first visit to croatia, solo adventure traveller with 11 days between DBV and ferry to venice

Your itinerary looks good, you're going to have a great time in Croatia! Dubrovnik is really beautiful and also really crowded. I would definitely do 3 nights there, just plan to enjoy the city in the early morning and late evening when most of the bus tours are gone. Use the days to visit Lokrum Island or take a ferry to Cavtat. There are other island tours you can do to get out of the city when it's busiest. Either look for a place in Dubrovnik outside of the walls, or inside the walls near the center streets. The apartments inside the old city nearest the walls are often cheaper, but the stairs up to them will kill you. I learned that lesson the hard way. I would do 2 nights in Korcula and 3 in Split. Split has much more to see.

In Korcula, I've stayed both in the old city center and also near the beach to the west of the old town. Both were fine, the town is so tiny, nothing is too far to walk. In Plitvice I stayed at the Krizmanic Family B&B. It was very convenient and a beautiful location.

For Istria, it looks like the ferry from Rovinj to Venice is much shorter, I'd go with that location. Both cities are very beautiful and touristy, but well worth your time. If you stay in Rovinj I would look for a place on the mainland, not the peninsula. The old city center on the peninsula is very steep and would be very difficult to drag your suitcase around.

: for Istria, Pula or Rovinj? i need to be on a ferry to Venice the
morning of July 1.
Make sure ferries are daily, I believe it’s Venezialines.

I don’t think Dubrovnik is that bad, but it is tiny and a day would be sufficient for me—compare Mljetbferries or day trip excursions out of Korcula and Dubrovnik to compare.
Korcula v Split: compare your day trip wishes, if you want to do a lot of outdoor activities, I’d lean toward more time on an island.

Very solid itinerary, no matter how you massage this it’s going to be great! It’s a little late in the accommodations game for some of these places, so I’d take your best look and just book something asap.

I’d stick with three nights in Dubrovnik. Assuming you’ll be taking an early ferry to Korcula, shortening it would give you one full day which just ain’t enough. Yes, Dubrovnik is crowded, hot, and it’s almost wholly given over to the tourist trade. AND YET, I was surprised with how easily enjoyable the place is. There’s a lot of options around to dip out of the midday crush and hit the beach, Lokrum, Cavtat, or just hit the beach bar. Recommend getting up to Mt. Srd and visit the fortress museum. Dinner at Panorama is a worthwhile splurge. Dubrovnik is great, don’t sweat it.

I would go Korcula 3, Split 2. I enjoyed Split more than most it seems, but I’d still say two nights is about right for most people and itineraries. I too had Mylet hard in my sights, but ultimately bailed on it with zero regrets. IMO it’s a tough prospect for a day trip. It’s not especially close to Korcula even, and any way you cut it you’re out there for the whole entire day. Odds are it’s going to be hot, and that’s just a whole lot of swimming, biking, sunning, etc with only basic amenities at your disposal. And as I quickly discovered, almost everywhere you look the coast is this same rugged gorgeous landscape with crystal clear waters. Like, I simply couldn’t imagine Mylet would be that much better, and in Korcula I could have a nice lunch and take a nap to boot.

Sounds like you’ve got a handle on Plitvice. With a car, it’s worth looking at off site accommodations. The park hotels are pricey and nothing to write home about.

I’d also recommend Rovinj. It’s very resorty compared to Korcula, but the swimming is superior. Get out to Red Island via hotel ferry to get away from it all. I don’t think staying in the old town is critical, but it’s nice. Highly recommend Twin Figs restaurant tucked away in the old town. Stop by Bar Mediterano to enjoy a cocktail, gaze at the sea, and reflect on what a great trip you planned :)

Definitely Rovinj over Pula! Rovinj is a dream! Wished we’d have skipped Pula but at least the airport there worked out for us.

thank you for these tips! everyone