Aventuras De Viaje's Blog, page 44
August 15, 2014
Getting to Plitvice National Park, Croatia
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Discover about getting to Plitvice National Park, where to stay in Plitvice, Croatia, how you can get into Plitvice National Park for free, and other useful information about surviving travel in Plitvice.
Getting to Plitvice National Park from ZagrebGetting to Plitvice National Park from Zagreb is just a single bus ride. Catch a bus from the main bus station in Zagreb, Croatia. There are a number of buses every day and like most transportation in Croatia, you can buy it on the day. Cost is 86 Kuna and it takes 4 hours to get from Zagreb to Plitvice (Plitvicka). To put a bag underneath the bus is another 7 Kuna.
Getting to Plitvice National ParkFrom outside the hotel there is a bus stop. The bus comes around 8 and 9 am but be there 15 minutes early and it may be a bit late. A ticket to Plitvice National Park is 20Kuna one way or 30Kuna return. The problem is that if you buy a return you have to wait for the bus to come at around 1530. If you are late or want to go earlier you can pay 20kuna to this guy that offers lifts. Hang around the bus stop and he’ll show up.
Entrance into Plitvice is 180kuna for one day or around 280 for a two day pass. It includes all ‘tram’ and ferry rides within the park. When you get in there, have a look at the map and decide how you want to do it. There a number of really good scenic spots. We spent about 4 hours in the park. A day trip from Zagreb would be rushed unless you have your own transport.
Plitvice is a UNESCO natural heritage site and is really good. I highly recommend it.
Cheap Accommodation in PlitviceIf you need cheap accommodation in Plitvice, Croatia, we booked a place on Hostelbookers called the Plitvice House Preslica for around 150kuna per night on Seliste Dreznicko (street). There was no wifi but other than that a nice place to stay, and the owner was extremely helpful.
Along the same street are a lot of accommodation places to choose from. I imagine they get booked out though so best to book ahead. Show the bus driver the address and they drop you off at/near the accommodation. The bus stop they drop you at is right out the front of Plitvice House Preslica.
Get the Latest Survive Travel Books FREE! Click Here to Get Them.Where to Eat in Plitvice, CroatiaAlong the road that the hotel is on is a small supermarket and a couple of restaurants.
Inside Plitvice National Park there are also a few cafes so you don’t have to pack a lunch if you do not want to, although it is much cheaper to do so.
Other Things to do in PlitviceBesides getting to the Plitvice National Park, there is also a nice swimming hole near the hotel.
To get to the swimming hole from the hotel, turn right (SW) past the supermarket and the restaurant. On the left there is a white house and you’ll see the car park. Follow the trail down to the waterhole.
Getting into Plitvice National Park for FreeWe didn’t do this and I do not condone it, but it’s definitely possible and easy.
When the bus drops you off, just keep following that road for 500 – 1000m and walk into the park from the road.
When we got onto the ‘tram’ from station one no-one checked tickets, and no-one checked on the ferry either, but there was someone checking tickets at the second tram stop, so just watch it.
Next Stop… SplitSplit was somewhere we initially planned to bypass, but I’m glad we didn’t. We ended up spending 2 nights there.
Tip: To find the best accommodation, compare Hostelbookers.com and HotelTravel.com and to find the cheapest flights use CheapOair.comThe post Getting to Plitvice National Park, Croatia appeared first on Survive Travel.
Plitvace National Park, Croatia. Getting to Plitvace National Park
Catch a bus from the main bus station in Zagreb. Theres a number of buses every day and like most transportation in Croatia, you can buy it on the day. Cost is 86 Kuna and takes 4 hours. To put a bag underneath the bus is another 7 Kuna.
Where to Stay in Plitvice
We booked a place on Hostelbookers called the Plitvice House Preslica for around 150kuna per night on Seliste Dreznicko (street). No wifi but other than that a nice place to stay.
Along the same street are a lot of accommodation places to choose from. I imagine they get booked out though so best to book ahead. Show the bus driver the address and they drop you off at/near the accommodation.
Along that road towards town is a supermarket and a couple of restaurants. There’s also a nice swimming hole. To get to the swimming hole from the hotel, turn right (SW) past the supermarket and the restaurant. On the left there is a white house and you’ll see the car park. Follow the trail down to the waterhole.
