Hvar vs Korcula vs ?

Posted by lee.tresino on 05/30/17 10:19 PM

I'm planning a trip with my wife and we want to spent 2-3 nights on an island. Our plan is to go from Split to the island, and then the island to Dubrovnik. Right now I'm trying to decide between Hvar and Korcula. I considered Vis, but logistics seems hard since you have to return to Split.

We're not looking to party in 'the scene', but we do want some bars and restaurants. We are interested in seeing history and also easy to reach beaches from where we stay -- which will be a main city on one of these islands.

We'll be in Croatia for two weeks, spending time in Zagreb, Istria, Zadar, Split, the island, and then Dubrovnik

Really appreciate thoughts on which island and if 2-3 nights is what you'd do.

thanks so much, excited!

Posted by Jennifer

Tunbridge Wells

05/31/17 07:40 AM

6113 posts

If you don't want the party scene, then avoid Hvar town at all costs. I like Stari Grad on Hvar, which has a good selection of bars and restaurants and is set around a gorgeous harbour.

Korcula town is also picturesque, but can get busy with cruise ships docking for the day, so check on Google for your dates before you book.

Both islands are stunning and visitors will probably be split 50/50 as to which they prefer. Most accommodation has a 3 night minimum booking on the islands.

There are more options for travel from Korcula to Dubrovnik than from Hvar, as you can also take the bus from Korcula.

I have read that bookings in Croatia are up 22% this year, so book asap. Use Trip Advisor rentals or booking.com which offer better value than Airbnb.

Posted by christymck

06/22/17 04:14 PM

50 posts

Hi. We were just in both last week. We preferred Korcula. It was just somehow more enjoyable. We liked Hvar but really really enjoyed Korcula. The town seems more defined being more on a 'peninsula' and it also seemed quieter than Hvar, though that's relative and I wouldn't expect it to be quiet. Good luck and have fun.

Posted by Nancy

06/29/17 01:31 PM

681 posts

My vote is Korcula. We were there last year in July and loved it.

Posted by inireland

Waterville, Ireland

06/30/17 03:45 PM

409 posts

Korcula!

I spent 4 weeks there, and took sailing lessons, windsurfing lessons, swam, snorkeled, ate, drank (a bit), camping part of the time then rented a flat for a week to spoil myself. Yes there were cruise ships but you could go to the harbor master web sight to see when, what time, and size of ship and keep away from the main part of town while they were in dock.

I highly recommend the boat trip to the island that is famous for it's deer (sorry I can't recall the name but you can probably find it!). I recommend KorculaInfo.com as a good resource.

Some of the best food I had in Europe was in Korcula. I love love love that place! If it wasn't so cold in the winter I would move there! Ask about buying local wine with your own bottle (water bottles will do!).

Rick Steves podcasts on Croatia really helped me with my trip once I was there.

Susan
Waterville, Ireland