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8 days in Croatia or Greece in July?

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8 days in Croatia or Greece in July?

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Old Feb 18th, 2016, 02:35 PM
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8 days in Croatia or Greece in July?

We have a wedding in Denmark in July after which we have 8 days to spend in either Greece or Croatia. If we do Greece, I plan on doing Santorini/Mykonos and 1 day in Athens. If we do Croatia, we would split our time between Dubrovnik and Hvar plus a day in Split (flight out of Split). We are in our 30's, well traveled but have never been to either. Really torn on best option.

HELP!
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Old Feb 18th, 2016, 07:08 PM
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I am in the same predicament. Family of four going in early May with 23 and 25 year old. Can't decide either, for same number of days. Would love to see what people reply. Curious have you thought about going to Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia or Vis/Korcula islands. A friend went and stated those were less crowded.
In Greece what about Naxos or Paxos islands. Sorry, probably adding to confusion.
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Old Feb 18th, 2016, 11:07 PM
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Most people mix PaRos with PaXos which are completely different islands on completely different parts of Greece.
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Old Feb 18th, 2016, 11:56 PM
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Really depends on what you like ... What kind of vacation are you looking for? Don't forget that July is peak vacation time - so if you have prefered hotels dont book them too late. We were in the Dubrovnik area (stayed in Cavtat near by a year ago) and loved it, but that was late September. Luxery vacation and chilling, sight seeing, hiking? Plitvica lakes are beautiful. I am not sure that they would not be well visited in July though. If you are in the general area also consider Postojna Cave.

A completely different idea though as you are in Denmark already - how about island hoping around Denkmark. July is a great time for that ...
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Old Feb 19th, 2016, 05:25 AM
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I think at least once in your lifetime you must visit the Greek islands, and the islands of Paros and Santorini are great options for a beginner. Mykonos, Santorini and Paros are the 3 classics of the Cyclades, but I would suggest you to choose Paros over Mykonos as it is more traditional and you will get that cosmopolitan taste in Santorini anyways. So, here are some of the best of Paros:

Paros is a large island located in the heart of the Cyclades, and is cosmopolitan and traditional at the same time. The capital of the island is Parikia, a large town and one of the best examples of a Cycladic city. A white-washed settlement with blue-domed churches, a labyrinth of small alleys with arches and bridges, and the ever present purple bougainvillea flowers. It was built that way in order to confuse the invading pirates, and people have time to escape through the roofs and bridges to the main castle of the city. The castle on the top of the town is a Venetian structure built with re-used ancient columns. The town is picturesque, filled with churches, marble fountains, shops and small squares with tavernas. Apart from strolling, which is a great thing to do here, another thing to do is visit the Cathedral of Paros. The so called Panagia Ekatontapiliani (Saint Mary the one-hundreed doored) is one of the best imperial churches that survive to our day. An enormous church built in 326 AC by the Roman Emperor, it is a major pilgrimage for thousands of years.
The second most beautiful town of the island is Naousa, a picturesque settlement built right on the water. Stroll the small alleys and walk by the water, or even eat in one of the many tavernas. The chairs are right next to the water, move a bit and you fall in the sea. During the night it becomes a very trendy spot for a drink, the many bars of the town open and people flock from all over the island to spend the night. The lights are low, and little candles glow around the bay from the bars. It's really atmospheric.
The most beautiful and traditional village of the island is Lefkes. Built on the heart of Paros, on its highest point of the island, this village has all the charms. Come here in an afternoon to cool yourself during a hot day, and drink some Greek coffee and local sweets in one of the many old kafeneia (traditional Greek-style cafes).
Paros has many beautiful beaches, with turquoise and blue waters. The most characteristic beach is the Kolibithres beach, with its bizzare rock formations and light blue waters. Monastiri beach is another beautiful beach, with light sand and very organized. Finally the Livadia beach is also a sandy beach, with a blue flag award as it is excellently organized, extremely clean, and the water quality is top.

I hope that info helped you
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Old Feb 19th, 2016, 07:47 AM
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We have visited Paros for three years in a row, and love Naousa for all the reasons above.

It's a great family destination because it's very kid-friendly. Much of the center of town is car free, so you can wander around in and out of shops, fish restaurants ( many of which are amazing!), and get close to the water without worrying about cars whizzing by.

Naousa is also within easy driving distance of two of our favorite beaches, Golden Beach and Paros Poros ( about 20 minutes in opposite directions).

Both beaches have very good tavernas on site.

However... July is going to be hot and very crowded. And many of the small family-run hotels may already be sold out. If you
are really interested, you'll have to get on it ASAP!
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Old Feb 28th, 2016, 02:33 PM
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Tough call. Both wonderful places. Have been to Greece twelve times on one month summer holidays and to Croatia once. Greece has that extra special something that is hard for we Americans to define. The Greeks call it "philotimo". If you like your travels in Greece it will forever occupy a special place in your heart.
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