Hi all, putting the final touches on itinerary and trying to decide which island korcula or vis. We have definitely 2 nights could be 3 nights then end trip with 3 nights just outside of Dubrovnik. Main interests are relaxing, great beaches, hiking but also good restaurants and enjoying some drinks in the evening. Was leaning towards komiza on vis but since we will be there second week of September want to make sure that restaurants and bars will still be open. We are not clubbers but also don't want to be in a village where everything is shut down by 10. Thoughts?
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
Places will be getting much quieter by mid September, but won’t close until the end of the month.
Both Vis and Korcula will meet your requirements. However, Vis doesn’t link well with heading to Dubrovnik, as you would have to travel via Split (catamaran or ferry then a bus) and it would take you the whole day to get there, which for a 2-3 night trip would be too much hassle if it were my trip.
Another option would be Stari Grad on Hvar, a pretty village lying around a harbour and much nicer and quieter than Hvar town IMO. Good walking on the Stari Grad Plain and into the hill villages such as Dol.
Posted by
Massachusetts
847 posts
I agree that Stari Grad would be a good option. I was in Korcula ten years ago and it was great but have heard they get cruise ship day trippers now (and Sept is still cruise season). We based in Stari Grad and did a day trip to Hvar town. Hvar town is definitely party central (though not bad mid day) but Stari Grad had a decent assortment of restaurants. Have not been to Vis but in planning our recent trip the ferry schedules were much less frequent that Hvar (Stari Grad or Hvar town) and even less than Korcula and that was for mid July. So if you are considering Vis (which looks beautiful, though quiet) check the ferries before booking accommodation.
Posted by
OP
new jersey
20 posts
Thanks for the input. Hvar wasn't really on my radar because I chalked it up to 'party / club' island which isn't really our thing. I also hadn't considered getting from Vis to Dubrovnik, I only got as far as getting there from split which seemed easy enough. I guess an island is an island and while vis was kind of my first choice probably not worth spending a whole day getting to Dubrovnik, particularly by bus. So now I will check stari grad and korcula again! Thanks
Posted by
16 posts
Hvar is party place for the rich. Korcula much more down to earth but I think you will need transpo to a beach elsewhere than Korcula town. I have heard the locals consider Vis the best island for relaxing.
Posted by
4961 posts
Korcula is the closest, and with only 2 days, I would definitely not trek all the way to Vis. Three is debatable.
You need wheels on Vis, whereas Korcula has more bus services.
Posted by
Massachusetts
847 posts
I think Korcula (at least Korcula town) is more interesting, at least visually, than Stari Grad so I don't think you can go wrong with either of them. But Hvar Island is not all Hvar Town, playground for the rich. Stari Grad was definitely a much more laid back, local family type place. And there are other towns on the island that looked interesting that we didn't have time for. But if you do choose that make sure you give at least a couple hours (morning or mid day) to Hvar town and climb up to the fortress (only takes 20 minutes and has great views, even on a cloudy day).
Posted by
OP
new jersey
20 posts
Thank you Isabel, we actually did decide to stay on hvar but at an apartment 10 min walking outside of town on the beach. My first choice was Vis but I didn't want to have 2.5 hour ferry followed by 4 hour bus to Dubrovnik but there is a sailing option from hvar to vis for a day so we will do that and hopefully have best both worlds! Thanks for the input!