First Taste Of The Islands

Island hopping is going to make up most of the rest of our time here, but the island wanderlust kicks in early, and for our last day at our Šibenik base we take a Jadrolinija ferry to Zlarin, just a 30-minute boat trip away.

All we can say is, if the remaining islands on this trip are as good as Zlarin then we are in for a treat. With only an afternoon to enjoy it, we don’t venture beyond the eponymous port town, a pretty collection of old stone houses clustered around a horseshoe harbour with five or so seafront restaurants.

Crystal clear water laps the pebble beaches, both the sky and the sea deep shades of blue, a gentle sea breeze just tempering the hot sunshine. Ferries come and go, yachts bob at anchor, children dive from the quayside. The Adriatic is calm, cool and inviting. Smells of fresh fish over charcoal drift across the harbour, restaurants buzz with activity.

Day trippers like us come and go and no doubt peace returns in this huddled village once the last ferry departs; but the place just oozes charm and is one of those island ports which is exactly what you want it to be.