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

The Spectacular Plitvice Lakes National Park

When I read in the guidebook about Plitvice Lakes National Park and saw a few photos, it quickly made the  Croatia "must visit" list. Visiting it was considerably out of our way though so I questioned if it would be worth all of the extra driving with Jude. Plitvice Lakes is a series of crystal blue lakes, one spilling into the next with cascading waterfalls in all directions. Set against a lush forrest, it was truly spectacular and well worth the extra mileage. Take a look and see for yourself!

Instagram teaser

We set off hiking the lower lake. You travel along boardwalks, up and down. We used the trusty carrier, which hadn't gotten a lot of use since Jude started walking a few months ago. He was pretty happy in it and especially enjoyed holding hands while walking :)

One of many group selfies, some better than others :) 

The lower lakes

The largest waterfall in the park, spilling into the lower most lake

Signage showing our location amongst all of the lakes.

Gorgeous water. Jude loved the fish! 

After looping around the lower lake, you get to a large lake that must be ferried across. This takes you to the start of the upper lakes. 

Ferry fun

Cool downed tree in the water

Chilling on the Croatian Island of Lokrum

We had a final half day to spend in Dubrovnik before continuing on our journey. Knowing that the second half of the day with a lot of traveling would not be enjoyable for a toddler, we wanted to have a fun morning with Jude. Our sobe owner told us that the island of Lokrum, just off the coast of Dubrovnik was very child friendly so we rode the 15 minute fairy to the paradise island! 

Despite the coast being really rocky, the island was really lush. 

My dream of taking a boat to a Croatian Island came true!

Wild peacocks roamed the island. Here, Pete and Jude are in front of the ruins of an old monastery. 

The island was covered in pine trees and the sounds of the cicadas was deafening, but in a really good "this remind me of summer" kind of way. 

Nice playground for the kiddos, which the peacocks also seemed to enjoy.

There was one large lagoon on the island, with warm, protected waters. A fellow tourist warned us about sea urchins (a common problem on the Croatian coast) so we treaded very lightly! 

There were also a number of rocky coves to swim in. Really shallow, calm water. We all loved swimming there together. 

I really didn't want our time there to end, but we had to make our way back. From Dubrovnik, we took a flight to the capitol, Zagreb, rented a car and drove 2 hours to Plitvice Lakes National Park, arriving in time for bedtime.

Goodbye Dubrovnik!

Island life is exhausting!