Greece or Italy - Which Euro Summer Destination Is For You?

Summer is coming, and the biggest question on your mind needs to be answered… Should the vibes be Mamma Mia or “Mamma Mia!”? 🕺🍕

I am, of course, talking about Euro Summer’s hottest contenders: Greece and Italy. Both promise cultural landmarks, crystal-clear seas, and declaring that you just had the best food of your life, basically after every meal.

How are you meant to pick between Santorini island-hopping and Venetian gondola rides? Gyros or gelatos? You can’t, until you read this. Our Mediterranean showdown starts now.

Round 1: Beaches & Islands

Greece

You want an island-hopping summer. Ask, and you shall receive… In Greece! Get ready to spend your days gliding across sun-drenched waters, falling into the dreamy rhythm of beach, sleep, repeat. Kick back on shimmering stretches of golden coastline, or switch it up for rugged caves and volcanic black sand.

Greece has hundreds of inhabited islands for you to explore, and so understandably, you may not even know where to start. Crete is Greece’s biggest island, whilst the Cyclades are the most iconic cluster of islands, thanks to their classic scenery and easy-to-navigate ferry routes. Here’s an idea on where to go for your next beach day:

• Iós: Famed for its beaches and bar crawls
• Paros: For quintessential Greek village vibes
• Santorini: The best sunsets of your life (no exaggeration)
• Mykonos: High-energy nightlife and world-famous beach clubs

Italy

Famously shaped like a boot, Italy has coasts trailing along each side, stretching from the Alpine mountains up north all the way down to Sicily, the southernmost island region. Translation: you’re spoilt for choice.

The best beaches in Italy range from undeniably stylish locations famed for their alluring ocean views, to secret coves hiding in the places you’d least expect. And that’s just the mainland. Italy’s two main islands, Sicily and Sardinia, give you even more options. Where to begin? Well, you could always consider…

• Positano: Amalfi’s most recognisable seaside town
• Capri: Small island home to the Blue Grotto cave
• Cefalù: Cute medieval town meets golden shores
• Cinque Terre: Pastel villages, connected by train or hiking trails

Greece or Italy?

There’s no denying that Greece and Italy are both home to insanely beautiful beaches, perfect for lazy days filled with sea and sunshine. This is the Mediterranean we’re talking about.

Yet with thousands of islands to its name, Greece just takes things to the next level. You could plan a whole itinerary around ticking off multiple islands, from bucket list picks to sleepy beachside villages.

Winner: Greece 🏆

Round 2: Food

Greece

Because if turquoise shores weren’t enough for your daydreams, Greek food definitely is. Picture this: it’s 30℃ with an ocean breeze. You’re sitting on the terrace, with fresh salads, scoops of tzatziki paired with fries and grilled meat or vegetable skewers… What more could you need on your travels?

Greek food is simplicity done right. That depth of flavours will have you rotating your favourites over and over again.

Italy

Honestly, I think this one kind of speaks for itself… This is Italy we’re talking about. *That* Italy, famed for having mastered the art of turning just a few ingredients into heaven on a plate. It’s home to more iconic dishes and regional variety than you could ever dream of.

And when you peel all that prestige back, it all comes down to this. Authentic pizza in Naples, topped with sweet tomato sauce and fresh mozzarella… You can’t beat perfection itself.

Greece or Italy

If you’re the type of traveller who’d hop on a flight just for the food (same), you’d find yourself very, *very* happy in Greece or Italy. They’re two of the Best Countries in the World for Amazing Food for a reason.

Buuut, Italy has earned its flowers (and flour) as the winner of this round. For the ones who want food that takes them on a whole journey, whether that’s appetisers until dessert or exploring the country and trying local specialities along the way, this really is it.

Winner: Italy 🏆

Round 3: Nightlife

Greece

Greece is where all your dreams of summer nights come alive. Maybe your perfect evening looks like partying to DJ sets, neon lights against a backdrop of star-lit skies. Bar crawls, beachside cocktails and party boats: all the best memories start at sunset here.

