Thursday 28 August 2014

Highlights of my Balkan Adventure

My Balkan Adventure was influenced by other bloggers, I was browsing blogs after blogs and the photos of Croatia is so inviting. My urge to travel Croatia increased when I saw an up loaded photo of Krka Falls.  The beautiful falls cascading down on the mountain side and to experience to swim was a bonus, that was it soon I was looking for flights and accommodation. I found a cheap flights from London Stansted to Zadar with Ryanair and I booked myself 3 hostels starting from Zadar - Šibenik - Split all in coastal area, more chance for me to explore Croatia through different cities and to visit beautiful buildings, places included in UNESCO heritage list which I knew Croatia has plenty to offer.


Zadar

Zadar is the historical centre of Dalmatia,  it is on the Adriatic coast, and it is the Roman Diocese in Dalmatia. Starting from Zadar Old Town, you cant miss not to visit the cathedrals - visita Iglesia first stopped at the St. Donatus Church which is the largest pre Romanesque architectural building and the most impressive church in Dalmatia. On the grounds you'll find the Forum and stone artifacts scattered around which was damage overtime. The other famous is the Cathedral of St. Anastacia & Tower which is included in the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage. The climb up to the tower offers the best view overlooking around the Zadars Old town. A walked towards the bay area will lead you to the interesting Sun Salutation that emits lights at night and the Sea Organ a waves sounds pushes  through the pipes that produces low tone melodic sounds. 


St. Donatus Church


St.  Mary's Church

St. Anastacia & Tower


Zadars City Gate

Sea Organ

Sun Salutation



Šibenik


Šibenik is the oldest town in Croatia, which is located in Central Dalmatia where the Krka rivers flows freely into the Adriatic coast. A  stroll along the old town area you'll come across the Cathedral of St.James which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list it is the central church in Šibenik, it was built in both Gothic and Renaissance style. The St. Michaels Fortress is found in the pyramidal hill just above the old town, it is the best place to go overlooking the old town and the Adriatic coast. A day trip to Krka National Park is a must when in Šibenik, the Skradinski buk is the most beautiful part, the waterfall creates natural pool that flows freely along the Krka river, visitors can enjoy a swim or paddle in this area,  I personally recommend this activity for all visitors aside from a good walking/ hiking trail around the national park.


St. Michael Cathedral


St. Michael Fortress

               


Krka  Falls




Split 


Split is the second oldest and largest city of Croatia and Dalmatia Region.  It is located on the eastern coast of Adriatic Sea along Marjan peninsula and it is where the Palace of Diocletian's Emperor was built. Aside from getting around the old town, a short trek to the Marjan hill is highly recommended for an overlooking view of the old town and the beautiful coast. 


Tower

The Palace

Reenactment of the Roman Emperor

Marjan hill 

View from the hill



Croatia is so beautiful, starting from the beautiful weather, stunning beaches, magnificent building structures, the list goes on. A place that has so much to offer from culture, to food and gorgeous views surely one day I'am coming back for more.

38 comments:

  1. It is such a beautiful county... Love this place. Highly recommend to travel there. Especially Split has an amazing old town.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes beautiful place I wanted to see more of Croatia, maybe a proper roadtrip next time.

      Delete
  2. This is a beautiful place and I would LOVE to go there. I have heard many wonderful things about this area of the world but your photo of Krka Falls sealed the deal for me. Thanks for sharing and inspiring me to head over there!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thats how I felt too when I see the Krka falls photo ,and to be there and see the grandeur of the falls and ecperience to swim its just perfect.

      Delete
  3. Beautiful spots. I have Krka falls on my list for next year! I cant wait to see these places with my own eyes.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Looks so nice! I love Croatia. And I love that in Europe everything is so close.. It's quite the opposite here in Canada :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annika we can swap come in Europe and il come in Canada. I only been to Ottawa Ontario Niagara, I love to explore and go and see the Rookies lakes next time

      Delete
  5. I loved Croatia when I went in 2012 so much I am going again next year. I only went to Split from your list but I would love to go to Krka Falls....looks amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes go to Krka its very beautiful ...... surely you'll have an amazing time like I did

      Delete
  6. Lovely photos, Croatia has been on my must visit list for some time now!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Please do visit Croatia it has got lots to offer good food ,wine , beautiful nature and history.... aren't you not tempted yet?

      Delete
  7. I'd heard Croatia was a beautiful place to visit and this just confirms that. Really good pictures too :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The photos didn't do justice, its better is you capture it on your own eyes ;)

      Delete
  8. Krka falls look amazing. But I am intrigued by the picture where there is a guy lieing down. What was he doing???

    ReplyDelete
  9. You planned a great itinerary to Zadar, Šibenik and Split. I would like to do the same with a visit at Krka National Park too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just check thr map and choose those places coz its near Krka really, but I wasnt disappointed , I had a wonderful time :)

      Delete
  10. I know what you mean: you read and see so much about Croatia that you just have to visit. It has been on my go-to list for many years now (even before it became this popular) and everyone I know comes back as impressed as you. It's nice to have tips like these. By the way, what did you think of the hostels? Just to add to my tips list.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I got different blog about my hostels you can read it if you like, they ate highly recommended good staff and good location too :)

      Delete
  11. A tremendous variety here. I've been to southern Croatia but not the north - it looks very tempting!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Meanne, would like to ask if you have a Pinay blood cuz if yes, I'm so proud of you! Never been to Croatia but your pictures are really impressive! My partner an I are planning to do our Eurotrip after this adventure in the other side of the world and will definitely bookmark this one! Cheers! =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes 100% Pinay with British Passport to explore the world ;)

      Delete
  13. I LOVED Croatia when I visited this summer, glad you're having an amazing time!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes I had a great time and wanting yo explore more of Croatia next time :)

      Delete
  14. Notice that the gate has the Venetian winged lion.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes thats right its been designed by Venetian Architect Michele Sanmicheli :)

      Delete
  15. Brings back great memories of my time in Croatia :) I had only been to Split though from the cities you mentioned in your post. Have you been to DubrovnikÉÉ

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nope I havent been in Dubrovnik, love to go there someday

      Delete
  16. Yea Croatia is beautiful.. Lovely photos! I got especially interested in the Krka falls, they look beautiful! Still so much to explore there..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You cant get enough of Croatia ... you want to see more and more of it ;)

      Delete
  17. The Sun Saltation and Sea Organ look awesome!! What a cool city!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Beautiful Croatia! I have only visited Dubrovnik and a few places in Istria, this post really made me want to go to Split. Krka falls look magical!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Its cool you like it, krka Adventure is highly recommended, and try to swim aswell :)

      Delete
  19. I too love Croatia. Jaw droppingly beautiful. I have been four times now. A few secret spots I want everyone to google. Rastoke & Plitvice lakes, Pucisca & Milna on Brac island, Komiza and Stiniva cave on island of Vis, Korcula and Vela luka on the island of korcula and hvar and Stari grad on island of hvar. Also Makarska riviera en route to Dubrovnik. if you are going South I recommend you visit these places

    ReplyDelete
  20. That's unbelievable! I did almost exactly the same trip as you last May, the only difference was I stayed in Trogir rather than Split. But as they're only 30 minutes apart by bus...I totally adored all three cities and my day at Krka National Park was one of the best days of my whole life (I'm really into wildlife, birds, dragonflies etc - and there was no shortage at Krka!)
    All these cities have excellent transport links, with regular express coaches, so this itinerary is extremely 'do-able'. And thoroughly recommended. Zadar totally rocks!

    ReplyDelete