Croatia

[kari]

Has anyone been? Going in September, staying in Dubrovnik. Know nothing about it. Looking for any information. Thanks.

[lawyergirl25]

Oooh, I would like information too. We're thinking about taking my mom on a cruise for her birthday and one of the stops is Dubrovnik. Good thread, kari - I hope you get some responses.

[keska]

Yes, I've been there. I stayed a week in Dubrovnik a couple of years ago in between my studies in Budapest and Prague. It was great. The old town is small but it was very pretty. It has recovered well from the war; though you will see some signs of it still, it's not like visiting Sarejevo.

I rented a private apartment via the internet from someone in old town and it was fantastic. So much better than a hotel, in my opinion. The owners were so nice, they even picked me up from the airport. The water is so gorgeous. I've been trying convince DH to go back there ever since. Next time, I think we'll rent a car and drive up the coast.

I was there in July and it was fairly crowded. I didn't meet any other Americans, but it's a popular vacation spot for Europeans. Personally, I flew in from Bratislava but I met up with some students who drove from Hungary. They had to go around the long way, though, b/c the roads through Bosnia were not open.

Let me know if you have any questions. I'd post some photos but I'm in Ireland now and don't have access to my own laptop.

[lawyergirl25]

I'm in Ireland now
*jealous*

[tlew12778]

I've been but only to the Istrian Penisula part of Croatia. It's really cheap, the water is awesome, and the ppl are nice. I spoke in Italian with everyone (Istria was once part of Italy so most residents are bi-lingual) so I don't know if they spoke English.

[kari]

Oh wow cool! I am staying in a hotel in Dubrovnik but only because my parents are paying for it! I have read on frommers about the sobe/zimmer and would stay at someone's house no problem. I am going mid-Sept and hear that the weather will still be nice. I have absolutely no expectations and am open to almost anything. I am so excited but not about the flights - like 20 hours of traveling :eek:

lawyergirl - I will definitely come back after my trip and tell you all about it.

thanks Keska and tlew!!

[meggiedarlin]

Dobar Dan! (that's Good Day!) I spent 2 months in Yugoslavia in the 80's (it's now Croatia). And whenever I can, I go back to see my "host" family.

Croatia is beautiful!!!!! I haven't really been to the coast, but you'll find the people to be very warm and friendly. English is pretty commonly spoken, so that shouldn't be a problem.

I've been to Croatia 4 times and I am taking classes now to continue to learn the language. I am green with jealousy! Sretan put! (Happy trip, literally).

[Larissa]

This thread is almost a year old, but I need some help.

My friend and I are going to Croatia for 8 days. We start in Rijeka and fly out of Zajreb. She really wanted to go to the coast. What will we have time to do? Any recommendations?

I'm trying to discourage her from driving but she really wants to rent a car. Is it worth it? Will we be able to navigate the trains and buses without knowing any Croatian?

[tlew12778]

I've heard that the trains there suck. I have a friend who's parents live in Zagreb and his dad used to drive him to the Italian boarder so that he could take an Italian train back to Milan. He said the car was actually faster.

[Cricket4]

Hey Larissa, I'll try to direct a friend to this thread later on today...

[Rosebud]

There was recently an excellent article in the L.A. Times about Croatia (specifically Hvar). Here's the link to it: L.A. Times Article (http://www.latimes.com/travel/la-tr-croatia23apr23,1,992167.story?ctrack=1&cset=true)

Also, the Fodors.com message boards are an excellent source on information on Croatia. Here are some good threads, but you should definitely browse around over there.

Croatia Trip Report (http://fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=34822776)

Another Croatia Trip Report (http://fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=34831780)

Long post about Croatia (http://fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=34820766)

Best Guidebook for Croatia? (http://fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=34821639)

Accommodations in Dubrovnik (http://fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=2&tid=34814536)

[keska]

Larissa I've never been that far north but I have some friends who have. Some of my friends drove from Budapest to Dubrovnik and that involves driving down the Croatian coast because the highways through Serbia hadn't been opened since the war. They had a great time on the drive.

