Greece vs Spain - Quick Verdict
💰 Cheapest overall: Spain (more budget flexibility)
🌡️ Hotter outside peak summer: Spain
🏝️ Best beaches & islands: Greece
👨👩👧 Best for families: Spain (short flights + variety)
🍹 Best All Inclusive value: Greece
👉 Overall: Spain = flexibility | Greece = scenery & premium feel
Greece vs Spain: Which is Cheaper?
Spain is generally cheaper for short breaks, while Greece often offers better value for longer stays.
💃 Spain is usually easier to reach from the UK, with more flight options from smaller airports and often lower fares to get you started. A real plus for a long weekend or short break.
🏛️ Greece, on the other hand, tends to be cheaper once you're there, which can make it a great choice for a two-week holiday.
Spain offers more flexibility across budgets, while Greece often delivers stronger value on longer holidays.
👉 Verdict: Spain = more flexible; Greece = better value for longer stays
Greece vs Spain: Which is Hotter?
July and August can feel especially warm in both countries. Whether you’re visiting the islands or mainland you can expect it to be dry, with plenty of sunshine - so pack your sunhat and SPF50!
🏛️ Greece holidays are often island getaways, with pleasantly warm temperatures, and refreshing sea breezes.
Visiting Athens? This is best done in shoulder season when there’s fewer crowds and milder temperatures.
💃 Spain sees more regional variation due to its huge size. On the mainland many of the city dwellers go on holiday themselves in August - often to somewhere cooler!
The Canary Islands are roughly 1400 miles south of Barcelona! Their unique position on the African Atlantic coast stops them from getting too hot in summer, but keeps them warm over winter.
Final Verdict: Which Is Hotter for Holidays?
👉 Typically Spain is slightly hotter than Greece in low-season, but both are hot in peak summer.
For island getaways sea breezes take the edge off the temperatures, so the “real feel” can be a few degrees cooler than what the thermometer shows.
Autumn and winter are generally considered off-season for the majority of Greece. Hotels on the islands are often closed between November and March. The town of Arachova, near Delphi is popular year-round thanks to its snowfall - transforming it into a ski resort each winter. So don’t make the mistake of presuming anywhere in southern Europe is automatically going to be warmer than back home!
Greece vs Spain: Which is Better for Beaches and Islands?
Both destinations are holiday favourites for a reason - but when it comes to beaches and islands, Greece and Spain shine in slightly different ways.
🏛️ Greece is the stronger choice if you want scenery and islands.
• Perfect for island-hopping adventures on Greece holidays
• Famous for whitewashed villages and postcard-worthy views
• Home to around 6,000 islands (with plenty of holiday options to choose from)
• Ideal for hidden coves and more unspoilt landscapes
💃 Spain is better if you want convenience.
• More developed beach resorts with modern amenities
• Easier transport links and accessibility
• Wide choice across both mainland and islands
• Great for mixing beach time with culture and activities
• Visit historic landmarks like the Alhambra in Granada
• Combine beach resorts with experiences like stargazing on Mount Teide in Tenerife
Final Verdict: Best Choice for Beaches and Islands
👉 Greece wins for scenery and islands.
👉 Spain wins for convenience and variety.
Greece vs Spain: Which is Better for Families?
There’s a wide variety of hotels in both Spain and Greece that run kids’ clubs and other family friendly entertainment.
💃 Spain is often the preferred choice for families with young children.
• Shorter flights (as little as 2 hours to Costa Brava)
• More manageable for little ones than 4-5 hour flights to Greece or the Canaries
🏛️ Greece family holidays bring Greek mythology to life for kids.
• Each island blends nature, culture, and history into unique stories
• Great for keeping children engaged during trips
Family-friendly Resorts in Greece and Spain
💃 Top pick in Spain: If you have older and younger children you should consider the H10 hotels, as they offer different activities for tots, infants, juniors and teens. Book their family-friendly hotel in Benidorm Spain for a beachfront location with shallow waters.
🧠🌈♾️Travelling with an autistic child? Our top picks include Paradise Park Lifestyle, a family-friendly hotel in Tenerife and Gran Hotel Luna, a modern Granada hotel surrounded by mountains, both recognised for their Autism Friendly certification.
