Deciding between Greece vs Italy for your next trip? Here’s how you can decide.
Greece vs Italy: How to Choose
Ah, what a nice problem to have. Greece vs Italy for your next trip: two European countries, both irresistible in their own way, both ready to charm you completely, just not in the same language.
Greece whispers with clear waters, near-mythical ruins, and slabs of feta cheese. Italy doesn’t whisper at all. It opens the door with a flourish and offers wine, the Renaissance, and making pizza into an art form.
So, which is the best option right? Not for everyone, but for you? That depends on what kind of traveller you are and what kind of trip you need.
For some, that might mean island paths and beach days. For others, espresso in marble courtyards. Either way, when you start thinking about flights or luxury hotel bookings, the small choices begin to shape the whole.
Or in other words, based on countless journeys to and through both beautiful places, let me help you decide.
Coastlines, Islands & Natural Beauty
When choosing between Greece and Italy, the decision often begins with the coastline. For many, the pull of the sea shapes everything: where you stay, how you move, even how you eat. But the two countries do coastal travel differently.
Greece
Greece is made for travellers who like to move slowly (or not at all). The Greek islands stretch across the Aegean and Ionian seas in clusters, each with its own pace and shape. If you’re looking for beautiful islands with clear waters, you’ll find dozens: Naxos, Paros, Hydra, and Koufonisia among them.
Getting around is part of the experience. Island hopping is simple and affordable, especially from Athens or Crete. Most routes connect through Piraeus or Rafina, and ferries run daily in the warmer months.
For postcard views, it’s hard to top the caldera view in Santorini. But other islands offer a quieter kind of drama: black beaches on Milos, white cliffs on Folegandros, and beautiful beaches on Antiparos that stay almost empty, even in summer.
And don’t forget the magnificent coastline along the mainland, like this driving itinerary through the Peloponnese.
Beyond the water, Greece holds space for walkers and hikers. Inland trails in the national parks, like Samaria Gorge in Crete or Mount Olympus on the mainland, offer another layer of the country’s natural beauty.
And through it all, the Mediterranean Sea is the constant: sparkling, swimmable, and rarely far away.
Unsure which coastal town to prioritise? Check out our guide to deciding between Mykonos and Santorini for your next trip.
Italy
In Italy, the coast is something you drive along. From the stacked villages of the Cinque Terre to the limestone cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, this is a country that knows how to frame a view.
I mean, of course, you can stop at the beach and spend the day there. But Italian beaches tend to involve rows and rows of regimented sun loungers, which, for me, is less enticing.
Far better to travel along the coast.
A car helps, especially if you want flexibility. A road trip through southern Italy or the Adriatic coast gives you access to quiet coastal towns, lesser-known beaches, and regional food. You’ll pass churches with faded frescoes, roadside fig stands, and locals who always seem to know a better route.
Living Cities: Culture, Pulse and Daily Life
After the coast, it’s often the cities that define your sense of a place. Not just the museums or monuments, but how people shop, talk, linger over coffee. Greece and Italy both offer extraordinary urban experiences, but they differ in size, structure, and how they invite you in.
Greek Cities
Athens, for all its sprawl, feels human in its details, with neoclassical houses, open-air cinemas, and the slow rhythm of café life. It’s a place where ancient sites don’t stand apart from daily life; they’re threaded through it. Here are 23 hidden gems in Athens to get you started.
In major cities like Thessaloniki or Heraklion, you’ll find Byzantine churches next to bakeries, student-filled courtyards, and a surprising amount of green space.
The real charm, though, often lives in the small towns and smaller villages. Places like Nafplio, Arachova, or Chania invite you to walk without a plan and stay longer than you meant to.
Italian Cities
Italian cities are unapologetically bold, layered and historical.
Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, Naples and Genoa all thrive on movement and contrast.
Discover more with our guides to unusual things to do in Rome and how to get off the beaten path in Venice.
In a single day, you might walk through Renaissance cloisters, Roman ruins, and contemporary fashion districts. The larger cities mean more options: more museums, more events, more restaurants, and yes, more traffic. But there’s a payoff. You’ll get access to some of Europe’s most significant art and architecture without having to stray far from your hotel.
The bustling streets of Rome, especially near Trastevere or Campo de Fiori, show the city at its most alive. And if you’re interested in faith, history, or both, Vatican City speaks for itself.
Added into that, public transport generally works well. Trains run often, metro lines are efficient, and walking still feels like the best way to understand a place.
Cuisine and Culinary Rituals
Food is never just food when you travel. It becomes a reason to pause and a way to understand how a place sees itself.
In both Greece and Italy, meals are central to daily life, but the way they’re structured, served, and even talked about tells two very different stories.
Greek Food
In Greece, eating out is simple, and that’s exactly the point. You won’t need reservations for most places, and you rarely feel rushed to leave. Taverna tables often sit under trees or beside the sea, with paper tablecloths, local wine in jugs, and dishes that come when they’re ready.
Greek cuisine centres on fresh vegetables, seafood, grilled meats, and olive oil used generously but not carelessly. You’ll find staples like souvlaki, moussaka, and horiatiki (the classic Greek salad), alongside stews and dips that vary by region.
