The Adriatic Challenge: A Remarkable Journey Through Two Croatian Towns

While its exquisiteness comprehends no borders, one can easily see how the world can be an overwhelming place. As a result, deciding the ideal spot for that long awaited and much needed vocation can be a challenging task. For those travelers in search for deeply-rooted historical footsteps, embodying natural beauty, stunning architecture, good-old Mediterranean cuisine and the bluest waters their eyes have ever seen, I introduce the picturesque and often forgotten Adriatic coast. More specifically, I represent two magnificent locations in a country of Croatia in Europe: Split and Korcula.

SPLIT

I am starting with the city of Split because Split is a one of a kind Croatian town. Split is the second largest city in Croatia historically located on a small peninsula in an area known as Dalmatia. The long summers are absolutely remarkable due to hot and dry Mediterranean climate, while the winters are warm and wet.

Strolling through the city, one can find a vast array of palm trees and cacti surrounded by historical architectural remnants of Diocletian Empire. One can't help but wonder what the famous Roman emperor would say knowing that his stunning palace is still firmly standing on the ground many rough years later. One can't help but contemplate if Diocletian would be in awe that his home has become such a fundamental area for an assortment of markets, shops, cafes and even a stunning Catholic cathedral in Split.

The traveling fashionistas will feel one step closer to the luxuries of the Italian runways shows. The city shops offer a range of name brand clothing and accessories varying from Girogio Armani to Gucci to Zoppini. While the validity of some brands may be open to discussion, the excitement of the shopping experience in Split is definitely a true element.

Despite the fact that hotel accommodations are available for lodging, I highly recommend renting one of the rooms from the locals in order to experience the full effects of the Croatian culture.

Finding a room to stay is relatively easy because most bus stations are filled with locals holding room signs often written in English, while excitingly yelling the word "soba" (Croatian for "room"). You can bet the older ladies, holding such signs, have learned to recognize the wondering tourists in need of their assistance and they are not shy about showing you their friendly service. Once at their house, most locals generously serve their ethnic Croatian dishes while sharing pictures and photographs proudly depicting their Croatian roots.

Tasting Dalmatian cuisine alone leaves most of the tourists admiring the culture and wanting to come back. A variety of red and white wines, tasty pasta dishes, olives, nutritious Mediterranean salads, healthy seafood soups and entrées will satisfy even the most fastidious appetites.

The months of July and August offer an array of entertaining festivities such as concerns, theatrical performances and summer festivals. Split has the reputation for very active night life, often reminding the more conservative visitors that laughter and having fun is the absolute quintessence of youth.

In one sentence, you leave Split wanting more and Split leaves you with a new-found appreciation for life's often under-looked treasures.

KORCULA

Perhaps, you are not the active type. You fall into the "loner" category of tourists looking for a peaceful, yet unique, vocation on a secluded island in the midst of the bluest and clearest waters on the Adriatic coast. In that case, you must consider the island of Korcula!

The island incorporates the largest town on the Eastern part of the island also named Korcula, as well as the smaller towns of Blato and Vela Luka and distinct array of smaller villages of Èara, Zrnovo, Raèišċe, Pupnat, Smokvica and Lumbarda.

I highly recommend rewarding yourself by spending a few memorable days in a town of Korcula.

Holiday houses, medieval villas, vocation apartments and accommodating hotels offer a variety of potential lodgings. Apartment Aquarell and Villa Korcula seem to be today's popular accommodations choices.

Apartment Aquarell, a medieval house over two hundreds years old, was recently remodeled and it features one bedroom, one living room and a kitchen in the middle of the old town area. The tourists dreaming about waking up surrounded by medieval art, Venetian architecture, and history traveling back to Narantine pirates of the Dalmatia and Venetian nobleman, have no problems paying 80 euros per night to stay at Apartment Aquarell.

In comparison, Villa Korcula hosts four apartments ranging from 2 to 8 persons per apartment per stay. An average night of stay for 8 people in one of the larger apartments is about 160 euros per night during the summer season. The visitors who place a lot of value on their privacy often find themselves raving about this particular accommodation. Villa Korcula is quietly hidden away behind the city walls featuring a terrace with a stunning front view of the Adriatic Sea. Furthermore, the travelers find it difficult to resist the beauty of the beach just footsteps away from their vocation home.

Various tourists find it interesting that Korcula is world renowned as the birth place of Marco Polo.

Additionally, the island offers the opportunity to visit Marco Polo's own house pompously portraying his life journey. Even though as of today, no official proof exists of his birth on the island, one should not make a mistake of discussing the validity of such claims with the locals. The passion and pride in their heritage prevails over any potential historical debate.

Other than Korcula's extensive history, the city offers folkloric Croatian music, war game "Maruska" dating all the way back to Middle Ages, mild climate, scenic Mediterranean flora, romantic beaches and tasty Dalmatian cuisine.

Moreover, lush vineyards play an essential role in the island's economy. One such example is Posip Cara Korcula Vineyards. According to the self-assured makers of this brand, "Posip is a native autochthonic Dalmatian variety without proven foreign antecedents". The official name for the quality white wine offered by Posip Cara is "Marco Polo Posip Cara", which seems to be taking Europe by the storm and is even becoming available to some United States residents. (For more information about Posip Cara visit: http://bdw.hudin.net/korcula.html).

Another contributing feature to the natural beauty of Korcula is the flourishing wildlife. Mangoose, deer, hare, wild boar and song birds unreservedly wonder around the island's abundant gorges. Dark pine forests are not only naturally delightful, but they also play a key role in ship and vessel manufacturing for the island.

Activities such as swimming, snorkeling and diving propose an enchanting opportunity to discover the highly animated marine world of the crystal-clear Adriatic waters.

However, one visiting Korcula should be warned about this captivating little island. A single visit is simply never enough and even the nomadic souls among us will find ourselves finally feeling at home.

THE FINAL WORDS

Now, I know that reading about Split and Korcula probably leaves you daydreaming, hoping and desiring. The ultimate question is "are you ready to experience the Croatian charm in person?" I dare you to take the Adriatic challenge!