If you’re like me, you’re probably tired of the grey skies and cold wind. You’re sitting there, scrolling through flight deals, trying to decide: Greece or Spain? I’ve been lucky enough to spend a lot of time in both, and I’ll be the first to tell you—picking between them is hard. In 2026, things are a bit different. Prices are creeping up, and some spots are getting way too crowded. You don’t want to waste your hard-earned money on a “sunny” holiday only to end up shivering in the rain or stuck in a tourist trap.
I’m writing this guide to help you skip the guesswork. Whether you want to explore the old streets of Athens or catch some early sun in Tenerife, I’ve got you covered. I’ve even looked into how Ramadan in Spain might change your plans if you’re heading there this March.
So, let’s stop the endless scrolling. Here is the “no-nonsense” breakdown of where you should actually go.
The Weather: Can You Actually Swim in March or April?
This is the biggest question I get. Nobody wants to pack a swimsuit and end up wearing a hoodie on the beach. Here’s the reality for 2026:
If you want guaranteed heat, go to Spain (but pick the right spot). If you head to Madrid or Barcelona in March, it’s beautiful for walking around, but it’s not exactly “bikini weather.” If you want to sweat a little, you need to fly to the Canary Islands. I recently checked out Tenerife and Gran Canaria, and even in the early months, it feels like summer. You can spend the whole day at Amadores Beach and actually get a tan.
Greece is a bit “fresher” but stunningly beautiful. In Greece, the water is still a bit chilly in the spring. You might not want to spend hours floating in the sea at Mykonos, but the island is so green and fresh right now—nothing like the dry, brown landscape you see in August. My favorite for this time of year is Crete. It’s the furthest south, so it stays warmer. You can hike to Balos Beach without passing out from the heat, which is a huge win in my book.
My Advice: If you want to swim every day, go to the Spanish islands. If you want to hike, explore ruins in Athens, and enjoy the views without the sweat, Greece is your winner.
The Vibe: Crowds, Parties, and Finding Some Peace
Let’s talk about the “feel” of these places. In 2026, everyone is travelling again, and some spots are already feeling a bit “too much.”
Spain is for the Energy Lovers If you want a city that never sleeps, Spain is your place. Barcelona and Seville are buzzing right now. But a quick heads-up: if you’re heading to the coast, places like Benidorm or Marbella are already starting the party. It’s great if you want a cocktail and a lively beach club, but if you want “quiet,” you might have to drive a bit further to find a hidden gem like Cabopino Beach.
Greece is for the Soul The best thing about Greece in the spring? It’s quiet. You know those famous photos of Santorini where you can barely see the ground because of the tourists? In March and April, you actually have room to breathe. You can walk through the white-washed streets or sit at Kamari Beach with just a few locals.
If you’re a woman travelling on your own, I’ve always found the Greek islands super welcoming. There’s a list of the best beaches in Greece for solo women that I swear by—people there treat you like a guest, not just another tourist with a wallet.
The “Real” Winner? If you want to dress up and go out, it’s Spain. If you want to disappear from the world for a week with a good book and a view of the blue sea, it’s Greece.
The Budget: Which One is Cheaper in 2026?
Let’s be real—traveling isn’t as cheap as it used to be. But if you’re smart about it, you can still have a luxury vibe on a budget. Here is how it breaks down for 2026:
Spain: The Land of the “Menú del Día” Spain is great because you can control your spending easily. If you stay in places like Valencia or Alicante, you can find a “Menu of the Day” (three courses and a drink) for about €12 to €15. It’s a lifesaver. Plus, public transport in Spain is fantastic. You can take a cheap bus or train between cities like Madrid and Seville without breaking the bank.
Greece: Cheap Eats but Tricky Transport In Greece, food is still a win. A Gyros at a local spot will cost you around €5, and it’s a full meal. However, island hopping can get expensive. Ferry tickets between places like Santorini and Mykonos add up fast. My Money-Saving Tip: Pick one big island, like Corfu or Crete, and stay there. Rent a small car or scooter and explore the local beaches like Dassia Beach instead of paying for expensive boat tours.
The Verdict on Cash: If you want a cheap “all-inclusive” or city break feel, go for Spain. If you’re happy eating street food and staying in one spot to explore every corner, Greece can be very kind to your wallet.
The Final Verdict: Which One Should You Book?
Still staring at the two tabs open on your browser? Don’t worry, I’ve been there. To make it easy, I’ve put together this quick “cheat sheet” based on what you actually want from your 2026 trip:
Go to Spain if:
- You want a tan right now (head straight to the Canary Islands).
- You love a city that stays up late for tapas and music (Madrid or Seville are calling).
- You want easy, modern transport and great “Menu of the Day” deals.
Go to Greece if:
- You want those iconic “blue and white” views without the summer crowds in Santorini.
- You’re a history nerd who wants to see the Parthenon in Athens without melting in 40-degree heat.
- You want a slow, peaceful island vibe where the locals know your name by day two.
My Personal Choice for 2026? If I had to book today, I’d head to Crete. It’s the perfect middle ground—warm enough to enjoy the best beaches in Greece, but still affordable enough to stay for a couple of weeks.
What about you? Before you pull out your credit card, make sure to check out my full list of the best things to do in Mykonos or my guide on the best beaches in Spain to make sure your favorite spot is open for the season!
Safe travels, and see you on the beach!
