and in the northern part of the island, occupied by Turkey, an entry permit stamp is pasted immediately upon arrival.

So, if you think that you have little chance of getting Schengen, then the question of choosing Greece or Cyprus is not before you. Definitely Cyprus!

Cost of holiday

On the other hand, Cyprus is a party and fashionable place where young people, families with small children, and retirees who want peace in the sun relax.

If you only need a place in the sun, sea and clean air, then don’t regret it cash feel free to choose Cyprus.

If your budget holiday involves sightseeing, then you should choose Greece.

As for the costs themselves, beach holidays are usually much more expensive than even the longest excursion programs. It can be expensive here, both in Cyprus and Greece.

Important. The rule: “The closer the hotel is to the sea, the more expensive the rooms” is equally relevant for both countries. Needless to say about all kinds of entertainment at sea - be it yacht trips or diving courses.

Climate issue

Let’s say you decide to go relax on the beach and don’t know which is better in this regard: Cyprus or Greece. Let's look at the map where you can see what island republic located further south, in the Mediterranean Sea, which is warmer and calmer than the Aegean Sea.

The swimming season in Cyprus lasts longer than in Greece - from April to early November. And in Greece the summer is hotter.

The shallow Gulf of Corinth warms up quite quickly, which makes it possible to swim already in early May. If your vacation falls in the summer, then it is best to visit greek islands- Crete, Kos, Rhodes, Corfu.

Breeze with Aegean Sea and Ionian temperate the summer heat. But from the words seasoned tourists, more beautiful than the beaches Cyprus, you won't find it.

Therefore, in terms of choice beach holiday“Cyprus or Greece” is quite difficult to decide.

Blue Lagoon, Cyprus

Excursions and entertainment

Excursion programs in Greece are almost always - Athens Acropolis , several ancient cities, museums and many cultural events that take place both on the continent and on the island part of the country.

Excursion programs in Cyprus include bus and car tours to holy places, off-road safaris to countryside attractions, as well as boat trips with obligatory stops in the most picturesque bays of the island.

Holidays in Cyprus are an introduction to local traditions, an opportunity to appreciate national music, dances, and the atmosphere of an eternal holiday. The tour program often includes the participation of guests in various ceremonies and the opportunity to live in a real Greek village.

Holidays in Greece - luxury hotels on sea ​​coast, ascent to Olympus and pilgrimage to important holy places of the Hellenes. For connoisseurs of sales, this means shopping, inexpensive fur coats and many souvenirs that can only be bought on mainland Greece.

Entertainment in Cyprus is beach discos from the evening until the first rays of sun, music festivals and holiday programs that are usually celebrated throughout the city, as well as amusement parks, water parks and singing fountains that greet tourists with incendiary music.

Entertainment in Greece includes yacht cruises and huge liners, beaches in secluded lagoons and paragliding. You can try Greek wines by visiting one of the factories, where tasting is a mandatory ritual of farewell to guests.

Corfu, Greece

Active leisure in Greece - these are walking and car tours through the gorges, national parks and nature reserves. Extreme fans will choose one of deep caves, and for horseback riding enthusiasts, horseback riding tours covering famous landmarks.

Active holidays in Cyprus include diving, windsurfing and snorkeling. Little guests of the island will be doubly pleased with the parks and reserves with many rare animals and birds.

If you still haven’t decided on your choice, buy a tour to the country that is closer to your spirit. Is it Cyprus or Greece - both directions will help you touch ancient history and experience all the delights of a modern resort service.

In the end, no one will stop you from seeing another country next year.

If you can’t decide where you want to go, then don’t think twice - call our specialist consultants at 8-800-100-30-24, and they will answer all your questions and help you choose between Cyprus or Greece. And if you have already decided where you want to go, then travel agencies in your city will select a tour for you completely free of charge.

I definitely recommend Greece. I'll try to explain why. Go to Greece only to frantically explore the tourist attractions or just lazily lie on the local beach- this 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 the 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 summer time It will be hot and dry, the number of sunny days will be more than 300 per 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. It will be the same in Athens average temperature, 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. Season active tourism By the way, on the islands it 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 worthy of 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.

Anywhere in any area 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.

