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Korcula Old Town, Vela Luka, is some other place along coast?

Just when I thought I had Croatia figured out....

I’ve discovered that large dogs are not allowed on the high speed Catamaran ferries that go from Split to Korcua Old Town. Bums me out as we have a great apartment to stay about a five minute walk from old town with access to the water down a few steps.

So these are the options.

1) Rent a car in Split, take the car ferry to Vela Luka, drive to Korcula. Not sure if rental companies allow cars on ferries in Croatia. Does anyone have experience with this?

2) take the car ferry as foot passenger from Split to Vela Luka. I found an apartment on the water there. Any feedback on Vela Luka from someone who has been there? No car rental needed until we go back to Split to drive yo Plitvice.

3) Skip the Korcula Island (or any island) and find a place in a town on the mainland. (Would also likely require a car rental.)

Any ideas or feedback is welcome.

Posted by
4961 posts

1) I have no personal experience, but it must be possible--so many visitors drive and use ferries.
2) I know you were looking to kick back and relax, which you could easily do in Vela Luka, but its beauty pales in comparison to Korcula. They are about 30 minutes apart by car, and you would want a car as the bus is not efficient enough to allow for exploration.
3) I hear good things about the Makarska area.

Posted by
3961 posts

Bummer! I am not familiar with Vela Luka or car ferries. Hope you can find a way to get to Korcula. I guess I am living vicariously! Fond memories.

Posted by
1641 posts

So more research on internet indicates rental cars are allowed on ferries, some companies may charge a small amount for coverage. Haven’t found anything where ferry company demands any special paperwork for domestic ferries.

Auto Europe responded to my email: “Most suppliers do permit travel on ferries in Croatia to Croatian islands.”. So I think I’ll reserve car and have Auto Europe reconfirm.

But still interested in hearing from anyone who has taken their rental on a Croatia ferry.

Since the car ferry leaves Split at 10:15 am, thinking we should rent car the day before, not the morning of. Anyone have experience parking near the port overnight? We are staying near the port.

Also, does anyone know if a reservation can be made in advance for car ferry, or how much?

Posted by
6113 posts

I have hired a car at Split airport and taken it on the ferry to Stari Grad on Hvar three times without issue. I can’t recall who we hired from.

I don’t know if car hire companies would have any issues with you taking a large dog. As someone who is allergic to dogs, I wouldn’t appreciate hiring a car after a dog has been in there for days! Ditto accommodation.

You can’t book car ferry tickets in advance, you just turn up, add your car to the queue and go and get your tickets. You pay for the car, the driver and each passenger. The islands are more interesting than the mainland, but if you have to opt for the mainland, Omis or Makarska are the best options south of Split.