Italy or Greece - where would you go?

[Paul Kersey]

I have a friend who is travelling to Europe. Most of his trip will be visiting northern countries, he is thinking of travelling south and has asked me to ask the wise people of BF which southern country should he go to.

He nominated Italy and Greece (by virtue of the fact that he comes from Melbourne and has plenty of exposure to Australians of Italian and Greek heritage).

He says he wants to visit the country which is the most passionate.

The country where the food is sensational, the people are friendly, the sights are best and where they are most passionate about their sport.

I've never been to either so can't comment (though enjoy food in Italian and Greek restaurants). So where would you go and why? Thanks.

 

[rocker_oz33]

been to Italy Venice.Rome and Florance lovely places but the food was'nt as good as l expected it to be.other posters prob have been to both and could give you much better in sight.

 

[raskolnikov]

Food - Greece
People - Greece. Everybody in Greece has a long lost relative in Australia and want to talk to you about it.
Sights - Italy probably but Greece is not far behind
Sports - Italy

I preferred Greece but I liked both. You'll have a good time either way. The only thing about Italy is that unless you go off the beaten track there are tourists everywhere and it can be quite annoying at times.

 

[Ledger]

Stuff both countries, go to Croatia instead.

Nicer people IMO, far cheaper and your dollar goes a lot further, beautiful weather down south - especially Dubrovnik and not that many tourists.

If you had to choose between the two, then Italy.

 

[Aquamarinejewel]

I've never been to either so can't comment (though enjoy food in Italian and Greek restaurants). So where would you go and why? Thanks.

Both are beautiful countries, they are so close to each other it would be a shame if your friend didn't get to go see both. The plane trip from Rome to Athens is around an hour. Or a cheaper option would be an overnight ferry.

 

[prankmonkey]

be aware that greece is in a lot of trouble economically due to the GFC and being bailed out by the EU after nearly going bankrupt. the residents there arent happy about the situations of jobs and what not.

as for what your friend wants to see, it would be all about what he finds interesting, both countries have lots of historical sites to see and food that will be good to eat. from what i've heard, dont go expecting amazing food in italy. IF you want good food, france is where its at apparently

 

[footy75]

both good

personally preferred greece and the islands.. especially if u want to party

 

[Scotland]

Stuff both countries, go to Croatia instead.

Nicer people IMO, far cheaper and your dollar goes a lot further, beautiful weather down south - especially Dubrovnik and not that many tourists.

This.

Dubrovnik is a tourist trap but the whole Dalmatian coast is well worth a visit.

 

[Hawk Dork]

Italy daylight Greece
Greece is good though but Italy is speeeacial

 

[Cuddly Carlotta]

Some of the Greek Islands are special. Santorini my personal fav.

 

[Jesse Custer]

They're both special. Greece and Italy are very similar in terms of lifestyle, food and entertainment. Greece has had trouble economically but that won't trouble you too much when your having a holiday.

At the end of the day, both are very similar. I'd go to both seeing that they are next door to each other.

 

[DidakDelight]

Tough predicament.
The food in both countries is sensational. Italy you really need to hunt down the really good food whereas in Greece it's everywhere.

Both are amazing countries.
if I only had limited time, I would be going on holidays to relax in which case I'd choose a Greek Island like Crete.
Spend my mornings on the beach, my afternoons on a motorbike exploring mountain villages, my sunset having a drink with a view and my evenings eating and drinking in a taverna.

 

[doppleganger]

Turkey sh1ts over both of them.

Istanbul is a much livelier and larger big city than either Athens or Rome.

Historic sites are plentiful if that takes your fancy.

Can go to some of the best clubs in Europe that back onto the Bosphorus (if your lucky enough to get in) and if you want trashier sleazy English themed night spots Bodrum, Oludeniz etc fit the bill.

Turkish coast is just as good as Greece, hire a yacht off Marmaris...or do a blue cruise etc

Also much better value for money.

 

[Scottroo]

just been to both this year, myself id do greece again but not italy, the food in greece is amazing, the people are vibrant and friendly, i think its a safer place too, the greek islands are an absoulute must though, athens is good for a couple of days, but head to the islands for breath taking scenery and a tropical paradise!

 

[Ross Prunster]

Cant go wrong with either, but would be Greece for me. Great food, and the islands are amazing. Another big fan of Santorini.

