Opatija
Very hot
A wonderful day exploring the Istrian Peninsular included visiting the three towns of Pula and the Roman arena; Rovinj, the area known as Little Venice and Porec for its magnificent basilica.
We followed the stunning coastline for some way before crossing inland for our first stop at Pula.
Croatia has 1,185 islands and 48 are inhabited. We could view Cres, the largest Croatian island as we wound our way on the eastern side of the peninsular. The western side of the peninsula has many more towns and is very popular with tourists.
The earlier starts initiated by our guide are paying off as we are generally amongst the first visitors to the sites.
It was already getting hot as we listened to our guide explain the first century Roman arena of Vespasian. The twenty thousand seated arena abuts the sea and was used for gladiator events for several centuries. Today, it is used for concerts during the summer months and is very popular.
After it had ceased to be used locals took some of the stone to build the local bell tower among other local architecture.
Delightful Rovinj is called the Croatian Little Venice as it features homes built into the sea. A large market was in full swing with fruit, oils and dried fruits.
We wandered up to the church of St Eufemija to view the sarcophagus holding the relics of the revered saint.
It was now very hot so we stood beside a building in a shaded spot near the sea and enjoyed a cool breeze while we ate an ice cream.
Our third stop for the day was Porec known for its sixth century basilica. The church has very plain walls offset with a very intricate Byzantine mosaic nave at the rear of the altar area.
It was now so hot that we decided to head to a cafe for a drink. I enjoyed an elder flower lemonade which really hit the spot.
After returning to Opatija we dressed for dinner at the recommended restaurant of our guide. We enjoyed a delicious meal of mussels followed by a panna cotta. It was a great way to wind down after a very interesting day.
Very hot
A wonderful day exploring the Istrian Peninsular included visiting the three towns of Pula and the Roman arena; Rovinj, the area known as Little Venice and Porec for its magnificent basilica.
We followed the stunning coastline for some way before crossing inland for our first stop at Pula.
Croatia has 1,185 islands and 48 are inhabited. We could view Cres, the largest Croatian island as we wound our way on the eastern side of the peninsular. The western side of the peninsula has many more towns and is very popular with tourists.
The earlier starts initiated by our guide are paying off as we are generally amongst the first visitors to the sites.
It was already getting hot as we listened to our guide explain the first century Roman arena of Vespasian. The twenty thousand seated arena abuts the sea and was used for gladiator events for several centuries. Today, it is used for concerts during the summer months and is very popular.
After it had ceased to be used locals took some of the stone to build the local bell tower among other local architecture.
A beautiful day to explore the ancient arena but we had to stand in the shade.
Little Venice
It was now very hot so we stood beside a building in a shaded spot near the sea and enjoyed a cool breeze while we ate an ice cream.
I never tire of these alleyways.
It was now so hot that we decided to head to a cafe for a drink. I enjoyed an elder flower lemonade which really hit the spot.
The basilica of Porec.
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