Hey just me again. First things first, thank you so so much to everyone who supported my first ever blog. I've been blown away with the support so far. Genuinely didn't think anyone would give a flying fuck about my recommendations so thanks so much. You've made me a happy woman!
If you didn't read the title, this next one is about me backpacking Croatia for a week. If you did Read the title and you already know that info, then at least you know it twice now bishes.
So this was my first travel trip during this bullshit pandemic. Travel was pretty much the same as the Portugal trip so im writing one sentence on it and moving on. I flew with easy jet same rules applied as for Portugal, no quarantine was legally required either side at my time of travel. Croatia had been on my travel list, that for your information is bigger than the river nile, for the longest time. When Sherisse messaged me and was like "Shev I'm gonna travel Croatia for a week" I can't even say I was invited. I think my answer was just absofuckinglutey i'm IN! So because Bozza don't know his arse from his elbow we wasn't sure if we were even gonna make this trip. It was a day before flying and still we knew there was an announcement to be made. Luckily we managed to go when no quarantine was required. Due to our Jobs and other commitments we couldn't go somewhere, where this would be required. But it was 8 hours before my flight and I was magicking clothes into my backpack like Matilda did with those flying cups and saucers and I ABSOLUTELY FUCKING HATE PACKING. So procrastination was in full force putting on a HAIR MASK. SHEV NO ONE NEEDS A HAIR MASK THAT BAD ALLOW IT! Anyhoo we made it, we both looked at each other super emotional on Landing and it was a pinch me moment. I know it sounds selfish when there are so many other worse issues going on than not being able to travel, but if that makes me selfish for wanting to see the world, learn new cultures and visit new places then selfish I am FUCK IT. So many people ask "do you book everything before you go or book as you go" so here it is. For this trip all we had booked is our return flights and our first 2 nights accommodation. We had a rough idea of the route we wanted to take but nothing was set in stone incase we didn't want to move on for whatever reason. I often do my travel trips like this. It's not about regimented plans when you're away. It's a holiday not a boot camp. I know if you know me personally you'll know the organised chaos that my life is, but holiday Shev is horizontal there's no rushing, delayed flights for 15 hours no problems, missed a transfer don't worry, haha I really am that chill.
Lets get to it:
Split- "This is the best split you'll ever see"
Split was our first stop for 2 nights. We stayed in the cutest Apartment Apartment Candy Split which was cheap, I booked on booking.com. The apartment was super clean on arrival. Great amenities, the cutest courtyard for morning coffees with my home slice. The courtyard also had an outdoor shower which we loved on hot days to cool down. We both sat outside and wrote and read on an afternoon it was super therapeutic and really enjoyable to go away with someone with such similar interests. The location was perfect, was a short 10 min walk to the main strip and harbour. The host was kind as well and let us check in and out whenever we wanted. Gave us all the tips on where to go and how to get there. The apartment was 700 yards away from sandy Bacvice beach. We walked the scenic route through all of the little cobbled paths and small alleys which was super pretty. There's just
something magical about getting lost when exploring with someone you love! Yeah Sherisse I love you yeah, but don't let it go to your head my G. Now don't get me wrong Bacvice isn't no 7 mile long Negril white sand beach. But it's a beach, it's fun the sea is beautiful and there's load of restaurants and bars near by. I found myself in Papa's American bar two days in a row because they sold my favourite cocktail which is a Bahama mama, just saying it takes me back to my favourite place on the planet you see. Sherisse and I would walk past every place and id look at the menu and being a vegetarian there wasn't always options which shocked us both, we didn't think we'd have that issue, but anyway she'd say in her Kent accent "I bet if they sold bahama mamas you'd be straight in there though wouldn't you?" THE SHADE! But yeah papas done a banging veggie wrap too! We also found out there's a world wide website called happy cow where you can put in your region/location and it tells you the restaurants near by that are vegan/vegetarian which has not only changed my life but described my life as I am a happy cow! Moo Biitch!! On using this website we found THE MOST tantalising restaurant called Pandora Green Box vegetaria which has an entirely plant based menu and is rated 5 stars on Trip advisor. All the dishes and cocktails are named after celebrities and its super cool check them out if you're in Split. The outdoor seating area with a band is just magic I would strongly recommend the truffle dish! Truffle is super popular in Croatia you can get it at every restaurant.
