This 7-day itinerary suits travelers looking for a relaxing beach vacation in Europe, visiting top destinations like Greece, Croatia, and Spain. You’ll see stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming coastal towns. Honestly, 7 days is just enough to get a taste of these incredible destinations.
Before You Go: Key Logistics
The best entry airport is Athens International Airport in Greece, with flights connecting to other European destinations. We recommend staying in the neighborhoods of Monastiraki or Plaka in Athens, for their central location and traditional Greek atmosphere. Book your accommodations and flights at least 3 months in advance to avoid high prices. US and EU citizens do not need a visa to enter Greece, but it’s always a good idea to check the latest requirements before traveling.
Day 1: Athens and the Greek Islands
Morning
Visit the Acropolis of Athens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, open from 8am to 7pm, with an entry cost of 20€ (approximately $22 USD). Take a 10-minute walk to the nearby Monastiraki Flea Market, a great place to find souvenirs and try traditional Greek street food. For breakfast, head to Cafe Avyssinia and order the Greek omelette, priced around 8-10€ ($9-11 USD).
Afternoon
Take a ferry to the island of Mykonos, a 2-hour journey, and explore the vibrant waterfront, Little Venice, and the famous windmills. For lunch, go to Kapari Wine Restaurant and try their seafood risotto, priced around 20-25€ ($22-28 USD).
Evening
Enjoy the sunset at the beach of Ornos, and then head to Mykonos Town for dinner and a night out. Try the traditional Greek dish, moussaka, at Taverna Katrin, priced around 15-20€ ($17-22 USD).
Day 2: Mykonos
Morning
Visit the ancient ruins of Delos, a 30-minute ferry ride from Mykonos, open from 8am to 3pm, with an entry cost of 12€ (approximately $14 USD). Take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of the site. For breakfast, head to Delos Cafe and order the Greek yogurt with honey, priced around 5-7€ ($6-8 USD).
Afternoon
Relax on the beach of Paradise, known for its clear waters and lively atmosphere. For lunch, go to Paradise Beach Restaurant and try their grilled octopus, priced around 15-20€ ($17-22 USD).
Evening
Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Mykonos Town, with many bars and clubs to choose from. Try the cocktails at Super Paradise Beach Club, priced around 10-15€ ($11-17 USD).
Day 3: Croatia
Morning
Take a flight from Mykonos to Split, Croatia, a 1.5-hour journey. Visit the Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, open from 8am to 8pm, with an entry cost of 40 HRK (approximately $6 USD). Explore the narrow streets and alleys of the palace, and visit the Cathedral of Saint Domnius. For breakfast, head to Cafe Central and order the Croatian coffee, priced around 10-15 HRK ($1.50-2.50 USD).
Afternoon
Take a ferry to the island of Hvar, a 2-hour journey, and explore the charming town, with its beautiful beaches and lush greenery. For lunch, go to Hvar Restaurant and try their seafood platter, priced around 150-200 HRK ($22-30 USD).
Evening
Enjoy the sunset at the beach of Palmižana, and then head to Hvar Town for dinner. Try the traditional Croatian dish, peka, at Konoba Meneghello, priced around 100-150 HRK ($15-22 USD).
Day 4: Hvar
Morning
Visit the Hvar Fortress, open from 8am to 8pm, with an entry cost of 25 HRK (approximately $4 USD). Take in the stunning views of the town and the surrounding islands. For breakfast, head to Cafe Hvar and order the Croatian pastry, priced around 10-15 HRK ($1.50-2.50 USD).
Afternoon
Relax on the beach of Zavala, known for its clear waters and peaceful atmosphere. For lunch, go to Zavala Restaurant and try their grilled fish, priced around 100-150 HRK ($15-22 USD).
Evening
Enjoy the evening in Hvar Town, with many restaurants and bars to choose from. Try the cocktails at Hvar Beach Bar, priced around 20-30 HRK ($3-4.50 USD).
