Stunning Croatian Summer!
Flying into Dubrovnik in the south was a treat in itself as the plane makes its approach above the coastline and you can spot many islands dotted in the sea below. A small and efficient airport we were on the road in no time. First stop Dubrovnik. Two nights here gave us the opportunity to take in the sights of the lovely old town, to swim gratefully in the cool waters and even kayak around the old town walls and watch people jumping into the sea (my children included). It was the first chance to experience the delightful colours of the water, a delight that grew and grew through the next two weeks. It is so clear, with a mask on you can see far out into deeper water and watch fish darting around. We even spotted an octopus at one amazing deserted beach!
Next stop was Korcula, which can be reached by car ferry from the mainland. There is an online booking system for the ferries, or for the less busy routes you can just turn up and queue. It's all quite straightforward, well signposted and efficient. The ferry trip was only around 15 minutes then we were on Korcula. Opting to stay at the Port 9 Resort for ease was a good choice, it did what it said on the tin. I particularly enjoyed the taxi boat they operate to take you across the bay into the old town, we used this to go out for dinner one night. The old town here was even more picturesque than Dubrovnik! Great to explore the island too in our little Fiat 500 and find coves of a blue you can't quite believe.
Three nights on Korcula then it was off to Hvar, further north. To get there it was back to the mainland and then a few hours drive up the coast to the next ferry over to Hvar. The drive was easy and beautiful, following the curves of this winding coastline. Hvar Town was the destination and, surprise surprise, it was beautiful with the old wall snaking up the hill and between houses. The marina promised magical trips to the Paklinski Islands so the following day we chose our boat (there are many) and off we went. Around 40 minutes later we docked on a tiny island that had a few restaurants and tiny slivers of white sand beaches. The restaurant we chose was delicious and one of my new favourite places!
Having booked the only ferry crossing to Split that had space for the next day we were up at the crack of dawn, racing to the ferry port to get back to the mainland. Phew, we made it! Its a 2 hour car ferry crossing (there is a quicker foot passenger catamaran too) but it was nice to watch the sun rise and get closer to Split. Once back on land we drove around 5 hours all the way up to our villa, near Opatijah in the Kvarner Gulf. This is not a very touristy area but I loved it nonetheless. You have to drive to beaches and they are pebbly, but it was lovely to go out early in the morning for a swim before the crowds arrived. The supermarkets are great value too so a villa was a good option. We booked a day trip on a boat which was excellent, if very very hot! Diving off the boat into the clearest bluest waters, it was amazing.
Dropping the car back in Faro for the flight home I reflect on this holiday as the best for water, think Avatar on steroids! I think my children actually grew gills!!