Hello, We will be in Croatia for 8-10 d in May. I am struggling with deciding how to divide our time. We will be entering the country from Budapest, probably by bus and leaving from Dubrovnik. We are physically active and want to enjoy the natural beauty of Croatia. We are certain about hikes through Plitvices Lakes, Velebit and Bioskovo. We want to make sure there is plenty of time for swimming in the sea and sitting in cafes. We would love history and exploring ruins and museums. We also want an island trip on our itinerary. It seems that every location has so much to offer and I cannot decide where to focus and what to leave for another visit. Please help us winnow down the abundance of options!
many thanks,
Elizabeth
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2500 posts
Weather conditions will be optimal for hiking during May—- much more so than for swimming. The sea temperatures in May average about F66 degrees in Dubrovnik. It’s from June-September when the Adriatic warms up.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
476 posts
Active. How about biking or e-biking?
7 years ago we rejected boating trips. It seemed there were two kinds: party hearty and sedate & sherry.
We found a great company based in Split that had many cycling trip options. We did a guided trip that was great … and spendy … BUT
They have self-guided trips as well for about half the price I believe.
https://www.meridienten.com/. Check it out
We had a great trip. We added on a three day, car based pre-tour that took us from Zagreb to Plitvice Lakes, Zadar, Krka and Trogir on the way to Split. Then 5 days of cycling in Split, islands of Brac, Hvar and Korcula. Then finally on the 6th day of cycling, we travelled by van/ferry and cycling from Korcula to the Peljesac Peninsula, cycling down the peninsula and then back in the van to be dropped off in Dubrovnik.
We swam in Split and Korcula. Back then, you could swim at Krka too, which we did, but that’s no longer an option.
They have different offerings. Dalmatian coast and Istria, too.
Since the luxury and expense of that guided tour, we’ve done self guided e-bike tours in France (Loire and Dordogne) and in Italy (Puglia). Right now, I am planning a 30 day trip to Germany and France with 5 days of cycling in Germany along the Mosel River and 6 more days cycling in Alsace and Burgundy (3 days cycling each)
Posted by
Massachusetts, USA
445 posts
We've done kayaking from Dubrovnik and ziplining from Split.
Posted by
5613 posts
This is just a rough picture of how it could look, so you may need to eliminate something depending on how fast you like to move and your transport choice. I am omitting all of the historical things because the are easily found in a book or online and you can see where they might fit in as you pass through.
First determine where you can get to from Budapest in one day--I know Zagreb but that may not be the only option. If Zagreb, check the bus schedule to see if you can get to Plitvice that day or need to spend a night in Zagreb (fantastic cafe culture here so a nice start before heading into nature).
So possibly 1 night for Zagreb
1-2 nights for Plitvice (many recommend just a night, but getting an afternoon and morning hike in to avoid crowds. If you are especially keen, then it would not be unheard of to stay two nights but that largely depends on the rest.)
Are you going to stick with bus throughout the trip or are you considering a car for Velebit? (If the latter, get the car in Zagreb. If the former, starting researching your base for Velebit. This is all possibly by bus but it will be slower.)
X days for Velebit (I am unfamiliar with this area so I suggest the Trip Advisor forum if no one else here responds. I know it is covered in the Cicerone hiking book for the country.)
X days for Biokovo, where Makarska is probably your best bet for a base--you can take an island day trip to Brac from there as well as do more hiking. It will only be possibly swimming temps in late May so maybe the island part becomes less important.
At least one night in Dubrovnik before flight out.
Hope that helps! If you can get the 10 days, it will help. I would choose one place to stay at least three nights (preferably 4)
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
21691 posts
Look at flying from Budapest to Podgorica, then traveling northwest to Dubrovnik (a really beautiufl 2.5 hour drive + stops). Nicer than the bus.
Oh, wave, I will be on that flight 11 May. But I go almost due north from Podgorica. On the otherhand, if you want a really active holiday with river rafting, biking, paragliding, fishing (sea and mountain river), kayaking, hiking, zip lines ..... follow me when I go the other way. No, I wont be doing that stuff, too old ... well okay, the fishing the zip line and maybe the paragliding (vote is still out on that one).