Should I Visit Greece or Turkey? A Practical Comparison

So you want to visit the eastern Mediterranean but you’re wondering if you should visit Greece or Turkey, hmm? Well, you’ve come to the right place. This article will go through the differences between the two countries and help you decide if you should visit Greece or Turkey!

Here we will go through various travel styles and whether Greece or Turkey fits best with each style. Not all these travel styles are applicable to every traveler. So find the topics that are important to you specifically, and assign a “1” to the country that is better for that style, and a “0” to the other country. 

Add up your results when you get to the end of the article and voila, you know if you’ll be visiting Greece or Turkey! Or better yet, both!

Quick Country Comparison

Greece and Turkey are both steeped in a rich history. The ancient Greeks invented democracy and built magnificent cities and temples. The Ottoman empire of modern day Turkey was one of the most prolific empires in the last 1000 years. The countries border each other and share similar customs and cuisines. Here are some quick facts about each.

Greece

• Population: 10,400,000
• Biggest city: Athens
• Capital city: Athens
• Language: Greek
• English proficiency: Very high (#12 globally of non-English speaking countries)
• Currency: Euro
• GDP per capita: $42,066 USD
• Primary religion: Greek Orthodox (Christianity) 
• Climate: mostly semi-arid Mediterranean 

Turkey

• Population: 85,400,000
• Biggest city: Istanbul
• Capital city: Ankara
• Language: Turkish
• English proficiency: Low (#66 globally of non-English speaking countries)
• Currency: Turkish Lira
• GDP per capita: $40,283 USD
• Primary religion: Islam (Sunni) 
• Climate: Temperate Mediterranean along coastal areas and continental climate in central Turkey giving cold winters and hot summers 

Lastly, in 2022 Turkey officially changed its English name to match its Turkish name, Turkiye. Most people still call it Turkey, though. Sorry Erdogan. So we will refer to it as Turkey in this article, and not Turkiye.  

Greece vs Turkey – A Travel Comparison

Now let’s get to the comparison between Greece and Turkey! Below we will run through numerous different travel styles and preferences and then determine whether Greece or Turkey is a better fit for you. Here we go!

You love exploring European cities on foot

Both Greece and Turkey have large, vibrant world-renowned cities that receive millions of visitors a year. Athens and Istanbul are two of the oldest cities in the world and each feature a fantastic mix of new and old. 

Athens is home to approximately one third of the population of Greece, about 3.6 million people. Its history traces back over 3000 years and it contains one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world: The Acropolis. The city is hilly, yet walkable, and the best sites can be seen without needing public transportation if you’re staying in the city center. 

Istanbul is a massive megacity home to over 15 million people. It’s split by the Bosporus Straight, considered the border between Europe and Asia. It too is home to marvelous historic sites like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern. The city is simply massive, but the main historic sites are located in the old city, which is still large, but walkable. 

Outside of Athens, Greek cities are not too frequented by tourists. Thesoloniki, Greece’s second largest city, sees minimal tourists and other Greek cities are small and see even less. Most people visit Greece to explore the beautiful islands, beaches, and mountains. 

Turkey is a much bigger country and has many more large cities with historic city centers, as well as hundreds of smaller cities and towns that are lovely to walk around, like Goreme in Cappadocia or Bodrum. 

Verdict: Turkey

While Athens is a great city to explore by foot, walking around cities is not the goal of most trips to Greece. 

The Great Outdoors is calling your name

There’s nothing quite like waking up in a pristine meadow by an alpine lake overlooking snow capped peaks, am I right? Neither Greece or Turkey is particularly known for hiking or outdoor activities, but both offer adventurers plenty of options. Greece is an incredibly mountainous country, with very little flat land, and Turkey has incredible mountain ranges itself. 

Northern and central Greece is home to numerous mountain ranges and plenty of empty space to get lost in. Even the Greek islands are loaded with epic peaks and mountains to hike. Most people don’t come to Greece looking to backpack a trail through the mountains, but the country offers glorious recreational opportunities no matter what part you are visiting. 

