Croatia

Croatia 

We have been in Croatia for a little over a week now. I tried to get an early blog entry but after spending two hours writing it, the app I was using would not publish it and the whole entry was lost.   Very frustrating!  Here is a quick overview....

We all flew into split on July 3. Due to the time of the flight arrival we only spent one day in Split and then travelled to Zadar via Krka national park. 

The park located not far from the coast is interesting due to it’s unique river and the series of islands, pools and water falls. These pool are interconnected by a winding board walk.  Below the largest of the falls is large pool lined with rock outcropping soft various depths.  Swimming is allowed in this area.  

The next day we spent exploring Zadar.  Zadar is a smaller town than Split and I found it more interesting.  Perhaps because of the size. Split is a large port city and our timing visiting the more popular sights was less than ideal.  Better to go early or late.   Zadar on the other hand, had a more laid-back feel.  

The next day we had a long car trip, travelling almost 8 hours to reach our rented house near Pula, Istria.  We avoided the toll roads and follow the winding coastal highway E 65  averaging less than 60 km/h.  We stopped several times for breaks and for a longer stop at Opatija, a beautiful resort town.  At about 5:15 pm we reached Villa Sarita. 

During our trip from Dalmatia to Astria. we noticed a significant change in the topography.  The area around Split and Zadar is extremely dry, rocky and quite barren. The Istria peninsular is quite different.  It is green and agricultural. There are farms and vineyards around the house. There is a strong Italian influence here.  Most of the locals speak Italian as well as Croatian.   

We are close to the coast at a National Park.  The coastline is ragged but there is easy access to many little inlets and beaches.   Beaches is a broad term here.  There are virtually no sand covered beaches in Croatia.  Pebbles at best, but most of the shoreline is rocky.  The water though is crystal clear and reasonably warm.  There is also very little tide or wave action.  Great for kayaking, paddle boarding and snorkelling. 

We have been out on a few day trips. One to Kamenjak National Park. And the town of Rovinj.    The house we have rented, villa Sarita, is located about 1 km from the town of Sisan.  It is a nice 5 bedroom house with large yard with a pool, trampoline, play structure, bbq, outside eating area, etc.    In town are  a few bars and restaurants situated in the town centre. 

One unexpected situation has become the highlight of our trip....The Croatian football teams success in the World Cup.     We have joined in with the locals in the town square to help cheer on the Croatian team.  It has been a fabulous experience watching the games and interacting with the locals, who have been extremely warm and welcoming.  

          In Krka National Park


     In the town of Nin, a beach town near Zadar, the fellow in the statue disagreed 

     With the Pope and led his followers to break from the church. 



    The “beach” near our rented house in Istria



     Remains of a Roman Theatre in Pula


    Getting settled early for our spot in front of the TV to watch the WC semi-finals

     GO HRVATSKA!