Summering in Croatia

Next up - Croatia! 

Our two weeks in this magical country felt like pure summer - sunshine, ocean swimming, crisp white wine, and lots of octopus salad. After a quick stay in the capital Zagreb, we drove to Plitvice Lakes National Park for two days of hiking in the Croatia heat around stunningly clear blue lakes which cascade into each other. Dinner at our B&B included the important introduction to Rakija - Croatia's national drink. We learned quickly to always leave some in our glass so as to deter the ever generous hosts from pouring more. 

 

We headed to Split - our last stop on the mainland before our ferry tour of the famous Croatian islands. The meandering alleyways throughout the old town transport you to the ancient days of this coastal port town. Here we started our seafood diet for the remainder of our stay in the country. 

The famous party island of Hvar welcomed us with open arms - offering more beautiful scenery, charming walkways, gorgeous beaches, cheap boat rides, and yes, beach clubs. Some of our favorite moments here occurred over the pre-dinner glasses of wine offered to us as we waited on the stairs neighboring our restaurant chosen for the evening. 

 

Now for some rest and relaxation on the island of Korčula. We purposely stayed in a hotel in a small bay far from the main town and enjoyed diving into the water steps from our room and dinners at the local family-run restaurants. We rented a smart car one day to explore the old town and do what we do best - wine tasting, namely the delicious Pošip wine that Korčula is famous for.

Dubrovnik was our last stop in Croatia. Reminiscent of Split, this ancient port town offers romantic walkways and awe-inspiring architecture with one added feature - many many stairs. The European heat wave kept our walks short and encouraged us to do a kayak tour one morning around the city walls. 

Nazdravlje Croatia! Till we meet again.