Local Croatian Experience on the Island of Krk

After exploring Plitvice Lakes National Park in the AM, we hit the road for our next destination, the island of Krk, 2 1/2 hours away. We were really struck by the interior of Croatia and how beautiful, fertile and mountainous it was. With the rocky coast, I imagined a more arid environment. We hit clouds and rain early in the drive and I thought what a bummer it was to have one of our beach days be rainy. But then we drove through a tunnel through a large mountain range at the coast and emerged to sunshine! 

We were headed to stay at the home of our new Amsterdam friends, Aaron and Nensi. Nensi is Croatian and when they heard we were planning a summer vacation to Croatia, they invited us to stay at their family's summer home on the island of Krk. There is no substitute for being shown around a new country by locals, so we took them up on their generous offer and stayed two nights in the village of Punat. The hardest part was not being able to communicate with Nensi's parents on our own. The only Croatian we learned was thank you, the bill and good night. 

Scenery on the drive to Krk

We did really well this trip timing nap time with our large car rides! 

Out the car window shot of Krk, just after the bridge.

The village of Punat in the distance.

Nensi's family's home, once the home of her grandparents and now passed on to her mother and father. 

Jude was psyched to be reunited with his pals Maren and Indy. Really sweet boys. 

After being welcomed with a glass of homemade Rakia (local liquor), we headed for the town beach. Rocky like the rest of them.

I promise I didn't let him eat the rocks, try as he might!

On our full day together, we went on a walking tour of Punat, where we took in the sights of the local playground, harbor and "boardwalk." 

Then we went for a driving tour of the island with the highest village, Dobrinj as our destination. Croatian wines are gaining popularity and there are a number of vineyards on the island. We tried many Grasevinas (white) and I am a fan! Will have to see if they sell that variety here or in the states.

Church with the mainland mountains in the background. This was the 1 out of 25 "out-the-window" shot that turned out!

Views from Dobrinj looking out to the mainland.

We stopped for lunch at Zora, known for the best local surlice (ragu dish made with a special homemade pasta typical of the town).

Lunch got a bit messy so we removed Jude's shorts to save them from the ragu!

There was a stage set up next to the restaurant in the town square. Endless entertainment for Jude (and anxiety for us as we feared he would run right off the edge!)

After lunch with drove to the village of Krk (the namesake of the island or visa versa). Here, there was an old medieval village surrounded by a stone wall. After a quick walk through town, we stopped at a nearby beach for more rock play time :) 

Krk

Beach with village of Krk behind