Categories
Croatia travel guide

Getting from Dubrovnik to Bari

Dubrovnik , also known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” is located on the Adriatic Sea coast and is a major travel destination in Croatia. It is also an important transportation hub for ferries to/from Italy.

Bari, located in the Apulia region of Italy , is a major commercial center and port , located on the Adriatic Coast. It is well know as being a major ferry transportation hub for those leaving Italy to visit neighboring countries, such as Croatia and Greece. But aside from this, Bari also boasts a lovely old town, with many historic buildings and sites.

Although both cities are served by airports, there aren’t any direct flights between them. The only option is to connect via Zagreb and Rome, which means you’ll pay a lot (from €293 one way in Spring 2012) and spend about 27 hours traveling.

Ferries from Dubrovnik to Bari

There are two ferry companies which operate ferries between Dubrovnik and Bari:

Jardolinija operates both car and passenger ferries on this route. The ferry doesn’t run between mid November and late March. Most connections are available between early June and late September. From Dubrovnik to Bari, there are departures on Mon (1 p.m.), Tue (10 p.m) , Thu (1 p.m.) , Fri (1 p.m.) and Sun (1 p.m). The travel time is 7 h. From Bari to Dubrovnik, ferries depart on: Tue (10 p.m.), Thu (10 p.m.), Fri (10 p.m.) , Sat (10 p.m.), Sun (10 p.m.) and Mon ( 10 p.m.)

For prices, look under “international lines” on the website. During the low season, a deck seat costs €37.50 one way, while during the high season (Jun 24 – Aug 28), it costs €45 one way. Over the weekends, a single ticket is €52. There are also cabins available for this route.

Although Azzurline also says they run a ferry on the same route, finding the schedule and prices on their website proved to be impossible (couldn’t find anything listed for 2012).

>>read more about Croatia Ferries

Photo credit

Categories
Croatia travel guide

Getting from Dubrovnik to Korcula

Dubrovnik is located on the Adriatic Sea coast and is a major transportation hub for ferries to/from Italy , as well as domestic ferries. That , of course, aside from being an important travel destination in Croatia, known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”.

Korcula is the most populated island off the coast of Croatia, located close to Dubrovnik. It is known for the many cycling tracks which can be used year round (thanks to the mild weather).

Quick summary

The cheapest and easiest way to get between Dubrovnik and Korcula is the passenger ferry which sails two times a week during the summer. During the rest of the year, catch a bus from Dubrovnik to Korcula (which includes the ferry crossing).

Ferry from Dubrovnik to Korcula

Jadrolinija runs ferries between Dubrovnik and Korcula two days per week . They operate between end of May and end of October. Ferries depart Dubrovnik on Thursday and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and arrive in Korcula at 1 p.m. on the same day. On the way back, catch the ferry from Korcula at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Saturday and arrive in Dubrovnik at 6:30 p.m.

To find the price, go to “coastal lines” under Prices on the web site. During the low season, the single adult fare is €12, while during the high season (June 24 to Aug 28) it’s €14. Cabins are also available. You get 20% discount if you get a round trip ticket.

>>read more about Croatia Ferries

Buses from Dubrovnik to Korcula

Buses from Dubrovnik to Korcula leave Dubrovnik every day at 3 p.m. and arrive in Korcula at 6:15 p.m. It uses the ferry crossing Orebic – Korcula (Domince). The fare is 100 kuna (about €13.30) and includes the ferry crossing. The buses are operated by Autotrans .

Another option is to travel by bus from Dubrovnik to Orebic and then take the ferry to Korcula Town. Buses to Orebic depart Dubrovnik daily at 2:15 p.m. and arrive in Orebic at 4:15 p.m. This bus route doesn’t operate on Sundays and public holidays. From Orebic take the ferry to Korcula (for €13 one way).

