ISLANDS

Mljet island national park

Croatia is proud of her islands – and with a good reason. Out of about a thousand only 66 are permanently inhabited and each of them is its own, different world. The island people keep their tradition but who can blame them? Sure, you will see satellite TV aerials and computers but their way of life is very romantic. Here is a short dictionary of some of the more important Dalmatian words:

BODUL is a person living on an island, where it is usual to spend an evening in front of KONOBA (a local tavern) playing BALOTE (bocce balls) and where BEVANDA (red wine with water) is enjoyed together with fresh RIBA (fish) from GRADELE (grill) and music from KLAPA (a capella) whose songs are usually about MORE (sea) and LJUBAV (love).

Miss May & Miss October. Long swimming season.

The nature on these islands is to be enjoyed very slowly to get the most of it so do not travel fast. Forget about a car, a speed boat or even a modern sailing yacht. Walk, bike or paddle a kayak very near the shore line, where sea life is surprisingly abundant and colorful. Make sure you bring a diving mask, finns and a snorkel in your kayak. You need not go deep to explore the older, quieter and happier world than ours: the one under water.

Sea cayaking below Lubenice village, Cres island