Comparing appeal of Greece vs Egypt

Rather general to say most people go to Greece. I’ve traveled globally since the 70’s. Never been to either Greece or Egypt.

If forced to choose I’d go to Egypt.

Why? The Pyramids, cruising the Nile, meandering about the Valley of the Kings, visiting Abu Simple Temples, and seeing the Great Sphinx of Giza.

There is a vlogger named Nicki Positano and her family recently had the same choice to make for a vacation, Greece or Egypt. IIRC they said Egypt would be the better for sightseeing but they chose Greece since it was more scenic and chill. They still did a great deal of sightseeing and they loved the food.

They're both great, in different ways. I've much enjoyed them both. With just a few days in Athens and Santorini, I don't think you've given Greece much of a chance, though. That's not the country at its best, in my opinion, although of course both places are well worth a visit (especially Athens). A few reasons why a traveler might choose Greece over Egypt:
It's easier to travel independently rather than on a tour.
More geographic diversity (islands, mountains, forests).
Egypt has a well earned reputation for hassles of various kinds, especially for independent female travelers.
Less risk of gastrointestinal illness.
We tend to learn more about ancient Greece than ancient Egypt in school, and the art can be more accessible to western eyes.
When you can take the trip: Egypt is unbearably hot in the summer.

You need to get out of Athens and not to crowded party places and Greece is a dream. We loved it and all the history we saw on the Peleponese. Didn't spend any time on a beach.

Someday I'd love to do Egypt, but not necessarily more than I'd go back to Greece. There is so much we didn't get to see in Greece

Which brings up a question - what is the primary reason(s) most people visit Greece?

Depends who you ask. Vast majority of tourists come from elsewhere in Europe and travel during summer holidays for the sun, the beaches and the warm sea, usually not to Santorini or Mykonos, LOL. There are so many nicer places in Greece than these two overhyped and overpriced islands. Europe is full of history, people grow up surrounded by it, so it's not top priority when choosing a travel destination. Of course seeing the pyramids is nice, but Greece is a lot safer and free from harassement especially for women, which is very important for independent travellers. Greece over Egypt for me every time.

I would never travel to Egypt even though it is on my life list. Their record of discrimination against the LGBTQ community is atrocious. Greece at least shows tolerance and acceptance.

Egypt is a very different prospect to Greece. The majority of people I know who’ve been to Egypt go solely for the Red Sea all inclusive resorts which are cheaper than you’d find in Europe.

For Europeans, Greece as a holiday destination would be compared with the Spanish Islands like Mallorca, ie it’s primarily a beach resort destination which is safe, easy to get to and can include some nice day trips and activities.

4.5 million Brits visit Greece every year. We really love our holidays.

I have been to both. Traveled independently in Greece for a month in Mainland and several islands by ferry.
It was a wonderful trip. However, Egypt was a cultural assault to the senses, particularly in Cairo.
The cruise down the Nile was incredible. Egypt definitely. Also often combined with Jordan.
Did independently with a driver. Petra not to be missed and two nights in a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum.

"Less risk of gastrointestinal illness" for Greece

Will agree with that - we both fell victim to that illness in Egypt. Fortunately, we had bought Imodium during our one day stop in Athens (en route to Egypt), because we forgot to pack it before we left the US.

For me, Egypt is a once in a lifetime, bucket list kind of trip -- I'm very glad I did it, but having seen the highlights (Cairo, Pyramids, Luxor, Abu Simbel, Nile cruise), I don't have a great desire to return. Whereas I've been twice to Greece, and would like to go again to see parts I haven't before (especially Crete and northern Greece).

Greece is a diverse country with lots to experience. Visiting Athens and Santorini is like going to NYC and Disney World and then saying you've seen the US.

I don't want to deal with constant scammers or be hassled by people trying to sell goods or services, and that seems rampant in Egypt. I just want to do my own thing. In Greece nobody really bothers me. Safety is another concern https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/egypt-travel-advisory.html

I think it depends what you are looking for. I have been to Greece twice. A good friend and her husband went to Egypt this fall. I was struck by how magnificent the sights were. I was also struck by how little they interacted with Egyptian people. They are independent travelers who have been to Europe and parts of Asia on their own. But in Egypt they were part of (very good) small group tours.

For me, part of the reason why I find Greece so wonderful is the people. We love staying in family owned places and chatting with people as much as seeing the sights. For this reason, I can see us going to Egypt once while I have, at least in my head, multiple trips to Greece planned.

We specifically decided not to do a group tour in Egypt. It was very easy to find a reliable and friendly driver and separate guide (whose name was recommended on another travel forum) at reasonable cost. With the guide accompanying us, there was zero harassment from touts and vendors trying to sell us souvenirs or camel rides at the Pyramids. In Luxor, no guide was necessary, we just hired a driver who spoke English and took us everywhere we wanted for about US $50/day.

One more thing: security everywhere was at a very high level probably because tourism can make or break the Egyptian economy. We felt safe at least in Cairo and Luxor.

If we visit Greece (on our way to Egypt again in the next few years), maybe we will see Nafplio to get a different flavor from Athens or Santorini.

The two are different, I don't think you can say one over the other. To me, the main difference is accessibility. Greece I can fly over on a whim, find a place to stay, have great food, time on the beach, visit ancient sites on my own time, rent a car if I need to to get around or use public transport.

Egypt for most everyone means a tour, guides to get you from point A to B, get you to the sites to do a tour, a schedule to see what you are supposed to see. (Alternatively it may mean a resort, with an airport transfer, spend your time on the resort until time to head back to the airport, or participate in guided tours)

Myself, I travel more like Greece than Egypt, still I would consider Egypt if the timing was right.