Getting to Plitvace National Park
From outside the hotel there is a bus stop. The bus comes around 8 and 9 am but be there 15 minutes early and it may be a bit late. A ticket to Plitvace National Park is 20Kuna one way or 30Kuna return. The problem is that if you buy a return you have to wait for the bus to come at around 1530. If you are late or want to go earlier you can pay 20kuna to this guy that offers lifts. Hang around the bus stop and he’ll show up.
Entrance into Plitvace is 180kuna for one day or around 280 for a two day pass. It includes all ‘tram’ and ferry rides within the park. When you get in there, have a look at the map and decide how you want to do it. There a number of really good scenic spots. We spent about 4 hours in the park. A day trip from Zagreb would be rushed unless you have your own transport.
Get the Latest Survive Travel Books FREE! Click Here to Get Them.The park is really good. I highly recommend it.
Getting in Plitvace National Park for Free
We didn’t do this and I do not condone it, but it’s definitely possible and easy. When the bus drops you off, just keep following that road for 500 – 1000m and walk into the park from the road.
When we got onto the ‘tram’ from station one no-one checked tickets, and no-one checked on the ferry either, but there was someone checking tickets at the second tram stop, so just watch it.
Where to Eat in Plitvace
There are 2 restaurants in walking distance from the hotel. We only tried one, it was ok. There are also two supermarkets. In the park there are also a few cafes.
Next Stop…
Split.
Split was somewhere we initially planned to bypass, but I’m glad we didn’t. We ended up spending 2 nights there.
Tip: To find the best accommodation, compare Hostelbookers.com and HotelTravel.com and to find the cheapest flights use CheapOair.com
August 12, 2014
Kyrgyzstan, Asia. 5 Day Itinerary
Here is a quick summary / itinerary of a 5 day trip to Kyrgyzstan. Technically there is 6 days in this but I discounted one because of travel time. The links will direct you to related, more in depth posts, of each particular location.
The original plan was to spend about 10 days here, but due to visa issues in China, I had to cut the trip short. Unfortunately this meant I only really got to see the two major cities (Osh and Bishkek), and there was a lot that I missed out on. Actually, even 10 days would not have been enough. I would like to go back for at least 2 weeks to explore everything in a relaxed manner.
Day 1. Arrived in Osh from Guangzhou. Stayed at the Stari Gorad. Explored Osh on foot. Went to 3 story Yurst and markets.
Day 2. Explored Osh by day. Climbed mountain. Took overnight sleeper van to Bishkek.
Day 3. Arrived Bishkek early morning. Checked into Sabyrbek’s Guest House. Explored Bishkek.
Get the Latest Survive Travel Books FREE! Click Here to Get Them.Day 4. Explore Bishkek.
Day 5. Explore Bishkek. (missed flight)
Day 6. Flew from Bishkek to Zagreb (Croatia), with free day tour in Istanbul (Turkey).
Tip: To find the best accommodation, compare Hostelbookers.com and HotelTravel.com and to find the cheapest flights use CheapOair.com
Pula, Croatia. Surviving Travel in Pula, Croatia
We arrived in Pula from Rijeka by bus. It took just over 2 hours and cost 110kuna + 8kuna to store the baggage. There are cheaper buses available depending on the time and company you take. They leave every hour or two every day.
Where to Stay in Pula
From the bus station we trekked it to the Youth Hostel which as you can see by the map is a few km. Alternatively you can catch the #2 bus for 11 Kuna. It goes from the bus station all the way to the hostel (or as close as you can get by bus).
Map of Pula, Bus Station to Youth Hostel
Catch the bus from out the front of the Bus station, heading south. Get off at the Vedura 2 stop. Watch out because there is also a Vedura 1. Follow the path down at the Vedura 3 sign (pictured below) and walk through the ‘park’. At the end of that trail, turn right then the first left.
Look for this sign, and walk down the path to the Youth Hostel
To get back to town you catch the number 3 bus.
The hostel is a bit out of the city but is right on the beach. It was around 150kuna a night for a dorm bed. It’s a bit heavy on teh people to bathroom ratio, but manageable. Breakfast is included and wifi is available out the front of the office, but not in the dorms. It seems to be a bit of a ‘beach holiday’ for families in private villas and young Europeans in the dorms.
Getting to the Coliseum
We didn’t go inside the coliseum, but you can get a good idea of it just by walking around the outside. We stumbled upon it whilst walking to our accommodation from the bus station. It is really close to the bus station.
