travel itinerary greece and croatia

3 of the Best Two-Week Greece and Croatia Itinerary Ideas

• April 24, 2022

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Greece and Croatia are two incredible destinations in Europe and if you’re planning on visiting, these three Greece and Croatia itinerary ideas will help you plan the perfect two-week trip to the area. Each of these three travel guides is designed for a particular type of traveler so whether you’re visiting for the first time, looking for outdoor adventure, or are hoping for a vacation that focuses on history, you’ll find something that appeals to you here.

Read on to discover three amazing itineraries for a two-week vacation to Greece or Croatia.

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• The Best Areas and Amazing Places to Stay in Santorini

Two-Week Greece and Croatia Itinerary For First-Timers:

If you’re heading to Greece and Croatia for the first time and you want to fit in as many of the iconic sights in the region as you can, this itinerary is perfect for you!

Start your first trip to the region by heading to Zagreb , Croatia’s capital city. It offers a wide range of activities so you can spend your time here exploring museums, immersing yourself in Croatian culture, and getting adjusted to the country.

Next, continue to Split . Another iconic Croatian destination, this city is known for You can see various landmarks when you visit including the Diocletian Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace was built in the 4th century AD for the Roman Emperor Diocletian and today you can see a big portion of the structure as part of Split’s Old Town area.

After you spend a few days in Dubrovnik, you’ll fly south to start the Greek portion of your vacation in Athens . You can find direct flights from Dubrovnik to Athens that take under five hours. Once you land in Athens you can spend the rest of your day resting or exploring the city. There are many museums, notable historic sites, shops, and restaurants to visit and if you aren’t sure where to start, consider a guided tour. You have plenty of choices for these tours, but if you’d rather explore on your own, make sure you check out the Acropolis and the Parthenon as they are the most iconic sites in the city.

After you get a taste of Athens, you’ll be heading on to the sunny island of Santorini . This island is one of Greece’s most iconic locations, and you’ll be able to spend a few days exploring the narrow alleyways and staircases that lead you through the whitewashed, blue domed structures that contrast with the bright pops of color provided by the flowers and greenery that decorate the area. See the famous Santorini sunset, visit the ancient city of Thera, and spend at least a few hours relaxing and soaking in the beauty of Santorini.

From Santorini, you’ll continue onwards to Mykonos which is known for its vibrant nightlife scene as well as its beautiful beaches. This is your last stop on your trip before heading home so make sure you take advantage of everything Mykonos has to offer.

Two-Week Greece and Croatia Itinerary For the Adventure Seeker

If your idea of a dream vacation includes the great outdoors, physical activities, and new and thrilling experiences, this itinerary will take you to places in Croatia and Greece that will get your adrenaline flowing!

Start your adventure in Greece. Although you won’t be spending much time here, you’ll start by flying into Athens. There are a few other travel options to get you to your first destination, but flying into Athens is significantly cheaper and less time-consuming than other routes. From Athens, you will head on to the island of Kalymnos which is known for its incredible rock climbing opportunities. You can also spend your time here swimming, kayaking, and enjoying the nice weather.

Next, you’ll continue onwards to Croatia. The easiest way to do this is to head to the nearby city of Athens to catch a flight to Dubrovnik. You can spend some time exploring the city (make sure you check out the historic walls!) and then you will continue onwards to the island of Korcula where you can spend a day or two hiking, walking, and exploring rocky cliff sides and caves.

After spending a day in Korcula, I continued onwards to Hvar . Hvar is a popular island that is known for its beautiful beaches which provide the perfect place to relax on the warm sand, or if you’re looking for adventure you’ll be able to find a wide variety of water sports to explore when you are there. Try swimming, parasailing, scuba diving, and more!

After a few days of exploring Hvar, you’ll head to your final destination: Plitvice National Park by way of Split. You can drive or head to Zadar where you can catch a bus to the park. Plitvice Lakes National Park is the largest and oldest national park in Croatia. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 for its outstanding natural beauty, particularly its series of lakes and caves linked by a series of bright blue waterfalls and dotted with tufa limestone formations.

Once you are done visiting this iconic national park, you can either head back to Split or further northeast to Zagreb to find a nearby international airport to start your journey back home.

Two-Week Greece and Croatia Itinerary For the History Buff

If the main reason you’re heading to Croatia and Greece is to walk in the footsteps of their historical figures and see ancient ruins, this two-week itinerary is what you’re looking for.

Start your two weeks off in Dubrovnik . The Dubrovnik Walls are one of the city’s most famous attractions; you can walk along them and admire the view of the Old Town area, as well as climb Minceta Tower. The Renaissance Sponza Palace and the Gothic Rector’s Palace, which is now a history museum, are also worth visiting to learn about the city’s amazing history.

After several days in Dubrovnik, continue on to Greece by way of Athens. You can drive into Greece if you would prefer, but the trip can be quite long and there are no public buses or trains that allow you to make the journey easily. Instead, you can fly into Athens and continue on by using public transportation or renting a car.

Since you’re in Athens , spend at least a day exploring the city. The Parthenon and the Acropolis are two of the most incredible historic landmarks in Greece if not all of Europe.

After Athens, head north to Delphi to see incredible archeological sites and museums. The ancient Greeks considered Delphi to be a mystical location and the center of the world. It was also the location where the Oracle of Delphi, a priestess named Pythia, lived. Today, visitors to Delphia can see the ruins of an ancient theater, the historic Temple of Apollo (where the Oracle of Delphi could be found), and much more.

Next, head west to the iconic historic site of Ancient Olympia , which is where the Ancient Olympic Games were originally held. Today, the ruins of some of those original venues can be seen, including a stadium where the judges stand and a tunnel that would have led competitors into the arena.

Next, finish your vacation through Croatia and Greece by heading to Sparta. You can explore the ruins of this historic city and learn about the fierce Spartan warriors. Sparta was also known for its social and political progress, which you can learn about at The Archeological Museum of Sparta. There is also an impressive statue of King Leonidas, the famous Spartan ruler who led his army to victory at the Battle of Thermopylae.

Video Guide: 3 Amazing 2-Week Greece & Croatia Itinerary Ideas

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Additional travel resources for planning a trip to Greece and Croatia

To make planning a trip to Greece and Croatia easier, we included some of our recommended travel resources below. You can search and find the best flights, transportation options, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do in each destination during your trip to Greece and Croatia, and other European cities.

Agoda : Search thousands of destinations around the world & quickly compare prices to find amazing deals on the best flights.

CheapOAir : You can find airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and vacation packages all on one site!

Kiwi.com : What we like about Kiwi is the fact that they are able to create combinations of flight, train, and bus tickets and offer them in a single itinerary. Also, Kiwi has what they called “ Nomad ” which helps you find the best way of visiting multiple destinations, saving you time and money.

JetRadar : You can search and compare airfares from 726 airlines and dozens of travel agencies and systems.

Agoda : Agoda is one of the world’s largest online travel accommodation platforms with a network of over 2,000,000 vacation rentals and hotels worldwide.

Hotellook : They have more than 250,000 hotels in 205 countries, working with data from more than 10 online booking systems, such as Booking.com, Agoda.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and others.

Transportations:  

Airport Transfers :  KiwiTaxi ,  Viator

Train :  EuRail ,  Trainline  or  RailEurope  

Bus :  Flixbus : Very affordable (as low as $6) and a convenient way to transfer between cities in Europe.

Car Rentals :  AutoEurope ,  EconomyBookings ,  or   GetTransfer  (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)

Bike Rental :  BikesBooking  (Bikes & scooter rentals) 

Transportation Comparison :  Omio  (search, compare, and book tickets for buses, trains, and flights all in one site)

Tours & Activities :

TakeWalks  (WalkofItaly): This is our favorite site for walking tours & day trips.

Tiqets : Great site for entrance tickets. It offers directly bookable, instantly available, and completely mobile tickets for museums, shows, and attractions all over the world.

Musement : They have good activities and tours in Italy and Spain, also many great day trips you can choose from.

GetYourGuide : A large number of tours, excursions, and other travel activities

Viator : The largest one. It has everything from tours, attractions, shore excursions, and private guides in over 2,700 destinations worldwide. It also has many transportations and transfer options and some unique experiences we didn’t find anywhere else.

Need help planning a two-week trip to Greece and Croatia ?

Want to plan a two-week or fourteen-day trip to Greece and Croatia but don’t know where to begin? If you find this type of trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!

At  MultiCityTrips , multi-destination travel and complicated itineraries such as a multi-city trip to Greece and Croatia are our specialties.  Contact us  today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can  personalize your multi-city vacations   at the best price.

Don’t want to start from scratch and need some trip inspiration? Check out our  marketplace  for customizable pre-designed packages available right now for many amazing destinations.

To learn more about how our process of trip planning works in detail, please see our “ How It Works ” page or check out our video on  “How to Plan a Multi-City Trip to Europe in  5 Easy Steps”   here.

Have questions for us?  Schedule a FREE Call  with us here or contact one of the travel experts/destination specialists at  [email protected] , call/text us at  (888)223-2316  today.

Private Travel Coaching & Consulting Call

Want to plan and book your upcoming trip yourself? If this is your first time traveling to any of the European destinations or you are new to multi-city, multi-country travel but prefer to manage every part of your trip on your own, this option is for you! 

For just  $150 per hour , our destination expert can answer any questions you might have as you plan and book your dream trip. From assisting with route planning, and destination selection, recommending the best areas or places to stay, the best transportation options, things to do and see, saving tips and so much more! 

Ready to plan your trip with our help? Book your private coaching session with our destination expert now and we’ll confirm your appointment within 24 hours!

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Travel resources for planning your own trip.

To make planning your European trip on your own easier, in addition to what already mentioned in our travel guide, we included some of our recommended travel resources below. You can search and find the best flights, transportation options, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do in any destination using these travel resources:

European River Cruises:

Uniworld River Cruises : The world’s best and most awarded luxury river cruise line—offers itineraries in spectacular destinations throughout Europe, Russia, Egypt, Asia, and Peru. The company’s European fleet features luxurious ships with an average capacity of 120 guests, the highest staff-to-guest ratio in the river cruise industry, enticing shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine, impeccable hospitality, and numerous other all-inclusive benefits.

Pre- and Post-cruise/Tour Extensions:  Uniworld curated pre-and post-cruise/tour extensions make it easy to add a few days to the front or back end of your trip while leaving the planning to them

The packages include a variety of hotel options, transfers, and a dedicated destination expert to escort you along the way.

Airport Transfers & Transportations:  

Airport Transfers: GetTransfer offers both airport transfers & car rentals with a personal driver. Other airport transfer options are KiwiTaxi and Viator.

Train :  EuroRail ,  Trainline ,  or  RailEurope are all great sites for train tickets as well as Rail Passes if you would like to add more flexibility to your trip. They are good for most trains throughout Europe. For trains in Italy, we like and recommend ItaliaRail . As for Portugal, you will need to go to the official website for Comboios de Portugal (the Portuguese train company) to book your train tickets when traveling in Portugal.

Bus :  Flixbus : Very affordable (as low as $6) and convenient way to transfer between cities in Europe.

CarRentals :  AutoEurope ,  EconomyBookings ,  or   GetTransfer  (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)

Bike Rental :  BikesBooking is a great site for bikes & scooter rentals

Viator : The largest one. It has everything from tours, attractions, shore excursions, and private guides in over 2,700 destinations worldwide. It also has many transportations and transfers options and some unique experiences we didn’t find anywhere else.

Travel Insurance:

Travel Guard :  Their comprehensive travel insurance programs, starting at $30, include per-trip & annual plans, coverage for trip cancellation , trip interruption, trip delay, medical expenses, baggage loss & more! Travel Guard provides 24/7-customer service with a personal touch through its World Service Center.

DISCLAIMER : Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links, MultiCityTrips may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.

Trip by Travel Experts

Need help planning a trip and find the best vacation package for your multi-city trip to Europe? If you find this type of trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!

At  MultiCityTrips , multi-city, multi-country European vacations, and complicated itineraries are our specialties. Contact us today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can personalize an amazing multi-city trip to your dream destinations in Europe.

Ready for a trip? Check out our planning options and get in touch with us today!

Featured Pre-Designed Packages

These air-inclusive, pre-designed multi-city European vacation packages can be personalized to suit your needs!

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Not sure or can’t decide which planning option is right for you? Schedule a free 30-minute call with one of our travel experts to discuss your travel needs today!

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3 Week Croatia and Greece Tours & Trips

Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 3 week Croatia and Greece tour with TourRadar. Choose from 7 trips with 21 customer reviews, that range from 15 up to 21 days.

7 Croatia And Greece 3 week tour packages with 21 reviews

Croatia to the Greek Islands: Zagreb Nights & Santorini Views

• Coach / Bus

The Eastern Discovery (Classic, With 3 Days Cruise, 16 Days)

• In-depth Cultural

Zagreb to Athens: Adriatic & Ancient Capitals

Excellent tour with fantastic tour guide (Noddy). It's a tour aimed at younger (under 40) travellers, so the accommodation is mainly hostels and the pace is pretty fast but we still managed to spend a reasonable amount of time in each place. There was a good balance of history/culture and activities, and there is a lot of flexibility with the optional activities and free time to spend more or less time at the beach, museums, etc. Highly recommended as an introduction to the Balkans!

• Christmas & New Year

Greece & Croatia - Adventure at the Aegean Sea

Discover the Mediterranean from Venice to Athens

Discover the Eastern Mediterranean - Sarandë, Albania – Corfu, Greece

Discover the Mediterranean from Athens to Venice (Start Athens, End Venice)

Other regions in croatia and greece.

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+1 800 832 1596

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CROATIA & GREECE – BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Us$16,400.00.

• Custom Private Tours
• Anniversary
• Family vacation
• History & Culture Explorer
• Nature Lovers

Trip overview

There has been a lot of talk which country is better to visit Croatia or Greece – we say why not both? With direct flight connections between those two countries this private custom trip to Greece and Croatia shows you best hidden secrets of both destinations. The tour starting in Split, the city of hundred peculiarities and appealing monuments full of backstories. Progress through Split sightseeing to reach the town Trogir and find out how it deserved its proud nickname “the city museum”. Explore Hvar, the sunniest island in Croatia and end your Craotia trip in ‘jewel of the Adriatic’ – Dubrovnik and it’s famous 13th century city walls where Game of Thrones was filmed. After Dubrovnik, it is time to leave Croatia and indulge into rich culture of Greece. Walk through Athens is like a convincing history show that is taking eager travelers to ancient era with time machine. Be ready to leave Athens for something that is more humble, but equally captivating – Mykonos and Santorini  islands.

Please keep in mind that all our tours are tailor-made according to our clients interests and wishes. If there is something in this itinerary you would like to change or customize, please contact us . We will gladly modify the itinerary to meet your preferences.

Trip map and locations

Split, Croatia

Trogir, Croatia

Hvar, D116, Hvar, Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Elaphiti Islands, Croatia

Athens, Greece

Mýkonos, Greece

Santorini, Greece

Trip itinerary

Welcome to Split, the second largest city in Croatia and the city that has all. Roman ruins and grand museums alongside fashionable cafes and trendy shops. Without hiding their pride, the people of Split will tell you that their city is “the most beautiful one in the world and beyond”. You better not discuss this with them for well spirited Split will convince you in this as soon as you discover it!

Private transfer to your hotel. Hotel amenities will help you to relax and rejuvenate.

Overnight in Split.

After breakfast departure to Trogir, a very colorful city with a historic past and city under UNESCO protection. Trogir is a “city-museum” in every sense of the word. More than 2300 years in existence, the city provides lovers of cultural and historical monuments, art, original architecture and cozy alleyway streets and unforgettable setting. The old core of Trogir is an island surrounded by city walls which has been influenced by the Romans, Greeks and Venetians. Explore Trogir with our local guide.

After exploring Trogir, return back to Split where you will travel back in time on our walking tour of Split. Croatia’s second-largest city, Split (Spalato in Italian) is a great place to see Dalmatian life as it’s really lived. Always buzzing, this exuberant city has just the right balance between tradition and modernity. Step inside Diocletian’s Palace (a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most impressive Roman monuments) and you’ll see dozens of bars, restaurants and shops thriving amid the atmospheric old walls where Split has been humming along for thousands of years. Discover all the hidden secrets with your local guide before your free time in the afternoon.

Embark on a shared catamaran/ferry and start your adventurous boat ride to Hvar, the sunniest island in Croatia. Hvar is a visual feast for lovers of architecture and it looks like “an open-air gallery” for every style which is waiting to be discovered. Hvar is proud that it has the sunniest hours of all the islands in the Adriatic Sea. Many people say of the town Hvar that it is a town as from a fairy- tale because its architecture, wonderful nature and its mild climate. Everybody can find in Hvar all what gives peace to the soul and relaxation to the body.

Upon your arrival to Hvar port, private transfer to your hotel. Hotel amenities will help you relax and rejuvenate.

Overnight in Hvar.

Your half-day wine tour will take you on a journey through centuries of vineyards of Hvar, with your expert local guide bringing the wines to life and unraveling Hvar wine story. You will start our journey in Hvar and start with a drive through the island inland. You will pass through old villages Brusje and Velo Grablje and through many Lavender Fields. The best part begins in Jelsa, where one specially chosen winery is waiting for you. Try basil or sage flavored olive oil and decide to move to Hvar permanently. After wine tasting you will head to an old, abandoned village Malo Grablje for a fabulous traditional 3 course lunch paired with Mr. Berti’s wine. We recommend Peka – traditional way of preparing dishes (choose between veal, lamb or octopus) under the iron bell.

After this tasteful day return back to your hotel for free evening.

Embark on a shared catamaran/ferry and start your sea adventure to the Pearl of the Adriatic. Dubrovnik lies in the extreme south of Croatia, basking in glorious Mediterranean sunshine for much of the year. A fairytale fortress of beautiful Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance churches, aristocratic palaces, red-roofed townhouses, magnificent monasteries and fascinating history, it is almost impossible to feel anything but uplifted and inspired here.

Upon your arrival to Dubrovnik port, private transfer to your hotel. Hotel amenities will help you relax and rejuvenate.

Overnight in Dubrovnik.

After breakfast you will explore the wonders of Dubrovnik’s Old City Centre, a UNESCO heritage site and one of the most important living historical monuments in this part of Europe. Your expert guide will take you around this magical medieval town full of legends and give you a glimpse of the incredible history that makes Dubrovnik such a unique city. Explore Dubrovnik City Walls and enjoy a unique view of the Old Town of Dubrovnik including its narrow streets and small squares.

Rest of the day is at leisure. Wander the bustling boutiques, markets and bars, savor freshly-caught seafood while gazing out to sea at sunset; walk along the iconic walls, or take a cable car up to Mount Srđ for the most spectacular views in all of Dubrovnik. Today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town and its towering walls rise above a 13th-century main street that literally sparkles in the sun. No wonder so many consider Dubrovnik a precious gem.

Morning at leisure to enjoy the city of Dubrovnik.

In the afternoon embark on a private boat and discover the impressive Elafiti Islands archipelago. These precious islands are a natural wonder – but they are also so much more. This Dubrovnik islands tour will provide you with a real experience of island life, Dalmatian style, of course. You can go for a swim in a crystal-clear sea, wander around in the shade of Mediterranean vegetation, explore interesting small villages or simply take a journey through the local cuisine, it’s up to you!

Reservation in BOWA restaurant, a secret garden of delights for all senses and a small world of its own, a place where a lovely table is waiting for you.

As the sun goes down, the moon rises and stars appear in the sky. The lighthouses, Dubrovnik city and Zaton Bay lights will show us the way back.

Private transfer to Dubrovnik airport for your flight to Athens.

Step into the luxury of ancient history with your arrival in Athens, the vibrant capital of Greece. Ancient and modern, with equal measures of grunge and grace, bustling Athens is a heady mix of history and edginess. Iconic monuments mingle with first-rate museums, lively cafes and al fresco dining.

Private transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Athens.

This tour gives you an opportunity to observe the striking contrasts that make Athens such a fascinating city. Our expert guides will take you to see the Panathenaic Stadium where the first Olympic Games of modern times were held in 1896. Continue and pass by the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Hadrian’s Arch, the Parliament and the memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, and the National Library, the Constitution Square (Syntagma). On the Acropolis visit the Architectural Masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: The Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and finally “the harmony between material and spirit”, the monument that “puts order in the mind”, the Parthenon. Continue and visit the place where at last the statues found their home and admire the wonders of the classical era: The new Acropolis museum. A walk through its galleries is a walk-through history – between the masterpieces of the Archaic and Classical periods, but also in the ancient neighborhoods of Athens. Afterwards, proceed to Plaka district, Athens’s oldest and most picturesque neighbourhood. The maze of cobblestone pedestrian streets is lined with shops, boutiques, souvenir stands and flea market stalls that beckon all that enter. Here you will enjoy lunch in a local restaurant.

Private transfer to the port where you will embark on a shared ferry to Mykonos, Greece’s most famous cosmopolitan island, a whitewashed paradise in the heart of the Cyclades. Set out on a journey to discover a fascinating world where glamour meets simplicity. According to mythology, Delos is the island where god Apollo was born and this is why there is an entire sanctuary dedicated to this god.

Private transfer to your hotel and check in.

Overnight in Mykonos.

Mykonos – Labyrinth and Landscape… A pearl in the Aegean Sea – blue sky, beautiful snow – white houses, lovely beaches everywhere… Starting the City-and Island tour by walking the small and narrow streets. You will get orientation and information in the labyrinth of the old town as well as impressions of the small port and the churches in town. Of course, you will see the famous wind-mills and find Petrus the Pelican, the mascot of Mykonos. Next, you will explore the island with a bus, visit some of the most famous beaches and the inner landscape. You will see fishermen and kaikis, small private chapels and houses built in typical cyclidic style. In the second main village of Mykonos, Ano Mera where you will have some free time for a stroll around the traditional square. There you can visit the monk monastery Panagia Tourliani built in the 16th century. Continue to Kalafatis beach where you will have some time to relax or have a coffee at your own cost before going back to town.

Private transfer to the port where you will take a shared ferry over to Santorini. Santorini, or Thira, is the top destination in Greece and among the most romantic destinations in the Greek islands and also in the world. Located in the Aegean Sea, in the Cyclades islands, Santorini Island was the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions in the world and what remains today is a submerged volcano and a caldera. Amazing villages has been constructed on the edge of this caldera, with Cycladic architecture and breathtaking view to the sea.

Apart from the fabulous caldera villages, Santorini Greece is also famous for the romantic sunset, the volcano and the luxurious resorts. Private transfer to your hotel and hotel check in.

Overnight in Santorini.

Discover Santorini’s beautiful coastline with this delightful sunset cruise. Enjoy an refreshing swim in the clear blue waters at the red beach, and sail past the big lighthouse south of the caldera. Explore secluded volcanic beaches, experience the volcanic hot springs or simply relax on deck. First stop is at the Red Beach for swimming and snorkeling. Next stop is at the White Beach reserved for swimming and for the barbecue onboard. Sails past Aspronisi, Ancient Lighthouse, Akrotiri and Indian Rock. Third stop at Hot Springs for swimming. And lastly, stop below the picturesque village of Oia to watch the sunset.

Private transfer to Santorini airport.

Fly out of Greece.

Price & Inclusions

All our itineraries and trips are custom made to each client. The above itinerary (price from) is calculated based on 2 people traveling in low season in 4* hotels. Included are all private transfers and touts. The price of the itinerary can go up or down depending on the seasonality of travel, hotel choices, and any tours added to the current sample itinerary.

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•  Tours only bookable with VIA
• Hand-selected guides
• Private transfers with high-class vehicles no older that 3 years

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How to see the best of Greece in 10 days

Sep 12, 2022 • 6 min read

Here's how to make the most of your trip to Greece in 10 days © borchee / Getty Images

You can see a lot of Greece in under two weeks and get a real feel for its history, ruins, beaches, food, late-night revelry and a few of its many iconic islands. Ferries link many of the best places to visit , and lazing away the hours on deck gazing at the passing turquoise water is an irresistible interlude to more storied sights. 

We’ve put together a detailed ten-day itinerary to show you the best Greece has to offer. Don’t have that much time available? Never fear – you can also curate your ideal locations from our picks to plan a blissful long weekend.

Day 1: start in Athens, the nation’s cradle

Don’t delay; climb the hill in the center of Athens to the magnificent Acropolis . Descending back into the land of mortals, wander the ancient Agora neighborhood before joining the merry mobs hopping from one taverna to another in the  Plaka  district . For extra credit, pause at some point at the extraordinary Acropolis Museum .

Go from Athens to Mykonos: Catch one of the many ferries that make the run from Piraeus , the main port of Athens, to Mykonos. The fast times are on speedy hydrofoils, while the slower runs are on traditional boats, with their broad and sunny decks.

How to get around Greece

Day 2: sail the Aegean to Mykonos

Burn off your pre-trip stress on the island of Mykonos . One of Europe’s fabled party destinations (St Tropez and Ibiza are rivals), this small island has just enough to keep you occupied by day. Explore the maze of covered lanes, boutiques and flower-bedecked cafes in the old town of Hora . Head to nearby beaches for your first dip in the ever-blue Aegean. But save some energy for well after dark when the notorious clubs like to party until dawn – or later.

Go from Mykonos to Delos: Boats to Delos make the run in a quick 30 minutes starting in the morning. 

Day 3: walk with the ancient Greeks in Delos

Fight off any after-effects of the night before and catch a morning boat to Delos , the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. The entire island is a sacred shrine – ruins stretch across the sunbaked landscape. Let your imagination run wild as you reconstruct this once magnificent center in your mind. Make the quick return to Mykonos by boat and cool off at a beach. Then get lost in Hora until you stumble upon the perfect seafood dinner.

Go from Mykonos to Paros: Several ferries a day make the run in about one hour.

Day 4: relax on Paros

Something of a ferry hub for the Cyclades, Paros – the group of islands that in many ways defines Greece – literally has something for everyone. Flower-draped tavernas in the port town of Parikia make great post-ferry lunch spots.

Get a rental car and drive the circumference of the island. This can be an all-day adventure and includes plenty of beach access along the east coast. The island is also noted for its produce – especially the tomatoes – so enjoy something delicious in the oh-so-cute mountain village of Lefkes or the locally popular beachside town of Aliki.

Go from Paros to Antiparos: Car ferries link the adjoining islands in under 15 minutes.

Day 5: slow down on Antiparos

Almost touching its much larger neighbor, the diminutive island of Antiparos really is the anti-Paros. Parts of the island qualify as sleepy, and there’s an unhurried vibe across its narrow, windy roads. Take the quick boat ride to Despotiko, a restored ancient sanctuary, then enjoy a seafood feast in Agios Georgios at a waterfront taverna. If you’re feeling sporty, join the windsurfers taking advantage of some of the most reliable winds in Greece.

Go from Paros to Santorini: Ferries take 2–3 hours.

Day 6: join the throngs on Santorini

With its polychromatic cliffs soaring above its drowned caldera, Santorini  is the definition of a ‘Greek island’ for many. Steep and narrow lanes are lined with brilliantly whitewashed houses topped with cerulean domes. Beaches dot the curving coast, and gentle hiking paths follow the island’s spine, offering sweeping views. Sunsets are mesmerizing. Take in the spectacle from tiny hillside Oia , which offers a choice of tavernas serving deeply traditional Greek fare (expect grilled meats, creamy tzatziki and more).

Go from Santorini to Crete: There’s usually one speedy ferry daily, making the two-hour run to Iraklio in Crete.

Day 7: get lost in Greece’s best palace at Knossos

The island of Crete is so big that it almost feels like its own country. The main city of Iraklio is best enjoyed for a quick lunch in a café and as a place to secure a rental car. Then charge south for barely 20 minutes to one of the top ancient sites in a nation of ancient sites. The Palace of Knossos was built by the Minoans and is a vast and somewhat restored ruin that can easily absorb half a day or more. If you have time to take a tour, there are more than a dozen wineries nearby that make the excellent local wines you’ll enjoy with every meal.

