The nature of the resorts in these countries is almost entirely determined by their geographical features. Their neighbors, Greece and Cyprus, have a lot in common - one sea, one latitude, one national composition - the Greeks! However, there is something that makes them very different from each other.Read our article and choose a resort according to your preferences!
On the territory of Greece and Cyprus there is only 20% of the entire cultural heritage of antiquity (the remaining 80% is in Turkey ). In fact, there are many attractions here, but visiting the favorite places of Zeus, Athena, Artemis and other representatives of mythology can quickly get boring. Therefore, the best vacation is 2-3 short excursions during your vacation, independent travel to unique beaches and walks around the city where you are staying (by the way, walks are a free activity).
Cyprus is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea, but Greece is washed by 8 seas at once. The warmest of them is Libyan, the cleanest is Ionian, and the coldest and windiest is Aegean (ideal for kiters and windsurfers). Accordingly, there are many beaches - mostly sand, but there are also pebbles. The climate is subtropical. In July-August, the air temperature warms up to 35 degrees Celsius, the water temperature to 28.
All-inclusive systems in hotels are rare. By purchasing a trip with breakfast or half board, you provide yourself with a unique opportunity to experience the culture and get to know the local people better. Both Greeks and Cypriots are distinguished by incredible cordiality and hospitality, which is especially noticeable among the latter - the territory is small.
Read also: Top 10 countries where All Inclusive is popular
Legally, Cyprus is a separate independent republic. However, the southern part of the island is inhabited by Greeks, and the northern part by Turks. Moreover, the Turks (or Greeks) do not recognize the not completely successful annexation of Cyprus by the Greeks (or Turks) and are very sensitive to this topic. Who is right and who is wrong is unknown to this day. But still, under no circumstances take the I Love Turkey T-shirt with you to Cyprus. Well, you know, you never know...
The most popular resort in Cyprus -Ayia Napa . In the summer months, the city turns into one big youth party, which can be heard not only in the center, but sometimes also on the coast. Since the beaches here are the best on the island, it is better to enjoy the beauty of Ayia Napa in proud and tranquil solitude in October-November or April. The most popular beach is Nissi Beach with azure water and white sand. Other resorts have gray sand and pebbles.
Nissi beach in the video starts at 1:16 minutes:
Read also: Which beaches are the cleanest?
In a large and dynamic port cityLimassolthere are a lot of Russians thanks to the good infrastructure and entertainment for children: there is a water park, amusement park and a zoo. However, the journey from the airport will take about an hour.Larnaca Also suitable for children thanks to sandy beaches with small pebbles and convenient access to the sea, besides, holidays here are the most economical. But especially anxious tourists may not like the planes that take off over the beach every half hour during the summer season.
In a fashionable Paphos There are not many Russian tourists in the area, and the city itself is quiet. But there are many attractions. The beaches are rocky, with difficult entry into the sea, but very picturesque.
There are quite a lot of excursions in Cyprus. The most popular and rich, as we mentioned in the last newsletter, is for donkeys. But still, unlike Greece, bus service on the island is rather scarce. It is best to rent a car and explore the island on your own (the length is only 100 km from south to north). The island inherited left-hand traffic from the British occupiers.
You will not need All Inclusive in Cyprus. A delicious meze in a local tavern - an assortment of many dishes, designed for one person (in fact, enough for two well-fed eaters) costs no more than 20 €.
The ideal holiday in Cyprus is to splash around in the sea during the day, and after a siesta go to the city, taste the divine local Commandaria wine, snack on small wrinkled olives, which taste much more refined than large Greek ones, stroll through the city market and make friends with the locals. In any city you can also find a disco with dancing until the morning.
Greece
Greece, Mykonos island
Greece, compared to Cyprus, is simply a huge country. The number of bays, coves, beaches and beaches, islands of different sizes simply cannot be counted. And each resort is special. To choose a suitable climate, imagine a map: it will be cooler on the peninsula, hotter in Rhodes and Crete. The further south the island is, the more sparse its nature is.
The beaches in Greece are municipal, which means you have to fork out for a sunbed and an umbrella. But almost all of them are sandy; on some islands, for example, Santorini or Kos, there is healing, mineralized sand - pink, gold, white and black.
Crete – a large island with developed infrastructure, the climate is very similar to Cyprus. The island is the most popular because it offers very wide opportunities for recreation - from economical to luxurious. Lots of attractions and vibrant nightlife. Nearby is the uninhabited island of Elafonisi - with pink sand, lots of shells and dense tropical forest. Moreover, you can wade to it from the southwestern part of Crete along a warm lagoon.
