Paradise on Earth - Long Island, Croatia (How I fell in love with traveling)

ivona-stajduhar
25. lis 2015.
14 min čitanja

Today I'm telling you about how I got the travel bug and what was the reason. The story begins in august 2014. when Andrei, me and our two bestfriends, Branimir and Romana went on a summer holiday. Just a few months earlier our lives were a mess. It was the time of graduation and enrolling into college. That point in life for which is said is the most hard and important one. I mean, we do still set a direction of our lives with graduating with good grades and choosing ''the right college''. Now, looking back a year later, it wasn't as half as hard as we were told it would be. At least to me. I didn't study as much, I worked hard but it was nothing extraordinary...I think just the idea of EXAMS scared us more than the actual exams. But, I did do well in school and study regularly so that kind of affected my good results too. I think I went too deep into the story (and praising myself). Where was I? Oh, yes! The august of 2014.So, after our deciding point of life passed by, a long expected summer came. Summer breaks that were supposed to be the longest of our lives and that we were told to use well. And that's exactly what we were gonna do! We said – let's go on a vacation together. And so one afternoon we gathered at Branimir's, turned the laptop on and started searching. We googled things like ''best Croatian beaches'' or ''best tourist places in Croatia'' We looked at variety of things, from Crikvenica, Bol on the island of Brač, Mali Lošinj to Selce. But, we didin't want to go somewhere it was crowded with tourists and where there's no peace. That's when Andrei turned on the song below (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci3Jspvfk8E) and told us about his vacations on Long Island. We were sceptic at first but as soon as google showed us the pictures of the island and it's beaches we just couldn't withstand. The deal was on – we were going to Long Island!!!

DAY 1

Woken up by the excitement because of the upcoming adventure, Andrei and myself packed our bags and met up with our fellow travelers. The back of the car was full tents and sleeping bags, and we were more then ready to start the journey. But, on the sole exit from Karlovac we figured out we forgot something really important – a pot. Because, if you're going traveling with the intention of sleeping in a tent and spending the least money possible, you're gonna need something too cook your food in. It turned out we weren't as ready as we thought. After turning around and gathering the eating gadgets, we finnaly got moving. The smell of the sea was already filling our nostrils, and don't get me started on the excitemet. We, ofcourse, took a selfie.

After driving for a while, it was time for lunch. We brought a fridge with food with us. There was meat somewhere in there too. We decided to find a hidden place and improvize a barbecue. We found the place but it was too windy and the fire wouldn't burn. We then abandoned the idea of an improvized barbecue. At the end we found a little buffet where we, ofcourse, ate šiškebabs. We moved on, and then, along the way, found a rest stop where it would be a sin not to stop and look around. The view was breathtaking.

We also stooped at the city called Obrovac as soon as we spotted some ruins at the top of the hill above the city. A travel wouldn't be a travel without spontaneous stops along the way. It turned out to be the ruins of a fortress of Kurjaković dukes that were one of the best Croatian medieval nobles. We decided to snoop around and this is what we found.

We continued with the trip and the night was slowly getting closer. We came to Maslenica and visited Andrei's relatives along the way. Considering we only had the tent to sleep in, and Zadar, where we had to board our ferry, isn't really the perfect place for secret camping, Andrei's relatives gave us directions to the near-by autocamp ''Tamaris'' in Rovanjska. As we arrived, we were surprised by the low prices and perfect location - barely 3 meters from the sea. If you want to check out the camp visit their website. I really reccomend this camp if you are on the same way as us and you're looking for a perfect and low-cost place with a sea view to camp in. We settled in the camp. The boys started setting up the tent, and us girls started to get ready for our first swim of the season. It's a five minute walk to the near-by beach, but there is also a pier in front of the camp where you can also take a swim. After our swim ofcourse we had to turn Branimir into a sand mummy.

We then returned back to camp and decided to wash the salt off in the bathrooms that are available for you to use in the camp, and that you don't need to pay extra money for. We couldn't wait for the warm shower! The sun was slowely starting to set and we decided the pier was the perfect place to have dinner while looking at the sunset. The day couldn't end better.

DAY 2

Althought the rain woke us up in the middle of the night, we had a really good sleep. We woke up at 6 AM so we could continue our journey. Next stop – Zadar. While we waited for the ferry, we took a little walk around town.

The ferry that will soon take us to Long Island finally arrived. The cost of the ferry wasn't that hight. You can check the prices of the ferry during season here . Make sure you're looking at the Zadar-Brbinj route. Upon our arrival on the island we were greeted by the beautiful scenery of the National park Kornati's islands. We stopped by the road to take in those views (which we also took pitures of), and boys also stopped to have fun in their own way.

