Hiking the Islands of Croatia

Sooner or later, I will get back to running, but not quite yet. An opportunity to hike a few of the Croatian Islands arose when scheduling coincided with the Friendship Force World Conference in Dubrovnik.

My journey in Croatia ended in Dubrovnik, but began 230 kilometers north in the City of Split, both cities located on the Dalmatian Coast of the Adriatic Sea.

From my balcony at the Cvita, my first view of the Adriatic

Arriving a day early and on a rainy evening, the sun shone bright in the morning and perfect temperatures and sunshine continued through my 10-day stay. The Hotel Cvita offered a wonderful buffet breakfast that I found typical among the hotels along my route: offerings of eggs, sliced meats, cheeses, olives and generous quantities of fruit, yogurt and breads (croissants being my favorite).

My mile or so walk from the hotel to the center of Split offered beautiful views of the harbor as well as the yachts and local sailboats moored there.

The main esplanade was bustling with tourists and locals enjoying the morning. Behind the main walkways, I found a number of tables at an open air market filled with local fruits, vegetables and oils.

The walkway along the harbor is peppered with plaques honoring Croatian Olympians

Along with the beauty of the harbor, Split is dominated by the Diocletian’s Palace, built in Roman times, around 292 AD, by Diocletian, the only Roman Emporor to retire. A wise man to retire in this beautiful climate and location. The history of the palace is extensive as it was later invaded and added on to by several tribes over time who established their own governments and added on to the palace.

But back to the Cvita and on to my hiking journey as I meet 18 other hikers and two incredible guides, all part of a walking tour offered by Gate 1, one of my favorite travel companies.

Tomorrow, we will be ferrying to the Island of Brac for our first hike. Come along with me.

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