For our one-year anniversary, we decided to head back to Europe for another coastal adventure. This time, our destination was on the other side of the Adriatic Sea in the lesser-known country of Croatia. Why Croatia? You get all the perks of Italy (food, views, weather, etc) without the crowds or high costs. Besides, it's also where King's Landing is! Mind you, we didn't have high expectations (Italy and Greece were GORGEOUS, see blog posts from last year's Honeymoon). However, our initial assumptions were quickly blown away...
We landed in Split, which is the second largest city in Croatia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A view of the city from the ferry.
Split is also home to Diocletian's Palace, which was built for a Roman Emperor around the 4th century AD. It was built with local limestone and high quality marble. At night, those steps turn into seating for a nearby restaurant, where you can enjoy cocktails and live music.
The inside of the Bell Tower of St. Domnius. You can pay a small fee to climb to the top. As with most European churches and historical sites, it's not for those who are claustrophobic. Not pictured: the very narrow, winding marble staircase leading up to this point.
The view from the top of the Bell Tower of St. Domnius.
The charming alleyways had similar characteristics to those of Rome.
Another view of Split from the pier.
Steps leading up to Marjan Hill, which has some of the best views of Split.
A small, magical cafe that is hidden along the steps to Marjan called Vidilica. The perfect place to stop for a drink (especially after climbing all of those stairs!)
The view from the cafe, Vidilica, in Marjan. By the way, we were able to walk here from where we were staying in Split.
Another view from Vidilica, where we stopped for drinks. A true paradise on top of the hill.
Situated between the dense forest of pine trees and the Dalmatian Coast, is a small church on Marjan Hill.
Marjan is a great place to see amazing views of the city, as well as take a nature walk or go for a jog.
As you can see, the views are comparable to those of Italy!
You can see as much or as little of Marjan as you like, there's something different depending on which path you take.
Europe always amazes me on how well their architecture withstands the test of time. Croatia was no exception.
The Bell Tower of St. Dominius
The basement of Diocletian's Palace...also where Daenerys' dragons were kept
A small part of the basement of Diocletian's Palace is open to the public for shopping (individual vendors selling local goods). However, find the side path where you pay a small entrance fee to tour the remains of the basement. You will find this part to be much less crowded.
Basement of Diocletian's Palace
Basement of Diocletian's Palace
Another view of Diocletian's Palace at dusk. You can see that people are already congregating on the red cushions, waiting for the live music.
Cheers!
Croatia has a mix of Italian, Mediterranean, Bosnian, and lots of fresh seafood!
Pizza is always better in Europe
Stuffed bell peppers (punjena paprika) is part of the local cuisine of Croatia
Fresh calamari
Black seafood risotto with cuttlefish
Split is beautiful at night. Lots of restaurants along the bay stay open late. Even in late May, the weather was cool and perfect for sitting outside.
Night strolling is one of my favorite/must-see things to do while on vacation. The bright lights and lighter crowds make for some good photo opportunities. Two nights in Split was plenty of time to see and do everything that we wanted to. Taking a ferry to Hvar tomorrow, get ready for even more incredible views!