For many tourists, it is virtually impossible to choose which is cheaper for a holiday in Cyprus or Greece. Some argue that a trip to Greece will cost more, especially if you rent a car, others that in Cyprus you can spend much more money on entertainment.
Before answering this question, you should decide what type of vacation you prefer.
- Calm beach or active with hikes to all attractions and participation in all water sports;
- Is it necessary to take a car or not?
- Whether a hotel has maximum stars or not does not matter;
- Eating only at your hotel or visiting all restaurants;
- Composition of the trip, that is, if you are traveling with a large group, a married couple with children, or alone, you expect that you can spend completely different amounts of money.
Having decided on these points, you can calculate that Cyprus or Greece will be cheaper for you specifically for your holiday.
To make calculations you need to know that
– a visa to Cyprus is cheaper, since you can limit yourself to “provisions”, but to travel to Greece you will have to do a full-fledged “Schengen”;
– renting a car in Greece will be more expensive, since gasoline costs more there;
– on average, accommodation and food will be cheaper than similar offers in Cyprus. Of course, everything depends on the hotel itself and its conditions, so you can find expensive hotels in Greece;
– there are more attractions in Greece due to the larger size of the country compared to Cyprus, so if you love antiquity, it will be difficult to resist. Keep in mind that you can spend a lot of money on viewing historical property;
- is associated with fun and numerous parties, especially the resort of Ayia Napa, so lovers of such entertainment will leave more on the island than in similar conditions in Greece.
Only on an individual basis can you decide on the choice of country for your holiday. Having clearly decided for yourself what you expect from the trip, it is worth estimating the amount it will cost; it will be different for each guest in any of these countries.
Where to find cheap tours?
It’s better to look for profitable tours through a service that compares prices from more than 120 tour operators and allows you to find the cheapest offers. We do this ourselves and are extremely happy :)
Two legendary lands that gave birth to the great Olympic gods are doomed to rivalry by the will of tourist spirits. Greece or Cyprus? Cyprus or Greece? This topic regularly comes up on travel forums. Who should you go to visit - the Greeks or the Cypriots?
Since you most likely do not have the ability to be in two places at once, you will have to choose a place for your future vacation, like the pet of the philosopher Buridan. But the donkey had a choice between two armfuls of hay, and you are faced with a much more complex and multifactorial choice between countries that are exceptionally rich in impressions and tourist pleasures.
Visa regime
Both Greece and Cyprus are members of the European Union. However, only Greece is included in the Schengen area. For this reason, it is easier for tourists to get to Cyprus, since they can apply for a one-time entry via the Internet for up to 90 days.
To visit Greece you will have to apply for a full-fledged Schengen visa.
Climate
Cyprus is located in the south-east of the Mediterranean, just 380 km from Egypt, so the climate here is warmer than in Greece. The swimming season begins and lasts until the end of October (depending on the weather, it is often comfortable to swim in November).
In Greece, swimming begins in May. The beach season lasts until the middle, and on the southern islands until the end of October.
Summer in both Greece and Cyprus is dry and humidity is low. The heat is softened by sea breezes. hot: from +30ºС to +35ºС, sea up to +28ºС. In Greece, the thermometer in the summer months also often exceeds the thirty-degree mark, but in general it is less hot there than in Cyprus, especially in the northern part of the country.
The velvet season in both Greece and Cyprus is autumn: 
delightfully warm, but not sultry. and many tourists consider it the best time to relax. In Cyprus, located further south, the velvet season lasts longer, while in many resorts in Greece it ends in mid-October.
Cyprus has an amazing winter. Often stormy seas, regular but short-lived rains and blossoming nature: real spring for residents of central Russia!
Mountains and rocky coastlines are a common feature of Greece and Cyprus. Arguing about which landscapes are more picturesque is pointless: it’s like comparing two great poets or brilliant artists.
Lovers of natural beauty will find caves, underwater lakes, waterfalls, lagoons, gorges in Greece... In terms of the number of natural attractions, Greece surpasses Cyprus, since its territory is much larger.
