Spilt to Makarska

Saturday 28th June

An early start up at 4.15am to get to the airport to catch flight to Split. Really looking forward to the cruise. We are on a small cruise 32 people on board. Seven days exploring Croatia and get close to family roots.

We arrive in Split about 8.30am and bus into town. Already love the place. Each house on the way in seems to have their own little orchard in their backyards. Olives, Figs, Peaches, Grapes and Vegetables. Very self sufficient!

We find a cafe for a coffee, before heading off to find our boats.  There are plenty of them around. It's a busy wee place. Cruise ships yachts, fishing boats all line up. We find a representative from Sail Croatia that tells us our boat's not in just yet, so we store our bags at one the storage facilities for a couple of hours and head into town.

The town is built around Diocletian's palace. Lots of street markets selling the usual touristy bits and pieces. The cathedral sits in the square - 

The Cathedral - would have liked to go in, but a service was on.

Beneath the cathedral is the basement of Diclotians Palace. Amazing intact rooms and a labyrinth of tunnels.  Some still to be excavated.

The waterfront area is lovely - very clean, cobblestoned streets. Little narrow streets.

Finally you boat has docked port. I had been sitting wondering which one it was going to be. There are a variety of cruises that leave from Split. From small yachts, super yachts, junk looking boats and bigger cruise liners.

We find ours - wow! It's gorgeous. We find out that it is actually it's maiden voyage, so everything is brand spanking new! Even has a small plunge pool, which will be filled as we head off.

We are welcomed on board by a group singing and playing a mix of traditional and new songs - even "Stand by Me!" Felt really at home. Welcome drinks and some traditional foods .

Think I can live with this for a week. The boat is really comfortable heaps of room for 36 people.

And we are off! First stop Makarska. We sail down the coast of the mainland . The landscape is stunning huge mountain range, dropping down to lovely beaches. 

On the way we stop for our first swim at Duce.

The water is so, so clear and warm enough for us, Aussies on boat reckon it's cold. It's not as warm as Greece though. Very refreshing.

We get into Makarska about 4pm. It's a popular stop for all cruises, especially youngies.

The town sits under an enormous mountain backdrop. There's snow on tops in winter - a bit like Kaikoura I guess.

Kids jumping off the cliffs as we come into the harbour.

There are yachts lined up along the port - they are all full on in party mode already.

We have a wander around the town and find a lovely little restaurant overlooking a beach with the sunset. Later we have a look past the nightclubs. Think it's going to be a bit noisy tonight.

On the way back to the boat we see a girl fall off the back of a yacht fully clothed! Imagine she won't be the only one. Earlyish night.  Nice comfortable bed!