From Brbinj we headed off towards Veli rat, and I can easily say this is the most beautiful part of the island which is definitely worth of your time. There is a big lighthouse which, with it's 42 m hight, makes the highest lighthouse on the croatian coast, situated on Veli rat. Now I can scratch that off my bucketlist too. There are apartments in the lighthouse that are for rent, so if money isn't your worry I definitively recommed staying in the lighthouse. Especially if you're looking for a romantic getaway with your better-half. You definitively wont' regret it! You can check out the prices of accomodationhere. You can get there by car, and, beacuse of good accessibilty, constant supply of groceries is assured. There is also always a family living there to take care of the lighthouse and that we had a chance to personally meet. When we arrived from Brbinj, our intention was to only look around Veli rat but we spotted a barbecue by the lighthouse. It was then, asking them if we can use the barbecue to cook the rest of the meat that was slowly melting in the fridge, when we met this lovely family. They let us use it and we barbecued hotdogs and šiškebabs (which we didn't eat at the end because they were weirdly green) and zucchinis. We realized that this family also sells vegetables in front of the lighhouse. I can safely say that this was the best vegetable I ate in my life – more exactly, the best tomato! Definitely try it if they will still be selling it when you come to visit. There is also other vegatables too –potatoes, paprikas, onion etc..

There is alo a little chapel in front of the lighthouse and because of that, and because of it's extraordinary beauty, this place is perfect for weddings. If not, then it's perfect for mine! There is also a big tree swing in front which adds even more to the uniqueness of this place. If you do look to save a little bit of money there is also an autocamp near-by. For more information check out their website. Now, you can finally start admiring the beauty of this place.

DAY 3

After sleeping the night off in the tent on the local beach, we decided to take a little trip to the Nature park Telašćica which is situated on the southeast part of the island and was announced with the title of nature park in the 1988. If you're planning to visit the park we have a little advice for you and that is to wake up early at around 6 or 7 am to avoid paying the ticket on the entrance and save even more on your trip. That's exactly what we did. The ticket is usually 25 kn. After we entered, we found a beautiful spot where we stopped and had breakfast. After breakfast we drove further until we found a parking lot for the visitors. You have to go by foot from there on, along dirt roads, till you get to the little marine that is for tourists or tourist agencies that come with boats. There is also a cofee shop beside the marine. We went further, this time along the brick road, and ended up in front of lake ''Mir'' (''Peace'') that is situated in the center of the park. Lake Mir is with it's salinity even more saltier then the sea (because of underwater canals with which it is connected to the sea), but it is also warmer and it also has healing ability. Ofcourse, you can take a swim in it, which we did. After our swim, we lied down beneath the tree tops of mediteranian pine trees and fell asleep with the sound of sea crickets.

There are two reasons to enter the park in early hours. The first is not paying the entrance ticket, and the secone one, and the most satisfying one, is beacuse you're completely alone in the park without the tourists and crowd breathing down your neck so you can enjoy the beauty and peacefullness of the park and the lake ;) (get it?? The name of the lake is MIR/ PEACE). Alright then, moving along. We continued exploring the park and climbing rocks that lead to the top of the park's cliffs. The cliffs are up to 200 m hight and go about 90 m below the sea surfice. Here we advise you to be prepared for facing really big spiders, as in get a stick with which you will break through the spider-webs. Also, don't go wearing flipflops because climbing the rocks is a little bit trickier and also use sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. But, believe me, climbing those rocks will be worth it considering the view that is waiting for you at the top. We definitely didn'r regret it. See for yourselves.

Walking through the park's paths you will see donkeys welcoming you to the park.

DAY 4

Long Island is a waste island that has very little people and has no big cities, which makes it perfect if you're looking for a peacefull place to enjoy. We were situated in Sali, meaning Sali was the one we would come back to and sleep in. Sali is a marine-town which is the biggest town on the island and got it's name because of salt manufacture. It has a rich spectar of restaurants and coffee shops and in one of the restaurants we ate too. There are also little shops by the pier in which you can buy usual summer things such as towels, sunglasses, diving equipment, bracelets and more. Considering we camped during our stay and didn't have our own bathroom and toilet, Sali surprised us. Since it is a marine-town where tourists who come with boats tie their beautiful jachts , Sali offers public toilets and showers where we showered every night. But, since it is for the people from the jacht, it would be good that you have a jach too, or at least pretend that you do. That's why we talked on english and died out of laughter every time we did. The boys would, if they ended up shower by shower, talk about their jachts and wives. It was hilarious. A man has to get by somehow, right? :D

Continuing with day number 4. Since we came back to Sali from our trip in late hours, being as tired as we were, we just didn't feel like setting up the tent. Then an idea came to us – to ask Ante to let us sleep in his library. I still haven't told you about Ante. Ante is a man that Andrei knew from a few times he visited the island with his dad. And also a man that has the most beautiful and relaxing library in the world. The library is in the center of Sali, by the pier. There are all kinds of chairs and sofas in front of the library that just call your name so you can borrow a book, sit in them and waste the rest of your vacation days in one place. About the book borrowings, this library doesn't write down who borrowed the book and when is the book due to be returned back. The library works on mutual trust. So, when you take a book, they count on your honesty and that you will return it when you're done reading it. And that's what I liked the most! There is also access to free internet and use of computer. The variety of books is big and everyone can find something that suits them. There are also various programs and movie nights that are held at the library and also fun workshops for kids. Inside the library is a piano that is also there for you if you want to play. One day, Romana and I entered the library and there was this guy that started playing. I immediately got goosebumps and was moved by the sound of him playing. I knew this library will stay in my heart. So, after the movie ended that night we asked Ante if we can sleep over and, to our surprise, he said YES!!! We went in, settled on the sofas that were in the library and set up a laptop to watch a movie before we go to sleep. I can say it was one of the best experiences in my life and I wanna say thanks to Ante if he is somehow reading this post. Ante, thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for this beautiful experience!

