Sail Croatia or Sail Greece: Which Island-Hopping Trip Is Best?
By Ryan Brown published on 17 October 2025
Short on time? Here's the quick breakdown: Both offer unforgettable island-hopping holidays in the Mediterranean — but they deliver completely different vibes. Greece leans towards laid-back, cultural, and sun-soaked. Croatia brings party energy, historic towns, and dramatic coastlines. If you're in your twenties or thirties and planning a sailing trip, this guide will help you choose the route that fits your travel style, budget and crew.
Wondering whether to sail Croatia or sail Greece?
If you’ve ever watched someone post sun-drenched stories from a yacht in the Med and thought, “That should be me,” you’re in the right place. Sailing is the ultimate upgrade from hostel-hopping and sweaty interrailing — no bags to lug, no ferry timetables to battle with, just a floating home, the open sea, and a week that will ruin all future holidays.
But the big question: Greece or Croatia?
Both offer island-hopping, culture, nightlife, and views that will haunt your camera roll for years. But they do it in totally different ways. So if you’re in your twenties or thirties, a solo traveller planning your first trip, planning a group trip, or something between a mate’s reunion and a soft launch honeymoon, here’s the ultimate breakdown to help you decide where to set sail.
Greece: Mythology, Blue Bays, and Epic Activity Energy
Sailing in Greece is like falling into a postcard, then finding out the locals throw better parties than your uni halls ever did.
Whether you're exploring the lush Ionian coast from Corfu or bouncing around the ancient ruins and coastal villages of the Saronic Islands from Athens, the pace is relaxed, the scenery unreal, and the water the kind of blue that makes you believe in filters — until you realise it’s real.
Sailing The Ionian Islands:
In the Ionian, you'll swim in sea caves, dance barefoot in beach bars, and eat the best calamari of your life at a harbour taverna (trust us, we know the best spots for Greek grub). The Corfu Discovery route leans more chilled — perfect for travellers who want equal parts exploration and downtime. Think turquoise bays, sunset chilling on the beach, sea caves for days, paddleboarding before breakfast, and cliffside cocktails under the stars.
Sailing The Saronic Islands:
The Athens Voyager route blends classic island charm with history and hidden swim spots. Even Condé Nast Traveller voted some of these islands as the best beaches in Europe. You’ll sail from the mainland to islands like Aegina, Hydra and Poros, stopping to explore ancient temples, cliff-dive off coves, and sip ouzo with locals. It’s perfect if you want a balance of myth and mischief — culture in the day, sunset spritzes at night. And the best finale party of any MedSailors route!
It's All Greek to Me!
Still confused about which Greek route? Whether you’re keen to explore lesser-known gems or some of the most iconic destinations, the Greek islands are as varied as they are beautiful. This roundup of the differences between the Athens and Corfu routes will help narrow it down.
Croatia: Dalmatian Coastline, Medieval Towns and Epic Nights Out
Croatia is what happens when ancient history, unreal nature and a party scene collide. It’s no wonder it’s become a post-uni rite of passage for thousands of Brits, Aussies and Kiwis. And one of the hottest music festival destinations in Europe as well.
Why Sail From Split?
Split to Dubrovnik is the most iconic route, and for good reason. It starts big, and mellows into a more relaxing pace toward the end. One day you’re paddleboarding in a quiet lagoon, the next you’re clinking glasses at a rooftop fortress bar in Korčula’s Old Town. The week flows from quiet bay, to Hvar ruin bars, Korčula's local nightlife, and ends with national parks and vineyard tastings.
Why Sail From Dubrovnik?
Dubrovnik to Split runs the same coastline in reverse, but with a slightly more chilled, scenic start that builds into a nightlife crescendo. And holds an incredibly unique activity for the week. Both routes include stops at hidden gems like Šipan and Mljet National Park. But Stari Grad — a UNESCO-listed spot where you’ll taste wine on an organic farm as the sun sets over the vines- is only possible on this route.
Why Sailing Croatia or Greece is the New Backpacking (And Honestly, Better)
There’s a reason sailing holidays are back — especially among younger travellers. Itineraries that are planned, but not rigid, accommodation and food are sorted, and the amazing social aspect is ingrained. The best part? when it comes to budget travel, an island-hopping adventure is often cheaper than paying for hostels, ferries, day trips, and food.
More people are swapping hostel-hopping for island-hopping, and for the freedom of the sea. And it makes heaps of sense. Every morning, you wake up somewhere new without packing, planning, or sacrificing sleep to catch a ferry.
It’s travel that moves with you. One week on the water delivers more memorable moments than a month on trains and budget flights. And if you’re someone who likes a bit of chaos, there’s always the pre- and post-sail adventures to tack onto your trip.
Greece or Croatia: Which Is Better for Your Budget?
