Dalmatian Coast

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Stunning. Breathtaking. Choose whatever superlative you wish. The Adriatic coast of Croatia has to be one of the best-kept secrets in Europe---although it's definitely becoming a hot spot for European travelers and backpackers and was really, perhaps, just a secret to me. We spent all of our time in the middle of Croatia's Adriatic coastline, known as Dalmatia. There are a lot of offshore islands and, of course, some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. There are also several historical cities and plenty of medieval architecture, making Croatia an ideal vacation spot. Moreover, the people were very, very friendly, making it easy for American travelers to get around. During our time there we checked out some sights, but mostly just kicked back, relaxed and enjoyed the picturesque views and beautiful weather.

We arrived in Split on Thursday morning and immediately checked into our hostel. Split is the largest city on the coast of Croatia at 188,000. It is a major port city, and there are many harbor-side cafes and restaurants. After we checked into our hostel we immediately hit the beach. Later that night we went to Diocletian's Palace which dates to the third-century A.D. It was built as a fortress and many residences were built inside. Now there is a hotel, shops, and restaurants along the inside of the fortress walls.

On Friday morning we took a bus from Split to Dubrovnik. The drive had great views along the coastline, but it took five hours, the roads were very windy, and the bus was very hot. It was not very enjoyable! We had no choice, though, because the ferry did not run that day and there is no train service to Dubrovnik.

Dubrovnik is on the southern coast of Croaotia and is city of just 43,000 people. I have to say that this has been the highlight of the trip thus far. The city is absolutely gorgeous. We stayed in a private apartment up the hill from Dubrovnik's main square, Old Town. It was definitely a welcome break from hostel accommodations and the owner was very helpful and picked us up and dropped us off at the bus station.

City walls surround marble streets in Old Town Dubrovnik. The main drag in Old Town is Placa and its lined with shops and restaurants. Veering off from Placa in every direction are more narrow, windy streets that contain even more tucked-away bars and shops. We went down there the first night to grab dinner. Afterwards we went to an Irish pub and hung out with some other backpackers from the UK and Australia.

On Saturday I went and checked out some of the sights and views and had breakfast on Placa. That afternoon we went and rented a couple chairs and just lounged on the beach.

Sunday morning we took a ferry back to Split. It was an eight-hour ride along the coast with stops at Korcula and Hvar Islands. We didn't spend any time on either of these two islands but heard nothing but good things about them. We found the ferry to be much more relaxing and scenic than the bus ride.

We spend Monday making travel plans and hung out by the beach in Split. We took the night train out Monday night and arrived in Ljubljana, Slovenia Tuesday morning. We are staying here for a couple days before heading on to Vienna. I'll have an update on Slovenia sometime this week.

But, as far as Croatia is concerned: if you ever get the chance to visit, I implore you, please go! It is different than the other places I have been to on this trip. The combination of beautiful beaches, entertainment, and historical attractions make it a truly unique place to visit. Okay, that's it, I swear I don't work for the Croatia Chamber of Commerce! I'll look forward to giving you a Slovenia update soon.

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Photos

Kip Bargaining
We head down the coast of Croatia and Kip does not even think to bring a swim suit

Split Beach
The beaches in Croatia are generally rocky and, as you can see, Kip is less-than-gracefully making his way out

Diocletian's Palace
There are a lot of winding, narrow streets inside the palace

Comments

[Justin Montgomery]

Croatia National Parks
I think it's called the Karst/Carst region but the landscape along North-East Italy, Slovenia and parts of Croatia is awesome!! If you haven't already left, check out the National Parks in Croatia. You should be able to get a good trail run, bike some single track or just go for a hike there... Where to next? Suggestion would be Belgrade, Serbia since it's just to the east. It has one of the coolest castle ruins around. Cool city also!

[Kyle Huschka]

Looks like you are having a lot of fun. But, you better not be having too much fun. You need to stay in shape, so I don't have to beat you two years in a row when we run in DC! P.S. How come you and Kip aren't sporting speedos like the guy in one of the pictures that is next to Kip? Should have had a couple of extra laying around from the Ottawa Otter days.

[Leslie]

so pretty
The pictures are so pretty Ryan. What a wonderful trip. Be safe and I look forward to more blogs and pictures.

[Perbeck]

Wow Ryan, I think I could see the bicep vein popping out in your shirtless picture. Looking pretty stacked; you must be on RRRRRRRRIIIIIIIPPED FUEL!!!