After visiting turquoise Budva, Montenegro I had no idea what to expect for Croatia. Would it be better? Would it be just as turquoise? What would the walled city look like? Many people have told me how breathtaking Croatia is and how I would love it, but I couldn’t fully comprehend why I would. Without a visual, I had no idea if it would be a place for me. Friends of mine went to Croatia for their honeymoon and at the time, I couldn’t quite understand why. I wondered why they hadn’t chosen Greece or Italy or somewhere alike. Driving along the rugged cliffs along Croatia’s turquoise coast I started to get visuals of what everyone had told me about previously. Even before arriving in Dubrovnik I knew I would give a part of my heart to Croatia.
Croatia is home to 7 UNESCO sites, including Dubrovnik, beaches, sailing, sun, relaxation, seafood (including fresh water fish) and dalmations. Croatia has quite the history, including legends which believe blood thirsty Vampires were first found in Croatia. Beyond history, Croatia is famous for its 148 million litres of wine produced each year in their two wine regions, along with pilsner beer originating in Croatia. To my surprise, I also learned that in the winter, Croatians enjoy ice hockey and alpine skiing. As if these things I mentioned aren’t great enough, Croatia is the film setting for the famous T.V. series Game of Thrones. After a long day of driving and a quick afternoon stop in Montenegro, I finally arrived in Dubrovnik, the famous walled city: Kings Landing.
I think it is a good thing that I didn’t know what to expect prior to arriving. To be honest, I actually hadn’t even seen pictures before going and knew very little. Based on what I heard, I knew that I should see it for myself. I had heard that it is one of the better (if not the best) countries in Eastern Europe (close with Chezh Republic). Now I understand what the hype about Croatia is all about. Arriving in Dubrovnik was a dream come true and although I had no expectations, I had no idea that Dubrovnik would blow me out of the water in the way that it did. I’ve never seen anything like it–an ancient walled city on some of the most beautifully crystal clear turquoise water I have ever seen. Dubrovnik is the place that rooted my love for Europe.
It was in Dubrovnik when I realized that Europe would continue to surprise me throughout my journey.
I must go back there, fond memories from many years ago. Great pictures
It’s amazing isn’t it? Thanks so much. Croatia is one of my favorite European countries and it blew me away. I had no idea Croatia had it all. I’ll be posting a couple more posts on Croatia this week as well. Stay tuned!
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
Really good photos, I’m looking at going there soon, is there any places you’d really recommend seeing in Dubrovnik?
Thanks so much. It’s a unique place to visit.
I’d recommend walking the wall, going up the cable car and hiking at the top (that’s where I took most of my pictures), walk around Old Dubrovnik, Old Dubrovnik’s harbour, and if you have time take the bus to Uvala Sumratin Bay to spend an afternoon swimming in the Adriatic waters of Dubrovnik’s Lapad region.
Interesting how the same place can make such totally different impressions on people:
http://ashortwalkabout.wordpress.com/2014/08/25/the-walled-shithole-of-dubrovnik/
Yes, it is interesting how we each have an entirely different perspective of the same place. That’s the great thing about traveling; each place offers each individual person something different.
Enjoy your travels!
Jessica
Yaay Im very happy that you liked it!!! Its impossible not to love Croatia, I go there almost every year, every time to a different part….next year hopefully to Split and Dubrovnik 😀 great pictures!!
I know right! It IS impossible not to love Croatia. Every year? Wow, you are one lucky girl! It’s a turquoise dream. What’s your favorite part? More Croatia posts to follow. Stay tuned!
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
True!! Its an amazing place and the people are so nice and friendly!! Until now I have been to Pula, Brjunj and the Krk Island… my favorite was Krk Island, where I went diving this year, its an amazing place, I would love to go back there again. And well, Croatia is not so far from Munich, thats why going there every year is a good idea, its cheap for us and is the closest beach we have 😀 I will look forward to more posts! 😀
I look forward to hearing more stories of your travels through Europe.
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
Thank you!! Me too 😀
nice pic’s of you in Croatia Last summer i have been in Bulgaria for a visit, but never go to Croatia it seems a nice place too.
Thanks so much!
Wow, Bulgaria would be an interesting place to visit. What was that like? Croatia is incredible. Truly one of a kind. I’ll be posting more posts on Croatia this week so stay tuned.
P.S. I followed you and I’m interested in reading your stories.
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
Again beautiful photos! Did you know that Dubrovnik was built all new in the 80s? It was nearly completely destroyed after a heavy earthquake in the late 70s or early 80s (I don’t know the exact year), When we visited Dubrovnik in 1983 it was nothing like your pics show. It was a town of ruins at a wonderful coast. So actually you visited a young town. It is a pleasure to see how it developed within the past 30 30 years… amazing!!!
Thanks so much my dear. You are always so supportive, encouraging, and positive. That’s exactly what I need in my life.
In fact, I did know the information you are telling me. I learned it on my walking tour when visiting the old city. How interesting (and ironic), that an old city is actually a new city.
You haven’t been there for 30 years? What was it like when you visited?
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
How was it like… hmmm, I was 13 then…. I remember that it was dirty and looked very poor. When we arrived we took a look from above (kind of the sight you showed on one pic). It was nothing like you saw. Really broken buildings and no money or support to build things new. Some people lived in ruins. At that time it all was Yugoslavia and that was a poor country. I guess the biggest support for the whole area came after the war.
Wow, what a contrast. Now it’s a bustling visitors destination and has since been rebuilt. What an experience that must have been for you.
Beautiful Jessica just enjoy 😉
Thanks so much Irene. I know you always enjoy my pictures. You are too kind. Thanks for the support throughout my journey. I really appreciate it.
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
You always bring beautiful photos and tell us about your travels, which I enjoy very much Jessica
Thanks again.
Did you find the hole in the wall bar? Wonderful spot for a refreshing drink! 🙂
I didn’t actually! Was that in the old city? I did find the place where locals (and visitors) go ‘cliff jumping’ from the rock wall and there was a restaurant/bar there overlooking the view of the jumpers.
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
That could have been it. There were lovely white umbrellas. Ahh your posts are bringing back happy memories! 🙂
hmmmm maybe it was! What a wonderful coincidence and small world!
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
🙂
I always wanted to go to Dubrovnik! I was disappointed I never made it there while living in Europe. Will definitely have to stop there on my next trip. Great post!
Well now you can dream about making it there someday!
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
Yep! I can’t wait to go to Croatia and it’s very much everyone’s darling at the moment. Praise well deserved! ‘Glad you had a great time my dear. 🙂
Thanks so much! It was an amazing adventure! I could have stayed there for weeks. It’s hard not to fall in love with a place like that.
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
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