Croatia

Pearl of the Adriatic

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The ancient city of Dubrovnik needs little introduction. It’s Croatia’s coastal gem and provides some of the backdrop for TV fantasy drama Game of Thrones. There is a lot crammed into a relatively small space – rambling orange rooftops, grand churches and sleepy back streets. 

Good weather brings the crowds to this infinitely explorable place, so my advice is to start out early to walk the old ramparts, and climb up away from the main thoroughfares. But it’s a visitor magnet, so be prepared for the throngs. You should also see the city’s port area, just a bus ride away from the old town. It’s very easy to get snap happy in Dubrovnik, but if you can, take a step back and just enjoy this wonder.

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Shingle spit

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I thought it was a lifeguard, peering out to sea. But no, it was a man with his camera standing on a lofty vantage point. He beat me to it.

This is Zlatni Rat on the island of Brac on Croatia’s beautiful Adriatic coastline. It’s this amazing spit of land made up of shingle, and has become a popular spot for Croatians and overseas visitors to Dalmatia. You approach it from the small town of Bol via a broad pine-clad avenue. The sea shimmers a myriad of blues and sailing boats bob gently on the water. 

Like many places around this country, it’s well worth a visit. Here are just a few more Zlatni Rat moments…

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Little bits of Croatia

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Croatia is a stunningly attractive country, with a long coastline along the Adriatic Sea. When the waters and the sky are blue, it’s undoubtedly a magnificent sight. But exploring the towns and islands of the south, there is more to see.

The buildings sometimes have a faded grandeur, while lines of washing hang proudly in the sleepy back streets and signs point to little tavernas. The markets are always groaning with fresh local produce, bringing colour to the old stones of Dalmatia.

This is just a small collection of the details I found in enticing places including Korcula and Makarska. If you haven’t already visited Croatia, you simply must.

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Dalmatian blue

/ mikeosbornphoto / 19 Comments

Finally, after many years of good intention, I have visited Croatia. This Adriatic country, blessed with a rugged coastline and peppered with islands, is best travelled on a small cruise ship. That’s exactly how I took in southern Dalmatia, from the spectacular city of Dubrovnik to its sleepy little ports. 

Croatia is truly photogenic, and with its calm seas and early summer skies, blue is abundant. For the first delve into my photo album, I’ve picked out my favourite notes of blue from a memorable trip. It’s a place you should add to your wish list if you haven’t already done so.

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