Opatija and Zadar, Croatia

We took a bus to the old Austrian resort town of Optija. During the Austro-Hungarian empire this was one of the most fashionable seaside resorts for the Viennese elite. Between the world wars the villas went into decline…but they have recently been revamped. The hotel we booked with upgraded us to their 5 star hotel. We had booked the "economy" suite..which ended up being the "living room" of a suite...so we slept on the pull out couch! The view was incredible.

The old villa's have so much "fluff." I compared this one to a lemon meringue pie!
We spent all day walking the Lungomare, a shady promenade that winds along the sea for 12km. We passed plush villas, beautiful gardens and amazing spots for a swim.
Unfortunately it is high season in Croatia. The Optija Riviera attracts numerous Italians and other Europeans. There are bronzed bodies on every rock surface and path...you literally have to step over them. I equated it to a bunch of seals lolling in the sun....
We spent one night in Zadar to help break up the long bus ride. Thank goodness we did...our 5+ hour bus ride had no air con and we managed to hit a car along the way. The cities old town follows the old Roman street plan, and is made mostly of marble. It is walled in, with four old gates, one of which is shown above.
The town is full of museums, churches and monuments. Above is the town watchtower.
We wandered the back streets and found a konoba (simple family run restaurant). I had a delicious ink fish risotto and Dean feasted on sausage with German mustard.




We also visited the world's only Sea Organ....a system of pipes and whistles set within the perforated stone stairs that descend into the sea. It exudes wistful sighs when the movement of the sea pushes air through it. Very bizarre! Next to it is the Sun Salutation...a 22m circle cut into the pavement, filled with 300 multilayered glass plates. The plates collect the sun's energy during the day that produces a light show at night! Now on to Sibenik for Dean's 40th birthday celebration!