Go from Iraklio to Hania: Rental car prices on Crete are competitive, and distances are manageable. The run between the island’s two main cities takes only two hours, although endless stops and diversions to admire incredible views can greatly extend that .

Day 8: revel in the stunning beauty of Crete

Crete’s second city of Hania is really the island’s first city in the hearts of those in the know. The old town and harbor combine the legacies of the Minoans, the ancient Greeks, the Venetians and countless other influences from occupiers and others who just happened to sail by. The food here is extraordinary, and the chefs put Crete’s fabled produce to remarkable use. Two excellent detours are the absorbing ancient port town of Rethymno and the grand and glittery Orthodox churches in the hills, such as Moni Arkadiou .

Go from Hania to Elafonisi: Driving direct will take about two hours, but, as always, detours and myriad excuses to pause and enjoy the scenery will extend that greatly.

Day 9: hit the beaches of Crete

The Samaria Gorge is the most famous of southern Crete’s many gorge walks, which start high in the craggy hills and follow often-lush, stream-fed canyons down to little villages and beaches. If the crowds at Samaria are daunting, consider the Agia Irini Gorge instead. Finish your day at sublime Elafonisi Beach , where the sand has a pinkish hue in a certain light, and the swimming is superb.

Go from Hania to Athens: Frequent flights to Athens take under an hour from Crete’s second-largest airport.

Day 10: stroll around Athens

The Acropolis is never far from view as you stroll the compact and endlessly fascinating center of Athens. Catch the changing of the guard at the center of government (and Athens) in Syntagma Square . Choose from sights such as the antiquity-stuffed Benaki Museum , the lush National Gardens , the ornate Hadrian’s Arch and the grandiose Temple of Olympian Zeus .

Finish your time in Greece with a languid session in the upscale neighborhood of Kolonaki and cafe-lined Plateia Kolonakiou.

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2-week program provides you with a taste of some of the best places Greece and Croatia have to offer.

In Greece;  Highlights of Athens,Mykonos  and Santorini Islands

in Croatia; Dubrovnik, Kotor, MonteNegro, Split, Blue Caves, Hvar & Plitvice Lakes

• Friendly guides and driver guides
• All the transfers by comfortable vehicles
• Skip the line admissions to the sites
• All fast train and ferry tickets included
• Customization available

  Available every Sunday from late March to Early November

• Small groups 8 guests or less per group, (private options available)

Daily tour program

- Sunday - Day 1 - Arrival in Athens -

KALOS ORISATE! Welcome to Greece!

We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After checking into your hotel, you will have the afternoon free to rest and explore Athens on your own.

Overnight in Athens.

- Monday  - Day 2 - Athens - (B)

Breakfast at the hotel

Meet up at the lobby of your hotel ( meeting time to be determined)

Will start with a panoramic driving tour of Athens, with your guide and or driver guide, during the driving tour you will be seeing and learning about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Greek Parliament building, and Presidential Palace, then s short photo stop at the Panathinaiko Stadium where the first Olympic Games took place in 1896,

Also on the way to Acropolis,  you will be pointed and learn about the Zappeion and Temple of Olympian Zeus, the University and, the Academy of Athens, National Garden, Hadrian’s Arch, St. Paul’s Church, Parliament, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Schliemann’s House (Numismatic Museum), Catholic Cathedral,  Old Parliament, Constitution Square, Russian Orthodox Church

We will then get off the vehicle, near the entrance of Acropolis then continue on visiting Propylae the gateway, Temple of Athena Nike, Parthenon, Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens. the ancient citadel.

The last place of the tour will be the new Acropolis Museum where you will see the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis and every artifact found on the rock and on the surrounding slopes, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece.

After the tour,  we can take you back to your hotel

or we can drop you at the Plaka district if you like to wander and explore at your own pace.

- Tuesday - Day 3 - Athens to Mykonos Island - (B)

Very early in the morning, we will meet you at your Athens hotel take you to Piraeus ferry port. Depart from Athens on a ferry ride to Mykonos Island.

Upon arrival, you will be met at the harbor and transferred to your hotel.

After checking in the hotel, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Mykonos.

- Wednesday - Day 4 - Mykonos -  (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. 10:00 am Meet up at the harbor,  after a scenic 45 minute boat ride, enjoy a 4 hour to explore the sacred island of Delos,  aka the birthplace famous Apollo and Artemis

See the famous terrace of the Lions, enjoy a short and easy hike to Mount Kynthos....... 45 minute boat ride back to Mykonos and enjoy rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure.

- Thursday - Day 5 - Mykonos to Santorini - (B)

In the morning, Depart from Mykonos on a scenic ferry ride to Santorini Island.

After arrival, you will check-in at your hotel.

After check-in, you will have a free day to relax and explore on your own.

Santorini is one of those iconic places that will be permanently etched in your mind. Everywhere you turn is a photo opportunity. Essentially, the island is what remains of an enormous volcanic eruption, which destroyed the earliest settlements on what was formerly a single island. The aftermath of the explosion created what you see today, a caldera. All of the whitewashed, charming houses cling to the high cliffs of the rim, while the deep blue Aegean Sea wraps around the geological masterpiece, hundreds of feet below. Its spectacular physical beauty, along with its lively nightlife, your Santorini visit will be unforgettable.

Optional Oia Sunset tour available ( Contact us if interested )

Overnight in Santorini.

- Friday - Day 6 - Exploring Santorini - (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.

Enjoy a boat trip to the Volcano

11:00 am Meet up at the Athinios Harbor, depart on a scenic sail to Volcano,

Upon arrival have free time to explore and hike to the top of the volcano and have a glance at the active parts, lots of fantastic photo opportunities of the volcano, and from Volcano to the different angles of Magnificent Santorini Island.

Get back to the boat for a short sail to hot Springs (Palea Kameni) Enjoy swimming, then onto Thirassia where you can eat, relax or swim and visit the traditional village of Manola.

After that, sail to back to the Island and enjoy a quick stop at Armeni, then back to Athinios port.

The tour finish time will be around 17:30 pm. Enjoy the rest of the day and evening at leisure

- Saturday - Day 7 - Santorini to Athens - (B/D)

After breakfast, we will provide a transfer to Santorini Airport and put you on a 50-minute flight to Athens.  Arriving in Athens,

Transfer to your hotel,  enjoy the rest of the day exploring Athens,

Farewell Dinner

Overnight in Athens

- Sunday - Day 8 - Athens to Dubrovnik - (B)

After breakfast, we will provide a transfer to Athens Airport and put you on a flight to Dubrovnik.

Arrival in Dubrovnik,  meet up with the driver, transfer to your hotel, After check-in, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Dubrovnik.

- Monday - Day 9 - Dubrovnik - (B)

Meet up with the tour, and enjoy Panoramic driving and then walking tour of the city.

Drive to panorama sight (slopes of Srdj mountain),  get amazing views, lots of photo opportunities,  then return to the old city and enjoy an introductory walking tour from your guide, Visit The Assumption Cathedral, then transfer back to your hotel or you can continue to enjoy rest day of the exploring Dubrovnik at your own pace.

 - Tuesday - Day 10 - Dubrovnik - (B)

- Breakfast at the hotel, free day at leisure.

Optional tour to Korcula Available at your request.

- Wednesday - Day 11 – Dubrovnik – Montenegro – Dubrovnik – (B)

Breakfast at the hotel  (meeting time will be informed by the local provider)

Meet up with the group and enjoy a full-day tour to Kotor, Montenegro

Depart from Dubrovnik on an enjoyable scenic drive south, Upon arrival enjoy exploring Kotor and medieval fishing villages,

Walls surrounding the city on the sea boasts attractive beaches and enjoy exploring more of the med evil town.  After the tour return to Dubrovnik.

Overnight stay.

– Thursday -  Day 12 – Dubrovnik to Split - (B)

Meet up with the driver and depart from Dubrovnik on a scenic drive to Split upon arrival,  check-in, you will enjoy the rest of the day at rest and leisure.

Overnight in Split.

– Friday -  Day 13 – Split - Plitvice Lakes - Split – (B)

Enjoy visiting the UNESCO-listed natural wonders of the Plitvice Lakes with their magnificent scenery, enjoy a boat cruise and ride the scenic tram along the lake shores.

Plitviče Lakes known for its 16 terraced lakes joining by waterfalls and limestone canyons. Scenic hiking trails along and across the lakes, electric powered boat between.

After visiting,  we will return to Split.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

– Saturday - Day 14 – Split – Blue Caves - Hvar - Split - (B)

Breakfast at the hotel  - Meet up with the group guided tour to Blue Caves and Island hopping

and visiting Hvar.

Best of the Dalmatian coast with this full-day tour,

Visit  5 islands, 2 caves

Visit Blue and Green Caves; explore wonderful Stiniva beach with a swimming stop at the

Blue Lagoon. Then onto Devil's islands and Hvar town.

Visit Hvar with its 13th-century walls, a hilltop fortress, and the main square anchored by the Renaissance-era Hvar Cathedral.

After the visit and free time,  return to the hotel.

- Sunday - Day 15 - Departure from Split  - (B)

Breakfast at the hotel ---

3 hours before your departure,  we will meet you at your hotel and provide a transfer to Split Airport

Program ends

Total cost:  $____________________

Rates are subject to change depending on travel seasons,

Please contact us with your travel dates to get an accurate quote.

* Centrally located superior hotels.

* All ferry port & airport transfers

* Guided tour of Athens (admissions to the site is included)

* Panoramic driving tour of Santorini with stops

* Boat tour to the Volcano (in Santorini)

* Admissions to the ancient sites

* Ferry tickets from Athens to Mykonos

* Ferry tickets from Mykonos to Santorini

* Flight tickets from Santorini to Athens then to Dubrovnik * Guided tours of Dubrovnik, Montenegro, Hvar, Split and Plitvice lakes * 24/7 Customer support during the tour

* All taxes and service charges

* International flight tickets to Athens and from Split to your next destination

* Optional tour to Delos in Mykonos (early booking is required)

* Admissions to the Volcano (2 Euro, payable on the sights)

* Travel insurance ( assistance available is required)

* Anything else not mentioned on the included part

We can tailor this trip to meet your requirements, all arrangements like adding more days, include more ancients sites and more island tours.

If you like to get a price quote or have further questions,  please fill in the form below.

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Greece or Croatia: Which Coastal Getaway is Right for You?

Deciding whether to visit Greece or Croatia can be quite the challenge–especially if you love both countries as much as we do.

Croatia and Greece are both home to crystal-clear water, interesting cultural highlights, stunning scenery, and tasty cuisine–and they both happen to rank among our ten favorite countries on the planet to travel in.

We absolutely adore both and completely understand that choosing to visit Croatia or Greece is not an easy decision to make (especially if you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip like a honeymoon or babymoon).

Completely torn on whether to visit Croatia or Greece? 

Here’s what to know before you choose between the two.

Table of Contents

Visit Greece if…

Visit croatia if…, visit croatia and greece for…, what about visiting both croatia and greece, greece or croatia: the final decision.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

… you’re excited to visit Ancient Greek ruins.

The culture of Ancient Greece is one of the best-known ancient cultures in the world, and the monuments they left behind are enormously impressive.

If your dream trip includes staring in awe at the Parthenon or one of the many other temples left behind by the Ancient Greeks, planning an amazing Greece itinerary is absolutely your best bet.

… food is a big priority for your trip.

Croatian food is tasty… but Greek food is phenomenal .

If you’re looking to thoroughly indulge your foodie side when visiting Greece or Croatia, book your flight to Greece immediately!

Your taste buds will not be sorry (and please eat like eight Greek salads for me).

… you want to check out as many UNESCO World Heritage sites as possible.

Both Croatia and Greece have their fair share of UNESCO World Heritage sites, but Greece comes in at nearly twice the amount, with 18 UNESCO sites as compared to Croatia’s 10.

You can visit several as part of a Greece road trip , which is a great way to explore the mainland.

… you’re traveling in the deeper parts of shoulder season.

Greece’s islands reach further south than Croatia’s, which means that in any given year, you can stretch the season just a bit further in Greece vs Croatia.

This is especially true if you head all the way south in Greece to Crete.

Traveling during the shoulder season is also a great way to stretch your Greek islands travel budget , as seasonal prices tend to start to drop before the weather cools off significantly.

… you want to take an epic road trip.

Croatia’s excellent roads hug the coast of the Adriatic all the way down the beautiful country, and you absolutely can’t go wrong with a road trip in Croatia.

If your idea of the perfect trip when dreaming about visiting Greece or Croatia includes plenty of time on the open road where you can stop off at whatever adorable town or beautiful bay catches your eye, Croatia is absolutely the destination for you.

… chasing waterfalls is exactly what you’re looking for.

Croatia is home to, hands down, the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever seen in my entire life.

Plitvice Lakes National Park heartily deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status, and it alone is worth visiting Croatia for–and it’s not only the only place to chase waterfalls in the country!

Krka National Park also deserves a visit, and any waterfall-lover visiting Plitvice must also plan a pitstop in the delightful village of Rastoke, where waterfalls literally flow through the town.

… you want to include pretty cities in your itinerary.

Large Greek cities like Athens and Thessaloniki can be called many things, but “pretty” is not a word that tends to come to mind.

For the Croatian capital of Zagreb , though, as well as coastal cities like Dubrovnik and Split , it’s downright perfect!

… you’d like to day trip to a different country.

Depending on where you are in Croatia, it’s fairly simple to take a day trip to Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina or Kotor, Montenegro .

Or, if you have enough time in Croatia, you can visit both!

If you’d like to add some Balkan variety to your trip, Croatia might be the place for you.

… you’re a Game of Thrones fan.

Game of Thrones filming locations can be found all over Croatia, including the most famous location of them all: Dubrovnik, also known as King’s Landing.

If hunting down the backgrounds of famous scenes is a priority for you on your trip to Croatia or Greece, head to Croatia.

… stunning islands and coastline.

Whether you’re staring out of the Adriatic, Ionian, or Aegean Sea, you’re bound to be looking and something absolutely stunning.

Greece and Croatia are home to some of the most beautiful coastlines on the planet (in our biased opinion, anyway), and you can’t go wrong with either.

From cave hotels in Santorini to staring out over Dubrvonik’s city walls or Hvar’s Spanish Fortress, there is no shortage of incredible coastal views in either place.

… incredible sailing opportunities.

While Greece has been a classic sailing destination for decades, Croatia is a bit newer on the block as a sailing darling–but both are excellent places to hit the water.

If you want to get off the beaten path and visit some quiet Greek islands or relaxing Croatian national parks, sailing is an excellent way to do so.

… beautiful sunsets.

Santorini sunsets may be the most famous, but we promise, the ones from Dubrovnik won’t let you down.

Over the course of a lifetime, we absolutely recommend visiting both Greece and Croatia–they’re both phenomenal travel destinations that we intend to revisit over and over again for the rest of our lives.

That being said, they typically don’t make the best single-trip combination in and of themselves.

If you’d like to pair either Greece or Croatia with another country (or two) during your trip, Croatia pairs best with Slovenia , Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, or even Italy, while Greece pairs best with Turkey.

Unless you’re planning an exceptionally long getaway, we wouldn’t recommend trying to visit both countries on the same trip.

Ultimately, you can’t go wrong when deciding whether to visit Croatia or Greece!

The countries are very similar in what they offer tourists, and both are home to unforgettable highlights that are well worth the effort it takes to reach them.

If you’re having an extraordinarily difficult time deciding whether to visit Greece or Croatia, we’d recommend letting flight prices and the logistical challenges of getting to your most sought-after destinations decide.

Odds are that if you list out the top five experiences you hope to have in both Croatia and Greece, and then price out the monetary and time cost of getting them all done in the window of time you have available to visit Greece or Croatia, one spot will emerge as the clear winner!

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

9 thoughts on “Greece or Croatia: Which Coastal Getaway is Right for You?”

Love your website and tips! My husband has retired, and we are planning a dream trip. We were planning exactly what you caution against-doing both Croatia and Greece. You say that’s not a good idea, but don’t tell why you believe so. Would you mind expanding on your answer? Our current outline is an itinerary close to your suggested 10 day Croatia tour, then a quick flight to Santorini, enjoying that island for 3-4 days. We would then take a ferry to Athens, and see the sites around there for 3-4 days before flying home. We would have 8-9 days in each country, so why would you not do this? Thanks for your expertise and your willingness to share!

Thank you so much, Christy!

You certainly can do that. At almost 3 weeks, you guys are getting close to what we would define as an exceptionally long getaway. Most people we talk to plan trips for 1-2 weeks (especially Americans like us).

It is a lot of transit time–you’ll lose a full day to travel by flying to Santorini (I’d have to double-check, but my guess is flying out of Dubrovnik you won’t find a direct flight), as well as a full day taking the ferry to Athens, but if both countries are dream destinations for you and the transit time seems worth it, we certainly wouldn’t discourage it with 18-19 days to work with. Be prepared to be exhausted at the end, of course! 🙂

Thanks for this summary of your travels to both Greece and Croatia. We have been holding out hope that we can keep our dreamy 3-week itinerary in Italy, but as of today (4/19/21) it’s looking less and less likely because of Covid-restrictions that flying to Italy on 5/21/21 is happening. Switching gears now to Greece and Croatia. Similar to the traveler above, starting with maybe 3 nights and 2 days in Athens then a house rental for a week of relaxing in Santorini, then hopping along the coast of Croatia… first thinking by boat (because we’ve heard many people say that’s the best way to see the beauty of Croatia) but thinking twice now that you’ve mentioned the ease of driving in Croatia. Here are my questions for you: Have you visited Croatia, traveling the coastline by boat? If so, can you tell me a bit more? Do we need more than a California driver license to drive in either place? Is a week sitting in a villa with a pool and beautiful views too long (traveling with our 26 yo who lives and works in London and our 23 yo who is just graduating university and starting his job July 1st, so looking for a bit of family time as they have less and less time). Are we going to go stir crazy with not much to go out and do? Can we home base is Santorini and take a couple day trips to other places? Can we home base in Split and/or Dubrovnik and see the Croatian coastline? I’m ok with moving once during the week, but honestly, 3 nights minimum in a place is the way I like to travel. Thanks again so much for your blog post about this and any further insight you’re able to share!

Hi Beth! We haven’t traveled Croatia by boat unless you’re counting ferries and day trips, but it sounds lovely!

You’ll want to look at an international driver’s license in addition to your CA ones, but that’s an easy thing to buy before leaving.

Personally, a week in a villa in either Greece or Croatia sounds amazing to me, but that depends entirely on your travel style!

If you homebase in either Split or Dubrovnik you’ll have a great time–I’d say Split has more island-like day trip options but Dubrovnik is the prettier city.

Hope you guys have a great time!

Croatia, coastal, islands, Dubrovnik, then Corfu, islands,Greece, then Istanbul or the other way. 2 or 3 weeks. Mostly love water.

With that plan, I’d honestly just pick which direction based on the flights you can get! Istanbul will be easy to fly in and out of, depending on where you are coming from, Croatia will potentially be more expensive to fly into. If you’re staying 100% coastal, I’d look into Split for a place to fly into or out of.

What an amazing honest blog. Wanting to go to either Croatia or Greece for my 50th bday ( along with another couple) and your blog was perfect to helping me decide.

Hi guys! My fiancé and I are still struggling to answer the question between these 2 beautiful places! BUT, our honeymoon is from April 24 to may 10th, most likely including Venice +/- Rome, Barcelona +/- Seville, and end in Croatia OR Greece. Undecided where we’ll be at what point. Most of the research says we won’t be able to swim in the ocean at this time of year in Greece or Croatia. Any personal experience? How about more specifically with the inland fresh water sources and waterfalls? Whether we end up choosing Croatia or Greece, it will likely be our last stop, and be the most glamorous (as opposed to the money saving we’ll be attempting in other locations!) Any tips on villas/resorts; and do you know: are the pools generally heated; whether at individually owned locations vs. resorts? Thanks!

Yes, most of the ocean water will be way too cold then, though that does depend somewhat on where you’re from/what your expectations are. You may be able to get lucky and swim at the tail end of your trip in May if you go all the way south to Crete!

I don’t have any experience that time of year with the inland, but I’d generally say it’ll be too cold.

Heated pools are pretty common at villas and resorts, but not guaranteed, so be sure to double-check if it’s important to you. 🙂

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Croatia Itineraries: From One Week to a Month!

Croatia is a country with over a thousand islands, a long coastline dotted with sun-bleached medieval towns, a cosmopolitan capital city, an underappreciated wine region, and an untrammeled inland landscape that sees a fraction of the tourists that the Dalmatian Coast brings in.

During the pandemic, Croatia was one of the few European countries that remained open to tourism.

While most travelers seem to just pop into Dubrovnik or Split for a few days, there’s so much more to the country that, I think, is even better than the famed Dalmatian Coast.

A lot of people spend a week on the coast and go home. That’s not how you should really see the country. I’d suggest at least two weeks so you can get off the coast. But an entire month would allow you to cover most of the country and spend enough time in each place to feel like you got a sense of it before moving on to the next.

To help you make the most out of your time in Croatia, here are a couple of suggested itineraries that you can use as a guideline to help plan!

Table of Contents

• One-Week Croatia Itinerary
• Two-Week Croatia Itinerary
• Three-Week Croatia Itinerary
• One-Month Croatia Itinerary

Croatia: A One-Week Itinerary

There’s a couple of ways to do Croatia in a week. First, you could spend a week going from Split to Dubrovnik on a sailing trip. That’s the most popular way everyone sees that part of the country. You’ll move fast but you’ll see the highlights.

There are a legion of boats, both chartered and hop-on, hop-off types, that sail between Split and Dubrovnik. I did one a few years ago ( you can read about it here ).

During the high season, prices rise dramatically, but if you time your visit right and go during the shoulder season you can find some great deals. Charters can get pricey though, as a seven-day trip starts at 1,800-2,500 EUR.

If you don’t want to spend your week on an organized tour, here’s an alternative itinerary that covers the main highlights:

Today, you can stroll down the hallways of this Mediterranean mansion and hang out in the cafes and shops that are flanked on each side. Don’t miss St. Duje’s Cathedral, Klis Fortress (which was featured in Game of Thrones ), and the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments (which is home to some 20,000 relics and artifacts).

For somewhere more laid-back, check out Stari Grad, literally “Old Town,” located on the opposite side of the island from Hvar Town. Recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage list, Stari Grad boasts a warren of narrow stone-blanketed lanes. It’s much quieter than boisterous Hvar Town. While you’re here, be sure to take a hike through the island’s many olive groves and lavender fields.

Korcula’s Old Town in the island’s main town, also called Korcula, is nicely preserved and oh so easy on the eyes. Stroll around the historic town and you’ll see the name Marko Polo everywhere. That’s because the town claims—though there’s no sure proof—that the legendary traveler comes from there. The pošip grape, endemic to the island, produces a crisp and very drinkable white wine, so be sure to plop down at a café and order a glass.

Mljet is covered in forest and is home to a national park. Legend says that Odysseus was shipwrecked on Mljet for seven years. In addition to the dense forests, the island is dotted with small towns and some lingering Roman ruins.

Croatia: A Two-Week Itinerary

It’s hard to stay just one week in Croatia. There’s so much to see and those beaches and long seafood-laden lunches are just too tempting. So, if you’re staying two weeks in Croatia, here’s what I would suggest:

Days 1-8 Follow the one-week Croatia itinerary above (ideally starting in Dubrovnik). I would add a day to Dubrovnik and somewhere else along the way before continuing up north.

Šibenik also makes for a nice base for when you want to explore Krka National Park and see its stunning waterfalls. Head to the park to do some hiking, admire the falls, and make sure you see 14th-century Visovac Monastery plopped on the middle of an island on the Krka River. Just be sure to get there early to beat the tourist buses. Park admission ranges from 6.64 EUR in the low season (January-February) all the way up to a staggering 40 EUR during peak season (June-September).

And then there is the amusing and unique sea organ. Located on a set of steps that descend into the sea, the organ makes sounds as the waves crash through it, creating a harmonious sound.

Croatia: A Three-Week Itinerary

Even after two weeks, there’s still much more of Croatia to see. An additional week will allow you head up Dalmatian Coast all the way to Istria, the country’s northern peninsula.

Day 1-13 Follow the above itinerary for your first two weeks in Croatia.

Pula, Istria’s largest town boasts a perfectly preserved Roman amphitheater that’s over 2,000 years old. It is Croatia’s best-preserved monument. Other ruins worth seeing here are the Temple of Augustus, a temple dedicated to Roman Emperor Augustus which is 2,000 years old, and the Arch of the Sergii, a triumphal Roman arch celebrating the Sergii family (that’s also over 2,000 years old).

Next, visit Rovinj. It’s the most popular city in the peninsula, thanks to its picturesque and labyrinthine Old Town, plentiful beaches, and numerous ruins nearby.

Pula and Rovinj are two of the main attractions here, however, there are lots of other places to see while you’re here, such as the charming hill towns of Motovun and Grožnjan; the latter is home to a handful of artists who moved here from places like Zagreb .

If you want to get off the coast, you’ll definitely need a car because buses don’t really frequent the interior towns.

Don’t skip visiting the Museum of Broken Relationships. It’s a fascinating trip through other peoples’ heartbreak that everyone will be able to relate to (7 EUR). The Museum of Hangovers is also super interesting. It’s full of drunken stories from around the world and you can also try walking around wearing beer goggles (8 EUR).

Additionally, don’t miss the Botanical Gardens (1.33 EUR), and be sure to visit the Dolac Market for cheap eats. For a half-day trip, head to Jarun Lake to swim or kayak when the weather gets warm (it’s just 8 kilometers from the city center).  

Croatia: A One-Month Itinerary

You can easily spend a month here. A month will let you see the above but spend more time in the interior, Zagreb, and visit Croatia’s wine region.

Days 1-9: Dubrovnik to Split Follow the above suggestions for more details.

Days 11-12: Šibenik and Krka National Park Scroll up to see what to do in Šibenik and Krka.

Day 13-14: Zadar & Plitvice Find the itinerary for days 13 and 14 above.

Day 16: Karlovac Follow the suggestions for Karlovac above.

Day 17-21: Istria For this part of the trip, you’ll want to make sure you have a car as many of the towns aren’t accessible by bus (the bus is slow and always late too). As we mentioned above, there are tons of things to see and do here. With a month in the country, you can go at a slower pace and do more day trips, food and wine tours, and boat tours.

Days 22-25: Zagreb Follow the Zagreb suggestions above.

The wine country town of Zmajevac is also worth visiting. Especially the lovely Josic Wine Cellar . For nature lovers, the Kopacki Rit Nature Reserve is a nice place to stroll around for an afternoon. One of the largest and most important wetlands in Europe, the nature reserve is amazing for birdwatchers–there are over 250 different kinds that live here.  

Day 29: Zagreb Head back to Zagreb for a final day and chill out before leaving the country!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel while in Europe. It has suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Book Your Trip to Croatia: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. My favorite places to stay in Croatia are:

• Gravitas Hostel
• Hostel Euroadria
• Hostel Mali Mrak Zagreb

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Croatia? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Croatia  for even more planning tips!

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Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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The Perfect 2-Week Croatia Itinerary

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Sunny and stunning, Croatia is a European vacation destination that we fall in love with time and time again. Spending 2 weeks in Croatia will always leave you wanting more, but it’s the perfect length of time to experience the best that this Balkan nation has to offer. 

And from historic Roman ruins and towering Venetian castles to sun-drenched beaches and rustic island getaways, there’s a hell of a lot to fit into your trip. Our 14-day Croatia itinerary takes in all the highlights and a few places you might not perhaps have considered, offering a fantastic mix of coastal hotspots and inland destinations.

You’ll start in Zagreb , the lesser visited Croatian capital, where bustling markets, busy cafes, and the intriguing Museum of Broken Relationships await you. You’ll see the gorgeous Plitvice Lakes National Park in all its glory, explore the dramatic Istrian Peninsula, and enjoy sumptuous seafood as you travel south along the Dalmatian Coast. 

