Off the Beaten Path: A Summer Through Greece & Croatia
Having visited popular Greek and Croatian destinations like Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos, I decided to spend a couple of weeks this summer exploring some lesser-known gems with Wanderluxe Destinations.
Our first stop was Costa Navarino, Greece, just a three-hour drive west of Athens in the Kalamata region. This destination is designed for a complete resort experience and was even featured in Christopher Nolan's upcoming film, The Odyssey. Costa Navarino is renowned for its four award-winning golf courses and offers four luxury beachfront resorts, each with its own distinct personality. Guests can enjoy exceptional Mediterranean dining, world-class spas, activity centers, kids' clubs, and breathtaking coastal views. We stayed at The Romanos and W Costa Navarino, and each property offered something unique for different travel styles.
We indulged in local specialties, sampling olives, olive oil, and regional wines. The fresh Greek cuisine was incredible, especially the traditional Greek salad, made without lettuce and topped with locally produced feta cheese.
During our four days in Costa Navarino, we biked to a nearby beach for a refreshing swim, explored the golf facilities and spas, took a cooking class with two wonderful Greek yayas, and enjoyed plenty of time relaxing in the private pools at each resort.
After four nights in Costa Navarino, we traveled to the southern Greek island of Rhodes. Rich in history and tradition, Rhodes sits just off the coast of Turkey, creating a fascinating blend of Greek and Turkish influences. We stayed at the brand-new Amoh Rhodes, which exceeded all of our expectations. The resort was beautifully designed to complement the island's stunning landscape.
In the nearby village of Lindos, we enjoyed a fascinating historical walking tour with a local guide, followed by an authentic rooftop lunch overlooking the sea and the whitewashed town below. Back at the resort, we spent our free time soaking up the sunshine on the pristine beach and swimming in the crystal-clear water.
On our final day in Rhodes, we explored the charming Old Town, enjoying shopping, sightseeing, and a hands-on pottery-making experience. Even after three nights, we weren't ready to leave.
After a short flight back to Athens, I was excited to meet up with my family for an Explora Journeys cruise. This was my fourth sailing with this luxury cruise line, and I can honestly say each voyage has been even better than the last.
Our itinerary included Paros, where we toured Summer Senses Luxury Resort and spent time relaxing at a local beach club. We returned to Rhodes, this time choosing a full-day sailing excursion to explore the island's coastline, hidden caves, and turquoise waters.
Corfu was our next stop and quickly became my favorite old town of the trip. Its charming streets, unique shops, and blend of Venetian and Greek architecture created an unforgettable atmosphere.
As we continued into the Adriatic Sea, we spent a warm summer day on Hvar Island, enjoying spectacular views while sampling local wines and regional specialties. Our final stop before disembarking in Venice was Rijeka, Croatia, the country's northernmost coastal city before Slovenia. From there, we explored the remarkable Predjama Cave and Castle, making for a memorable conclusion to our journey.
These two weeks exploring the lesser-known corners of the Mediterranean exceeded every expectation. If you love authentic experiences, fewer crowds, and discovering destinations beyond the typical tourist trail, I'd love to help you plan a journey that's thoughtfully tailored to your interests.
