If you’re looking for the perfect summer get away, you can’t go wrong with a 10-day trip to Greece and Croatia. This trip is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in culture, learn about history and experience some of the world’s most beautiful scenery.
With so many amazing things to see and do it can be hard to know what to pick, to help you out we’ve put together a 10-day itinerary of the must visit spots in Greece and Croatia.
Pre-Travel Information
It can be hard working out all the small details needed when travelling overseas. Here’s a quick list of all the essential things you need to know before heading to Greece and Croatia.
Do I need a Visa to travel to Greece or Croatia?
US Passport holders do not need a Visa; however, it is recommended that you have 6 months remaining on your passport when you enter the country.
When is the best time to travel?
The best time to visit Greece and Croatia is between April and November. This will ensure you have plenty of sunny summer weather and can enjoy all the outdoor activities that these amazing countries have to offer. It’s important to keep in mind that the hottest months are July and August, in case you’re trying to avoid the peak of summer.
How do I get around?
Flights are available from the US to Greece and Croatia. Once you are there you can rent ATVS, cars or walk to get around throughout your stay. You can travel by boat or plane from island to island.
Where should I stay?
There are plenty of options for places to stay no matter what your budget is. Greece and Croatia have some incredible resorts, if you’re looking for a fancy getaway, as well as some incredible Airbnb’s and hostels which can be a great way to meet other travelers.
Day 1
Athens is the perfect place to start your trip, you’ll have the chance to learn about Greek history through some of the world’s most incredible landmarks.
The Acropolis
A visit to the Acropolis a must when visiting Athens, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this beautiful structure has been standing since the 5th Century BC, and within in it is the Parthenon that was built in honor of the Goddess Athena. This Acropolis is built on a high rock structure, so not only will you be given an insight into Ancient Greek architecture and religion, you will also have an amazing view of the entire city of Athens. Tickets can be purchased on site, however if you’re looking to skip the queues several sites such as TripAdvisor offer online ticket purchases for $14.74. If you’re left wanting more after your visit to the acropolis you can walk next door to the Acropolis museum to find out more about the site.
Monastiraki
After a busy morning at the Acropolis, walking over to Monastiraki is the best way to spend your afternoon or evening. Monastiraki gives you the chance to see both historical ruins and experience life in modern Athens. Near the towns center you can see the ruins of Agios Eleftherios, which was built as a church during the Byzantine Empire. The church itself was constructed from materials from the ancient ruins of Athens. If you visit on a Sunday the towns square will be buzzing with activity from the markets, which is a great opportunity to purchase something to remember your visit. When your day is wrapping up, you’ll be able to find some great restaurants and cafes to stop at for dinner before heading back to your accommodation.
Day 2
After a day of sightseeing in Athens you’ll be ready to travel to the beautiful island of Santorini, which you can get to by either ferry or a short flight.
Jet Ski Tour
The moment you set foot on Santorini you’ll be dying to explore the incredibly blue ocean, and there’s no better way to do this than a jet ski tour. When booking a tour there are two options, the Volcano Tour and the South Coast Tour. All the tours start and finish at Perivolos which is an easy 20-minute bus ride from town. The South Coast tour gives you the opportunity to explore beaches along the coast that are less busy, whilst on the Volcano tour you do this as well as visiting the islands volcano. These tours can be booked online in advanced through Wavesports so you’re ready to go as soon as you get to Santorini!
Open Air Cinema Kamari
After a busy day exploring there’s no better way to wind down than an evening at the open-air cinema. The cinema gives you the chance to relax and watch a movie whilst still enjoying the beautiful Santorini weather. The cinema has a bar, and also serves traditional Greek food making it a perfect way to immerse yourself in the culture. Midway through the movie there is even an intermission to give you the chance to go back for seconds. This is the perfect way to end an action-packed day.
Day 3
With so much to explore, you’re going to want to spend an extra day in Santorini.
Fira to Oia Hike
There’s no better way to start off your second day than a hike along the beautiful coast of Santorini. The hike takes around 3 hours and will lead you through multiple villages, giving you the chance to explore a lot of the island. The beautiful houses are colorful and overlook the ocean giving you a view that will make you feel like you’re in a movie. If you get hot there are multiple spots along the trail where you can jump in for a quick swim to cool off. Once you reach the town of Oia you’ll find plenty of options to stop for lunch before continuing your day.
Red Beach
A visit to Red Beach is the perfect way to wrap up your time in Santorini. This has become one of the islands most famous beaches because of the incredible color of the rock formations surrounding it. Before you head down the trail make sure to fill your water bottle as there are no supplies on the beach itself. After relaxing on the beach for a few hours and admiring the beautiful scenery, you may want to stop at Akrotiri on your way home. This is a small town destroyed by a volcano, where you can see some incredibly interesting artifacts. Red beach is the perfect way to wrap up another day of exploring.
Day 4
After a few quiet and relaxing days in Santorini, you’ll be ready to go to the vibrant island of Mykonos, which is again a short flight or boat ride from Santorini.
