Summer 2024: Adventures in Croatia and Greece – Ultimate 17 Day Itinerary

Set out on a breathtaking 17-day trip through Greece and Croatia, where the waters of the Adriatic and Aegean seas will be your backdrop for the next 2.5 weeks. We’ll start our journey in Croatia exploring the historic city of Dubrovnik, famed for its stunning medieval architecture. From there, we’ll hop across the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic to the vibrant islands of Split and Hvar, each offering its own unique blend of history, culture, and nightlife. Then, it’s off to Greece, where the gorgeous islands of Milos, Paros, and Naxos await with their pristine beaches and charming villages. Our grand finale will be along the Athens Riviera, a perfect mix of ancient treasures and modern luxury.

This trip is packed with unforgettable experiences, from exploring ancient ruins and soaking up the sun on golden beaches to tasting delightful Mediterranean cuisine. Get ready for a journey filled with adventure, relaxation, and discovery in some of the most beautiful spots on earth!

Every itinerary I create is hours spent pouring my heart into each option, looking at every route, hundreds of hotels, and creating the best of the best you can get in just 17 days. I promise this one will be no different. Let’s head off to the Adriatic and Aegean seas for the summer perfect getaway!

Croatia (7 Nights)

Spilt (2 Nights)

We started our journey by flying into Split from Chicago. We originally had plans to fly into Dubrovnik and were going to drive to Split (~3 hours) but our flight got canceled! Friendly reminder that things go wrong on vacations. Things get delayed, canceled or rescheduled. It all about rolling with the punches and this turned out to be better for us!

Hotel

We stayed at Corarno Hotel in Spilt. Centrally located near the Diocletian’s Palace and a beautiful rooftop with a pool, a must for those hot Croatian summers. We also got a room upgrade which is always really nice 🙂

Food

• Fig: We ate here on our first night it was the perfect way to ease into Croatia. I had the bbq burger (how American of me) but it was DELICIOUS. Also the menu isn’t too big so there wasn’t too many options but highly recommend Fig for dinner.
• Matoni: Perfect for both casual dining and special occasions, Matoni is a must-visit spot for a memorable culinary experience in Split.
• Konoba Korta: Located in the heart of the city, it offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu featuring fresh, local ingredients. 

Activities

• Diocletian’s Palace: A stunning ancient Roman palace built in the 4th century AD. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features a maze of narrow streets, historic buildings, and well-preserved ruins, blending seamlessly with modern shops, cafes, and residences. It’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone looking to explore Split’s rich cultural heritage.
• Saint Domnius Bell Tower: An iconic landmark known for its stunning Romanesque architecture and panoramic views. Climbing the tower’s steps offers a breathtaking vista of Split’s historic center, the Adriatic Sea, and surrounding landscapes. Be prepared to climb steep steps and small doorways but totally worth the climb 🙂
• Modra Špilja aka Blue Cave: a mesmerizing sea cave located on the island of Biševo near Split, Croatia about an hour and a half speedboat ride from Split. Famous for its stunning blue light effect, created when sunlight passes through an underwater opening, it transforms the interior into a magical, glowing blue wonderland. 

Hvar (3 Nights)

From Split we jumped on a ferry and headed to the island of Hvar. The ferry takes about 30-45 minutes and makes a couple of stops along the way. The other islands of Croatia also look so beautiful, will definitely have to come back and explore more of the islands!

Hotel

Hotel Moeesy, Blue & Green Oasis was one of our favorite hotels on this trip was in Hvar. Hotel Moeesy was the perfect blend of elegance and island charm. It has its own private beach, 2 beautiful outdoor pools and just a 10-15 minute walk to Hvar Town. I highly recommend this hotel when traveling to Hvar.