Most menus are short and seasonal. Fresh ingredients come from nearby farms or markets, and meals are designed to be shared. Even in touristy areas, it’s easy to find good food for reasonable prices, especially in smaller towns or island villages.
Learning a few words in the local language can go a long way. Names like gemista (stuffed vegetables) or stifado (beef stew) appear often, and staff are usually happy to explain if asked and point you to the best things on the menu.
High-end dining exists, especially in places like Athens and Santorini, but most travellers remember the long, relaxed dinners more than the fancy ones.
Get started with our Athens Food Guide.
Italian Food
Italy takes food seriously.
Whether you’re in a city or a countryside village, meals are structured into courses: antipasti (starters), primi (usually pasta or risotto), secondi (meat or fish), contorni (vegetables), and dolci (dessert). You can skip courses, but there’s an expected flow.
Italian cuisine varies dramatically by region. In Emilia-Romagna, you’ll find fresh pasta, Parmigiano, and cured meats. In Sicily, swordfish, citrus, and capers dominate. Naples is pizza. Piedmont is truffles. It’s worth checking what’s typical wherever you go.
Restaurants tend to be more formal than in Greece. Reservations are encouraged, especially in larger cities or well-known luxury hotels.
Yet, you’ll still find casual spots like pizza al taglio, bakeries, and neighbourhood trattorias, which are popular options for a quick, satisfying meal without the formality of a full-course setting.
Like Greece, meals rely on fresh ingredients, but there’s often more emphasis on presentation and technical skill. In high-end restaurants, expect carefully layered flavours, regional wines, and knowledgeable staff who know where every ingredient came from.
Menus often remain in Italian, so a bit of the local language (or a willingness to ask) will serve you well.
Historical Sites and Ancient Stories
Both countries offer more than enough to fill a city’s worth of museums. What changes is how that rich history is presented, how close you can get to it, and how easily it fits into your wider plans.
Greek Historical Sites
Greece offers a more direct experience with ancient history. Many of its archaeological sites are open-air, accessible, and still part of local daily life. In Athens alone, you’ll find major historical places like the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus within walking distance from the city centre. A single ticket often grants access to multiple landmarks, making planning simpler.
Beyond the capital, sites such as Delphi, Epidaurus, and Mycenae are easily reached by car or group tour. On the islands, you’ll find ruins embedded in smaller towns: the ancient city of Lindos on Rhodes, the Minoan site of Akrotiri in Santorini, or the palace at Knossos in Crete.
The density of archaeological sites means you can explore a wide range of periods: from early Cycladic settlements to Classical temples and Hellenistic theatres. Most locations offer signs in English, and many are supported by nearby museums that display artefacts in context.
Italian Historical Sites
Italy offers a broader range of historical periods, from Roman remains to Renaissance architecture and Baroque palaces. Historic cities such as Rome, Florence, and Venice are known not just for individual sites, but for entire neighbourhoods where nearly every building holds cultural or historical significance.
In Rome, historical landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Vatican City are within easy reach of each other and served by public transport. In the north, cities like Verona and Ravenna combine medieval and Roman landmarks.
Further south, places like Pompeii and Matera provide access to large-scale historical sites with well-preserved structures and guided tours.
Italy has more than 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and most are well integrated into tourism infrastructure.
In major destinations, timed tickets and online reservations are common and strongly recommended, especially during high season.
Best Time to Go
The mood of a destination often changes with the calendar. Knowing when to go makes all the difference between a holiday that flows and one that feels off-key.
When to Visit Greece
Between late spring and early autumn, Greece glows. The sunny weather begins in April and stretches well into October, filling the days with long light and calm seas. In late June, the average highs climb, and the mood shifts toward summer holidays in full swing.
By July and August, the high season fills the islands and coastal towns with visitors drawn to the Mediterranean climate, sandy beaches, and beautiful islands framed by the clear waters of the Mediterranean Sea. These hot summers bring long daylight hours and a lively pace to even the quietest villages.
Shoulder seasons, like April or October, open up a different experience. The pace softens, prices ease, and there’s more space to breathe. Walk along pebble coves without hurry, visit archaeological sites with fewer queues, and enjoy olive groves under the still-warm sun. The perfect time for some, especially those looking to balance warmth with calm.
In the winter months, southern Greece remains accessible. Mild winters allow for city breaks in Athens or cultural trips inland. Some places in smaller towns may close temporarily, but the main attractions remain reachable. The wettest month is typically December, though even then, the sea still brings a kind of brightness.
When to Visit Italy
Italy stretches across several climate zones, and each rewards a different kind of trip.
Northern Italy follows four distinct seasons. Snowfall in the Alps offers ski escapes. In spring, gardens bloom in full colour, and cities like Verona and Bologna wake early with soft light and café life. The average highs in late May create the perfect backdrop for day trips, market strolls, and museum afternoons.
Southern Italy, meanwhile, holds onto the sun. Its longer summers, warm autumns, and gentle transitions mean you’ll find pleasant weather nearly year-round. In October, vineyards host their harvests, and truffle markets bring a seasonal rhythm to local towns. It’s a wonderful time for food lovers to travel, with fewer queues and regional dishes in full flavour.