 

[hawkeyehogan]

I have a friend who is travelling to Europe. Most of his trip will be visiting northern countries, he is thinking of travelling south and has asked me to ask the wise people of BF which southern country should he go to.

He nominated Italy and Greece (by virtue of the fact that he comes from Melbourne and has plenty of exposure to Australians of Italian and Greek heritage).

He says he wants to visit the country which is the most passionate.

The country where the food is sensational, the people are friendly, the sights are best and where they are most passionate about their sport.

I've never been to either so can't comment (though enjoy food in Italian and Greek restaurants). So where would you go and why? Thanks.

None of the above both expensive when their is Spain and Portugal who have the same and more freedom to drink in public plus they have nice Islands.I say Croatia also now the place is settle.I don't know why Greece and Italy and France always get mentioned when people want to visit South Europe.Those 3 are not that special.

 

[hawkeyehogan]

Turkey sh1ts over both of them.

Istanbul is a much livelier and larger big city than either Athens or Rome.

Historic sites are plentiful if that takes your fancy.

Can go to some of the best clubs in Europe that back onto the Bosphorus (if your lucky enough to get in) and if you want trashier sleazy English themed night spots Bodrum, Oludeniz etc fit the bill.

Turkish coast is just as good as Greece, hire a yacht off Marmaris...or do a blue cruise etc

Also much better value for money.

I agree stuff Italy and Greece.

 

[cmontommyalvin]

spain is way better than either country. i'm italian and italy is a major bore (i've been there twice). greece is beautiful, especially the ruins, but spain is alive, especially andalucia. if your friend is looking to experience a vibrant european culture, spain is it.

 

[hirdy_is_champ]

I've only ever been to Italy and I'd have to say it was pretty good. Just watch out for agro people though, there seems to a be a few. Venetians are the most agro.

 

[Papa G]

Italy is a much bigger country and therefore has much more variety, diversity and more shit to see. Having said that, Greece is awesome too, so I'd do both. Spain is great as well as other have pointed out.

 

[skilts]

Stuff both countries, go to Croatia instead.

Nicer people IMO, far cheaper and your dollar goes a lot further, beautiful weather down south - especially Dubrovnik and not that many tourists.

If you had to choose between the two, then Italy.

Have they found that ugly Croatian girl they've been searching for? Not a particular one. Just any ugly one.

 

[pepsi]

The women in Rome are incredible.

 

[Plugger35]

None of the above both expensive when their is Spain and Portugal who have the same and more freedom to drink in public plus they have nice Islands.I say Croatia also now the place is settle.I don't know why Greece and Italy and France always get mentioned when people want to visit South Europe.Those 3 are not that special.

Yeah both Spain and Portugal are way better than Italy and Greece. I didn't really like Italy at all, too expensive and no decent beaches, it's OK if you like looking at ancient ruins, churches etc. Didn't really like Greece either, Athens is a hole and the islands are overrated with the exception of Santorini.

Portugal was my favourite country in Europe, it's cheap, the people are friendly and it has a good mix of history, beaches and nightlife. Surprised more people don't go there.

 

[Trifon Ivanov]

I would forget these 2 holes and go to the future tourism capital of europe which is Macedonia. Beautiful lakes, beautiful swamps and marshes, the most amazingly friendly people and a pretty cool airoport. Also if you like eating peppers you wont be disapointed!
To the person who said turkey are you crazy? Other than 1 or 2 ok places along the west coast the place is like the gobi desert. It is a major dump and dont forget its muslim so the poeple are a little scary to.

 

[nineteen eighty]

Been through almost all of Europe and stayed many months in each of the countries spoken about above. Here is how I would rate them...

Italy: I would choose Italy over Greece if I was going to spend time only in the cities.

Greece: If I had time to head to the Islands, I would choose Greece. Athens has some great historical sites (as does Rome etc...) but you can cover it off in 2-3 days. Then it's straight onto a ferry and hit the islands.

Spain - love it!!!!!! Barcelona is one of my favourite cities. Again, if it was only cities that you were going to, it's a toss of a coin between Spain and Italy.

Having said that, maybe Italy due to the historical sites in its major cities.

Portugal - take it or leave it. I spent around 3 weeks there and whilst I enjoyed myself, I just can't rate it as high as the others.

The culture of all 4 countries is fantastic!

Re food, probably Spain over Greece and Italy.