>>read more about Bus Travel in Croatia

Driving from Dubrovnik to Korcula

You can rent a car in Dubrovnik and take the E65 and Route 414 to Korcula. The 119 km also include the Domince (Korcula) – Orebic ferry crossing. The total journey time is about 2 ½ h.

The ferries are operated by Jadrolinija and they run year round. There are 14 crossings each day (from 00:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. departing Orebic and from 00:10 a.m. to 9:40 p.m. departing Dominice). To look for prices, click the “local lines” on the website. An adult single ticket is €13 one way and for a compact car you’ll pay €63 one way. There is 20% discount if you buy a round trip ticket.

View Larger Map

Photo credit

Categories
Croatia travel guide

Getting from Dubrovnik to Hvar

Dubrovnik is located on the Adriatic Sea coast and aside from being an important travel destination in Croatia , it’s also a major transportation hub for ferries to/from Italy , as well as domestic ferries.

The island of Hvar and especially Hvar Town is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Adriatic Sea. During the summer season – May to September – the city gets very crowded and the prices spike. The beaches, the vineyards, the harbor along with the impressive fortifications make this town a pleasure to visit, regardless of what you want to do here.

Passenger Ferries from Dubrovnik to Hvar

The only way to get between Dubrovnik and Hvar is by ferry. There are both fast ferries (passengers only) and car ferries available (in case you’ve rented a car during your vacation in Croatia).

The ferries only operate between end of May and end of September. The depart from Dubrovnik on Thursday and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. and arrive in Stari Grad (island of Hvar) at 5 p.m. On the way back, catch the ferry from Stari Grad at 9:15 a.m. and you’ll be in Dubrovnik at 6:30 p.m. The ferries are operated by Jadrolinija .

Prices start at 14.50 euro per person, one way during the low season for a deck seat and 17.50 euro per person one way for the same seat during the high season (Jun 24 – Aug 28). If you get a round trip ticket, the discount is 20%. Cabin accommodation is also available. To look for the prices search under “coastal lines” on the website.

From Stari Grad you can catch one of the local buses to get to Hvar Town (or other place on the island). Or you can rent a scooter once you arrive and enjoy the scenic beauty of the island at your own pace.

>>read more about Croatia Ferries

Driving from Dubrovnik to Hvar

In case you prefer to drive between Dubrovnik and Hvar , there are three possible ferry crossings and routes. But the best option is the 234 km route along Route 116 which includes the Sućuraj – Drvenik ferry crossing. This ferry runs year round and there are three departures per day. You can complete the journey on this route in about 4 ½ h. This route is also operated by Jadrolinija.

To look for the prices, search under “local lines” on the website. An adult single ticket is 13 euro while for a compact car you’ll pay 6.50 euro one way.

View Larger Map

Photo credit

Categories
Croatia travel guide

Getting from Split to Dubvrovnik

Dubrovnik , located on the Adriatic Sea coast, is one of the most well known tourist resorts in Croatia and Europe. Nick-named the “Pearl of the Adriatic” , Dubrovnik has been listed as a UNESCO site since 1979. It is a popular destination for those looking for a romantic place with a lot of history.

Split was originally built around the Diocletian palace and even today you can still see the old Roman walls, squares and temples.

Quick summary

With no train connection between Split and Dubrovnik, the bus is the cheapest option to travel. But if you want to drive on one of the most scenic roads in Europe, rent a car and you’ll be absolutely delighted.

Flights from Split (airport code: SPU) to Dubrovnik

Split Airport (SPU) is the second most important airport in Croatia and is located about 25 km from the city center. It handles flights to/from Europe, as well as domestic flights.

Dubrovnik airport (DBV), located about 20 km from the city center, is the third largest airport in Croatia. It is the base for Dubrovnik Airlines. Most of the flights it serves are seasonal, but the year round flights serve the country and some European destinations.

Croatia Airlines is the only airline flying between Split and Dubrovnik. Flights with a stop in Zagreb start at €53 one way per person, regardless of when you fly in 2012 and the total journey time is about 3 ½ h.