Turkey is a bit more dry and barren, but being a huge country it has a diverse climate and ecology. The southern part of the country is mostly arid, though very seismically active. The northern part of the country along the Black Sea coast is rugged, mountainous, and mostly unexplored, which makes it an epic adventure for those looking to really get away from it all. 

Verdict: Greece 

While Turkey has its fair share of mountain hikes, the outdoors destinations in Greece are easier to get to and more naturally beautiful. A morning hike to the top of a mountain followed by lunch on a ridiculously beautiful beach is totally possible in much of Greece. 

You’re an archaeology aficionado 

You’re probably familiar with the ancient Greeks as well as the Ottoman Empire. Each played an important role in the development of modern civilization. 

The Greeks were master thinkers, the first to implement democracy, as well as advanced builders, constructing large cities with nothing more than stone and wood. The ruins of Ancient Greek cities are scattered around Greece (though a disproportionate amount are on the Peloponnese peninsula) and remind us of the vast society that existed in Greece well before Christ.  

The Ottomans were known for global expansion and spreading Islam wherever they could. They built marvelous mosques all over Turkey and the surrounding region, stretching into Eastern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. They even ruled Greece for centuries. Turkey is also home to numerous well-kept Roman ruins, such as Ephesus and Aphrodisias. 

Verdict: Greece 

For the archaeologically minded traveler, it really doesn’t get much better than Greece. It’s the Mecca of ancient historical sites and it’s literally not possible to see them all without making visiting them your full time job. Turkey is a great place for ancient archaeology, but you simply can’t beat Greece in this category.

You just want to go to the beach

So you’re a beach bum, huh? Fancy a dip in the sea? Both Greece and Turkey are ideal destinations for you beach lovers. I mean, it’s the Mediterranean after all, and each has a significant coastline. 

Greece has literally hundreds of islands, some of them world famous like Santorini and Corfu, but also tons of pristine, less visited islands with amazing beaches like Kefalonia and Siros. Greece isn’t just islands either. Some of the best beaches are up in the Chalkidiki area near Thessaloniki on the mainland. Not to mention the Peloponnese. 

Turkey also has thousands of miles of pristine coastline, including over 1000 miles of the Black Sea as well as the Mediterranean. Bodrum and Izmir are known for having amazing beach environments, with Turks and foreigners alike flocking to the coastal cities for their beaches and nightlife.  

Verdict: Greece 

It’s hard to argue against Greece being one of the top beach destinations in Europe and it takes the cake over Turkey in this category.

Travel budget is your main concern

Affordability is a major factor in just about everybody’s vacation planning. and lucky for you, both Greece and Turkey offer travelers a beautiful vacation for far cheaper than many other European destinations. 

Greece is one of the cheaper countries in the eurozone, much thanks to its struggling economy since the late 2000s recession. Economic output from the country is minimal outside of the tourist sector, and this keeps wages low and, thus, prices low as well. This doesn’t apply everywhere in Greece, obviously. Good luck finding a decent hotel in Santorini for under $300 in summer. But lesser visited Greek destinations can be pretty damn cheap. The less tourists that visit, the cheaper it remains. 

Turkey is a whole other story. The Turkish Lira is one the world’s most inflated and devalued currencies. Since 2020 the Lira has rapidly lost its value when compared to the world’s major currencies. During the same time, however, inflation in Turkey has run rampant, reaching almost 100%. 

Even with high inflation, the devaluation of the Lira has kept prices low for foreign visitors. Turks can hardly afford to travel to some of the more popular and expensive Turkish destinations like Cappadocia and Bodrum, but Americans and Northern Europeans will still find it pretty affordable. Outside of the major tourist hotspots, most of Turkey – including Istanbul – can be pretty darn cheap.  

Verdict: Turkey

Thanks to the weakness of the Turkish Lira, Turkey is one of the cheaper Mediterranean countries to travel to. The more “local” you go, the cheaper it gets. 

You just want to relax in 5-star resorts

Many travelers are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives to a peaceful vacation where they can take it easy and just relax. I mean who doesn’t like a little luxury once in a while?

Greece is literally loaded with exclusive and boutique resorts along its endless miles of coastline. There are also tons more affordable options, but if a luxurious stay in paradise is what you’re looking for, then you’ll find a home in Greece, especially if you’re headed to Santorini or the more popular islands. 