Flying through Malaga or Alicante Airports? Find out more about the silent and sensory lounges.
🏛️ Top pick in Greece: Aqualand Resort is a great option for a Greece family holiday hotel in Corfu, with All Inclusive convenience and plenty to keep everyone happy. Set in Agios Ioannis Parelia, it’s a fun-filled base for families who want waterpark action, easy dining and a relaxed island escape.
Final Verdict: Best Choice for Family Holidays
👉 Spain is often the best choice for younger children and those with special needs, while Greece is a great option for longer stays of between 7 and 14 nights.
All Inclusive Holidays in Greece vs Spain
Want everything included in one fixed price? An All Inclusive holiday is the way to go. You’ll get your flights, hotel and meals all included in the package price, as well as selected drinks and activities. Exact inclusions vary between different hotels, so always check your hotel’s info carefully.
🍻In parts of Spain laws have been brought in to promote responsible drinking. So read up on Spain’s six drink rule if you’re thinking of booking Majorca or Ibiza.
💃 Top picks in Spain
Bahia Principe Escape Tenerife is a customer favourite All Inclusive hotel in Tenerife, with its relaxed atmosphere and a magnificent mountain backdrop.
If you’re more interested in partying then you can’t go wrong with Hotel Vibra District - an All Inclusive hotel in San Antonio, where you can make the most of the facilities onsite, as well as the vibrant nightlife, which is just a short stroll away.
🏛️ Top picks in Greece
A popular pick for couples is The Ixian Grand and All Suites - a luxury All Inclusive resort in Rhodes boasting a beachfront location that’s just down the road from Rhodes Old Town.
Looking for a luxury All Inclusive hotel in Crete? Nana Golden Beach is a stylish beachfront choice in Stalida, with a wide range of facilities and a relaxed but lively resort atmosphere.
Final Verdict: Best Destination for All Inclusive Holidays
👉 Greece hotels are less likely to have exclusions due to local laws, but Spain still has a wide choice of All Inclusive resorts offering everything you could wish for.
Greece vs Spain: Which is Right for You?
The best resort or city for you depends on the type of holiday you want, as well as your budget. Here are some of our top picks to help you make a decision:
Family Holidays in Greece vs Spain: Best Picks by Season
Family Holiday Verdict
👉 For the longer Easter and Summer holidays the four-hour flight to Greece is well worth it, but for shorter stays and winter breaks Spain wins.
Best City Breaks: Greece vs Spain
City Break Verdict
👉 Spain has a lot more city break options to suit different travellers, but Athens certainly shouldn’t be overlooked.
Adult Beach Holidays in Greece vs Spain
Adult Beach Holiday Verdict
Greece has plenty of sun-filled islands, but if you want a short break on a budget then Spain usually wins.
Greece and Spain are both great holiday destinations. Spain is a bigger country with more diversity, while Greece has tons of islands to choose from, each promising a different kind of getaway.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about holidays to Greece and Spain, including prices, timing, and travel tips.
Is Greece a cheap holiday?
Yes, Greece is a good value holiday choice, with affordable options from Self Catering apartments to All Inclusive resorts.
What is the cheapest month for Greece?
Usually April or October. If you’re booking a trip for 7 nights or less then the first or last week of an airline’s summer schedule can be a great time to book, as they’ll likely have surplus seats.
Where is cheapest in Spain?
You should stick to its budget-friendly resorts and islands, including Benidorm, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura.
Which is better for a first holiday abroad?
With a short flight time Spain is a better option for first time flyers. With more flight options it’s likely that you’ll find suitable departures from an airport near you.
Can I book a 2027 holiday now?
Yes. 2027 holidays to Spain and Greece are on sale now through Thomas Cook. Although, some airlines haven’t released their 2027 schedule yet, so if you can’t find flights that suit your plans then hold off booking for now.
About the author
Edd Myerscough has explored more than 15 destinations solo, from discovering top European cities to hiking in the Carpathian Mountains, and admiring the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies. If you're after top tips on planning a seamless city break or an adventurous escape, Edd's got you covered with stories and practical advice to inspire your next journey.