Hi
We've got 5 days to spend in Croatia around the islands and really want to go to Pag in particular and a couple of others. We are getting the train from Budapest but we're not quite sure of the best place to go to get over to as many islands as possible.
also - what's the best thing to do about accommodation on Pag - is it better to stay on the mainland or find somewhere there? i can't seem to find any hostels that take bookings over the internet!
thank you to all that can help!
Jo
With only five days don't try to visit too many islands. You'll spend way too much of your short time in transit. I'd suggest Hvar and Vis over Pag without hesitation. Stay on the islands and forget hostels, private rooms are the way to go. Look for "sobe" signs or ask people.
If you are taking train from Budapest and you want to visit Pag, take direct train to Rijeka and from there catamaran to Novalja (island of Pag). The same catamaran stops on its way in Rab (island of Rab). Catamarans run daily and you can comfortably split your 5 day vacation on those two islands that have plenty to offer but are far less 'in' than the ones mentioned above. Accommodation in pvt apartments/room you can find upon your arrival. There is plenty to choose from.
Rab may well be less "in" than Hvar, but I found Hvar island to be much more scenic, interesting, and enjoyable. To each his own though.
I believe that this forum is to offer the info asked for, not to tout own favourites. The querry was what island in addition to Pag to visit in 5 day period, arriving by train to Rijeka. The logical answer, given the connections and in order to spend as little time travelling between the destinations, is Rab.
The problem with croatian islands is that there is a very few connections between them. So, I suppose that Pag is not the best starting point if you wish to visit many other islands. As I know, Pag has connection just to Rab with catamaran and, occasionally, with small boat from Lun. Also, there is possibility to go to Olib & Silba with private touristic boats (one day trip for about 30E/person).
Perhaps, better possibility is to visit Krk (bridge) with very good ferry conection to Cres (for cars, also) and from Cres, over the bridge, to Lošinj. From Mali Lošinj you can go to Susak, Srakane and Unije (one line for all of them) and also you can visit Ilovik (all of that for pocket money but without car). That will be, as I know, all.
About accommodation - if you go in high season (july and august) there is possibility to have problems with overbooking, especially on small islands. So, I will recommend you to book in advance. Try to find some private apartments on the net - it's easy because of many of them.