It’s just a pity that you won’t be able to see everything during your vacation: you’ll have to limit yourself to the landscapes adjacent to the resort. And they are very diverse: on the territory of mainland Greece and the islands there are several dozen geological and ecological microzones.
However, you won’t be able to explore the whole of Cyprus during a week-long vacation or even a month - its nature is so rich, so numerous are the romantic bays surrounded by rocks, mountain paths, mysterious caves...
Cypresses, oaks, Aleppo pines and Cypriot cedars rustle in the mountains, vineyards grow along the foothills, and tamarisks and oleanders provide coolness in the flowering valleys. Perhaps while walking in the mountains you will see a mouflon.
Be sure to visit the green Mediterranean turtle reserve on the Akamas Peninsula - this is a local endemic, one of the very rare species. If you are into diving, don't forget to plan a trip to the pirate caves in the bay or a dive to the modern Titanic - the sunken Greek ferry Zenobia.
Orthodox pilgrims will find many ancient Christian shrines in both Greece and Cyprus. This topic deserves a separate story.
Hotels, service
One of the topics that causes regular debate on tourism forums is the dispute about the quality of Greek and Cypriot hotels. It is very difficult for the parties to come to an agreement due to the subjectivity of the assessments, as well as the fact that hotels in Cyprus are compared with hotels from different regions of Greece.
The quality of hotel service in Greece is very heterogeneous. Where hoteliers target the British, the quality of services is high. But in middle-class resorts, the quality of service has dropped sharply in recent years. This is partly due to problems in the Greek economy.
It is not necessary to book a table in posh places in the center of the tourist area. A small restaurant in the mountains or on the coast is the best place to get acquainted with local culinary traditions.
By the way, Greek and Cypriot cuisine are far from the same thing. Undoubtedly, they have a lot in common: this is a love for olive oil, and an abundance of fresh vegetables, traditional olives and olives, feta (Cypriots, by the way, claim that they started making this cheese earlier, although the trade name in the EU is assigned to Greek cheese production).
But there are also important differences. The cuisine of Cyprus is more meat-based. They cook a lot of pork and lamb here, and rabbit is often served for dinner. In Greece you can often find fish and seafood.
A feast meal, when a variety of dishes are served on the table in small portions, is popular in both Greece and Cyprus. But in Cyprus they have a special reverence for meze! Up to thirty bowls of cold and hot appetizers can be served for dinner!
Another difference between Cypriot cuisine is the influence of oriental cultures. Spices, garlic, parsley, yogurt, honey sweets. Connoisseurs will also find Italian traditions in the island's cuisine: in the notes of mint, basil, arugula, cinnamon, coriander that complement the taste of dishes...
When it comes to entertainment, Cyprus is considered a more “party” holiday destination than Greece. There are especially many bars and discos in Ayia Napa. In Greece, Mykonos, Ios, and Kallithea are considered youth resorts.
Shopping, souvenirs
Fur coats are not produced in Cyprus, although they are actively sold. For fur coats - this, of course, goes to Greece. For cheap branded clothes, go somewhere to the Canary Islands or the UAE, to the duty-free zone. Of course, prices will not stop a true shopping lover, but in general, Cyprus is not the place where people go to fill their suitcases in boutiques and shopping centers. Just like Greece - apart from fur coats, there is hardly anything worth buying from industrial goods.
Another thing is souvenirs. There are many wonderful things you can take back from Greece and Cyprus.
From Greece, be sure to bring the famous Metaxa, Ouzo aniseed vodka, real feta, and high-quality olive oil. The choice of souvenirs is closely related to the region of the country: in Crete you need to buy local leather shoes, in Ioannina and Athens - gold jewelry, in Zakynthos - wood products covered with carvings. Many islands in Greece make wonderful leather goods and offer traditional Greek embroidery.
