As we had free time until mid-afternoon, a group of us decided to avoid the Old City and instead to do a walk around the western coastal suburb of Babin kuk. We left our hotel and ventured down to the harbour at Batala where major works are presently being undertaken in the building of a new marina.
We had a quick peek at a monastery garden featuring a colonnade of ancient marble pillars. Further along the coast the road terminated at the Orsan Yacht Club and from there on we were on a walking track right on the water’s edge.
Docked directly across from us at Port Gruz were two large cruise ships and slightly further north was the very impressive Dr. Franje Tudmana suspension bridge.
Harbour at Batala, Dubrovnik
Dr. Franje Tudmana suspension bridge, Dubrovnik
On the northern coast of the Babin kuk peninsula were three or four small rocky beaches where bathers were enjoying the sunny conditions and the crystal clear waters. There was a scuba dive shop operating on the shore at Solitudo but when we went into the shop there was no one to be seen. There was however equipment set up as if a practical class was about to begin.
Foreshore, Dubrovnik
Copacabana Beach, Dubrovnik
Looking out to sea we could see numerous islands and on the western headland were the remains of an ancient fort called the Lapad Battery formerly protecting the entrance to Dubrovnik Harbour.
Lapad Battery, Dubrovnik
Uvala Lapad Bay, Dubrovnik
After about three kilometres of strolling along the shore we stopped at a restaurant for cold drinks and some food. The walk back to our hotel had us following a high road overlooking Uvala Lapad Bay and the many luxurious homes that crowd the shore in this area.
At 15:00 our G Adventures group was transferred by taxis to the ferry terminal at Port Gruz.
A huge queue had formed waiting for the boarding of passengers. Loading eventually occurred and we departed right on 16:00. This was farewell to Dubrovnik, a truly beautiful city despite the excessive tourist numbers. Dubrovnik was very aptly described by Lord Byron as “the pearl of the Adriatic”.
Our catamaran ferry the Kapetan Luka travelled at about 20 knots and was jam packed with over 600 passengers.
Kapetan Luka ferry, Port Gruz, Dubrovnik
The path followed by the boat was in amongst islands with the first stop being at Mljet and then on to the channel between Korcula and Peljesac Islands. We stopped briefly at Korcula port and then headed north westwards to arrive at 19:25 at the town of Hvar on Hvar Island.
Our bags were conveniently transported up the hill to our Pharos Hotel by a maxi taxi whilst we did the fifteen minute walk up from the old town.
In the semi dark the town looked very interesting with many attractive buildings centred around the city square and along the harbour.
Out hotel is very modern although our evening meal was very disappointing and far from cheap.
Tomorrow we are to spend the day visiting nearby islands for a relaxing day of swimming and resting.