Mykonos Town
Exploring the town is the perfect way to start off your time in Mykonos. The town has been preserved incredibly, filled with white houses, colorful windows and doors and narrow streets. There are many boutique stores and cafes for you to look in whilst you admire the beauty of the buildings near the ocean. You can also stop by Little Venice, where you’ll see a series of houses overlooking the ocean that you can admire whilst eating at one of the many cafes.
Mykonos Windmills
Finish off your day by spending the afternoon at the Mykonos Windmills. They have become one of the most well-known structures in Mykonos and can be seen from many places on the island. They operated in the 17th century, and of the original 16, 7 remain standing in almost perfect condition. This is a great spot to spend the afternoon or watch the sunset on your first night in Mykonos.
Day 5
After having the opportunity to explore the town of Mykonos, you will be ready for a day at the beach.
Paradise Beach
If you’re looking to have a few drinks on an incredible beach and soak up the sun, Paradise Beach is the perfect spot. It has become known as a great spot to have a drink by the ocean, go for a swim and meet people before going to one of the nearby clubs for a night out. Part of the beach is a nude beach whilst half is not. The water is crystal clear and incredibly blue making you want to dive in as soon as you get there and you have a pick of deck chairs to lay out in a sunny spot and tan by the ocean.
Tropicana
After a few drinks on the beach, you can continue your afternoon well into the night at the Tropicana beach club. Located on Paradise Beach this has become one of Mykonos’ most well known bars. It’s a great spot to meet other travelers and enjoy some drinks whilst dancing to music. They’re also known for their incredible drinks that are inside of a watermelon, made for you and your friends to share. For anyone visiting Mykonos, Tropicana is the perfect place to experience the nightlife.
Day 6
After an action-packed time in Greece, you’re ready to experience more incredible landmarks and natural beauty in Split Croatia in a flight that is just under 6 hours.
Old Split
After hopping off your flight, exploring Old Split will give you a great insight to the history of Croatia. The old brick buildings are an amazing site to see, and there are many small cafes and stores for you to check out as you wander around. Within the old town there is also the Palace of Diocletian, which is a cathedral that has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s no better way to start off your time in Split than learning about how the city first came to be, and the old town is the perfect way to do so.
Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar
After a day of travel and a few hours wandering around the old town, Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar is the perfect spot to stop for a drink and a bite to eat before heading back to your accommodation. This bar was the birthplace of Marvlvs, who was a famous Croatian writer, and has recently become known for being a filming location in Game of Thrones. Bookshelves line the walls behind the bars and the dim lighting will make you feel like you’re in a whole different time. You can’t leave the old town without a quick visit to this spot.
Day 7
After a day of exploring the town of Split, visiting one of their world-famous national parks is a must.
Krka National Park
Located an hour out of Split, Krka National Park is a site that you have to allow an entire day to visit, and you can be sure every moment will be worth it. Many bus tours run trips to Krka, or if you are renting a car you can drive there yourself. The national park is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna, and the Krka river runs through it. At its mouth it splits into multiple waterfalls that feed into a lake that is the perfect spot to relax and have a swim. This is one of the most beautiful locations in Croatia and there is no better place to spend a warm summer day. Tickets can be purchased in person upon entry, or on the Parks of Croatia website.
Day 8
After two amazing days in Split, it’s time to take a quick 45-minute flight to Dubrovnik for the final days of your adventure.
Cable Car Ride
There’s no better way to start off your time in Dubrovnik than to see it from a cable car that overlooks the entire city. The car takes you to the peak of Srđ Mountain, which is the highest point in the city, as you descend you will have a breathtaking view of the old town and the beautiful structures within it, as well as the surrounding islands. This is the perfect way to get a sense of the city before you start exploring.
City Walls
walls. The walls that surround the city are 1.94km long and perfect for an afternoon walk. Built in the 9th century to fence off the city, and modified over time, the walls stand tall and walking along them gives you an incredible view of the town. You can take a self-guided tour, but multiple tours are offered, including a Game of Thrones tour for any fans who want to learn more about the filming of the show.
Day 9
After a day of exploring the town, it’s time to venture out to the blue cave, an incredible natural structure near Dubrovnik.
Blue Cave
A visit to the blue cave is a full day adventure that you can’t miss out on. You can get there by ferry from Dubrovnik, and several tours are also offered, some which include hotel pickup. This natural wonder used to only be accessible by diving, however in recent years an entrance has been built and upon arrival a small wooden boat will take you into the cave. The crystal-clear water illuminates a blue light all through the cave, which is so stunning it will take your breath away. Only small groups can enter at a time, meaning you will have room to swim around, explore and admire the incredible marine life that this site has to offer.
Day 10
There’s no better way to spend your final hours before you fly home than enjoying the towns markets.
Old Town Markets
The Dubrovnik Old Town markets are a great way to see the town itself, whilst gaining a sense of life in Dubrovnik. The markets are located amongst old buildings where you can stop and admire the architecture. All the produce comes from locals, and they sell fresh produce, jams, scents and more. It also gives you a chance to interact with people who live in the town. You can wander through, make purchases and then find a spot in the town to sit down and eat, whilst reflecting on your incredible 10-day trip.