Sibenik & Krka National Park, Croatia
After two days of experiencing Croatia’s cultural and culinary treasures, today we had the opportunity to experience some of the country’s natural beauty. After a lovely calm night sailing, we arrived this morning at the northernmost point of our journey. The port of Sibenik is well protected behind two jutting peninsulas, and is accessed only by transiting the narrow, scenic Sveti Ante (St. Anthony) channel between them. Although this town was not well known to most of our guests, it provided an excellent base for our morning’s excursion to the stunning travertine waterfalls of Krka National Park.
Upon arrival at the park, we followed our guide to a stunning vista point, in disbelief at the sight and sound before us. A wet winter and spring meant that the level of the river Krk was exceptionally high, and we could hardly hear one another over the thundering cascades below. After a brief orientation, we began our walk through the park at the water mills and small ethnographic museum. A few photos later, we were on the boardwalk, and in the forest. With water flowing everywhere, we drank in the cool mist and fresh air. Mulberries and fig trees were bearing fruit, while yellow iris and pink rock roses bloomed below. Farther along the trail, we arrived at a clearing below the thunderous Skradinski Buk, where a few brave souls went for a swim! The rest of us simply applauded and snapped photos.
We hiked back up the hill, and on to the bus, for the short ride back to the port. We learned of the long history of Sibenik on the way, and then had the opportunity to join our guides for a short walking tour of this most Croatian of cities. Although the farmer’s market and narrow alleyways enticed us to take more photos, the real highlight of the tour was the stunning 15th century Sveti Jakovi cathedral. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its architecture and precision dry masonry. The cathedral took over 100 years to finish, due, in part, to financing difficulties. One of Croatia’s finest architects, Juraj Dalmatinac, was involved in the design and construction of this beautiful cathedral, with its frieze of 71 stone heads.
Just after lunch, our pilot boarded and we departed from Sibenik, bound for the scenic island of Zlarin. With the breeze dying and the sun finally showing its face, we all celebrated the opportunity to swim and kayak. Although quite “refreshing,” the turquoise water was too inviting to miss, and the sun felt even warmer once we were back on deck. Conditions were too beautiful to leave, so we stayed at anchor while our chefs barbecued a beautiful selection of meats and vegetables for dinner.
Waterfalls, a nice hike, swimming in the sea and basking in the sun... just the day we requested.
