Advice on which Island to base from
 

Hello All:
I am in the midst of finalizing our Croatia trip in late May and early June and could use some advice. Our plan is to pick up a car at the airport in Zagreb and keep for 1 week to explore some of Istria/Plitvice areas and drop the car in Split on May 28th. We would like to then spend time on the islands of that area from May 28-June 3 and then have 2 nights in Dubrovnik. What would be agood island to base from- one that would have plenty to explore but also have good day trips- or would it be wise to base on a couple of islands. We are open to suggestions, our only requirements are that we get to Dubrovnik by June 3rd. We are not night club type people if that helps, we like cafes, the sun of course, being outdoors, renting scooters, hiking etc. We also prefer small places to stay over large hotels, even rooms and plan to wing it for those unless you all have some suggestions...
Thanks!

ttt

Is anyone out there??/:)

I've stayed on Hvar and Brac - only did day trips to Korcula (from Dubrovnik) and Vis (from Hvar). I did a day trip from Hvar Grad to Bol which took all day - at that time I didn't know there were boat trips from Jelsa to Bol (and vice versa) - much shorter. There are alos day trip to Korcula and Vis from Hvar Grad. Check Jadrolinija ferry routes to see which town has the most connections - I'm inclined to say Hvar, specifically Hvar Grad because of the numerous ferries/tours that depart from there. You might be able to take an overnight ferry from Hvar Grad to Dubrovnik if you dates match up. Theonly town that wodl be a long trip would be Korcula - which is located on the east end of Korcula while Hvar Grad is on the west end of Hvar. Hope this helps.

I highly recommend staying on Hvar. it is gorgeous. we rented a scooter one day and took a water taxi to a nearby small island for hiking, swimming, relaxing. I also recommend this place:
awesome views and Petricic is very nice and helpful.www.island-hvar.net/petricic/ it is just like the pictures. we were here last fall.

Thanks for the advice! Do you think the end of May/Early June would require reservations or are accommodations/Sobes plentiful in Hvar? What kind of distance are we talking about from the ferry to Hvar town? Is Hvar Grad have enough activities restaurants beaches etc to enjoy as a base?
Thanks again.

in Hvar Grad - the ferries dock along the riva/promenade - you'll walk right into the thick of it getting off the ferry. If you take the ferry to Stari Grad - then you will need to take a cab. There are plenty of restaurants in Hvar Grad ( as well as Stari Grad and Jelsa) - and plenty of day trips/activities available. I've not been at the beginning of June - but i would imagine there would still be plenty of rooms available (hotels might be a different matter but more so in July, August and September). Make sure the room is in town proper and if you don't like the room don't be concerned with saying 'no thank you'. You could also reserve an apartment over he internet if you don't want to wing it.

http://www.hvar.hr/

There have been ealier posts about difficulty finding hotels in Hvar, even in June. My guess is you'd be able to get a room (sobe) upon arrival. But we prefer to have advance reservations and know where we are going. I realize not everyone travels this way.

We will actually be in Hvar in early June as well. Frankly, the hotels are slim pickin's. Nothing really nice. The nicest hotel in Hvar town (Hvar) is the Adriatic but it is under renovation.

Here's a thread that might be helpful to you.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2

An apartment may be an option as well.

good luck and happy travels.

I truly hope you be staying for more than 2 nights in Dubrovnik. It is a beautiful city! From Dubrovnik there are many day trips available.

Trogir is a nice little island and from there you can day trip into Split.

We were in Croatia in May/June a couple of years ago and we will be back some day.

Enjoy!

Cheers!

Tamara