Italy

Aperitivo. One of Italy’s best traditions, featuring a light drink (like a wine, or my personal favourite, a limoncello spritz) as a warm-up for the evening. That could be candle-lit dinners, rooftop bars overlooking city landmarks, underground clubbing, or, if you’re down south, beach clubs. Take your pick!

Greece or Italy?

Greece and Italy are top nightlife destinations in two ways. 1) There’s an evening vibe for everyone, and 2) parties last from dusk until dawn, so you can dance until the sun comes up.

Since I have to pick one… Yeah, it’s gotta go to Greece! From beach clubbing in Mykonos to bar crawls in Iós, nightlife here is world-famous and deserves all the attention it gets.

Winner: Greece 🏆

Round 4: Cities

Greece

Oh, Athens. It’s one of the oldest cities in the world, and that iconic view of the Acropolis won’t ever let you forget it. Still, Greece’s capital is full of electric energy. Cobbled streets hum to the melodies of bustling city-goings, from local markets to nightlife.

Whilst Greece has a small number of major cities, it’s especially famous for its coastal villages and resort towns, set across its hundreds of islands. Many islands have their own mini-capital, like Fira in Santorini, or Chora in Mykonos.

Italy

Let’s start with Italy’s Big Three. Rome, the capital, is packed with ancient history but still buzzing with life. Venice, the ultimate floating city that everyone dreams of getting lost in. And Florence, where a game-changing artistic era called the Renaissance was born.

Then there’s the ‘Alta Moda’ city of Milan, one of the world’s four fashion capitals (in the company of Paris, NYC and London). And who could forget about Pisa, the champion of optical illusions?

Greece or Italy?

You can’t go wrong with a city break in Greece or Italy. It’s one of the best ways you can experience each country’s rich local cultures on a personal level.

Italy is the winner of this round, because how can you argue against all that variety? There’s a reason why Italy is an essential inclusion on most European interrailing routes, and it’s got everything to do with all those cities to its name.

Winner: Italy 🏆

Round 5: History

Greece

Sooo, you know the Olympics? Of course you do. That, alongside philosophy, democracy and all kinds of modern inventions, can be traced back to Ancient Greece. This era of history fundamentally changed the course of human history, which is why you hear this time period referred to as the ‘Cradle of Western Civilisation.’

Trivia for your next pub quiz aside, Greece is home to legendary historic sites you can still experience today, like the Acropolis, a golden citadel overlooking Athens. Its UNESCO heritage settings and archaeology museums will capture the heart of pretty much anyone (but especially the ones who grew up reading Percy Jackson ⚡).

Italy

I’m not going to ask you how often you think about the Roman Empire. Yet after exploring Italy’s wealth of archaeological sites, I bet that the answer would be a lot. There’s the Colosseum: an epic setting of gladiators and emperors, and its more recent glory of being named as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

And there’s Pompeii: an ancient city ruins frozen in time by a volcanic eruption, an unwavering snapshot into everyday life centuries ago. It’s a similar story for the lesser-known, but just as astonishing, setting of Herculaneum.

Greece or Italy?

Ancient Greece and the Acropolis came first. The Roman Empire lasted longer. And you know, the Colosseum gets points for world wonder bragging rights. But would the Colosseum exist without the inspiration of ancient Greek architecture?

It’s a debate better resolved on a history podcast, but yes, I guess one could make the argument that Greece walked so Italy could run. Source: me. Still, both countries present a strong argument; so for this final round, I’m calling it even.

Winner: Tie 🤝

The Results Are In…

Greece: 2.5 points

Italy: 2.5 points

And the winner is… Oh no, it’s a tie! 👀

Although it’s really all about who’s the winner in your eyes. Greece comes out on top for island-hopping and nightlife, whilst Italy proves itself time after time as *the* IT destination for cities and food.

Greece and Italy are equally worthy contenders for your Euro Summer plans. So much so that, hey, why not do both? The most magical summer of your life is calling. Ciao! Ya hará!