We arrived at our apartment in Croatia just before 8pm. It was a long day but we took it easy knowing we had 8 days in Croatia. We stopped for lunch in the Slovenian countryside and relaxed into the journey a little, no longer in a rush. We ate lunch outside on a patio overlooking the lush surroundings. Joe was almost tempted by the horse burger (when in Rome) but settled for a regular old cow at the last minute. It was good to take a moment to appreciate the journey rather than rushing to get to the next place. After a cold glass of Rosé and another wee (it was a long journey and I have a weak bladder) we were back on the road.
A few hours later and we were in Croatia. The border was a little tiresome. Queues and intense heat do not go well together. I thanked the universe for the millionth time for air con. Driving into Kastela we were a little apprehensive. It looked a little run down in places and we had no idea what to expect but we needn’t have worried. The sun was setting as the streets started getting narrower and prettier. Warmly lit and cobbled, fig trees hanging gracefully over fences. We turned down a tiny street and into a car park and then we saw the sea. It was the most magical sight. The water was high in the harbour, rickety wooden boats bobbed on the water and the air was balmy. Joe and I looked at each other and beamed! I will never forget that moment, this was exactly what we needed.
The apartment was literally a few steps from were we stood. We could see the sea from the front door! Melita came to meet us and we were lucky enough to have another lovely host. She had an amazing energy and seemed genuinely pleased to see us. She explained that she’d lived in the building for over 20 years and her parents still lived upstairs. They’d turned the front into a studio apartment. It was small but perfect and felt surprisingly spacious. It had a little 2 ring hob, a flat screen tv, a washing machine and most importantly, air con.
She sent us a list of all the best islands to visit and told us to contact her about anything then she turned to us and said, “Go and explore this beautiful country. Visit the islands, try the food and see what you like for yourselves.” And we did.
Kaštela itself is made up of 7 small settlements along the coast between Trogir and Split. We were staying in Kaštel Štafilić which after having a little explore I’ve decided was the best one to stay in. Full of little Konobas (small family run restaurants), pebbly beaches and a maze of little cobbled streets. Most of the gardens had fig and olive trees which the locals wisely used to make oils and wine which they often sold on the street. There were also bakeries, butchers and supermarkets close by making it easy to cook good food in our little kitchen.
There isn’t much of a night life in Kaštel Štafilić but the konoba’s stayed open as late as we needed (which isn’t that late now I’m almost 40, weep, weep) and we were happy having a more chilled holiday. The next few days were filled with a combination of exploring and relaxing, which turned out to be the perfect combination.
We finished up our first evening eating pizza and grilled chicken by the sea and drinking wine that came by the carafe. (why is it so much more fun that way?) We fell into bed full, content and to be honest, absolutely knackered. This travelling larks a killer isn’t it?
The actual life of Riley 