Today marks the beginning of our Croatian adventure! Our journey commenced last night with a trip to Cologne airport, just an hour away. With anticipation in the air, we parked our car and headed inside, ready for our late-night departure scheduled for around 11 pm. After a quiet wait in the nearly deserted airport, we finally boarded our flight. Touching down in Croatia around 1 am, we wasted no time in retrieving our rental car. However, to our surprise, the car’s gas tank was nearly empty—a stark contrast to what we’re accustomed to from any other rental car. Despite our weariness from travel, we had no choice but to venture out in search of an open gas station, knowing we had only 60 KM left before running on empty.

The roads were eerily quiet, and the traffic lights seemed to operate on their own schedule, making us wait for what felt like forever before turning green. As we navigated towards the gas station, we encountered unexpected road construction with no signage, just a few cones scattered about. Thankfully, we followed another car through the maze of construction, realizing that Croatian roadworks can be quite unpredictable! After refueling, we faced another challenge in finding our way out of the gas station. The road abruptly ended with a large hole and minimal signage. Feeling a bit puzzled, we turned around and followed yet another car, marveling at the unpredictability of Croatian roadways.

Check-in – Hotel Pinija

After finally finding our way back to the main road, we set our course for our hotel, Hotel Pinija. In just about 20 minutes, navigating through a few secluded roads, we arrived at this hidden gem nestled by the ocean.

The exterior of the building exuded luxury, giving off a high-scale vibe that instantly captured our attention. Stepping inside, we were greeted by a fashionable interior that seemed as if it had undergone a recent makeover.

The lobby boasted a stunning bar area adorned with white chairs and twinkling lights, setting the perfect ambiance. After checking in, we made our way to our room,

eager to rest after our late-night adventure. However, as the elevator doors opened, we were met with a stark contrast. The hallway felt dated and bore a musky scent, not quite matching the elegance of the lobby.

Despite this initial impression, our room, while not extravagant, provided a comfortable space for us to unwind. With weary eyes and anticipation for the adventures ahead, we settled in for the night, knowing that tomorrow would bring us to the breathtaking KrKa National Park.

Activity – Krka National Park Tour

Rising with the sun at 6 am sharp, we were ready to seize the day! With our tour scheduled for 7:30 am and the pick-up spot conveniently close by, we wasted no time getting ready and dashing out the door. As we punched the location into the GPS, it led us down some rather peculiar roads, almost making us doubt if we were on the right track.

But with a bit of determination and a few adventurous detours, we arrived with a few minutes to spare, snagging a prime parking spot in the process. Then came the challenge of deciphering the parking machine, which seemed determined to keep us on our toes. Despite the language barrier and a dimly lit screen, we persisted until we cracked the code and secured our spot. With a sense of accomplishment, we finally boarded the van, albeit fashionably late, ready to embark on our journey to our first destination, Skradin.

We were determined to catch some shut-eye on the bus ride but sleep eluded both William and me. Instead, we found ourselves mesmerized by the lush green scenery passing by, occasionally spotting a few sheep grazing in the fields. After what felt like a short journey, we arrived at Skradin.

Stepping off the bus, our tour guide offered some insights into the area before informing us that our next leg of the journey involved a boat ride to Krka National Park. Taking advantage of the brief stop, we wandered over to the nearby store and café, stocking up on refreshing waters and treating ourselves to a much-needed coffee to kickstart the day’s adventures. With beverages in hand, we eagerly boarded the boat, ready to set sail towards the magnificent Krka National Park.

As someone who’s not particularly fond of boats, I found solace in the slow, steady pace of our journey towards Krka National Park. The scenery that unfolded before us was nothing short of spectacular: verdant forested hills, teeming with wildlife, accompanied by the gentle warmth of the sun overhead. The azure waters below us shimmered and captivated, offering a mesmerizing contrast to the lush greenery.

After a brief and tranquil 20-minute ride, we reached our destination. Stepping off the boat, our tour guide pointed out the trail we would be following. As we began our walk, we were greeted by a charming array of

small shops lining the pathway, adding to the allure of the experience. But it was what lay ahead that truly took our breath away. Just down the pathway, before the bridge, awaited the magnificent falls.

As we approached, the sheer size and beauty of the waterfall left us in awe. The water cascaded down with a powerful grace, its clarity akin to polished glass, creating a scene of pure natural splendor. After marveling at the breathtaking waterfalls, our

group continued along the path, passing by charming little stands selling sugared lemons, oranges, and other delectable fruits, as well as tempting displays of nuts and aromatic olive oils.

As we strolled further, we arrived at a plateau offering yet another splendid view, this time of the upper falls. Here, nestled amidst the natural beauty, we discovered a delightful café, a souvenir shop brimming with treasures, and even a quaint blacksmith’s shop.

After a quick coffee break to refuel, we eagerly followed our tour guide deeper into the rich history of Krka National Park. Our first stop led us to a captivating display featuring donkeys,