This summer was one of the most special vacations in my life. Few my friends and I have decided to visit, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful country by the see. This small Mediterranean country with very interesting and rich history is Croatia, and it’s located in eastern Europe, by beautiful Adriatic Sea.
Croatian coast became very popular destination for Australian people these days and I have heard only good experiences from people who went there. We’ve decided that nothing will stop us from going there! But since this is such a long trip, we needed a good plan how to visit as much places as we can in seven days.
- Croatian coast Let Ideas Compete / Foter / CC BY-NC-ND
I was surfing online 24/7 trying to find the best option for us, and finally I have found a site which gave us ability to make an reservation of renting a yacht by Internet. Yacht had several routes and I’ve choose one I thought would be the most interesting. A small boat with a skipper seemed to be the best solution for us! Soon, my reservation was confirmed, I we were all thrilled!
After more than 14 hours in plane, and a few more in rented car, which drove us from capital of Croatia (Zagreb) to our first destination on the coast, we were amazed! It was Pula, the biggest city in Istria County. Like the rest of the region, it is known for its mild climate, smooth sea, and unspoiled nature. The city has a long tradition of winemaking, fishing, shipbuilding, and tourism. Pula has also been Istria’s administrative centre since ancient Roman times. There are so many things to see, but unfortunately we have had only one day for this city. We have visited the obvious thing we’ve heard about – Pula Amphitheater. I was amazed. Some of my friends were more passionate about relaxing by the sea that day, so we went to the beach to enjoy swimming and sunbathing. By the end of the day we were blessed with beautiful sunset which I’ll never forget.
- Zagrebarcher10 (Dennis) / Foter / CC BY-SA
Next day we have “landed” in Medulin, not far away from Pula. This is lovely town, with a rich cultural heritage and recognizable church, with two belfries rising above the town. Today it develops and lives strictly by the tourist “recipe”. Thanks to it’s exceptional climatic conditions, Medulin is often the destination for training and preparation of the top European sport teams. Knowing this, we thought that this was definitely the day for some physical activity! So we decided to experience a dose of adrenalin driving with water skii’s. I must admit – I was a bit clumsy, but more than pleased with myself.
The island of Cres is located in the wide Bay of Kvarner and is the biggest Adriatic island. It was our next destination. On the island, apart from the city of Cres, there are many villages some of which are located at the very coastline, while the others are situated in the higher parts of the inland. Coastal villages swarm with charming little bays, a secluded beaches and the clean sea. The richness of flora and fauna there is pretty amazing, so it’s really a small ‘paradise on Earth’ for nature lovers.
- island of CresSobrecroacia.com / Foter / CC BY
Fourth day of our trip we have spent on the island of Krk. There are about 10 villages and large number of historical monuments. But the main happening of the day was visiting Baška aquarium – a truly unique experience of the sea world. We have seen the richness and variety of Adriatic wild life in more than 20 aquariums with 20 cubic meters of sea water.
- island of Krkindrarado / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA
Next day we were in the island of Rab, one of the biggest islands in the Adriatic, covered with pine forest and enriched with beautiful sandy beaches. I wish we could stay there forever. I kind a fell in love in the nature and purity of that place. There were also many cultural sights to visit, but most of the day we were just enjoying in long walks and fresh air.
- island of RabDavid Bailey MBE / Foter / CC BY-SA
Our journey was about to end in a few days, we wanted to see so much more but time just hadn’t been on our side. Last two days we were in Ilovik and Susak wich were also beautiful small places. Susak is special for its specific dialect and national costume. You can feel some old and special tone of that place.
On our way back, we didn’t talk too much. I guess we were processing our experiences and we’ve realized that we should definitely come back! But next time for a longer period of time!
[box]
I would like to thank Mr Milan for giving me this great opportunity to write for him and I would sure like to thank Charter Croatia (http://chartercroatia.net/) for this amazing adventure! Our skipper (we’ve called him Teddy!) was the best! I have a lot of jealous people around me now! See you next year for sure!
Mary, Brisbane NSW, Australia
[/box]