Both Greece and Croatia offer great value if you're sailing with the right crew. With MedSailors, you get a skipper, your floating home for seven nights, all your breakfast essentials, snorkel and paddleboard gear, and a curated route that hits the absolute best of the region. That’s a serious step up from hostel bunks and train passes.
Onshore, Greece edges slightly cheaper and is our top budget travel choice. Meals out, local drinks, and even taxis tend to cost less — especially in the Ionian, where mass tourism hasn’t taken over. Croatia can feel more premium, particularly in destinations like Hvar or Dubrovnik. Bars are pricier, and touristy spots might set you back more for a meal.
Still can’t decide? All four MedSailors routes — two in Greece, two in Croatia — are incredible, but each fits a slightly different vibe and budget. Lonely Planet reckons it's a close call for both, but we vote Greece for the budget travellers.
Who You’ll Be Sailing With
MedSailors' island-hopping trips are designed for 20-35s who want something better than a booze cruise and more exciting than a basic resort. Most guests are travelling in pairs or small groups, but there are always solos — and the vibe is social from day one. If you’re worried about going alone, don’t be. You’ll leave with new friends (and maybe a yacht romance).
Greece tends to attract the more adventurous in the Saronic, or a slightly more laid-back crowd in the Ionian. Croatia is often favoured by groups of mates, birthday celebrations, stags and hens, or Aussies doing their big Euro trip. That said, both trips can swing either way depending on the week, and the MedSailors vibe is always one of infinite possibilities.
What You’ll Actually Do
2 countries, awesome moments to come and ample activities for each. You’ll sail. You’ll swim. You’ll tan on the deck with a beer in hand and jump into the water every time the anchor drops. Days start slow, with breakfast (included!) and a morning swim. Afternoons are for adventures — exploring villages, biking around islands, or just finding the best spot for your next Aperol.
Evenings vary. In Greece, you might find yourself at a quiet taverna with fresh seafood and live music. In Croatia, you could be bar-hopping in a medieval town, dancing in a beach club, or watching the stars from your yacht.
And always — always — you’ll finish the week salt-stained, sun-kissed, and wishing you never had to leave.
Final Verdict: Sail Greece or Sail Croatia?
There’s no wrong answer here — only different flavours of incredible. If you want ruins, plate-smashing parties, mythology, beach tavernas, stunning coves and authentic moments with locals, or on a budget, sail Greece. If you’re chasing medieval towns, wine-soaked sunsets and some of Europe’s best nightlife, deep dives into nature, or have a bit of wiggle room in the budget, sail Croatia.
Best advice? Pick the one that fits your mood right now. And next summer, do the other. Because trust us — once you’ve done one, you’ll be booking your return before you’ve even unpacked. Either way, you’ll leave with new friends, unreal memories, and a salty smile that doesn’t wash off for weeks.
Ready to Make It Happen?
MedSailors trips are crafted for social, adventurous travellers who want the freedom of the open water without the five-star price tag. Whether you're a solo sailor, setting up a stag do or hen do trip, or travelling as a couple, this is the summer escape you’ll be talking about for years.
Right now, trips are up to 25% off — but only until 31 October! Don't miss the boat, book today and pay later with flexible trip deposits if you need to change dates.
Frequently Asked Questions: Sailing Greece vs Croatia
Is it better to sail in Greece or Croatia for a first-time traveller?
If you’re new to sailing, the Greece Ionian is slightly easier. The winds are calm, islands are closer together, and there’s a laid-back, welcoming energy. The Greece Saronic is hospitality at its finest, with fun activities to bond over, and locals that will likely adopt you into their family. Croatia is just as stunning but offers more variety in nightlife and town stops, which can be better suited to confident travellers or groups and longer distances between islands.
Which is cheaper: Greece or Croatia?
Day-to-day, Greece tends to be a little cheaper, especially street food, evening meals out or drinks. Croatia’s bigger tourist towns like Hvar can be pricier, but the difference isn’t huge overall. It's about a 25% increase in price for budgeting Croatia.
Which has better nightlife — Greece or Croatia?
If you're looking for the best party destinations in Europe, both have plenty to offer. Croatia wins for all-out nightlife simply due to the size of the towns. Hvar and Split have world-class beach clubs and rooftop bars. Greece, though, has a more authentic style of fun — taverna nights, seaside disco clubs, beach bonfires, and long evenings by the water.
Is sailing Greece or Croatia good for solo travellers?
Both are perfect. MedSailors trips are designed to be social, with mixed crews of solo travellers, couples, and small groups. Greece tends to be slightly more relaxed and community-focused; Croatia slightly more social and energetic. Either way, you'll find your friends on a rafternoon in the Mediterranean!
When is the best time of year to sail in the Mediterranean?
May to September is ideal, with shoulder months being best for the budget. Go early for quieter seas and lower prices; peak summer if you’re chasing sun, crowds and energy; September if you want that golden, end-of-summer glow.
Got more questions? so they can help create the most unforgettable trip that matches your travel style.
