Recently I have been getting restless for the sea. I miss being around the water. The husband has done his best and took me to a lake for sunset drinks on my birthday but I miss the salty water and sea air.
So I decided to go to Croatia.
Basically Croatia is the closest place with an ocean and it just so happened that my friend Laura was going to be there for a wedding. I jumped on a plane and headed for Split.
For me Split was…..interesting. It is hard not to be put off by the THOUSANDS of tourists (it is the middle of summer) but the old city makes up for it.
Wow.
The old city is around 1600-2000 years old and was built by the Romans. Many of the buildings have been preserved and now act as restaurants and shops. The main square is still pretty much in tact and you can sit there with a glass of wine (overpriced!) and listen to acoustic guitar.
It is equally as beautiful in the daylight. I spent some time walking through it, entering through the Golden Gate and wandered through the narrow streets. I ventured up the old bell tower to take in the views from up top. It was just SO Roman. There are even actors dressed as Romans dotted around the city with whom you can pose for a photo.
Basically if you can handle the tourists, the city is great to explore.
We decided to roadtrip it, so we hired Ruby (our little red bubble of a car) and hit the road.
We headed north and explored Tisno, Murter Island and stayed in Pirovac in an overpriced Airbnb. I am really surprised how expensive it is here.
But the tourists don’t mind the price – they come by the carload. The “beaches” (sorry to my European followers) on and around Murter Island are rocky and you need to wear shoes when you swim to avoid stepping on a sea urchin. The crystal clear water makes up for it though….even though you end up with bruises on your bum from sitting on rocks for too long.
Next stop, Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Looks amazing Hayley! I have yet to go to Croatia, but it is certainly on my bucket list. I have heard that there is a huge influx of tourists there, but I think it would still be a great experience. Love your photos!
It is definitely worth exploring. I think next time I would go on in the shoulder season when the weather is good but not so many tourists.
Did someone put up a tent on that beach?? 🙈 what a waste of space! 😉
Tell me about it! No sand and heaps of tourists!! 🙂
Looks gorgeous Hayley – I never made it to Croatia – beautiful looking place
It is stunning. The water is incredible!
We were in Croatia this summer, but didn’t make it down as far as Split. Sounds like a place we should try to visit during the shoulder season?
I would definitely go in shoulder season. Less tourist and better prices. 🙂
I feel you! I miss the sea too. Took it for granted when we lived near it and now we are landlocked. There is the mighty Tonle Sap lake not far away but I’m not remotely inspired to put my body in it’s murky waters.
Split sounds like an amazing place. Coming from Australia, with very young architecture, I am always excited by ancient cities. But the tourists – Aghhh.
It’s funny isn’t it Sam, how much we miss the ocean. And I didn’t really realise it till I was landlocked. Sounds like you need to plan a trip…somewhere with water and without too many tourists! 🙂