Buses from Split to Dubrovnik

There are 14 connections per day between Split and Dubrovnik. The timetable can be found here but there’s no way to find the prices or book the tickets online. Buses are operated by various companies, including: Croatia Bus, Autotrans Rijeka and Panorama Bus Zagreb. The journey time is about 4 ½ h.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Croatia

Driving from Split to Dubrovnik

You can rent a car in Split and drive Route 414 along the coast between Split and Dubrovnik. This route is a beautiful scenic journey through various travel destinations and small villages. The total journey time (including the ferry crossing) is about 4 ½ h.

View Larger Map

Photo credit

Categories
Croatia travel guide

Getting from Zagred to Dubrovnik

Zagreb is the capital of Croatia , famous for its old city and cobble stones reminding tourists of Prague, Vienna or Budapest. It is also where you’ll most likely arrive if you come from other parts of the world (via a major European hub) or by train from other European cities.

Dubrovnik is located on the Adriatic Sea coast and is one of the most well known tourist resorts in Croatia and Europe. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic” , the city has been listed as a UNESCO site since 1979.

Quick summary

There is not train connection between Zagreb and Dubrovnik but bus fares start at about €27* per person one way. Flights take significantly less (just an hour) and start at €41 per person, one way. If you like scenic drives, then part of this route- from Split to Dubrovnik – will make you fall in love with Croatia.

Flights from Zagreb (airport code: ZAG) to Dubrovnik

Zagreb International Airport (ZAG) is located 17 km from the city center, to which is connected by buses. It is the most important airport in Croatia and a hub for Croatia Airlines. It handles flights within Europe, as well as domestic flights.

Dubrovnik airport (DBV) is located about 20 km from the city center and is the third largest airport in Croatia. Dubrovnik Airlines is based here. Most of the flights it serves are seasonal, but there are domestic flights and flights from some European capitals which operate year-round.

Flights between Zagreb and Dubrovnik are operated only by Croatia Airlines. The flight time is 1h 5 min. Regardless of when you fly in 2012, expect to pay from €41 per person one way for a flight between the two cities.

Buses from Zagreb to Dubrovnik

There are 8 buses per day between Zagreb and Dubrovnik , including several night buses. The total journey time is about 11 h. It’s not possible to book the tickets online. You can check the timetable here . Fares start at 205 Croatian kune (about €27) per person, one way and depend on the bus company you choose.

>>read more about Bus Travel in Croatia

Driving from Zagreb to Dubrovnik

You can rent a car in Zagreb and drive the 627 km to Dubrovnik on A1/E71. You should be able to cover the distance in about 7 ½ h but plan some stops along the way. This route also includes a ferry crossing (Trpanj – Ploce).

The route from Split to Dubrovnik is a beautiful scenic journey through various travel destinations and small villages.

View Larger Map

Note: *at the time the article was written

Photo credit

Categories
Croatia travel guide

Stradun

Dubrovnik’s Stradun

When you visit Dubrovnik, it is almost impossible to avoid the city’s main drag, the Stradun (Straw-DOON) or Placa. The Stradun itself one of Dubrovnik’s tourist attractions, and it’s the place to wander and window shop. The Stradun starts from the city bus stop outside Pile Gate and runs about 300 meters to the clock tower at the other end of town. It is a pedestrian zone, so visitors can walk with the comfort of knowing they won’t be bombarded by vehicles.

More information on >> things to do in Dubrovnik

What you’ll see

            Right inside the Pile Gate sits the Franciscan Monastery, which houses one of the oldest pharmacies in the world, operating since 1391.  On the right is a rustic polygonal fountain, Onofrio’s Large Fountain. On the eastern end of the Stradun there is a second fountain, Onofrio’s Small Fountain, carved by the sculptor Pietro di Martino in 1442 according to designs made by the engineer Onofrio de la Cava of Naples.  St. Blaise’s Church, a quaint Italian baroque building, is also on the east end of Stradun.  Gothic Rector’s Palace, built in 1441 is there as well. The palace now serves as a museum with furnished rooms, baroque paintings and historical exhibits.  At the very end of the Placa on the east side, sits the most superb building, the Sponza palace, built in the period from 1516 to 1521. Across the street is a bustling morning market.

