Decision guide · rules checked against official sources
Greece or Turkey all-inclusive: which is better value?
Choose between a resort-first holiday in Turkey and a Greek island break where the destination outside the hotel may matter just as much as what is included.
Greece or Turkey: the meaningful differences
| Decision | Start with Turkey | Start with Greece |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday style | The resort is the main destination. | The hotel is a base for an island or coastal trip. |
| Facilities | You want to compare large resorts, waterparks, multiple pools or extensive entertainment. | You prefer a smaller-scale hotel and will use local beaches, towns and restaurants. |
| Food | You expect most meals and drinks to be taken inside the package. | You are comfortable paying for some tavernas or independent meals. |
| Families | On-site activities and a contained daily routine matter most. | Short outings and a less resort-centred rhythm suit the family. |
| Couples | You want the hotel itself to deliver the relaxation and entertainment. | You want evenings outside the hotel and more destination atmosphere. |
These are useful starting points, not universal claims about every hotel. A well-located Greek resort can be highly self-contained, while a Turkish hotel near a town can work well for exploring.
Compare the real package price, not two headline offers
Live package prices change with dates, flight capacity, room occupancy and departure airport. A credible comparison therefore uses two bookable holidays at the same moment rather than fixed annual price ranges.
- Use identical dates and trip length. Moving one option into a school holiday invalidates the comparison.
- Use the same UK departure airport. Regional flight capacity can change the winner.
- Match the room and board basis. Check whether the cheaper result uses a family room, annex, limited view or a different all-inclusive tier.
- Add bags, seats and transfers. Do not compare an incomplete flight-and-room total with a package that includes these elements.
- Read the hotel's actual inclusions. Imported drinks, speciality restaurants, waterparks, snacks and late checkout are not automatically included.
Budget rule: if you expect to eat outside the hotel several times, add that spending before deciding that the all-inclusive option represents better value.
Which destination suits your trip?
Entry rules differ even when the holiday feels similar
For travellers using a full British citizen passport, Greece follows Schengen rules. GOV.UK currently states that the passport must have been issued less than 10 years before arrival and expire at least three months after the planned departure from the Schengen area. Visa-free visits count towards the Schengen limit of 90 days in any 180-day period. The EU Entry/Exit System is now being implemented, so allow extra time and follow the instructions from your operator and border staff.
Turkey is outside Schengen. GOV.UK currently states that a British citizen passport must expire at least 150 days after arrival and have at least one blank page. Tourism visits are visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Rules can change and other passport types or circumstances may differ. Follow the official links below rather than treating this summary as permission to travel. Also read the current destination-wide advice: as reviewed, the FCDO advises against travel to specific parts of Turkey.
Five checks before paying
- ATOL: confirm the provider holds an ATOL licence and keep the certificate for a flight-inclusive protected package.
- Transfer: check whether it is included, shared or private and how long the hotel route normally takes.
- All-inclusive hours: confirm when food and drinks begin and end on arrival and departure days.
- Hotel location: map the walk or taxi to the nearest town if leaving the resort matters.
- Cancellation terms: compare the deposit, amendment charges and balance deadline—not only the total.
Use the travel booking websites comparison to build a consistent search, then compare the dedicated Turkey all-inclusive guide and Greece all-inclusive guide.