I took the overnight ferry from Italy to Croatia, landing in the city of Split. Usually when you land in the sea port, you’re down by “the docks” in some quasi-industrial section of town, where you have to walk 30 minutes just find a taxi to get you back to civilization. In Split, you land about 100 m from the main strip. I was so confused by this, that I actually kept walking, until I circumnavigated the downtown area and convinced myself, that yes, this was it.
The main attraction downtown is the Palace of Diocletian, around which there is a maze of streets– each boasting shops, cafes and restaurants. There are some ruins in the area, and the picture below about is a good example. If you peek through that window you can see a ferry boat in the marina. That’s how close everything is.
There were tiny skinny cats all over the place, and while they weren’t friendly, they did lounge on the canopies of the fruit market or as below, on any unoccupied doorstep.
From Split, I took the ferry to the neighboring island of Brač. It’s a 45 minute ride from Split to Supetar and as one Croatian woman told me, “You haven’t been to Split if you don’t go to the islands.”
From Supetar, I rented a car and drove around the island. I found the village Ložišća (below), and the main road winds through this beautiful town.
From the other side of the island near Sumartin, you can actually see the mainland Croatia again, the picture below is one I took standing on a hill with a 360 view of the Adriatic sea, the Croatian coast, the town of Sumartin below, and the island of Hvar. I couldn’t fit it all the frame, but here is the Croatian coastline as seen from the island of Brač.
And what trip would be complete without saying hello to the local animals. This little guy wanted to eat my camera. Or at least nibble it a little.
August 26th, 2008 at 5:39 am
Great pictures! Sometimes its great to getaway on your own and just explore. Wish I could have met up with you guys for La Tomatina.
Lolas last blog post..Photo on National Geographic
August 26th, 2008 at 7:27 am
You always take the best photos…
August 26th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Many of these photos remind me of small Greek towns that I loved to visit when I lived there. They feel very authentic, have so few tourists, and are wonderful places just to wander around and get a sense of place.
Theresas last blog post..My iPod is in Need of Your Help
August 26th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
I stumbled across your site a few months back, and since then have been reading every post and have wanted to do nothing but travel. You’ve inspired me to do anything and everything I have always wanted, including seeing the rest of the world. Thank you for you pictures and stories, they make me smile
Katies last blog post..My Sushi Experience
August 27th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Great photos! Brings back memories of the fun we had in Croatia last August and September.
soultravelers3s last blog post..Discover Stunning Santiago!
August 28th, 2008 at 7:24 am
My wife and I are currently planning a Round the World journey and I have been thinking a lot about Croatia. Both your pictures and your storytelling really helped to highlight this country. We are definitely going to be visiting Croatia. Thanks.
August 28th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Skinny cats will never hit the endangered list. They seem to turn up in so many old European towns.
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September 6th, 2008 at 8:15 am
Your photos had me longing for Hvar.