We are going to Croatia in September, arriving in Rovinj from Venice. We want to stay in the Rovinj area a couple of days and then head south. Should we stop in Zadar or head right to Split? Also, should we drive or go by Ferry? Would we be able to squeeze in a quick trip to Hvar during a 7-8 day visit? Thanks for your help.

Both places are great jump off points to various islands - lots of ferry connections. I stayed in Zadar - which I liked a lot but the Kornati and the archipeligo I thought okay (but I was on a day tour of the Kornati). Their different than the central islands - more rugged, less lush. As for Split - I don't care for it - it congested, lots of grafitti, lots of tourist shops. However, the central islands I have been to - Hvar and Brac - are beautiful. I believe there is a new highway from Zagreb to Split - which would cut down on your driving time compared to going along the coast. Split is a half day. What about visiting the northern central islands - Krk, Rab, etc and exploring the Istrian penninsula in more depth.

We are going to stay in Zadar a few nights and go to Sali(Kornati) and rent Kayaks for one day.
Split does not sound like a place I want to visit long...there's Trogir sounds like people enjoy that more than Split.

When I looked up Kayaking this was a recommended area. We are also going to see Hvar and Korkula also.

I just booked our room in Rovinj, seeing Istra on our travels back to Venice where we will return our car.

Thanks for the tip. Where are you staying in Rovinj? We haven't booked a place yet and wonder how difficult it will be if we just wait until we arrive. I have read that B&B owners, for example, meet the Ferrys to offer rooms at their establishments. Has anyone had a good experience doing this?

JIBER1-

That's the standard all over Croatia - people waiting at the entrance to towns with signs advertising their rooms (sobe). I've rented that way but keep in mind that many of the sobe are pretty dingy... You shouldn't have a problem finding a decent place to sleep since you are going in September which is after the summer peak.

BTW, I'll be there at the beginning of October, starting in Ljubljana and working my way down to Zadar. Check out my web page about our first trip to Croatia...
http://www.travel.stv77.com/croatia/croatia.htm

if you're going to kyack the Kprnati seem ideal - little isalnds are scattered all over the place. One thing that does intrigue me about the Kornati are the "robinson caruso" houses - solitary house on small islands, no electricity, a grocery boat that makes the rounds duringh the summer - for when you're have a garbo week. Also there are a couple light houses that can be rented also.

We are staying at the Angelo D Oro I believe the spelling is correct. I decided to book Apts. and hotels in advanced because as I was looking through the sights some looked very dingy, I wanted a balcony in some cases to enjoy my morning coffee or evening glass of wine with a view of the sea.

I will be in Croatia in Sept. and I have been surprised that many places I tried to book were full.

Hope this helps
Pepnjak

Zadar would be my first choice.