Your Croatian itinerary takes you to Diocletian’s Palace in Split , to wineries and beaches on islands like Hvar and Korcula, and finally, to the grand walls of Dubrovnik , where you’ll end your trip with seafood and cocktails as the sun sets over the Adriatic Sea. If you’re planning a Balkan adventure, then keep reading as we reveal our perfect 2-week Croatia itinerary!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Two Weeks in Croatia

Preparing for croatia.

Recently integrated into the Schengen Area and Eurozone, it’s never been easier to travel to Croatia than now. At the start of 2023, Croatia took a big step forward when it adopted the Euro as its official currency, making it much simpler for you to visit Croatia as a standalone destination and easier to incorporate the country into a wider European itinerary. 

That means you’ll now only need Euros when you’re visiting Croatia, and you’ll be able to withdraw them easily when arriving in the country. It also means that you won’t need to worry about visas if you’re holding a US passport (or a passport from many other countries, such as the UK or Australia). You’ll also find that due to its increasing popularity in recent years, Croatia is no longer a difficult country to travel around.

The official language is Croatian, a Balkan language with Slavic roots that’s written in the Roman alphabet. English is widespread in popular destinations like Split and Dubrovnik, while many Croatians might even speak English alongside other European languages like Italian or German. 

Croatian is very similar to other neighboring languages like Serbian and Bosnian – although don’t say this to a local. The legacy of the Balkan Wars that followed the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s (and led to Croatian independence) is still very raw 30 years later, and it’s useful to learn a little about the conflict before you visit Croatia. 

But visiting Croatia is a fascinating experience, given its unique blend of history, cultures, and cuisines, and we know you’re going to have a fabulous time during your 2-week trip to Croatia.

The Best Time to Visit Croatia

Temperatures reach highs of 86°F (30°C) in June, July, and August, which also coincides with the summer high season. In Zagreb, things are a little cooler, but you can still expect temperatures to reach the high 20s (high 70s) in summer.

Summer brings with it packed beaches and inflated prices across almost all of Croatia, and while the weather is beautiful, we recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons instead. Try spring (April and May) or Autumn (September and October) for slightly cooler weather and quieter beach towns. 

The weather is perfect for hiking and sightseeing in the shoulder season, and to really avoid the crowds, you might consider visiting in winter. Temperatures are lower (down to 50°F/10°C during the day in places along the coast) and rain is frequent, but it’s a good time to visit historic sites and ruins rather than the beaches. 

In Zagreb, you’ll even have the chance to experience the capital in all its winter glory. From December onwards, the public squares are packed with Christmas markets, and the streets can be covered in a wintry layer of snow (yes, it gets cold in the capital; the lowest temperature ever recorded was -7°F/-22°C).

Getting Around Croatia

Croatia is well connected to major European cities by a plethora of international train, bus, and flight routes. While there are direct flights to Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik from many European destinations like London, Rome, and Berlin, you’ll find that it’s necessary to transit through major hubs to reach the United States and Asia.

Because of the geography (Croatia is a very long country!), we suggest flying into Zagreb and working your way south to Dubrovnik, where you can then fly back to your home country (or vice versa). In between, you’ve got plenty of options for getting around Croatia. 

The first option is to rent a car (you can pick up in Zagreb and drop off in Dubrovnik when paying a one-way rental fee) or hire a private driver (if you’re not constrained by budgets). This is the quickest way to get around, and Croatian roads are in generally good condition and simple to navigate. Road-tripping along the Dalmatian Coast is absolutely spectacular, too.

It’s also relatively simple to get around using public transport, although you’ll need to plan your route in advance based on bus, train, and ferry timetables. There are many seasonal ferry services that don’t run in the winter months, while in peak season, public transport options are often supplemented by private transfer services that you can book through tour agencies. 

When you’re traveling along the coast, it’s convenient to use Croatian ferries. From Split, there are regular services to the nearby islands, including Hvar, Korcula, and Brac. 

You can also travel all the way south from Split to Dubrovnik, while you might consider booking a dedicated island hopping tour along the Dalmatian Coast. There are sailing ships and catamarans in the summer season, and it’s a fun way to explore while also meeting other travelers. 

Croatia Itinerary: 2 Weeks to Explore the Highlights

Zagreb – 2 nights.

Your 2 weeks in Croatia begin in Zagreb , the quirky Croatian capital. Often overlooked by travelers intent on making their way to the coast as soon as they arrive, we highly recommend getting off the beaten track and giving the city a chance to shine. 

You won’t be disappointed, because this modern side of Croatia is a long way from its beach resorts. Here in Zagreb, the plazas are lined by centuries-old cafes bustling with students, and the galleries and museums play host to forward-thinking displays and exhibitions that you won’t find elsewhere in Croatia.

Museum of Broken Relationships

Start by visiting the Museum of Broken Relationships , one of the most notorious museums in Europe. This intriguing attraction tells the real-life stories of couples who’ve broken up, offering an unusually stark, honest, and open view of something most human beings can relate to but rarely speak about. 

Move onto the Zagreb ‘80s Museum , where you can gain a unique insight into life in communist Croatia before the breakup of Yugoslavia, then visit the Croatian Museum of Naïve Art , which explores the works of rural painters and self-taught artists who pioneered the naïve art movement in 20th century Croatia. 

Zagreb is split between its upper and lower towns, and you’ll have fun exploring the differences between the two. The best hotels are typically found in the Lower Town, which dates to the Austro-Hungarian era in Croatian history when rich merchants fueled the growth of the city. The Upper Town is the oldest district, and here you’ll find the most historic sites in Zagreb, including Lotrscak Tower and the Cathedral of Zagreb. 

Cathedral of Zagreb

Ban Josip Jelacic Square (dedicated to a Croatian hero of independence) marks the intersection of Upper and Lower towns, and you can spend hours here simply sitting in cafes while watching the city pass you by.

Ban Josip Jelacic Square

In summer, the capital has a busy events schedule, including film festivals and craft beer festivals. In winter, you can spend days just visiting the local Christmas markets and ice rinks in Zagreb. 

Christmas Market

You’ve got some excellent restaurants in the capital, too, and food here takes a tangent from the seafood you’ll soon be enjoying in bountiful portions along the coast. We recommend Pod Zidom and Zinfandel’s for fine dining experiences. 

Plitvice Lakes (day trip or overnight) – 1 night

After your first two days exploring Zagreb’s museums, galleries, cafes, and restaurants, it’s time to experience a little bit of Croatian nature. 

One of the most famous sights in Croatia is Plitvice Lakes, and this will be your beautiful outdoor destination on Day 3 of your Croatia itinerary. Now, Plitvice Lakes National Park is located a 2 hours drive from Zagreb, and it’s possible to do this leg of the itinerary either as a day trip from the capital or as a stopover. 

Accommodation is limited, though, especially so in summer, so many opt for an early start from Zagreb and return in the evening. This also saves you from packing and unpacking for one extra night!

When you arrive at Plitvice Lakes, you’ll be awed by the scale of the waterfalls, rivers, and lakes that make up this gorgeous national park. You’ll follow wooden boardwalks lining 16 terraced and interconnected lakes, enjoying expansive viewpoints above the waterfalls before taking the iconic electric boats for a close-up view of the water. 

The surrounding area is mapped out with hiking trails suitable for different abilities, and you can pick up trail maps to help you explore further afield from the main lakes and waterfalls that make up this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pula – 2 Nights

Your next stop is the Istrian Peninsula, where you’ll be introduced to the Croatia you’re probably expecting. Located in the northwest of the country, the Istrian Peninsula overlooks the Dalmatian Sea and has a rich history dating far back to the Romans. Given the proximity to Italy, you’ll love the Mediterranean influence that flows through the culture and cuisine. 

Roman-built arena

Your base on the Istrian Peninsula will be Pula, an ancient city with an iconic Roman-built arena that’s still used for concerts to this day (check out the schedule because famous bands play Pula Arena all the time in summer). 

Spend your first day exploring the historic sights of Pula (a walking tour is a great way to learn more about the history), including Roman sights like the Temple of Augustus and the Arch of the Sergii. The next day you’re off on a day trip because the Istrian Peninsula is renowned for its natural beauty as much as its history. 

Head to Cape Kamenjak for rugged, windswept scenery on the peninsula’s southernmost tip, or visit Brijuni National Park, where 14 secluded islands await you in the Adriatic Sea. You can round the day off with a quick tour of Rovinj, one of the most picture-perfect fishing villages you’ll find anywhere in Croatia. 

Brijuni National Park

Of course, the Istrian Peninsula is renowned for its wine, pasta, and seafood (you’ll love the Italian influences). Visit Damir & Ornella for the famous Istrian raw fish, a particular local delicacy that’s remarkably similar to sushi. 

Zadar – 2 Nights

Your 14-day Croatia itinerary continues as you travel along the Dalmatian Coast. You’ll leave the Istrian Peninsula behind as you journey south to the city of Zadar. 

Zadar Roman Ruins

Zadar is not only one of the most beautiful cities in Croatia, but it’s also the oldest continually inhabited settlement in the country, with a history dating back to the earliest Greek inhabitants who began settling in the city as long ago as 900 BC. Start by checking out the history, including the many Roman ruins that date from around 48 BC onwards and the later Venetian fortifications built in the medieval period. 

Despite being Croatia’s oldest city, Zadar is surprisingly contemporary in character. It’s often called Croatia’s entertainment capital, and you’ll find some iconic art pieces along the seafront which were designed by Nikola Basic. These two famous sites are the intriguing Sea Organ (which uses the sea waves to make music) and the Greeting to the Sun , an unusual art piece that reflects the sun to produce a visual light show.

Krka National Park (day trip or overnight) – 1 night

From Zadar, you’ll be visiting another of Croatia’s spectacular outdoor attractions, Krka National Park. Like Plitvice Lakes, this stunning protected area is known for its water features, including a series of seven iconic waterfalls that draw in visitors from across the world. 

Within the national park, you’ll also find a series of historic water mills and monasteries lining the rivers and walking trails. The hiking is epic, the mountain biking trails tough, and the waterfalls are brilliant locations for a wild swim. 

As with your stop earlier in the trip at Plitvice Lakes National Park, you can either spend the night nearby or visit on a day trip. If you’re driving, then a stopover is the easiest option; if you’re using public transport, it’s often easier to join a day tour from either Zadar or your next destination, Split. 

Split – 2 nights

The next stop on your 2-week Croatia itinerary is Split , one of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean. Settle in with a little boutique hotel in the Old Town, where you’ll be within easy reach of the city’s best historic attractions. 

The Old Town, with its narrow street and red-roofed townhouses, is made for walking, so why not start with a walking tour? You’ll learn how the city is built on the ruins of Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, which was constructed here in the fourth century AD as the retirement home of the Roman ruler. 

When the Roman Empire began to crumble, refugees from the nearby city of Salona fled to the relative safety of the palace walls to escape the barbarian invasions. They built their homes among the old columns, temples, and stately rooms intended for Emperor Diocletian, with the Old Town slowly expanding from crumbling ruins into the city you see today. 

Roman Ruins at Salona

Split is fascinating, and you can complete the history lessons by visiting the nearby Roman ruins at Salona, where there’s a ruined coliseum, temples, and much more. You can also hike to the top of Marjan Hill, visit the Ottoman-era fortress at Klis to understand how Croatia has passed through the hands of empires through history, and then hit the nearby beaches for some much-needed downtime. 

There are some great restaurants in Split, including many local taverns serving great Dalmatian cuisine. We recommend Konoba Fetivi and Konoba Matoni .

Brac/Hvar/Korcula – 2 Nights Island Hopping

Now you have a choice to make. From Split’s harbor, you’ll have seen the ferries, sailing ships, and catamarans departing for the islands, which lie just a few miles off the Dalmatian Coast.

These islands are some of the best places to go in Croatia, and we recommend at least two days to visit the highlights. You can stay in Split and book yourself onto day tours, you can use the ferries to island hop around, or you can join a dedicated island-hopping tour that ends in Dubrovnik. 

The choice is yours, but whichever option you go for, make sure you make it to the main islands of Brac, Hvar, and Korcula. The pace of life is slower away from the mainland, and you’ll find the islands are almost trapped in a time warp. Visit beaches and old Venetian ruins, tour through vineyards, and sample exceptional homegrown produce on centuries-old farms before watching the sunset gloriously over Croatia to the west. 

Dubrovnik – 2 nights

The best 2-week Croatia itinerary always includes Dubrovnik , one of the most popular destinations on the Adriatic Sea. You can arrive from Split via bus, a journey that briefly takes you through Bosnia and Herzegovina before you re-enter Croatia, or you can take a ferry or join an island hopping tour along the coast to reach this old city.

Dubrovnik’s Old Town

However you arrive, you’ll soon be lost among the red-roofed houses of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a masterpiece of Venetian architecture that’s ringed by high defensive walls. There are few places in Europe quite so historic as this, so we recommend joining a walking tour to find out more as soon as you arrive. 

Game of Thrones Site

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll recognize the city from the hit TV show, which often stood in for “King’s Landing.” You could even join a dedicated Game of Thrones tour in order to see all those iconic filming locations. 

There’s a lot to see in Dubrovnik, including the City Walls, the old harbor, and Rector’s Palace. You can take a day trip over to Lokrum Island, kayak around the city’s sea walls, or hike (or take the cable car if you’re feeling lazy) to the top of Mount Srd, where stunning panoramas await you. 

Lapad Peninsula

Spend the first day sightseeing, then spend the second day enjoying the beaches on the Lapad Peninsula. There are beach clubs and restaurants overlooking the Adriatic Sea all across the peninsula, and it’s an excellent place to enjoy a relaxed last day in Croatia before your itinerary comes to a close.  

There you have it! That’s our perfect two-week Croatia itinerary. Where will you be visiting on your trip to Croatia?

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About the Author:

Richard is an award-winning travel writer based in Southwest England who’s addicted to traveling off the beaten track. He’s traveled to 75 countries and counting in search of intriguing stories, unusual destinations, and cultural curiosities. Richard loves traveling the long way round over land and sea, and you’ll find him visiting quirky micronations and breakaway territories as often as he’s found lounging on a beach (which is a lot). When he’s not writing for BBC Travel, National Geographic, or Lonely Planet, you can find Richard writing for the Wandering Wheatleys or updating his off-beat travel blog, Travel Tramp.

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Italy Croatia Greece Itinerary: A 10-Day Adventure

• by Travel Spry
• February 25, 2024 March 31, 2024

Discover Italy Croatia Greece Itinerary: A 10-Day Adventure

Italy Croatia Greece Itinerary: Welcome to an extraordinary 10-day journey through the captivating countries of Italy, Croatia, and Greece. This carefully crafted itinerary will take you on a remarkable exploration of some of the most iconic cities, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural treasures in the Mediterranean. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the stunning beaches of Croatia and the historical wonders of Athens, this itinerary promises an unforgettable adventure. So, let’s dive into the details and start planning your dream vacation!

Italy Croatia Greece Itinerary

Day 1-3: rome, italy.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Ancient Rome

Your adventure begins in the eternal city of Rome, where history comes alive at every corner. After arriving at the airport, settle into your accommodation and get ready to immerse yourself in the rich history and ancient wonders of the city. Start your exploration at the iconic Colosseum, an architectural marvel that once hosted gladiatorial contests and spectacles. Marvel at its grandeur and imagine the roar of the crowds that once filled this ancient amphitheater. From there, make your way to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where you can walk in the footsteps of emperors and get a glimpse into the daily life of ancient Rome. End your day with a visit to the Pantheon, a magnificent temple dedicated to the Roman gods and a testament to the ingenuity of Roman architecture.

Day 2: Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica

On your second day in Rome, venture into the world’s smallest independent state, Vatican City. Begin your visit at the Vatican Museums, home to an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts spanning centuries. Marvel at masterpieces by renowned artists such as Michelangelo and Raphael, and don’t forget to gaze in awe at the breathtaking frescoes of the Sistine Chapel. Afterward, make your way to St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world and a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of the city, and don’t miss the chance to explore the Vatican Gardens, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the bustling city.

Day 3: Trastevere and Roman Cuisine

Take a break from the historical sites and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Trastevere, one of Rome’s most charming neighborhoods. Wander through its narrow cobblestone streets, lined with colorful buildings and quaint cafes. Explore the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, known for its stunning mosaics and serene atmosphere. Indulge in traditional Roman cuisine at a local trattoria, savoring dishes like pasta carbonara, cacio e pepe, and supplì (fried rice balls). In the evening, soak in the lively atmosphere of Piazza Navona, where street performers and artists entertain visitors.

Day 4-6: Dubrovnik, Croatia

Day 4: Arrival and Exploring the Old Town

Bid farewell to Rome and catch a flight to the enchanting city of Dubrovnik in Croatia. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true gem of the Mediterranean. Spend your first day exploring the Old Town, a walled city with narrow streets and stunning architecture. Walk along the ancient city walls, which offer panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the red-tiled roofs of Dubrovnik. Explore the Stradun, the main street of the Old Town, lined with shops, cafes, and historical landmarks. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Rector’s Palace, a splendid Gothic-Renaissance palace, and the Franciscan Monastery, home to one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe.

Day 5: Island Hopping in the Elafiti Islands

Embark on a day trip to the picturesque Elafiti Islands, a group of islands located just off the coast of Dubrovnik. Hop on a boat and set sail to these idyllic paradises, where crystal-clear waters, secluded beaches, and charming fishing villages await. Explore the islands at your own pace, swimming in the azure waters, sunbathing on pristine beaches, and immersing yourself in the laid-back island life. Enjoy a delicious seafood lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of the Adriatic, and take in the breathtaking natural beauty that surrounds you.

Day 6: Lokrum Island and Cable Car Ride

On your last day in Dubrovnik, venture to Lokrum Island, a nature reserve located just a short boat ride from the city. Explore the lush botanical gardens, walk along scenic trails, and discover hidden coves and beaches. Visit the Benedictine Monastery, a tranquil oasis with a fascinating history. Don’t miss the chance to take a cable car ride tothe top of Mount Srd, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands. Capture the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site from above and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Day 7-10: Athens, Greece

Day 7: Arrival and Acropolis Exploration

Say goodbye to Croatia and board a flight to Athens, the birthplace of democracy and a city steeped in history and culture. Begin your exploration at the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most famous ancient monument in Greece. Marvel at the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, and admire the intricate details of the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike. As you ascend to the top of the Acropolis, take in the panoramic views of Athens and let the grandeur of this ancient citadel transport you back in time. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the charming Plaka neighborhood, where narrow streets are lined with shops, tavernas, and traditional Greek houses.

Day 8: Ancient Agora and National Archaeological Museum

Delve deeper into Athens’ rich history by visiting the Ancient Agora, the heart of ancient Athens and a bustling marketplace in its heyday. Explore the ruins of the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples, and wander through the Stoa of Attalos, a reconstructed ancient shopping arcade. Afterward, make your way to the National Archaeological Museum, home to an extensive collection of ancient Greek artifacts. Marvel at the iconic Mask of Agamemnon, discover exquisite sculptures, and learn about the fascinating history of ancient Greece.

Day 9: Cape Sounion and Sunset at the Temple of Poseidon

Escape the city for a day and embark on a scenic drive to Cape Sounion, located on the southernmost tip of the Attica peninsula. Here, perched on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, you’ll find the majestic Temple of Poseidon. Take a leisurely stroll around the temple, marveling at its Doric columns and the breathtaking views of the sea. As the sun begins to set, find a comfortable spot and witness a magical sunset over the horizon. The combination of ancient ruins and natural beauty creates a truly unforgettable experience. On your way back to Athens, stop at a local taverna and indulge in delicious Greek cuisine, savoring traditional dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and baklava.

Day 10: Departure and Farewell

As your 10-day adventure comes to an end, take some time to reflect on the incredible experiences and memories you’ve made along the way. Enjoy a leisurely morning in Athens, perhaps visiting the charming neighborhood of Monastiraki or exploring the vibrant Central Market. Before bidding farewell to Greece, indulge in a final Greek feast, savoring the flavors of the Mediterranean one last time. As you make your way to the airport, carry with you the beauty, history, and warmth of Italy, Croatia, and Greece, knowing that you’ve embarked on a journey that will stay with you forever.

The most famous restaurants and food recipes

During your trip to Italy Croatia Greece Itinerary there are several renowned restaurants that you must visit to indulge in their popular dishes. Here are some of the most important restaurants and their signature dishes:

• Ristorante Da Vittorio  (Italy): Located in Brusaporto, Italy, this Michelin-starred restaurant is known for its exquisite seafood dishes. Don’t miss their signature dish, “Spaghetti alle Vongole” (spaghetti with clams), which perfectly combines the flavors of the sea with al dente pasta.
• Restaurant Dubravkin Put  (Croatia): Situated in Zagreb, Croatia, this restaurant offers a delightful blend of Croatian and Mediterranean cuisine. Try their famous dish, “Peka,” a slow-cooked meat and vegetable dish prepared under a bell-shaped lid, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
• Spondi  (Greece): Located in Athens, Greece, Spondi is a renowned restaurant that has been awarded two Michelin stars. Indulge in their “Lamb Kleftiko,” a traditional Greek dish consisting of slow-cooked lamb with herbs and vegetables, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Taverna Kyclades  (Greece): If you find yourself in Mykonos, Greece, make sure to visit Taverna Kyclades for an authentic Greek dining experience. Their “Grilled Octopus” is a must-try, perfectly charred and seasoned, served with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.
• Trattoria da Romano  (Italy): Located in Venice, Italy, this historic restaurant is famous for its seafood dishes. Don’t miss their iconic dish, “Risotto al Nero di Seppia,” a black squid ink risotto that showcases the flavors of the Adriatic Sea.

Q1: What is the best time of year to visit Italy, Croatia, and Greece?

A1: The best time to visit these countries is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller. However, each country has its own unique climate, so it’s important to research specific destinations within these countries to determine the best time to visit.

Q2: Do I need a visa to visit Italy, Croatia, and Greece?

A2: It depends on your nationality. Citizens of the European Union do not need a visa to travel within these countries. However, if you are from a non-EU country, you may need to check the visa requirements for each country you plan to visit. It’s always recommended to check with the respective embassies or consulates for the most up-to-date information.

Q3: How should I dress when visiting religious sites in Italy, Croatia, and Greece?

A3: When visiting religious sites, it’s important to dress modestly out of respect for the local customs and traditions. Both men and women should avoid wearing revealing clothing, such as shorts, tank tops, or miniskirts. It’s recommended to wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Carrying a scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders is also a good idea.

Q4: What are some traditional dishes I should try in Italy, Croatia, and Greece?

A4: Italy is known for its mouthwatering pasta dishes like carbonara, lasagna, and spaghetti Bolognese. Don’t forget to try authentic Italian pizza and gelato. In Croatia, indulge in seafood delicacies like grilled fish, octopus salad, and black risotto. Traditional Croatian dishes also include cevapi (grilled meat).

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The Ultimate 7-Day Croatia Itinerary: 3 Perfect Routes

Last Updated on November 23, 2023

by Maggie Turansky

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning the perfect Croatia itinerary is essential to ensuring you have the ideal trip to this incredible country.

Croatia is becoming an ever more popular European destination year after year as it has firmly cemented its beautiful Adriatic Riviera onto the pages of travel magazines, websites, and Instagram feeds. This incredibly diverse and welcoming country has endless opportunities to offer travellers.

While most visitors set their sites on Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands, they fail to dig deeper and explore the seemingly endless wonderful places to visit if you have 7 days in Croatia.

Croatia is a lot bigger and has a more diverse climate than most visitors expect, so it is essential to properly plan out your route before you go.

So if you’re visiting Croatia, these three itineraries are perfect guidelines for having the best trip possible.

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit Croatia

Contrary to popular belief, Croatia isn’t all sunshine and sea every day of the year and the vast majority of the country really does experience all four seasons.

While winters in Dalmatia and on the coast tend to be mild compared to that of other European countries, the north of Croatia — in places like Zagreb or the Slavonia region — can expect to experience fairly heavy snowfall and average high temperatures that linger just above freezing.

It is also worth noting that a good majority of Croatia isn’t perennially blessed with endless sunny days. Zagreb, for instance, is actually quite wet and it is best to expect at least a few rainy days on your trip along the coast as well — depending on the season you are travelling.

In the most popular coastal cities in Croatia — like Split and Dubrovnik — you can expect a significant amount of rain in the winter months.

If you do want to avoid the hordes of tourist crowds, then winter can be an appealing option, especially if you’re not one to enjoy lazy beach and swimming days. It is worth knowing that many restaurants and tourist attractions are closed in the winter due to low demand.

The summer months of late June-August are the most popular times to travel to Croatia and if you plan to hit the most visited cities in the country, you can expect them to be very crowded. Temperatures can reach well over 30ºC (86ºF) on the coast and expect it to be even hotter in the capital.

Prices also mimic the high temperatures in the Croatian summer with everything from accommodation to restaurant costs inflated to take advantage of the tourism revenue. Places to stay tend to book out early, especially in July and August, so it is essential that if you’re planning a trip to Croatia , you plan well in advance if you are set on travelling in peak season.

Ideally, the best time of year to travel to Croatia is in the shoulder seasons directly surrounding summer. May and September have some of the best weather in Europe, where you can expect warm temperatures averaging around 25ºC (77ºF) and for the majority of your days to be sunny.

Most seasonal restaurants and tourist attractions will begin to open their doors again through the months of March-October so you will be able to see and eat everything that you could in the summer with a fraction of the crowds.

Getting Around Croatia

If you are only planning a one-week Croatia itinerary and want to make the most of your time, you need to be able to optimise your transport so you spend more time sightseeing and less time in transit.

If you want to rely on public transport when getting from point A to B in Croatia, then you’re going to need to get to know the bus network. Like many Balkan countries, Croatia doesn’t have an advanced train system and the majority of inter-city transport is dominated by the humble bus.

Bus connections between major cities are frequent, but they can book out early during the summer months. There are a number of different transit companies to choose from, some of which allow you to book tickets online.

Others might require you to buy a bus ticket at the station. You can check bus timetables and routes throughout Croatia on Busbud . Another thing to keep in mind is that most buses do charge to put luggage into hold — usually around €1-2.

If you can and your Croatia budget allows for it, a far better transportation option for one week in Croatia is to rent a car.

This will allow you to be more flexible with your departure times and reach places that aren’t as well-served by the bus network. Driving in Croatia is easy and going on a Croatia road trip is one of the best ways to see a lot of the country in a short amount of time.

If you only have a week, you are going to want to see as much of the country as you can and it isn’t always possible to do with irregular bus timetables and long travel times.

You can browse Rentalcars.com which compares car hire prices across major companies. Alternatively, check out Localrent which can connect you with smaller companies or individuals renting their cars.

If you’re flying into Croatia and are not hiring a car, you can organise a private transfer from the airport here.

Classic 7-Day Croatia Itinerary

If it is your first time visiting Croatia, then this is the one-week itinerary you should follow. It covers all of the main tourist highlights of Croatia with possible day-trip options to nearby national parks and beautiful islands.

We do recommend renting a car for this route, however, if you want to save money, a car is not necessary for the Zagreb portion of this trip. You can go ahead and rent a car when leaving the capital and save a couple of days of fare and parking fees.

Day 1 – Zagreb

The most logical place to start this route through Croatia is in the vibrant capital of Zagreb . For many years, tourists have treated Zagreb as merely a place to fly into before making a beeline for the coast — maybe spending a night there if their flight arrives late and leaving first thing in the morning.

However, in recent years, Zagreb has really come into its own as a tourist destination, which is why we recommend spending two days in the Croatian capital.

Zagreb has a gritty, artistic feel to it and has a number of interesting things to do. Take a walking tour of the city to get your bearings and explore some of the main historical sites like St Mark’s Church, the Stone Gate, the Zagreb Cathedral and strolling through the lush Green Horseshoe Park.

