Dubrovnik, Elafiti islands and Lokrum

It felt strange leaving the hotel on my own and heading across the bay to my new accommodation in a simple, but super friendly B and B. Shared bathroom, breakfast in the room and a small shared balcony with garden view. It is perfect. I enjoyed the luxurious places we stayed in on tour, but honestly feel at home here.

I am very close to the pier, so I quickly found the little boat for my three island tour. It is to the left of this photo, taken in Lopud.

The all day tour was great value for 39 euros, with visits to three islands , lunch on board and an open bar. 

The weather was perfect with virtually no wind, and apart from when I was walking up hills, the temperature was really pleasant and the skies clear, sea calm!

First stop was the little island of Kolocep. I actually walked across it and back, not really getting great views, but I did find this lovely church in the middle of nowhere.

Next stop was a more picturesque island, larger than the first, Sipan. We stopped at  a very small village. I think that apart from tourism and fishing there is little else there.

I walked up a hill to a rather luxurious hotel and had this fantastic panoramic view over the port and sea. Gorgeous colours!

While we had an hour exploring, our fish, which had been caught that morning, was cooked at the back of the boat. It was all super efficient, and the fish was delicious. We ate it whilst still moored, with a very large cat sitting ready to get the scraps before we left. He got leftover chicken and the gulls the left over fish. Nothing was wasted.

The final two- hour stop was at Lopud, definitely the loveliest stop. I opted to walk across the island to Sunj beach, which Was only 30 minutes away, but quite a hard slog through forested hills. I went on the road as I was alone. This proved longer and also noisier because of the many beach buggies which passed me, ferrying people to the beach. It seemed a bit of a lazy way to go!

I did paddle for a while at the beach, but it was very rocky, so I didn't fancy swimming there.

Actually, the other side,where we arrived ,would have been much better for swimming. Never mind, it was very enjoyable.

Today, I had quite a cruisy start to the day before taking the little boat to the island of Lokrum, meaning bitter citrus. 

What a noisy welcome we got from this peacock!

There were peacocks and peahens everywhere in the trees and on the ground, all calling to others. It was very unexpected. This peacock just sat serenely surveying the scene at the recreation area.

Perhaps he was checking that the rabbits were doing a good job mowing the grass of the volleyball court. Actually, I imagine there would be many accidents playing there with so many holes the rabbits had dug!

In general, the walks around the island were not tricky, but this hill to the tower on the top was surprisingly steep and tough on the calf muscles. Coming down was almost as bad.

But, as always the effort was rewarded with fabulous views of the old city of Dubrovnik, despite the overcast day.

By the time I left mid afternoon, the rain had set in and I was feeling and looking a little bit like this chap on the wall! Time to sit and watch the world go by. 

I had great company at the next door table of the cafe I chose for dinner, so had a fantastic evening. It was a good way to end the holiday in Croatia.

As I climbed the steps up to my accommodation, I was almost deafened by the noise of two cats fighting. I think I disturbed them. What vicious looking beasts they were!

What a wonderful holiday in a truly magnificent country.