Islands: Hvar for nightlife, Vis for quiet, Korčula for both

The Jadrolinija ferries and the Krilo catamarans connect Split and Dubrovnik with the islands; catamarans sell out in summer, so book a few days ahead. Hvar town is the party island, but Stari Grad on the same island is calm and old. Vis, farther out, has the Blue Cave nearby and a slower pace; Korčula's walled town is a small Dubrovnik without the ships. On the mainland, Plitvice Lakes needs a timed ticket and an early start.