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 at the very hot month- up to +26°С. 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 best resorts and beaches of 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 inconvenient for family vacation. However, for divers and yachtsmen this is a favorite part of the country. And also in the zone Black Sea coast There are beautiful mountains, so there are no less 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 Turkish coast 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 and all are awarded " Blue flag". According to reviews, if you choose where better beaches- 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. On Turkish resorts best hotels located on the 1st or 2nd line (up to 500 m from the sea). Usually these are 4* and 5*, less often - 3*. At the same time, 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.

Which is 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.

Pay attention! 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 travel package.

(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 in Turkey good hotel with all the services, and the holiday will be no worse than the 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). Marine ones will cost the most excursion programs(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 €.

Common in Greece short tours By historical places for 20-40 euros (visiting ancient buildings, excavations) and excursion programs to 7 islands costing 400/650/1000 euros. 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 velvet season, but even in December hotels do not stop accepting tourists and are ready to offer the best conditions to their visitors.

So where is better than rest t - in Greece or Turkey? The choice is difficult, and there is no clear answer. If you want quality service reasonable 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.

So I had a question! I am 20 years old! I’ve been wanting to go to Cyprus or Greece for a long time! but reading the reviews and looking at the photos, I can’t choose which is better! Maybe you can advise where it is better and which resorts to choose, otherwise my eyes are running wild! I was in Bulgaria this year - I liked it - super! next year I want to either go to Greece or Cyprus - I hope you can help =)

Quote:
IMHO these parameters do not differ. In this sense, both there and there everything is fine.

Quote:

But I repeat - the sea is clean in both places)

This year I was both there... for me there is quite a lot in common. But. Crete is bigger, take a car and drive, for example to Rethymno nice city with a gorgeous beach..
By nightlife: Cyprus (Napa) will be better in this regard. True, the contingent is 90% British. In Crete - international. Well, if it's important to you.
Sea: Cyprus. sandy beaches (again, if this is important to you), good entrance to the sea (Ayia Napa, Protaras). Crete. Good entrance with sand: Rethymnon, Malia.
Food: Definitely Crete. IMHO.
You can consider Malia in Crete. Great sea and lots of disco. English zone

We were in Limassol (Cyprus) and Kasandra-Chalkidiki (Greece). I liked it more in Greece because:
1) white sand and the stunning beauty of the sea (in Cyprus the sand is gray, looks dirty and the sea is not very beautiful),
2) stunning nature, pine trees literally grow on the beach (Cyprus in early September is a burnt-out steppe),
3) food, drinks, taxi travel - cheaper, with currency - easier (in Greece - euros, in Cyprus - their pounds),
4) in Greece there is something to see in terms of excursions,
5) for youth parties, discos and bars - the same (but Limassol, in principle, is not a youth resort).

For some reason we didn’t notice a special difference in prices between Greece and Cyprus, it all depends where the tavern is located, if on the shore: it’s more expensive, and higher up in the city: cheaper and tastier, but in general I think it’s worth going to Cyprus to spend a day near the Stone of Aphrodite !

Quote: Well, I like such statements! The man was only on one beach in Limassol, but he claims this. Beaches in Cyprus for absolutely every taste. If you needed white (or yellow) sand, then this is Ayia Napa or Protaras. But, it seems, even in Limassol you can find non-gray sand. The sea there is crystal clear and changes color from place to place. And the blue bay with clear and truly BLUE water is just a fairy tale! I don’t argue, maybe Crete has the same amazing sea, but to say that in Cyprus it is not beautiful...

I’m not saying that in general all of Greece is more beautiful than all of Cyprus. That’s why she indicated the specific places she was.
Of course, I could be wrong about pounds and prices, because... I was in Cyprus a long time ago, but in Greece last year and in June this year. I just remember that a cup of coffee in Cyprus cost 1.5 pounds (about one hundred rubles), and in Greece - 1.5 euros (translate it yourself). Well, if now in Cyprus it is the euro, prices may have dropped, but I doubt it.
I agree that each country is good in its own way. It’s just that for some reason I’m no longer drawn to Cyprus, but I’ll go to Greece more than once. But this is only IMHO.