LKCoolWhip

Fodorites,
My husband and I usually take a two-week vacation in the fall, somewhere between the last half of October and first half of November.
This year, due to the extreme weakness of the U.S. dollar, we were thinking of avoiding any place on the Euro or Pound and thought of Croatia, as we've heard so many wonderful things about it, and as I understand, is not on the Euro yet, but soon will be.
However, in the first paragraph I read on Croatia (sorry! in Rick Steves' book) it stated that during the time of our intended visit, it is low/dead season and most hotels would be closed, many restaurants closed, etc.
We went to Germany (Rhine and Mosel valleys) a couple of years ago in Novemeber and experienced the same thing and did not like it. While we like going in shoulder season (less people, good value), going when it's dead, doesn't appeal to us.
So, my question is: What is your experience? Is Croatia really as dead as R.S. says in late Oct/early Nov?
Thanks so much!
LKCW

sega61

Quite the contrary. I went to Croatia in early November and it was quite crowded. Dubrovnik was crowded on the weekends and on the days the cruise ships came through. Split was also vibrant.

There are places that will be closed but if you stay on the main drag so to speak you should be fine. It was chillier than I expected though. But I cannot imagine what Dubrovnik must be like in the summer. UGH!!!!!!!!

yorkshire

Though I have not been at this time of year, I think you will be fine--but I would not go to islands.
I think Split and Dubrovnik would be fine, and I bet Zagreb is fantastic at this time of year. I am one of those rare folks who liked Zagreb. If you are at all into hiking, nature, etc., you should look into northern inland Croatia as well. I bet Plitvice is amazing in the fall as well!

Reisender

We were in Split late Nov 07 and it was quite active. All the shops were open, no problem finding places to eat and drink. It was pretty cold but not frigid and the old town is delightful.
Do not miss the open air fish market (you will smell it before you see it ). Now, the main city is pretty much still the old communist drab apartment blocks but everything you will want is in the old town and on the waterfront.

danon

Zagreb and Split are big cities
- life does not stop in the fall.
I was there one year in late Oct. and the weather was lovely.
Don't know about Dubrovnik in Nov, but I would stay away from the islands .

Lovejoy

I visited Croatia last fall,end of Sept to early Oct and didn't find it to quiet.I only visited the north of Croatia,,Istria, so I can't tell you how it was in the south.The weather was nice,mostly with highs in the 60's to 70's,with some rain in Zagreb.

I also visited Slovenia,and though it uses the Euro, I found the prices for lodging and food to be slightly less than Croatia.Its a beautiful country and surprised myself in that I enjoyed it just as much as Croatia.
The drive from Bled over the Vršič Pass and down the Soča river valley was fabulous.

grouchywoman

Hi, I was in Croatia in October 2007. I think it depends on where you want to go, and what you want to do. Dubrovnik and Split were just right, I thought -- less crowded than they'd be in peak season, but lots of stuff to do and explore. When I got up to Istria, a lot of things were closed, including hotels and certain attractions. (That said -- a lot of things were open. You just need to check ahead to be sure the things you want are open.) Also, the islands are kind of dead and the ferry service is much reduced. Now, if what you want to do is relax, see a beautiful country and eat some lovely truffles, I think October is a wonderful time to go. You avoid the crowds, and the weather is still warm, too. November is going to be colder, and more will be closed, but I'll bet it will still be nice if you're looking for food, beauty and culture instead of beaches and touristy stuff. FYI - I blogged about my Croatian adventures. www.paynoattention.net Click on the category link "Grouchy Woman on Croatia."