I am planning on traveling to Croatia next summer and because of my work schedule (not flexible) I will be looking at either mid/late July or early August. I know that both are busy (and not preferred) months but can someone please tell me if they had to choose between the two which would they plan for? I want to spend some time on the islands, see (although not spend too much time) in Split/Dubrovnik and also want to visit plitvice. Will also probably fly in/out of Italy and add a couple of days there (not help needed for Italy)... which time frame would you recommend?

august gets hot and busy
july not much better but august the official month for european holiday makers
shoot for july but book all accommodation

Thanks lanejohann - I kind of figured that July would be the better choice (of the two busiest months!)... I'm going to try and leave right after my summer class ends!

Yikes - neither but sometimes schedules just cannot be changed. In that case I would go with the end of July as recommended above.

Glad you are going to Plitvice Lakes - gorgeous. How long do you have? Which islands are you considering? I'm just asking as we have a house in Croatia and LOVE IT THERE!!!!

Hi Travel2live2 -

I know - not my first choice months but I teach part-time so I need to plan my trip after summer and before the fall semester starts-

I will be in Croatia approx 2 weeks - want to spend most of my time on the islands. I was thinking a couple of days on Hvar and then ??? Since it is a busy time I would like to spend most of the time on one of the less busy islands - one with great beaches, snorkeling/diving options but not so quiet that as a solo traveler I will feel isolated. Any suggestions???
How much time do you think I need to plan to see Dubrovnik? Is Split a must see? Thanks for the advice!

racegirl:
The Dalmatian coast consists of 1185 islands, most of them are uninhabited. You should do research on which island you want to visit and then check the ferry schedule as there is not always daily service, even in high season. Zlatni Rat has a wonderful beach, one of the very few on the coast. Most of our beaches do not have sand, there are only pebbles.
The locals usually go over to Lokrum to swim, which means you jump off the rocks into the sea as there is no beach on the island.
July will be busy, but nothing like August when the Europeans arrive. During high season there can be as many as 12 mega cruisers in port, which means there can be as many as 30,000 cruise tourists wandering the streets.
Best time of year is late September and early October and perhaps one day you might be able to visit our country as it should be seen, slowly.

Dobrodosli u Dubrovnik

racegirl, I understand. My sister is a teacher and her husband a farmer so it is tricky to coordinate vacations between them!

I would recommend three or four days in Dubrovnik (from there you can do all sorts of daytrips including Lokrum as mentioned). In my opinion half a day in Split is enough to see Diocletian's Palace. I personally like Trogir (close to Split) to base in for the area. I do not think Split is a must see. Perhaps if you had more time (or your next trip!) you could explore that area further.

My favourite islands are Mljet and Vis as they are quieter and less commercialized. Elaphite are interesting, too. I really like Korcula as well. Hvar is lovely as well but can be absolutely packed.

Thanks again everyone for the tips...

travel2live I really appreciate the specific island recommendations - I am going to read more about each of them and I also will take your advice on Trogir over Split! I will definitely be posting some info on my potential itinerary in the near future and look forward to more input/advice!

racegirl, I cannot wait to hear more about your plans! We fell so in love with Croatia we bought a house there recently. Once you get me started on the topic I just cannot shut up!

travel2live2 - just posted a possible itinerary... it's under the Croatia tag but accidently left off the word "croatia" in the actual subject..

let me know what you think!