Best Croatian & Greek Islands for Luxury Travellers

Luxury travel in the Mediterranean is as much about how you explore as where you go. Croatia and Greece each promise postcard-perfect coastlines, five-star dining, and a sense of timeless elegance.

But the most indulgent way to experience them isn’t from a hotel balcony or packed ferry—it’s from the deck of a catamaran, gliding from island to island in calm, turquoise seas.

We’ve rounded up the best Croatian and Greek islands for luxury travellers, and how a premium catamaran cruise with Yacht Getaways can make each one truly unforgettable.

The Best Croatian Islands for Luxury Travellers

Hvar – Glamour Meets the Adriatic

Known for its shimmering harbours, hilltop fortresses and designer boutiques, Hvar is Croatia’s headline act for sophisticated travellers. Days here unfold between waterfront lunches and sun-drenched swims in hidden coves. The town glows at sunset with fiery hues, best taken in from seaside or atop the towering hilltop fortress. When the crowds fade, Hvar reveals its quieter, refined side, where you can take a water taxi in from the paradise Pekleni Islands nearby to spend an evening soaking up the ancient elegance. After all, Hvar ranked number two on Condé Nast top Croatian islands list for a reason

Korčula – Heritage and Charm

Often called “Little Dubrovnik,” Korčula offers charm with restraint. And much lower crowds. Its medieval old town, wine culture and artisan shops make it ideal for travellers who appreciate authenticity with comfort. Wander narrow lanes, dine on fresh Adriatic seafood, and enjoy a glass of local Pošip as the sun sets over terracotta rooftops. Or for the more active, cycle around Korčula to various vineyards to get a feel for the rich wine history. From your catamaran, Korčula feels like a natural port of call — cultured, compact, and undeniably elegant.

Mljet – Natural Serenity

For those who prefer unspoiled beauty, Mljet is Croatia’s quiet masterpiece. Much of the island is protected national park: pine forests, saltwater lakes, and a Benedictine monastery floating on an islet. It’s also a highlight for guests on Yacht Getaways’ Croatia Cycle & Sail route — where afternoons are spent cycling shaded trails and evenings cruising back to your catamaran for a swim or sunset canapes. Pure tranquillity, without compromise.

The Best Greek Islands for Luxury Travellers

Paros – Understated Sophistication

In the heart of the Cyclades, Paros captures the effortless charm that defines Greek island life. Its whitewashed villages, stylish boutiques, and golden beaches have made it a favourite among those seeking quiet elegance. The old port of Naousa offers excellent dining and intimate wine bars, while nearby bays provide seclusion and privacy.

Paros also serves as the gateway to two equally captivating islands, Naxos and Koufonisia, which combine culture, culinary excellence, and coastal serenity.

Naxos – Culture and Coastal Calm

Naxos, the largest of the Cycladic islands, strikes a graceful balance between rustic tradition and refined luxury. Ancient temples overlook fertile valleys, family-owned tavernas serve produce from the island’s own farms, and the beaches are among the best in the Aegean.

Unlike its more crowded neighbours, Naxos rewards slow travel: long walks through marble villages, swimming in turquoise shallows, and unwinding with a glass of Assyrtiko as the sun fades over the Chora.

Koufonisia – The Definition of Secluded Luxury

Tiny, tranquil, and untouched, Koufonisia is one of the Cyclades’ best-kept secrets. Its shimmering lagoons and golden sands feel exclusive yet unpretentious. With only a few boutique hotels and family-run tavernas, the island remains pristine and peaceful. For luxury travellers, Koufonisia represents simplicity elevated — the beauty of doing very little, somewhere truly special.

Paxos & Antipaxos – Ionian Perfection

Over on Greece’s west coast in the Ionian region, Paxos and Antipaxos offer a softer side of the Greek islands. Paxos charms with its harbour towns — Gaios and Lakka — lined with pastel villas and ivy-clad tavernas. Antipaxos, just a short sail away, dazzles with turquoise waters and white cliffs that look more Caribbean than Mediterranean.

Both islands attract travellers who value elegance without crowds — an ideal match for those seeking relaxed luxury amid natural splendour.

Corfu & Parga – Historic Grace

Corfu combines aristocratic architecture, lush hills, and a sense of old-world refinement. Venetian palaces and French arcades line the streets, while olive groves and cypress forests frame its coastline. Nearby, the mainland town of Parga offers a quieter complement: colourful hillside houses, a castle overlooking the bay, and an atmosphere that feels quintessentially Greek.

Together, Corfu and Parga present the perfect pairing of cultural sophistication and coastal indulgence that resembles pastel coastlines of Italy.

Lefkada, Fiskardo & Ithaka – Laid-Back Island Luxury

Sailing through the South Ionian Sea, the Lefkada region reveals one of Greece’s most scenic corners. The marinas of Lefkada itself are peaceful and picturesque, while Fiskardo on neighbouring Kefalonia feels like a postcard — pastel waterfront houses, boutique shops, and superb dining right by the quay.

Across the water, Kioni and Vathy on Ithaka embody the essence of refined island life. Time moves gently here; mornings begin with coffee by the harbour, afternoons with a swim in a quiet cove, and evenings with the soft hum of boats at anchor.

For travellers seeking authenticity, comfort, and calm, these Ionian gems deliver all three.

Why a Luxury Catamaran Cruise Is the Perfect Way to See Them

What separates a catamaran cruise from traditional travel is freedom. No need to pack, unpack, or rush for ferries. Your luxury floating villa takes you directly to the heart of each destination — from historic harbours to secluded bays — with the service and comfort of a boutique hotel.

Yacht Getaways’ fully crewed catamarans are designed with comfort in mind. Spacious cabins, ensuite bathrooms, and generous decks make life on board as luxurious as any coastal resort. With a professional skipper and host handling everything from sailing to gourmet meals, you’re free to relax completely.

Whether you book a private yacht for family and friends, or a cabin to join like-minded travellers, every moment feels bespoke. Evenings are spent dining under the stars, mornings swimming off the stern in quiet bays, and days discovering destinations most visitors never reach.

For active travellers, Croatia’s Cycle & Sail itineraries combine light adventure with five-star relaxation. For those who simply want to unwind, Greece’s island-hopping routes blend cultural charm with true serenity. Each option is curated to capture the best of both luxury and exploration.

When to Visit Greece & Croatia

Luxury travellers often favour late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September) for catamaran cruises. The weather is warm, the seas are calm, and the atmosphere remains refined. These months offer the best of both worlds: ideal sailing conditions and quieter towns that let you experience destinations like Hvar, Paros, and Lefkada without the summer rush. For those seeking maximum sunshine and the warmest waters, July and August are the perfect choices, though with larger crowds.

Plan Your Luxury Mediterranean Travel

Choosing between Greece and Croatia ultimately depends on mood. Croatia appeals to those drawn to history, natural parks, and vineyard-framed coastlines, and delicious Dalmatian cuisine. Greece beckons travellers who want sun-bleached villages, mythology, laid-back luxury and Mediterranean feasts as big as the Greek hospitality. Either way, a Yacht Getaways catamaran cruise transforms a simple island visit into a seamless, unparalleled journey. And one of the best wellness travel trip styles you can have.

Ready for a countdown to the unforgettable? Book your cabin or yacht today with a flexible deposit and start the daydreams of your summer 2026 Mediterranean escape!