Where to Stay in Zagreb

Casablanca Boutique B&B   – This boutique bed and breakfast is one of the best places to stay in Zagreb if your budget allows for a little bit more than a hostel. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms available, it is located very close to the city centre and all of the main tourist attractions, and breakfast is included in the room rate. 

Hostel Mali Mrak – This locally-run hostel is one of the best places to stay in Zagreb if you’re travelling solo or on a budget. They have an incredibly friendly staff, great common areas that make it easy to meet other travellers and have both dorms and private rooms available. 

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Zagreb

Day 2 – Zagreb

Though you can certainly see the majority of the highlights of Zagreb within the confines of one day, spending two days in the city is ideal if you want to go at a slower pace and get your bearings in Croatia.

If you spent your first day in the Old Town there are plenty of other places you can visit on the second day.

For instance, consider hopping on a bus to see the massive and sprawling Mirogoj Cemetery. Or, if you’re a craft beer fan, there are plenty of great brewpubs to hop between. Those who love quirky museums will also like the Museum of Broken Relationships.

Zagreb is also an excellent place to educate yourself on the Yugoslav Wars, which were particularly devastating here. Many people tend to forget the horrific conflict of the 1990s when visiting Croatia, but it is important to see how far the nation has come in the past 30 years.

Two days in Zagreb is a perfect amount of time to spend in order to really get a feel for the city and will probably lend to you longing to return one day!

Day 3 – Plitvice Lakes National Park

The iconic and gorgeous Plitvice Lakes National Park is the second-most visited attraction in Croatia (after Dubrovnik) and it is for good reason — it is absolutely spectacular.

This massive network of lakes and waterfalls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is enough to charm even the most ardent of city people and visiting is a highlight of any trip to Croatia. While it can get very busy in the summer months, it is still an unmissable area to explore in Croatia.

While many people visit Plitvice as a day trip from Zagreb or Split, we recommend spending a night near the park so you can get there as early as possible, avoid the inevitable tourist crowds, and spend as much time as you can in the park.

You need at least four hours to see the majority of the park, but you can easily spend longer. Because of this, we recommend leaving Zagreb in the evening, spending the night near the park, visiting Plitvice Lakes in the morning and then driving onto your next destination by the afternoon or evening.

If you don’t have a car, you can organise a guided tour  from Zagreb or a group tour that includes transport from Zagreb to Split.

Where to Stay in Plitvice Lakes

House Turkalj — This cosy family-run guesthouse is an excellent affordable option for those looking for a little bit more than a hostel. They have a handful of private ensuite rooms available along with self-catering facilities. They also offer complimentary beer and rakija.

Falling Lakes Hostel — This is a great option for backpackers, budget and solo travellers who want a place near Plitvice Lakes. They offer both dorm and private rooms, self-catering facilities, and will arrange a shuttle to the entrance of the lakes should you not have your own vehicle.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other hotels in Plitvice Lakes!

Day 4 – Split

After spending two days of your week in Croatia soaking up the arts, culture, and nightlife of Zagreb and another day at the incredible Plitvice Lakes National Park, it’s time to head to the coast and Croatia’s second-largest city of Split.

The drive to Split is absolutely beautiful and there are lots of places in Croatia to stop and enjoy along the way, so make sure to spend your day taking advantage of seeing all there is on the Croatian coast.

Spend the next day taking advantage of all of the great things to do in Split . Walk around the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace, stroll along the seaside promenade, enjoy a glass of Croatian wine at an outdoor cafe, or take a hike up Marjan Hill.

Where to Stay in Split

Il Giardino Luxury Rooms & Suites – If you’re looking for a little bit more luxury, then you can’t go wrong with this boutique hotel. They have a number of spacious and comfortable rooms on offer, are located close to both the centre of Split and within walking distance of the beach and have breakfast included and a restaurant on site.

Tchaikovsky Hostel  – This hostel is a great option if you’re travelling solo or on a budget. They are centrally located, have excellent ratings, and offer both dorm and private rooms.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Split

Day 5 – Split

On your second day, consider taking one of the many potential day trips from Split . You could head to the towns of Sibenik or Trogir (the latter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), visit the beautiful Krka National Park, or even make a trip to one of the islands off the coast — enjoy the laid-back nature of Brac or the lavender fields of Hvar for a day!

If you choose to visit Krka National Park, get an early start to beat the crowds – it’s located about an hour from Split. Here you can enjoy gorgeous lakes and waterfalls, swimming spots and nice walking trails.

The town of Sibenik is only about fifteen minutes from Krka, so it’s easy to also visit here. It’s small, but absolutely charming with great seaside views and plenty of winding, cobbled streets to get lost on.

If you want a jam-packed day, you could also tack on the town of Trogir on your way back to Split. This is an historic town on its own island (there is a bridge to get there) that is an absolute joy to explore.

Alternatively, consider taking a day trip to an island like Hvar or Brac. Brac is closer to Split but is a bit more sleepy – though it is home to the iconic Zlatni Rat Beach.

Hvar is a bit further away, but fast passenger ferries from Split can allow you to spend the day exploring the charming Hvar Town and swimming around the Pakleni islands.

If you have more than a week to dedicate to this particular itinerary, this is the time where it makes sense to spend more time. Spend an extra day or two in Split, for instance, and you can easily go on all of these day trips. If you have longer, head to an island like Hvar or Korcula for a few days before moving on to Dubrovnik.

Day 6 – Dubrovnik

The most popular place to visit in Croatia thanks in no part to  Game of Thrones , no trip to Croatia that covers the tourist highlights of the country would be complete without including the city of Dubrovnik .

Dubrovnik is the premier place to visit in Croatia and the image of its beautiful city walls is what automatically fills people’s imaginations when thinking of this Adriatic country. Keep in mind that Dubrovnik is small, can be very crowded, and is noticeably more expensive than anywhere else in the country.

That is not to say it’s not absolutely gorgeous and it is absolutely worth spending time in the city, especially if it’s your first time visiting Croatia. We recommend spending at least two days in Dubrovnik, one where you can stroll along the well-trodden tourist sites and another where you can try to explore outside of the Old Town.

Spend your first day in Dubrovnik taking in the highlights of the Old Town. Get an early start to beat the crowds on the City Walls and then continue on to visit the Pile Gate, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and the Rector’s Palace.

There are lots of day trippers and cruise ship crowds here, so the crowds can lessen significantly in the evenings. Take this time to enjoy a quieter side of Dubrovnik.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

Boutique Hotel Porto   – Located directly in the Old Town, this boutique hotel is a great option if you’re looking to add a bit of luxury to your time in Croatia. They have a range of clean, comfortable rooms on offer and it comes very highly rated. 

Old Town Hostel   — As the name suggests, this boutique hostel is located directly in Dubrovnik’s iconic Old Town. It is one of the highest-rated hostels in the city and has both dorm beds and private rooms available.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Dubrovnik

Day 7 – Dubrovnik

On your final day, you can use it as an opportunity to explore more of Dubrovnik and get a bit beyond the old town.

You could spend your day lounging on one of Dubrovnik’s beaches or, perhaps, visit lovely Lokrum Island located just a few hundred metres from the shores of the old town.

You can grab a ferry to Lokrun Island and reach it in about ten minutes from the centre of Dubrovnik. It is a nature reserve known for its lush greenery. There are also plenty of lovely, secluded swimming spots for those who want to splash in the water!

Dubrovnik is also a great base to take a few day trips. It is incredibly possible to visit the beautiful city of Kotor, Montenegro or marvel at the Stari Most in divided Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina . If you spend one day exploring the old town, it is totally possible to tack on a visit to either of the cities on the second day.

7-Day Adriatic Coast Itinerary

If you’re interested in spending time on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast and want to see the highlights that lie in the cities, towns and islands of the Adriatic Sea, then this is the route for you.

It skips some of the inland attractions and concentrates solely on the coastal region. Keep in mind that this route is much easier to execute if you have your own vehicle.

Day 1 – Zadar

Begin your trip in the lovely town of Zadar . This historic town is located in the centre of the Dalmatia region and is actually home to its own international airport, so you can easily get here from plenty of other destinations across Europe.

Zadar is small but there is a lot to see and do in the town and it’s worth spending at least an entire day exploring. The pedestrianised old town doesn’t attract the crowds often seen in cities like Split and Dubrovnik.

There is a lovely seaside promenade complete with a delightful Sea Organ – a series of steps that plays music as the waves crash against it. There are also Roman ruins and beautiful churches to take in, along with swimming spots all along the promenade. There are also plenty of great cafes and restaurants to enjoy.

Where to Stay in Zadar

Art Hotel Kalelarga   — This boutique hotel offers modern, comfortable rooms and free breakfast in the morning in a fantastic Old Town Zadar location. It is one of the highest-rated hotels in Zadar and it is a great option for those looking for a bit of luxury. 

Downtown Boutique Hostel  — This small boutique hostel is located in the centre of Old Town Zadar. They have a number of room options available — from dorm beds to privates  — and a friendly and helpful staff. This is a great budget option. 

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other options in Zadar

Day 2 – Krka National Park & Šibenik

On your second day, plan to make your way to Split as your final destination. However, there are a couple of excellent places you can visit within easy reach of Zadar.

Start your day with a visit to Krka National Park. Though not located directly on the coast, this gorgeous natural area is absolutely worth a visit if you’re in this part of Croatia. Within the park, you will find beautiful waterfalls, swimming areas and walking trails.

Only about fifteen minutes driving from Krka, you will find the lovely town of Sibenik, which is our second destination for the day.

This is another excellently-preserved old Croatian town and it is a true delight to wander through. It attracts even fewer crowds than Zadar, so you can certainly have some of the quiet, pedestrianised streets to yourself.

From Sibenik, it’s about a 1-hour drive to Split, your destination for the next two nights.

Day 3 – Split

Your third day of this route should be spent exploring the highlights of the city of Split. Though it’s Croatia’s second-largest city, you can easily explore the compact old town in the confines of a single day.

Because you’ve spent the night here, you can beat the crowds in Diocletian’s Palace and get an early start!

You can also take the time to hike up Marjan Hill where you can get incredible views of the city below and of the surrounding islands.

Day 4 – Hvar

Try to get an early start and hop on the earliest ferry you can to get to Hvar , one of the most popular Croatian islands to visit. Car ferries from Split arrive in the port in the town of Stari Grad, which is only about thirty minutes from the far more popular Hvar Town.

Spend your first day exploring the sites in and around Hvar Town. Wander the delightful Old Town and then take the time to lounge on the beach – Pokonji Dol Beach is an excellent option!

Alternatively, you can also join a boat tour or hop on a water taxi to the lovely Pakleni Islands, little islands that lie just off the coast from Hvar Town. These are great places to swim and sunbathe.

Hvar Town is also known for its nightlife. So, if it interests you, you can party into the wee hours of the night at one of the many beach clubs. Those looking for a quieter stay will find plenty of other great places to stay elsewhere on the island .

Where to Stay in Hvar

Pharos Hvar Hotel – Located in Hvar Town, this 3-star hotel is a good option on the island. They have a number of comfortable rooms to choose from and a great location for exploring the island and the town.

Adriana Hvar Spa Hotel – This seaside hotel is a great luxury option in Hvar Town. They have an inviting swimming pool, an on-site spa and plenty of gorgeous rooms for guests to choose from.

Hostel Villa Skansi – This hostel is great for budget travellers looking to enjoy Hvar’s nightlife. They have a number of different rooms to choose from and social events organised each evening.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Hvar hotels!

Day 5 – Hvar

On your second day in Hvar, continue to explore this beautiful and tranquil island! Your second day should be spent on the gorgeous Dubovica Beach before wandering over to explore cool and quiet Stari Grad.

You can stop off at some iconic Lavender Farms before wandering over to Vrboska – a town that has a lot of charm but not a lot of tourists. It’s a great place to sample some local wines and get a great meal!

Day 6 – Korčula 

Day six of this itinerary sees you going to another gorgeous Croatian island – Korcula . However, if you’ve had enough of islands and would rather visit Dubrovnik, then consider heading there from Hvar instead.

If you decide to head to Korcula, it can also be a good idea to get an early start. The easiest way to get there from Hvar is to drive to the Sucaraj ferry terminal and take the ferry to the mainland, then drive to the Orebic ferry terminal and grab the boat from there to Korcula town.

Then, spend your first day exploring the beauty of gorgeous Korcula Town. Often marketed as a smaller Dubrovnik, this is an old and excellently preserved town that just oozes charm. There’s a lot to see here and there are also some great restaurants and lovely local wine bars to pop into.

Where to Stay in Korčula 

Apartments Milion – A great mid-range option in Korcula Town, this place offers both comfortable double rooms and apartments for guests to choose from. It makes for a great base when exploring the island.

Aminess Korcula Heritage Hotel – This plush hotel in Korcula Town has a beautiful location right on the seaside. They have plenty of beautiful rooms and a great breakfast available in the mornings.

Hostel Korcula – Backpackers visiting Korcula will love this cool hostel in the centre of Korcula Town. They offer both dorms and privates and there are great common areas to enjoy.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Korcula hotels!

Day 7 – Korčula 

On your final day in Korcula, you can spend it lounging on the beach and, in the afternoon, enjoying some of the incredible wine that makes this island a dream destination. In the morning, head to the lovely Pupnatska Luka Beach and soak up some rays.

If you want to sample some local vintages, then consider heading to the inland town of Smokvica where there are several wineries that offer tastings.

In the second half of the day, make your way to the town of Lumbarda for more wine tasting. This town is also home to some of the island’s (and Croatia’s) only sandy beaches so you can enjoy this, as well.

7-Day Istrian Highlights Itinerary

If it isn’t your first time in Croatia — or even if it is and you’re keen to venture away from the well-trodden tourist path — then consider heading to the northwestern region of Istria.

This triangular peninsula is often considered to be Croatia’s gastronomic heart and it offers incredible ancient historical sites, beautiful coastal cities, and imposing hill towns to rival those of Tuscany. So, if you want to take the road less travelled, take a look at this Istria itinerary :

Day 1 – Pula

Begin your trip in the historic port city of Pula. Pula has an international airport that serves a multitude of airlines and destinations but if you don’t arrive by plane, it is also well-connected by bus.

Three days in Pula is sufficient in order to be able to see all of the incredible sites that the city has to offer while also giving you time to take a day trip or two.

Spend your first day checking out the amazing Pula Arena, visiting the number of interesting museums in the city, browsing the bustling Pula market and learning about Pula’s history.

Foodies will love the House of Istrian Olive Oil, which is a museum that explains the history of olive oil in the region and also allows you to have some tastings. There is some delicious extra virgin olive oil to enjoy here!

Of course, the Pula Arena is really the draw of exploring this city and it is truly spectacular. Excellently preserved, it is smaller than the Colosseum of Rome, however, it attracts far fewer people, as well.l You can climb all around the arena so it’s a very cool place to visit.

Where to Stay in Pula

Boutique Hotel Oasi  – This small hotel is located very close to the beach and a short distance from central Pula. They have a number of rooms on offer, a restaurant on site, and breakfast is included in the room rate. 

Boutique Hotel Valsabbion  – If you’re the type to travel in luxury, then this boutique hotel is the place for you. Boasting sleek modern rooms, a fantastic swimming pool, an on-site spa, a beachfront location and much more, this hotel is sure to give you a great experience in Pula! 

Crazy House Hostel   – Located in the centre of the Old Town, this hostel is the perfect place for solo travellers on a budget and there is a fantastic outdoor terrace to relax on. 

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse other places in Pula!

Day 2 – Brijuni Islands

You can spend your second day either taking in more of Pula itself or going on a day trip to the wonderful Brijuni Islands.

These were once the summer home of former Yugoslav dictator Josip Broz Tito and today are a wildlife park and nature reserve.

To get to the Brijuni Islands, you must take a ferry from the nearby town of Fazana. This is a pedestrian-only ferry as there are no cars on the island.

Once there, it can be a great idea to hire a bicycle and ride around the island – it’s quite flat and there are plenty of secluded beaches to enjoy.

Day 3 – Labin & Rabac

On the third day, you can either take a day trip to neighbouring hill towns like Labin or spend the day lounging on a nearby beach.

There is a lot to see in this area of Istria so using Pula as a base for 3 nights really makes sense even if you only spend one full day exploring the city itself. The hill town of Labin, for instance, is located only about 45 minutes from Pula and it can be a delightful place to explore.

Nearby, if you want some seaside charms, head to the small town of Rabac, which is absolutely charming and with wandering through, as well. There are also plenty of beaches you could choose to visit should you wish to have a lazy day of sunbathing.

Day 4 – Umag

After spending some time enjoying the history and atmosphere of Pula, it’s time to head to one of the most underrated towns in Istria: Umag.

Umag is a small seaside town in the northwest of Istria and has a quaint and compact old town, a number of stellar swimming spots, great restaurants, and is close to some of Istria’s best vineyards. Two days here should be enough.

Spend the first day exploring Umag itself and maybe take the time to visit a local vineyard for some wine tasting. You can even head to the beach and swim in the warm Adriatic.

Where to Stay in Umag

Vilola  – A small boutique hotel located close to some of the best swimming areas in Umag, Vilola offers air-conditioned rooms with their own balcony and breakfast included in the room rate. 

Hotel Arte Casa  – Another boutique hotel in Umag, this one also has a great breakfast included in the nightly rate, air-conditioned rooms, and free parking on the premises. 

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse other places in Umag!

Day 5 – Istrian Hill Towns

On the second day staying in Umag, take to the car and head inland to visit some of the most picturesque hill towns in Istria. Buje, Groznjan, and Motovun are all within easy reach of Umag.

Here you can also dine on truffles and pasta for a fraction of the cost of elsewhere in the world.

This area of Croatia is completely different from the most popular tourist destinations and it is sure not to disappoint.

Day 6 – Rovinj

After enjoying the hustle and bustle of Pula and the laid-back nature and nearby hill towns of Umag, it’s time to head to the most iconic Istrian town: Rovinj.

Rovinj is an absolutely beautiful seaside town in western Istria and boasts a number of interesting things to do. Its proximity to some of the best beaches in the region is an appealing reason to visit Rovinj as well.

Spend one day exploring the Old Town and take the time to just let your feet wander and get lost. Walk around the harbour, stop in for a drink at one of the many seaside cafes, and even climb the bell tower of St Euphemia’s Church.

Day 7 – Rovinj

On your second day in Rovinj and last day of this Croatia trip, you can either spend it laying on the beach and soaking up the bright Adriatic sun or you can hop in the car and go on another day trip.

The small hill town of Bale or the lively seaside towns of Porec and Vrsar are both appealing options, as is the beautiful Lim Fjord.

Where to Stay in Rovinj

Hotel Angelo d’Oro   – A small hotel in the middle of old town Rovinj, this place has a number of rooms on offer and comes very highly rated. Breakfast is also included in the nightly rate.

Rooms Barbieri – Located only five minutes from the old town, this charming hotel is a great option for a place to stay in Rovinj. The rooms are large and comfortable and it also includes breakfast in the room rate. 

Not quite what you’re looking for?  Click here to browse other places in Rovinj!

Croatia is an absolutely gorgeous and welcoming country that just begs to be explored. However, mapping out the ideal 7 days in Croatia itinerary is paramount to ensuring you have the best Croatian adventure possible!

Are you planning to visit Croatia? Have any questions? Let us know in the comm

Related Posts:

The Ultimate 2, 3 or 4 Days in Dubrovnik Itinerary

Hvar or Korcula: Which Croatian Island to Visit?

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days on Korcula Itinerary

About Maggie Turansky

Maggie is a co-founder and writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from the US, she has lived in five different countries and has travelled to dozens more, both solo and with her partner, Michael. She particularly loves exploring Spain and spending time in the Caucasus and the Baltics. Read more about Maggie

Hi, we are staying for 7 days. Our worry is that we arrive late at night around 00:30 in Zagreb. Do you suggest to immediately move out of Zagreb and then to return to Zagreb on the last two days (to avoid problems cause of the flight?) Also, at night which is the easiest way to travel and would Zadar be a good place to be based at? Thanks a lot!

Hi-is it reasonable to drive from Vienna to Croatia or is it better to fly & rent a car in Zagreb? Was thinking of focusing on Istrian area due to time constraints & found a hotel that caters to Vegan diets. Is there enough to do in that area for 6-7 days if your primary interest is pretty nature? Thanks

Hi Mark, especially if you’re heading to Istria and not further south in Croatia, it’s not unreasonable at all to drive from Vienna. In fact, it’s a gorgeous drive and you will have lots of opportunities for stop-offs along the way. The drive from Vienna to Pula is about 6 hours.

There is certainly enough to do in Istria to fill 6-7 days and I would highly recommend spending that amount of time there!

We are interested in visiting the Balkans at the beginning of November for about 11 days. We can rent a car but I would like to start from Sarajevo and end there. I thought of doing two countries only, maybe Bosnia and Croatia. Or Bosnia and a different country – which one? We would need to get back to Sarajevo. We are also interested in the Jewish background of the Balkans, both historically, after the expulsion from Spain through the Holocaust. Can you help me to put my head in order :-)?

For 11 days, I think you could easily visit some highlights of Bosnia along with bits of Croatia. Especially if you’re interested in Jewish history, Sarajevo can be a great place to visit.

Hi Maggie, we are planning a 20 day trip to Croatia late July/beginning of August with 3 kids (8, 12, 14). We are arriving and departing from Dubrovnik. We would like to end our trip in Dubrovnik and since there isn’t a convenient flight from Dubrovnik to Zagreb, we will have to hit the road as soon as we land. We would like to visit Istria, Lake Bled/Vintgar Gorge, Plitvice Lakes, Rijeka, Split, Hvar, Korcula, Dubrovnik with various day trips throughout. It would be nice to see Zadar and/or Zagreb as well but not sure if we will have time or if necessary. We love hiking, beaches and of course sight seeing. I’m trying to figure out what’s the best way to plan out our trip. Should we break up our initial 7 hour drive from Dubrovnik or go straight through? Where should we stop first and in what order should we make our remaining stops? I would like to see as much as we can but at the same time not be overwhelmed and have some beach time. Please help!

We are arriving in Croatia in the middle of June for 7 night staying in Lapad can you recommend where to start exploring first

We need to fly into Zadar or Zagreb either is fine and out of Split. Give or take a week. We don’t need a ton of hiking but would like to see some falls. Islands? Cities. We need a plan.

Hello Maggie,

As first, I want to say that I do like your overview of Croatia trip in general and thank you for it.

However, I must say that it is very sad how people focus only on coastal region of Croatia, with exception of Zagreb and Plitvice lakes, and completely ignore the continental part of it, which is definitely not fair.

Places like Vinkovci, the oldest settlement in Europe where two Roman emperors were born, then numerous wine cellars and vineyard, especially in the town of Ilok, whose wine was used during coronation of Queen Elisabeth II and on Price Harry and William weddings, city of Osijek with its baroque architecture, city of Djakovo with its royal breed of horses called Lipizzaner which are so beautiful – closest thing to Unicorns as they are called, then the City of Varazdin, called also a “Little Vienna”, formerly even a capital of Croatia (18th century) with a beautiful castle and mesmerizing baroque style architecture, Croatian Sahara, numerous castles all around, river sites, and as I like to say most important of all, the amazing food and the most warm and welcoming people of all. Of course, there are so many more that I didn’t mention, but I don’t want to keep this long.

At the end, this is not a criticism and have no negative connotations, but just maybe a pointer that there is another side of Croatia, that is far from the sea and common touristic spotlight, however still beautiful and wort to visit.

We are planning a trip to Croatia in March 2023. Our flight lands in Zagreb on 03/09. We fly out of Zagreb as well. Have about 8 days. I like your first itinerary, but we wanted to see Istria as well. We are not planning on going all the way to Dubrovnik on this trip. Any suggestions as to routes? Would like to hit Zadar, Split, Plitvice Lakes Park, and Istria. We will rent a car. Thank you!

Hi Sandy, unfortunately, it’s not very practical to include all you want on your itinerary – especially when considering travel times. Personally, I would suggest not planning on visiting Istria if you would like to see all of the other parts of Croatia, as well.

We are planning a trip next month for 7 days and interested into going to Montenegro from Dubrovnik. I think it would be too much to think we could get to the Plitvice National Park as well? What are your suggestions in Montenegro?

Thank YOU! Sharon

I am visiting Slovenia and Croatia next summer for approximately 8 days . We will arrive in Lublanja in the middle of the day and leave from Dubrovnik at noon the last day. We would like to spend 1/2 day in Lubalanja and 11/2 days in lake bled , a day in Novo Mesto, 1/2 day in Pula and2 days in Dubrovnik We we’re thinking of a tour to Mostar and Medjagorje one day Can we do this in the time allotted? We will not be driving Could you give us a time efficient itinerary that would make it possible?

Hi Jackie, this route seems far too rushed to be enjoyable and to actually spend any time in any of the places you’re keen to visit — you’ll be spending the majority of your time in transit. I would suggest planning to spend your entire time in Slovenia or visiting a bit of Slovenia and Croatian Istria. You can find our Slovenia itineraries here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/slovenia-itinerary/

Hi Maggie, Thank you for writing one of the most thorough blogs about traveling in Croatia! I’d love to get your advice on my itinerary. I will be going to Croatia from Slovenia and will have 7 days and 6 nights. I’d like this to be a more relaxed trip if possible…and am so torn between chilling on an island an skipping Dubrovnik or fitting Dubrovnik in! My flight is out of Split so I do need to get back there somehow and figure out what to do with the car I rent. What are your thoughts on the following:

Option 1: Fly into Zagreb/stay overnight > Zagreb to Plitvice overnight > Plitvice during the day and drive to Split (overnight or head to Hvar/Brac) > 4 nights in Hvar or Brac > Depart from Split

Option 1: Fly into Zagreb/stay overnight > Zagreb to Plitvice overnight > Plitvice during the day and drive to Split (overnight or head to Hvar/Brac) > Hvar or Brac for 2 nights > Dubrovnik for two nights > Split overnight > Depart from Split

Option 2 honestly sounds pretty intense. That said, do you think it’s doable? If I were to go with Option 1, do you have any suggestions between Hvar or Brac and where to stay?

Thank you so much!

Hi Gina, happy you’ve found this article helpful! I do think that your second option is doable, however, it does sound quite rushed and exhausting, especially if you’re looking to chill out a bit!. Personally, I would opt for the first option to have a more relaxing trip 🙂

Hey Maggie I hope my message finds you well! We are planning with my partner a 6 days 5 nights trip starting and ending from Zagreb airiport, at the end of August with Flix bus and Ferries. We arrive in Zagreb at 14:00 Day one and Im thinking of after spending 3 hours in Zagreb to leave for either Pula or Rovijn, spend the Night and few hours the next Day. After I was checking if there is a way to travel with Ferrie directly to Split, spend the next evening there and travel with Ferrie to Dubrovnik for night number three. Next evening I was thinking of catching the evening Flix bus for Plivitce lake, in order to get in early in the morning. Later get back to Zagreb for an early flight the next Morning.

Is it possible you thhink with Bus and Ferrie, what should I leave back or add, any advices.

Hi Zak – honestly, I think your itinerary is way too hectic for the short time you have. I’d recommend concentrating on one of the routes I have outlined above for a less stressful and easier to coordinate trip 🙂

Thanks so much for this blog it is awesome! We are a family of four with two teenagers. Are we too late to plan a visit this summer? We are environmental scientists so I am mostly interested in enjoying the natural beauty of Croatia. What is your favorite island? I am obsessed with swimming holes and also clear blue waters…. What do you think two teenage girls would like the best?

Thanks for your comment, April, and I’m so happy you’ve found this article helpful! I don’t think that you’re too late to be planning a trip for the summer at all! Unfortunately, I don’t have too much experience travelling to the Croatian islands (I hope this changes soon, though!), but I do think that the island of Brac sounds like a good fit for you. It’s easy to reach from Split and has lots of great swimming areas. Hope you’re able to have a great trip!

Looking at booking Croatia for July/August 2021 and wanting to spend 14 days touring the country. What airport would you suggest to fly into and what airport would you suggest to leave out of? We are avid hikers and defiantly enjoy our ocean and water days. Enjoy the finer hotels and spas also. Very excited being my great grandmother and grandfather came from Croatia I want to experience the finest places the country offers.

