Is Greece or Spain cheaper?

Broadly similar. Spain has a wider price range and more budget options at the low end. Greece clusters in the mid-range. Eating out is slightly cheaper in Greece, and the food quality is generally higher.

Which has better beaches?

Greece. The variety and quality of Greek beaches — from pink sand to hidden coves to dramatic volcanic settings — is consistently rated higher than Spain's more developed coastal strips. Spain's Balearics are the exception, with beaches that rival Greece.

Can I get winter sun in Greece?

No. Most Greek island hotels close from November to April. For Mediterranean winter sun, choose the Canary Islands (Spain) or go outside Europe to Egypt or Dubai.

Will I need ETIAS for both?

Yes. Both Spain and Greece are EU countries covered by the upcoming ETIAS system. UK travellers will need to register and pay a small fee before travelling, expected to launch late 2026.

Greece vs Spain: which beach holiday is better for UK travellers?

Last updated: 2026-06-29

Spain is better for

The shortest possible flight time — 2 to 2.5 hours to the Costa del Sol, 4 hours to the Canaries
Year-round sun — the Canary Islands stay warm through winter
City breaks combined with beach — Barcelona, Malaga, Palma
Travellers who want the most flight choice from the most UK airports
Self-catering villa holidays, particularly in the Balearics

Greece is better for

Beach quality — Greek beaches are consistently rated among the best in Europe
Island atmosphere — whitewashed villages, harbour tavernas, ferry-hopping
Food — Greek taverna cooking is a genuine highlight, not just hotel fuel
Couples and honeymooners wanting Santorini sunsets or quiet Cycladic islands
Travellers wanting a holiday that feels genuinely different from the UK

The ETIAS angle for 2026

Both Spain and Greece are EU/Schengen countries. UK travellers currently enter visa-free, but the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) is expected to launch in late 2026. This will require UK visitors to register online and pay a small fee (expected around €7) before travelling to any EU country.

ETIAS is not a visa — it is a pre-travel registration, similar to the US ESTA. Once approved, it is valid for three years. But it does add a step to booking that did not previously exist, and it applies equally to both Spain and Greece.

Check the latest ETIAS status before booking, as the launch date has been delayed several times.

Price comparison

Category	Spain (Costa del Sol)	Greece (Crete/Rhodes)
4-star hotel per night	€120–€200	€100–€180
All-inclusive availability	Limited on mainland, better in Canaries	Good on family islands
Eating out (meal for two)	€30–€60	€25–€50
Flight time from UK	2–4.5 hours	3.5–4.5 hours
7-night package pp	£450–£1,000	£500–£1,200
Winter sun option	Yes (Canaries)	No (seasonal)

Beach comparison

Greece has a clear edge on beach quality. The variety is exceptional — from pink sand beaches in Crete to hidden coves in Kefalonia, dramatic cliffs in Zakynthos and volcanic black sand in Santorini. Many Greek beaches are uncrowded even in August if you rent a car and drive ten minutes from the main resort strip.

Spain has good beaches, but the most popular areas (Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca) can feel heavily developed and crowded in peak season. The Balearics (Mallorca, Menorca) offer better beach quality and clearer water. The Canary Islands have distinctive volcanic beaches but limited fine-sand options compared to the Caribbean or Greece.

Side-by-side comparison

Factor	Spain	Greece
Best for	Convenience, winter sun, city breaks	Island character, beaches, food
Flight time	2–4.5 hours	3.5–4.5 hours
Winter sun	Yes (Canaries)	No
Beach quality	Good, can be crowded	Excellent, very varied
Food	Good, varied	Excellent, a genuine highlight
Island feel	Balearics only	Throughout
All-inclusive	Less common (except Canaries)	Available on family islands
City breaks	Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Seville	Athens (limited beach combo)
ETIAS required	Yes (from late 2026)	Yes (from late 2026)
Nightlife	Strong (Ibiza, Barcelona, Magaluf)	Strong (Mykonos, Zante, Malia)

DealStays verdict

Choose Spain when you want the shortest flight, when winter sun matters (Canaries), when you want to combine a city break with beach time, or when convenience and familiarity are priorities. Choose Greece when the island atmosphere is the point, when beach quality and food matter more than transfer time, or when you want a holiday that feels like a genuine escape rather than a warmer version of home.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Greece or Spain cheaper?: Broadly similar. Spain has a wider price range and more budget options at the low end. Greece clusters in the mid-range. Eating out is slightly cheaper in Greece, and the food quality is generally higher.
Which has better beaches?: Greece. The variety and quality of Greek beaches — from pink sand to hidden coves to dramatic volcanic settings — is consistently rated higher than Spain's more developed coastal strips. Spain's Balearics are the exception, with beaches that rival Greece.
Can I get winter sun in Greece?: No. Most Greek island hotels close from November to April. For Mediterranean winter sun, choose the Canary Islands (Spain) or go outside Europe to Egypt or Dubai.
Will I need ETIAS for both?: Yes. Both Spain and Greece are EU countries covered by the upcoming ETIAS system. UK travellers will need to register and pay a small fee before travelling, expected to launch late 2026.