This 7-day itinerary is perfect for travelers looking to explore the best beaches in Europe, covering destinations in Greece, Croatia, and Spain. You’ll see stunning coastlines, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant beach towns. Honestly, 7 days is just enough to get a taste of each spot, but you’ll likely want to return for more.
Before You Go: Key Logistics
The best entry airport for this itinerary is Athens International Airport (ATH) in Greece. We recommend staying in the neighborhood of Monastiraki, which offers a great balance of affordability and proximity to the city center. Be sure to book your accommodations and ferries in advance, at least 3 months ahead of your trip. US and EU citizens do not need a visa to enter these countries.
Day 1: Mykonos Beaches
Morning
Head to Paradise Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Mykonos, open from 10am to 8pm, with an entry cost of 10€ (approximately $11 USD). Travel time from the city center is about 30 minutes by bus. Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot.
For breakfast, try Avra Restaurant, ordering their signature Greek omelette for 8€ ($9 USD).
Afternoon
Visit Ornos Beach, a more secluded spot, open from 10am to 8pm, with an entry cost of 5€ (approximately $5.50 USD). Travel time from Paradise Beach is about 20 minutes by taxi. Tip: Don’t miss the stunning views from the top of the hill.
For lunch, head to Kapari Wine Restaurant, ordering their grilled octopus for 15€ ($16.50 USD).
Evening
Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Mykonos Town, starting at 10pm, with no entry cost. Travel time from Ornos Beach is about 30 minutes by bus. Tip: Explore the narrow streets and discover hidden gems.
For dinner, try M-eating, ordering their seafood risotto for 20€ ($22 USD).
Day 2: Mykonos Town
Morning
Explore the colorful streets of Mykonos Town, visiting the famous Paraportiani Church, open from 9am to 1pm, with no entry cost. Travel time from the beach is about 30 minutes by bus. Tip: Get lost in the narrow alleys and take plenty of photos.
For breakfast, try Café Central, ordering their traditional Greek coffee for 3€ ($3.30 USD).
Afternoon
Visit the Mykonos Folklore Museum, open from 10am to 2pm, with an entry cost of 4€ (approximately $4.40 USD). Travel time from the church is about 10 minutes by foot. Tip: Learn about the island’s rich history and culture.
For lunch, head to Ta Kalamia, ordering their moussaka for 12€ ($13.20 USD).
Evening
Enjoy the sunset at the famous windmills of Mykonos, starting at 7pm, with no entry cost. Travel time from the museum is about 20 minutes by foot. Tip: Find a spot with a great view and relax.
For dinner, try Katrin Restaurant, ordering their grilled steak for 25€ ($27.50 USD).
Day 3: Hvar Island, Croatia
Morning
Take a ferry from Mykonos to Hvar Island, departing at 8am, with a cost of 50€ (approximately $55 USD). Travel time is about 5 hours. Tip: Book your ferry tickets in advance to secure a spot.
For breakfast, try Buffet Restaurant, ordering their buffet for 15€ ($16.50 USD).
Afternoon
Explore the historic town of Hvar, visiting the Hvar Fortress, open from 10am to 5pm, with an entry cost of 25kn (approximately $3.70 USD). Travel time from the port is about 10 minutes by foot. Tip: Walk along the old city walls and enjoy the views.
For lunch, head to Gariful Restaurant, ordering their seafood platter for 200kn ($29.50 USD).
Evening
Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Hvar Town, starting at 10pm, with no entry cost. Travel time from the fortress is about 10 minutes by foot. Tip: Explore the many bars and clubs.
For dinner, try Palmižana Restaurant, ordering their grilled fish for 150kn ($22 USD).
Day 4: Hvar Beaches
Morning
Head to Zavala Beach, a secluded spot, open from 10am to 6pm, with an entry cost of 20kn (approximately $2.90 USD). Travel time from Hvar Town is about 30 minutes by taxi. Tip: Relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
For breakfast, try Zavala Beach Bar, ordering their breakfast plate for 50kn ($7.30 USD).
Afternoon
Visit Palmižana Beach, a popular spot, open from 10am to 6pm, with an entry cost of 50kn (approximately $7.30 USD). Travel time from Zavala Beach is about 20 minutes by taxi. Tip: Don’t miss the stunning views of the surrounding islands.
For lunch, head to Meneghello Restaurant, ordering their pasta for 100kn ($14.50 USD).
Evening
Enjoy the sunset at the beach, starting at 7pm, with no entry cost. Travel time from the restaurant is about 10 minutes by foot. Tip: Find a spot with a great view and relax.
For dinner, try Dvor Restaurant, ordering their grilled meat for 120kn ($17.50 USD).
Day 5: Ibiza, Spain
Morning
Take a flight from Hvar to Ibiza, departing at 8am, with a cost of 100€ (approximately $110 USD). Travel time is about 2 hours. Tip: Book your flight tickets in advance to secure a spot.
For breakfast, try Café Mambo, ordering their breakfast plate for 10€ ($11 USD).
