Croatia

The Real McCoy

Croatia itinerary ideas
Think myself and my girlfriend are going to head to croatia for 3 weeks in July. Seems like a good spot for a young couple to venture to and get a bit of everything in. Just trying to sus out best places to visit.. 4 or 5 places would really be enough cos we don't want to be luggging from place to place the whole time as it is a holiday. I Put this rough plan together so i'd appreciate any feedback and alterations


Dubrovnik 4 nights

Korcula 2 nights

Hvar 5 nights

Brac 4 nights

Split 3 nights

Maybe Makaraska Riveria area as well bit where is this? Any other areas that would be worth visiting?

Would we need to rent a car to get around and is it best to pre book accommodation? We would want to stay in fairly good hotels with pools so don't really want to be taking dodgy chances.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Lil' Smiler

Funnily enough I came on to ask for ideas.

Your plan sounds good....would also welcome any advice

underpants

Me too!!

we were planning on heading from Dubrovnik up along the coast to split and then finish up in zadar.
No definite plans for where to stay or what to see along the way. Just renting a car and see where we end up!

any tips/advice would be good!

someone out there must have done this kind of thing already!

supertramp

Croatia is fantastic!

Personally I would recommend that you extend your stay in Dubrovnik for one or two days more, and do day trips to some of the smaller islands nearer Dubrovnik. From the new town you can take fast ferry day trips to islands like Sipan and Mjlet. There is not much to do in Sipan but it is an insight into real island life in Croatia. Mjlet is a gem, a forested island with a national park with two salt water lakes (make sure to get off at Polace port, the second stop on that island.
Also south of Dubrovnik (20km) is Cavtat, you can take a boat or bus, it's a nice village.
If you are going to the Zadar region, Plitvice National Park looks amazing (have never been but from images, I plan to go there in a year or two.

In Dubrovnik there is a great and basic wine bar, on the rocks between the outer wall and the sea, it's a great little place but hard to find.

faigs

I think 4 nights in Dubrovnik is enough, one night is enough in Brac when you compare it to Hvar, you'll love that place! Split is OK but nothing compared to island life, it might be worth your while going as far as Rejika on the overnight ferry and then a catamaran out to Rab for a couple of nights, its a gem. But of you're not going that far north then maybe do as is said above, day trips to Sipan, Mjlet etc. I found that Dubrovnik and the islands were the best experience after doing it twice so a night or two in Split is enough and after 2 nights on Brac you'll want to move on.

Leadership

Reduce the nights in Split its a dump compaired to your other destinations. Personally I love Brac and has a different character to Hvar so well worth 2 to 3 nights.

I would posibly trade the 2 nights in Split for a road trip to Bosnia. It has interesting recent history and some breath taking scenery in the mountains and lakes. Hanging out in coffee shops (not Amsterdam style) and having interesting conversations with the locals (both sides of the Bosnian border). Mostar would be a main attraction now and is largely rebuilt after the war.

If you want to stay near Split then Trogir is a vey nice spot and worth a couple of days.

The Real McCoy

Thanks for some great tips there. what about pre booking accommodation before going?? kinda want to stay in fairly good places with a pool and not try to wing it. hotels are expensive enough it seems. seems to be a lot to do around croatia so was thinking of basing ourselves in Dubrovnik for a week and getting a car and driving around the area. then mayber hvar for 5/6 nights and do the makarska area for another week. Could leave out split and brac or else visit for a day.

Zebra3

Two nights is enough in Dubrovnic.

It's not that big and it's very touristy and much more expensive than anywhere else you'll be in Croatia.

Split is a fine place. 3 nights there is grand.

Also if your missus is the jealous type, buy a good pair of shades.

Zebra3

Zebra3 wrote: »

Also if your missus is the jealous type, buy a good pair of shades.

I think she'll find plenty to divert her attention.

Leadership have you been to Mostar? I've been given the impression it is party central? Can you confirm or deny?

Leadership

Moonbaby wrote: »

Leadership have you been to Mostar? I've been given the impression it is party central? Can you confirm or deny?

Been to Mostar many times (first time it was being shelled by Serbs) and yes they do know how to enjoy themselves. You would not find friendlier or people more interested in having craic with tourists.

underpants

has anyone rented a car over there, do most places charge an extra fee if you want to travel into Bosnia or Montenegro?

I can't seem to get a qoute online which includes that fee and I wouldn't like to find out on the day that its a much bigger charge than expected!

M5

underpants wrote: »

has anyone rented a car over there, do most places charge an extra fee if you want to travel into Bosnia or Montenegro?

I can't seem to get a qoute online which includes that fee and I wouldn't like to find out on the day that its a much bigger charge than expected!

I rented a car there and its the way to go, no extra charge either. Found the roads to be quiet with no major hassles although stick to the speed limits

Take a trip to Sarajevo and stop off at Mostar. The drive from Mostar to Sarajevo is absolutely stunning. Driving through valleys with the most amazing views the whole way. All the rivers and lakes are an unreal shade of blue too, really has to be seen to be believed. Mostar is a nice place but tinged with the scars of war, several buildings still covered in bullet holes and shell damage. The bridge is a must and the area immediately around it is really beautiful. Sarajevo has a pretty good nightlife and quite a few things to see but 1 night would be enough there

neady5

Does anyone know how log it would take to get from Dubrovnik to Mostar, and also does anyone have more recommendations on places to visit outside Croatia, while still spending most of the holiday in Croatia? I was on Kotar last time I went, so somewhere equally as nice and fairly convenient to reach?

madrabui

The Real McCoy - Check the ferry timings to see if they suit your itinerary. Sometimes it works out better to get a bus to Spilt and do ‘island hopping’ from there as there routes are more frequently served.