We are making our first journey to Croatia and will appreciate your expertise in helping guide us.
We are experienced international travelers in our late 50's and mobile.
Architecture, history and people are important in defining our journey.
Arrive Split October 1 and departing October 5.
We have rented a small apartment for the four night stay.
"Been there, saw that" is NOT us. "Been there, absorbing the experience and learned about local culture" is ALL about us.
While realizing the unpredictability of weather, for packing purposes we desire to understand what temps we are most likely to encounter during the first two weeks of October.
We are reading comments indicating restaurants close for the winter early in October???
Are restaurants more cash oriented then credit card friendly?
We are considering renting a car for a day trip, your suggestions for a destination are welcome.
On Saturday October 5 we board a small ship (40 passengers) for a 7 day round trip from Split to Dubrovnik and back to Split.
Based on our travel journeys we typically return to a country to expand our cultural knowledge.
Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7049 posts
Since you have quite a short stay, I would spend 1.5 to 2 days leisurely sight-seeing Split. If you're in shape, I'd highly recommend the hike up Marjan Hill to see the city from above. Leave a half to full day for Trogir which is very close by (you can get there by bus), and then perhaps another day do a day trip via ferry to one of the islands (Hvar, Brač, Korčula, etc. depending on whichever has the best sailing schedule). Split makes a great base for island hopping (and day trips), so I would definitely use it for that purpose. I went to Brač and stayed there for 3 days, but any island can be seen as a day trip. Korčula was wonderful as well. Personally, I don't think you need a car and it will be more of a pain than it's worth to park it. Old Split is pedestrian-only, as is Trogir (and of course no car needed for the islands, although you can take a bus around them or spend time close to the ferry landing).
I went to Croatia in early September so I can't speak to October weather. For historical weather anywhere in the world, check out www.timeanddate.com. You'll be able to see historical data for Split for several years back.
I had no issues with credit cards except for the smaller places and markets. ATMs are easy to find if you need cash. The small bars/restaurants are called "konoba", and you can get traditional Croatian/Dalmatian fare there.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Since you'll probably visit islands south of Split on your 7 day cruise, you could day trip by car to Krka or possibly to Mostar (longer and requires a border crossing, so confirm with rental company). Although I've not been in Split in early October, I was in Rovinj where it was sunny/pleasant during the day and cool/windy in the evening. I suspect the weather in Split could be similar. Split is a real working city, so I doubt that restaurants will close for the winter. Maybe some outdoor seating along the Riva will disappear, but there should still be plenty of dining options. I like Fife at the end of the Riva for good local food.
Posted by
17 posts
Split is a great choice and you will love it! One full day is all you really need for sightseeing within town. Marjan as previously mentioned is a fantastic choice, but could be done in a few hours. I highly recommend a trip to Krka. I would suggest a tour, as driving into Split is tricky. The main hub of the city is pedestrian only and unless you have free parking with your accommodation it’s not worth it. We used Dream Tours for Krka and loved it.
We found the restaurants to be more cash oriented. Most are cash-only. Got some serious eye-rolls even from establishments that did accept card. Save yourself the headache and pull out enough Kuna before you go.