In the morning after breakfast, we will be starting our exciting Adriatic journey. Our costal adventure continues further sown south to alongside the coastal route with the view to the southern islands. Our destination today is Dubrovnik! But we have a lot to explore and enjoy along the route. One of the exciting points is in the middle of the route and it takes a ride up the mountain of Sv. Jure (St George), above Makarska. It is the top of Biokovo mountain, a paved road takes us there until we reach the glass bridge with a stunning view to the Adriatic Sea, islands and distant sea horizon (in clear weather even Italian shores are visible too). It’s a breath taking in every sense. Dare to take a walk the glass walk above the cliffs, it’s a true experience of a lifetime and a story to tell (of course, don’t worry, a beer to take afterwards is a must if you need to calm a bit the excitement). Going down off the mountain we will continue along the shore of Adriatic further down to the Neretva valley, famous agricultural area where watermelons, mandarins, strawberries are grown. This part is also famous for its pirates history, and a food like frogs and eel fish. Neretva region was, with Omiš, a great centre of pirates. Especially before 10th century. Venetians have tried for centuries to suppress the famous pirates from Neretva, but they never succeeded. At the peak of its power, in the 12th and 13th century, the Omis Pirates were the scariest and most powerful pirates in the whole Mediterranean Sea.
The Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea has had an advantage over the western coast because of its indented coastline. Numerous islands, bays and canals were safer routes to travel than the open sea, and such conditions have enabled the development of piracy. In the Middle Ages town was dangerous pirate stronghold on the east coast. Indented Croatian Adriatic coast favoured the development of piracy due to a number of islands, channels and bays. If we add to that the Cetina River with its monumental canyon and numerous stone cliffs, it is clear why city has become a pirate stronghold.
After exciting day full of great rides, beautiful coastline and mountain top views, exciting historic areas we will be passing, in the evening we will be reaching one more marvel of the Mediterranean – famous city of Dubrovnik a former Dubrovnik Republic, incredible glorious historic city.