Croatia-Hvar or Korcula?
Jan 10th, 2018, 06:47 AM
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Croatia-Hvar or Korcula?
Hello! We're travelling to Croatia with our two toddlers, who will be 4 and 2 by the time of travel (we're thinking early September?). We're thinking of flying into Split and then taking the ferry to an island. What island would you guys recommend with the two little ones? We're not looking for things like playgrounds or anything (although they would be nice!). Just want a walkable town (not getting a car) with pretty sights and good food! Also, I know Croatia isn't really vegetarian friendly but I'm vegetarian, so I was also wondering if one island has more options like pizza and Italian food etc Please help!! I've found amazing air bnbs and would like to book soon. Also, how many days are recommended for Split? As always, thanks so much for all your help!!
Jan 10th, 2018, 09:10 AM
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Flip a coin--seriously, both are gorgeous islands with pretty towns, though I would avoid Hvar town (not the island) in July and August.
Also, Brac has the famous beach zlatni rat, which would be super child friendly because the sea is shallow and the pebbles smooth.
I eat fish now, but I visited Croatia as a vegetarian and it is fine everywhere along the coast. The pizza is excellent and there is a lot of Italian/Mediterranean on most menus (e.g., risotto, pasta). The bread, cheese, and salads are good if nothing else, so you don't have to live on pizza. Look for olives and figs too. I do recall Konoba Menego in Hvar being particularly good, and though it was a long time ago, the reviews seem to show it has held up.
Time in Split depends on interest and day trip options, so it could be as little as an afternoon to see the palace.
Also, Brac has the famous beach zlatni rat, which would be super child friendly because the sea is shallow and the pebbles smooth.
I eat fish now, but I visited Croatia as a vegetarian and it is fine everywhere along the coast. The pizza is excellent and there is a lot of Italian/Mediterranean on most menus (e.g., risotto, pasta). The bread, cheese, and salads are good if nothing else, so you don't have to live on pizza. Look for olives and figs too. I do recall Konoba Menego in Hvar being particularly good, and though it was a long time ago, the reviews seem to show it has held up.
Time in Split depends on interest and day trip options, so it could be as little as an afternoon to see the palace.
Jan 10th, 2018, 09:24 AM
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The shallow sandy beach at Lumbarda (Korcula Island) might be a good solution for your kids.
http://www.korculainfo.com/beaches-lumbarda/
http://www.korculainfo.com/beaches-lumbarda/
Jan 10th, 2018, 06:02 PM
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Your call!
Hvar Island could mean Hvar Town or Stari Grad or a place a bit off the track. Hvar Town is beautiful, more Renaissance than medieval, and by September, I would think its high-season party-hearty atmosphere would be over. Stari Grad has been restored to its medieval appearance and is a much more quiet place. And then there are lots of places where you could rent a room or apartment for a few days.
Korcula also has lots of room and apartments, in and out of its main town. Korcula Town is smaller than Hvar Town and its extant architecture is older than that of Hvar Town – less elegant, perhaps a bit cruder, but also fascinating. It’s also further from Split, and so a bit less convenient if you are flying into / out of that city.
As for time in Split, it really depends on your interests! Some people aren’t fans and find a few hours sufficient. I loved Split and could have spent days just in the city itself, not counting day trips. And there are MANY day trips that you could take from Split!
Hope that helps!
Hvar Island could mean Hvar Town or Stari Grad or a place a bit off the track. Hvar Town is beautiful, more Renaissance than medieval, and by September, I would think its high-season party-hearty atmosphere would be over. Stari Grad has been restored to its medieval appearance and is a much more quiet place. And then there are lots of places where you could rent a room or apartment for a few days.
Korcula also has lots of room and apartments, in and out of its main town. Korcula Town is smaller than Hvar Town and its extant architecture is older than that of Hvar Town – less elegant, perhaps a bit cruder, but also fascinating. It’s also further from Split, and so a bit less convenient if you are flying into / out of that city.
As for time in Split, it really depends on your interests! Some people aren’t fans and find a few hours sufficient. I loved Split and could have spent days just in the city itself, not counting day trips. And there are MANY day trips that you could take from Split!
Hope that helps!
Jan 13th, 2018, 05:31 AM
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Thank you so much for all the advice! I keep hearing that about Split, that a lot of people don't care for it and only use it as a transportation hub. Which is surprising to me because it looks amazing! I guess we'll find out soon enough 
And what about Jelsa in Hvar? Is that more family friendly? I was also told by a friend there aren't any beaches on Hvar, is that true? How's Vis?
Thanks so much!!
And what about Jelsa in Hvar? Is that more family friendly? I was also told by a friend there aren't any beaches on Hvar, is that true? How's Vis?
Thanks so much!!
Jan 14th, 2018, 02:55 AM
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Just in case you haven't seen these...
Jelsa - HVAR info - Jelsa accommodation and travel guide
VisInfo.org - holiday info guide - island Vis Croatia
Jelsa - HVAR info - Jelsa accommodation and travel guide
VisInfo.org - holiday info guide - island Vis Croatia
Jan 14th, 2018, 08:14 AM
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Haven't been to Hvar but found Korcula magical. It ties with Hawaii as the most relaxing place I've been. The simple life lived easy, everything small scale. .
Caveat: it was a few years ago I went to Korcula so things may have changed.
Caveat: it was a few years ago I went to Korcula so things may have changed.
Jan 16th, 2018, 08:34 AM
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Thank you so much for all the advice! I keep hearing that about Split, that a lot of people don't care for it and only use it as a transportation hub. Which is surprising to me because it looks amazing! I guess we'll find out soon enough
And what about Jelsa in Hvar? Is that more family friendly? I was also told by a friend there aren't any beaches on Hvar, is that true? How's Vis?
Thanks so much!!
And what about Jelsa in Hvar? Is that more family friendly? I was also told by a friend there aren't any beaches on Hvar, is that true? How's Vis?
Thanks so much!!
Jelsa is very quiet--if you just want to chill by the sea, it would be fine. If you want to see the architecture in Hvar or Stari Grad, then I would choose those places.
Hvar is an island, so there are beaches, they are just rocky as opposed to sandy. Some are fine smooth pebbles and others are hard rocky shelves. The pebbly ones are fine for kids, they just might require swim shoes.
Vis is not as child friendly because the best beaches require a car or a hike.
