Croatia has been a dream of mine to visit. Through my commitment to #12countries12months I've willing forced to make such dreams happen. I am especially grateful in the case of #10, Dubrovnik. In my final write up of the year's journey Croatia will definitely contribute to the Pray of my Eat, Pray, Love.
It was lucky I visited this very southern part of Croatia in November when it is not overrun with tourists but with cool, sunny weather perfect for exploring.
It is a mystery exactly how many islands Croatia boasts but all sources agree well over 1,000, making it one of the top holiday destinations in the world. The topography in some places is slightly comparably to the Algarve Coast in Portugal (read my blog here- http://www.noellereno.co/2014/portugal/), although it is difficult to compare to anywhere!
Croatia is a former territory of Yugoslavia is Mediterranean yet Slovak, Venetian yet tropical. Even the drive from the airport, along the coast, was inspiring! The water is an electric colour of blue that is just the right amount of transparent.
The breathtaking architecture of Dubrovnik's UNESCO Old City is a mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque churches, monasteries, palaces, apartments, and fountains built high atop the Oceanside cliffs.
My hotel, Hotel Excelsior, is hands-down the best located hotel in the area. It is less than a 5 minute walk to Old Town but also boasts sweeping views to the south Adriatic Sea and Islands. My corner room held views of Old Town to the right and the Adriatic Sea to the left. The perfect mix of secluded tropical Eden and historical Europe...
The cable car is very popular- it runs every 30 minutes and takes less than 3 minutes from end to end. A perfect place for a glass of bubbles...
One must loose oneself in the miniature back streets of the Old Town as well as walk the Ancient Walls of Dubrovnik.
I love to pack in lots of activities in my travels but also some R&R. The five-star Hotel Excelsior was the obvious choice as its secluded but central.
I highly recommend the Excelsior's champagne breakfast spread which is easily worked off in the spa, fitness, or swimming in the huge indoor pool overlooking the sea!
My second day I traveled a few miles south to the seaside harbor of Cavtat. It is easily reachable by the #10 bus which goes along the coast and takes less than 30minutes.
I found a secluded spot for this rather epic sunset.. .I'm sure it is rammed during the summer! The only downfall to visiting off season is the public boats do not taxi to the surrounding islands. Only reason to visit again - ideally on a yacht!
Croatia's food is a bit to starchy for my liking but the prices were extremely palatable, especially compared to other popular holiday destinations.
As I finish this blog and my time here, with the sound of church bells and ocean waves beside my balcony I know this is not the last time I will experience Croatia!
All images blogger's own.