In Cyprus, buy lefkaritika lace embroidery, porcelain, pottery, carved wood, and wickerwork. Alcohol includes zivania (local grape vodka), sweet and quite strong wine, as well as Filfar orange liqueur and Five Kings brandy.
Perhaps it is worth recommending other products from local jewelers. In Cyprus, this fishery has a preferential tax system, so prices for 925-carat silver and 18-carat gold (analogous to 750-carat) are not high. Not otherwise Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty, advised the local authorities to such an inspiring tax policy!
Excursions
It is useless to list all the excursions offered by Greece and Cyprus. Even resting for a whole month, it is difficult to see everything that is among the nearby natural and historical monuments. But you will probably also be offered something like mountain trails or sea fishing (even for sharks). Therefore, you don’t have to worry about choosing: this year, see half a dozen attractions in one place, next year – in another.
There are many resorts in Greece and Cyprus, you can come every year and discover something new, but we made our choice a long time ago, which is why this site is dedicated to Cyprus, where the Greeks live!
Photo: Ioanna Markidou, Alena Doronina
Turkey and Egypt have long been mastered by our compatriots, and now the time has come to open new holiday destinations. Southern Europe attracts with its high level of service, safety, and the opportunity to see a lot of interesting places on your own. Let's compare two European countries and decide which is better. Greece or Cyprus, of course, is up to you to decide, based on your own preferences and concepts of quality and complete rest.
Entry issue
The lucky owners do not need to think about how to get to Greece. But those who do not have it need to go through all the circles of hell, consular departments. Getting a Schengen card is a troublesome and expensive task. In order to fly to the Republic of Cyprus, you only need so-called provisions, and in the northern part of this island, occupied by Turkey, an entry permit stamp for Russians is pasted into their passports upon arrival. So if you assume that you have little chance of getting a Schengen visa or do not have time to open one, then the question of whether Cyprus or Greece will become a holiday destination is not before you. What is there to think? Cyprus is definitely your destination.
Prices
On the other hand, the island republic has established itself as a party and fashionable place. Noisy Western European youth, who cannot afford Spanish Ibiza, relax here, as well as other categories of tourists: families with small children, pensioners craving a relaxing beach holiday. If you only want sun, sea and clean air and will not regret foreign currency savings, the “Cyprus or Greece” scales tip towards the first option. If you are planning a budget holiday, plus you want to see more sights, then you should choose the cradle of European civilization, that is, Greece.
Climate
Let's say you are tempted by Which is better: Cyprus? Greece? The map shows that the island republic is located further south, in the Mediterranean Sea, which is warmer and calmer than the stormy Aegean. The swimming season in Cyprus lasts longer - from mid-April to early November. But in Greece, especially on the mainland, summers are hotter. In addition, the shallow ones warm up very quickly, so you can swim there comfortably in early May. If you are planning to go there, it is best to go to the Greek islands - Crete, Kos, Rhodes, Corfu. The sea breeze of the Aegean and Ionian seas softens the heat. But reviews from experienced tourists say that you will not find more beautiful beaches than in Cyprus. Although the coasts of Santorini, Kos and Crete also have their fans. Therefore, in terms of beaches, the choice of “Cyprus or Greece” is quite difficult.
In terms of developed tourism infrastructure, both countries occupy equal positions. In the island republic there are places for youth hangouts, but you can easily find pastoral paradises where it’s not difficult to be Adam and Eve in Eden. Greece also has all this, but on a much larger scale. Take a look at the map. Which country is larger, Cyprus or Greece? If you want to see as many ancient or medieval sights as possible, choose a holiday destination near Loutraki. From this city you can take excursions to Athens, Olympia, Delphi, Sparta and even Meteora. If you want to combine the beach and fur coat tours, choose Thessaloniki.
Greece and Cyprus are two of the most popular resort countries that are very similar to each other and have a common history.
Both countries are beautiful and picturesque. For a tourist, traveling here means, first of all:
- Picturesque nature and luxurious beach holidays;
- Great service.
