Greece vs. Croatia

Greek chic Head to Santorini for views over the caldera to the glistening Aegean sea; (below) admire ancient ruins in Delos

Greece and Croatia boast thousands of islands – some large, some small – scattered among the brilliantly blue waters of the Adriatic and Aegean. No matter which you choose, you’ll find sunny skies, an abundance of dusty olive groves and family vineyards making hard-to-find wines. With such choice, it can be hard to decide where to go, so Laura and Stefany offer an overview to help you narrow down your options. GREEK ISLANDS By Laura Plansky

Each of Greece’s 6,000 islands boasts a distinctive personality and culture. Though you can’t visit them all in just one trip, here are a few of my favorites.

With whitewashed houses and sunset views over a sea-filled caldera, Santorini is probably the most photogenic Greek island. It’s certainly the most photographed. Glitterati flock here, drawn to the towns of Fira and Oia, which cling to the cliff overlooking the caldera. For something different, I’d suggest a tour of Akrotiri, instead. Once a Minoan settlement, Akrotiri was buried in the eruption that created the Both countries offer varied rugged islands, vast ancient history, cheerful GREECE vs island’s caldera. Now it’s an archeological site that uncovers the Bronze Age society that once thrived here.

Neighboring Mykonos is similar to Santorini with its sugar-cube houses and glamorous visitors, but it’s also the launch pad to one of ancient Greece’s most sacred sites. Delos was once a prospering city and holy sanctuary, and archeologists have unearthed many of its mansions, temples, and statues. You can visit on your own, or take a private guide to help decipher the ruins. Milos is much less visited than its better-known brethren, even though it offers dozens of beaches. I enjoy Sarakiniko – a playground of wave-sculpted white stone curves and arches – but I also like Papikinou’s soft sands and Tsigrado’s sea caves. Many beaches are difficult to reach by land, so take a private sailboat tour, and your captain will anchor in a turquoise cove, from where you can swim or admire the view from on deck.

Closer to the mainland, Hydra is easier to access via a 90-minute ferry ride from Athens. Wheeled vehicles are forbidden (except for the garbage truck), and for heavy loads, the local residents use donkeys. With its indolent atmosphere, it’s a great place to unwind from your hectic island-hopping schedule. Get me there ∞ A 10-day tailor-made trip to Greece’s islands, including Santorini, Milos, Hydra and Athens, starts from $6,445pp. For more information, contact our Greece specialists on 1-855-800-7321.

CROATIAN ISLANDS By Stefany Jevtić

There are more than 1,200 Croatian islands strewn along the country’s coast. No matter which you choose, I suggest starting with a guided tour and then spending your time exploring on your own: wander through small towns, kayak on the Adriatic, cycle past olive groves, or visit vineyards to discover wines you can’t sample in the States. Just a 90-minute ferry ride from Split, Hvar is a sunny island that’s become a magnet for yacht owners, who come to dock in glitzy Hvar town. Though it’s fairly small, the town boasts a wealth of elegant eateries, swanky hotels, and a riotous nightlife.

If that doesn’t appeal, head to Stari Grad on the north coast. This laid-back settlement is almost the polar opposite of its swanky southern counterpart, with low, boxy buildings crowded together in a warren of narrow streets. Just outside the town you’ll find the Stari Grad Plains, a UNESCO-listed site thanks to its 2,400-year-old agricultural system made from dry-laid stone enclosures. A little south of Hvar, Korčula is covered in gentle hills and lush vineyards growing local grapes that are practically unknown outside of Croatia. On a visit to one of the many family-run vineyards, you can sample white wines made from two indigenous

Life’s a beach Find sand-like pebbles at Zlatni Rat beach; (below) admire the beauty of Korčula’s old town

grapes: Pošip, which creates full-bodied whites, and grk, a variety that produces a dry white with hints of melons and herbs. At the eastern tip of the island, Korčula’s old town is surrounded by 15th-century fortifications built to fend off pirates. Within the ramparts, you’ll find streets lined with Gothic and Renaissance architecture, remnants of the era when the island was protected by the Venetian Republic.

Brač is largely overlooked by international visitors, but it’s a popular holiday destination for Croatians. That’s at least in part because it’s home to Zlatni Rat, one of the country’s most popular beaches, thanks to its small, well-rounded pebbles which almost feel like sand (something you won’t find in Croatia). The beach is located in the resort town of Bol, where locals usually stay when they visit. Stay at Sutivan, instead, which is largely untouched by tourism and makes a great base for exploring. You can kayak clear waters, take a guided bike tour, hike through forested highlands, and visit wineries and olive groves. Just a 30-minute catamaran ride from Split, Šolta is rarely visited, even by locals. There are just a few guesthouses and fewer hotels. I suggest exploring the busy waterfront or taking out a kayak to admire the scenery. You can also find a quiet stretch of pebble beach and enjoy the sea views in glorious solitude.

Get me there ∞ A 10-day tailor-made trip to Croatia’s islands, including tours on Hvar and Korčula, starts from $6,800pp. For more information, contact our Croatia specialists on 1-855-558-8530.