Pat Williams

Hi Pat, I would recommend flying into Zagreb and out of Dubrovnik (or vice versa) if you want to see a good portion of the country in 2 weeks. Hope you’re able to plan a great trip!

Hi Maggie. I am planning a trip of about 7 days to Croatia the first part of June. I have heard such wonderful things about Rovinj and the Iberia peninsula, but we also want to visit Split and Dubrovnik. Any suggestions or is this just trying to cram too much into a week? Most of the itineraries that I see online are an either/or for visiting those areas..

Hi Karen, unfortunately, it will likely be a bit too rushed if you plan to visit Istria and also Split and Dubrovnik in just one week. You can very easily spend a week just in Istria and even more in Dalmatia, so I would recommend weighing which areas appeal to you most and concentrating on those. You just might have to plan another trip!

Hi. What is the best way to tour the islands? Day trips or charter a sleeping boat for a few days? Want to enjoy the coastal scenery without feeling rushed by a group boat. And, when does Summer/high season officially end?

Hi Cindy, if you don’t want to feel rushed on the islands, then I would recommend spending a few days overnight on the ones that interest you rather than going on day trips. A boat charter is also a great idea if you want to island hop with more flexibility! High season is typically over by the end of September and you will start to see tourists clearing out and some businesses closing up by this time. The weather usually stays very nice through October, though, depending on where you are in the country!

I am planning a trip for 2 and most likely following a schedule similar to your “Classic Croatia” route. I was interested in visiting Krka National Park as well. Do you think it is worth it or is similar to Plitvice and not necessary?

Hi Holly, thanks for your comment! Both Krka and Plitvice are similar, but you can still get different things out of them if you want to visit both. For instance, you can go swimming at Krka which is not allowed at Plitvice. I personally think that both are worth visiting but Plitvice is more stunning than Krka in my opinion.

Hi Maggie, My wife and I are planning a 14 day motorhome tour of Croatia in mid September 2020. Our trip starts in Zagreb and ends in Dubrovnik. We currently have no Itinerary but would like to spend equal time travelling the coast and inland areas. Could you advise any web sites that show motorhome overnight parking. Regards

Hi Peter, sounds like you’re in the process of planning a great trip! Unfortunately, I don’t know much at all about motorhome travel, so I can’t advise you in that area. Hope you have a great time in Croatia!

Hi Maggie, I have planned my visit to Croatia from 25th Feb to 02nd March 2020. It is going to be me and my wife only. We will land in Zagreb on 25th Feb and would move out from Dubrovnik on the 02nd of March (Flights already done). Can you suggest what all places to be covered in this duration and how is the weather going to be like? Also, I am a bit confused b/w taking a rental car (don’t know whether it is left or right hand drive) or taking public transport like bus or taxis.

Hi Apoorv, I have covered a week-long itinerary starting in Zagreb and ending in Dubrovnik as well as the average weather to expect above. Croatia, like most European countries besides the UK, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus, drives on the right-hand side. All major cities are well-connected by bus. Relying on taxis to get around is an option, however, it will be very expensive. Hope this helps and you have a great trip!

HI I’m travelling to Croatia in early May 2020. Land Zagreb, 7 days, finishing in Dubrovnik (probably fly into Athens from here I’m thinking). A friend told me that Plitvice Lake NP required 2days and to stay there a night. What’s your thoughts on this?? Many thanks Anne-Marie

Hi Anne-Marie, I think you would only need 2 days in Plitvice if you’re really into hiking and nature and that’s why you’re visiting Croatia. Especially since you only have 7 days, there are many more places to spend time in Croatia. Hope you have a great trip!

Where should one start its trip from? If we are skipping Zagreb, and want to cover places like Split , Plitvice, Dubrovnik. Any other place that should which is highly recommended?

Hi Archie, if you don’t plan on visiting Zagreb, starting in Split or Dubrovnik makes sense. If you want to visit another coastal town, Zadar will make a nice stop. Also, there are numerous islands (Hvar, Brac, Korcula, etc) that are worth visiting.

20 days in Croatia and neighboring countries

We are 6 active hikers booked a trip to Croatia for 10 days in early May, 20 2 nights Opatija 1 night Split 2 nights Dubrovnik 1 night Vodice 1 night Zagreb 2 nights Bled

We would like to stay 10 more days to go to neighboring countries as well as doing a little hiking, biking and kayaking the area.

We are planning our flight from Vancouver. Our trip starts at Opatija and ends at Bled. Any suggestions on a good itineraries for pre and post trip?

Thanks for your comment, Jennifer. For the rest of your trip, any of the itineraries in this article might be good for you. If you are curious about exploring more of the Balkans besides just Croatia and Slovenia, we also have some Balkan itineraries here: https://www.theworldwasherefirst.com/plan-balkans-travel-itinerary/

Hi , I would be landing at zadar airport in september and planned for a 7 day trip, could you suggest how should we plan.. About us- Couple with no historical interests but love nature, scenery , beaches. Have to use public conveyance only for travel within croatia.

We are looking for a relaxed trip not a rushed one.

Thanks in advance.. Silky

Hi Silky, I would recommend you rework the Adriatic coast itinerary above to begin and end in Zadar rather than Zagreb. Going from Zadar-Zagreb-Split-Zadar or Zadar-Split-Zagreb-Zadar both work equally well and are all easily accessible via public transit. Hope you have a great trip!

I briefly read the article and maybe you covered it already. But most people will fly into Zagreb. With a 7 day itinerary using a rental car, you will start at the North and end in Dubrovnik. One has to account the time to get back to Zagreb. Any suggestions on how best to do this?

Hi Jacob, thanks for your comment. Because many people start and end their Croatia trips from different areas of the country (there are numerous airports that people will fly into, not just Zagreb!), I’ve left out how to get back to your beginning point. However, if you’re planning on renting a car in Zagreb and making your final destination in Dubrovnik, I see no reason why you couldn’t just drive back to Zagreb. It is often a lot cheaper to pick up and return a rental car to the same location. There are also numerous bus connections to Zagreb from just about every major city in Croatia, including Dubrovnik, if you don’t want to drive back to the capital yourself.

Hi Maggie, How’s Croatia in the dead if winter? January end Feb beginning? Where do you recommend travelling and what’s there to see. Thanks b

It depends on what you’re after, but the seaside towns will be pretty sleepy in the winter months. It’s a good time to visit Dubrovnik as you can experience the city with far fewer tourists than in the high season. Across the board, you will find accommodation prices to be a lot cheaper than in the more popular months, but some businesses may not be open in the middle of winter. Hope this helps!

Hello, Maggie! travellers plan to travel to visit Croatia in June, 2019, it would be around from June 26 to July 2-3 return,trip planned sbout 7-8 days at the destination. We are coming and driving a minibus (minivan) so ,it means we are very flexible on route and in any destinstion, we are free and sould move to any place any fay. As we primary memtioned, our start of the itinerary would be Zagreb, Split or Dubrovnik. Is it right if westart our trip from Riga by bus? By our plans we have to cross Latvia, Lithuania? Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and then somehow enter the Croatia. Could you corret me and suhgest me the best trip option (7-8days trip) for us as necessary?! Best regards, Ieva Lukina (ieva@21. lv)

Hi Ieva, I think that if you only have 7-8 days for your trip, trying to drive from Riga to Croatia is going to take up a good portion of it and give you very little time to explore Croatia itself. Maybe, if you can, try to allot more time for the trip or concentrate on travelling a little closer to home instead, this time around.

It’s tough making a decision, there are so many places to see that are gorgeous. I’m honestly not a big fan of Zagreb, it’s not the real Croatia to me. It’s Central Europe. Croatia for me is Central Dalmatia and to a smaller extent, Istria. For me, the highlights of the country range along the coast from Zadar (with an excursion inland to Plitvice) to Dubrovnik (from where I think Kotor is a must see as you mention). So many great spots on the way though: Sibenik, Omis, Makarska, the island of Vis…and that’s not even including the islands on the south. So much to see.

Thanks for the comment, Frank! I agree with you that it’s so hard to plan a route in Croatia…you could easily spend months there and not see everything!

I’m going to have to disagree with you about Zagreb, however. While I’m the first person to say that a capital city isn’t necessarily reflective of a country on the whole, I’m not sure it’s right to say that it’s not the “real” Croatia. It’s certainly much different than the cities in Dalmatia, but it’s still a fantastic place to visit and I think including it on a Croatia itinerary is important to get a feel for all sides of the country…even if you only have a short period there.

Great suggestions elsewhere…I’ve only been to Šibenik out of the places you mentioned and thought it was absolutely lovely. Like you said…there’s just so much to explore!

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Croatia Itinerary: Complete 10-Day Travel Guide

Once a lesser-known destination in Europe, Croatia has soared in popularity in recent years — particularly with Game of Thrones fans who flock to see the show’s famous sites. These in-demand spots lie within some of Europe’s most beautiful cities, bordered by turquoise water and charming sandy beaches. What better way to explore all these mythical landscapes than on a road trip, enjoying the best of the country’s warm hospitality, delicious food, and ancient architecture? Tick off all the best spots with this ultimate 10-day Croatia itinerary.

An Unforgettable 10 Days in Croatia

There is so much to experience in beautiful Croatia ; you could travel for weeks. However, 10 days is still a good amount of time to see the nation’s highlights, including the must-see cities, islands, beaches, and UNESCO national parks. 

Day 1: Arrival in Dubrovnik

Start your epic road trip around Croatia in beautiful Dubrovnik! As Dubrovnik is a port city, many large tour groups arrive off the cruise ships, so we recommend starting your day early to enjoy quieter streets. 

We recommend getting a Dubrovnik Pass , which includes entrances to all sites.

Head first to the ancient city walls, which is the best viewpoint in Dubrovnik to overlook the turquoise Adriatic Sea and the terracotta roofs of the medieval city. Not far away is the beautiful Onofrio Fountain, the hidden Franciscan monastery, the elegant clock tower, and the Rector’s Palace. Game of Thrones fans, in particular, won’t want to miss the Rector’s Palace: the unique location for the Spice King’s Mansion!

Read: Best things to do in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Tip: For the most spectacular sunset views on your 10 days in Croatia, head to West Harbor at dusk. Enjoy a drink or two at one of the many lovely beach bars — our favorite was Beach Bar Dodo.

Where to Stay in Dubrovnik

There is plenty of choice for accommodation in Dubrovnik. For a more authentic experience, stay inside the city walls close to all the main sites (we stayed at this hotel in the old town ).

Hotels in Dubrovnik 😴

Please note that in this part of town, accommodation is generally not accessible by car. If you are traveling by car, we recommend staying on the outskirts of town where there are more parking options. Plus, accommodation is cheaper further out, too!

Day 2:  Day at Banje Beach and Kayak Tour

After a busy first day, step away from the city and enjoy the delights of the popular Banje Beach. This beautiful beach is very popular and is easy to get to as it is located directly in front of the Ploce Gate, just a 10-minute walk from the Old Town. Enjoy the fantastic views of both the city and the crystal clear sea; it’s the perfect start to your 10-day Croatia itinerary.

If you want a unique perspective of the city, then try seeing it from a kayak! You can book a private tour and see Dubrovnik’s landmarks from the water. The knowledgeable local guides can tell you all about the famous history and legends while you gently paddle along the water’s edge.

See availability for a kayak tour of Dubrovnik and Betina Cave

Tip: Bring water shoes, as most beaches in Croatia are pebble stones instead of sand. They’re also useful for protection against sea urchins.

Day 3: Travel to Hvar

Discover the spectacular island of Hvar, one of the highlights of any Croatia 10-day itinerary! After your ferry trip, explore the upmarket town of Hvar (the epicenter of the island) by meandering through the gardens and then up to the Spanish Fortress for panoramic views. 

During the evening, Hvar town really comes to life. During this time, the terraces become full of party-goers ready to enjoy the famous nightlife. Although it’s known for being a more luxurious destination than others on the island, it’s still possible to find bars and clubs on a budget. 

Read: Best things to do in Hvar, Croatia

How to Get to Hvar from Dubrovnik

There are plenty of passenger ferries from Dubrovnik to Hvar, which take 4 hours and cost around 45 EUR (depending on the season). It is best to book your tickets online in advance as it can get busy in the summer months. 

Book your ferry tickets from Dubrovnik to Hvar

If you are driving, there are no direct car ferries between Dubrovnik and Hvar. Instead, enjoy a drive along the coast, across the Peljesac Bridge, and along to Drvenik. From there, it is possible to cross by car ferry to Sucuraj at Hvar Island.

We recommend to rent a car in Croatia through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

Where to Stay in Hvar

We recommend staying in Hvar Town during your 10 days in Croatia, with its lively atmosphere and range of accommodation and restaurant options. Because of the luxurious nature of Hvar Town, it can be quite expensive, especially in the busier high season.

Hotels in Hvar Town 😴

For a quieter option, base yourself in Stari Grad, which is also a great place to begin exploring the rest of the island.

Hotels in Stari Grad 😴

Tip: All the boat tours start from Hvar Town, and the passenger ferries arrive here too. Please note that the car ferries arrive on the other side of the island. 

Day 4 – Explore Hvar Island

From olive groves to vineyards, fragrant lavender fields, and picturesque villages, there is much to choose from around Hvar island. You can explore it all on a road trip loop that starts in Malo Grablje and stops in Milna, Plaža Dubovica, Stari Grad, Stari Grad Plains, Vrboska, Beach Vitarnja, Jelsa, and Brusje.

Got less time? Follow the Croatia 7-day itinerary instead!

A great start is a visit to Stari Grad, the second biggest town on the island and the oldest town in Croatia. This beautiful town has the same stunning architecture as Hvar Town, but it is much quieter and has a great choice of restaurants.

Tip: Make sure you visit the Fortress Petar Hektorovic, a hidden gem tucked away in the middle of the town – and a must-see on your 10 days in Croatia.

Stari Grad Plain

Close to the town, you can visit the Stari Grad Plain: a stunning landscape created from ancient stone walls used to divide the plains. Most impressive of all, this structure has remained intact since the 4th century BC!

For a unique way to visit the plains, consider renting a bike or joining a bike tour to see the best of the beautiful scenery.

Explore Stari Grad Plain on this popular cycling tour from Hvar

Day 5: Island Hopping Boat Tour in Hvar

One of the highlights of any Hvar is taking an island hopping boat tour. You will visit stunning secluded beaches and be able to swim and snorkel in the crystal blue waters of the Budikovac Lagoon, Blue Cave, Pakleni Islands, Vis Island, and Stiniva Beach. 

If you opt for the tour we did, you’ll be treated to fun 80s music or maybe even a turn driving the boat for yourself! End this perfect day on your 10-day Croatia itinerary with a stunning sunset as you return to Hvar Town.

See tickets and availability for an island-hopping tour from Hvar

Day 6: Travel to Split

Welcome to Split: one of the warmest and friendliest communities in Croatia, despite being the 2nd largest city in the country! It is packed with things to do, whether you want to leisurely stroll around the ancient buildings, art galleries, and boutiques or delve into the culinary scene at one of the many fantastic bars and restaurants. 

Read about all Things to do in Split, Croatia .

The city’s most important landmark is the UNESCO Diocletian’s Palace, which sits in the heart of the town. Also on the same site is the famous Diocletian’s Cellars, used as one of the film sets for Game of Thrones, Croatia (don’t miss this site out on your 10 days in Croatia!).

Visit the Diocletian’s Cellars on a Game of Thrones tour

How to get to Split from Hvar

There are plenty of ferries from Hvar Old Town to Split Port, with tickets costing 25-50 EUR for an hour’s trip (depending on the season). If you are driving, there is a car ferry from Stari Grad, which takes 2 hours.

Book your ferry tickets from Hvar to Split

Tip: It’s best to book ferries ahead during the busy summer season.

Where to Stay in Split

For first-time visitors, we recommend staying in the Old Town around the Diocletian’s Palace. This beautiful area is home to some of the most fantastic buildings in the city. Plus, it is close to all the best things to do in Split !

Hotels in Split 😴

Day 7: Day Trip from Split

There are many options for extraordinary day trips from Split, but two equally fantastic options are: 

Krka National Park

Krka National Park is a stunning natural world with an abundance of flora and fauna. Listen to the relaxing sounds of birdsong and rushing waterfalls while you meander through the park, walking on wooden boards that hover above the water’s edge. 

Read all about Krka National Park and its Waterfalls .

All the trails and routes will lead you to a series of powerful waterfalls, including the famous Skradinski Buk Falls and Roski Slap.  As you walk, look out for the vibrant fish swimming upstream and listen for the sounds of birds and frogs hiding among the trees and undergrowth — an unforgettable memory on your 10-day Croatia itinerary.

Book your day tour to Krka National Park from Split

Another great alternative day trip is to visit Trogir, nicknamed the “Little Venice ” of Croatia, because of its maze of narrow streets. This fascinating island is connected to Split by two bridges. In no time, you will find yourself in an ancient world of Romanesque and Renaissance architecture. 

Read about the best things to do in Trogir

Klis Fortress

Combine this visit to Trogir with a few hours at the imposing Klis Fortress, which straddles a mammoth ridge in the valley outside Split. This remarkable Fortress was well known for its military position and importance. However, these days, it is most recognizable as the setting for many scenes in Game of Thrones !

Nearby is the stunning family-owned estate Stella Croatica, home to beautiful gardens, an olive oil museum, and a traditional tavern. 

Stella Croatica is included in the price of the Klis Fortress ticket. Open 10 AM – 3:30 PM every day except Monday. Book your ticket for Stella Croatica and Klis Fortress .

Day 8 – Travel to Plitvice Lakes (Via Rastoke )

On your way to Plitvice, take a few hours and explore Rastoke, also known as ‘the Small Lakes of Plitvice’. This beautiful natural phenomenon is characterized by the merging of the little River Slunjcica and the River Korana, culminating in 23 waterfalls and numerous rapids.

Also read: The Best Waterfalls in Croatia

The town of Slunj emerged around Rastoke, and the many watermills contributed to the economic development of Slunj. Spend a relaxing evening here with a delicious dinner, a perfect way to finish off day 8 of your 10 days in Croatia!

Learn more about the Rastoke Waterfalls in Croatia!

How to Get to Plitvice Lakes from Split

If you are traveling by car, the journey takes around 2.5 hours. Otherwise, take the bus, which departs from Split main bus terminal and has a journey time of 3.5 hours. Tickets for the bus cost approximately 23 EUR.  Book your bus tickets to Plitvice here .

If you don’t have your own transportation, you can book a guided tour of Plitvice Lakes (including a stop at Rastoke).

Where to Stay in Plitvice Lakes

If you are on a guided day tour, there is always the option to return to Split at the end of the day. However, if you want to absorb the wonderful atmosphere of the park in the evening, spend the night and head back in the morning.

Hotels in Plitvice 😴

Day 9: Plitvice Lakes National Park

On the penultimate day of your Croatia 10-day itinerary, explore the stunning UNESCO Plitvice National Park, one of the oldest and largest national parks in the country. With 16 different lakes and waterfalls, allow an entire day to explore.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia (Complete Travel Guide)

Once inside the park, there are many different activities on offer for visitors. Most choose to explore the park via the beautiful wooden walkways that weave through the wilderness, allowing you to get up close and personal with countless plant and animal species. 

Alternatively, if you’d rather be on the water itself, you can rent a small rowing boat on Kozjak Lake (13 EUR per hour) and spend the afternoon taking in nature from a different perspective.

Please note: No swimming is allowed at Plitvice in order to protect the fragile environment from further human impact. This decision was taken mainly to preserve the stunning azure waters.

Tip: We recommend you buy entrance tickets for both national parks online beforehand (boat ride included). Order Plitvice tickets online via the park’s e-ticket system .

Day 10: Travel to Zadar

Spend the morning traveling to Zadar and then spend a relaxed afternoon exploring Croatia’s oldest city. Nestled on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, Zadar is known for the Roman and Venetian ruins of its Old Town. However, the real drawcard is the world-famous Sea Organ, a unique blend of architecture and music that produces sounds from the waves and tides — magical! 

From new to old, spend your afternoon at the Renaissance Five Wells Square, which is encircled by the western Medieval wall and the Captain’s Tower. This public square is anchored by five ornate 16th-century stone wells and is overlooked by medieval city walls. 

Finish your 10 days in Croatia with a taste of this beautiful country and relax at one of the many excellent restaurants in Zadar’s Old Town.

Tip: Some small businesses, including restaurants, market vendors, and tour operators, only accept cash payments.

How to Get from Plitvice Lakes to Zadar

There is a good bus service from Plitvice Lakes to Zadar, which takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the bus route (approximately 13 EUR).

Book your bus tickets from Plitvice to Zadar

If you are traveling by car, the shortest route takes 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Where to Stay in Zadar

For your first visit to Zadar, we recommend staying in Zadar Old Town, with many options, from luxury hotels to budget apartments and hostels.

Hotels in Zadar 😴

Tip: Expect to pay around 25 EUR for a budget hostel and 120 EUR for a luxury room, although prices are affected according to the season.

Flying out of Zadar

There are direct flights from Zadar to other major European cities. To get to the airport, take the regular bus services from Zadar Old Bus Terminal (tickets cost around 3.50 EUR). Alternatively, an Uber ride to the airport will cost around 10 EUR.

How to Visit Croatia in 10 days

Your 10-day itinerary in Croatia starts in Dubrovnik and ends in Zadar, both of which have airports. 

By Car : For the best road trip experience, you can rent a car from one airport and drop it off at the other. However, please note that this is a more expensive option than dropping it at the same airport you collected it from.

By train: Many trains arrive in Croatia from other European cities.

By Boat: Ferries depart from several ports in Italy (including Venice ) and travel to Dubrovnik and Split, among other Croatian destinations. 

Travel Insurance Don't forget a travel insurance for your Croatia trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here

Getting Around Croatia

For the ultimate freedom, we recommend renting a car to complete your 10-day Croatia itinerary. This gives you the flexibility to follow a Croatia itinerary in your own time, stopping off at secret spots along the way.

Tip: The roads are good in Croatia, but the traffic can build up in some towns in the summer, and car access is limited in the older parts of cities.

Public Transport

If you’re not renting a car on your 10-day Croatia itinerary, there are many other great transport options in Croatia. Although the train network is limited, there are plenty of interconnected buses (and ferries) between the main towns/destinations. 

Book your transport tickets in advance online

Tip: There are many more connections in the summer months, so bear this in mind if you travel outside the high season. Book your transport tickets in advance online.

Our Favorite Accommodation for a 10-day Croatia Itinerary

Depending on your budget, there are many options for accommodation in Croatia, from exclusive hotels and seaside apartments to lively hostels or even camping. Here are our favorites.

• Dubrovnik: Villa Filaus , Guest House 44 , Liberty Rooms
• Hvar: Apartments and Rooms Bonkan Hvar , Apartments Haracic , Novak Guesthouse
• Stari Grad: Heritage Villa , Town House Rosario , Apartments Vukovic
• Split: Makarun Heritage Rooms , Apartment Marija , Villa Galla
• Plitvice Lakes: Pansion Danica , Etno Garden , Villa Sumrak
• Zadar:  Dezign Apartments , Mrak Exclusive , Angie Central Rooms

Tip: The quality of tap water in Croatia is excellent, so bring your reusable water bottle with you and fill it up at your accommodation before a day of sightseeing. It’s a great way to save on single-use plastic and travel plastic-free !

How Much Does 10 Days in Croatia Cost?

Croatia has become more expensive and popular in recent years, but there are always ways to cut costs on your trip. For example, you can buy local food from the supermarkets and make picnics for lunch, or if you stay in self-catering accommodation, you can cook up some feasts with food from the local market!  

Costs of Traveling in Croatia

Travel on a budget in Croatia, from $580 − $730 USD weekly per person, mid-range $1390 − $2740 USD, and high-end from $2660 − $4160 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $70 − $300 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $25 − $40 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $15 − $60 USD Book public transport
• Car Rental: $30 − $150 USD Book a rental car
• Food: $30 − $75 USD
• Activities: $10 − $60 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Tip: One way of keeping your costs lower is to travel outside of peak season (June, July, August) and stay in the smaller towns and cities.

Best Time to Visit Croatia

The months of May and June (the best time for the lavender fields!) and September and October are great months to visit this beautiful country. The tour operators and hotels are open, the weather is cooler, and the crowds are manageable in popular cities.

If you are visiting Croatia for the National Parks, we advise you to visit in the Spring. The lakes and waterfalls are at their fullest at this time, and there are fewer visitors. If you are after a party scene, you might prefer to visit in July when nightlife destinations like Hvar, Dubrovnik, and Split are at their peak!

Is it Safe in Croatia?

Street crimes such as pickpocketing are uncommon in Croatia, but like anywhere, there is always a small risk of crime, particularly at popular tourist spots.  Take extra care if you are exploring alone or after dark, and always keep your valuables secure.

Read more about travel safety

Packing Sustainable Items

• Refillable water bottle so you can travel plastic-free .
• Insect Repellent, which is non-toxic and doesn’t harm nature.
• Sunscreen without toxic ingredients ( reef-safe sunscreen is the best), so it doesn’t harm the environment or you!
• Reusable bag for shopping for local items.

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Croatia via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

9 Best Things to do on Brac Island, Croatia

Krka national park, croatia: travel guide to the waterfalls, 9 best things to do in trogir, croatia.

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2 Weeks in Greece: 4 Itineraries

DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you.

Greece is a country located in Southeast Europe on the Southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula. It shares borders with North Macedonia and Bulgaria to the North, Albania to the Northwest, and Turkey to the East.

The Sea of Crete also borders Greece, and the Mediterranean Sea can be found to the South and the Ionian Sea to the West, while the Aegean Sea lies to the East.

When I first visited Greece, I couldn’t believe my eyes. The preservation of ancient ruins, the culture, the food, and the people – this country is a must-visit . Aside from its ethereal places, it is also well-known for Greek mythology, which is often referenced in both classic literary and pop culture.

The Olympics are inspired by the ancient Olympics held in Greece, and this country is considered the cradle of Western civilisation. With 2 weeks in Greece, you might not be able to cover everything, but it’s a start.

ALSO CHECK-OUT: 2 weeks in South Europe and 2 weeks in Europe

BASIC TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR GREECE

Before we dive into the travel plan, let’s briefly discuss things you should know about vacationing in Greece. This includes when to go, estimated cost, transportation, and more, which will help you create a customised 2-week travel itinerary .

When is the best time to travel to Greece

The best time to visit Greece is late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are thinner. Peak season is July-August, offering warm waters and vibrant nightlife but also drawing large crowds and high prices.

The rainy season typically occurs in winter, from November to February , making it less ideal for beach activities. However, it is a great time for a cultural trip and a more laid-back vacation in Greece.

Are 2 weeks enough for Greece

Two weeks is a reasonable time to explore Greece’s highlights, but it won’t allow you to see everything . You could spend a week on the mainland visiting Athens and historical sites like Delphi and Meteora, and another week island-hopping among popular spots like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete.

The main idea here is to ask yourself what are your priorities . Is it to enjoy the beaches and islands? Is it to explore the ruins? Write down the top cities you have in mind, then choose 3-4 . From there, you can start an ideal 2-week Greece itinerary.

How to get around

To travel between Greek cities, you can opt for domestic flights, trains, or long-distance buses called “KTEL” . For island-hopping, ferries are the most popular choice, though flights are available for certain routes.

Within cities, public transportation like buses, trams, and the Metro are convenient, especially in Athens. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also widely available, such as Beat, e-Taxi, and FreeNow.

One thing to keep in mind is the travelling between the islands in southern Greece. While there is an extensive network of ferry routes, taking flights usually means you often have to connect back to Athens.

Another option is to rent a car . Many people do this since there are “car ferries”, which allow you to bring your rented car to some islands. Renting a car or scooter can offer flexibility for exploring islands or rural areas.