- An interesting and very varied excursion program;
The question of where is the best holiday in Greece or Cyprus is one of the most frequently asked, because these countries are similar to each other and are very popular tourist destinations.
Let's try to figure out together where it is better to spend a vacation in Cyprus or Greece.
For a holiday in Greece, a prerequisite is to have a Schengen visa; a holiday in Cyprus is much easier in this regard. The climate here is warmer, and therefore the swimming season begins earlier and ends later.
“Opponent” offers many resorts and places for family travel, while the territory of the island is quite small in comparison and, accordingly, lacks that variety and opportunities.
The beaches on the island are considered some of the most beautiful. There is mostly sand here, while in Homer's homeland there are also pebble beaches.
Where is the best place to have a seaside holiday in Greece or Cyprus: for lovers of nightlife and beach discos, Cyprus will appeal, but for lovers of historical and natural attractions, Greece offers greater variety.
Perhaps you can decide for yourself where the best beach holiday is by considering what both resorts offer us.
Holidays in Cyprus
One of the largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Most of the island is occupied by picturesque mountains. There are magnificent nature reserves, a canyon and many natural monuments.
Some of the most popular resorts are:
- Limassol has good infrastructure, there is entertainment for every taste: for young people - clubs and discos, for couples with children - a water park and many attractions;
— Ayia Napa is a youth resort with many clubs and discos;
— Larnaca and Protaras are relatively inexpensive resorts, suitable for a more relaxed and measured trip;
— Paphos is an elite resort place.
There are clean beaches and clear water here. Diving and various cruises are very popular.
It is also interesting for pilgrimage. A large number of historical and cultural monuments are concentrated here.
You should definitely try the wine, local cuisine and communicate with the cheerful and hospitable local people.
What are the advantages of traveling here:
- Cleanest beaches;
- The most interesting archaeological and pilgrimage tours;
- A large number of youth entertainment.
Holidays in Greece
It is incredibly beautiful and one of the most popular resort countries in the world. It is washed by the waters of many (four) seas and is located on countless and beautiful islands. A country with a rich history, the cradle of ancient culture, it attracts travelers and adventure seekers.
The splendor of nature fascinates and attracts the attention of not only artists and poets, but even those who are pragmatic and inclined to value material wealth to a greater extent. Clear water, picturesque mountains, mysterious caves, green forests - all this makes up the overall picture for the view.
The local culture and flavor are incredibly interesting, the residents are good-natured and hospitable, and the cuisine and wine are simply divine. Cities and towns full of ancient sites and cultural monuments, as well as modern entertainment and amenities - this is an incredible contrast that attracts tourists from all over the world.
What is the advantage:
- Abundance of various resorts;
- Rich excursion program;
- Excellent service in hotels.
It is very difficult to decide where it is better to have a holiday in Greece or Cyprus; both countries will give you a fabulous holiday, will reveal the extraordinary beauty of nature and will captivate you with the cleanliness of the beaches, the clear sea and the highest level of service.
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, 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 the common culture, the differences between 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, the sea and clean air, then do not spare money and 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 that the island republic is 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 the Greek islands - Crete, Kos, Rhodes, Corfu.
Breezes from the Aegean and Ionian Seas soften the summer heat. But according to experienced tourists, you will not find more beautiful beaches in Cyprus.
Therefore, in terms of choosing a beach holiday “Cyprus or Greece” it 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 mean luxury hotels on the sea coast, climbing Olympus and pilgrimages 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 includes 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 cruises on yachts and huge liners, beaches in secluded lagoons and paragliding. You can taste Greek wines by visiting one of the factories, where tasting is a mandatory ritual of farewell to guests.
Corfu, Greece
Active holidays in Greece include walking and driving tours of gorges, national parks and nature reserves. Fans of extreme sports will choose one of the deep caves, and horse riding enthusiasts will choose horseback riding tours covering famous sights.
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. Cyprus or Greece - both destinations will help you touch ancient history and experience all the delights of 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.
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