Our favourite bar in Split was Olivetree the place was buzzing. The cocktails were amazing, The hookah was the best and all whilst you're listening to house music and watching women swing from the ceiling in a cage. What more could you want? We went there every night even if it was for a couple of hours before moving on! We also went to a club called Central . It was MAD. No one would think we were experiencing a global pandemic. Everyone was packed in and dancing, we forgot about people being able to smoke inside though, we smelt like a walking pack of superkings on leaving. Central gets busy between midnight-4am. we had so much fun in there. BUT THE GEEZA WHO TOLD US IT WAS RNB, I DUNNO WHAT RNB YOU'VE BEEN LISTENING TOO BUT THE MACARENA AINT RNB BIG MAN!
So to conclude. Split Is cool, its modern in some places. Its dressy, don't be thinking shorts and t-shirts ladies because you're gonna be under dressed.Is super beautiful the buildings are really pretty and I wish we spent more time there! I will be returning!
Our second stop was Hvar. we got the High speed ferry from split ferry port and booked through book a way It was a short 45 minute ferry and cost approx 15 euros. Top tip if you want to sit outside on top deck get there earlier as the seats get taken up. A mask isn't required outside only inside. the views are pretty spectacular from outside too!
Hvar - Not Hvar from heaven if you ask me!
I've been to a lot of places in my travelling life. I can honestly say I don't think I've ever been so shocked at a place in my life. So different to Split. A lot more boujee but hardly ever spoken about. Whats that all about? Myself and Sherisse knew 1 person that had visited here before us and I don't understand why more people, especially British people don't go! The place gives Monaco and Marbella a run for its money with their super yachts. The waters are crystal clear and its such a cultured and beautiful place. I nearly cried when we moved on I could have spent my entire time there. Anyway we stayed at a little apartment up in the hills. Looked absolutely nothing like its pictures and wasn't cheap so I won't be recommending them. However the views from up there were stunning! My breakfast cuppas certainly had a view to die for!
Just be conscious when you're booking your accommodation that if there's a "view" there's gonna be a hike with your luggage to get there. So glad we both had backpacks otherwise we'd have been fucked with a case. There's lots of stuff to do on Hvar and plenty of walking which was super nice to explore. Hula Hula beach club is an absolute vibe!!! It has a mix of people some dressed down and some were super dressy, this is the same on evenings in bars also. Hula Hula is where the sunset pic above was taken. The sun looked like a full on babybel and I fucking love cheese don't I? So was a serious sight for sore eyes. There's just something about sunset, it never ever gets boring. I get overwhelmed every single time. It's always so magical watching the sun go down, especially if it's been a special day. So back to HULA HULA banging mate. If you want a bed in the day Id recommend you reserve one as it isn't very big and gets booked up in advance. As sun is setting it gets busier and busier and then turns into an evening rave with the sounds of the waves crashing in the background and everyone is just on a vibeee. Would recommend for sure. All the places to kinda sunbathe next to the ocean are rocky areas with little sand. But there are independent companies dotted around that you can hire a bed off for 10Euros for the day, Just check the floor before you choose. The currents are super strong around Hvar and best believe those waves do not fuck about, there was a moment my belongings flashed before my eyes when I was swimming in the sea and my belongings on the bed, well they were wetter than I was when I got out but then you probably don't need that advice because that would only happen to a wanker like me. All the restaurants and bars were down little cobbled alleys and it was super super cute. Our favourite bar was Kiva Bar. Theres loads of cute cushions on the steps and you sit on them if you want to be outside or they have an indoor area. Cocktails there were great and the music was fun. I mean watching a stag party singing Back streets Back at 11pm absolutely aresholed was pretty entertaining. It does get a bit rowdy there and it is a bit confined being in the alley, so depends if that's your kinda thing but we enjoyed it. We also loved Restaurant Park Hvar they had a live band on every night with an outdoor seating area and they did the best Croatian red wines in there. Was a more up market place and more suited for couples or chilled vibes but me and Sherisse behaved like a couple on this trip so who cares aye. Who needs a bloke anyway. No ones dusty ass son was stressing us out, it was fantastic. Sorry if any of my exes mom's read this but listen your son is dusty, its the truth home girl. Anywhooooo.. so yeah Hvar has more magic than Disneyland. There's loads to do there and we just wasn't there long enough. Theres little boat trips to neighbouring islands and stuff and next time I go I'll be doing that. There's also an amazing beach club called Carpe Diem on a neighbouring island that I'll also be doing next time.
