I took a road trip along the Adriatic Highway – Jadranska Magistrala and stopping off at the most interesting spots along the way…let`s go!
Running from Rijeka on the Kvarner Gulf to Karasovići on the border with Montenegro or Adriatic Highway offers one of Europe`s most unforgettable journeys. There`s scarcely a single boring stretch in its 650 km length. The Magistrala may set your stomach a-churn with its endless twists and turns, but the views it offers are unforgettable. Travelling along the Magistrala used to be a severe test of holiday-season nerves, with straggling towns with speed restrictions, its columns of caravans and enough blind corners. It is re-discovering its reputation as one of Europe`s greatest coastal odysseys.
The secret of enjoying the Magistrala is knowing when and where to turn off it. The Magistrala is not the kind of trip that should be done in hurry.
- Zavratnica Cave
One hundred and ten kilometres south from Rijeka a side road descends from the Magistrala to the port of Jablanac, starting point for the ferry to the island of Rab. A deep inlet squeezed between walls of dazzling white rock, Zavratnica Cave possesses the kind of stop you in your tracks beauty that will remain in the memory all your life.
2. The beaches at Nin
Nin is historical little town and there`s also a long sandy beach (Kraljičina plaža). Nin`s beaches offer a beautiful panorama of the shore hugging Velebit Mountains.
3. Roast Lamb
Roast Lamb is the best specialty in Dalmatia. The menu is immediately visible in the car park where a spit skewered carcass or two can be seen revolving merrily above the flames of a log fire.
4. Skradin
Take a north-bound turn at Šibenik and you will soon end up at Skradin. Skradin is a lovely little town with a yacht crowded harbour and an impressive handful of regional cuisine restaurants.
5. Frogs and eels in Neretva Delta
One hundred kilometres south of Split the Magistrala bridges the Neretva Delta. Rich in mandarins, the delta is also famous for the frogs and eels that wriggle and hop their way around the watercourses.
6. Prevlaka Peninsula
South of Dubrovnik Riviera the Magistrala heads inland towards the border crossing with Montenegro. You should detour south to Prevlaka, a stony stub of land jutting southwards into the Bay of Kotor. The scrub covered landscape has a desolately eerie quality and the look towards Montenegro is splendid.
Decide, take your car and Croatia is your destination.