Get the Latest Survive Travel Books FREE! Click Here to Get Them.From the bus station, walk WSW to the round about, then head SSW on Flavijevska. Just follow this road up the hill. You’ll see it.
Map of Pula, Croatia. Bus station to Coleseum
Getting to the Walking Street
The walking tourist street is right in the middle of town. In this map, the star on the left is the walking street, and on the right is the bus stop Gardini Centar, which is the bus stop in the center of town.
Map of Pula, Walking street to city bus stop
Getting to the Beach
From the town center the beach is about a 10 minute bus ride followed by a ten minute walk. Follow the same directions as getting to the Youth Hostel, as stated above (Where to Stay in Pula).
It’s a pebble beach.
Next Stop…
Back to Zagreb, and then onto Plitvace National Park.
It costs 86 Kuna for the bus and takes 4 hours. To put a bag underneath the bus is another 7 Kuna.
Tip: To find the best accommodation, compare Hostelbookers.com and HotelTravel.com and to find the cheapest flights use CheapOair.com
8 Great Things to Do in Zagreb, Croatia
Tip: To find the best accommodation, compare Hostelbookers.com and HotelTravel.com and to find the cheapest flights use CheapOair.com
Discover 8 great things to do in Zagreb, Croatia. Also includes cheap accommodation, directions in and around Zagreb, Croatia and lots of other useful information on how to survive travel in Zagreb, Croatia.
Getting From the Airport to Zagreb, CroatiaTo get from the Zagreb International Airport into Zagreb you can catch the bus to the main bus station in town. It costs 30 kunas.
Getting from the Bus station to the Train stationYou can walk from the bus station to the train station in about 10 minutes. Just head west following the train line.
Getting from Zagreb bus station to the train station
Alternatively, catch any tram going to the Glavni Kolodvor (station). I never figured out how to pay, but I think you need to buy the ticket from the guy at the kiosk, not on the tram.
Cheap Accommodation in Zagreb, CroatiaIf you need cheap accommodation in Zagreb, Croatia, I stayed at Dots Hostel near the train station, and also at the Lika Hostel near the bus station. I had friends that stayed in the House hostel, also near the bus station. All three places were good.
We went to Zagreb twice so stayed in two different places. The first time we went to Dots Hostel. Go east on the road out the front of the train station (Grgura Ninskog) for a couple of blocks. Turn left onto Junija Palmotica. A couple of ‘houses’ up on the left you will see Dots Hostel. Very well organized and a nice stay. We got a private rooms and it cost about 140 Kunas per person. Also has dorms.
The second time we went to Zagreb (arriving from Pula) we stayed in the Lika Hostel because we wanted to be close to the bus station. From the bus station, walk SE (ish) on Avenija Marina Drzic, which is at a main intersection (with traffic lights). You cross over the train line. Keep going, over a second main intersection, then turn left on Rapska. The fourth right is Pasmanska and up this road on the left is the hostel. There are signs. This was also a nice stay with light breakfast included. Cost was 220Kuna for a twin private (80Kuna for a Dorm).
Some friends of mine stayed in the House hostel, which is closer to the bus station. It was also nice, and I think a better breakfast. Dots hostel did not have a free breakfast.
Getting from bus station to hostels
8 Great Things to Do in Zagreb, CroatiaOk, here it is. My list of 8 great things to do in Zagreb, Croatia.
1. ParksThe first thing on my list of great things to do in Zagreb, Croatia is have look through the parks. Starting with the one in front of the train station.
Zagreb has a few nice parks scattered around. The one in front of the train station is nice to walk around or sit in. It’s peaceful, and at night the young people gather and drink, but not in a bad way. It’s all very civilized.
Park out the front of the train station.
2. Main SquareFrom the train station, walk up through the park and keep walking up that street. You get to the main square. There’s a statue of a guy on a horse, which is a good meeting/reference point.
Get the Latest Survive Travel Books FREE! Click Here to Get Them.Along the way there are signs telling you where all the attractions are e.g. museums, churches etc.
3. The Fruit MarketUp the stairs from the main square is the fruit market. There’s a lady that sells fresh berries (strawberries, back berries, forest berries etc). They are cheap, delicious and she speak English.
There’s lots of fruit and veg and flowers and other things there also (featured image), as well as a pubic toilet near the back (costs a couple of Kuna to use).
4. Eat a SandwichGet a great sandwich for lunch at on of the various bakeries, from 11 to 15 kuna. This is true all over Croatia.
