Is Egypt or Turkey cheaper for a family holiday?

Egypt is typically cheaper on the headline hotel price. However, Turkey often includes more in the all-inclusive package, so true daily cost can be similar.

Which has better weather in winter?

Egypt. The Red Sea coast stays warm year-round. Turkey's beach resorts are largely closed during winter months.

Do I need a visa for both?

You need a visa for Egypt ($25 to $30). You do not need a visa for Turkey for stays under 90 days.

Which has better snorkelling?

Egypt, by a significant margin. The Red Sea has world-class reef systems. Turkey's Mediterranean coast offers very limited reef snorkelling.

Can I visit the Pyramids from a Red Sea resort?

Yes, via a domestic flight from Hurghada (about an hour each way) or a longer road transfer. Many operators offer Cairo add-ons.

Egypt vs Turkey: which all-inclusive destination is better for your trip?

Last updated: 2026-06-29

Egypt is better for

Winter sun from October to April, when Turkey is too cold for beach holidays
The lowest all-inclusive prices — Hurghada undercuts Antalya at like-for-like quality
Diving and snorkelling — the Red Sea has some of the best reef systems in the world
Travellers who genuinely want to stay within the resort for the entire trip
Combining a beach break with ancient history (Luxor, Pyramids)

Turkey is better for

Summer holidays from May to October, when the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts are at their best
Families wanting large, well-established all-inclusive resorts with waterparks and kids' clubs
Travellers who want to explore beyond the hotel — local restaurants, markets and historical sites
Easier entry — UK passport holders do not need a visa for Turkey for stays under 90 days
A wider variety of resort styles from Antalya mega-resorts to Bodrum boutique hotels

The seasonal angle that decides most trips

Turkey's beach season runs roughly May to October. Outside those months, resort areas close and it is not a beach holiday destination.

Egypt's Red Sea coast is warm year-round. Daytime temperatures rarely drop below 20°C even in January. If you are booking for November to March, Egypt is the only real option of the two.

All-inclusive comparison

Egypt's standard all-inclusive typically covers buffet meals, local soft drinks, Egyptian beer and basic house spirits. International branded drinks and speciality restaurants usually cost extra.

Turkey's standard all-inclusive tends to be more generous — many Antalya resorts include local and some international drinks, multiple à la carte restaurants and activities as standard.

Family comparison

Turkey has a slight edge on resort infrastructure — decades of purpose-built family mega-resorts with waterparks and kids' clubs. Egypt's family resorts are catching up quickly around Hurghada and Makadi Bay. Egypt's differentiator is Red Sea snorkelling straight from hotel house reefs.

Cultural day trips

From Egypt: Luxor, Cairo and the Pyramids — once-in-a-lifetime sites with no equivalent in Turkey.

From Turkey: Ephesus, Pamukkale, Perge and Aspendos — more frequent, easier day trips from the Antalya coast.

Side-by-side comparison

Factor	Egypt	Turkey
Best season	Year-round, strongest Oct–Apr	May–October
Winter sun?	Yes — one of the best from UK	No — too cold Nov–Mar
Visa (UK)	Required ($25–30)	Free (under 90 days)
All-inclusive value	Cheapest headline prices	More comprehensive packages
Reef / snorkelling	World-class Red Sea	Limited — Mediterranean
Family resorts	Strong, growing fast	Excellent, well-established
UK package (7 nights, flights, pp)	£450 to £950	£550 to £1,100
Flight time from UK	5 to 6 hours	4 to 4.5 hours

DealStays verdict

Choose Egypt when you need winter sun, when the Red Sea's underwater world matters, when you want the lowest possible price for a resort week, or when visiting the Pyramids or Luxor is a genuine priority. Choose Turkey when you are travelling May to October, when you want a more comprehensive all-inclusive package, or when exploring beyond the resort matters.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Egypt or Turkey cheaper for a family holiday?: Egypt is typically cheaper on the headline hotel price. However, Turkey often includes more in the all-inclusive package, so true daily cost can be similar.
Which has better weather in winter?: Egypt. The Red Sea coast stays warm year-round. Turkey's beach resorts are largely closed during winter months.
Do I need a visa for both?: You need a visa for Egypt ($25 to $30). You do not need a visa for Turkey for stays under 90 days.
Which has better snorkelling?: Egypt, by a significant margin. The Red Sea has world-class reef systems. Turkey's Mediterranean coast offers very limited reef snorkelling.
Can I visit the Pyramids from a Red Sea resort?: Yes, via a domestic flight from Hurghada (about an hour each way) or a longer road transfer. Many operators offer Cairo add-ons.