Food

• Paradise Garden Hvar: We had dinner here on night 2 and it was fantastic! The aesthetic of the resturant is on a beautiful rooftop with a variety of Croatian cuisine. We didn’t have reservations but we did go a little early around 6:30-7pm (early by European standards lol).
• Konoba Menego: a cozy, family-run restaurant known for its authentic Dalmatian cuisine. Set in a charming stone building, it offers a warm, rustic atmosphere and a menu featuring fresh, local ingredients.
• Restaurant Don Quijote: Great place for drinks and the sunset on the port. I believe this place gets a little rowdy later in the evening at 11pm-1am.
• Fig: If you missed Fig in Split, they also have a location in Hvar 🙂
• Leporini Restaurant: On the fancier side, Leporini was a great dining experience on the steps of Hvar. Smaller portions but amazing quality.
• Ka’lavanda Bar: Cute bar on the steps on Hvar town perfect for drinks before or after dinner, close to Paradise garden restaurant.
• Hula Hula: We walked past this bar everyday on our walk into Hvar town. The music was great and it has great views for the sunset or if you want to rent a chair for the day.
• Carpe diem: Another beach club with many party goers every evening, also great if you want to rent a chair with sea views.
• Teraca Bar: Perfect for nights when concerts are happening in the square. Full view of the stage and perfect for people watching.
• KONOBA ARSENOL: If you’re looking to venture out of Hvar Town, this place is perfect. More secluded with sea views.
• Nauta Restaurant: If you are visiting Stari Grad, you have to stop and eat at Nauta. A family run restaurant very authentic and locally sourced food. The food was truly so fresh, one of the best meals we had in Croatia.

Activities

Explore Hvar Town: Exploring Hvar Town is a no brainer. In the main square they host concerts and live music, with so many bars and restaurants, this place comes alive at night time. The cobbled stone, narrow streets will have you coming back every night you are in Hvar.

Stari Grad: the oldest town on Hvar Island, is a charming and historic destination known for its ancient architecture, narrow streets, and beautiful waterfront. Located about 20 kilometers (12 miles) from Hvar Town, it’s a scenic 25-minute drive through the island’s picturesque landscapes. We spent an afternoon here walking around, definitely more quiet than Hvar town (although we went on a Sunday)

Beach Hop: This was hands down my favorite day in Hvar. We rented out Dune Buggy and drove around the island visiting all the different beaches. The waters are a stunning combination of green and blue. They are mostly rocky beaches so highly recommend bringing something to lay on (I also used our backpack as a pillow lol).

In the order of which you should visit if you only have a couple of hours:

• Dubovica Beach: Stunning rocky beach with little houses surrounding making it perfect for a photo op. FYI: it is about a 10-15 hike downhill to get to the beach and there is little to no shade something to be aware of when visiting all beaches in Hvar.
• Zarace Beach Another beautiful beach in Hvar with stairs to walk down. On the smaller side so could be become busy quickly, and again all rocks so be prepared with towels or something to sit on.
• SVETA NEDELJA: a picturesque village on the island of Hvar, known for its stunning vineyards, dramatic cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. It’s a popular spot for rock climbing, hiking, and enjoying serene beaches
• JAGODNA: charming, secluded beach on the island of Hvar, known for its crystal-clear waters and tranquil atmosphere. Nestled between pine trees and rocky cliffs, ideal for swimming and sunbathing, Jagodna is a hidden gem perfect for escaping the crowds with a step ladder to get into the sea.

Dubrovnik (2 Nights)

After spending 3 nights in Hvar we hopped on another ferry to Dubrovnik. Of course you can drive or take a bus but we opted into the 3.5 hour ferry ride. 2 days felt like more than enough to explore Dubrovnik, if you have more time I highly recommend checking out the neighboring country of Bosnia.

Hotel

We stayed at the famous SLH Hotel Excelsior. This hotel brings in people for its perfect seaside views and the infamous pool with sea water. We liked our stay at this hotel although it wasn’t our favorite on this trip it was still a great stay! It is a bit of walk into old town about 10-15 minutes and in the blistering heat it is a bit uncomfortable but still a great hotel for your visit to Dubrovnik.

