We have a trip planned for next summer 2019 for a week's stay in Montepulciano, Italy. We want to add on to the trip either in the beginning or the end to see Croatia, where we have never been.

Our dates in Italy are arriving Saturday June 29 and leaving Saturday July 6th. We have between 1-2 weeks to add on to our trip. We want to avoid the large crowds and hoards of cruise ships, so we are thinking of limiting our stays to Split and Zadar. We would like to do some day trips or possibly an overnight to a nearby island. We like to see beautiful views, history, art, and of course great food and wine. Beaches are beautiful to look at but we will not necessarily be swimming or sunbathing. My brother in law however would enjoy scuba diving and/or cycling if available.

If we avoid Dubrovnik, is it still better for us to go earlier in June than in July? I've heard the crowds in July and August are very bad, is that the case for Split and Zadar also?

We are also deciding between Croatia and Greece, so you might see me post about the Greek Islands. Any thoughts on which you would choose? We have been to neither.

Any suggestions or help is appreciated. Thank you!

Patty

I would expect anywhere in Croatia to be busy in June or July, and that would include Split and Zadar.


For a recent discussion of similarities / differences between Croatia and Greece (and Italy), see: (My remarks begin at post # 28, but there’s a wealth of info in there.)
Can't decide where to go in Spring 2019

Thanks kja for responding and pointing me to the other post.

So are you saying that traveling in Croatia in June or July will be equally busy - so that should not really factor in my choice of dates? I'd love to schedule this after Italy, but would be willing to go before if to avoid some of the crowds of the summer.

I need to do more research on the areas... always!

I don't know enough about the differences between June and July in any specific locations to be of help. I would expect both months to be very busy -- it is high season.

Both June and July are very busy, but the early part of June should be far better than July.