Santorini - a charming hilly island of volcanic origin, all strewn with white and blue houses. Here, a European-style holiday is romantic; many beautiful yachts moor on the shore. On the islandCorfu rich nature and unique landscapes, thickets of citrus and olive trees. The resort itself is considered elite. IslandRhodes suitable for young people - there are many bars and wonderful beaches (especially in the southeast of the island). 30 km from the capital of the island there is a cozy national park with lakes and waterfalls, where thousands of butterflies flock from May to September for the mating season.
The video shows a stunning bird's-eye view of the island in the bright colors of the sunset.
When traveling with children, it is better to prefer the mainland of Greece, where the infrastructure is well developed and there is animation on large beaches (not often found in hotels).
Peninsula Halkidiki has the shape of a trident. It is very green, planted with dense pine forests with healing air, but the sea here is cool. But there are up to 50 fabulously beautiful bays!Athens - a modern city with an incredibly high concentration of antiquities per square meter. Some metro stations (convenient and understandable) are monuments in themselves. The best beach is Lagonissi, located half an hour from Athens. Visiting the capital of Greece is a must do! Get acquainted with the cultural heritage, and after sunset, sip wine under the golden light of the evening Parthenon.
In Greece, it is important to choose the right hotel in a wide variety - there are quiet hotels for Europeans, spa and boutique hotels, options for family holidays, equipped with a water park and a children's room. There are both cheap and elite ones. In addition, in October the water is still at 20-22, so you can relax cheaper and not in such drying heat as in summer.
If you want to save money on your vacation, carefully study the geography of the beaches of Greece, choose the optimal location of the hotel nearby so that you can get to all places by bus or ferry.
Both on the mainland and on the islands you will be offered many excursions to historical monuments or walks on the water. It would be a good idea to brush up on the Myths of Ancient Greece to make listening to the guide even more interesting.
What is a must-do in Greece?
Try a real Greek salad with homemade feta, wash down freshly caught red mullet with Ouzo aniseed vodka (but only in a local tavern, not in a tourist restaurant) and dance sirtaki to your heart's content.
The time has come for a question as important as it is sensitive. If we take completely approximate figures, then Cyprus will be more expensive than the popular Crete. And the service is better for the same price. But still, there are too many parameters in each individual hotel by which you need to evaluate the quality of services and their cost.
The economic crisis has made holidays with children an expensive pleasure, so Russian tourists are looking for budget destinations for summer trips. Egypt and Turkey were banned, and Greece and Cyprus came to the fore. These are comfortable Mediterranean resorts, but which is better for family travelers? The answer to this question was prepared by employees of the Travelata online hypermarket.
Greece - ancient ruins, fur coats and pristine beaches
The comfortable Mediterranean climate of ancient Hellas will make a holiday with a small child carefree and rewarding. There are no enterprises in Greek resorts, hence the abundance of “blue flags”. To get to Greece, you will need visas, but Russians do not have any difficulties obtaining them. If you are traveling to Greece with a child, pay attention to a number of advantages of this country: - clean beaches; - gentle slopes; - animation; - children's entertainment; - exciting excursions; - water parks; - slides and children's pools. When looking for tours with children to Greece, you will be pleasantly surprised at the cost of the trip. A family of three (two adults + one child) will pay from 23,000 rubles for the tour. You can find it cheaper.Cyprus - fast flight, comfortable living environment
You can fly to Cyprus in 3-4 hours, and this is extremely important when planning a holiday with children. The island attracts family travelers with its magnificent beaches, healthy climate and rich entertainment program. To travel, you will need an online visa, which is easy to obtain. The best resorts for family holidays are Paphos and Ayia Napa. Advantages of Cyprus for a child: - sandy beaches; - developed infrastructure (animation, nannies, playgrounds); - children's menu in hotels; - good ecology (beaches are marked with blue flags); - wide price range. Cyprus is used to improve the health of children suffering from colds, skin and allergic diseases. Tours with children to Cyprus are inexpensive - you have to pay from 37,000 rubles for three (child + two adults). There are cheaper options. Cyprus vs Greece - where to go?
Greece is suitable for parents with older children - the price of the trip is low, so you can allocate more money for excursions and entertainment. Greek beaches are clean and well-groomed, but the children's entertainment industry is more developed in Cyprus. Both countries attract shopaholics - during the sales season you can stock up on branded items at cheap prices. Cyprus will appeal to parents traveling with small children - clean sand, flat bottom, well-warmed sea. When planning a train trip, rely on your budget and the age characteristics of the child. Do you have a desire to save money? Buy nowGreece is an amazing country that perfectly combines beach holidays and interesting sightseeing tours. Hospitable Greeks are happy to share their cultural heritage and rich history with guests of the country. This is a fairly large country with a mild climate and picturesque landscapes. Hot summer weather allows the beach season to open in early May.
