OrlandoFato

Good morning,

I have booked a flight for 11 nights arriving and departing from Dubrovnik at the beginning of July. Originally, my plan was to visit Dubrovnik and an island (Korcula or Hvar or both?); however, I later realized that Montenegro is very close and now I am wondering if I should split my trip between Dubrovnik and Kotor, because Kotor looks very interesting. My main interests are "beach, architecture and food". I realize that I can day trip to either Kotor and/or Korcula, but I don't like day trips unless transportation takes less than an hour.

Thanks for your time and opinions,

Daniel Gamboa

kja

Your call!

I thought Korcula delightful, and if you can see it when the moresca is performed, doing so is something you might want to consider. The architecture is quite different than that of Dubrovnik -- more medieval than Dubrovnik's renaissance elegance.

Hvar Town has a medieval section, but the core of it's tourist area is modernized renaissance (e.g., filling the arches of arcades with glass and turning them into restaurants). It has some beautiful corners, but Hvar Town can be quite a party-hearty yacht parking lot during high season.

Hvar Island also includes Stari Grad, which has been restored to its medieval days. If the minimal remains of ancient Greece's Faros or the charming Tvrdalj Castle are of interest, by all means, go there! The setting, at the inland terminus of a navigable inlet, is lovely.

Hvar is also further from Dubrovnik than Korcula.

Kotor doesn't have the refined renaissance elegance of Dubrovnik or Hvar Town, but it has an ever-so-slightly wider range of architectural styles than those cities (or in Korcula), as it had a more active Byzantine influence. The difference is, however, very slight IMO. Of the 4 places you mention, the difference in architecture is, I think, greatest between Korcula and Dubrovnik.

You can reach either Korcula or Hvar from Dubrovnik rather easily by public transportation. Although you can get to Kotor by public transportation from Kotor, it's a bit trickier; many people either rent a car or join a tour.

One other major difference comes to mind: While Korcula and Hvar are each very scenically situated, the Bay of Kotor is stunning.

With 11 nights, you can see several of these places! Dubrovnik easily merits 1.5 days or a tad more, particularly if you are recovering from jet lag while there; Kotor is a reasonable day trip from Dubrovnik (you could easily stay the night if that's your preference); Korcula Town is small enough to be enjoyed with an overnight stay or more for your beach time; and Hvar doesn't require a lot of time, either, although you can spend longer if you want for beach time. You could, perhaps, even fit in a few days in glorious Split...! It really depends on your interests and travel preferences.

Hope that helps!

yorkshire

With 11 nights, you can easily visit Dubrovnik, an island (I'd go with Korcula), and Kotor. Did you plan on using public transport or renting a car?

OrlandoFato

Thanks, Kja and Yorkshire, for your time and input. I have decided to stay in the Croatia and focus on Dubrovnik and the surrounding islands and area. I guess I will leave Montenegro for another time.