Italy and Greece are two of Europe’s tourism juggernauts.
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Prior to the pandemic in 2019, Italy welcomed almost 100 million tourists. Greece, by comparison, welcomed around 33 million in the same year. Though dwarfed by Italy’s stats, that’s still a hefty number of visitors.
Tourists headed to either country are on the hunt for similar experiences.
They’re looking for beautiful ocean views, historic ruins, and delicious food—to name a few. They might simply want to kick back in picturesque areas, like Santorini or the Amalfi Coast.
Despite their similarities, Italy and Greece are very distinct.
And you can’t decide which is worth a visit, you aren’t alone.
I recommend sticking to Greece because it’s got fewer tourists, more dreamy islands, and better beaches—but I’ll let you decide for yourself. Here are the key differences between Italy vs Greece that tourists need to keep in mind.
Italy is easier to get around
Italy has one of the most robust infrastructures in Europe.
That’s partly thanks to the sheer number of tourists that visit. Trains and transportation systems need to ferry them around the country year-round. You can get from Point A to Point B with relative ease, from Venice to Palermo and back again.
Greece isn’t nearly as easy to explore.
Most visitors end up renting a car because it’s easier than taking trains, buses, and ferries across the country. If you don’t mind renting cars and driving cross-country in foreign lands, then that might not be a bad thing.
Greece is more affordable
Thankfully for those renting cars, Greece tends to be more affordable.
While prices are usually high in hotspots like Athens and Santorini—and are on par with Rome and Venice—you can always find a deal. From hostels to mom-and-pop restaurants to newly opened bars, Greece slashes its prices more often.
Italy, by contrast, tends to charge more for just about everything, even the gelato.
One study found that the cost of living in Italy is 34% higher than in Greece, which will affect the tourist experience, too. If you want a luxury experience in Italy, expect an extravagant price tag.
That’s not necessarily the case in Greece, especially the farther you wander off the tourist track.
Italy offers more in the way of culture
Greece isn’t short on culture—that can’t be understated.
When you wander through Thessaloniki, Athens, and other ancient cities, you’ll encounter incredible ruins and sites from the Ancient Greeks. (And even the Ancient Romans.)
That being said, Italy’s hold on history and culture is a little tighter because it carries the legacy of Ancient Rome and enlightened Renaissance thinkers.
You can dive into centuries of history in most major cities across Italy. Florence offers a lens to study the Renaissance, while Sicily’s stone ruins harken back to ancient times.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Italy is also your doorway into other unique (and tiny) nations like the Vatican and San Marino.
Greece lets you drop off the map
Greece has metropolises like Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, and Larissa on its list of big cities.
That being said, Greece has a smaller population. Hellas, as locals call Greece, is home to around 10 million people, while Italy has almost 60 million inhabitants.
What does this mean for tourists?
It means you can drop off the map relatively easily in Greece. Most tourists stick to famous areas like Santorini and Mykonos, but you can wander into truly off-the-beaten-path territory—and these places are home to hidden gems.
Some might even be the stomping grounds of the gods and goddesses of Ancient Greece.
Greece is home to Europe’s best beaches
That brings me to my last point: Greece has better beaches than Italy.
I know, that’s probably controversial. After all, Italy is home to some of the most secluded and picturesque coves in the Mediterranean. From Sardinia to Amalfi, you can find jaw-dropping coastal displays.
But it doesn’t actually offer much in the way of sandy, sprawling beaches. Greece, on the other hand, has almost endless coastlines spread across its dozens of islands.
Looking for unforgettable pink sand beaches? Head to Crete. What about glass beaches? Also available near Rhodes. Looking for one of the World’s 50 Best Beaches? It’s in Greece.