Cyprus is warmer than Greece. Here the swimming season opens in April. The magnificent nature is in no way inferior to the natural beauties of Greece. It is worth noting that in Cyprus there are practically no plants that can cause allergies. Therefore, allergy sufferers prefer to relax here.
Visa regime in Greece and Cyprus
Greece is part of the European Union. To visit the country, Russians need to apply for a Schengen visa (In this section you can find out more about obtaining visas to Greece). Every year a huge number of Russians apply to the consulate. But applications are processed quite quickly, so obtaining a visa does not cause much trouble. There are currently plans to extend the visa-free stay program on the Aegean islands for tourists holidaying in Turkey. Russian tourists will not be an exception.
You can visit Cyprus with a Schengen visa, but if you don’t have one, then everything is much simpler with visas here. The country has its own pro-visa. Applying for this visa is completely free. To obtain a pro-visa, just fill out an application form at the embassy and receive an individual number. Using this number you can enter the country and stay in Cyprus for 90 days.
How to get there
Getting to Greece will not be difficult. Direct flights are operated from 18 Russian cities, including airports in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Ufa and other large cities. Currently, direct flights can be used to fly to the islands of Crete, Rhodes, Kos, Corfu, etc. In the near future, it is planned to open direct flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg to Kavala. You can view prices and buy air tickets.
Flight time to Cyprus is 4 hours. Airlines operate regular flights from Russia to the airports of Larnaca and Paphos. Flights are available from most major Russian cities.
Beaches, where is it more comfortable to relax?
Beach holidays in Greece are varied. The country is washed by eight seas, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. Being on one island, you can relax on two different seas. At the same time, on one side of the island you will find sandy beaches, and on the opposite side of the island pebble beaches predominate. It is worth noting that the Aegean Sea is considered the coldest. And frequent winds bring strong waves to the coast. We described the best beaches in Greece in this article.
Cyprus is not as diverse. However, here tourists will find magnificent sandy beaches and blue seas. The beaches of Cyprus are very comfortable and clean. The entrance to the water is smooth, so it is very convenient to relax here with children. There are also rocky beaches in Cyprus, but they are not as popular as sandy beaches.
Sights, what to see?
Greece is famous for its rich history. The country has a huge number of attractions, ancient temples and ruins. Tourists will certainly be interested in visiting the Acropolis, admiring the Parthenon, and visiting the Erechtheion Temple. A visit to these historical places will allow you to learn a lot of interesting facts from the history of the country.
The island of Rhodes also has many interesting places. The city of Lindos preserves an ancient acropolis. The city of Rhodes has preserved medieval architectural structures, for example, the Palace of the Grand Masters or the Rhodes Fortress. The streets of the city simply “breathe” with antiquity. In Thessaloniki it will be interesting to see the White Tower. And on the island of Crete you can see the world-famous Palace of Knossos. Here you can also see amazing olive groves.
Cyprus is famous not only for its wonderful beach holidays, but also for its most interesting excursion routes, as well as its excellent national cuisine. Regardless of the fact that Cyprus has much fewer attractions than Greece, a sufficient number of historical monuments have still been preserved here. Not far from Limassol, the Villa Eustolia has been preserved, allowing you to understand how people lived in rich houses of the Middle Ages. The Kyrenia fortress, built in the 7th century, allows you to plunge into the atmosphere of that time.
Cost of tours, where is it cheaper?
Tours to Greece are very popular, so you need to book them in advance. Already by the opening of the tourist season, all trips to Greece are usually bought up, so you may simply not have enough trips. On average, a week's holiday in Greece in a three-star all-inclusive hotel costs 30,900 rubles per person.
Tours to Cyprus should also be booked in advance. Three-star hotels are the most popular among Russian tourists. A week's stay in a three-star hotel with breakfast costs on average 24,400 rubles per person.
Conclusion: Greece or Cyprus - where to go in 2017?
It’s up to you to decide what to choose for your holiday this year, Cyprus or Greece. It all depends on the type of holiday you are interested in
Beach holiday at sea
At the beginning of the beach season (April, May) or at the end (October, November) it is more comfortable to relax in Cyprus. It will just be warmer there. In summer (July, August) the resorts of Cyprus will be very hot. Therefore, at this time it is better to choose a holiday in Greece.
Stories and sights
If you are interested in seeing the creations of human hands and touching ancient monuments, Greece will be the best choice. When it comes to natural monuments and unforgettable views, it is difficult to choose a clear favorite. Both countries will amaze tourists with their beauty.
Night life
Unforgettable nightlife and dancing until the morning awaits the young and active in Ayia Napa, Cyprus. You probably won’t find such unbridled fun and opportunities to meet people in Greece.
