An active trip to Split

If you're going to Split, there are lots of things to do and lots has been written about what to do; check out the palace, get lost in Varoš, climb Sveti Duje, visit Meštrović's Gallery, explore Marjan etc..  These are all brilliant - I definitely recommend them, but guide books have lots of info on these types of things, so no point in repeating it.  What they don't always tell you is other stuff you can get up to while there.

After spending a year in Split I began to realise what an active place it was, people I met either windsurfed or rock climbed, sailed or hiked and so I decided I needed to get involved.  I signed up to a rock climbing school and it was one of the best things I have ever done.  If you are after a bit more of an active holiday I have just the thing for you.  Avantura-Adventures Split do rock climbing, canyoning, deep water solo, rappelling or for those who like to keep their feet on the ground - hiking.  These guys didn't just teach me to climb, they welcomed me into the family of climbers which is really quite a wonderful community.  Classes were fun, friendly, sociable - nobody ever pushed anyone to do anything, but there was so much support and encouragement you felt like you could do anything.  Safety was always priority, the team are a really caring bunch and more than anything they want you to enjoy yourself.  I once text Dani (the main teacher) late on a Friday night asking if he'd drive in a drop me off a pair of climbing shoes so I could go climbing with some other friends the next morning.  He was there pronto, his only demand, the names of who I was climbing with to make sure I was in safe hands.  With these guys you will be.

This picture is from a hike up Mosor just after New Year - what a start to the year!

If you don't fancy an organised affair, but would like to do some walking there are a few options.  Obviously for a short walk you can explore Marjan in Split which has some lovely views.  However if you'd like more of a challenge - a mountain perhaps, why not take a trip up Mosor, the mountain just behind Split.  You can either do a days hike, or spend the night in a mountain hut, turning the trip into a 2, 3 or however many days you'd like.  You'd need to phone in advance to reserve yourself a place in the hut.  You can start the walk from the villages Kučine, Žrnovnica or Sitno gornje or even from Klis depending on how far you'd like to walk.  If you'd like a larger walk and larger mountain  Biokovo is also close by.

If you are around in the winter and fancy a bit of skiing, it's only a couple of hours drive to Kupres in Bosnia, where you can do a day's skiing along with everyone else from Split and be back in time for dinner!

Pelješac, where to stay, what to do..

Tonći lives in Perna, a small fishing village on the peninsular of Pelješac, just across the sea from Korčula's old town.
Again the apartments are on the sea and at the foot of the mountain Sv. Ilija, making it incredibly picturesque and peaceful. The views from the apartments across to Korčula are really quite special.
For those who are more actively minded, Tonci rent's bikes and there are various routes you can explore along the peninsular and on Korčula (15mins by boat).
You can also climb Ilija either alone, or Tonći (certified mountain guide and mountain rescue) will take you up. The view from the top is one of a kind - the mountain range going all the way down the peninsular and is known for looking like a sleeping dragon, with the sea on either side dotted with islands. It's sooo worth the climb which is not too difficult and can be done in a few hours or less depending on which route you take. There are also other routes round the mountain visiting picturesque little villages, churches etc. There's more info on his website as well as other activities like windsurfing and rock climbing suitable for all abilities.  If you've never tried either of these you've got to give it a go!

For those keen on exploring the multitude of tiny uninhabited islands nearby you can either rent a boat or get Tonći to take you island hopping in style by speedboat.

The beautiful town of Korčula is just over the way, and always nice for an evening out, wondering around the old town etc. If you're after a bit of nightlife, you can find bars there or otherwise the villages on either side of Perna, Orebić and Viganj, have a few small beach bars with a nice atmosphere...

I love this area, it has a special place in my heart and I have been coming here every year my whole life. Now that i'm closer I try to go down as often as possible not least to collect from Tonći some truly yummmy homemade wine and olive oil - don't miss that if you are in the area, his is truly delicious.

His website is below..

Stay with Tonći!

(the pic is from Korčula looking over to Perna with Ilija behind-taken by wayne-walton, you can buy this somewhere online if you so please..)

Apartment on the beach 15 mins from Split perhaps?

Split is a definite if you're going to Croatia; a town built into, onto, out of and around the Roman Emperor Diocletian's palace. I'll talk about the charms of Split later but now I will point out its obvious downside. If you're coming to Croatia in the summer, it is hot. When it's hot staying in town can be a bit much. Despite Split's location in the sea and the splattering of beaches just a short walk from the centre, they are crowed in the summer and not exactly the most relaxing.
If only there were a way you could visit the town, explore it's delights but also have days lounging in front of your apartment on the beach, sitting out on your little terrace and experiencing a little of the real local village feel...o wait, you can :)

Ivan and his family live in Suhi Potok, 15mins drive from Split (there is also a local bus going to and from the centre) and 5mins from Omiš (another charmer, i'll do a wee post on that lovely place later..)
Their apartments are right on the beach and they've all got balconies looking over the sea. The main terrace has a big sitting area and huge grill where they'll cook you up some lovely freshly caught fish for dinner.

I was there for dinner the other week, cocktails on the beach at sunset followed by yummy grilled local sausages and homemade wine.. i did not want to go home and i' sure you won't either


To find out more go to their website -> Julija Zemunik Apartments

Welcome!!

So what's this all about..? My name is Georgie I am from London and I live in Split. I am half-half and have been coming to Croatia all my life. Since moving here I have become a (perceived) great source of information.

Friends here in Croatia who run small-scale family guesthouses, boat rentals, biking expeditions ask me for advice getting tourists. Friends looking to come to Croatia want the inside info on friendly places to stay, local places to eat and fun ways to explore. I figured I'd create a place to bring you together...

Here you are - your very own Croatian Connection..

All the places and things I recommend here are run by friends, lovely, kind open people.. In this blog I will introduce you to them and life here in Croatia :)

Feel free to ask questions or make suggestions for posts and I'll see what I can do.. And please forgive my lack of blogging skills, I am still learning so it might all look a bit rubbish