What to know 

            The cobbled surface surrounded by buildings’ façades on both sides was at one point in time completely underwater. Years ago, Stradun was a sea channel, which separated the two settlements that founded Dubrovnik in the early Middle Ages. After the channel was filled up, Stradun became a street. Though there are several theories about the way Stradun came to be, this is the established explanation.  Stradun suffered significant damage in the earthquake that shook Dubrovnik in 1667.  Stradun also suffered other damages during the Homeland war in 1991, when numerous missiles landed on the popular street.

Where to shop

            The pavement is made of limestone and shines bright after rainfall. The houses on each side date back to the 17th century, with their height and style all in uniform. For the most part, the shops have the characteristic “na koljeno”—combined door and counter. The “na koljeno” type consists of a door and window in a single frame spanned by a semicircular arch. In the past, the door was kept closed and goods handed over the sill, which acted as the counter.  Though it’s become a bit touristy over the years, shoppers can find authentic Croatian items along with the typical souvenir offerings.   Restaurants offering traditional Dubrovnik-style seafood can be found along Stradun, as well as Vinoteka, (the Croatian word for “Wine Shop”) which sells Croatian and Slovenian wines alongside olive oil and truffles. You can find the shop at the entrance of the Stradun. Other items to buy are Croatian spirits, such as grape-herb and plum based brandies like grappa, travarica and sljivovica, which are to be drunk as aperitifs. You might see bottles crammed with herbs and spices. These lovely packaged bottles make wonderful and unique gifts. 

Early bird gets the chair           

            There is definitely a cafe culture on the Stradun. As soon as the sun rises, cafe owners can be seen setting tables and chairs out for the day. You have to be early and quick to find a seat if you want to spend time people watching on the busy street. It is definitely first come first served.  Come back in the evening for a few drinks when things quiet down a bit, and just observe.  It’s the best place to be after a long day of sightseeing or playing in the water, and the best place to explore for shopping and eating in Dubrovnik.

Categories
Croatia

Dubrovnik’s “Bourbon Street”

bourbon-st.jpgYou might expect a destination that has blossomed into one of the world’s top tourism destinations so quickly to have a widespread competition for tourist dollars taking place throughout the city. Nightclubs should be popping up all over the place and the nightlife should diffuse and spread around to many neighborhoods.

That is not the case in Dubrovnik. Like it’s New Orleans cousin, Dubrovnik’s “Bourbon Street” has packed most of the city’s bars and clubs into that section of town and the nightlife runs wild late into hot, summer nights. Hotels and hostels advertise how close they are to Bourbon Street on fliers and other advertisements and the marketing does bring in guests looking for pub crawls and dance clubs to wander between all night.

Bourbon Street is unmarked and if you don’t know where to go, finding it can be an intimidating task, especially in a foreign country. The real name of the street is Bana Jelacica but, no one knows that, and if you follow the tide of youngish looking people at night in the summer you’ll probably find it. If you ask someone, they’ll most certainly know what and where it is.

Bars along Bourbon Street allow casual attire and few have a prohibitive dress code of any kind. There are places that you’ll feel out of place in flip flops, but generally you’ll not get thrown out or denied entrance. Cover charges average about 20 kuna, but many come with a free drink once you’re inside and drink specials are designed to keep you well lubed and enjoying yourself.

Categories
Articles Croatia

Hotel Kompass

cliffs_rocks_beach_280096_m.jpgBy most accounts, Hotel Kompass is Croatia’s nicest three star hotel. The hotel combines an amazing view with decent services and amenities to produce one of the best travel experiences available in Croatia on a mid-range budget.

