Krka & Šibenik

Hi All!

This morning we are going to explore a bucket list of ours, Croatia’s Krka National Park! Very excited, we packed up for the day and headed there early.

Once we arrived at the Lozovac entrance we opted to walk to the famous Skradinski Buk waterfall. It was only a quick 10 minute hike through the trees, there were tons of butterflies, great views, sounds and smells! If you’re able, I highly recommend you walk down verses take the bus.

Once we arrived, we started out on the 2 km boarded walkway surrounding the waterfall. We took our sweet time walking and exploring all the sights and sounds. There was a ton of wildlife all around. The early morning light was sparkling across the water, it was better than we dreamed.

(Ducks lazing about)

(Fish everywhere)

(The early clam flow of the Krka River)

Once we got to Skradinski Buk, there were not many people, so we capitalized and jumped in the refreshing water first! It was only 10:00, but the temperature was already approaching 85 degrees Fahrenheit, so it was great to cool off. Zaq swam around while I sat on a nearby rock in the water. The current was a little intimidating for me.

We had a precious 10 minutes to ourselves, just us enjoying the chill water and the beautiful falls. We made them count before it started getting very crowded. We hopped out and ate some fresh fruit we’d picked up at the local market, while watching the falls and everyone getting a chance to splash around.

I treated myself to some ice cream on such a hot day before we moved on.

Once back at the trail head, we decided we wanted to see some of the ruins and the closest had a 1km hike, which we were up for on this hot day, not too long, but enough for a good walk.

We found out from a park guide it would be best to drive and re-enter the park at the Brnjica trail head. So we venture back to our car, only to find someone had blocked us in! Rude.

However, this is why we always rent a small car when we travel to Europe. We were able to squeeze out between the car next to us and a tree in front. It was very tight, but Zaq was a pro at it, so happy to have him as my partner. Once free and clear, we were on our way!

We arrived at the trail head and started our trek, it was through some of the Croatian country side, before we entered into the park. We found ourselves on a side cliff looking over at the Ključica Fortress at the finish. It is the largest and best preserved medieval fortress in Krka National Park. It was erected by the Croatian noble family Nelipić in the 13th century in order to protect their estate from their rivals, the noble family Šubić. Super cool! It can be hard to make out, but look closely on the rock side.

We then headed back to the car and started toward Roški Slap, a waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation that pours into Visovac Lake. At this point Zaq and I were melting as it was approaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and it was oh so humid since the past two days we’d had thunderstorms and rain.

We parked and walked the short way toward the falls. Once we got there, we did not hesitate to jump in the beautiful lake with the fish! It was freezing, but it was just what we needed. Both of us were starting to feel heat sick, even with all the hydrating we were doing to combat the effects.

We both swam and took in where we were. Both of us knew this would forever be engrained in our memories. It was so beautiful and Croatia stole a part of our hearts we won’t get back in that moment.

Feeling 100% better, we decided although we’d love to see more ruins, we wouldn’t have the time today. Instead, we started toward Šibenik, to explore and have dinner.

Driving into this inlet sea side town it’s got a few fortresses that loom over the city. It’s very beautiful among the classic terra cotta roofs.

We parked and explored parts of Old Town Šibenik.

We entered St. Micheal Fortress, which overlooks the sea.

Today it actually serves as an open-air theatre. Imagine seeing a play or concert here!

We also walked up to the Barone Fortress, the view was amazing to the eye, but the light was terrible for pictures. It was so high, bright and blazing down at us. We sought out shade any chance we got, and continually filled our camel backs.

Ready to relax and eat, we wondered back to town and started our hunt for a restaurant we liked. Šibenik is supposed to have some of the best restaurants on the Dalmatian Coast.

We walked through several back alleys before we came upon a place called Nostalgija Konoba, it had all fresh catches; very farm to table feel.

We were not let down. The food and service was impeccable and delicious. We split a Dalmatian house salad to start and for entrees Zaq got the Mussels in Mediterranean sauce and I got the catch of the day, which was Sea Bass.

Once we finished, we started back for the Airbnb in Split. The hour drive was a sad one as we knew our time in Croatia was coming to an end.

Once we got back to the Airbnb we started packing and prepping our bags for tomorrow, we fly out late to Dublin. We still get one last full day in Croatia and we’re spending it on the beach!

Tips from today’s travels.

Tip 1: If your visiting Krka, the best thing you can wear on you feet are tevas, chacos, mont-belles or basically any good sandal that has some tread. It will be perfect for getting around the whole park. From hiking trails, to walking around, or splashing in the water. The shores and underwater can be quite rocky and painful to navigate without footwear.

Tip 2: Arrive early at Krka so you might get some moments without a crowd. It’s a beautiful place and definitely worth the visit, but it’s also nice to get a moment to hear the nature around you, not the people.

Until tomorrow!

~A&Z