5. Mirogoj CemeteryGoing to a cemetery isn’t usually on my ‘to do’ list, but this one is particularly beautiful. It’s nice and peaceful except around November the first since that is Croatia’s Day of the Dead.
Bus number 106 from the cathedral near the main square will take you there in about 10 minutes.
Inside the Mirogoj Cemetery. Photo courtesy of Katzantow.Blogspot.com
6. MuseumsThere’s a lot of museums in Zagreb, and most of them are very easy to find. Just follow the signs all over town. There’s even one dedicated to relationsips goe bad i.e. the Museum of Broken Relationships.
For more information about the different types of museums, check out Wikitravel.org/en/Zagreb#See
7. Old Town GateThis also has some religious significance i.e. it is a shrine to the Virgin Mary and the picture of her is the only thing that survived the Zagreb fire in the 1700’s.
It is located in Upper Town, at the start of Radiceva street.
I think it is a church in Old Town
8. The FortThe last thing on my list of great things to do in Zagreb is Zagreb is something I didn’t do but wish I had. There’s a big mountain and in that mountain is a fort. I didn’t go there bus I wish I did, because I am sure there are some great views of the city from there.
I read that you can take the tram up the top from Mihaljevac to Sljeme, from the last tram station of line 14, which takes 30 minutes to get up.
Next Stop… Plitvace or OsijekNext Stop…I went to Zagreb twice. Once when I first arrived and once to meet friends i.e. I arrived, explored the North (Osijek, Rijeka etc), then cam back to meet friends and continue to Plitvace National Park.
Tip: To find the best accommodation, compare Hostelbookers.com and HotelTravel.com and to find the cheapest flights use CheapOair.comThe post 8 Great Things to Do in Zagreb, Croatia appeared first on Survive Travel.
Zagreb, Croatia. Survive Travel Guide
From the airport you can catch the bus to the main bus station in town. It costs 30 kunas. From there, walk out to the tram station and catch one of the many trams that go to Glavni Kolovdor, which is the main train station.
Getting from the Bus station to the Train station
You can walk from the bus station to the train station in about 10 minutes. Just head west following the train line.
Getting from Zagreb bus station to the train station
Alternatively, catch any tram going to the Glavni Kolodvor (station). I never figured out how to pay, but I think you need to buy the ticket from the guy at the kiosk, not on the tram.
Where to Sleep in Zagreb
We went to Zagreb twice so stayed in two different places. The first time we went to Dots Hostel. Go east on the road out the front of the train station (Grgura Ninskog) for a couple of blocks. Turn left onto Junija Palmotica. A couple of ‘houses’ up on the left you will see Dots Hostel. Very well organized and a nice stay. We got a private rooms and it cost about 140 Kunas per person. Also has dorms.
The second time we went to Zagreb (arriving from Pula) we stayed in the Lika Hostel because we wanted to be close to the bus station. From the bus station, walk SE (ish) on Avenija Marina Drzic, which is at a main intersection (with traffic lights). You cross over the train line. Keep going, over a second main intersection, then turn left on Rapska. The fourth right is Pasmanska and up this road on the left is the hostel. There are signs. This was also a nice stay with light breakfast included. Cost was 220Kuna for a twin private (80Kuna for a Dorm).
Some friends of mine stayed in the House hostel, which is closer to the bus station. It was also nice, and I think a better breakfast.
Get the Latest Survive Travel Books FREE! Click Here to Get Them.
Getting from bus station to hostels
Things to Do and Getting Around in Zagreb
From the train station, walk up through the park and keep walking up that street. You get to the main square. Up the stairs is the fruit market. Along the way there are signs telling you where everything is (churches, museums etc.)
Where to Eat in Zagreb
Get a great sandwich for lunch at on of the various bakeries, from 11 to 15 kuna. This is true all over Croatia.
Walk away from the train station, through the park and keep going several blocks until you hit the fruit and vegetable market.
There’s a small shop right next door, but if you want fruit you need to go for a 5 minute walk.
Next Stop…
It depends.
The first time we came to Zagreb we went onto Osijek.
The second time we went onto Plitvace National Park.
Tip: To find the best accommodation, compare Hostelbookers.com and HotelTravel.com and to find the cheapest flights use CheapOair.com
August 11, 2014
4 Awesome Things to Do in Pula, Croatia
Tip: To find the best accommodation, compare Hostelbookers.com and HotelTravel.com and to find the cheapest flights use CheapOair.com
Discover 4 awesome things to do in Pula, Croatia. Also includes cheap accommodation, directions in and around Pula and lots of other useful information on how to survive travel in Pula, Croatia.
