Summer 2026 is reshaping the Mediterranean’s price landscape: Turkish resorts are becoming more expensive due to inflation, while Greek islands are becoming more affordable for European tourists. Rankings and package tour prices show that the choice between the two countries is no longer so clear-cut. Learn more about price comparisons, the most budget-friendly resorts in Greece and Turkey, and tips for saving money on your vacation

The 2026 summer season poses a classic question for European tourists: where to go—Greece or Turkey? Both countries remain among the most popular Mediterranean destinations, but the price landscape has changed significantly this year. Euronews recently reported on this, analyzing tourist flows and vacation costs in both countries.

How much does a week in Crete cost, why are Turkish tourists flocking to Greece, and at which resorts can you save the most—we’ll cover all this in the article below.

Looking for the best value destination for your summer vacation in 2026?

The travel guide from the Visit World portal will help you compare prices, conditions, and visa requirements for popular Mediterranean resorts.

Tourist traffic between Greece and Turkey: what has changed in 2026?

According to Euronews, tourist traffic between the two countries has tripled, with the flow predominantly in one direction—from Turkey to Greece. Rapid inflation within Turkey has driven up the cost of living and vacationing at many Turkish resorts. As a result, Turkish citizens are increasingly choosing neighboring Greece for their trips.

The scale of this trend is confirmed by diplomatic sources: the Greek consulate in Istanbul is currently issuing about 1,300 visas a day, the vast majority of which are multiple-entry. Turkish citizens use them for both vacationing and shopping, as food and goods in Greece are often cheaper.

About the cheapest European cities for a weekend getaway in 2026 — read here.

Ranking of Europe’s most affordable resorts: who’s in the lead?

The annual Post Office Travel Money Family Holiday Report compared the cost of 10 basic vacation expenses (drinks, snacks, lunch, dinner, sunscreen) across 16 European destinations. The results were published at the end of 2025.

Marmaris in Turkey was named the cheapest destination—it surpassed last year’s leader, Sunny Beach in Bulgaria. An additional factor is the weak Turkish lira, which gives foreign tourists’ money greater purchasing power in Turkey.

Greece also made it into the top ten of the ranking. The rankings of Greek resorts:

• Crete — 7th place (prices down by nearly 8% compared to last year);
• Kos — 8th place;
• Rhodes — 9th place.

It is worth noting that Marmaris and Sunny Beach do not use the euro, which gives them an additional price advantage. At the same time, Greek resorts offer competitive prices even within the eurozone.

The best beach resorts in Asia — are listed here.

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Package Tour Prices: Greece vs. Turkey

A week’s vacation in Crete, including airfare, hotel accommodation, and half-board meals, starts at 388 euros per person. For a Mediterranean destination, this is one of the lowest prices on the market.

Turkey is traditionally strong in the “all-inclusive” segment. According to eSky, prices for package tours to Turkey start at approximately 524 euros per person. This places Turkey above several other popular summer destinations in terms of cost. At the same time, it’s worth noting that similar packages to Spain’s Costa Dorada, Cyprus, and Sunny Beach can sometimes be found for even less.

Where tourists should avoid traveling in summer 2026 — we explain in this article.

Where to find the best deals in each country?

Both countries have a wide range of prices depending on the specific resort.

Turkey maintains an advantage in the cost of hotels, restaurants, and excursions thanks to its weak currency and relatively low operating costs. However, domestic inflation in recent years has narrowed the gap—Turkey is no longer as budget-friendly a destination as it once was.

Greece remains inconsistent in terms of price levels. Mykonos and Santorini are still known for their high prices, and the cost of tours there is rising along with demand. In contrast, a number of other islands offer a much more affordable vacation:

• Kefalonia;
• Rhodes;
• Lefkada.

It is these destinations that are becoming an alternative for tourists who want to vacation in Greece without unnecessary expenses.

Greece or Turkey: what to consider when choosing?

There is no clear-cut answer as to which destination is cheaper in 2026. Turkey has the edge in the “all-inclusive” package segment and daily expenses at many resorts. Greece, on the other hand, is becoming increasingly affordable, especially outside the most famous islands.

The key to saving money in both cases is to avoid the most popular resorts and analyze in advance where your budget will allow you to get the most out of your vacation.

Planning a summer vacation? Order a travel guide from Visit World!

Choosing between Greece, Turkey, and other Mediterranean destinations is easier with up-to-date and well-organized information. The Visit World portal offers travel guides that will help you plan your trip while taking into account your budget, visa requirements, and the unique features of specific resorts.

Order a guide on the Visit World website and head off on vacation fully prepared!

Reminder! In our previous article, we talked about 4 little-known European islands that impress with their beauty and atmosphere.

Photo: Magnific

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Travel guide for 200 countries;

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Medical insurance all over the world.

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