Turkey is not as known for luxury 5-star resorts, though you can find plenty of amazing hotels in Istanbul and along the nicer beach towns like Bodrum or Izmir. Cappadocia also has dozens of luxurious boutique hotels you can watch the famous hot air balloons from. In general, however, Turkey doesn’t see quite the demand for luxury travel as Greece does. 

Verdict: Greece 

If splurging and spoiling yourself are top priority, you’re going to be just fine in Greece. It’s not quite Thailand or a Caribbean island, but you won’t be disappointed in the luxury Greece has to offer. 

You are all about the food 

Greek and Turkish food have a whole lot of similarities. Mediterranean food in general is pretty similar in terms of spices used and cooking styles. But the two countries do have unique culinary inventions that make them stand out. 

Greece is known for having its own unique cuisine. Chances are you’ve been to a Greek restaurant before. Moussaka, pastitio, spanakopita, tiropita, gyro, stuffed grape leaves, these are all classic Greek dishes. Add in a Greek salad with some pita bread and tziki, finish it off with a baklava or a galadabutico, and you’ve had yourself one hell of meal.

Greek cuisine is beloved around the world and traveling around Greece you’re bound to have some of the best food you’ll ever eat. Did I even mention the lamb shanks? 

Traveling around Turkey is also a culinary journey. The Turks also do baklava (though with pistachios instead of walnuts), stuffed grape leaves, moussaka, and many other Greek-style foods, but with a middle eastern touch as well, given the influence of Islamic culture in Turkey.

Kebabs and kofta (minced beef or lamb on the grill) are common staples in Turkish cuisine. The doner kebab was invented in Istanbul (I’ve been to the place that invented it and honestly there are better doners in Istanbul), which is similar to gyro meat, just prepared a bit differently. Oh, and the Turks also make a mean lamb shank.

Verdict: Tie

While I’m personally partial to Greek food, it’s hard to award one or the other here. Both Greece and Turkey have incredible food scenes and you’ll eat well in either country. Now I’m hungry! 

You are fascinated by human history

Both Greece and Turkey have deep roots in the history of modern civilization. The Greeks and Romans are two of the most studied ancient cultures in history classes across the world. Not to mention the dominant Ottoman Empire. 

Modern day mainland Greece is basically an open air museum. As discussed earlier, there are archaeological sites all around the country and a trip to Greece puts you in a position to learn about the origins of democracy and philosophy whether you like it or not.

Turkey also boasts an extensive history, especially when it comes to the Ottoman Empire, which was centered in Istanbul, then known as Constantinople. On top of that, the ancient Roman Empire reached deep into Turkey, all the way down to Jordan, and left their mark on the land and its history. Exploring Cappadocia also teaches you a lot about how ancient societies lived and thrived in cave cities. 

Verdict: Greece 

While Turkey boasts some fascinating stuff, it’s hard to argue that Greece wasn’t more internationally significant in its history, so we will go with Greece here. 

Immersion in local culture is vital to your travel experience 

It’s important to immerse yourself in the local culture when you’re traveling the world. You’re not gonna be the guy who goes to Macdonald’s in every country he goes to, are you? True story with a federal contractor who would not eat anything other than American food. Both Greece and Turkey have unique cultures deep rooted in generations of their histories.

Greece is known for its islands and beautiful coastline, but there is much more to the country than just nice beaches. While nearly 1/3 of the country lives in and around Athens, the majority of Greeks live in small cities and towns, spread across the landscape. Exploring these non-touristy places gives you another perspective of Greek culture, and there are tons of places to check out to immerse yourself in that culture. As a bonus, prices in Greece away from tourist hotspots can be pretty damn affordable. 

Turkey also has a lovely heritage, influenced heavily by the intersection of Europe and Asia. When you travel around Turkey, it feels like both continents at the same time. Most of the country doesn’t see a lot of tourists, so it’s not hard to get off of the beaten path. Just don’t expect anyone in the local towns and villages to speak much English. But what better way to experience the local culture than trying to order a doner kebab in broken Turkish?

