Croatia -- Croat de Sur
My Diary
It all started off so harmless. By the end, we were lucky to be alive to recant the tales of our Adriatic Sea adventure. Thank you friends, for having made this trip one of my most memorable.
Four girls and 2 guys take the helm of a 50ft sailboat.. few but have qualifiable experience at sailing. Rough winds, sea sickness and choppy waters, could not stop us.
Our first stop was Split. There, we celebrated Maria's 24th, 25th, 26th or 27th (we will never know) birthday.
Sleepy town of Vis. Our boat nearly floated away into the sea, not having been anchored properly.
Croatia via scooter... no other way to get to see the country at port. The mountainous terrain isn't much of a battle for this 2-wheeled gizmo
The winds became very shifty during our sailing expedition. I would wake up from an afternoon nap, taped to a wall seeing the fish from my cabin window. Our Captains Chip (Ahoy) and Lex were able to take some control, but nothing beats the force of sea and wind... It was hair raising. Our captains recommended alcohol to "heel" our fears... an expertly sailing advice.
Capt.Lex taking control of the situation
Split:
Sights: Diocletian's Palace
Eats:
•Konoba Varos (Ban Mladenova 7) -- midrange eatery located in the city center offers some of the tastier dishes. Try the risotto.
•Zlahtna Vrata Pizzeria (inside the castle walls) -- midrange pizzaria offers great eats as far as pizzas go. The ambiance is a throwback. Ask for the outdoor courtyard table.
***restaurants that line the port are a good miss. Although it seems that this is a good local out and about hangout. Worth a stop for good people watching and some drinks. Gelatos sotres are abundant, it's worth a stop on a hot Croatian night.
Brac Island
Sights: Zlatni rat (Golden cape) -- A unique natural phenomenon, it's worth a visit. The ALL ROCKED beach was not ideal for taking in sun for me, although locals and tourist found it to be a great sunbathing destination. The wind makes this an excellent kiteboarding and windsurfing MUST STOP.
***walk the promenade. It's a great place for taking pictures or simply for an afternoon stroll. The promenade is full of small hotels and some cool eateries. There is even a cool Bali-esque club that I passed.
Hvar town:
Sights: Castle at the top
Eats:
•Macondo was recommended by many, but I found it merely passable. This place is known for fish. Avoid the risotto and the calamari.
•Dionys in St.Klement island is worth the trek across. A small restaurant that sits on a vineyard. Order the red house wine grown from their own. Walk along the path into a tucked in harbor for a good swim. Go there for lunch and stay until dinner!
Shop:
•buy concentrated lavender sold at all kiosks
Club:
•Carpe Diem at the end is a happening place. Great drinks, good vibe and a cool ambiance. The happening place in Hvar
***I recommend renting a moto/moped. Be sure to rent ahead of time as these transports go quickly. Head up the winding roads to the top where you can see Hvar's port in all angles. Excellent photo moment. The museum is worth a visit. Get lost in Hvar, it's an island, you can't get too far. Cellphone reception on a blackberry is strong.
REC'S AND HIGHLIGHTS
for more information on sailing in Croatia, email us at info@isamante.com
