boardwalk

Krka National Park – Wet, Wild and Wonderful

Jeff



Krka National Park is a relatively easy day trip from Split, Croatia and an option that I would heartily recommend. It is one thing to see images online, but nothing can convey the absolute beauty of being there.

The park’s name is derived from the Krka River which is the source of the water that dances over the numerous falls. It must be noted that during peak seasons the park is usually crowded, but still large enough to handle the traffic.

A main boardwalk guides visitors to many of the park’s most interesting venues.



What is striking about Krka is that there are so many waterfalls in such a condensed area.



At times it seemed like visitors were being ambushed by waterfalls that were lurking just around the bend.



While the waterfalls will prove most enjoyable, there are other elements to be enjoyed both natural and man-made.

The old stone house now serves as a souvenir shop…



and a water-powered grist mill is also interesting.



While strolling along the boardwalk it pays to be alert. There are fish swimming alongside the guided path obviously desensitized to the presence of visitors..



We also heard frogs croaking as we hiked through one area and sure enough they were hiding among the vegetation.



Carefully planned woodland routes include picturesque stone-walled stairways.



As much as we were enjoying our stroll through nature’s beautiful showcase, the ducks were enjoying it as well.



The star of the show were the numerous waterfalls which seem to spring up everywhere in rivulets or cascades in one form or another.



On the downward swing toward the park’s main attraction we passed this showy torrent.



From a nearby clearing we could see the prominent Skradinski Buk waterfalls and the boardwalk crowded with admirers.



The Skradinski Buk is a fitting highlight to the end of the tour. It is a series of layered rock terraces which turns the flowing stream into spectacular, interwoven cascades.





After leaving Krka National Park, we took a short boat ride to the quaint town of Skradin.



 

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See Previous Posts in this series:


Dubrovnik, Croatia – Pearl of the Adriatic

Old Town Dubrovnik – Above it all

Old Town Dubrovnik – The Low Down

Dubrovnik from the Adriatic and Mt. Srd

Montenegro & The Walled City of Kotor

Mostar – Bosnia and Herzegovina

Coastal City of Split, Croatia

 

 

Marbella Along the Mediterranean

Jeff

After being on the road for a number of days, the stop at Marbella was designed as a flex day to allow those who wanted to rest a bit to take a resort-style, relaxing day at the beach! Others could use the day to explore the suburban tourist town of Marbella. Once in our room, we peered out the window to get our first real glimpse of the Mediterranean – part of Spain’s Costa del Sol!


The Mediterranean viewed from the hotel

We arrived late in the afternoon. Although the day had been a long one yet we were excited by the tropical atmosphere Marbella offered. We refreshed a bit and headed for dinner at a very local Italian restaurant practically across the street from our hotel.

Once done, we walked down to the boardwalk for an after dinner stroll. It was a magical evening with the blue water and late day light. After a moderate walk, we went back to the room to get a good rest for explorations the next day!

After a quick breakfast, we were anxious for our next adventure.


Along Marbella's Beachfront

Boardwalks are always interesting because hotels, galleries, small stores and beach-related activities along the path often reveal the unexpected. A sand sculptor was busy at work early in the morning and we stopped to admire his craftmanship.


Sand Sculptor of Children

To be clear, I speak very little Spanish. For some reason, a couple of lessons from my high school years came rushing forth and I was able to conjure several helpful phrases. I approached the sculptor and asked him how long these works would last given the weather and the fragility of the material.


Castle sand sculpture

He explained that they would only remain for two weeks at the most! We proffered a small donation and headed for the main section of town. It was a bit of a walk, but then again, we are walkers!

Along the way we came to Alameda Park located on Av. Ramón y Cajal. We were intrigued by this statue of a girl on a swing that was nearly hidden among the trees.


Girl on a Swing Statue in a tree

There was also a festive, brightly colored carousel nearby, but not yet open for wannabe riders!


A carousel at Almeda park

At some point we missed our target, but being adventurous we forged ahead with map in hand to find local markets, courtyards, churches, etc. As Tolkien said: “Not all those who wander are lost.”


A side street in Marbella


Fancy inlaid stonework in a town square

We enjoyed walking the streets where the locals live and peeking into store windows. As would be expected in a waterfront town, there were a number fish markets.


Fish market window

We continued to be wowed by the beautiful, quaint facades, heavy wooden doorways, …


A pretty house view with plants and wooden door

colorful plantings and exterior adornments!


Colorful house and bougainvillea

As we approached the main center of town, where more tourists were likely to shop, there were the usual merchants and crowds of bargain seekers.


Shoppers along one of the alleyways


Purveyor of spices, sweets, etc.
Purveyor of spices, sweets, etc.

The fascination of adventuring through these small towns is being able to capture the variety of picturesque scenes such as this unique colorful restaurant.


Pretty restaurant with blue religious statue

Another floral festooned restaurant beckons visitors to “come take a closer look.”


A restaurant entrance

In a nearby square, an impressive array of beach stones were laid on their side to create a floral pattern which framed the larger square pictured below.


closeup view of intricate stonework in a town square


A Town Square of Marbella

Houses, shops and churches find common ground in such enclaves and as tourists walk along looking at the merchandise, they may be enticed to examine the small, unassuming houses of worship that have their own subdued majesty to share.


Small side street of Marbella


Small neighborhood church

We took a brief lunch break and continued our town walk until early evening. There were many more scenes that caught our eye, but I think the pictures above capture the essence of Marbella.

The next day we rode the bus along the hillsides to reach our next destination – Ronda!


A view of the mountains from our bus
photographed from our moving tourist coach!


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Continue reading about our trip to Portugal and Spain.

 

Read more Hiking and Exploration posts HERE

 


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