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Croatia (Europe) Reviews |
Jackie
Travel Writer - Gold
Visited in:
October 2008
for a period of
1 day
Voted this Destination:
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| We visited Split in Croatia for just 1 day. We anchored there early one morning on a cruise ship. From the cruise ship, we were tendered by a small craft into the marina at Split. The town itself has many spectacular old buildings, set amidst modern busy little shops, restaurants and bars. Split has a newly built promenade where lovely views of the bay are evident. The surrounding countryside is beautiful. There are many rolling hills and quite sizeable mountains surrounding the bay and the water when we were there was very busy with numerous smaller type yachts seemingly racing. Split is a very interesting place for a day visit!
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jumper
Guest
Voted this Destination:Not voted yet
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Another day, another famous city. Today we awoke in Dubrovnik, the jewel in the Croatian crown. My good mate John and myself were soon heading up the quayside on this very warm June morning, to meet the challenge of another brand new location.
Going ashore independently, we had little idea where we were headed. Our destination was to be the charming old Moorish walled city. Wandered alongside the clear waters of the harbour, absolutely alive with fish, and found out that the walled city was a long way from here.
So we hopped on a bus for 20 Kuna and after a flat-out uphill drive of around ten minutes there it was. The sandstone gates of the old city, flags fluttering from its ramparts.
It looked well maintained for something so ancient, and it was spared the destruction that befell much of this land back in the early 1990's when the region was in turmoil.
Once inside the gates I mounted the wall, at a cost of 30 Kuna, and had a super overview of the walled city and the turquiose Aegean waters lapping against its defences. Had a well merited cool beer in one of the many parasol-shaded bars in the square and then went for a walk down some of the burning medieval alleyways.
Eventually found my way through these mazy streets to the main square, sidestepping a few street hustlers, including a lad called Elvis, dressed as him, offering to make sure I wasn't lonesome tonight!
John meanwhile had secured us an adventurous route back to the cruise ship. He had teamed up with 3 members of the ships entertainment he'd met in the square, and for the sum of 60 Euros cash, the five of us would be aboard a private launch, visiting secret coves and enjoying the cooling breeze coming off the blue translucent waters of this lovely place.
We were welcomed aboard by a 50 year old Croat named Drashko who kept us enthralled throughout the journey with the recent history of this world heritage site.
The story of the Serb tanks perched upon the local cliffs ready to attack and destroy the city, was a chilling reminder of the recent troubles of war here.
Drashko also introduced us to the real name for his beloved country. Hrvashka! Not easy on the tongue that one! Herrrrvashhhka, said Drashko in a most romantic and proud way.
Stepping off back at the ship, we were all agreed that this mini cruise with Drash was the highlight of our day in the dazzling sunshine and sizzling streets of this magical and haunting place.
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JAMES MUNROE
Guest
Voted this Destination:Not voted yet
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As you explore the warren of cobbled streets in Croatia's Rovinj town, absorbing its Venetian charm, you'll discover artists, shops and gastronomic oases. But like me, you might also be struck by how locals persuade their 'Curry's' to not only deliver things like washing machines over the slippery cobbles but also squeeze them up the narrow stairwells to fourth floor apartments!
The virtually pedestrianised Rovinj (pronounced Rovinge) is built on a steep hill, crowned by landmark, St Euphemia's cathedral. The incline is particularly significant if, like us, you rent an apartment there. The nearest a taxi can drop you is a 'good' 5 minute walk from your destination so take luggage with wheels.
If you want hotels with pools, they're at least a kilometre away, indeed two are on islands reachable by boats departing hourly from the harbour. If you intend sea swimming, N.B. for million+ naturists visiting Istria, invest in 'jelly' shoes on arrival to prevent injury on lethal rocks.
The town and harbour boast excellent pavement eateries, which are refreshingly free from 'English breakfast' signs! Pizzas are sublime, you can read newsprint through the prosciutto and steaks cut like warm butter.
There's boat trips aplenty and enough individual shops and studios around the town and harbour to satisfy the most ardent retail therapist.
While in Rovinj, brave the wooden ladders up the cathedral belltower, just for the view. Manhattan has its skyline, so does Rovinj; take a boat trip and check it out. And watch the sun set while sipping a chilled Malvazija wine.
Above all, visit Rovinj before the Brits embrace it as the new Tuscany!
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