Hotel Kompass is located near Dubrovnik, on the Lapad peninsula with a view overlooking the bay. The hotel regularly receives rave reviews and is a popular way to get semi-luxury accommodations on a budget.

The differences between Hotel Kompass and a luxury resort are slight. Where a resort might be described as “massive,” Hotel Kompass is “charming,” where a resort might be “pristine,” Hotel Kompass is “well-kept.”

When it comes to the food in the restaurant however, the reviews are more mixed. Some ring with recommendation and endorsement, comparing the food to the finest stuff in Italy’s best kitchens and gushing about the selection.

Others, find the food repetitive, the buffet limiting and the service average. Hotel Kompass may not have the finest kitchen to offer, but for budget travelers the food choices will likely be manageable and a far cry above what is usually offered in youth hostels.

Quick Facts

Hotel Kompass has 115 rooms over 5 floors.

Prices start at 94 euros a night.

Hotel Kompass is a three star hotel.

Accepts American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa.

There is a heated indoor pool and a heated outdoor pool as well as an accessible beach from your hotel.

Hotel Kompass is probably the best compromise you can make between a high-class resort and a youth hostel or budget hotel. While the service reflects the manageable over all price–there are fewer extra frills than a resort–the location, view and accommodations are just as good as a higher priced resort.

Categories
Articles Croatia

Flights to Dubrovnik

croatia_europe_vacation_96925_l.jpg

Dubrovnik is the most popular tourist destination in Croatia and flights to the historic city are frequent, if sometimes a little spendy. The key to finding cheap flights to Dubrovnik is to start looking early. It can be done, but the earlier you start your search, the more likely it is you’ll find a fare that doesn’t upset your stomach.

Flights coming in to Dubrovnik often originate out of several large European hubs, so searching for an inexpensive flight to one of these hubs and then switching airlines may yield a cheaper overall ticket price. It can be risky to switch airlines on an international or even domestic flight, however, because with one delay or missed connection you may find the next leg of your trip voided for failing to show up on time. It is also a bit of a hassle to claim bags and check in for a flight again, so leave plenty of time between tickets if you do try to save money this way.

Dubrovnik airport (DBV) is served by 16 airlines, with flights to Zagreb four times a day and two daily flights to London. The airport also sends flights to Rome and Barcelona as well as Stuttgart, Cologne and Vienna. The airport is located outside of Dubrovnik, about 12.5 miles south of the city. The airport served over 1.1 million people in 2006 and its traffic, along with Croatian tourism in general, has been rebounding since the Balkan wars in the early nineties. 2006 was the second year in a row that Dubrovnik airport saw more than a million people come through its gates, a number that the airport had not reached since 1990.

You can find a cheap flight to Dubrovnik with bootsnall’s fair finder. Enter DBV for Dubrovnik’s airport code and search for the best travel dates for you. Be aware that the day of the week may influence the price you are quoted and searching for flights on “off” travel days like Wednesday and Saturday may lower the price several hundred dollars.

Dubrovnik also receives four flights from Zagreb each day and flights are often cheaper into the less-temperate capital city. Consider a flight into Zagreb and then finishing your trip to Dubrovnik by train or car. Better yet, add a few days to your trip and see the sights of Croatia north of Dubrovnik on your way down the coast.

Another option is a bus ride from Zagreb to Dubrovnik, which takes about 12 hours. If you want to travel in comfort, consider a ferry from Istria or one of the many port towns along the way. There are also ferries from Italy that are a cheaper but slower option than a flight, but they do offer the chance to stop at several islands along the way.

Weigh all of these options against the amount of time you’ll spend traveling to Dubrovnik instead of enjoying it. The attractions of northern Croatia are often beautiful and historically significant, but once you’ve experienced Dubrovnik in the summer time, you may wish you saved every second to enjoy the clear blue waters and sublime sunshine.