Language and currency

Th e main language in Greece is Greek . However, English is widely understood in tourist areas , major cities, and among younger Greeks. While you might encounter some language barriers in rural areas, most menus, signs, and tourist spot information are in English.

So yes, tourists can generally get around comfortably using English , but learning a few basic Greek phrases is always appreciated.

The main currency in Greece is the Euro (€ ). While some tourist-heavy areas may accept major foreign currencies like the U.S. Dollar, it’s generally best to use Euros for transactions.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist spots, but cash is preferred in smaller establishments and remote areas. ATMs are readily available. Overall, it’s advisable to carry both cash and a card while travelling for 2 weeks in Greece.

Greece is part of the EU and the government has implemented the Schengen State visa policy. This means that if you have a passport from the most countries in the Americas, the UK, East Europe, Australia, Singapore, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Malaysia, and UAE, you can travel and stay in Greece (or the Schengen State), for up to 90 days in a 180 calendar day .

Visitors that hold a passport from an EU member have a freedom of movement in Greece. The rest of the world must apply for a visa in advance to the nearest Greek Embassy or Consulate.

Cost of 2 weeks in Greece vacation

It can be hard to say what it will cost you to plan a trip for 14 days since it all depends on your level of comfort, style, and the season. But to give you some ideas:

• Affordable : Budget travellers can expect to spend around €900-€1,300 . This includes staying in hostels, eating at cheaper tavernas, and using public transport. Activities like sightseeing and beach visits are generally low-cost.
• Mid-Range : For a more comfortable experience, plan on spending €1,800-€3,500 . This includes 3-star hotels, dining at mid-range restaurants, and some guided tours or activities. You might also include some inter-island ferry tickets or domestic flights.
• Luxury : If you’re aiming for a luxury experience, budgets start at €5,000 and can go much higher . This covers 5-star hotels, fine dining, private transfers, and exclusive experiences like yacht rentals or private tours.

Travel arrangement tips

Map of top sites and activities in greece.

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

2 WEEKS IN GREECE ITINERARY

In this article, I created 4 different itineraries based on your travel preferences. If you prefer slow travel, activity, or adrenaline-filled travels, go to locations rich in historical sites and the like.

Additionally, you can swap cities and islands around. Just keep in mind that transportation can be a bit of a hassle if you choose places that are far from one another. In that case, you might spend more time in terminals and airports.

RELATED POST: 2 weeks in Croatia itineraries

Itinerary #1: First-timers/Beach Trail (Athens, Mykonos, Crete, Paros, Santorini, Milos)

The first 2 weeks in Greece itinerary is perfect for first-timers because it has a little bit of everything, from iconic landmarks to vibrant nightlife, and for those who prefer lesser crowds, cities with a laid-back vibe, you name it.

I also added locations here that are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Plus, some of these locations offer tons of day trips to nearby cities or landmarks, so you’ll really get to see a lot of places through this itinerary.

Athens for 3 days

Athens is the capital of Greece. I t has tons of iconic landmarks, historical sites, and monuments . Aside from that, it has huge shopping malls, a lively night scene, and world-class museums.

Personally, for historical enthusiasts, Athens alone could easily eat up your 14 days in Greece.

It is actually a perfect starting point , as most of the locations here are walkable. You can also reach various locations by diverse modes of transport via rail, air, sea, and driving. A transfer from the airport to your hotel might make your arrival more hassle-free.

Athens also offers many day tours here, such as day trips to Olympia, Corinth, Delphi, and the Saronic Islands. Other must-visit locations are the Acropolis Museum, Agora, Parthenon, and various temples.

Mykonos or Crete for 3 days

Mykonos and Crete both have different sceneries and experiences to offer , so in this part of the article, I’ll highlight what each island is famous for so that you can decide where to go from Athens.

Mykonos is a small island that belongs to the Cyclades group, so it can be included in island hopping trips. It is well-known for its nightlife , the main town Chora because of its architecture, and a day trip to the archaeological site of Delos.

Conversely, Crete has tons of traditional villages and picturesque towns , with tiny cafes, restaurants, and marinas, so even if it is way larger than Mykonos, Crete has a more laid-back vibe. Some of the must-visit towns include Agios Nikolaos, Anogia, Choudetsi, Heraklion, and Rethymno.

The travel options from Athens to Mykonos are by ferry and plane . The slowest boat takes 5 hours to reach your destination, while high-speed ferries will take more than 2 hours.

Ferries, especially high-speed ones, are more advisable than plane rides since they are cheaper. Besides, the travel time difference isn’t that far. Flying duration is 30 to 45 minutes.

The travel options from Athens to Crete are also the same, but Crete is further compared to Mykonos, so the travel duration is longer. The ferry ride can travel between 8 to 16 hours, depending on the route. In contrast, the plane ride is just over an hour.

Paros for 3 days

Paros is a Greek island located in the Central Aegean Sea . It is also included in the Cyclades island group. It is known for its festivals, parties, high-quality white marble, and beaches.

It is very strategically located as it’s usually the first ferry port from Athens to the Cyclades islands. A couple of tourist attractions here are Paros Park, the Archeological Museum of Paros, Venetian Castle, Agios Konstantinos Church, Valley of Butterflies, and more.

In either Mykonos or Crete to Paros , you must check the ferry options as there are no direct flights; you need to connect to Athens. The travel time from Crete to Paros via ferry is almost 4 hours, while from Mykonos to Paros, it takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Santorini in 3 days

Santorini is an island in the Southern Aegean Sea, around 200 km from the mainland. It is also the Southernmost member of the Cyclades group of islands.

Santorini is well-known as the site of the largest volcanic eruption recorded in history. This is the island you want to go to if you’ve seen those white stone houses facing the ocean in travel magazines and social media.

Aside from that, it is also renowned worldwide for its architecture, oftentimes replicated and turned into tourist attractions. Other places to visit include Red Beach, Fira, Caldera, Akrotiri Archeological Site, and more.

The distance between Paros and Santorini is 43 nautical miles, which is approximately 89 kilometres. You can reach Santorini from Paros through a ferry ride . The travel duration is anywhere between almost 2 hours to almost 4 hours, depending on the boat speed and boat line that you’ll ride.

You should book an airport transfer to make this travel day much easier.

Milos for 2 days

Milos is a volcanic Greek island in the Aegean Sea , north of the Sea of Crete. 2 archaeological artefacts found here are now in The Louvre and The British Museum. This place is famous for its otherworldly beaches and volcanic landscape.

Some places to visit here include Pollonia, Klima, and other fishing villages, Tsigrado Beach, Kastro, The Ancient Theater, and more. You can do a half-day cruise to Kleftiko as well.

The distance between Santorini and Milos is 95 km, but there are no direct flights, so it would be better to take a ferry instead . The travel duration lasts from anywhere between 2 hours to 5 hours and 40 minutes.

It is a perfect place to end your trip because aside from the archaeological sites brimming with history, it also has tons of scenic views because of the abundance of minerals and colourful rock formations formed after the volcanic eruption thousands of years ago.

Itinerary #2: Historical and Culture (Athens, Mycenae, Delphi, Crete, Meteora, Corfu)

This second itinerary is perfect for history and culture buffs because the locations I included here are filled with historical and archaeological sites left and right, particularly in the Athens/Mainland Greece area.

Aside from that, if you want to take a break from the crowd and unwind, tons of wineries in Athens will loosen you up and lift your mood. It is followed by Crete, which is another laidback destination with a lot of charms.

And then Meteora, which is well-known for its rock formation and offers tons of outdoor activities. Finally, Corfu, where you could lay on the shore to your heart’s content, which is a perfect way to end a trip.

Athens for 6 days

The first stop for your 2 weeks in Greece is Athens. You might be wondering why the advisable duration of stay here is so long. It’s because there are so many historical sites here, and most of them could be accomplished as day trips, so Athens can serve as your base location for a couple of days.

Some of the day trips include 1-day cruise in Aegina, Poros, Spetses, and Hydra , which was home to the critically acclaimed musician Leonard Cohen, as well as other famous playwrights.

Athens offers Meteora day trips, though it’s going to be a long day for sure as there are tons of things to do and sights to see there. Arrange an airport transfer to your hotel for a more convenient start of your vacation.

Crete/Knossos for 3 days

We already previously established that Crete is a very large and laidback place with lots of places to explore, including Knossos. It is a Bronze Age archaeological site and was a major centre of the Minoan Civilization.

Some of the things to do and places to visit at or near Knossos include visiting its Palace, Heraklion City tour, Mount Ida hiking, Crete Historical Museum, or swimming at the nearby beaches. There is also a waterpark in Heraklion for those who prefer pools over beaches.

There are a couple of ways to reach Crete if you’re from Athens . There are locations where ferry rides are more advisable, but for this one, I highly recommend riding the plane unless you rent a car and plan to bring it with you.

This is because flying is faster, with a travel duration of more or less 3 hours while ferry rides last from anywhere between 7 hours to 16 hours, depending on the ferry line, ferry type, and route.

Meteora for 2 days

Meteora is a rock formation found in the region of Trikala in Thessaly, Greece. It is famous for hosting the most precipitously built and largest complexes of Eastern Orthodox Monasteries, second in terms of importance to Mount Athos. It is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The distance between Crete and Meteora is 584 km . There aren’t any direct transportation options, so you have to ride multiple rides before you can go to Meteora, but once you are here, it will all be worth it.

Corfu for 3 days

Corfu is a Greek Island in the Ionian Sea. It is administered by 3 municipalities with the islands of Ereikoussa, Mathraki, and Orthonoi. It is famous for its cluster of colourful buildings dating back to the Venetian period .

While staying here during your two weeks in Greece, you could try out local foods through a guided tour around Old Town, explore Corfu on a jeep safari, or through an Odyssey-themed boat tour.

There are two ways to reach Corfu if you’re coming from Meteora . The fastest way is to drive to Igoumenitsa and then take a ferry, with a travel time of around 3 hours and 30 minutes. The cheapest option is to take a ferry solely, but it has a travel time of 6 hours.

Corfu is the ideal place to end your trip because aside from the pristine beaches and its rich military history, you’ll also find tons of quiet hideaways, unique views, and generally a laidback village lifestyle where you can just unwind to the fullest.

The cheapest option is to ride the bus and ferry, and then the bus again, which has a travel time of almost 18 hours, while the fastest is to ride the plane and then take the bus, which has a travel time of 7 to 9 hours, depending on the route.

Itinerary #3: Away from Tourists (Northern Greece)

This third itinerary also highlights laid-back locations, perfect for those not fond of crowds, long queues, and the like .

There are a couple of not-so-popular places included here which are as good, if not better, than the famous tourist spots in Greece, so for me, you also need to check out these locations.

Another good thing about places that aren’t as famous as the usual tourist spots is that they generally have lower rates, so this is also perfect if you’re on a tight budget but still want to experience Greece.

Kavala for 3 days

Kavala is a city found in Northern Greece and is the principal seaport of Eastern Macedonia. It is also known as the Blue City because it is built on a rocky headland surrounded by turquoise blue waters.

It is a centre of fishing, commerce, tourism, and oil-related activities. Some of its tourist spots include Imaret, Kavala Fortress, Halil Bey Mosque, Ammolofoi Beach, Kavala Archeological Museum, and more.

Kavala is a perfect place to start your trip because it has everything that a tourist will want to see. Mountains, beaches, significant monuments, cityscapes, and local cuisine.

For international tourists, if you arrive in Athens, you can book a non-stop domestic flight, which is a bit over 3 hours.

Thessaloniki for 3 days

Thessaloniki is the second largest city in Greece and the capital of the geographic region of Macedonia. It is known for its vivid nightlife, ancient monuments, and a plethora of shopping options.

A lot of people also consider it the food capital of Greece. Aside from the wonderful locations here, there are also tons of day trips from this place, including Mount Athos, the Ancient City of Dion, Mount Olympus, and Meteora.

You can reach Thessaloniki from Kavala by land transportation . You can either ride the bus or drive. Riding the bus has a travel duration of more than two hours, while driving has a travel duration of more than an hour.

Vergina for 3 days

Vergina is a small town in Northern Greece that is famous for the ancient Aigai site , which is the first capital of Macedon. It was also the burial site of Macedonian Kings and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its significance in Western civilisation.

There are 3 ways to reach Vergina if you’re travelling from Thessaloniki , and the cheapest option is by bus, with tickets costing around $44. Other options include booking a taxi or driving, which both take around 50 minutes.

One should not skip Meteora during these 2 weeks in Greece because besides its history and natural beauty . It also offer many activities like horseback riding, hiking, biking, mountain climbing, and rafting through the Pinios River.

A couple of other tourist attractions here are Theopetra Cave, the Natural History Museum of Meteora and Mushroom Museum, the Great Meteoron Monastery, and more.

The distance between Meteora and Vergina is around 103 km . The mode of transportation options are riding the bus or driving. Driving is both cheaper, and you’ll reach your destination faster. It has a travel time of 2 hours and costs around $35-$55.

Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and is a must-visit as it has so much to offer. You’ll get to see a couple of essential cultural attractions here, such as The Temple of Olympian Zeus and The Temple of Hephaestus.

There are also a couple of beaches nearby for those who want their daily dose of sun and sand and, of course, numerous rooftop restaurants that offer a perfect view of the Parthenon.

There are a couple of ways to reach Athens from Meteora , and the most recommended is riding the train, which has a travel time of 4 and a half hours or taking the bus.

Athens is the perfect place to end your journey because it’s highly possible that your roundtrip flight is arriving and leaving here.

Itinerary #4: Enjoy the Beach (Athens, Mykonos, Crete, Naxos or Thera)

This is the last but definitely not the least itinerary option for those who are staying for 14 days in Greece. This is curated for those who love the beach .

The locations here are filled with crystal clear beaches, blue skies, and white sands. The islands included here are all located south of Athens, though getting from one island to another can be tricky, so it’s important to plan in advance to see if a ferry or a domestic flight is available to avoid any hassles or roadblocks on your trip.

Athens for 4 days

Start here because Athens has everything that you will need . You can get all of your essentials here, get your money changed, arrange for ferry services, or go to car rental shops, you name it, it’s all here.

You can also see a lot of historical sights here, so you can have your fill of history before you go and visit beaches and islands on the next stops of this itinerary.

Mykonos for 3 days

Mykonos is a Greek Island lying between Paros, Naxos, Syros, and Tinos. It is also known as The Island of the Winds because of the strong winds that usually blow on the island, and it is parallel to Ibiza in terms of vibrant nightlife .

Some of the must-see attractions here include Mykonos Windmills, Paraportiani Church, Little Venice, and Cavo Paradiso, among others. You can also rent a motorbike to tour the city.

There are 3 ways to reach Mykonos from Athens . You can fly directly from Athens to Mykonos, you can also ride the car ferry or the ferry, which is the cheapest option. The travel time for flying is more than 3 hours, but it’s only more than 2 hours for car ferries.

Crete for 3 days

Crete is the largest and most populous Greek island, the fifth largest in the Mediterranean Sea, and the 88th largest island in the world. Crete is a must-visit because aside from great landscapes and good food, it also has some of the best wines, vibrant nightlife, and mountain towns.

Some of the must-visit places here include Psychro, Samaria Gorge, Elafonissi Beach, Lychnostatis Open Air Museum, Old Venetian Port of Chania, and more.

Personally, this is my favourite Greek island . Yes, it’s a popular one and quite busy. But it’s a big island. It means you can easily find a little spot to relax and enjoy a serene atmosphere, but at the same time, you can find everything you want from the main town.

In order to reach Crete from Mykonos, you could fly, ride the car ferry, or ferry. The travel duration for a car ferry ride is 4 and a half hours while flying has a travel time of 4 hours to 4 hours and 30 minutes because most flights connect back to Athens.

Naxos or Santorini for 4 days

Naxos is considered one of the most beautiful Greek islands. It is well-known for its impressive monuments and expansive natural landscapes, filled with various greenery such as mountains, green valleys, and forests.

Some of its iconic landmarks include Portara, Chora, which is the main town, Plaka, Kastro, and more. Compared to Santorini, Naxos is quieter, so this might be perfect for those who aren’t fond of crowds, and since it’s not that well-known, the prices are generally lower.

Thera, on the other hand, is an ancient, perfectly round volcano island that is now known as Santorini. It is famous for its divine sunsets, the historical site of Akrotiri, as well as red, black, and white sand beaches.

If you prefer crowds and vibrant nightlife, then Santorini is the better option for you. It is also closer to Athens as it would only take you 50 minutes to reach your destination.

Another travel option from Athens to Santorini is by ferry ride, which has a travel time of 4 to 7 hours, depending on the boat type. As for Athens to Naxos, you can ride the car ferry, ferry, or fly.

Flying is the fastest option, with a travel time of more than 2 hours. I prefer to end the trip in Naxos because of its multifaceted landscape since it is a mountainous island. Before you arrive in Santorini, arrange a transport to your hotel .

Being a part of the Cyclades group, it is also near other islands, so you would be able to have a fun island-hopping experience. It also has a nice climate all year round, perfect for vacationers.

WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN GREECE (per city)

This list of things to do in Greece can help you plan your 2 weeks in Greece itinerary. This list also includes tours and sightseeing activities you can book. If you’re visiting from June to August, book your tickets in advance to ensure you’ll one one for the dates you will be there.

• Explore Athens via a hop-on, hop-off red bus or yellow bus or an e-bike tour or hop-on or a half-day tour or a full-day tour or the Mythological tour or a biblical tour
• Monastiraki Square
• The Prison of Socrates
• Lycabettus Hill Funicular
• Acropolis – book an afternoon walking tour or Acropolis tour combo with 6 other archaelogical sites
• Acropolis Museum
• Philopappos Monument
• Areopagus Hill
• Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Center
• Go on a cruise – 3 islands featuring Agistri, Moni, and Aegina with lunch and drinks, see the price first
• Erechtheion
• Hike to Veikou Grove
• Day trip – to Delphi or Delphi and Arachova or Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon or to Meteora by train
• Attend a show at Petra’s Theater
• Statue of Athena
• Hadrian’s Library
• Technopolis City of Athens
• Discover Greek cuisine through a food tour or gourmet walking food tour or this food-tasting tour
• Travel around Corfu by hop-on, hop-off bus or sightseeing tour
• Capodistrias Museum – Kapodistrias Museum
• The Achilleion Palace
• D-Marin Gouvia Marina
• Book a boat cruise – to Antipaxos and Paxos Blue Caves or Corfu Town with lunch and drinks or underwater boat tour or book a private yacht or a sunset cruise with cocktails
• Danilia Village
• Kontokali Beach
• Day trip – to Saranda and Butrint National Park
• Old Fortress of Corfu
• Join a food tour or food walking tour
• Archaeological Museum of Corfu
• Go ATV Quad bike adventure – read the reviews
• Discover Crete wineries and olive farms through this food tour or this cooking class
• Old Venetian Port of Chania
• Enjoy Crete and go sightseeing with – this full-day tour
• White Mountains Forest Preserve
• Knossos – visit the museums with audio guides
• Museum Of Typography
• Dia Island Cruise from Heraklion – either this sailing tour or this cruise
• Heraklion Archaeological Museum
• Heraklion Lighthouse – get a hop-on, hop-off bus pass for Heraklion
• Natural History Museum of Crete
• Samaria George – join a day hike from Chania or from Rethymno
• Elafonissi Beach
• Day trip to Santorini or Day trip to Elafonisi Island from Chania
• Rethymnon Old Town
• Boat trip to Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos – read the reviews
• Dive in the Matala Caves
• Quad-bike safari trip from Rethymno – look at the price first or this one that picks up from other parts of Crete
• Kavala Beach
• Kavala Archaeological Museum
• Rapsani Beach
• Tobacco Museum of Municipality of Kavala
• Kavala Fortress
• Waterfalls of Kavala
• Thasos Island
• Explore Mykonos’ main attractions through a – sightseeing-guided tour or this one with a local guide or Old Town walking tour or a half-day tour
• Armenistis lighthouse
• Paralia Ftelias
• Agios Stefanos Beach
• Delos Island Archaeological Site – read the tour reviews or an evening guided tour or just pay for the transfer only
• Fokos Beach
• Paralia Kalo Livadi
• Rhenia Island – book a combo Delos Island and Rhenia boat tour or this one
• Paradise Beach
• Gyzi Castle
• Discover Greek food and wine – check this wine-tasting tour or Souvlaki cooking class with a local
• Boni’s Windmill
• View of Alefkandra (Little Venice)
• Go on a cruise – a sunset cruise with drinks
• Explore Paros with a bus tour
• Kayak and Snorkelling – book the trip with a snack or picnic
• Boat Rental with Self-drive – check the cost
• Boat tour covering Paros, Antiparos, and Despotiko – read the reviews
• Day trip on a boat to Delos Island and Mykonos from Paros – see the price
• Sailing trip from Antiparos – book the trip with lunch and drinks
• Horseback riding – there’s an evening tour
• Marble workshop or a watercolor workshop – a perfect way to make a unique souvenir
• Book a traditional cooking class or a pasta-making class
• City tour – full-day bus tour or bus tour with swim stop at Apollonas or Greek Mythology sunset tour or a sunset city walk
• Venetian Castle of Naxos
• Temple of Apollo – Portara
• Sailing Cruise with lunch – read the reviews or a Catamaran Cruise with snorkelling and food/drinks or a Cyclades sailing cruise
• Agios Georgios Beach
• Temple of Dionysus, Yria
• Hike to Cyclades Mount Zas – check the price
• Agios Prokopios Beach
• Maragkas Beach
• Do a marble carving – look at the itinerary
• Temple of Demeter
• Mikri Vigla Beach
• Join a cooking class or food tour – half-day at Basiliko Family Tavern or a cultural food tour
• Zeus’ Childhood Cave
• Alyko Beach
• Go wine-tasting – a food tour with wine or wine-tasting at Saint Anna
• Tower of Ayia
• Hike the Fira to Oia Walk
• Castle of Oia
• Travel around Santorini – via a bus tour with Oia sunset or Blue Shade tour or a 6-hour sightseeing tour
• Fira Theotokopoulos Main Square
• Santorini Old Harbor
• Fira Scenic Spot
• Volcanic Islands – cruise with a hotspring visit or Caldera half-day tour
• The Heart of Santorini
• Lost Atlantis Experience – Interactive Museum
• Catamaran cruise – with a meal and open bar or BBQ and drinks or all-inclusive luxury cruise or cruise with meal, drinks, and transfers
• Castello Veneziano
• Caldera Beach
• Go scuba diving – dive at Volcanic Caldera
• Akrotiri and Akrotiri Lighthouse
• Attend a Greek Wedding show – get your entry ticket in advance
• Ancient Thera
• Perissa Beach
• Do a wine-tasting – wine and tapas or highlights tour with wine-tasting and sunset in Oia
• Kamari Beach
• Open Air Cinema Kamari
• Santorini Caldera

Thessaloniki

• Thessaloniki City Tour – get a hop-on, hop-off bus pass or a walking tour
• Arch of Galerius
• Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
• OTE Tower – get your admission ticket with a light meal
• Aristotelous Square
• White Tower of Thessaloniki
• Go Sailing – to Shipwreck Bay or to Blue Lagoon
• Thessaloniki Concert Hall
• War Museum of Thessaloniki
• Day trip to Meteora – see the itinerary
• Museum of Byzantine Culture
• Day trip to Mount Olympus – with Canyoning trip or with Dion combo
• Lazaristes Monastery
• Day trip to Pozar Thermal Baths and Edessa – read the reviews
• Kalochori Lagoon
• Day trip to Kerkini Lake – check the cost
• Mount Chortiatis
• Olympic Museum Thessaloniki
• Day trip to Vergina and Pella – book the tour
• Thessaloniki Waterfront
• Join a food tour – gastronomy and cultural tour or How Greeks Eat tour
• Pasha’s Gardens

LOCAL GREEK DISHES AND DRINKS TO TRY

They say the Mediterranean diet is an amazing way to stay healthy due to its rich in healthy fats and centred on plant-based foods. Perhaps here’s your chance to give it a try. Here’s a list of Greek dishes that you must give a shot during your visit:

• Moussaka : A layered dish of eggplant, meat, and béchamel sauce.
• Souvlaki : Skewered and grilled meat, often served in a pita wrap.
• Tzatziki : A yogurt-based dip flavored with cucumber and garlic.
• Spanakopita : A spinach and cheese pie wrapped in flaky phyllo dough.
• Gyro: Rotisserie-cooked meat served with vegetables and sauce in a pita.
• Saganaki : Fried cheese, often flambéed tableside.
• Pastitsio : A baked pasta dish with meat and béchamel sauce.
• Dolmades : Grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs.
• Baklava : A sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo, filled with nuts and honey.
• Galaktoboureko : A custard pie wrapped in phyllo.
• Loukoumades : Deep-fried dough balls covered in syrup.
• Kourabiedes : Almond shortbread cookies coated in powdered sugar.
• Ouzo : A strong anise-flavoured liquor.
• Retsina : A unique pine-resin flavoured wine.
• Frappé : A popular iced coffee drink.

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN GREECE (per city)

Accommodations are the ones that get booked up fast, especially during the peak season. There awesome hotels, which are well-located and decently-priced gets snatched quick, so book your room as soon as you know the dates.

• Affordable: When in Athens Hostel or Athens Quinta or Bedbox Hostel or Mosaikon Glostel or Athens Raise Acropolis Project
• Mid-range: Still Athens or Attalos Hotel or Ederlezi Boutique Hotel
• Luxury: B4B Athens Signature Hotel or Belle Epoque Suites or The Athens Gate Hotel or Colors Hotel Athens
• Affordable: Corfu Room or The Pink Palace Hostel or Sunflower Apartments and Studios
• Mid-range: Spyridoula Resort or Mythos Apartment or Telesilla Hotel
• Luxury: Acharavi Beach Hotel or Casa Verde or Domes of Cofru by Autograph
• Affordable: So Young Hostel or Intra Muros Hostel or Alexis Hotel or Corinna Mare
• Mid-range: Notus Chania Crete or Hyperion City Hotel & Spa or Spilia Village Hotel & Villas
• Luxury: Seaside A Lifestyle Resort (adults only) or Creta Maris Resort or Manili Boutique Suites & Villas or Peninsula Resort & Spa
• Affordable to Mid-range: Old Town Inn or Esperia Hotel or Castello Boutique Rooms
• Luxury: UrbanBay Hotel & Spa or Lucy Hotel or Blue Apartments or Airotel Galaxy
• Affordable: The Holy Rock Hostel or Meteora Central Hostel or Panos House
• Mid-range: Guesthouse Bloutsos Rooms or Guesthouse Kastelia or Rooms Batalogianni or Zosimas House
• Luxury: Alsos House or Hotel Doupiani House or Tsikeli Boutique Hotel
• Affordable: Island Mykonos Suites or Pension Alexandra or Elena Hotel or Villa V a rnali Boutique
• Mid-range: Sunset Paraportiani Rooms or Mykonos View Hotel or Hotel Adonis
• Luxury: Semeli Hotel or Yalos Hotel or Harmony Boutique Hotel
• Affordable: Iliovasilema or Infinity Apartments or Burgos Barrio
• Mid-range: Naxos Illusion Nikos Verikokos or Anatoli Hotel or Ippokampos Beachfront or Annio Studios
• Luxury: Portara Seaside Luxury Suites or Argo Boutique Hotel or Hotel Grotta
• Affordable: Madaky Hotel or Siroco’s Rooms and Studios or Anixis Studios Aliki
• Mid-range: Villa Isabella or Hotel Iris or Apollon Boutique Hotel or Stella Hotel
• Luxury: Hotel Senia or Blue Waves Suites & Apartments or Katerina Mare
• Affordable: Gianna Suites or Unique Galini Oia (adults only) or Cyclades Hotel or Kamari Beach Hotel
• Mid-range: Irene City Villas or Alleys All-Suites Hotel & Spa or Caldera Premium Villas
• Luxury: Altana Heritage Suites or Elitoz Suites or The Museum Project Oia or SantAnna Luxury Suites
• Affordable: Zeus is Loose Hostel or Luxury Aristotelous or Nea Metropolis
• Mid-range: V1 Boutique Rooms or Hotel Ilisia
• Luxury: Plaza Hotel and Resorts or Luxury Living Apartments and Spa or Mandrino Hotel

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN GREECE

I can’t believe that we have already reached the end of the article. I was so drawn to everything Greece has to offer that I didn’t realise that I was already writing the last parts of it.

