Having lived most of my life only a few kilometers from the beach, the 'Aussie' in me was only too keen to jump onboard the Croatian bandwagon. I'd heard much about the country from friends, fellow travelers and students - all of whom gave glowing reports. So I decided fairly early on to put this destination at the top of my hit list.
After researching and considering various tips, I decided to embark on an '8 day Island Hopper' trip sailing along the Dalmatian Coast, with the young travelers' adventure company - 'Busabout'. Encompassing Split, Omis, Makarska, Dubrovnik and the islands of Hvar, Mljet and Korcula, the all-inclusive tour (accommodation on board a vintage ship, most food and a guide) would allow for a week of exploration and total relaxation. And having booked it around Easter, there was of course much anticipation and excitement!
As with most holidays the trip quickly came and went, but I am happy to say that Croatia more than surpassed my expectations. An awesome week was had making new friends, relaxing, exploring each destination and broadening my knowledge of Croatian history. The majority of each day was spent sailing, with a daily routine consisting of a relaxing morning tanning/lazing on deck, a swim stop and some more tanning before an afternoon or early evening arrival to the day's destination. Once there we could partake in an orientation tour, sight see, get lost in our own wanderings and sample the local cuisine and nightlife - all before doing it again the next day. It really was the ideal holiday escape!
But what I was most blown away by was the Dalmatian Coast's aesthetically pleasing landscape. The coastline is dominated by the towering Biokovo Mountains, who's rugged outlines appear almost superimposed. Stretching endlessly, the mountains guard over the historically-rich towns and ports below. Off the mainland some 1,185 islands decorate the dazzling blue Adriatic Sea, which is the bluest I've ever seen! Each day my eyes were treated to a feast of delights - natural greenery mixed with rocky terrain, modern buildings with centuries-old architecture and the sun's rays glistening on the pearly sea. It soon become obvious why Czechs, along with many others around the world, chose to holiday in Croatia.
As previously mentioned the 8 day tour covered a lot of ground. While the time at each destination was brief, (usually several hours - depending on how late you made it back to the boat in the morning!) I felt as though for a first time visitor such as myself, it gave a superb introduction to this stunning country. So much so that I am already planning on returning to Croatia next summer! Follows is some information on each of the destinations I visited. It really is too difficult to pick a favourite - I'd recommend visiting them all!
Split
A major sea transport hub, Split is the second biggest city in Croatia after the capital Zagreb and the largest on the Adriatic Coast. Not far beyond and viewable from the hustle and bustle of the port, is the imposing Diocletian Palace. Completed in 305AD it was built during the reign of Roman Emperor Diocletian, who was most infamous for the mass killings of Christians and the only Roman Emperor to abdicate the throne.* Today the ruins enclose a living, breathing 'mini-city', where locals and visitors alike can wander through, dine, drink and shop. In front of the palace and in stark contrast, is the recently completed 'Riva' sea promenade. Lined with crisp white shades and tropical palm trees, you can walk along or sit in one of the many modern cafes whilst soaking up the city's atmosphere.
Hvar
The longest island in the Dalmatian Coast, Hvar is also the sunniest place in Croatia with an average of 2,724 hours of sun per year!* A playground of the rich and famous, it's main port 'Stari Grad' docks an enviable array of Super Yachts. Overlooking the marina is the 15th century Spanjola Fortress, which survived various attacks and was only ironically destroyed when lightning struck the gun powder room in 1579!* Below, the town square and cobbled streets house an assortment of shops, markets and bars with a throbbing nightlife.
Mljet
A national park reserve with stunning scenery, Mljet is a small slice of heaven offering visitors an escape from the busier islands and towns. The two salt water lakes Veliko Jezero (big lake) and Malo Jezero (small lake) are the island's main draw cards. Originally freshwater until the Benedictine Monks dug out a channel to the sea in the 12th century*, the dazzling blue water is surrounded by forest greenery. Another relic of the Monks' presence is the medieval monastery on St Mary island. Located within the Veliko Jezero, it can be reached via a short boat ride.
Dubrovnik
Referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic", Dubrovnik is a city steeped in history and also lays claim to the world's most complete set of medieval fortress walls. Constructed during the 13th and 15th centuries and approximately 2km long, the walls have withstood an earthquake and countless attacks - the most recent being the 1991-1992 Yugoslavian siege. During this period approximately 33 000 out of a population of 43 000 fled the city*, which was heavily attacked and damaged. Thanks to the remaining citizens' valiant defense and the surrounding mountainside, the Croatians emerged victorious. Almost 20 years on Dubrovnik has recovered remarkably, with it's maze of cobblestone streets and squares constantly abuzz with life.
Korcula
This historically rich island is supposedly the birthplace of famed Venetian explorer Marco Polo (one of the first European travelers to set sail to the East) and also where he was later captured by the Genoese in 1298.* With it's medieval turrets and surrounding walls, wandering the streets of Korcula Town you may be mistaken for thinking you were in a mini-Dubrovnik! Shops and markets adorn the cobbled streets selling jewellery, masonry and hawking Marco Polo memorabilia.
Makarska
The principle town along the Makarksa Riveria, Makarska boasts some of the mainland's most breathtaking scenery. Stretching up from the crowded (the town is very popular with tourists!) pebbled beach, the towering Biokovo Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to a day spent swimming in the sea. There are alsoa number of water sports on offer and for keen shoppers (such as myself) large markets to run wild in.
Makarska
The principle town along the Makarksa Riveria, Makarska boasts some of the mainland's most breathtaking scenery. Stretching up from the crowded (the town is very popular with tourists!) pebbled beach, the towering Biokovo Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to a day spent swimming in the sea. There are alsoa number of water sports on offer and for keen shoppers (such as myself) large markets to run wild in.
Omis
Also on the mainland and not far from Makarska, is the town of Omis with equally stunning scenery. It is most famous for its ferocious pirates, who during the 13th and 15th centuries refused to pay taxes to the Venetian rulers, instead imposing their own tax-collecting scheme.* A trek up to the Stari Grad pirate fortress (which was built - along with the less higher Mirabel fortress - to protect the town) offers impressive views of Omis, the surrounding mountainous landscape and neighbouring islands of Brac and Hvar.
Australian in Prague
*Sources: Croatia Sailing - Busabout Adventures http://www.busabout.com/Croatia, Croatia Sailing - Busabout Adventures Guide.