Food

• Gradska Kavana Arsenal: Right in the middle of Old town is this beautiful restaurant. They have seating in the front with views of Old town Dubrovnik, or in the back of the restaurant with sea views. The mussels we had were outstanding, I highly recommend this place.
• Taj Mahal: One of the best dinners we had on this 17 day trip. Mediterranean and Bosnian inspired menu, everything was delicious it was so hard to choose! Make reservation online in advance!
• Nautika: Fine dining with crazy castle and sea views.
• Restaurant & Bar Rudjer: Near the Jetsuit steps, this is a prime location to grab dinner with Croatian dishes.
• Panorama restaurant: This resultant is famous for its spectacular views of Dubrovnik , having to take a cable car to get there. Be sure to make reservations at least 3-4 months in advance for prime times.
• Peppino: After dinner gelato at Peppino is a must!
• Buza Bar: As of June 2024 Buza bar has been closed 🙁 if they somehow someway reopen Buza Bar I highly recommend checking it out.
• Cave Bar: If you have a car (or want to drive about 30-40 minutes) this cave bar is super cool and unique.

Activities

• Walk the castle walls: Wander through the historic, UNESCO-listed Old Town with its charming streets, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. I recommend going early in the morning or later in the evening if you plan on going in the summer to beat the heat.
• Ride the cable car: Take the cable car to Mount Srđ for panoramic views of Dubrovnik and its surrounding areas. Go to the Panorama restaurant it was about an hour wait when we went.
• Swim at Banje Beach: Enjoy the clear waters and picturesque views of the city walls from this popular beach.
• St. Blaise Church: Visit this baroque church dedicated to Dubrovnik’s patron saint, featuring beautiful architecture and art.
• Game of Thrones Tour: If you are into the Game of Thrones, many tourists rave about this tour. Fans of the series can take a guided tour to see filming locations and learn behind-the-scenes details.

Greece (10 Nights)

You can spend weeks/months/years exploring the greek islands. While not the most popular islands (sorry Santorini and Mykonos, you get to sit this one out) Naxos, Paros and Milos are just as amazing if not … MORE! In these 10 nights we get to spend the perfect amount of time in each island to make up an amazing 10 days in Greece.

Naxos (2 Nights)

Hotel

Naxos Rhyton: We stayed at Naxos Rhyton hotel and it was absolutely stunning. It is a boutique hotel with the best view of the Temple of Apollo and sunset on the island. It is not a traditional hotel with someone on sight 24/7 (more like an Airbnb) but Petros was awesome and is there to help you anytime. I will say that the bed was a little hard and the room was freezing cold butttt for its prime location and view I would stay here again.

Food

• Taverna Naxos: We had dinner here on our first night and wow. Not only is it beautiful but the food is delicious, traditional greek cuisine. We didn’t make reservations it was pretty easy to get a table. You won’t be disappointed.
• Naxos Apothecary: We stopped at here while waiting for our ferry on our last day. It was a great little lunch spot but also is an apothecary! I bought myself a perfume, they also had a variety of candles, soaps and scents. Really loved this place in Naxos right on the port and below our hotel.
• Apostolis: This place has a lot of hype but not the rest review. We didn’t get to try it while we were in Naxos but the salad bread bowl looks fabulous, I would stop to try it while in Naxos if you have time 🙂
• To Elliniko Restaurant: Another locally loved place in Naxos. To be honest it wasn’t our favorite place we had dinner but it was still really good. We made a reservation for this restaurant months in advance but honestly probably didn’t need them as they were taking walk ins.
• Delfinaki: Another option for traditional greek cuisine with beautiful views.

Activities

• Apollo: The Temple of Apollo in Naxos, featuring the iconic Portara, is a stunning ancient ruin that makes Naxos instantly recognizable, offering spectacular views of the port and an amazing spot to watch the sunset.
• Plaka beach: Plaka Beach in Naxos is a breathtaking stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxation and water sports. We paid 20 euro for 2 chairs for the whole day. I wish I remembered the name but the chairs with crochet umbrellas. Amazing drinks, amazing service and cheap!
• Agios Prokopios: This beach was also nice but if you only have time for one beach I would choose plaka beach. A little bit more pricey over here (30 euro for chairs) but still worth visiting.
• Demeter Temple: The Temple of Demeter in Naxos is a fascinating ancient site known for its beautiful classical architecture. If you have a car this is a perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Paros (3 Nights)

Paros is truly a gem in the Cyclades. Picturesque villages with whitewashed houses and narrow cobblestone streets, particularly in the enchanting town of Naoussa. Paros offers a perfect mix of serenity and excitement, making it a must-visit destination in Greece. We had so much fun getting lost on the streets of Nauossa and eating some of the best greek food I’ve ever had in my life.