The coast is lovely. Here are some of my pictures of Dubrovnik:
http://images1.snapfish.com/34755%3C26%3B%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D3269%3E748%3E368%3EWS NRCG%3D32338%3B%3A63%3A844nu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/34755%3C26%3B%7Ffp33%3B%3Enu%3D3269%3E748%3E368%3E WSNRCG%3D32338%3B%3A645835nu0mrj

http://images1.snapfish.com/34755%3C26%3B%7Ffp345%3Enu%3D3269%3E748%3E368%3EWS NRCG%3D32338%3B%3A63%3A855nu0mrj

This is the street where I rented a private apartment for a week
http://images1.snapfish.com/34755%3C26%3B%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3269%3E748%3E368%3EWS NRCG%3D32338%3B%3A63%3A846nu0mrj

[Grey Goat]

Hey Larissa, I'll try to direct a friend to this thread later on today...

Sorry - I forgot all about this - happy to help...

I have an office in Bosnia and as a result have spent lots of time in Bosnia & Herzovogina, Serbia and Croatia. I can tell you that the area is absolutely beautiful, the people are amazingly friendly and it is some of the most beautiful country you could ever imagine.

Anyway, I've been going there for the last 4 years or so, and in that short time amazing strides have been made. Austria is investing heavily in Eastern Europe, and as a result every time I go I see more and more of a western influence (which can be good or bad, depening on your perspective) and the countries get just a little bit more back to "normal" and continue to recover from the war.

Generally, you'll find that enough people speak English that you won't be totally lost, but it never hurts to have a local guide. You'll find lots of interesting things like Irish bars (where you can hear local bands covering U2) and Mexican restaurants (where ketchup is substitued for salsa)

Anyway, I usually fly into Zagreb and then drive to Bosnia, which, the first time I did it was sort of intimidating (post-war there is still serious security at border crossings) especially considering some of the preconceptions we (in the west) have about Eastern Europe. Last time I was there I took the opportnity to drive from Banja Luka, Bosnia to Dubrovnik. The wekend I went was the opning weekend of their new major highway, so the journey is much easier now that it has been in the past. Gas stations are still scarce though and local driving habits are somewhat erratic. There is also some remaining tension and a definite split between the Muslim and Orthodox (Christian) cultures, and that can get a little spooky (and again, is made spookier by what we're fed by the media here). On the other hand, the Croatians in Mostar recently erected a monument to Bruce Lee (yes, the one you think I mean) in the spirit of harmony and as a result of his inspirational attitude.

Go figure.

Dubrovnik is absolutely gorgous - one of the most incredible places I have ever seen. Seriously. A few notes:

1) Bring cash. Credit card usage is spotty
2) The local food and water is fine - don't be afraid of it.
3) Have some of the local Croatian wine. It is truly excellent, and a great bottle is only 15 dollars or so.
4) PM me if you have specific questions
5) Check out these pictures of the old city -- it's even nicer than these look:

http://www.greyparrottech.com/graphics/dub1.jpg
http://www.greyparrottech.com/graphics/dub3.jpg
http://www.greyparrottech.com/graphics/dub4.jpg
http://www.greyparrottech.com/graphics/dub5.jpg
http://www.greyparrottech.com/graphics/1.jpg
http://www.greyparrottech.com/graphics/window.jpg

[Larissa]

Kesha- Thanks for the photos, they are wonderful! We booked a place in Dubrovnik as well as a few other Southern places. From what we've heard, they are worth it. Thanks for helping us to make the decision to go down to the South.

Rose- Thanks for all the articles! There was lots of good info there.

Tiffany- We're still undecided about a car, but I did relay your info to the friend who is actually doing most of the planning of the trip. Thank you!

Grey Goat- I actually do have one more question. I'll PM you if you don't see this thread in the next couple of days. I was planning to withdraw money from an ATM when I got there. It's much easier than carrying cash. Should I change money before hand? Are ATMs as spotty as credit card usage?

Your photos are beautiful! Thank you for sharing them and for all your help.

[keska]

You'll be able to find cash machines there. I had no problem at all. Dubrovnik especially is a very tourist filled town. There weren't many Americans there when I was there but it is a known tourist spot for Germans and other Europeans.

