A Slow Boat to Split

We have moved on from Trogir about 50 miles (80kms) north to Camp Marina, next to the KRKA National Park N43.79956 E15.94309.

The day before leaving we took a boat (Bura Line) across the water from Trogir to Split, It's a slow boat and takes about an hour but was nice and relaxing.  There are only 4 boats a day that operate there and back and works on a first come, first served basis. You can only buy a one-way ticket, which costs 35 Kuna (4.70 Euros) one way, which we thought was good value but you need to make sure you don't miss the last boat back!

The 'water bus' to Split

Leaving Trogir for Split on the 'Water-Bus'

Split is the second largest city in Croatia and the largest city in the Dalmatia Region.  Over time it has been inhabited by the Greeks, Romans, Venetians, Austrians, French, Italians and Germans before being liberated again in 1944, when the first people’s government of Croatia was formed.  Our first stop was the old town, which is set in a 4^th century Roman palace - Diocletian’s Palace, built by Roman Emperor Diocletian. 

The Cathedral and Sphinx in Peristile Square

The historical palace is a maze of long and narrow cobbled streets that are full of shops, cafés and restaurants.

It was a lovely hot day and consequently Split was bursting at the seams with tourists and plenty of tour groups and guides - a nightmare if you get stuck behind them going down the narrow streets!

This square is known as the People’s Square, with a Renaissance Clock erected on the ruins of a Roman tower.

There are 4 town gates, one on each corner through which you can enter the historical site and is one of seven UNESCO World Heritage sites in Croatia.

Just outside the Golden Gate is the enormous statue of Gregory of Nin (Grgur Ninski in Croatian).  They say if you rub Gregory’s toe and make a wish it will come true.  I’m not superstitious but I gave it a rub and a wish anyway – well you never know when you might need some luck!

Gregory of Nin (Grgur Ninski)

The 'Let me Pass' street on the right, next to Jupiter Temple.  It is said to be the narrowest street in the world - it is very narrow!

Climbing up the very steep 178m to Marjan Hill was exhausting in the heat but worth it for the view you get across Split from the top.

After 4 hours of wandering around the streets of Split, we caught the last but one boat back - we didn't want to risk not getting on the last boat back to Trogir!

Leaving the waterfront of Split on the boat back to Trogir

We left the island of Čiovo and Trogir yesterday and we headed north and followed the coastal road all the way before heading inland slightly to KRKA.  We passed through some lovely villages and marinas en route.

Primošten

Once we had set up on the campsite we had a scooter ride into Skradin and sat down by the waterfront.

Skradin

And then watched some very good divers dive off the bridge.

Today has been rain, rain and more rain and the temperature is struggling to get above 15°.  We have put off going to KRKA National Park until tomorrow and just been for a short walk around the nearby villages today.  Our planned barbecue and salad meal is being replaced by a slow cooker meal of meat and veg tonight to keep us warm - yummy!

Sally x