Day 5: Spain
Morning
Take a flight from Split to Barcelona, Spain, a 2-hour journey. Visit the Sagrada Familia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, open from 9am to 8pm, with an entry cost of 26€ (approximately $30 USD). Take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of the site. For breakfast, head to Cafe Sagrada Familia and order the Spanish omelette, priced around 8-10€ ($9-11 USD).
Afternoon
Explore the Gothic Quarter, with its narrow streets and charming squares. For lunch, go to Can Culleretes and try their paella, priced around 20-25€ ($22-28 USD).
Evening
Enjoy the evening in Barcelona, with many restaurants and bars to choose from. Try the tapas at El Xampanyet, priced around 10-15€ ($11-17 USD).
Day 6: Barcelona
Morning
Visit the Park Güell, open from 8am to 9:30pm, with an entry cost of 10€ (approximately $11 USD). Take in the stunning views of the city and the park’s unique architecture. For breakfast, head to Cafe Park Güell and order the Spanish coffee, priced around 5-7€ ($6-8 USD).
Afternoon
Relax on the beach of Barceloneta, known for its clear waters and lively atmosphere. For lunch, go to Can Majó and try their seafood paella, priced around 25-30€ ($28-35 USD).
Evening
Enjoy the sunset at the beach of Nova Icària, and then head to Barceloneta for dinner. Try the traditional Spanish dish, gazpacho, at Cal Pep, priced around 15-20€ ($17-22 USD).
Day 7: Departure
Morning
Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute sights. For breakfast, head to Cafe Granja Viader and order the Spanish hot chocolate, priced around 5-7€ ($6-8 USD).
Afternoon
Take a taxi to the airport, a 20-30 minute journey, depending on traffic. Depart from Barcelona El Prat Airport, with flights connecting to many European destinations.
Getting Around: Practical Transport Guide
The best way to get around Athens is by metro, with a single ticket costing 1.20€ (approximately $1.40 USD). In Mykonos, take a taxi or bus to get to the beaches, with a single ticket costing 2-5€ ($2.20-5.50 USD). In Croatia, take a ferry to get to the islands, with a single ticket costing 20-50 HRK ($3-7.50 USD). In Spain, take the metro or bus to get around Barcelona, with a single ticket costing 2.20-3.20€ ($2.50-3.60 USD).
Budget Breakdown Table
| Category | Accommodation/night | Food/day | Transport/day | Activities/day | TOTAL/day in USD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | 30-50€ ($35-57 USD) | 20-30€ ($22-35 USD) | 10-20€ ($11-22 USD) | 10-20€ ($11-22 USD) | 70-120€ ($80-137 USD) |
| 50-100€ ($57-114 USD) | 30-50€ ($35-57 USD) | 20-30€ ($22-35 USD) | 20-30€ ($22-35 USD) | 120-240€ ($137-274 USD) | |
| Luxury | 100-200€ ($114-228 USD) | 50-100€ ($57-114 USD) | 30-50€ ($35-57 USD) | 30-50€ ($35-57 USD) | 240-400€ ($274-456 USD) |
Packing & Timing Tips
Here are some tips to keep in mind when packing for your trip:
- Bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking and exploring the cities.
- Pack a light jacket for cooler evenings in the spring and fall.
- Bring a power adapter for charging your devices.
- Download the Google Translate app to help with language barriers.
Pro Tip: Consider purchasing a portable Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected during your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 days enough to see all the destinations?
Honestly, 7 days is just enough to get a taste of these incredible destinations, but you may want to consider adding more time to your trip to fully explore each place.
What is the best time to visit these destinations?
The best time to visit these destinations is in the spring and summer, when the weather is warm and sunny.
Do I need a visa to enter these countries?
US and EU citizens do not need a visa to enter Greece, Croatia, or Spain, but it’s always a good idea to check the latest requirements before traveling.
Can I customize my itinerary?
Yes, you can customize your itinerary to fit your interests and travel style. Consider using a travel planning app or consulting with a travel agent to create a personalized itinerary.
Customize Your European Beach Itinerary
Link to Destinexa’s free AI trip planner to create a personalized itinerary for your European beach vacation.