Croatia: Split To Dubrovnik

Another early start and we took the motorway from Zadar to Split because the pretty coastal road is crowded in summer. Countryside quite dry and bleak, rocky with scrub and little stone walls where agriculture possible.
We had 3 hours in the lovely city of Split, which has the famous Diocletian Palace,dating from 4 BC,a wonderful open air market and catacombs, all of which we visited in 34 degrees!!
Split is a vibrant city with real Mediterranean spirit and a lovely atmosphere. Lots of socialist blocks of flats on the outskirts, but lovely old medieval architecture in the centre and food to die for.According to Wentz,I chose the best fish restaurant in Split called Poseidon, where I enjoyed a deliciously messy dish of scampi in a garlicky tomato sauce.
From Split we drove along the coast to Dubrovnik. It was a pretty drive but very hot and most of us snoozed off.We were bumper to bumper so it was slow, past hotels, apartments and chocka camping grounds.The beautiful beaches were mostly shingle and packed with campers, swimmers and sunbathers. A sun lover's paradise and the sea so clear and blue.We also drove down the very fertile Neretva River Valley,which is famous for its mandarin oranges and fruit. Here I met my Dalmatian stud,Otto at his fruit stall!! (see photo) It was a very fleeting romance! Arrived late at hotel and went straight down to beach for my first swim in the warm Adriatic, from where I watched the beautiful sunset. Have just eaten outside at 10pm, where I have been serenaded by 3 more romantic Dalmatians!! It is so balmy and warm.