Croatia Part I

September 2018

Feeling rather burnt out from completing my Masters, I took a well earned family holiday and headed for the island of Vis, in Croatia. Sadly Ben couldn't get any time off work, so I jetted off for two weeks, feeling rather guilty! We had chosen the island of Vis as our sole destination as it was a short holiday, and wanted it to be a relaxing one. None of us had been to Vis before, and it was supposed to be one of the less touristy options. This is partially due to the fact that up until the 90s, the island was closed off to the public, as it was used as a Yugoslavian military base. This only made it sound more interesting! 

We had decided to be spontaneous with the car rental, and not book in advance. So we spent the first day or so without transport, simply soaking in our incredibly lovely airbnb in the small town of Kut.  Technically part of Vis town, it felt like its own, quieter village around the bay. Vis, once known as Issa when settled by the Greeks in the 4th century BC, has jumped between rulers, from Roman, to the Republic of Venice, to Italian to Yugoslavian rule (with a brief period of British rule even too!)

It was a short, very pleasant walk down from our airbnb to the lovely little harbour, and whilst Vis town was nice, the longer we stayed here the more glad I was that we were situated in Kut. Not only was it ridiculously picturesque, it was also quieter, there were fewer tourists, and we had a lovely bakery and fruit and veg shop in short walking distance. Also, our amazing airbnb certainly didn't hinder matters!

The views from our accomodation were incredible too, and I spent many a breakfast out here eating delicious yogurt and honey and reading my book. The perfect relaxation spot!

On our first day, we decided to go straight into holiday mode and eat at a restaurant for lunch. And what an excellent choice this was! Restaurant Pojoda, very close to our airbnb made for an excellent first meal. I had shrimps grandfathers style (no really, that's what it was called) and they were some of the best I've ever had. Consider me converted! 

One of my favourite memories is of us strolling down to the waterfront at sunset, and sitting with a drink at one of the waterfront bars, watching the sun set. Our airbnb host was involved with one of the bars in some capacity, and he always greeted us and ensured everything was okay. Top notch service! 

Because we didn't yet have a car, we decided to explore our immediate surroundings by foot. Going right around the harbour led us on a pleasant coastal walk, with mysterious abandoned buildings. I wonder what they were used for?

They were clearly long abandoned, but the graffiti was interesting!

Walking into Vis town was also super pleasant, through meandering alleys and past tiny beaches, it was incredibly pretty.

Even in September, it was incredibly hot, sweaty work walking around in the heat of the day, but well worth it for the views. We walked through Vis town and all the way around the waterfront.
If you keep walking, you eventually hit a pretty and tranquil graveyard, where the trees cast cool shade, making it the perfect place to sit for a moment and collect your thoughts.

We had decided to secure a car to do some exploring further afield, so walking back into town, we popped into every place advertising car hire and found the best deal. And it really was the best deal - look at this adorable car! It even has a sun roof! I felt fancy. 

Onwards intrepid adventurers!