Croatia Travel & Villa Rental Areas

I'm sure you will get a lot of responses to your post, but I can tell you that small passenger boats (water taxis) have regular runs up and down the coast between Dubrovnik and Cavtat. We stayed in Mlini for awhile, and used those ferry boats to go to both Cavtat and Dubrovnik. A wonderful way to come into Dubrovnik old harbor from the sea. Took about a half hour from Dubrovnik to Mlini, and about 40 minutes to Cavtat. A lovely trip in fine weather. If I remember correctly, they went about once an hour, but I do not recall how late they run. They are quite inexpensive.

brela is a stony beach...pebbles
the water is very clear

id still stay in dubrovnik though
but maybe cos i grew up on the beach and ...well i just like old walled cities

english is spoken everywhere
dont know about winetasting
ston is a nice village though - check it out..on the coast not far from dubrovnik on the way to split

English is widely spoken.
I think Cavtat would probably be a good choice given that you want to come into a more lively area sometimes (via boat or bus; parking is a bear). It would also be more affordable than Dubrovnik proper. There are probably alternatives, but the proximity and accessibility to Dbv will be key here. I think Brela would be a better choice if you want to concentrate on the Split region instead.
Given that you will have cars, day trips are possible to Mostar and other places in Bosnia http://www.bhtourism.ba/eng/region2.wbsp, the Peljesac peninsula (lovely area, wineries and shell fish "farms"), and Montenegro (esp. Kotor Bay). From Dubrovnik, many island excursions are possible (Elafiti islands and Mljet).
The Croatian Tourist Board page is helpful: http://www.croatia.hr/English/default.aspx. Use the interactive map under Destinations: Dubrovnik area.
It is never too early to start looking for villas on the internet, as in July places book up quickly. Plus, there are so many to look at.
The Dubrovnik tourist office www.dubrovnik-online.com can give you info on specific kayak and winery tours.

I just got back from my 5th trip to Dubrovnik. It is the most amazingly beautiful place and fast becoming my home away from home. From what you say are your considerations of a place to stay, I personally would recommend Zaton --http://www.dubrovnik-secrets.com/ds/nearby_zaton.html
http://www.villarenters.com/travel-guide/zaton/default.htm
It is a short drive or bus ride north of Dubrovnik. It is serene, tranquil and magical, in my opinion. I also think you can kayak from there to Dubrovnik, or take a short boat ride. The beaches are pebbly, but they are in most areas. From Dubrovnik you have lots of transportation options to tour the islands, or south to Cavtat, Mlini and other small towns along the coast. There are some very good restaurants in Zaton, one of my favorite restaurants in the world is http://www.gverovic-orsan.hr/ The ambiance does not get much better than this!! and the food is wonderful.
I am sure you would be able to rent a small villa or apartments to accommodate your group and the cost would probably be much less expensive than in Dubrovnik, or even Cavtat. Wish I was back there right now!!

Yes, in answer to above postes stay in Cavtat, Mlini or Zaton.

Brela might be more centraly located but I've stayed there, and it is full of hotels full of European tourists on coach trips. (With respect, but not the sort of people to frequent fodors!)

The hotel I stayed at - for one night on my journey from Dubrovnik to Split (via Orebic, Korcula, Trpanj and Ploce) it was a VERY long day! - was very pleasant but I was the only English person there and my car was only one of 6 in the car park, alongside 7 tour buses. The beach was pebbly, and there really wasn't that much there to do. And it's still quite a distance from Split.

IMHO staying closer to Dubrovnik would be a much better bet - you can do daytrips to Mostar, to Montenegro, the Elafiti islands and Mljet, also Ston and the Peljesac Peninsula. It would be much more conveniently located for you I feel.

With nine people, distance is the key...it's sometime like herding cats when you have that many family members in one place. Take a poll and ask whether you have a preference in your group for in-town or more rural facilities. If cost isn't an issue and everyone would like to be in walking distance of an old town and several restaurants, then Dubrovnik and Cavtat would be my first choices. In addition to a fair number of daytrip options, they also provide good alternatives when members of your group decide to head in different directions and meet together later in the day.

--Annie

Good point Annie, but I got the feeling they wanted something a little more out of the center of things and a more relaxing, beach experience, and because they had cars, distance would not be a problem. I think the beaches in Zaton or Mlini are much nicer than Cavtat and there are no big touristy hotels in either as in Cavtat. Don't get me wrong, I love Cavtat, but more for a day trip than actually staying there.

This is GREAT input, thanks so much. I have a few Villa options in Cavtat and will check into Zaton tonight. Can you tell me how long it would take to get from Zaton to Old Town Dubrovnik on a bus or driving ? How are road conditions there ?

I think it takes around 15-20 min. by car from Old Town to Zaton. Not sure about the bus, but probably not much longer. Road conditions are excellent. This villa was recommended on TripAdvisor

http://www.dubrovnik-online.com/house_tereza/index.htm

It looks wonderful - right on the water and not very expensive. I would not hesitate to stay there.

http://www.libertasdubrovnik.com/prigradski.pdf
lists bus schedule for Cavtat (boat taxis an option too), but I don't know the bus line for Zaton.
Driving not a problem, but parking definitely is.

I believe the villa I listed in Zaton has parking, so that should not be a problem.

Thankyou Barb, for the villa reference. I will check into this. Also looking for more of a private home we can rent for 10-12 days on or near water. Have you traveled there in july? Im wondering if air conditiong is a must near the water in july. We are use to somewhat warm, but dry heat.