June 26, 2019
I slept well on my first night onboard and woke to the sound of the engines starting at 7am. Breakfast is between 8-9am so I went up to grab a cup of coffee and see us leave Split. There’s not much motion on the ship, pretty smooth but I guess we are in semi protected waters with all the islands around us. Dalmatia is what they call this area of coastline and it is where Dalmatian dogs come from. They say their spots represent the islands and no two are the same. There are actually
The morning was spent relaxing onboard while we cruised. It was so nice, I really enjoy the sundeck and there is a small jacuzzi up there we used to cool off while we were cruising. We stopped before lunch and had a really nice swim. The water is refreshing, not too cold but cold enough that it feels great because it is hot, low 90’s! It is also so clear and pretty, I love the color. Thankfully we are cruising during the heat of the day and the breeze keeps us cool and comfortable.
Just look at that water!
Another ship similar to ours, same company too.
My home, MS Maritimo
Lunch was fabulous today!
We stopped at a nice cafe for a refreshment while in Korčula.
Look at that water!
Walking along the promenade into the Old Town. The island town of Korčula is best known as the birthplace of Marco Polo and often referred to as a “mini” Dubrovnik because of the medieval stone ramparts and towers. The town has striking Venetian architecture that makes it beautiful with bright flowers spilling over the limestone blocks with azure blue seas-I LOVE Korčula!
Old Town’s main entry is the Great Land Gate or Veliki Revelin.
St. Mark’s Cathedral
Korčula town was laid out in a fishbone pattern. They really knew what they were doing when they built the town and they are still reaping the benefits of this layout today.
The Main Street goes through the town like the spine of a fish. The streets come off the spine at each side like the bones but the left and right sides are different.
The streets to the left, or west, are straight and allow the cool Maestral winds into town like natural air-conditioning. The streets to the right, or east, are curved to keep out the evil Jugo winds. These Bura are winds in Croatia that control the coastal weather and are tied to the everyday lives of the people, everything from weather, vegetation, architecture and tourism.
Looking down this street you can’t see the end due to the curve.
Looking down this street you can see the water at the end because it is straight.
The outside of the old town has a ring street around it with fabulous cafes on the water with views of the azure blue water.
I just love these streets, so atmospheric!
I have been perusing many of the jewelry stores in Dubrovnik, Split and now here in Korčula to find a Konavle button necklace. These filigree style old buttons are now sold as necklaces, rings and earrings. I found this jeweler making them and finally bought my own necklace.
Dinner tonight was a more local type of dinner in Korčula and a real experience.
We rode into the island away from the coast and up higher in elevation. Then walked up a country road to find this amazing spot!
The gregarious owner greeted us with a local drink and some dried figs while he told us about this place, the area and growing up here.
We learned how to make a local type of pasta.
We went up to the high point and learned about the changes here since he was a child. He pointed out the places of interest and where the school was and town.
We had a big family style table with beautiful views all around us.
The food was so fresh and so delicious. There was also a local red and white wine that paired perfectly with the meal.
Korčula changed many colors during sunset. After our big family style dinner we decided to take a nice walk, it was a beautiful night and had cooled off nicely. The views back to Korčula town as the sun set made us stop and take a picture every 5 minutes!
We stayed here and watched the sun as it dipped below the horizon and the colors were gorgeous!
Good night Korčula.