Getting From Rijeka to Pula, CroatiaTo get from Rijeka to Pula, Croatia, we took a bus. It took just over 2 hours and cost 110kuna + 8kuna to store the baggage. There are cheaper buses available depending on the time and company you take. They leave every hour or two every day.
Cheap Accommodation in Pula, CroatiaIf you need cheap accommodation in Pula, Croatia, we stayed at the Youth Hostel Association.
The hostel is a bit out of the city but is right on the beach. It was around 150kuna a night for a dorm bed. It’s a bit heavy on teh people to bathroom ratio, but manageable. Breakfast is included and wifi is available out the front of the office, but not in the dorms. It seems to be a bit of a ‘beach holiday’ for families in private villas and young Europeans in the dorms.
From the bus station we trekked it to the Youth Hostel which as you can see by the map is a few km. Alternatively you can catch the #2 bus for 11 Kuna. It goes from the bus station all the way to the hostel (or as close as you can get by bus).
Map of Pula, Bus Station to Youth Hostel
Catch the bus from out the front of the Bus station, heading south. Get off at the Vedura 2 stop. Watch out because there is also a Vedura 1. Follow the path down at the Vedura 3 sign (pictured below) and walk through the ‘park’. At the end of that trail, turn right then the first left.
Look for this sign, and walk down the path to the Youth Hostel
To get back to town you catch the number 3 bus.
4 Awesome Things to Do in Pula, CroatiaOk, here it is. My list of 4 awesome things to do in Pula, Croatia.
1. The ArenaThe first thing on my list of awesome things to do in Pula, Croatia, is also, arguably, the biggest tourist attraction in Pula.
We didn’t go inside the Arena, but you can get a good idea of it just by walking around the outside. We stumbled upon it whilst walking to our accommodation from the bus station. It is really close to the bus station.
Get the Latest Survive Travel Books FREE! Click Here to Get Them.Getting to the Arena in Pula, CroatiaFrom the bus station, walk WSW to the round about, then head SSW on Flavijevska. Just follow this road up the hill. You’ll see it.
Map of Pula, Croatia. Bus station to Coleseum
2. Walking StreetThe walking street in Pula attaches to and is part of Pula Old Town.
Getting to Walking Street in PulaThe walking tourist street is right in the middle of town. In this map, the star on the left is the walking street, and on the right is the bus stop Gardini Centar, which is the bus stop in the center of town.
Map of Pula, Walking street to city bus stop
3. The BeachThe beach was right outside our hostel, and although crowded during most of the day, it was perfect for a morning swim. It’s a pebble beach.
The morning swim was my favorite of my awesome things to do in Pula, Croatia.
Getting to the Beach From Town, PulaFrom the town center the beach is about a 10 minute bus ride followed by a ten minute walk. Follow the same directions as getting to the Youth Hostel, as stated above (Where to Stay in Pula).
Beach outside the YHA.
4. Center SquareThe last thing on my list of awesome things to do in Croatia is to go to the center square. I think it is called the forum. It’s a nice open area with a few museums if your interested, and people selling craft type stuff. Nice place to people watch.
Entrance to Old Town
Next Stop… Zagrab, CroatiaAfter Pula, we headed to Zagrab, Croatia to meet up with some friends, and then continue the journey south.
Tip: To find the best accommodation, compare Hostelbookers.com and HotelTravel.com and to find the cheapest flights use CheapOair.comThe post 4 Awesome Things to Do in Pula, Croatia appeared first on Survive Travel.
August 10, 2014
7 Best Things to Do in Rijeka, Croatia
Tip: To find the best accommodation, compare Hostelbookers.com and HotelTravel.com and to find the cheapest flights use CheapOair.com
Discover the 7 best things to do in Rijeka, Croatia. This post is also a one day itinerary in Rijeka, Croatia and includes cheap accommodation, directions in and around Rijeka, Croatia and lots of other useful information on how to survive travel in Rijeka, Croatia
Getting From Osijek to Rijeka, CroatiaWe arrived in Rijeka from Osijek. It was a 8-9 hour train/bus ride and cost 240kuna. Rijeka is near the ocean and quite hilly so be prepared for a winding mountain road.
