tcreath

We (my husband and I) are in the midst of putting together an itinerary for a Slovenia/Croatia trip for next year (March/April). We have approximately two weeks and my current itinerary includes 3 nights in Hvar and 3 nights in Korcula. My husband just asked me how the islands compared and thought that maybe we would find them too similar. Having never been to Croatia, I obviously couldn't answer the questions so I thought I would post them here. For those of you who have been to Croatia and spend nights on multiple islands, did you get bored or find your trip to be too repetative?

Thanks for any help!
Tracy

JFlorides

I was in Hvar and Korcula in Sept 2003 and found them to be very different. 3 nights in each (no more!) would be perfect for me. Hvar harbouris very jet-set, full of yachts and the stylish italians (mainly) who own them. Korcula is a walled town, like a mini-Dubrovnik and very quaint, nice in a different way altogether.

A good day trip that may be possible from either Hvar or Korcula is Mljet, a lush green island that is now a national park. Well worth it. There are plenty of other boat trips you can do from either island if you get bored.

So, to answer your question (finally!) I thought the islands were quite different. Croatia is spectacular, especially Dubrovnik. Enjoy!

GeoffHamer

In March and April, there will not be many tourists around. You do not need to plan a precise itinerary. If you want to spend an extra night somewhere, or want to leave somewhere early, you'll be able do it. The islands might be too quiet at that time of year, with many hotels and restaurants closed, and three nights could be too long. Both Hvar and Korcula are unbelievably beautiful, though if I had to choose, I'd go to Hvar town.

tcreath

Thank you both for your replies. Its exactly the information I was looking for, and I greatly appreciate it, as does my husband, I'm sure!

We usually prefer to travel during off-season times to avoid the droves of tourists. However, I still want their to be things to do. Is March or April a bad time to go? Perhaps May would be a better time to go?

Thanks again!
Tracy

Wayne

Having been to those and other islands, I can heartily endorse your plans. You might even consider yet another smaller and different island that I enjoyed -- Rab, more north.

tcreath

Just thought I would top this with the hopes of getting a few more responses, particularly regarding the time of year we are planning on going (March or April) and how this affects some of the islands.

Wayne, thank you for the tip on Rab. We have considered adding that to our itinerary (looks like a wonderful town). Thanks for the tip!

Tracy

nukesafe

Just thought I should throw my two cents in on this thread about the islands. We were on Korcula last September, and I urge you to not confine yourself to Korcula town.

We were staying on the far end of the island from Korcula town in Vela Luca, and took a day trip to Korcula. Wonderfully scenic drive down the spine of the island on the local bus with mostly island residents who were all too happy to explain what we were seeing and talk about the history of the island. Almost everyone under the age of 50 speaks some English, as it is now a requirement in the schools.

While in Korcula, we became a bit weary of the usual tours of the castle, museum, and jewelry shops. (Though I couldn't talk my wife out of a lovely pair of dangly gold earings ) So we walked the few blocks back to the bus station and took a bus to Lumbarda. Lumbarda is a tiny community about 15 minutes outside of Korcula that has some stunning beaches and a lovely promenade along the sparkling sea. We spent a leasurely few hours sitting in a restaurant enjoying a snack while watching the people walk by, and talking to a fellow working on his boat that turned out to be a musical instrument maker.

Then back to Korcula town in plenty of time to catch the last bus back to Vela Luca.

All I am saying, I suppose, is that there is much more to enjoy on the islands than the main tourist centers. Scenery, local foods, and some of the friendliest and kindest people in the world.

Enjoy Croatia!