split to dubrovnik by ferry?

hi, thanks to some very helpful thorntree members, i've worked out that the best way to get from split to dubrovnik is by ferry. they also suggested stopping off at an island. so my next question is whether anyone can recommend a good island en route.

i think i'd ideally like to set off from split in the late afternoon (in july) and then stop on an island and stay the night, before resuming the journey to dubrovnik. i'm very happy to spend a long time on the water but i'd quite like to keep costs down reasonably. as for the island, i'd love somewhere beautiful (controversial i know) and relatively unspoilt. and with a nice bar and a pension or hotel.... any thoughts?

thanks!

check this link http://www.jadrolinija.hr/default.aspx?lang=2

As You can see, there are just three options - Starigrad/Hvar, Korcula/Korcula and Sobra/Mljet

They all are very different:

Starigrad is an beautiful old town on island Hvar and in July is very crowded. If You like to stay there, book in advance. Search web about Hvar and you'll find many useful informations but, generally, this island is all but no quiet.

Same for Korcula - really very beautiful medieval town but also crowded. It's known as a birth place of Marco Polo.
On this island You can find smaller villages without so much crowd but it's not so easy to get there.

Sobra/Mljet - that will be my choice. Maybe not Sobra but half of this island is National park where You can enjoy in peace. It's not crowded but, also, is better to book in advance. There are many of private rooms and just 2-3 small hotels. All is available on web, usually with pictures etc.

Transport on islands can be a problem, specially on Mljet (it's small island with less than 1000 residents). Usually, buses are waiting for the boat but they are connecting just main places, so if Your room isn't on main road you'll need to arrange with your hosts to pickup you somewhere. For instance, just in the national park is one beautiful small village "babine kuće" but bus stops 2-3 km away (as I remember).
Just pay attention - not all of boats are going to Sobra. I find one at Jul 05 - be careful.

I hope it helps - enjoy Croatia.

the BEST way, fast, is not at all boat, but the bus along coastal road, ev 30/60 mins or so. will also pas all ferryports with the local ferrylinks.
as the long-dist boat only goes like 4/5 times/week, with varying routes, you may have to re-plan and adapt. they dont go as -you-like at all.

Besto tour is

Split - Hvar - Vela luka - Korcula Dubrovnik

Best is a term used sparingly, I think. The scenery along the coastal route is phenomenal, so whether you are in a bus on land, or in a ferry hugging the coast, either is special.

If fast is the only important factor, the bus is fastest. If you are ok taking twice the time to see a different view of the same coast, then the ferry is an excellent choice.

Here is what I did: take the bus one direction, and the ferry the other.