The Captain Peter.. Stairs to Trsat
Cheap Accommodation in Rijeka, CroatiaIf you need cheap accommodation in Rijeka, Croatia, we stayed at the Youth Hostel Association YHA.
We arrived on a Saturday night. Apparently everyone comes on the weekends to go out so every hostel we went to was fully booked.
From the train station you can walk ESE along the waterfront to find hostels. Most are well signed.
If that fails go further along the waterfront along Riva and there’s 2 or 3 hostels along that road. On the way you pass the bus station. Over the road there is another hostel you can try.
If all of them fail, go can walk a couple of km to the Youth Hostel, which is where we ended up staying.
YHA are usually a bit out of the way but there standard is always good and are reasonably priced. They also include a light breakfast cereal, bread and some spreads. You have to buy their membership (10 euros). It was 145Kuna for a dorm. Bus #1 will take you there.
Map to get to the Youth Hostel
7 Best Things to Do in Rijeka, CroatiaOk, here it is. My list of 7 best things to do in Rijeka, Croatia, as well as my one day itinerary Rijeka, Croatia.
We stayed for 2 nights in Rijeka. We arrived late on Saturday night, spent Sunday exploring and left Monday morning. I guess if you were rushed you could arrive early morning, spend the day sightseeing and leave in the evening.
Trsat Castle in the distance
1. Rijeka MarketThe first thing on my list of best things to do in Rijeka, Croatia was to go to the market, because it closes at midday (1400 on week days), at least that is what the girl at the hostel told us.
It is a decent sized fruit and veg market with a few other things. Better than the one in Zagreb.
Sign to the underpass.
2. Walk the PierNext we walked along the pier. The girl at the hostel said is was good to look back at the city. It was a ‘long’ hot walk and I’m not sure if it was worth it.
3. Old TownAfter that we got some lunch (sandwich from one of the many bakeries) and walked through the old town. Most of the shops were closed because it was Sunday. All through the town there are good maps showing you where all the points of interest are. Just see what you want.
In Old Town
Get the Latest Survive Travel Books FREE! Click Here to Get Them.4. Captain Petar Kruzic StaircaseAfter Old Town, we made our way to the Captain Petar Kruzic staircase to climb up the *561 stairs to Trsat Castle.
Climbing these stairs was my favorite of my best things to do in Rijeka, Croatia. I can see how actually climbing them may not appeal to lots of people, but I really enjoyed it.
*I didn’t count the stairs. I found this information on the internet.
Captain Petar Kruzic stairs to Trsat Castle. Click to enlarge.
5. Trsat CastleOnce we had climbed to the top, we went to see the Trsat Castle. The whole area there is very pleasant with more to see than just the castle.
Trsat Castle itself was free entry, but they had signs to pay, so maybe it was just the season. It’s interesting to walk around, with spectacular views of Rijeka (featured picture).
Getting to Trsat Castle, RijekaGetting to Trsat Castle by foot involves climbing the Captain Petar Kruzic Stairs (see #4 of the best things to do in Rijika).
Alternatively, take bus 8 or 2 which will take you there.
Once in Trsat, walk down this street to get to Trsat Castle. Click to enlarge.
6. Hit the BeachAfter the castle we went back to the hostel for a rest, then went to the beach in the afternoon.
It was nothing like I expected. I’m used to large stretches of sand. This was a small pebble beach and was packed with people. The water is nice.
To get to the beach from the youth hostel, head east. You’ll see it.
I was reluctant to put this on this list of best things to do in Rijeka, but we did do it and it is close to the beach. Also, some people really like shoppping centers.
Walk North from the beach, up the stairs. You’ll see it.
There’s a small food court on the 3rd floor. Watch out for the buffet, we got charged much more than expected.
Beware the Money Changing Scam in RijekaWatch out for people on the street wanting to change money with you. Make sure you are the last one to count it BEFORE you hand over your money. They have great magician hands and will ‘fake’ count it, palming some notes back into their hands.
Next Stop… Pula, CroatiaThe next day we headed to Pula. to see the Colosseum amongst other things.
Tip: To find the best accommodation, compare Hostelbookers.com and HotelTravel.com and to find the cheapest flights use CheapOair.comThe post 7 Best Things to Do in Rijeka, Croatia appeared first on Survive Travel.
Rijeka, Croatia. One Day Guide to Rijeka.
