Day Tripping to Vis Island (paradise!) & Trogir & Trogir&layout=none&ref=https://www.vladyta.com/blog/2014/7/vis-island)
*Guest Post by Gabi* Dobrodòšli na Vis & Trogir! During our stay in Split, we went on two excursions - one to the beautiful & secluded island of Vis, and the other, to the city of Trogir, yet another historically rich town on the Dalmatian coast. Our trip to Vis, which took roughly 2 hours on a ferry, was bright and pleasant. The island of Vis is not overcrowded, so we were able to move around freely and take in the surrounding sights while sipping on some "caffee" at a local shop. When I first researched Vis, I came upon a beach called "Stiniva", which looked to be a small bay, with turquoise water and a rocky gate protecting it from the sea. I had a feeling this would either be a touristy spot, with everyone scrambling to see how beautiful it was, OR that it would not resemble the photos at all - the skeptic in me kept wondering how a place so beautiful and so unspoiled by humans could still exist? Fortunately, when we finally reached Stiniva our eyes were not disappointed - we were met with a beach just as beautiful, if not more, than the photos we've seen online. On top of that, it was quite empty, and we were able to snag a nice spot on the pebbly waterfront. Perhaps it's because the trek to Stiniva, although super picturesque, is not the easiest - one must get across the island first (which we did on bikes ~ 1.5hrs), complete with elevation and serpentines, and then hike down a steep cliff (.5-.75hrs) to reach this alluring site. Although we didn't have too much time to spend at Stiniva, we are glad we got to see it even if for a couple of hours. Both the island of Vis, and this breathtaking bay have quickly made it to my number one spot of vacation sights - it will be hard to knock this one off the top :)
Our trip to Trogir, which took approximately a half hour, was by public bus #37. With a population of just 10,000, Trogir felt less congested than Split, and full of history. In fact, it can be found on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Fun fact - as Trogir was founded by the Greeks in the 3rd century BC, the city name comes from "tragos" meaning male goat! We did not see any goats in Trogir but perhaps that is more of a suburban sight :) Walking through the city, we noted the Greek, Roman, and even Venetian influences in the architecture of the palaces, towers, and castles. Trogir has over 2,300 years of history under its belt - which makes our 229 year old USA seem like a toddler. My favorite part about Trogir? The Kamerlengo Castle (pictured below), which amplified the city's Medieval character. Bonus fact: in WWII it served as an air raid shelter. And a more fun fact: It also resembles the castles I would draw as a child! Minus the princess & dragons of course.
To see more photos please visit the gallery page.
Here is a map showing both Vis, Split, and Trogir. As you can see, Vis is pretty far.
Leaving Split on the Jadrolinija Ferry for a 2 hour ride to Vis.
Edi & Vladdy made themselves comfortable for the ride - feet up & podcasts on.
Arriving in picturesque Vis - is that a pirate ship? :O
Our ride (no, not the purple guy)
Chilling at a cafe, Bae & Jae status (except I am Baby Blue Ivy of course)
One of the many beautiful streets of Vis. Bikes left unlocked. Imagine that in NY? LOL
Bacon coffee! No, that's a lie. But it looks like bacon. What does 'bacom' mean? Off to Google Translate - "Become". Ah, so it's an inspirational cup of coffee - I get it!
OAM#SGIHBAG@*(&@IOUHG OMG THE FRUITS & VEGGIES!!!!! There is that organic crap we can buy at supermarkets back home, and then there is this....far superior, home grown, irregularly shaped array of delicious fruits & vegetables, with proper flavors. Could not get enough of those strawberries.
On our way to Stiniva, we could hardly keep going for too long without stopping to snap a quick photo of the magnificent views.
Vis's highest point of elevation is 587m (1,926ft.) We're almost certain we didn't reach that, but it sure felt like we did. Our buns got quite the workout, and I earned a sick tan line on my back.
Yet another charming view of the Vis city front.
On our way to Stiniva beach, we encountered grape bush farms. Because of its Mediterranean climate as well as Greek & Venetian influences, Vis is well known for its high quality wines. As we were later told by a local, one side of the island produces more outstanding wine than the other due to the sun exposure. Who knew?
A closeup of the grapes, before they are turned into delicious wine.
At the top of Stiniva, before our hike down. So glad I wore my nice sandals for this.. :P
And we made it! Vladdy & Edi jumped in to cool off & enjoy the ridiculously clear water & views together.
Edi relaxing in the bay.
Vlad and I took relaxing to another level as we floated on the super salty water - thanks Vlad for teaching me this valuable skill! I will make sure to put it to good use everywhere I go :D
Our ride back to Vis, the city looking as beautiful as ever...
The day wiped us out... our ride back to Split seemed much faster than 2hrs. Good naps were had.
A successful tennis player, looking ready for a match, Edi stopped to pose for a photo with her partner & admirer, Vladimir.
Welcome to Trogir, our next day trip! City gates, overlooking turquoise water.
Edi was modeling her new hat for us. Yes, it looks good. Very nice. UPDATE: this hat made it all the way to Thailand only to be left behind in a massage salon.
The Medieval Kamerlengo Castle/Fortress. Looking fierce.
Trogir waterfront
Caught these two lovebirds on the bridge.
Taking a swim in Okrug beach, in the sea.
Oh look it's me! I managed to look kinda cool in my diaper skort.
And now I'm a ghost, whoaaaa!
Raspberry panna cotta & almond/tangerine/lavender. Explosive ice cream, to say the least. Also, note to anyone traveling to Croatia - Ledo ice cream is a must have. Don't even bother trying other ice cream, there's no point. Ledo above all. LEDO FOREVER!!!!
Our trip back from Trogir was interesting... The bus was overflowing with bros from all over the world (some not fully clothed) heading to Ultra Music Festival taking place in Split. But who needs a tshirt when you've got a bottle of vodka to warm you up, AM I RIGHT? The smell of alcohol, cigarettes, WEED and young hormonal body odor quickly penetrated the bus. While it was kind of hard to breathe or hear anything besides loud yelling, for that one hour we felt like we were part of the nttzzz nttzzz Ultra crowd. And that my friends is all the Ultra that we needed to experience.
xx Gabi
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