However, I believe I wasn’t able to share everything yet as there are still more reasons to visit Greece. One of those is its tons of natural Geothermal wonders that will revitalise and rejuvenate you. In fact, they have more than 800 geographical thermal springs locations all throughout the country.

Aside from that, you wouldn’t want to miss many off-the-beaten paths in Greece. Metsovo, Kastoria, Volos, Karpenisi, Tinos, Spetses, and Folegandros are some of the locations that come to mind.

I hope that this compilation of amazing travel itineraries of 2 weeks in Greece has been useful in your planning.

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One Week in Croatia: Ultimate 7 Day Croatia Itinerary

So you want to visit Croatia? Honestly, great choice. This country is ridiculously beautiful, with waterfalls, a gorgeous coastline, and cute old towns . Whether your trip is a couple days or a couple weeks, you’ll have a good time. For a first-time visit, however, I think a full week is perfect . That’s why I put together this one week Croatia itinerary. With seven full days in Croatia, you’ll hit all the can’t miss spots and get a good idea of the country.

Croatia Travel Itinerary Overview

Or, jump straight to the actual Croatia itinerary here .

Seven Day Croatia Itinerary Summary

For a first-time visit to Croatia, I recommend spending a sizable amount of time on the coast. Croatia is best known for its coastline, after all! But if flying into Croatia from abroad, the capital city of Zagreb will likely be your first point of entry.

So, I recommend taking advantage of Zagreb’s proximity to Plitvice Lakes and spending one week in Croatia like below.

* If you don’t mind changing accommodation one more time, I highly recommend you stay overnight in Hvar instead of Split on nights 4 and 5 of this one week Croatia itinerary. Not only will it save you around 5 or 6 hours total of boat/bus rides, but staying on the island of Hvar is magical . But I totally understand if you prefer not to move around so much within one week. So the choice is yours ! This itinerary explains both options.

If you’re the typical traveler with limited vacation days, I suggest breaking down your week in Croatia like below. This way, you only need to use five vacation days , but you actually get seven full days in Croatia.

Why does it work out that way? For those of you traveling from North America, when you depart for Croatia on a Saturday, you will land in Croatia Sunday morning. And when you depart from Croatia on a Sunday, you will land back in North America Sunday afternoon or evening. Those of you traveling from Europe will just get an extra full or half day on Saturday!

The Best Time of Year to Visit Croatia

As this itinerary (and most every Croatia itinerary) focuses on the coast, the best time to visit Croatia is definitely during warmer weather. Specifically, I recommend the shoulder seasons of late May – early June and September – early October .

This allows you to enjoy everything in amazing weather, but you can avoid the extreme crowds that some cruise-ship cities like Dubrovnik experience in the summer. Aiming for September – October in particular will give the waters all summer to get warmer, though the Adriatic Sea is definitely more-than-bearable by even early May.

The Best Way to Get Around Croatia

Unlike nearby Italy , Croatia is not an easy country to travel by train . So, you need to either rent a private car or stick to public buses and ferries.

Car rentals in Croatia are actually quite affordable, but only if renting a manual transmission (i.e. stick shift) car.

Thus, this Croatia itinerary guides you through the beautiful country solely using buses and ferries . I include all the details, such as bus and ferry stations, prices, and trip duration for each time you’ll use public transport to move around Croatia. I’ve got you covered!

You can absolutely still do this exact same itinerary with your own car rental. However, I must say I was pleasantly surprised how clean, comfortable, and free-WiFi-offering buses and ferries in Croatia are . Also, a plus side of traveling Croatia without a car rental is no looking for parking and no filling up gas.

Money in Croatia

Croatian currency.

Croatia is in Europe. It is also in the EU. But for many years, it was not in the Eurozone or the Schengen area. But as of January 1, 2023, that has changed! Now Croatia’s currency is the euro , not the kuna. Also, the days you spend in Croatia will count towards your 90 visa-free days in the Schengen area per 180 day period, if you come from a country whose passport allows that. If you don’t, Croatia now is included in the area you can travel with your Schengen visa.

Credit Cards in Croatia

Credit cards are accepted in Croatia by hotels and by many restaurants, but it will be difficult to get through the entire one week in Croatia without using cash. So, you definitely will want to have some euros on hand in Croatia. This will be how you pay for smaller attraction entries, bus rides you purchase on board, and meals in certain restaurants.

Is Croatia Expensive?

Croatia has had the reputation of a budget travel destination for some years. It was a European destination considered off-the-beaten-path, and the prices relating to tourist activities reflected that. It also used to help that Americans and Euro-zone-country visitors faced a favorable exchange rate for kunas.

But in recent years, Croatia is becoming more and more popular to visit. Thus, its travel-related costs are rising quickly relative to its neighboring Balkan countries. Croatia is not “cheap” like it used to be , at least in the popular destinations making up most itineraries. That being said, I still would not classify Croatia as expensive .

AND NOW, LET’S GET TO THE ACTUAL ITINERARY ITSELF

Zagreb is the capital and largest city of Croatia . Croatia’s interior isn’t what tourists usually come to see, but since you are flying into Zagreb, take a day to walk around and shake off any jet lag. This inland region is known to be the culinary core of the country as opposed to the coast. So try some truffle and oil-based meals before the rest of the week, which will be filled with seafood from the coast.

Zagreb is also close to Croatia’s top tourist attraction, Plitvice Lakes National Park, which you will visit on day two. So Zagreb also serves as a convenient base from which to head there.

How to Get to Zagreb

As the starting point of your Croatia trip, you will need to fly into Zagreb. Zagreb’s international airport is Zagreb Franjo Tuđman Airport (ZAG) . To get from ZAG airport to the city center, you have two options.

• Option 1: Take a bus. From ZAG, you can take the Pleso Prijevoz airport shuttle bus to the Zagreb city center for €6 ($6) one way. You can find the schedule and purchase tickets in advance at the official site . You can also ride the Zagreb Electric Tram (ZET) bus line 290. This should cost around €2 ($2) if bought on board and the ride should be around 35 minutes.
• Option 2: Take a taxi. Taxis from ZAG are not a fixed fare. The price ranges from €10 – €33 ($12 – $40), and you should confirm the estimated fare range before getting in. You can find the official taxis in the Passenger Terminal, near the ground floor arrivals. The drive should take around 30 minutes.

Things to Do in Zagreb (One Day)

Since this is the day your flight lands, take it easy. Zagreb is home to many museums, shopping malls, and cafes, but you should focus on the key highlights with just one day here.

• Ban Jelačić Square : This is the central square in Zagreb.
• St. Mark’s Church : This iconic church boasts a colorfully tiled roof and is one of Zagreb’s oldest buildings.
• Zagreb Cathedral : This beautiful Gothic-style cathedral is actually the tallest building in Croatia.
• Lotrščak Tower : A fortified tower built to protect the south city gate, this tower offers sweeping views over Zagreb from the top. 
• Dolac Market : This colorful, open-air market is open daily, but try to enjoy it on a Saturday morning if you can!
• Stone Gate : Now a shrine of sorts, this gate was apparently burned in a fire centuries – all except for a painting of the Virgin Mary and Child.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

As Croatia’s top tourist attraction , you absolutely should not miss a day in Plitvice Lakes National Park. With wooden walkways and comfortable hiking trails taking visitors right up past the cascading falls, Plitvice is a turquoise dream land .

How to Get to Plitvice from Zagreb

Get on a bus from Zagreb at Autobusni Kolodvor Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes National Park. The bus will be a large, comfortable coach bus, and it even has good WiFi inside. The ride should take 2.5 hours and cost around €10 ($12). Look up timetables and even book tickets online ahead of time here . Otherwise, you can show up to the station and buy tickets in person.

Once you arrive at the park, expect an entry fee of around €40 ($47) from June to September. If visiting Plitvice any other time of year, expect €24 ($28) in April, May, and September, and €11 ($13) in winter. Check fees and even book ahead online here .

If you buy tickets at the door, look for the little booth across the wooden bride near Gate 2, not in the car park. There is free luggage hold at both entrances to the park, so leave your luggage here while you explore.

Things to Do in Plitvice (One Day)

First things first, because I know you are thinking it. No, you cannot swim in the waters at Plitvice !

The main thing to do in Plitvice Lakes National Park is to walk the trails , which takes the better part of a day. Definitely stop by the information center at the entrance to get an overview of the day before starting. They can explain the trail routes, the train ride back at the end, the ferry ride in the middle, and where to buy food if you haven’t packed your own.

Split is Croatia’s second largest city, the largest city along the Dalmatian coast, and my personal favorite destination of this itinerary . It boasts a stunning old town, which is essentially the remains of Roman Emperor Diocletian’s palace from back in the 4th century. Split is also the perfect jumping-off point to enjoy some of Croatia’s best islands, and has even served as backdrop to some Game of Thrones scenes. I’m sure you’ll love Split!

How to Get to Split from Plitvice Lakes

( Pssst : You’ll actually be doing this transfer from Plitvice to Split on the same day that you visited Plitvice. Then, the next morning, you’ll wake up in Split to start your full day there. Just scroll back up to the itinerary summary at the top of this page if you’re confused!)

After finishing your day at the Plitvice Lakes National Park, grab your luggage and hop on a bus headed for Split. The bus should depart from the same area you were dropped off this morning, but you can double-check with the information desk to be certain. The bus ride from Plitvice to Split should take 4 – 4.5 hours if departing in the mid-to-late afternoon and cost €18 – €22 ($21 – $26).

I recommend buying this ticket ahead of time online , since you obviously cannot buy it from the arrival bus station in Split in person yet.

Things to Do in Split (One Day)

• Diocletian’s Palace : It’s impossible to miss this one, since it’s the entire old town!
• City cellars : This was a filming spot for Game of Thrones! But when it’s not cleared out for filming, it’s a market where you can souvenir shop.
• Temple of Jupiter : This was originally a Roman temple dedicated to the god Jupiter.
• Cathedral of St. Domnius : Climb up the bell tower. Entry should be 2 USD or 2 EUR.
• Peristyle : This is the main public square where any city tours you take likely begin. Definitely visit here at night. It’s lit up and a totally different vibe than in the day.
• Brace Radica Square : This is a very picturesque, smaller square.
• Milesi Palace : This is another lovely square, regarded as one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Dalmatia.
• Marjan Hill : This is a hill-side park with great views over Split. You can walk or bike around, or you can grab a drink or snack at the cafe.
• Riva : This is the seafront area of Split.

There’s nothing more Croatian than a beautiful island , so you can’t leave Croatia before seeing at least a couple of them! On this seven day Croatia itinerary, you’ll start with the most popular island to visit , which is the island of Hvar. More specifically – the town of Hvar Town. With impressively clear water, orange rooftops, and an imposing Spanish fortress, Hvar Town is the picture perfect island destination.

How to Get to Hvar Town from Split

First, you will need to head to the Split Jadrolinija ferry terminal and catch a ferry stopping at Hvar island . The ride takes 1 hour, and the ferries depart from right near the bus terminal where you first arrived into Split. There are several different ferries and catamarans stopping at different ports in Hvar. The schedule differs through the week and throughout the year. You can look up the ferry schedule in advance online , or check it out in person at the terminal on one of the previous days you used the Split bus station.

If there is a ferry stopping at the port of “Hvar,” this will be directly to where you want to go; Hvar Town . But there is a good chance the morning boats will instead be heading to “Stari Grad,” another port on the island of Hvar. From Stari Grad, you will need to take a short cab ride to Hvar Town. Taxis will be waiting at the port, so find some other travelers heading to Hvar Town (most will be) and split the price of the taxi.

If you are staying the night in Split, once you arrive in Hvar Town, purchase your return ticket to Split from the Hvar Town ferry ticket office. You do not have to go back through Stari Grad. 

Things to Do in Hvar Town (One Day)

• Spanjola Fortress : Hvar’s Spanish Fortress offers the best view in town – that cliche one in all the brochures! It would be a shame to come to Hvar Town and not to enjoy it.
• Venetian Loggia and Clock Tower : A beautiful display of Renaissance architecture.
• St. Stephen’s Square : As the main square in Hvar Town, you will inevitably pass by without even trying. In the square is also St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
• Go to the beach : The closest beaches to Hvar Town are by no means the best on the island, but walk a short ways from the harbor, and you do find some decent options. Two close ones are Križna Luka and Pokonji dol Beach.
• Rent a motorbike : There is a lot more to the island of Hvar than Hvar Town, so renting a motorbike will allow you to ditch the beaten path and explore less crowded beaches and parts of the island.
• Rent a bicycle : For those of us unable to rent a motorbike, renting a normal bike is the next best thing. It allows you to get a little further from Hvar Town’s harbor and enjoy some of the beaches and beach clubs nearby.

Island Hopping Tour

In order to see a variety of what the area has to offer in a short amount of time, you can book an island hopping tour. They are advertised all over Split and Hvar (especially in the tourist offices) for something like €120. Alternatively, you can also booking this type of tour in advance online through things like AirBnb experiences.

I did this type of tour on my first trip to Croatia, and it was my top favorite thing of my trip . I was very reluctant about the price at first, especially because it was May. I didn’t know if the weather would cooperate or that the water was warm enough to swim in. In the end, I loved the tour and only wished there were more hours in a day.

Our tour group included two bay boats that could fit around 8 people each. We started in Split* in the morning around 8:30am. We returned as the sun was setting around 6:30pm, after hitting all the below sites:

• Blue Grotto (or Cave) : A natural sea cave on Bisevo island whose waters glow blight blue from light coming through an underwater opening.
• Green Grotto : Another cave similar to the Blue Grotto, but green and located on the southern side of Vis island
• Stiniva Bay : One of Croatia’s most famous beaches and located on Vis Island, but sadly the tour just does a drive-by stop to look and snap pics rather than stop and get out.
• Lunchtime and swimming on a smaller island.
• Swimming on a different smaller island.
• Hvar Town : You get about 1.5 hours to explore, which honestly is enough time to just “see” the town.

* If you are doing this from Hvar instead (which I recommend), the departure time will be later and the arrival time will be earlier (because Hvar is closer). So, more time to sleep in – yay!

Thanks to Game of Thrones and Star Wars , this little walled city by the sea has boomed in tourism. Add that to all the cruise ships that stop here, and you’ve got yourself a very crowded little town in the summer. But in the mornings and the evenings after the day trippers have left, you’ll be able to enjoy Dubrovnik, its cute alleyways, and spectacular Adriatic views a bit more.

How to Get to Dubrovnik

You have two options for getting from Split* to Dubrovnik without a car. Either way, it will take 4 – 5 hours to get to Dubrovnik from Split. So, your first day in Dubrovnik will be a half day.

• Option 1: Take a ferry . From the Split Jadrolinija ferry terminal, hop on a ferry headed towards Dubrovnik. The schedule varies based on day of the week and time of the year. Some days, ferries to Dubrovnik do not run at all. So check the ferry schedule online before your trip.
• Option 2: Take a bus . From the Split bus terminal, hop on a coach bus heading towards Dubrovnik. This will cost around $19 or €16. Make sure to get off the bus at the “Pile Gate/Old Town” bus stop . I recommend you sit on the right side of the bus if possible, to get views of the coast on the whole ride down. The bus drives through the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina, so you will need your passport handy onboard.

* If you decide to stay the night in Hvar instead of Split, your only option will of course be to take a ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik . This ride takes 3.25 hours. As always in Croatia, be sure to check the ferry schedule online before booking your trip.

Things to Do in Dubrovnik (One and a Half Days)

• Stradun Street : This is the main pedestrian street of the town. It starts at the main gate, Pile Gate.
• Square of the Loggia : This is a plaza in the heart of the old town.
• Dubrovnik Cathedral : Beautiful Baroque building located in the square above.
• Rector’s Palace : This is now the Cultural Historical Museum, but it used to be a palace. It’s located on the same square above and has beautiful columns.
• Sponza Palace : A very pretty building near the above three sites.
• Fort Lovrijenac : This is the fort across from the main walled town. Climb here to get that cliche view over Dubrovnik. Fun fact: the little bay between this fort and the main walled town appears many times in Game of Thrones .
• City walls walk : The entrance for this is to the left of Pile Gate as you approach it from inside the walls and will put you back €26 ($31). The walk takes about 2 hours to complete and afford the best views of the water and the city. I highly recommend timing this during sunset if you can!
• Cliff jumping : Did you really go to Croatia if you didn’t cliff jump? You can join a kayak tour around the city walls and to Lokrum that ends at a beach with cliff jumping spots. The young guys outside Pile Gate sell this tour. You can also DIY cliff jump near famous Cafe Buza. Just follow signs saying “cold drinks, beautiful view.” You’ll see this place on your city walls walk.
• Cable car ride : The cable car goes from behind Dubvonik Old Town up to the mountain looming above. This will set you back around €23 ($25) round trip.
• Beach day : Try Banje Beach, Sv Jakov Beach, or Uvala Lapad Beach (take bus 6 for this one).
• Lokrum Island : You can rent a jet ski and go yourself, or take a 15 minute taxi boat ride for €5 ($5). This place is known for tons of peacocks, great views of Dubrovnik in the distance, and the French Port Royal Castle.
• Elafiti Islands : You can take a pre-booked boat tour to these three islands near Dubrovnik. Tours allow ample time to explore each island, and lunch is included. This costs around €31 ($35).
• Sit on the Iron Throne : Stop by Dubrovnik City Shop – IRON THRONE for a photo op on a plastic iron throne.

How to Get Out of Dubrovnik

And before you know it, your one week Croatia itinerary must come to an end. You will need to make your way out of Dubrovnik city center. Dubrovnik’s international airport is called Dubrovnik Airport (DVB) . But you will need to transfer at another, larger airport if you are traveling to North America.

• Option 1: Take a bus . From the Dubrovnik Main Bus Station in Gruž Port , take the bus to the Dubrovnik Airport. The ride takes around 90 minutes, and tickets for this official shuttle bus are purchased on the bus for €7 ($8).
• Option 2: Take a taxi . A taxi ride between Dubrovnik Old Town and the airport will cost €32 – €39 ($39 – $47). The drive takes 30 min to 1 hour in summer months.

Adjustments to this Croatia Itinerary

The above is how I would spend seven days in Croatia. After having spent over a month in the country across two different visits, I think this one week route is the absolutely perfect first visit to Croatia . But maybe your interests differ slightly! Below are some easy adjustments you can make to this one week Croatia itinerary.

• Arrive in Zadar instead of Zagreb : If you are not arriving to Croatia from outside Europe, you might not have to fly into Zagreb. You might then want to switch out day one in Zagreb for a day in Zadar, by flying into Zadar instead of Zagreb. You can then day trip to Plitvice from Zadar round trip for day two. This avoids keeping your bags in luggage hold during your time in the park. Then, you would continue onto Split from Zadar on the morning of day three.
• Reverse the order of this itinerary : The order of this itinerary can definitely be reversed. If you are coming from outside Europe, you will simply have to transfer to Dubrovnik via a domestic flight after arriving in Zagreb Airport.
• Day trip to Korčula : Another beautiful and popular island is Korcula. It has the absolute clearest waters I have ever seen – even better than the waters in Hvar! If you are not interested in the island hopping boat tour or it is out of your budget, you might consider a DIY day trip to Korcula from Hvar on that day instead. Korčula is the name of the island and the town I’m recommending, so be sure your ferries go to Korčula the town and not Vela Luka, on the other side of the island. If you’re traveling light and don’t mind changing accommodation once more, you could even overnight in Korcula, because it’s a stop on the route between Hvar and Dubrovnik.
• Day trip into another country : Two popular day trips from Dubrovnik are to Kotor in neighboring Montenegro and to Mostar in neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina. That would of course require a full day, so you will have to substitute out the island hopping day. Keep in mind that border crossings can take over an hour each way for these options!

What Do You Think?

What do you think of my one week Croatia itinerary for first timers? Have you been to Croatia? Was it for more or less than one week? Let me know if you need any Croatia itinerary help below. I love playing travel agent for people!

And in Case You Need One Last Summary

Croatia One Week (7 Day) Itinerary:

• Day 1: Zagreb
• Day 2: Plitvice Lakes
• Day 3: Split
• Day 4: Hvar
• Day 5: Island Hopping
• Day 6: Dubrovnik
• Day 7: Dubrovnik

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Further Reading...

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Veronika Konečná

Hi That. Loved your blog. This seems to be the perfect itinerary for the first timers . Thank you so much for sharing this with the world. Hopefully I am gonna experience this beautiful country on a yacht with https://yachting.com/en-gb/croatia-yacht-charter .

The Solivagant Soul

I did a similar tour although in my case it was in the opposite direction. Also, I spent 3 days in Hvar and loved each one of them! The town may be visited in 1.5h but the island alone deserves far more time! Loved your pictures and experiences! Thanks for sharing =)

That Travelista

Totally agree! I was already planning my return trip while on this short trip, and it definitely involves more island time!!

Margarida Vasconcelos

Beautiful pictures

Thanks so much!

Nathalie Bolet

Very well detailed! Loved all of the pics! Definitely will need to go back to Croatia and visit these places.

Thanks! And yes, Croatia is definitely a repeat-trip type of destination!

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The Ultimate Eritrea Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know

San francisco itinerary: one, two, or three days (by a local), that travelista.

• All the ways to travel between Croatia and Greece by ferry

Where there's a will, there's a way ⛴️

• Ferry Tickets

Initially, traveling between Croatia and Greece by ferry might sound tricky, as there are no direct connections. By adding an Italian port to the mix, however, ferry excursions from Croatia to Greece and vice versa are a dream come true.

Discover all the indirect Croatia - Greece ferry routes on Ferryhopper, along with our top travel tips and route information. Find the itinerary that suits you best, book your ferry tickets online and off you go!

Idyllic marina in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Why travel between Croatia and Greece by ferry instead of plane?

Country hopping by ferry is a fantastic opportunity to transfer your vehicle and explore Croatia or Greece more independently. Each destination has countless hidden gems to unearth, which may not be as easy to do for car-free passengers.

But still, even if you don’t wish to bring along your motor vehicle, an indirect Croatia - Greece ferry trip has its perks. As you’ll have to stop in Italy to continue your journey, you can actually combine 3 countries in 1 adventure . This is why plenty of thrill-seeking travelers choose to spend some nights in Italy and not depart as soon as possible.

Plan the perfect Croatia - Greece itinerary and immerse yourself in landscapes of Mediterranean and Adriatic beauty. Keep reading to discover the connected ports in each country, as well as the suggested routes to/from the eastern coast of Italy.

The lighthouse of Patras in Greece

Croatia - Greece ferries: connected ports

When organizing your ferry trip between Croatia and Greece, you have a plethora of ports to choose from. In Croatia, you can catch a ferry to/from Dubrovnik , Split , Pula , Zadar , Poreč , Umag , and Rovinj , all of which are mainland destinations. As for the connected ports in Greece, you have the following options: Igoumenitsa , Patras and the island of Corfu .

Traveling between the two countries is impossible without an intermediate stop in Italy , however. The ports that serve connections to both Croatia and Greece are Bari , Ancona and Venice , which are all located in eastern Italy.

Good to know : there is also the port city of Brindisi , though it’s only connected to Greece, meaning that you’ll have to get to a different Italian port to resume your ferry journey. In a similar fashion, the port of Cesenatico  is connected to Croatia, but not to Greece.

Ferry crossings to/from Italy are either year-round or seasonal and usually allow you to transfer your vehicle and arrive well-rested by booking a cabin (depending on the ferry services of each route). Once you get to Italy, you can switch ferries and directly travel to the Greek or Croatian destination of your choice!

Below, you can find the available Croatia - Italy and Greece - Italy ferry routes, as well as important route info to help you better plan your country-hopping adventure!

The majestic island of Corfu

Croatia - Italy ferry connections

The two countries are connected by the ferry connections of Jadrolinija , SNAV  and  Kompas . Specifically:

• Zadar - Ancona ferry : this route is operated seasonally and on a weekly basis. Zadar - Ancona ferries arrive after 7 to 9 hours on average.
• Split - Ancona ferry : all year long , ferries between Ancona and Split depart up to 2 times per day , depending on the season. The travel time is around 9-11.5 hours .
• Dubrovnik - Bari ferry : this route is seasonal , lasting 6.5-7.5 hours . Dubrovnik - Bari ferries depart around  5 times a week .
• Pula - Venice ferry : this seasonal route is available around 6 times per week on average, with the ferries making the crossing in about 3.5 hours .
• Rovinj - Venice ferry : ferries to Venice from Rovinj depart in the high-season months and on a weekly basis. The estimated travel time is around 2 hours 45 minutes .
• Poreč - Venice ferry : there are plenty of weekly departures for this seasonal route, with Poreč - Venice ferries making the crossing in less than 3 hours .
• Umag - Venice ferry : there is 1 weekly departure for this route (on Wednesdays), and estimated travel time is 3 hours .

Based on the above, ferry travel time between Croatia and Italy ranges from 3.5 to 11 hours.

Tip : to find out all about the ferry routes between Italy and Croatia , add our ultimate guide to your reading list!

The modern port of Ancona

Greece - Italy ferry connections

Ferry crossings connecting Greece and Italy are primarily operated by the following companies Minoan Lines , Grimaldi Lines , Anek Superfast , Hellenic Seaways , and Ventouris Ferries : 

The key ferry routes between Greece and Italy are:

• Igoumenitsa - Ancona ferry : there are normally up to 3 daily Igoumenitsa - Ancona ferries that make the crossing in about  16-21 hours .
• Igoumenitsa - Venice ferry : with 2 weekly crossings , you can reach Venice from Igoumenitsa in around 25 hours throughout the year .
• Igoumenitsa - Bari ferry : this route is usually active every day , with Igoumenitsa - Bari ferries making the crossing in about 9.5-12 hours .
• Patras - Ancona ferry : you can reach Ancona from Patras by ferry all year round in 21-25 hours . Normally, there are  6 weekly ferry departures .
• Patras - Venice ferry : you can reach Venice from Patras in about 32-33 hours . This ferry route is active 2 times per week .
• Patras - Bari ferry : in 15-17 hours , you can easily travel to Bari from Patras by ferry. The route is normally active once a day .
• Corfu - Ancona ferry : in the summer months , there are usually up to 4 weekly departures for Ancona, with the travel time being around 18.5-19.5 hours .
• Corfu - Bari ferry : there are up to 6 weekly Corfu - Bari ferries in the high season that make the crossing in about  8-10 hours .

In general, traveling between Greece and Italy by ferry takes about 8 to 33 hours. You can discover more Italy - Greece ferry routes and their estimated travel times right here.

The port of Bari from above

What’s the fastest Croatia - Greece ferry itinerary

Depending on the ports you’ve chosen for your Croatia - Greece ferry adventure, as well as the layover in Italy, the trip duration can greatly vary.

Among the numerous indirect routes, the shortest one in duration is the one between Corfu and Dubrovnik, with an intermediate stop in Bari . The combined ferry time is around 15 to 20 hours, excluding the time spent in Bari. These connections, however, are available on a seasonal basis. The fastest year-round trip is between Igoumenitsa and Split with a layover in Ancona . In this case, the combined duration of the two ferry rides is about 25-32 hours.

Tips for your Croatia - Greece ferry trip

Take a look at some of our top travel tips for ferry connections between Greece and Croatia, including any intermediate stops in Italy:

• Ancona and Bari are some of the best Italian ports in terms of Greece - Croatia indirect routes. Venice, on the other hand, is a better option for getting to/from the more low-key destinations in Istria , where Pula and Rovinj are located.
• Since these ferry routes are quite popular, make sure to arrive at the port well in advance , especially if you wish to bring along your motor vehicle.
• While the connections between Croatia and Venice are the shortest in duration, you should keep in mind that the transport of vehicles is not available to/from Venice. Bicycles, however, are allowed.
• For each ferry connection, there are plenty of offers and discounts to take advantage of, especially when it comes to Greece - Italy crossings, which include many early booking deals .
• As we are talking about international routes, non-EU passengers should carry a valid passport with them. EU citizens, on the other hand, are simply required to have any kind of identification document with them.

