The Dalmatian Coast
I am finally back at the coast again, and after the Istrian Peninsula, it is the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia. After a nice enough walk around the Plitvice Lakes (read here), as well as crossing the mountains, I was glad to be near the water again. Amazing how relaxing the ocean can be. The coast line has lots of little bays and gorgeous small towns, and so, my first stop were Zadar and Sibenik. Followed by Trogir (read below).
Zadar and Sibenik
First, there was Zadar. Zadar is known for the Roman and Venetian ruins of its peninsula old town. I must admit, that it was pretty incredible to see. Especially since they are just lying around there, in the middle of the old town. The overall city centre (old town) was nice and definitely worth a visit.
Throughout the Dalmatian Coast, the each old city parts always have a cute Mediterranean look and feel, however, outside of the old towns you will find the place run down, dirty, very industrial and filled with old, unattractive, soviet, apartment buildings. So don’t be fooled on the first impression.
Ice Cream Experience
After all the walking the day before, I thought I definitely deserve an ice cream. So I found a nice little ‘boutique ice cream’ shop that had custom gourmet ice cream. I ordered my usual stracciatella and chocolate flavour, which was amazingly delicious. Until I started feeling sick and had to pull over a few times. My body didn’t agree with this rich ice cream at all. (And to this day I still can’t eat chocolate flavoured ice cream).
It is no fun being sick when you travel, trust me. I was glad when I finally arrived at my next stop, in the small village Marina. It would be my base to visit Sibenik and Trogir as well as Split. But first, resting.
I prefer to stay in the small towns rather than the bigger ones. Much easier to park and access and the apartments in the smaller villages are nicer and more peaceful.
Sibenik
After an upsetting stomach the day before I enjoyed a quite cup of coffee on my balcony, watching the sunrise. Stunning! It is public holiday today (May Day), so it should be a nice and quiet day (+ free parking).
Sibenik is another cute little town on the amazing blue Adriatic Sea. Once again I find lots of stairs and little streets that, going up, lead up to the ‘St. Michael’s Fortress’. This Fortress is an amazingly old, medieval fort, situated on a (very) steep hill above the historic old town centre. I love exploring fortresses.
In addition, the old Roman or Medieval walls, castles and buildings are very photogenic. I can’t take enough photos of all the tiny streets (noticed yet?). That said, as pretty as they are, it wouldn’t be very convenient to live in one of them. (No car access). It is a shame however that most of the buildings are run down and left empty. So much renovation potential. Zadar , I wonder how you will be in 5 years time? Will you improve?
So far, Zadar and Sibenik on the Dalmatian Coast have not disappointed. Make sure to stop in both towns and be ready for lots of stairs, pebbles and narrow old streets. As well as plenty of charm!
Zadar Trogir
The same day, after Zadar and Sibenik, but in the afternoon, I did a quick visit to Trogir, just south of my village Marina. It was a great little town and highly recommended. Actually, it would be a must see!
Trogir sits apart from the land and there is only one little bridge joining the main land and the old town. Very idylic and great to walk around in.
I visited the Trogir fortress as well, sitting at the corner of the town. It is much smaller then the fort in Sibenik but has a nice view of the town and the ocean. A very small and cute place! Loved it!
I actually thought I could write about Split here as well but I have so many more pictures so I will do a new post about it soon. See below for more…
Dalmatian Coast
The Dalmatian Coast stretches a many kilometres along the Croatian coast line and there is still Split and Dubrovnik to see. And as much as I enjoyed Zadar and Sibenik, as well as Trogir, I couldn’t wait to explore more! Couldn’t you?
Have a read about all my Croatian travels here.