[Grey Goat]

You'll be able to find cash machines there. I had no problem at all. Dubrovnik especially is a very tourist filled town. There weren't many Americans there when I was there but it is a known tourist spot for Germans and other Europeans.

I can't agree or disagree... I sponged money off of my local friends when I was there, so I never had to find a cash machine. :D I just know I couldn't use my credit card very much ;)

[Larissa]

Thanks, Kesha!! I know the major cities and airports must have cash machines. As Kris is ever so fond of pointing out, I'm not going to the end of the earth. I just never want to assume anything and be stuck.

Grey Goat, I wish I could find someone to sponge off of!! I'd be able to afford to vacation all the time ;)

[kari]

OMG I had such a great time in Croatia! I want to go back soooooo bad! Sorry, I have no experience with trains - I was with a convention so we had buses.

Went on side trip to Budva, Montenegro, absolutely breathtaking! Also went to other places near Dubrovnik, like Korcula.

Dubrovnik was so beautiful. We stayed in the Hotel Excelsior - very nice. Right on the Adriatic Sea which is so clear and like a bath tub. I was very surprised how similar the climate was to where I live (northern California), very Mediterrean.

The food: lots of seafood and pizza. Oh and ice cream vendors everywhere.

[ShyGirl]

*Bump*

We'll be going to Croatia in a few weeks. We'll spend about 10 tens travelling between Split/Trogir and Dubrovnik. I think we have a good grasp of what to do in Split, but can anyone recommend "must sees and dos" for Dubrovnik? Is Montenegro a far trip ,and is it worth a day trip? TIA! :)

[Larissa]

I've heard that Montenegro was awesome from several people who were in Dubrovnik at the same time that we were, but I didn't get to go myself.

[kari]

Absolutely Montenegro is worth a day trip!

[ShyGirl]

Thanks! Another random question (hope that's ok...). I've heard the water is amazing along the coast. Is there good snorkeling? If so, should we bring our own or rent/buy there?

[keska]

The swimming is great in Dubrovnik. I didn't try snorkeling. Dubrovnik is small. You can basically see it in a day or two, though I spent five just relaxing. There's an island just off it and you can take a boat out there and go sunbathing/swimming.

I highly recommend this book. It has five walking tours around Dubrovnik and was a great source of information I wouldn't have otherwise known about the town.

http://ec3.images-amazon.com/images/P/9632129873.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

[bellanapoli]

This is a pretty old thread but I'm curious if anyone's been to Croatia recently?

DH and I are looking at renting an apartment on the coast near Dubrovnik for a week or two this summer.

Anyone out there have experience with Croatian beaches?

[tlew12778]

The beaches in the north are rocky. That is, you would need mattresses and shoes to go in the water. The beaches in the south are sandy.

[dh5678]

Any recommendations for towns in Istria? People on the Fodors.com message board seem to like Rovinj, but I'm also wondering about Pula and Porec.

(We are going in September, coming from Slovenia and then planning to take the ferry to Venice.)

Thanks!

[bellanapoli]

We spent a week in Croatia in June and had a great time.

We stayed in a small town about an hour from Split called Vodice. We found an apartment that was walking distance to the beach which worked out great because we have a toddler. The beaches are rocky but pretty much every store sold water shoes if you came ill-prepared.

The people were friendly and the exchange rate was definitely in our favor. I'd highly recommend it.

[tlew12778]

Any recommendations for towns in Istria? People on the Fodors.com message board seem to like Rovinj, but I'm also wondering about Pula and Porec.

(We are going in September, coming from Slovenia and then planning to take the ferry to Venice.)

Thanks!

We spent a week in Rovinj. It was nice but a week can be long. It is very small, pine-tree area with slate beaches. You need those special shoes to go in the water there as it can be slippery and you need a beach mat so that you don't lie on flat rocks all day. The city smells like chocolate bc of the tobacco factory. Seafood is super cheap (you can eat a plate of rock shrimp for like $10) and Rogaska crystal is like $10 a glass there. From Rovinj you can go to the island in front and drive to Pula. Pula is more of a port city. You can actually take a ferry from Venice to Pula and vice versa now. We did not go to Porec.