Hello folks. We are traveling to Dubrovnik in early May and would like to side trip two islands. Is it better to bus to Split and then ferry or try to ferry from Dubrovnik? Seems like ferry to Hvar from Dubrovnik is limited. Perhaps use Split as a central stop? Thoughts appreciated, thanks!
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7049 posts
I used Split to get to one island (Brac) because the ferry schedule was more convenient from Split - you'll know simply by comparing once the schedules are up. My friend went to Hvar from Split as well. By the way, Split is worth visiting in itself and I really enjoyed my time there.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
By side trip, do you mean day trip or stay for several nights?
The islands won't really have started going by early May and not everywhere will be open all week. There isn't a ferry that links Dubrovnik- Korcula- Hvar, it's a catamaran - see Krilo.hr for the timetable. At that time of year, it only runs 4 days a week and a day trip from Dubrovnik doesn't work, as it leaves Dubrovnik in the afternoon, returning in the morning. It will be cancelled if it's too windy or the sea too choppy, which did happen last September.
Korcula is closer to Dubrovnik, although it is still c 2 hours in each direction by catamaran. Hvar is closer to Split, although it will take you probably 6 hours door to door to travel between your accommodation in Dubrovnik and that in Split. Hvar is an hour by catamaran from Split or 2 hours by ferry.
Split to Korcula as a day trip would involve more time travelling than you would spend on the island and this catamaran only runs 4 days a week so may not fit with your schedule.
Split and nearby Trogir are both worth visiting, but it depends on how much time you have available. At that time of year, my preference would be to explore the mainland.
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Thanks for the info. I believe we will take the bus to Split.
Posted by
67 posts
Not sure of your direction but we started in Dubrovnik and then to Korcula. We splurged and hired a private guide / driver recommended in RS guidebook. Gardens outside of Dubrovnik. Coffee in Ston. Photo stops. 3 wineries with tastings and nibblies. Also a lunch stop on the coast. We were dropped off at the town across from Korcula and took a quick 15min passenger-only ferry right to Korcula Town. Prefect. Great commentary. Great day.
Was 250 euros I think which covered all except for the coffee and lunch stops.