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Recommendations for Croatia?

I'm heading to DBV Aug 16-20 and SPU Aug 23-27. Hvar Aug 20-23, but open to alternatives.

Yep, going into the belly of the beast in high season. No talking the wife out of going a bit later in the season, so here I am. She likes the heat, beaches and being on the water. We have a number of on the water excursions planned, also wine and food tours. First time visitors to Croatia and want to hit our must see's in the event we do not make it back this way. If we like it and make it back, then we will go more off the beaten path. We are in our 50's and plenty of energy, but don't like moving locations to often.

  1. Looking for recommendations in Dubrovnik and Split outside the tourist zones for a more authentic restaurant experience that we can get to via Uber. We are staying in Old Town and Diocletian's Palace.
  2. We are staying at Airbnb's in Dubrovnik/Split locations, so looking for local gyms close to those areas for a day passes.
  3. Looking to attend a football game or water polo match. Went to HNK Hajduks website but no schedule as of yet that I could find.
  4. We have hotel reservations at The Adriana in Hvar but we are open to other Islands towns. Looks pretty rowdy in the Hvar Town although very beautiful. We are in our 50's and thinking it maybe a way younger, rambunctious crowd. Not a deal breaker though since we are pretty social ourselves. My wife would like a place with a pool and/or close to the beach, if possible, but we still like to have some choice of restaurants to walk to. Looked into Korcula. We do like to be in a town with some life though, but don't know of other good options.

Thanks, Hank

Posted by
4295 posts

For a restaurant in Split try Fife. It is at the end of the Riva walk past the church. Homemade food and many locals.

Posted by
1744 posts

In Hvar we chose Hotel Podstine, mainly because it is outside of the party areas, but it is still walking distance to the centre of town (mostly along a lovely, seaside path). It also has a private "beach" (like many beaches in Croatia, this consists of cement platforms). Plus the hotel can arrange an excursion to the blue cave, and the boat picks you up right at the hotel.

https://www.podstine.com/

Posted by
4295 posts

The water polo might not be playing because of the Olympics. The team’s website is jug.hr. It isn’t in English but my husband looked and didn’t see any matches scheduled. You can always check with the TI when you get there.
But, during July/August there is a summer festival all around Dubrovnik’s old city. Their website is Dubrovnik-festival.hr. We’ve gone before and enjoyed concerts and the national dance troupe.

PS. Hajduk is Rijeka’s rival so we could never encourage you to root for them, lol.

Posted by
60 posts

Thanks BB, Barbara and Awrzesinki! I appreciate all the info and I'm on it!

Posted by
4295 posts

We’re headed to Croatia August 14 but will be up north till September 15. This is the first year we aren’t traveling to Dubrovnik or Split. Have fun and try to keep cool.

Posted by
60 posts

We had a wonderful time, Barbara! Beautiful country and friendly people. Every one of our stops was like a new trip and experience. Also, everything went off without a hitch, flights, ferries, and nice Airbnb's. We will defiantly return again.