We had a ship booked with a few mates from the 10th of September (Sail Croatia)
Its cheaper than western Europe
Its out of the Schengen Zone.
Stunning coastline, calm water and a lot of history.
A good introduction into Eastern Europe.
Other then booking Sail Croatia before we'd left Australia, we hadn't planned how we'd get to Croatia, what we wanted to see or what it had to offer. A few of our mates back home have done the Sail Croatia thing and from what we'd seen via social media it look the goods. At the time of leaving Switzerland we'd spent 73 days out of a possible 90 in the Schengen Zone of Europe so we had to think about exiting soon - and to keep a few days up our sleeve meant maybe we could visit Greece, Hungry or other Bulkan boarding countries over the next few months.
We snagged some flights via easyjet - about 50 euros each including luggage - to fly from Geneva to Split so we decided to take the attractive price and head down to Croatia a couple of weeks before Sail Croatia and see what it had to offer.
Our Sail Croatia itinerary takes us to islands and southern coastal areas of Croatia for seven nights so we decided to head up the northern coast line on a six hour bus ride (costing 15AUD each) to Zadar with nothing other than rest and relaxation planned. Thankfully we had an air conditioned, self contained apartment where we could catch up on sleep and take it all in for a few days.
Zadar is famous for its sun sets. Tourists and locals alike flock down to the edge of the esplanade each night during summer to watch. Earnest Hemmingway quoted "best sunsets in the world". Also featuring the sea organ which is a musical instrument built into the walls of the marble steps. The waves create a lovely tune while watching the sunset..
The port of Zadar - to the left is the banks of Old Town Zadar - to the right 'new town'.
The beaches are lined with pebbles - sand is something we take for granted back home. The pebbles hurt to walk on and lie on.
The Landward Gate - with the lion of Saint Mark and a symbol of the republic of Venice atop. Gate to the fortified old town.
This bloke, dog up the top - living the dream.
Morning run - this is the Zadar Sea Organ, an organ constructed into the pavement such that when a wave hits the wall a tune is played.
Our accommodation was roughly 2km from the Old Town centre of Zadar, parts of the old town date back to a couple of thousand years and the Roman Empire. This was our first introduction to coastal Croatia and first impressions were pretty good. The old town streets are lined with polished stone (slippery when wet) and is fortified with a massive stone wall.
Amy standing on roman ruins with a 9th century church in the background.
We climbed the clock tower pictured in the background of the above few images. I think it cost about 15 kuna or 3 AUD each.
Looking over Zadar
Looking over to the Island Ugljan, about a 20min ferry ride
Lounging at The Garden Lounge bar - a must visit when at Zadar. Expensive comparatively with what you can pay for a beer at a pub or supermarket but a ripper vibe and location.
Our first swim in Croatia - dive off the esplanade into the salty (significantly more salty than Australia) warm water.
After a few days in Zadar we hired a car and visited Krka and Plitvice National Parks - over night before returning to Zadar. Then we caught the ferry to Ugljan Island and the village of Kali for a further lazy four nights of more beach and relaxation before Sail Croatia.
Bringing up the 100th day of traveling!
water so calm and clear
Kali is know as a famous fisherman's village and some of the most successful fishermen around the world (apparently). Our four nights here included swimming, sleeping and sun-baking. We were entering Autumn and hadn't really capitalised on the European summer so we took a few days just to soak it up and relax for the first time of the trip.
Kali is small and pretty authentic coastal Croatian village. Full of locals and only a couple of tourists. We paid 25kuna or $5AUD for a hamburger at the cafe/bar at the local swimming area and about $3AUD for a pint of Croatian beer which is pretty dam good - better than any Carlton United stuff from home.
out for dinner
Every garden front and back was used for growing fruit and vegetables
walking to the beach - narrow concrete streets with large houses.
Local
Not sure what happened here, but an interesting sight in the port of Kali - looks as through it has been there a while.
Brilliant & magic all rolled in one for you guys. Glad you are remembering to stay hydrated. Don't come home soon, it's too bloody wet here; The Restful Miners are about to hit 200mm for Sept!
Wet as a shag by the looks mate! Will be good to see lakes full and rivers flowing! Think dads had a gut full since the rain has strung out shearting this year. I got a little sunburnt today working outside - think the weather will turn next week to mid teens... We have work teed up for mid-november in the mountains of Romania. The bloke has a portable ski lift.. looking forward to it!!
We are Amy and Brendan from Australia currently travelling throughout Europe. The intention for this blog is to document our adventure for family and friends. We hope you enjoy it!
Brilliant & magic all rolled in one for you guys. Glad you are remembering to stay hydrated. Don't come home soon, it's too bloody wet here; The Restful Miners are about to hit 200mm for Sept!
ReplyDeleteWet as a shag by the looks mate! Will be good to see lakes full and rivers flowing! Think dads had a gut full since the rain has strung out shearting this year.
DeleteI got a little sunburnt today working outside - think the weather will turn next week to mid teens... We have work teed up for mid-november in the mountains of Romania. The bloke has a portable ski lift.. looking forward to it!!
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