We woke up and before we left we made a quick breakfast consisting of coffee that had the apartment and some sandwiches that bought Stratos with George. Although there was nearby a Pekara (= bakery), unfortunately was not open yet, when the guys went. In Croatia bakeries also offers pies, etc., something similar to Greece...
At 10am we departed with destination the Sibenik. We had decided not to go down the highway, but the coastal road, which was about 80km. The mileage was low, so we do not get frustrated with the time. We had, however, to visit Trogir and the National Park KRKA, where we might have to spend some time.
We delayed a bit finding the way out of town. We continued on a road less seaside until Trogir. We were constantly accustomed to beautiful trails and thats why this particular seemed rather uninterested, but fortunately was little.
Arriving in the city center of Trogir, we met the little bridge that unifies the modern shopping center with its old town. The Trogir is a small jewel of the Dalmatian coast, featuring many monuments. The 380bc Greeks settled and founded the fortified town 'Tragyrion "(= island of goats), which was renamed by later conquerors. The city experienced several disasters, and now is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and be protected.
Bikes were parked outside the walls and we walked therein from the Land Gate, which is and was the castle's main gate. It used to be retractable. The stone, traditional, neoclassical buildings and narrow cobbled streets in seemed like another era, passing the gate. There were many influences of the Romans, since it was occupied by the Venetians for a long time and were essentially those who regenerate the city after destruction by the Saracens.
We arrived in the main square which is called Square John Paul II and hosts Ag.Lafrentiou's Cathedral, City Hall, the clock tower, the Loggia, the Hall Tsipiko. Shortly ahead was the closed church of St. John the Baptist. We examined the area for a while, with the crowd of tourists. We followed the narrow streets until we came out of the Gate of the Sea. Nearby is the old fish market, which over time turned into the customs of the city. Today has become a beautiful cafeteria.
At the dock many people walked around and many boats (performing trips in the area) was parked. We moved to the Tower of St. Mark, while we passed in front of the church of St. Dominic, who gave you the impression that you are in another country. Passing the Tower of St. Mark, walked back into alleys and followed a different route back to the Land Gate. We had a coffee before leaving for Sibenik (about 60-70km.).
The route from there became interesting, as it was again seaside, offering excellent view of the sea and small resorts. Some of them were very impressive, as the Marina and Primosten. The second is an island connected to the mainland by a bridge! It is one of the few that is so-and substantially-the name derives from this fact, meaning 'one who came close by a bridge. "
Initially, we thought we'd go to Sibenik, leave our stuff and then visit the National Park KRKA. Continuing, however, the plans changed, and we thought it would be better to go directly to the park. In this way we would have at our disposal to devote more time there.
So, out of Sibenik, we followed the signs for "N.R.KRKA" for about 20-25km., up to the ticket offices. The truth is that the road through low vegetation up there, don’t predispose that shortly we would be in a national park. Once we arrived, we were informed about the area and how to visit.
The park can be visited on foot and by boat. We chose to see it pedestrians. Ticket was 95 kuna / person and we wear something more comfortable, allowing motorbike and equipment in the central parking. We boarded at a bus that took us to the entry point of the area where you were wandering. There's a wooden path, about 2 km, crossing a spectacular area which includes rich vegetation and abundant water creating spectacular waterfalls, smaller or larger.
The National Park KRKA covers an area of 109 square km. Established in 1985 to protect the middle and lower part of the river Krka, which flows into the Bay of Sibenik. The source of the river is located near Knin. The water begin a journey of 75km into the canyon until it reach the sea. Along the route are waterfalls that reach 45m. The park has rich vegetation and a large variety of birds.
From the very first steps that we started the hike, we were impressed by the rich vegetation and running waters. The water formed different size of rushing streams, waterfalls and lakes. The path was make an orbit - practically around-the central river. At one time we reache the first of the many impressive balconies on the route, which offered a spectacular view of waterfalls Skradinski buk. Their height reaches 25 meters. The spectacle was impressive!
The scenery was so beautiful that we did not realized about when we reached the lowest point of the trail. There was a plateau. Many bathed overlooking the waterfalls.
We passed through a bridge on the opposite side of the river and began to ascend to the point where we start our walk. Continuing, there were places with spectacular views of waterfalls, some of which are within small distance of them, so as to douse the mist. We met the mechanism of the second hydroelectric station in the world. Opened in 1895, only two days apart from the first station at Niagara Falls in the U.S.. This resulted that Sibenik have electricity, earlier than many European cities!
At the exit-entry of the path there are some stone buildings that are information places, free wifi, coffee shop and souvenir shop. A little further is the waiting area for boarding to the bus which lead us back to the ticket office and the central parking (last bus at 7pm.)
At 5.30pm we took the road to Sibenik. Easily found the apartment where we stayed overnight (Apartments Madlena - 50 € / 4pax). Once we arrived, the likeable owner and her daughter were waiting for us. The room was clean, tidy and with a beautiful view of the sea and the castle of the city. We relaxed for a while, enjoying the view and drink sipping lemonade offered us by the owner.
We dressed and got ready to visit the old town . The Sibenik was first mentioned in 1066. The influences suffered by the conquerors were many, as passed Hungarians, Venetians, French, Austrians... There built three forts and several churches, the most famous of which is that of St. Jacob. The old city with its narrow cobblestone streets make you think you’re in any Italian city. This area is close to the dock, where are moored sailboats and quite substantially is the heart of entertainment and the city life . We didn’t meet many tourists. In fact, we had the opportunity to attend a Croatian wedding, the time we visited the imposing church of St. Jacob.
Nearby was the old loggia, the Palace of Count (converted into a museum) and the church of St. Barbara . We wandered for some time in the streets, until we came across the restaurant Kike, which we had proposed by the daughter of the owner. We enjoyed the delicious cuisine that had Italian influences, like generally the Croatian cuisine. While we were seated we realized that we were already quite north and the cold had made its presence strong now... Autumn now began to resemble winter, rather than summer...