DAY 5

The next day we had to get up realy early since Ante was opening his library. We cleaned up and put everything back in place and went to have breakfast. As we ate we decided that today we'll slow down the pace of our vacation and just have a chill day. Romana and I went to borrow books and go sunbathe, and boys went on a little exploring trip because they spotted some war tunnels on the island.

Most beaches in Sali are 5-10 min walk from the center but, if you're looking for sand beaches, you're not gonna find them here. Most beaches are either rock beaches or made by man. After they returned from their exploring adventure , we met up on the pier, bought lunch and went to the beach together so we can all relax. After we returned from the beach, exhhausted by the sea, our tummies got hungry. This time, instead of buying dinner in a local store, we decided to spoil ourselves in a tourist way. With pizza and beer by the pier. We got dresses and spotted some big chairs on the pier in front of a restaurant. That made the decision for us. I mean, would you be attracted by this too?? But, have in mind that you're climbing at your own risk. ;)

DAY 6

Since it was our last day until we have to go home and say goodbye to this beautiful island, we decided to go back to the places that made us happy the most. Saharun and Veli rat. Saharun is a sand beach on Long Island that is, because of it's beauty, often reffered to as the most beautiful croatian beach. And I think it definitively deserves the title. The only problem was trying to find a parking spot, that is if you're not willing to pay for it. We didn't want to pay so we barely found a place by the dirt road that was already full with cars on the side. We took our fridge and towels and headed off to the beach. The beach is made of round stones but once you get into the water the sand will surprise you. 10 m from the shore the water is down to your knees which makes it perfect for kids or playing some kind of water sport. The color of the sea is beautiful. This beach is the croatian Bali. No matter how far you go from the shore, the water is so clean you can see the bottom. By the beach, in the shade of pine trees, there is a bar that also offers you their barbecue to use. After we put our stuff down, we asked the bartenders to freeze our ice cubes so we can save the rest of the food we had left in the fridge. Then we ran into sky-like-blue sea and relaxed because we knew that today we are saying goodbye to this beautiful heaven-like beach.

We stayed on the beach till about 6 pm and then headed off to Veli rat with the idea of watching the sunset. We first went to the city of Veli rat since we didn't visit it before. We bought ourselves pizzas in a little pizzeria and quickly headed back to the lighthouse so we don't miss out on the sunset. When we came and saw we didn't miss it, we sat down on the little pier that had the best view of the horizon and waited. While we waited we slowly ate our pizza, enjoyed each others company and chased little sea crabs. We also met our croatian actor on the bench in front of the lighthouse. What a coincidence!

The sun was slowly setting and a few more people came that were also going to watch the sunset. Then we experienced something spectacular. The colors slowly began to get darker, and the sun was setting. The sunset was beautiful. It made us cry. I watched the sunset and cried happy tears because I was experiencing my first real sunset with my closest friend and at this exact place. I didn't even expect that spectar of feelings. I thought about my family and friends and how greatfull I was for everything I have, how life is wonderful and how much I love those people sitting beside me. In that moment all problems were gone, all of the bad stuff was erased by the beautiful colors of the sky that was laying in front of me like a painting on a canvas. In that moment I felt the world happiness, I felt the uniqueness and beauty of life. In that moment I promised myself I will bring my family to see what I saw. We sat there in silence, tasting the salty tears and the salty wind that touched our cheeks. We sat there until it got dark. We looked at each other and hugged. Hugging, we laughed and cried at the same time, gratefull that we have each other. Then we decided to make an idea that we were thinking of from the first day come true – go to the top of the lighthouse. We asked the family we met on the first day if we can enter the lighthouse. Although it was already closed and out of it's working hours, they let us in. They were nice enough to not charge us the entrance, that is usually about 20 kn. The only problem was Andrei's fear of hight. The rest of us climbed, while he was getting there on his fours. It was cold and windy at the top but very beautiful. The lights of the island were lighting up the night.

After our emotions calmed down, we decided this place would be the place where we would spend our last night. Since it got dark, opening the tent wasn't an option. So, rolling out our sleeping bags on the beach by the lighthouse, we fell asleep gazing at the most beautiful sky we've ever seen and counting shooting stars. It was the perfect end of the day that none of us will forget.

This was the end of our adventures. (But not for long!) That summer Long island stole a piece of my heart that I will get back every time I visit it again. I can live without it, but with it my heart is fulfilled. We all went home with beautiful memories that we will keep forever. Long island is the reason of my change. The reason of my different look on the world and figuring out that the point of life isn't collecting things but collecting memories. When we get old, all the cars and clothes won't be worth a thing if you won't have something to tell your kids or grandkids about. Since the summer of 2014 I started collecting memories. And I will keep collecting them. And that is the start of my different look on the world – not throught routine but throught discovering. Because life was given to us to discover.