Verdict: Greece 

It’s just a little easier to immerse yourself in the culture in Greece since the country is much smaller and even the popular islands have local villages. Turkey has a beautiful culture too, but most people don’t venture too far from the tourist hotpots. 

You are all about the social media photos

Let’s be honest. If you didn’t take a photo and post it all over your social media did it really happen? Well, of course it did, but these days it’s really all about the photos, and you’ll find plenty of places in both Greece and Turkey to make your friends jealous. 

Greece is home to iconic photogenic places like the blue domes of Santorini, the windmills of Mykonos, and the Acropolis of Athens, to name a few. And with sunny skies the norm, there are breathtaking views everywhere you turn in Greece. A quick visit to VisitGreece’s Instagram page and you’ll be convinced 

Turkey is also no stranger to breathtaking views. Watching the hot air balloons flying over Cappadocia is a sight to behold. Istanbul is loaded with famous sites and photogenic streets. There are also gorgeous beaches all along the coast to snap a few photos of.  

Verdict: Greece  

It’s hard not to give this one to Greece too. While Turkey has some truly instagrammable spots, you’ll get more bang for your buck in Greece.    

You just want to party

If you’re all about the nightlife then I’d say you should really consider Northern Europe, like Amsterdam or Berlin, for your party-centric trip. But it’s possible to get your drink on in Greece and Turkey as well. 

Athens has a thriving nightlife culture, and some islands – especially Mykonos and Naxos – are particularly known for having nightclubs operating to the wee hours of the morning. Zakynthos island is also a popular destination for young travelers due to its prevalence of clubs and bars. 

Turkey is a majority Muslim country, so things are a bit different there. While many Turks – even those who follow Islam enough to participate in Ramadan – drink alcohol, it’s not as prevalent in society as it is in the rest of Europe. Istanbul has a thriving bar culture, and popular tourist destinations like Cappadocia and Bodrum have plenty of bars. The Turks also make great wine and there are wineries all across the country. But in general, it’s a more conservative society than the rest of Europe (though way more liberal than other majority Muslim countries).  

Verdict: Greece 

This was evident based on the discussion above. 

You want to ski

Believe it or not, many Greeks and Turks love skiing. Greece is one of the most mountainous countries in the world. There is hardly a stretch of flat land anywhere. Most of the higher mountains, and thus ski resorts, are on the mainland in the northern part of the country, west of Thessaloniki. It might not be Austria, but for Greeks, access to skiing is super convenient. 

The Turks also love a good ride down the slopes. Turkey is a big country with massive mountains, and you’ll find a lot of ski resorts all over the country, especially in the central part and eastern half. The tallest mountains in Turkey are higher in elevation as well. If you are visiting Turkey in winter and love skiing, it’s totally possible to add on a day on the slopes to your trip. 

Verdict: Turkey 

Neither country is particularly known for its slopes, but Turkey takes the prize here in the skiing category. 

You just love a good road trip

Road tripping is one of the best ways to see a country. There’s nothing like getting out on the open road and rolling up that odometer as you take in new sights and scenes. 

Greece has a vast road network that reaches every small village on the mainland and the islands, including well-maintained motorways (toll roads) and 2-lane highways. Even with so many islands, an impressive ferry network connects most of the islands. Driving in Greece is a breeze, and you can see so many amazing things in a relatively short time.  

Turkey is a much bigger country with bigger, open distances between main destinations. There is an excellent motorway network and highways are generally well-maintained. Rental cars are really cheap in Turkey and driving is more like Europe than Asia. Depending on where you’re going in Turkey, you can see a lot of things in a little time, especially the west coast.

Verdict: Greece 

Greece takes the road trip category as well. Turkey has some nice road trips, but it’s not a country really known for renting a car and hitting the road.

Final Word

The total count is 9 for Greece and 4 for Turkey. To be fair, though, it’s really hard to beat Greece as a travel destination. And, of course, while I tried to be as scientific as possible, this list is still pretty subjective in nature. You will have a fantastic time in either country, and the choice is yours to make. Hopefully this discussion of should I visit Greece or Turkey helped!