From Trstenik, we kept heading north towards Split.
Some of the best moments of the day (other than the massive amounts of Croatian food) are the swim stops. The captain will pull the boat into secluded bays, tie up to the shore and we’ll dive off the back of the boat.
We stopped at Beach pri Lovište, you will see what looks like white beaches, but they are actually pebble limestone beaches, it’s probably what helps to make the water so crystal clear and blue, extra filtering! I’ve bought some of those beach shoes you see around the place, to make my usual beach fossicking a little easier. Beach pri Lovište is actually full of sea urchins on its shoreline and others who had snorkels and goggles said they were seeing octopus swimming around as well.
From Lovište, we moved on to the town of Hvar on the island of Hvar. Hvar is one of the largest Croatian islands, boasting around 11,000 people in various towns across it. Boasting a long heritage, Hvar was settled in prehistoric times and was settled by the ancient Greeks, became part of the Venetian Empire, was always being attacked by the Ottomans, briefly came under Napoleonic rule, before settling in under the Austrian Empire. You see all of these influences across their buildings and in the town square.
It was already a hot day (and I was feeling gross), so I figured I may as well get just a bit grosser and head up to the old fort. Of course, it’s on top of the nearest big hill. My legs (and knees) reminded me that they did in fact still not forgive me for my crazy mountain (tiny) climbing four days beforehand and were going to complain the whole time way.
The foundations of the fort are from the 1st millennium BC, with more construction showing up from the 6th century. Construction of the current day fort began in the 12th century as fortifications against attack, along with the town walls. You will find all the posh houses (they are called palaces) within the town walls and close to the water fountains, with commoners on the outside of the town walls.
Hvar is apparently the type of place that the rich and famous like to party in…. I didn’t see anyone of significance in the crowds as the town filled up through out the afternoon, but we did see their boats!
The town was just waking up, but I’d had two glasses of wine watching the sun set, a bowl of mussels (possibly with more wine) and it was time for me to put myself to bed (and to try to drown out the doof doof base that was ringing out across the harbour) ready for the next day (and close to our last!)
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