Next we used Book a way again and got the 3 hour ferry to Dubrovnik. This was around 35Euros each. Same rules apply if you want a seat outside get there early. The ferry stops off at all the neighbouring islands on the way and its stunning to see. There were some that could have been mistaken for a Carribean island.
Dubrovnik - The pearl of the Adriatic
Dubrovnik was full of historic castles, cobbled floors and stone walls. super pretty and very Instragramable. Every little alley was a restaurant, shop or bar the use of space down in old town was super impressive. Not as Impressive as the use of space in my mom and dads house considering they threw out 2 VHR players last week the storage is real. But it was second impressive with my parents tiny house coming first. Mom if you're reading this that's a strong hint to just throw shit away. Anyway we stayed in the cutest apartment called The view I haven't been able to find a direct link as I booked through booking.com it worked out at around 70euros each for the two nights. Now don't get me wrong its a trek, millions of steps but it was worth every second for the view. We also worked out on day one that if you got a taxi to the top of Road Jadranska cesta just before the bend and get them to drop you there, then it's like 10 steps downhill to the apartment. If you're not fit and healthy I would advise you not to stay here it takes a lot of stamina but its worth it for morning teas over looking the castle.
The best place to watch sunset in Dubrovnik is at Panorama restaurant and bar it's accessible via the cable car which was a nice experience. Its the only Time we had to wear a mask officially in the cable cars. So we got the cable car to the top. Had the most amazing cocktails. I would recommend reserving a table here for sunset as it does get super busy. You can see the whole of Dubrovnik from the top and honestly it was a sight not to be missed. But I tell you what was a sight to be missed the fucking trek down. Listen just Get a return cable car back down don't think you can walk it takes fucking hours. So we started walking down, I saw the biggest shit on the floor I've ever seen. I said to Sherisse "I think that's a bear dung I've seen these things on bear Grylls" she laughs. I wasn't laughing. Anyway we kept walking I had sandals on not ideal for off road trekking!! The views were amazing on the way down. But nearly getting ate by a bear wasn't so fun. The grunting shit me up I thought this is it, i've had a nice life I'm gonna have Shevorne Kattri, 30 years old loved to travel, ate by bear on my Head stone. Anyway we lived to tell the tale and we didn't get eaten. But I absolutely will fucking not be doing that again. Stupid idea that was. A 1 minute cable car ride was a 2 hour downhill off road hike, no wonder I had abs at the end of the holiday.
We had a couple of fave restaurants in Dubrovnik, we loved Poklisar which was a beautiful place situated on the harbour, on the castle grounds, you could watch the boats come in and out. They have a mixed Mediterranean menu, quite a lot of fish but also veggie options. My best meal was from Mama Margherita. All the food was made completely fresh so you could mix and match and make your own food from the menu. Would strongly recommend the truffle pasta or the pizza.
The walls of Dubrovnik are beautiful and there are some amazing cave bars on the cliff edges. We decided to go to a cave beach instead which was absolutely stunning. Again there's no sand but the ocean is so stunning and was really refreshing to swim we found the current wasn't as strong in Dubrovnik as the other places.
One last thing which is a key thing to know. Uber is almost half the price of normal taxis in the whole of Croatia. You'll need a mask to travel in them, they're not so strict I didn't wear one a couple of times and nothing was said. Also I'm medically exempt before the Corona Karens come for me.
So yeah, Croatia was everything and more that I ever thought it would be.
There are some beautiful national parks and waterfalls that were closed due to Covid-19 when we went but check these out too if you do get chance to visit they look insane.
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You're keeping this daft little hippy heart of mine happy.
Peace out fuckers!
Shev x