Choosing Between Spain and Greece For Your Summer Escape

If you’re in the midst of holiday planning and have narrowed your Mediterranean dreams down to Spain and Greece, congratulations! You’ve already made an excellent choice… twice. But now comes the genuinely tricky part: which one deserves your precious holiday days?

Both countries offer that irresistible Mediterranean magic – stunning coastlines, incredible food and the kind of summer sunshine that makes you forget winter ever existed. Yet they each have their own distinct personality that might sway your decision. Let’s dive into what makes these holiday destinations unique and hopefully, by the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which one is calling your name.

Culture and History

Spain and Greece aren’t just beach destinations – they’re open-air museums where history immerses you!
Greece stands as the cradle of Western civilisation, where ancient ruins tell stories spanning thousands of years. Walking through the Acropolis as the sun sets over Athens isn’t just sightseeing – it’s time travel. There’s something humbling about standing where Socrates once philosophised or gazing at the same seas that carried Odysseus home. And it’s not just Athens, places like Delphi, Olympia and Knossos offer glimpses into the past.

Spain, meanwhile, offers a different kind of historical tapestry, one woven from Roman, Moorish, Jewish and Christian threads. The result is utterly captivating: the intricate beauty of Seville’s Alcázar, the grandeur of Madrid’s Royal Palace and the breathtaking architecture of Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia.

Culturally speaking, both countries move to their own rhythms. Spain pulses with flamenco beats and afternoon siestas, followed by evenings that stretch well past midnight. Greece dances to bouzouki music and embraces a lifestyle where conversations over coffee can pleasantly consume entire afternoons.

Nature and the Landscape

When it comes to natural beauty, these Mediterranean countries have been equally blessed, though in distinctly different ways.

Greece’s claim to fame? Those islands – all 6,000 of them. Each one seems to have leapt straight from a postcard: the white-washed buildings with blue domes of Santorini, the emerald waters of Corfu, the golden beaches of Crete. The Greek landscape is dramatic, craggy mountains plunge into blue seas, creating the kind of contrast photographers dream about.

Spain counters with remarkable diversity packed into one country. Want mountains? The Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada await. Beaches? Take your pick from the Mediterranean coast, the Atlantic shore, or the Balearic Islands. Then there’s the lush greenery of Galicia and Asturias that might surprise those who only picture Spain as sun-baked.

Water babies, take note: while both countries offer crystal-clear Mediterranean swimming, Greece generally wins for sheer number of perfect swimming coves and that distinctive Aegean blue that seems to have been mixed by the gods themselves.

Affordability

Let’s talk euros – how far will yours stretch in each destination?

Greece has traditionally been the more budget-friendly option, especially once you venture beyond tourist hotspots like Mykonos and Santorini. Meals, accommodations and transportation on lesser-known islands or mainland destinations can be surprisingly affordable. A perfect Greek salad with a view of the sea might cost half what you’d expect to pay back home.

Travellers seeking something more affordable can explore package holidays to Paphos where the cost of flights, accommodation and transfers are all included, making your trip seamless and cost-effective without compromising on quality!

Spain, however, varies widely by region. Barcelona and Madrid can certainly be a little pricer, but head to smaller cities like Granada or Valencia, and suddenly your budget breathes easier. The Spanish tradition of free tapas with drinks in some regions means you might end up eating quite well for the price of a few beers.

Both countries offer excellent value compared to destinations like France or Italy, but your money will generally stretch a bit further in Greece – unless you’re island-hopping frequently, as those ferry tickets can add up.

Food and Wine

Prepare your taste buds for one of the toughest decisions yet – both countries take food seriously, and both will leave you planning your next meal before you’ve finished the one in front of you.
Spanish cuisine celebrates regional diversity: the seafood of Galicia, the paella of Valencia, the pintxos of the Basque Country. Then there’s the national obsession with jamón ibérico and tapas culture. Spanish meals aren’t just about eating, they’re about gathering, sharing and lingering. And let’s not forget Spanish wines, from the robust reds of Rioja to the refreshing bubbles of Cava. Spain is notorious for its winery and vineyard tours, perfect for those wanting to try out the very best that the country has to offer.

Greek cuisine revolves around fresh, simple ingredients that combine to create magic. There’s a reason Greek yoghurt with honey has conquered breakfast tables worldwide! Olive oil flows freely, fresh fish is a staple and vegetables are grown locally. Each island and region contributes its specialities to the national culinary identity. The wine scene in Greece is experiencing a renaissance, with ancient wines being rediscovered and celebrated.

The dining style differs too – Spanish meals happen late (dinner at 10 pm is normal) and can stretch for hours, while Greek dining tends to be more relaxed but equally social.

Accommodation and Transport

Where you’ll rest your head and how you’ll get around can make or break a holiday.

Spain boasts efficient infrastructure – high-speed trains connect major cities, buses reach smaller towns and roads are generally excellent. Accommodations range from international hotel chains to charming boutique hotels in converted historical buildings.

For a luxurious stay, discover a range of Villas in Mallorca which offer a delightful alternative to resorts or hotels. These private properties are spacious and have an exclusive feel, making your trip truly indulgent.

Greece requires a bit more planning, especially if island-hopping is on your agenda. Ferries don’t always run daily to smaller islands, and schedules can change seasonally. The mainland has good roads and bus services, but trains are limited. Accommodation in Greece often feels personal; family-run guesthouses, small hotels where the owner might invite you for a homemade raki.

Both countries have embraced holiday rentals, so finding your own apartment or villa is easily doable and often more economical for longer stays or family trips.

Making Your Choice

Still torn? Maybe these final thoughts will tip the scales:

Choose Spain if you crave variety during one trip; you could combine Barcelona’s architecture, Madrid’s museums and Andalusia’s Moorish influences in a single getaway. It’s also ideal if you prefer a more developed tourism infrastructure and don’t mind sharing popular spots with fellow travellers.

Greece might be your match if those iconic white-and-blue island views have been calling your name, if you’re seeking a slightly more laid-back pace, or if you dream of finding your own perfect beach cove.

The good news? There’s no wrong choice here! The Mediterranean has a funny way of making visitors fall in love, whether they’re watching the sunset from a Spanish playa or a Greek taverna. And whichever you don’t choose this time? Well, that’s just the perfect excuse for next summer’s escape!