Where is it cheaper to vacation in 2019: Cyprus or Greece? Cheat sheet for tourists - what are the differences between the resorts of Cyprus and Greece.
Greece and Cyprus - these two countries have long been competitors in the tourism market, but it is not easy to compare them. The choice of resorts in Greece is so large that the island of Cyprus will not be able to compete with each of them. However, for those who still cannot decide on a holiday destination in 2019 and are considering both countries, we will try to sort everything out.
Tours to Greece from Level.Travel
Cost of last minute tours to Greece from the largest online service Level.Travel. Prices are indicated from the minimum for the next four months of the 2019 season.
Greece or Cyprus - visa issue
The main stumbling block for those who are planning to spend their holiday is the need to open a Schengen visa. Expensive, troublesome, and in the worst case scenario, the vacation can be canceled at the very last moment. On the other hand, if you are the happy owner of a multiple visa, then there will be no problems obtaining a trip.
There are a number of Greek islands (including the most popular - Crete And Rhodes), where a simplified procedure for obtaining Schengen is already in effect.
As for Cyprus, national visas are issued for citizens. They are done completely free of charge. Citizens of Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Georgia will have to pay a consular fee.
Entertainment and contingent
For those who are committed to a deep acquaintance with history and culture, it is advisable to buy a tour to Greece - here historical monuments and museums are found literally at every step. Cyprus is a great place for young people. Young tourists enjoy partying all night long at local discos (the main party center is the resort of Ayia Napa), and during the day they sleep off or lie down on the beaches.
The main contingent of holidaymakers in Cyprus are British. Greece in this regard is more “international” - you can meet tourists from all over the world.
Tours to Greece and Cyprus - prices 2019
Whether to choose Greece or Cyprus - it all depends on preferences!
There is an opinion that a holiday in Cyprus will cost less than in Greece. Perhaps this was the case 10 years ago, but recently hotel prices in Greece have fallen significantly (due to the consequences of the severe economic crisis). In addition, the cost of a vacation depends on the region and the popularity of the resort (you can relax in hotels on the mainland of the country much cheaper than on the islands).
Cyprus resorts offer a more modest selection of hotels. Plus, the best deals sell out very quickly. However, in general, the cost of a vacation in 2019 will be approximately the same.
To compare prices for tours to Greece and Cyprus, on the online tour search site (analogous to the Aviasales meta-search engine for air tickets), we chose the first peak of the season - the May holidays 2019, then the summer months and, finally, the high season - September-October. Here's what we got:
| Greece | Cyprus(prices are for two adults): | |
| May 2019 | from 38,000 to 60,000 rubles. | from 32,000 to 70,000 rubles. |
| June 2019 | from 33,000 to 76,000 rub. | from 35,000 to 75,000 rubles. |
| July August | from 40,000 to 92,000 rubles. | from 42,000 to 76,000 rubles. |
| September October | from 30,000 to 88,000 rub. | from 28,000 to 74,000 rubles. |
*The sample was made in January 2019. Such prices can last throughout March-April, and then, the closer the season gets, the higher they will rise. The early booking rule always applies, but you still have to run for last minute tours.
Cyprus VS Greece: nature
Are you planning during peak season? Then keep in mind that at this time of year the heat here reaches +40 °C. Plus, the island has not very pleasant high humidity, which, however, is compensated by the warm sea (until it is heated to the state of fresh milk). Lovers of greenery will have practically nothing to admire here, especially in August-September, when the island is already fairly scorched by the sun.
However, the same “desert” can be observed at this time in the Greek Cyclades. Although there are resorts in the country that are surrounded by lush vegetation all year round - these are the islands of Corfu, Samothrace, Zakynthos, Thassos, etc.
Reminder for tourists: in Cyprus, drive on the left side
Many of Cyprus are famous for its infrastructure and the presence of “blue flags”. The only difference is that in Cyprus there are many sandy beaches with convenient access to the sea, in Greece - it all depends on the resort.
Significant details in the choice
Those who are planning to travel independently and rent a car during their vacation should take into account that in Cyprus, traffic is on the left. This can bring some discomfort to both beginners and even experienced drivers, who may already feel tense behind the wheel in a foreign country. Cyprus is called a sincere and atmospheric holiday destination. Greece is loved because here you have the opportunity to touch ancient history and see many monuments of world significance in one trip.
Greece and Cyprus are approximately in the same price category, so the cost of the tour is unlikely to be decisive in your choice. In the end, you can visit both countries: despite the similarity of mentality, each is unique in its own way.
The best as well. Find out when it starts. Resort, village or - where is better?
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.