The summer months bring lively piazzas and festivals from Rome to Palermo. It’s a good time to explore coastal towns along the Adriatic Coast or walk the historic streets of larger cities when the cafés spill out onto stone pavements.
There’s always a great time to visit Italy — it simply depends on what you want from your days. Here’s our guide to the best time to visit Venice to get you started.
Getting Around & Travel Time
In places with centuries of history, the journey between cities often reveals as much as the destinations themselves. Trains cut through vineyards, ferries drift past painted villages, and regional flights connect capital hubs to coastlines and islands. In both countries, the infrastructure works well, but the rhythm is quite different.
Getting Around Greece
Flights land most frequently in Athens and Thessaloniki, with a few additional options in summer through seasonal routes. From there, travel often unfolds by water. Ferries serve the Greek islands, from the Cyclades to the Dodecanese, with routes connecting mainland ports like Piraeus to a long list of smaller harbours.
Ferry travel brings a certain spaciousness – time to sit, read, nap in the sun, or watch the horizon shift. But it also means you’ll need to plan well, especially if your trip has a fixed length or your connections fall outside the high season.
Most journeys between islands or to inland regions will take longer than expected, but they rarely feel like much time lost. The long stretches between stops, the light that flickers across the Aegean…these are all part of the experience.
For travellers with limited time, flights and fast ferries help reduce overall travel time, but you’ll still need to account for waiting at ports or navigating quieter local bus systems. Greece suits those open to pauses – unless you take a road trip through the Peloponnese.
Getting Around Italy
Italy’s public transport system is extensive and straightforward, especially across the mainland. Direct flights connect most major regions to the rest of Europe and beyond, with international airports in Milan, Rome, Venice, and Florence offering frequent connections.
From there, movement by train is fast and easy. High-speed rail lines link urban centres like Florence, Naples, Bologna, and Turin, allowing for comfortable day trips or multi-city routes. You can wake up to the sound of the Arno in Florence and sip an aperitivo by the Colosseum by evening.
In cities, public transport makes urban exploring smooth. Train stations are central, and regional buses serve outlying towns and the countryside. Even without hiring a car, you can cover a lot of ground in just a few days.
Italy offers structure for those who want it. You’ll find timetables that work, connections that match, and an infrastructure that supports both long hauls and impromptu detours.
Matching Destination to Mood
Not every trip needs to tick the same boxes. What fits one year may not feel right the next. Choosing between Greece and Italy often comes down to the small things: the pace, the people, and what you’re really hoping to feel while you’re there.
The Pace in Greece
Greece tends to slow you down, in a good way. Afternoons stretch into evenings over long lunches in the shade of fig trees. Walking to the beach doesn’t require shoes. In small villages like Olympos or Archanes, life continues with little concern for the clock.
It’s a great place for unique experiences that feel anchored in the everyday: picking herbs from a taverna garden, learning a dance in the town square, or waking up to church bells echoing down a stone alleyway. These moments suit “family vacations” as much as solo wanderers in search of quiet connection.
The Italian Approach to life
Italy responds well to travellers who come with a plan, or at least a wishlist. A gondola ride through Venice at sunset, romantic strolls along the Arno, a table booked weeks in advance for truffle season in Alba.
It’s tailored to those who like their days full and their evenings curated, from aperitivo hour to live opera. The richness of experiences, especially in the most popular tourist destinations, suits couples, friends, and anyone who enjoys variety.
Budget, Comfort & Booking Smarts
Luxury means different things to different people. For some, it’s a spa with a sea view. For others, it’s knowing your host’s name and where the fish was caught that morning.
Costs in Greece
Greece offers excellent value at the mid-range level, with plenty of character. Family-run villas and boutique hotels in Naxos, Tinos or the Peloponnese blend charm with convenience, often just steps away from some of the best beaches in the country or a quiet village square.
You’ll find popular options that don’t break the bank: terraces with sunset views, fresh breakfast under grapevines, and hosts who point you to the best spot for grilled octopus.
For travellers seeking authenticity and comfort, Greece delivers with ease.
Italy
Italy tends to sit at the higher end of the budget spectrum, especially in cities like Rome, Venice, or Florence. That said, the infrastructure and standards, particularly in luxury hotels, are consistently high. Expect polished service, strong attention to detail, and a certain elegance in both food and setting.
Whether you’re staying in a converted palazzo in Florence or a vineyard estate in Piedmont, the price often reflects not just the location, but the level of experience provided. For many, that’s a good reason to stretch the budget a little.
The Long Way Around is Often the Best Way
You don’t need to pick a favourite for life. Just a great place for your next trip.
Greece and Italy stand out among European countries for good reason. Art, food, and hospitality shape each day. Their main differences become clear once you pay attention to the pace, the textures, and the stories.
Spend time in a fun city, take a few steps through historical places, and stay open to detours. For some, the perfect trip means early walks through ruins. For others, slow lunches and sea views.
I honestly couldn’t decide between these two fantastic destinations. Each has a place in my heart.
Just remember, the best way forward depends on what you want for your next trip. It doesn’t have to be forever.