Afternoon
Explore the historic town of Ibiza, visiting the Ibiza Cathedral, open from 10am to 2pm, with no entry cost. Travel time from the airport is about 30 minutes by taxi. Tip: Walk along the old city walls and enjoy the views.
For lunch, head to El Olivo Restaurant, ordering their paella for 20€ ($22 USD).
Evening
Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Ibiza Town, starting at 10pm, with no entry cost. Travel time from the cathedral is about 20 minutes by foot. Tip: Explore the many bars and clubs.
For dinner, try Es Racó d’es Teix Restaurant, ordering their grilled fish for 30€ ($33 USD).
Day 6: Ibiza Beaches
Morning
Head to Talamanca Beach, a popular spot, open from 10am to 6pm, with no entry cost. Travel time from Ibiza Town is about 30 minutes by bus. Tip: Relax and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
For breakfast, try Talamanca Beach Bar, ordering their breakfast plate for 10€ ($11 USD).
Afternoon
Visit Cala Comte Beach, a secluded spot, open from 10am to 6pm, with an entry cost of 5€ (approximately $5.50 USD). Travel time from Talamanca Beach is about 20 minutes by taxi. Tip: Don’t miss the stunning views of the surrounding islands.
For lunch, head to Cala Comte Restaurant, ordering their seafood platter for 25€ ($27.50 USD).
Evening
Enjoy the sunset at the beach, starting at 7pm, with no entry cost. Travel time from the restaurant is about 10 minutes by foot. Tip: Find a spot with a great view and relax.
For dinner, try Amante Restaurant, ordering their grilled meat for 30€ ($33 USD).
Day 7: Ibiza Town
Morning
Explore the historic town of Ibiza, visiting the Ibiza Museum, open from 10am to 2pm, with an entry cost of 2€ (approximately $2.20 USD). Travel time from the beach is about 30 minutes by bus. Tip: Learn about the island’s rich history and culture.
For breakfast, try Café Montesión, ordering their breakfast plate for 8€ ($8.80 USD).
Afternoon
Visit the Ibiza Market, open from 10am to 2pm, with no entry cost. Travel time from the museum is about 10 minutes by foot. Tip: Explore the many stalls and find unique souvenirs.
For lunch, head to La Brisa Restaurant, ordering their paella for 20€ ($22 USD).
Evening
Enjoy the farewell dinner at a traditional Ibiza restaurant, starting at 8pm, with a cost of 30€ ($33 USD). Travel time from the market is about 20 minutes by foot. Tip: Try the local cuisine and wines.
For dinner, try Es Boldado Restaurant, ordering their grilled fish for 35€ ($38.50 USD).
Getting Around: Practical Transport Guide
The best way to get around the islands is by ferry or taxi. Ferry tickets can be booked in advance through websites like Greek Ferries or Jadrolinija. Taxi fares are approximately 10-20€ ($11-22 USD) for a 10-15 minute ride. You can also use ride-hailing apps like MyTaxi or Bolt.
Budget Breakdown Table
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation/night | 30€ ($33 USD) | 60€ ($66 USD) | 150€ ($165 USD) |
| Food/day | 20€ ($22 USD) | 40€ ($44 USD) | 80€ ($88 USD) |
| Transport/day | 10€ ($11 USD) | 20€ ($22 USD) | 50€ ($55 USD) |
| Activities/day | 10€ ($11 USD) | 20€ ($22 USD) | 50€ ($55 USD) |
| TOTAL/day | 70€ ($77 USD) | 140€ ($154 USD) | 330€ ($363 USD) |
Packing & Timing Tips
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Dress code: Pack light and comfortable clothing, as well as a jacket for cooler evenings.
- SIM card: Purchase a local SIM card for data and calls.
- Power adapters: Bring a universal power adapter for charging your devices.
- Physical demands: Be prepared for walking and hiking on uneven terrain.
- Best time: The best time to visit the islands is from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny.
- Language: While many locals speak English, it’s still a good idea to learn some basic phrases in Greek, Croatian, and Spanish.
Pro Tip: Book your accommodations and ferry tickets well in advance to avoid high prices and availability issues.
Pro Tip: Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself against unexpected medical or travel-related expenses.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to try the local cuisine and drinks, such as Greek ouzo, Croatian rakia, and Spanish sangria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 days enough to explore the best beaches in Europe?
While 7 days is a good amount of time to get a taste of each destination, you may want to consider adding more days to your itinerary to fully explore each island.
What is the best time to visit the islands?
The best time to visit the islands is from June to September, when the weather is warm and sunny.
How do I get around the islands?
The best way to get around the islands is by ferry or taxi, which can be booked in advance or on the spot.
What should I pack for the trip?
Be sure to pack light and comfortable clothing, as well as a jacket for cooler evenings, a universal power adapter, and a local SIM card for data and calls.
Customize Your Europe Beach Itinerary
For a more personalized experience, try using Destinexa’s free AI trip planner to create a customized itinerary based on your interests and preferences. You can also use our AI trip planner to book your accommodations and ferry tickets, and to get recommendations for the best restaurants and activities.