View of the port and seafront of Split

Book your Croatia - Greece ferry tickets 

Combining the medieval wonders of Croatia with Greece’s untouched beauty is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you’re still contemplating the most practical itinerary between the two countries, visualize your trip on our Map of ferries , combine multiple destinations in one booking and plan your trip hassle-free.

Pro tip : make sure to download the Ferryhopper App to book your ferry tickets even faster and keep all of your bookings in one place!

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3 Weeks in Greece Itinerary

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Vacationing in Greece is like stepping into a mix of amazing beaches, ancient ruins, and super tasty food. Expect to see incredible places like the Acropolis in Athens, and get ready to be wowed by the beautiful islands, like Santorini with its famous sunsets.

Greek food will be a highlight, with yummy dishes like gyros and fresh seafood. People are friendly and love sharing their culture. The weather’s usually sunny and perfect for exploring or just chilling by the sea.

If you’ve been dreaming of seeing the place where civilisation was born and love history, Athens has so much to offer. It’s where you’ll see the Parthenon standing over. You’ll also get to enjoy the serene sunsets of Santorini and the stunning island of Crete.

The first time I went to Greece was a stopover during my European cruise. I also spent two days there, I fell in love right away and I knew I had to come back.

Spending 3 weeks in Greece means you can see its historical sites around Athens and make your way north and explore Meteora and Thessaloniki. Finally, finish your itinerary by visiting every stunning beach and island down the Mediterranean and Argean Sea.

Greece is one of South Europe’s famous destinations that you must visit at least once. If you want to see many places in a single trip, our 3 weeks in Europe itinerary and 3 weeks in Eastern Europe might be able to help you, especially if you’re on a budget.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO GREECE

It’s not easy to plan a trip to a place you’ve never been. Perhaps the travel information below will help you visualise and start planning and creating an itinerary for your upcoming Greek holiday.

When is the best time to go to Greece

The best time to visit Greece depends on what you seek. Peak season runs from July to August , when the weather is warmest and sun-soaked beaches beckon, but expect crowded attractions and higher prices.

For a blend of pleasant weather and fewer tourists, the shoulder seasons — late April to June and September to early October — is the best time to travel to Greece . During these months, you can enjoy milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation rates.

The r ainy season usually spans from December to February , with colder temperatures and occasional showers, especially on the mainland. While this period sees fewer visitors, it offers a unique perspective of Greece’s landscapes, softer hues, and a calmness contrasting the summer bustle.

Are 3 weeks enough for Greece

Yes, three weeks is a substantial amount of time to explore Greece. While you can’t cover every nook and cranny, it’s sufficient to experience the major highlights: Athens’ historical sites, famous islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete, and some off-the-beaten-path destinations.

The most important thing to remember when planning and writing your 3-week itinerary is to not plan to see more than 5-6 cities. Creating a busy travel plan will be exhausting in real time , and you won’t be able to relax or enjoy your trip.

What to pack

For a trip to Greece, pack lightweight clothing, a swimsuit, sunblock, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, a power adapter, and a small daypack for sightseeing.

There will be lots of walking, especially around Athens, so make sure your walking shoes or sandals are very comfortable. Apart from that, pack your basic items for a 3-week trip . We have a packing list for a summer trip as well.

How to get around

Due to its geography, transportation around Greece combines various options. Getting around Greece offers a blend of modern and traditional transportation methods:

Most Comfortable: Domestic flights and high-speed ferries are comfortable choices for hopping between islands and major cities. For land travel, renting a car gives you the flexibility and comfort to explore at your own pace, especially on the mainland.

Most Affordable: Buses (KTEL) are the most budget-friendly way to travel between towns and regions. Standard ferries can be more affordable than high-speed ones for short island hops.

Around the cities: In cities like Athens, the metro and bus systems are popular for local commutes. Taxis, although more expensive, are also commonly used, especially in areas not serviced by public transport. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Beat are popular to use within the cities of Greece.

Regardless of your preference, Greece offers a range of transportation options that cater to diverse travel needs, ensuring that the country’s treasures are always within reach.

Language and currency

The main language in Greece is Greek . However, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Many Greeks, particularly the younger generation and those working in the tourism industry, have a good grasp of English.

The main currency in Greece is the Euro (€) . While some tourist-oriented businesses might accept USD, it’s not commonly accepted for everyday transactions. Visitors are advised to use Euros for hassle-free payments.

Both cash and bank card payments are popular in Greece . Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in urban areas and popular tourist destinations. However, carrying some cash in smaller towns or remote islands is advisable as card facilities might be limited.

Average travel cost for 3 weeks in Greece

The average cost per person of vacation for 20 days in Greece is around €2,000, that’s around €100 a day . If you’re visiting during the peak season (summer and winter), accommodation and flight costs are much higher.

Travel costs in Greece can vary widely based on your preferences:

Affordable:

• Accommodation: Budget hostels or guesthouses: €20-40/night.
• Food: Local tavernas or street food: €10-20/day.
• Activities & Transport: Using local buses, free or low-cost attractions: €15-30/day.
• Total: Approximately €45-90/day or €945-1,890 for 3 weeks.
• Accommodation: 3-star hotels or boutique guesthouses: €50-100/night.
• Food: Mix of tavernas, cafes, and occasional dining out: €25-50/day.
• Activities & Transport: Some organized tours, ferries, car rentals: €40-80/day.
• Total: Approximately €115-230/day or €2,415-4,830 for 3 weeks.
• Accommodation: 5-star hotels or luxury villas: €150-400/night.
• Food: Fine dining experiences: €80-150/day.
• Activities & Transport: Private tours, high-speed ferries, domestic flights: €100-300/day.
• Total: Approximately €330-850/day or €6,930-17,850 for 3 weeks.

Remember, these are ballpark figures; actual expenses can vary based on choices and unexpected costs. You should also remember that the price of flying to Greece and back home are not included in these estimated costs.

Greece is a member of the EU and executes the Schengen State visa policy . This means that passport holders in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Argentina, and many places in Latin America, can enter and travel around Greece for 90 days.

EU passport holders have freedom of movement in Greece. At the same time, the nationalities not mentioned above must apply for a Schengen visa at the nearest Greek embassy or consulate.

Other travel tips

When booking your travel arrangements, these travel sites may help you find the best accommodation and most affordable flights and tours for Greece. I sure love these travel services when booking my own travel needs.

PINNED MAP OF MUST-SEE PLACES IN GREECE

Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google

3 WEEKS IN GREECE ITINERARY

When visiting Greece, this means you have the chance to explore one of the oldest sites in the world. Learn about the birthplace of democracy, the Olympics, Western philosophy, and even alarm clocks and umbrellas.

Once you’re ready to relax and enjoy the beach, go to the south, where many islands are waiting for you for some fun water adventure.

You’ll start your trip in Athens, but it also ends here. But you have 20 days in Greece to enjoy all its pristine islands and historical sites.

If you feel like 3 weeks in Greece is too much time, you can plan a 3-week Southern Europe itinerary instead, where you can visit other countries including Greece.

Athens for 5 days

Athens, the birthplace of Western civilization, offers a chance to travel back in time. It’s where ancient landmarks like the Parthenon and the Acropolis stand as a testament to the city’s glorious past.

The streets are full of life, with cool markets, yummy street food, and cafes where you can chill. If you’re looking to buy souvenirs, there are plenty of flea markets to visit. As the heart of Greek philosophy, politics, and arts, Athens provides a deep dive into human heritage.

For hiking enthusiasts, the surrounding hills and mountains, including Mount Hymettus and Philopappou Hill , present trails that lead to panoramic vistas of Athens, juxtaposing the urban landscape with nature’s grandeur.

Athens is the perfect city to start your 3 weeks in Greece trip. Most international flights land here, plus an extensive train, bus, ferry, and plane network leaves Athens.

Things to do in Athens

• Ancient Agora
• Explore Athens via a hop-on, hop-off red bus or yellow bus or an e-bike tour or hop-on or a half-day tour or a full-day tour or the Mythological tour or a biblical tour
• Monastiraki Flea Market
• Temple of Olympian Zeus
• Acropolis – book an afternoon walking tour or Acropolis tour combo with 6 other archaelogical sites
• Mount Lycabettus
• National Archaeological Museum
• Syntagma Square
• Panathenaic Stadium
• Ermou Street
• Go on a cruise – 3 islands featuring Agistri, Moni, and Aegina with lunch and drinks, see the price first
• Monastiraki Square
• The Prison of Socrates
• Lycabettus Hill Funicular
• Day trip – to Delphi or Delphi and Arachova or Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon or to Meteora by train
• Philopappos Monument
• Areopagus Hill
• Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Center
• Discover Greek cuisine through a food tour or gourmet walking food tour or this food-tasting tour
• Erechtheion
• Hike to Veikou Grove
• Attend a show at Petra’s Theater
• Statue of Athena
• Hadrian’s Library
• Technopolis City of Athens

Accommodations in Athens

• Affordable: When in Athens Hostel or Athens Quinta or Bedbox Hostel or Mosaikon Glostel or Athens Raise Acropolis Project
• Mid-range: Still Athens or Attalos Hotel or Ederlezi Boutique Hotel
• Luxury: B4B Athens Signature Hotel or Belle Epoque Suites or The Athens Gate Hotel or Colors Hotel Athens

Meteora for 3 days

Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage site , is a stunning fusion of nature and spirituality. It’s famed for its gravity-defying monasteries perched atop towering rock pillars.

The incredible landscape, formed over millions of years looks like a picture out of painting. As you hike or drive through, the sight of monastic settlements with unique rocks offers an experience that is unique to Meteora.

Kalabaka is the town where Meteora Monastery is located, not many accommodations there. B ut you can also consider Theopetra as your main base when looking for accommodation during your stay.

To reach Meteora, you can take the train from Athens . The journey time is 5 hr and 45 minutes. The bus is more affordable but will take around 6 hours. If you’re driving, it’s a 4-hour drive.

Things to do in Meteora

• Monastery of Great Meteoron
• Varlaam Monastery
• Rousanou Monastery
• St. Stephen’s Monastery
• Holy Trinity Monastery
• St. Nicholas Anapafsas Monastery
• Meteora Rock Climbing
• Kastraki Village
• Meteora Nunneries
• Sunset at Meteora viewpoints
• Hiking the Meteora trails
• Meteora Natural History Museum
• Meteora Mushroom Museum

Accommodations in Meteora

• Affordable: The Holy Rock Hostel or Meteora Central Hostel or Panos House
• Mid-range: Guesthouse Bloutsos Rooms or Guesthouse Kastelia or Rooms Batalogianni or Zosimas House
• Luxury: Alsos House or Hotel Doupiani House or Tsikeli Boutique Hotel

Thessaloniki for 3 days

Thessaloniki is great in Northern Greece, where you can take a break from the tourist trail. As you walk its streets, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman legacies come alive in monuments and churches . The city’s lively waterfront, interesting markets, and art scene make it an awesome place to end your day of exploration.

You can reach Thessaloniki from Meteora by land . The drive will take around 3 hours. You can also take the bus (4 hours) or the train (3 hours).

Things to do in Thessaloniki

• Aristotelous Square
• Thessaloniki City Tour – get a hop-on, hop-off bus pass or a walking tour
• Arch of Galerius
• Ano Poli (Upper Town)
• Thessaloniki Science Center and Technology Museum
• Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki
• OTE Tower – get your admission ticket with a light meal
• White Tower of Thessaloniki
• Go Sailing – to Shipwreck Bay or to Blue Lagoon
• Thessaloniki Concert Hall
• War Museum of Thessaloniki
• Day trip to Meteora – see the itinerary
• Museum of Byzantine Culture and the The Byzantine Walls
• Church of Agios Dimitrios
• Atatürk’s House
• Day trip to Mount Olympus – with Canyoning trip or with Dion combo
• Lazaristes Monastery
• Day trip to Pozar Thermal Baths and Edessa – read the reviews
• Kalochori Lagoon
• Day trip to Kerkini Lake – check the cost
• Mount Chortiatis
• Olympic Museum Thessaloniki
• Day trip to Vergina and Pella – book the tour
• Modiano Market
• Church of Saint Sophia
• Thessaloniki Waterfront
• Join a food tour – gastronomy and cultural tour or How Greeks Eat tour
• Pasha’s Gardens

Accommodations in Thessaloniki

• Affordable: Zeus is Loose Hostel or Luxury Aristotelous or Nea Metropolis
• Mid-range: V1 Boutique Rooms or Hotel Ilisia
• Luxury: Plaza Hotel and Resorts or Luxury Living Apartments and Spa or Mandrino Hotel

Santorini or Paros for 3 days

These two islands offer very different experiences, but I recommend you choose between them to save some time.

Santorini is ideal for those seeking dramatic landscapes, iconic sunsets, and luxury accommodations. It’s famous for its caldera views, unique volcanic beaches, and romantic ambience. However, it’s often more crowded and touristy. If you’re looking for the “traditional white stone houses”, it’s in Santorini.

On the other hand, Paros is a more laid-back alternative, offering beautiful beaches, traditional villages, and vibrant nightlife . It’s less commercial than Santorini and provides a more authentic Greek island experience.

Choose Santorini if you desire postcard-perfect views, and don’t mind the crowds. Visit one of the best black beaches in Santorini if you’re looking for something unique yet worth a visit.

Paros is a top choice for a relaxed atmosphere with a blend of beach and culture. If you choose Paros, you can also explore the nearby island of Naxos.

Both destinations have direct flights from Thessaloniki. The trip will take around 1hr and 20 minutes.

Things to do in Santorini

• Fira (capital town) – Hike the Fira to Oia Walk
• Travel around Santorini – via a bus tour with Oia sunset or Blue Shade tour or a 6-hour sightseeing tour
• Akrotiri Archaeological Site
• Skaros Rock
• Volcanic Islands – cruise with a hotspring visit or Caldera half-day tour
• Firostefani’s Blue Dome Church
• Pyrgos village
• Volcano and hot springs boat tour
• Catamaran cruise – with a meal and open bar or BBQ and drinks or all-inclusive luxury cruise or cruise with meal, drinks, and transfers
• Megalochori Village
• Castle of Oia
• Fira Theotokopoulos Main Square
• Santorini Old Harbor
• Go scuba diving – dive at Volcanic Caldera
• Fira Scenic Spot
• The Heart of Santorini
• Lost Atlantis Experience – Interactive Museum
• Castello Veneziano
• Do a wine-tasting – wine and tapas or highlights tour with wine-tasting and sunset in Oia
• Caldera Beach
• Akrotiri and Akrotiri Lighthouse
• Attend a Greek Wedding show – get your entry ticket in advance
• Ancient Thera
• Perissa Beach
• Kamari Beach
• Open Air Cinema Kamari
• Santorini Caldera

Things to do in Paros

• Parikia Old Town
• Explore Paros with a bus tour
• Panagia Ekatontapiliani Church
• Naoussa Village
• Kolymbithres Beach
• Kayak and Snorkelling – book the trip with a snack or picnic
• Paros Archaeological Museum
• Book a traditional cooking class or a pasta-making class
• Lefkes Village
• Golden Beach (Chrysi Akti)
• Boat Rental with Self-drive – check the cost
• Valley of the Butterflies
• Horseback riding – there’s an evening tour
• Ancient Marble Quarries
• Boat tour covering Paros, Antiparos, and Despotiko – read the reviews
• Frankish Castle
• Antiparos Island and Cave
• Day trip on a boat to Delos Island and Mykonos from Paros – see the price
• Aliki Beach
• Marble workshop or a watercolor workshop – a perfect way to make a unique souvenir
• Marathi Marble Quarries
• Sailing trip from Antiparos – book the trip with lunch and drinks

Accommodations in Santorini

• Affordable: Gianna Suites or Unique Galini Oia (adults only) or Cyclades Hotel or Kamari Beach Hotel
• Mid-range: Irene City Villas or Alleys All-Suites Hotel & Spa or Caldera Premium Villas
• Luxury: Altana Heritage Suites or Elitoz Suites or The Museum Project Oia or SantAnna Luxury Suites

Accommodations in Paros

• Affordable: Madaky Hotel or Siroco’s Rooms and Studios or Anixis Studios Aliki
• Mid-range: Villa Isabella or Hotel Iris or Apollon Boutique Hotel or Stella Hotel
• Luxury: Hotel Senia or Blue Waves Suites & Apartments or Katerina Mare

Naxos or Mykonos for 3 days

Again, these two islands are ver different. But as mentioned, if you already decided to go to Paros, you can easily get to Naxos from there.

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Santorini or Paros to Naxos or Mykonos. All flights will have to connect through Athens. However, there are many ferries that connect al these islands. So, you probably want to decide based on direct ferries between the islands to make your trip more hassle-free.

Naxos is known for its diverse landscapes . Naxos offers long sandy beaches, ancient ruins, and traditional villages. It’s family-friendly and typically more budget-conscious, providing a genuine Greek island feel.

Mykonos is famed for its vibrant nightlife, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and picturesque town with iconic windmills . It attracts a more upscale, party-centric crowd and is usually pricier.

If you’re after a lively scene with high-end shops and clubs, pick Mykonos. For a more relaxed cultural experience with varied landscapes, opt for Naxos.

Things to do in Naxos

• Amitis Beach
• City tour – full-day bus tour or bus tour with swim stop at Apollonas or Greek Mythology sunset tour or a sunset city walk
• Portara (Temple of Apollo)
• Naxos Old Town (Chora)
• Agios Prokopios Beach
• Sailing Cruise with lunch – read the reviews or a Catamaran Cruise with snorkelling and food/drinks or a Cyclades sailing cruise
• Temple of Demeter
• Kouros Statues
• Agia Anna Beach
• Hike to Cyclades Mount Zas – check the price
• Panagia Drossiani Church
• Halki Village
• Do a marble carving – look at the itinerary
• Melanes Olive Presses and Ancient Quarries
• Venetian Castle of Naxos
• Temple of Apollo – Portara
• Join a cooking class or food tour – half-day at Basiliko Family Tavern or a cultural food tour
• Agios Georgios Beach
• Temple of Dionysus, Yria
• Maragkas Beach
• Mikri Vigla Beach
• Go wine-tasting – a food tour with wine or wine-tasting at Saint Anna
• Zeus’ Childhood Cave
• Alyko Beach
• Tower of Ayia

Things to do in Mykonos

• Mykonos Town (Chora)
• Explore Mykonos’ main attractions through a – sightseeing-guided tour or this one with a local guide or Old Town walking tour or a half-day tour
• Windmills of Kato Mili
• Paraportiani Church
• Super Paradise Beach
• Delos Island Archaeological Site – read the tour reviews or an evening guided tour or just pay for the transfer only
• Panagia Paraportiani
• Matoyianni Street
• Cavo Paradiso Club
• Ano Mera Monastery
• Mykonos Folklore Museum
• Rhenia Island – book a combo Delos Island and Rhenia boat tour or this one
• Agios Sostis Beach
• Armenistis Lighthouse
• Discover Greek food and wine – check this wine-tasting tour or Souvlaki cooking class with a local
• Boni’s Windmill
• Paralia Ftelias
• Agios Stefanos Beach
• Go on a cruise – a sunset cruise with drinks
• Fokos Beach
• Paralia Kalo Livadi
• Paradise Beach
• Gyzi Castle
• View of Alefkandra (Little Venice)

Accommodations in Naxos

• Affordable: Iliovasilema or Infinity Apartments or Burgos Barrio
• Mid-range: Naxos Illusion Nikos Verikokos or Anatoli Hotel or Ippokampos Beachfront or Annio Studios
• Luxury: Portara Seaside Luxury Suites or Argo Boutique Hotel or Hotel Grotta

Accommodations in Mykonos

• Affordable: Island Mykonos Suites or Pension Alexandra or Elena Hotel or Villa Varnali Boutique
• Mid-range: Sunset Paraportiani Rooms or Mykonos View Hotel or Hotel Adonis
• Luxury: Semeli Hotel or Yalos Hotel or Harmony Boutique Hotel

Crete 3 days

3 weeks in Greece must include the beautiful island of Crete. It’s the largest Greek island , where beautiful beaches, mountains, ancient history such as the Minoan ruins, and delicious food come together.

Its diverse landscapes range from the pink sands of Elafonissi to the rocky Samaria Gorge. Exploring ancient ruins like the Palace of Knossos takes you back to the times of Greek myths and legends.

Crete is also a fantastic way to end your trip because you can simply relax on the beach or do watersports you enjoy. From here, there are plenty of direct flights to Athens if you’re catching your flight home from there.

There are three airports in Crete ; Heraklion, Chania, and Sitia. Heraklion and Chani are the two most popular, but neither has direct flights from Mykonos, Paros, or Santorini. However, there are direct ferries to reach Crete.

Things to do in Crete

• Balos Lagoon
• Chania Old Harbor
• Phaistos Minoan Palace
• Discover Crete wineries and olive farms through this food tour or this cooking class
• Spinalonga Island
• Vai Palm Beach
• Arkadi Monastery
• Enjoy Crete and go sightseeing with – this full-day tour
• Lake Kournas
• Preveli Beach and Monastery
• Old Venetian Port of Chania
• White Mountains Forest Preserve
• Knossos – visit the museums with audio guides
• Museum Of Typography
• Dia Island Cruise from Heraklion – either this sailing tour or this cruise
• Heraklion Archaeological Museum
• Heraklion Lighthouse – get a hop-on, hop-off bus pass for Heraklion
• Natural History Museum of Crete
• Samaria George – join a day hike from Chania or from Rethymno
• Elafonissi Beach
• Day trip to Santorini or Day trip to Elafonisi Island from Chania
• Rethymnon Old Town
• Boat trip to Spinalonga from Agios Nikolaos – read the reviews
• Dive in the Matala Caves
• Quad-bike safari trip from Rethymno – look at the price first or this one that picks up from other parts of Crete

Accommodations in Crete

• Affordable: So Young Hostel or Intra Muros Hostel or Alexis Hotel or Corinna Mare
• Mid-range: Notus Chania Crete or Hyperion City Hotel & Spa or Spilia Village Hotel & Villas
• Luxury: Seaside A Lifestyle Resort (adults only) or Creta Maris Resort or Manili Boutique Suites & Villas or Peninsula Resort & Spa

MUST-TRY GREEK DISHES AND DRINKS

Greek cuisine is easily one of the best and healthiest in the world. For this reason alone, you must try at least 4-5 dishes during your visit (recommend more!). See which one you like the most, and maybe you’ll even bring a Greek brand or wine back home.

• Moussaka: Layered eggplant, potato, and minced meat topped with béchamel sauce.
• Souvlaki: Skewered and grilled meat, often served with pita bread.
• Horiatiki: Traditional Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta cheese, and olive oil.
• Spanakopita: Spinach pie made with phyllo dough, spinach, and feta cheese.
• Dolmades: Stuffed grape leaves, usually filled with rice and herbs.
• Pastitsio: Greek pasta baked with layered pasta, minced meat, and creamy béchamel sauce.
• Tzatziki: Creamy yoghurt-based dip with cucumbers, garlic, and dill.
• Baklava: Sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo, filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
• Galaktoboureko: Custard-filled phyllo pastry soaked in syrup.
• Loukoumades: Golden fried dough balls drizzled with honey and cinnamon.
• Kadaifi: Shredded wheat dessert soaked in syrup, often with nuts.
• Ouzo: Anise-flavored aperitif, often diluted with water.
• Retsina: Resinated wine with a distinctive pine flavour.
• Metaxa: Greek brandy, smooth and fruity.

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN GREECE ITINERARY

Three weeks in Greece is a voyage through time, flavours, and breathtaking landscapes. From the ancient ruins of Athens to the cerulean waters of the islands, every moment is etched with wonder. When creating your itinerary, do not overload it and design one that is relaxing for you.

This 3 weeks in Greece trip is not just a vacation. It’s a soulful experience, a harmonious blend of past and present, tradition and innovation. I hope that this itinerary has helped you visualise what a holiday in Greece looks like.

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The Ultimate Croatia Travel Guide

European Summer is fast approaching, which means countless Australians are preparing to trade trench coats and dreary weather for the crystal clear oceans and pebbled beaches of the Mediterranean. Whether you’re planning your next trip or just daydreaming of warmer weathe r, there’s one underrated country you should consider adding to our European itinerary: Croatia.

Often overlooked in favour of its flashier, better known neighbours Greece and Italy , Croatia is a hidden gem of the Adriatic, boasting dazzling coastlines, vibrant history, and a seductive food scene. In fact, it’s so picturesque that its capital city, Dubrovnik, was the setting for the majority of the hit fantasy series, Game of Thrones , while the Croatian island of Vis was the main filming location for Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again .

Convinced? Keep reading for our ultimate guide to holidaying in Croatia, including what to eat, where to stay, what to do. 

What Is Croatia Best Known For?

Croatia is best known for its eclectic mix of pristine beaches , heritage sites, national parks, and nightlife. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in mediaeval history, hire a boat and go island hopping, or live it up like a local, there’s something for every traveller here.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Croatia?

Croatia’s tourism peaks in the warmest months of the year : July and August. Around this time, you can expect higher temperatures, hordes of holidaymakers from across the globe, and a spirited atmosphere.

If you still want to enjoy summer but prefer things a little less crowded, temperatures are still pleasant in May, June, September, and October.

Is It Expensive To Visit Croatia?

Generally, Croatia is considered moderately priced compared to neighbouring destinations like Greece and Italy. However, like most European countries, travel costs to and around Croatia are higher during peak season. 

There are a number of ways you can make your trip to Croatia more affordable. 

Tourist hubs like Dubrovnik and Split tend to be more expensive, year-round, while your money might stretch further in smaller, lesser known towns.

Opting for hostels, guesthouses, and AirBnBs in favour of hotels is another way to save on costs, while still securing a central and scenic location for your trp.

There are also a variety of transportation options for travelling within Croatia, from buses and trains to taxis, rental cars, and boats, meaning you can get from A to B on a variety of budgets. 

5 Of The Best Places To Visit In Croatia

One of the best-known (and second biggest) cities in Croatia, Split is a coastal town loved for its vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and celebrated architecture. In addition to immersing yourself in the wonders of Old Split, this city is also a popular starting point for day-trips to smaller Croatian islands.

Hvar island is a picturesque holiday location, accessible via a short ferry ride from Split. Add Hvar to your itinerary if you love natural beauty: from sprawling mountains and olive trees to dazzling water and hidden coves.

The city of Dubrovnik is nestled in Southern Croatia, and home to some of the richest history in the country. The Old Town boasts plenty of relics from medieval times, from fortresses and defensive walls, to eclectic limestone streets. And when you’ve had your fill of history, just steps away are some of the most beautiful beaches Croatia has to offer, spectacularly offset against the historic backdrop.

Vis might be lesser known than other Croatian destinations, but don’t let that put you off. If you like secluded beaches, a charming atmosphere, and a delectable food scene, Vis is not to be missed.

Another lesser-known but highly compelling location is Korcula. In addition to dazzling sun-drenched beaches, Korcula is a great place to immerse yourself in Croatian wine culture, by sampling local wines at one of the many family-owned wineries. You can’t go past Korcula’s indigenous white grape variety, Pošip, and its red grape variety, Plavac Mali.

Kirsty is a digital writer at ELLE and Marie Claire. Having completed a Bachelor of Arts at The University of Melbourne (English Literature/Sociology), Kirsty set her sights on a career in the Australian media industry. After relocating to Sydney, she spent time working in print at JONES Magazine, before turning her focus to the digital landscape. When she’s not dissecting the latest fashion and culture trends, you can usually find her ticking off restaurants on her ever-growing bucket list, or on the hunt for Sydney's best beach.

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