Dpullman

I am trying to decide if we want to drive from Split to dubrovnik or to take the bus. I have read several reports saying the drive is easy and wonderful, and others saying it is stressful and dangerous. One report said there were no guardrails. Is that true? or is the report outdated. I drove california 1 last year and was fine, but my wife didnt really like the turns ( but loved the views). Is this drive going to be similiar? I am not a fast driver and am cautious, just want a little confidence boost! I am aware that we need our passports for the trip.
let me know your honest thoughts on the drive.

nukesafe

We took the bus and found it convenient, inexpensive, and pleasant. We also drove part of that route on another occasion, and found it no worse than driving Highway 1.

The problem is that, going south, you are on the edge of the cliff most of the way. The driver had damned well be watching the road and the traffic, not looking at the scenery. The scenery is so spectacular that it would be a shame to miss it. We got window seats on the right side of the bus and could enjoy looking down to the azure sea, and the tiny villages clinging to the cliffs.

However you do it, you will love that section of coast!

maitaitom

The drive from Dubrovnik to Split is not stressful at all. We did it in June 2008.

christabir

Loved the drive. If you are going slow, just pull to the right to let people pass. It is beautiful. If you feel the need for a guardrail, you might want to take the bus. And we rented a standard transmission as the automatics were much more expensive!!

julia_t

I drove this route alone in 2008. In both directions. I did not find it stressful, and would say it is easy.

I do tend to suffer from vertigo but had no problems on this road. As I recall there were guardrails all along the cliff edges. If I could see an open area ahead then I just kept my eyes firmly on the road ahead and didn't look down to the side! There are speed limits all along, as christabir says, just keep to the right and let others pass you, it's not a race.

There are lots of places to pull over to admire the views, but even as the driver you still get to see plenty.

You'll be fine.

mjs

Easy drive except when stuck behind a slow bus or truck.

RayKrebs

The drive can be very nice and the views are fantastic. But, it is definitely scarier than California 1. In California there are always guardrails and other drivers are more considerate. The problem in Croatia is that many people drive very fast and pass on corners where it is dangerous to do so. If you go slow and keep you're eyes on the road, it is safe enough, but not stress-free.

heatherny

Are there towns you can suggest stopping for an overnight between Split and Dubrovnik?

julia_t

I stayed overnight in Brela, in one of the many beach hotels there - I think I was the only English-speaking person there!

It was early October, I was winging it that night, and had planned to stay in Makarska, but when I drove in it was so busy and bustling I just went on. But it was almost dark by then, and I was tired and getting desperate to eat so I just pulled into the first hotel I came to in Brela. It was the Marina, and I paid the equivalent of 29 GBP for dinner bed and breakfast. The room was clean and very comfortable with a large power shower in the bathroom. The meals were all buffet-help-yourself but with masses of choice. A carafe of wine was just a few kuna. But the place was filled with busloads of visitors from Germany.

Frankly, if you have time and do not leave it too late in the day to stop then there are lots of pretty villages all along the coast to stop in and find a little sobe. But - it will depend on what time of year you are travelling, in the summer months you will have many more options.

nukesafe

We stopped in the town of Omis a few years ago. Didn't stay in the town, but got off the bus and took a boat trip up the Cetina River. It was a lovely day, and you could see the fish swimming on the bottom of the crystal clear stream. We stopped for lunch at a restaurant called Radonanove Mlinice, where we ate at benches under huge trees.

After our river excursion, we hopped another bus headed south to Makarska. An elderly lady at the bus stop led us to a very inexpensive, but spotlessly clean room (Sobe) for the night. Makarsks was a bustling city with an active night life along the quai, as well as a fine restaurant called the Brela. A really nice dinner cost us a little over $20 for the two of us.

There are more details in my trip report, if you are interested. Click on my name to find my Croatia trip report.

You will LOVE Croatia!