Day 2 - Rovinj to Plitvice Lakes

As we walked the Old Town last night in Rovinj we knew we had to wake up early to walk it during the day experience Croatians in the street and take pictures.

We also realized that on the third floor where we were staying there was a balcony from which you could see the street below and I took this interesting picture of a top view of the bike, where you can see the stone-laden narrow street and the Adriatic sea.

Breakfast was prepared in yet another very interesting room although we would have preferred that they would use the room on the first floor where you can see the garden.

First picture opportunities were the streets close to hotel where you could see different type of shops and views and travel back in time.

The beauty of Croatia that we are finding is that it is a small country so you can get from point A to point B quite fast, yet you meet very different scenery. And so it was this morning as we turned left about 200 meters from hotel we could see the Adriatic Sea in all its splendor ramming against the stone walls.

The centre of the city was full of people. It was 11 in the morning and I wondered if everyone was on vacation.

But the real action was happening close to the market where we also bought our Croatian flag and stickers.

As time passes and fast at that, we needed to get ready and be on the road. So back to hotel and get bike ready. While we were preparing the bike there were many photos taken by the different tourist and locals.

We really enjoyed our stay in this small town and have really enjoyed the Croatians.

We had now about 90 minutes to get to Opatija. If you recall this destination was suggested by Oscar who was the night porter of hotel we stayed iin Jesolo and he called it the Monte Carlo of Croatia. Here is a good explanation of Opatija:

"Opatija radiates with quiet elegance and sumptuous beauty. Here, where the sea softly kisses the shore and the romantic spirit pervades every corner, buildings that still evoke the beauty of the old aristocracy (who visited them lovingly) were erected. The most beautiful ladies walked through lush gardens and parks in the shadow of lace umbrellas. Uninhibited laughter echoed in its dance halls while sumptuous garments twisted to the rhythm of a waltz. On the terrace overlooking the blue Kvarner, great moves of powerful kings and emperors were negotiated.

Even today, many years later, Opatija, like a beautiful lady, enjoys her riches and fullness of life. Opatija’s villas and hotels of exceptional architectural value, surrounded by the evergreen Učka, healing sea and beautifully arranged parks, have perfectly combined the modern spirit and the benefits of a top tourist offer."

Our approach to this city was from the northern side down the mountain.

 

Although not Monte Carlo which we had seen about two and half weeks ago we liked Opatija and decided to have lunch there. We found a restaurant with a terrace (which I really love) from where we could see the bike, was close to the beach and had internet. The food was also good and prices are much lower than in Italay,

As it was getting late we left Opatija and made our way west (towards Zagreb) and eventually turned south (towards Split). As we got to close to Ogulin we left highway and we turned into rural area. Sun was setting and last 30 minutes were nerve wrecking as roads got twistier and visibility got much worst. Last 20 minutes were ridden inside the park already in the dark. We survived.

Finding hotel was not easy as GPS did not have chance of putting number for street. It eventually brought us home and we are very happy with our hotel. It is very close to a good restaurant as well.

We have spoken to the consierge, and we have the plan for the day tomorrow. Now to sleep ..

 

VIDEOS

Video of beach in Rovinj, Croatia.

 

Click HERE for all the pictures for Day 2

 

Posted by Armando