Hotel

Cove: We stayed 3 nights at Cove in Paros. This hotel absolutely exceeded my expectations. The sea views from our room were stunning. The pool and hotel amenities were incredible (the breakfast was my fave part). The location is a short 15-20 minute walk into Naoussa so it was prime but also not in the busy hustle and bustle.

Food

• Barbarossa: Perhaps one of the most well known restaurants in Naoussa is Barbarossa. Highly recommend making reservations (ask your hotel for help, I tried making reservations on my own and was pretty much ignored). The food is ok but for the views and location it could be a great spot for a night cap.
• Sigi Ikthios: We had dinner here on our second night and the service was top notch! With amazing views of the sea and amazing seafood definitely a top pick for dinner. Make reservation in advance 🙂
• Taverna Glafkos: Another amazing pick for dinner. The staff was so welcoming and friendly and of course the food was excellent. If you google Paros images of the views from this resturant will show, absolutely stunning. They do not take reservations so plan to get there and wait about 30 minutes.
• Fotis Art Cafe: Right next door to Taverna Glafkos is this cute cafe, perfect for lunch or drinks with the same beautiful sea views.
• Yemeni Tavera: Wine resturant in the heart of Naoussa town, great option for dinner.
• Christo Gastro Bar: Another option for drinks with seaside views
• Alexandros cafe: In Parikia this windmill bar is perfect for after dinner drinks and a beautiful sunset. I was surprised that not many people were here, it is a prime spot for the sunset and a chance to be inside a windmill.
• Markakis Restaurant – Piso Livadi Paros: Another option for a great dining experience in Naoussa with traditional Greek food
• DIONYSOS Garden Restaurant: a beautiful garden setting and a menu inspired by traditional Greek cuisine. Known for its fresh, local ingredients and elegant presentation.

Activities

• Naoussa Old Town: You can spend hours getting lost in the streets of Naoussa. The food, the sea, and of course shopping!! So many cute boutiques, bars and cafes Naoussa is definitely one of my favorite villages in Greece.
• Marpissa: I highly recommend getting car or ATV and driving to some of the smaller villages like Marpissa. On the east side of the island with beautiful white buildings and the famous pink and white building.
• Lefkes: Stunning small village worth stopping for pictures and more beautiful scenery.
• Parikia: The capital of Paros and your first stop if you came in by ferry. Not too much to see and do here but worth visiting for Alexandros cafe mentioned above 🙂
• Santa Maria Beach: Known for its golden sands, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant atmosphere. Perfect for both relaxation and water sports, it offers beach bars, sunbeds, and opportunities for activities like windsurfing and snorkeling. This beach is ideal for a fun and lively day by the sea. We paid 50 euro for two beach chairs, and the service wasn’t the best.. Pretty beach but I deff liked the beaches in Naxos & Milos better.
• Antiparos: If you have time, take a short ferry to this small secluded island. I wish we added this into one of our days when we were here.

Milos (3 Nights)

Milos is every sea and beach lovers dream. With some of the clearest water I’ve ever laid my eyes and over 70 beaches, each with its own distinct beauty, from the surreal white rock formations of Sarakiniko to the colorful cliffs of Firiplaka. Get lost in the fishing villages and fill your belly with some of the best food and scenery Greece has to offer. If you’re looking for the typical cobbled stone white houses in Greece, Milos might not be the stop for you but definitely worth coming to for the unique stunning beaches.

Hotel

Domes White Coast Milos: A small luxury hotel of the world, Domes White Coast features private pools, exquisite dining, and breath taking views. This hotel provides a serene and upscale retreat for travelers seeking both comfort and sophistication on the beautiful island of Milos. My personal stay at this hotel was ok. They definitely seem a little bit busy, the service wasn’t all that great. Not sure if I would return to this hotel but I have to say the property and rooms were out outstanding!

