Nine of us hired a boat to visit some of the islands off Hvar Island. The group was mainly comprised of brazilians with Germany and Australia thrown into the mix. Our first stop was an hour's ride to a small cove where we changed to a smaller boat to go into the Blue Cave; it silenced us all with its beauty. On to another blue light cave; a smaller light but equally amazing and enthralling. The rest of the day was spent at nice swimming spots and a luxuriou...

On the first night as the sun was setting I walked the 2km wall around the old town. There is no substitute for a good wall to walk on. The attraction here is that so much history and culture is accessible on foot, all set in a dramatically magnificent location. It is simply breathtaking. I feel for the residents - their lives must be so affected by tourism. But I also wonder about life in an apartment in close quarters with your neighbors and with steps to and...

The map says Croatia but this feels more like Italy to me. This has to be the greatest walled city almost anywhere surely. I have just arrived after driving the coast road from Zadar. That must be one of the world's best drives. Such dramatic scenery all the way; I really had to struggle to keep my eyes on the road - how great it would be as a passenger. Accommodation is in the old city so my room is on an upper passageway. I've left most of the luggage in the ...

The two minute boat ride with one of the Boatmen of Zadar got me into town. This small town is closed to traffic which makes it very pleasant to wander around. The Roman Forum is the largest on this side of the Adriatic and the whole town has sights that demonstrate the long history here. A modern highlight is the ocean organ. Set right at the end of a promenade the organ is built under the walkway as large steps. When boats pass and the waves splash the orga...

Well, what a shock. Leaving the gentle hills into the wild and pointy mountains close to the Adriatic. It's like a different land altogether, a different country. Sea, sun and fun looks like the theme. None of your 5 hour hikes into the belly of the park, more a meander, if you feel like it of course. I am a bit knackered after today's walk so resting and perusing should be perfect for the next day or so. I'm looking forward to a morning walk along the beac...