Travel tips: Croatia, Krk, Plitvice and Dubrovnik

CROATIA

There is a wide range of natural beauty in the new countries of old Yugoslavia and it's not expensive, although Dubrovnik, in Croatia can be pricier. Starting from the north island of Krk, you can drive in from Austria, ferry across from Venice or just fly into Krk and hire a car to commence your journey south. Croatia has an extremely long coastline with rugged, mountains edging the coastline and a luscious green landscape inland. It's' a vertically long country much like Chile and is a Mediterranean blend of  Greece, Austria and Turkey with its endless Adriatic coastline, islands,  Dinaric Alps and brick red roof tops of white houses dotted along the sea's edge and mountain slopes covered with Cypress trees.

 Leaving the coast to travel east towards the Unesco National Park Plitvice

 Starting on the charming island of Krk is a delightful introduction to Croatia's lovely old medieval stone paved villages, with shaded streets for pedestrians only, from where to admire architecture or  sip something cool at seaside terraces and European cafes. The drive to the stunning Plitvice National Park direction south and inland, is 2.15 hours. It's a Unesco protected heritage park and is exquisite with its green vegetation, surrounded by mountainous rock which spring waterfall upon waterfall, as you wander through its interlinked lakes. The turquoise clean water is spotless, the dams are of limestone and it's a treat for any nature lover.

                               Plitivice National Park - with thanks to Bensozia Blog for the photo

From Plitvice, the drive back to the coast and Split is 2.5 hours. I have yet to visit but it is highly  recommended by most travellers. From Split further south to Dubrovnik, is a 3 hour coastal journey and the scenery is stunning. Croatian coastal beaches are comprised mostly of stone so it helps to take comfortable diving shoes for swimming and a light cushion mattress for beach use. The Adriatic sea is not as warm as the Indian ocean but is entirely refreshing in those hot summer days of 35 degrees.

Dubrovnik is known for its ancient historical medieval old City. It has an impressive entrance, and old walls which you can walk for views. Amble through the town, up and down all the hundreds of steps, and ancient stone alleyways. It's layout is completely logical so it's impossible to get lost and the place breathes a Mediterranean atmosphere, with its characteristic pavements and array of restaurants and cafes, around each corner. Do take the cable car for aerial views and dine from the restaurant above, although it is not for low budget. You can also drive up there or take the cable car on a one-way ticket for 70 Kuna, and walk down which takes around forty minutes.  From Dubronik you can also visit. the little island of Lokrum which is a short ferry ride from the little port. Lokrum is well forested and shaded, perfect for relaxing walks, hosts a little Monastery and of course take your beach bag.  The coastal drives around Dubrovnik are breathtaking. With its endless coastline to admire,  framed by rugged mountains adorned with tall Cypress trees. Coastal residential homes are many, with no high rise hotels blocking the view.

  Dubrovnik Old City steps between the many alleyways