Food

• Medusa: All the rage on social media when you look up coming to Milos. We had a great dinner here with authentic greek food. They do not take reservations for be prepared to wait for about an hour to be seated. It is near a beautiful fishing village perfect for photos. Also stop by the food truck next to Medusa while you are waiting, I had an amazing mojito!!
• Nostos: We had an amazing dinner here on our second night. The quinoa salad and fried shrimps were delicious! I made reservations but they accept walk ins too.
• O! Hamos!: We tried to get into this resturant but the wait times were crazy. If you really want to eat here come early!
• Yialos Restaurant: Nestled by the water, it offers breathtaking sea views and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Locally sourced dishes while enjoying the stunning coastal scenery, making it an ideal spot for a memorable dining experience.

Activities

• Plaka: Another beautiful greek village. We came to here see the Plaka castle but unfortunately it was closed when we were there July 2024, hopefully it opens back up soon.
• Sarakiniko Beach: The famous Milos Moon beach. One of the coolest beaches I’ve ever been to. Lots of people coming here to cliff jump and enjoy the sea. I will say there is absolutely no shade at this beach. Come in the early morning, evening or make sure to bring an umbrella. We stayed only for about 20 minutes to check it out and the July heat was unbearable.
• Boat Day: I highly recommend doing a boat day or at least half day. Many of Milos beaches are only accessible by boat. I am not the biggest fan of swimming in the sea or ocean but this is the clearest water I’ve ever seen in my life. We used Poseidon boat rental for a half day tour (2pm-7pm, they also have a morning tour). Our tour guide was absolutely amazing, she was so informative and tailored the tour around what we wanted to see.

Athens Riviera (2 Nights)

To close out our journey, we spent two nights in the Athens Riviera. We ventured around central Athens years ago and wanted something slower space to end our crazy vacation. The Athens Rivera has so many new and emerging hotels, shops and things to do, it will definitely catch more tourist attention in the next 5 years.

Hotel

We stayed at the Margi Hotel and it exceeded all my expectations. The decor and vibes of this place were sophisticated and warm. It was the perfect way to unwind for our last 2 nights in Greece.

Food

• Blue Fish: We finished our last night with dinner at Blue Fish. A beautiful seaside restaurant with local dishes specializing in fish and seafood. We ended our last dinner on a great note at Blue Fish.
• Moorings: Located in Vouliagmeni Marina, Moorings offers a delightful dining experience with beautiful marina views. The menu includes a variety of Mediterranean dishes, from fresh seafood to gourmet salads and pastas.

Activities

• Lake Vouliagmeni : This was a really cool experience in the Athens Rivera. Lake Vouliagmeni is a stunning natural thermal spa lake located near Athens, Greece. Nestled among dramatic cliffs, the lake’s warm, mineral-rich waters are known for their therapeutic properties. Surrounded by lush greenery and small fishes in the water (fish pedicure lol) , it’s a perfect spot for relaxation, swimming, and enjoying the serene, picturesque environment. I recommend if you want unobstructed views of the lake to make reservations for their seating ranging from 40-110 euro.
• Astir Marina: If luxury shopping is on your list of things to do before leaving the EU Astir Marina has you covered. There are a ton of shops to choose from (LV, Dior, etc). It was also really fun to look at all the insane yachts parked up in the marina (~manifesting~ lol)
• Astir Beach: A premium beach experience with top-notch amenities. Visitors can enjoy comfortable sunbeds, beachside service, fine dining, and a range of water sports. The elegant and exclusive atmosphere makes Astir Beach a favorite destination for those seeking relaxation and luxury by the sea.

Final Thoughts

We packed so much into 17 nights across Croatia and Greece. You can absolutely take this itinerary and put your own spin on it. Everyone always wants to know which place was my favorite, and with this itinerary it is so hard to choose butttt Hvar, Naxos and Paros were unmatched in my eyes. I hope you found something in this ternary that you can take with you on your next adventure to Croatia and or Greece. Until next time <3 If you want to do a deeper dive into the islands of Greece here is my blog post on a Greece specific itinerary.