We arrived in Rijeka from Osijek. It was a 8-9 hour train/bus ride and cost 240kuna. Rijeka is near the ocean and quite hilly so be prepared for a winding mountain road.
Where to Sleep in Rijeka, Croatia
We arrived on a Saturday night. Apparently everyone comes on the weekends to go out so every hostel we went to was fully booked.
From the train station you can walk ESE along the waterfront to find hostels. Most are well signed. If that fails go further along the waterfront along Riva and there’s 2 or 3 hostels along that road. On the way you pass the bus station. Over the road there is another hostel you can try. If all of them fail, go can walk a couple of km to the Youth Hostel, which is where we ended up staying.
Map to get to the Youth Hostel
YHA are usually a bit out of the way but there standard is always good and are reasonably priced. They also include a light breakfast cereal, bread and some spreads. You have to buy their membership (10 euros). It was 145Kuna for a dorm. Bus #1 will take you there.
One Day in Rijeka
We stayed for 2 nights in Rijeka. We arrived late on Saturday night, spent Sunday exploring and left Monday morning. I guess if you were rushed you could arrive early morning, spend the day sightseeing and leave in the evening.
Besides buying food and personal shopping, the whole day was free for sightseeing.
We left the hostel about 1000 and first went to the market because it closes at midday (1400 on week days), at least that is what the girl at the hostel told us. It is a decent sized fruit and veg market with a few other things. Better than the one in Zagreb.
Next we walked along the pier. The girl at the hostel said is was good to look back at the city. It was a ‘long’ hot walk and I’m not sure if it was worth it.
After that we got some lunch (sandwich from one of the many bakeries) and walked through the old town. Most of the shops were closed because it was Sunday. All through the town there are good maps showing you where all the points of interest are. Just see what you want, and at the end make your way to the Captain Petar Kruzic stairs to climb up the *561 stairs to Trsat Castle.
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Captain Petar Kruzic stairs to Trsat Castle. Click to enlarge.
Walk down this street to get to Trsat Castle. Click to enlarge.
Alternatively, take bus 8 or 2 which will take you there. Great view of the city (featured picture)
*I didn’t count the stairs. I found this information on the internet.
After the castle we went back to the hostel for a rest, then went to the beach in the afternoon. Nothing like I expected. I’m used to large stretches of sand. This was a small pebble beach and was packed with people. From the youth hostel, head east. You’ll see it. The water is nice.
Finally, we decided to go to the shopping center since we saw it was close by. Walk North from the beach, up the stairs. You’ll see it. There’s a small food court on the 3rd floor. Watch out for the buffet, we got charged much more than expected.
Beware the Money Changing Scam in Rijeka
Watch out for people on the street wanting to change money with you. Make sure you are the last one to count it BEFORE you hand over your money. They have great magician hands and will ‘fake’ count it, palming some notes back into their hands.
Next Stop…
Pula. to see the Colosseum.
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August 9, 2014
Getting to the Bizovac Thermal Springs, Croatia
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Information and directions on getting to the Bizovac Thermal Springs, Croatia, as well as other useful information on getting around Bizovac including getting to the town and a ‘secret’ lake.
I read on Wikitravel to go to Bizovac for the natural thermal springs, but couldn’t find any other information on getting to the Bizovac Thermal Springs. It sounded like a good thing to do so went to check it out.
Getting to the Bizovac Thermal SpringsObviously, the first thing you need to do in getting to the Bizovac Thermal Springs is to get to Bizovac. The closest ‘big city’ where tourists will come from is probably Osijek, which is where I came from.
Getting to BizovacCatch train from Osijek. Cost is 25.8 kuna for a return ticket that lasts 3 days, but it is an easy day trip.
Getting to Bizovac Town from the Train StationHead east on Kolodvorska (the street out the front of the train station) then turn left on Suncana. At the end of this street turn right on Kralja Tomislava to the town, which is small but has a bakery, post office, supermarket and a few other things.
The train to Bizovac
Getting to the Bizovac Thermal SpringsI’m not 100% sure if this is what the guy on Wikitravel.org/en/Osijek meant about the Thermal Springs, but I could not find any other alternative. So this is how to get to Bizovac health spas, or Bizovac Toplice.
Get the Latest Survive Travel Books FREE! Click Here to Get Them.From the train station, instead of turning left on Suncana (into town), turn right. Take the first left, which is also Suncana. Follow it. There is a water-park, and further on there is the health spas. We never actually went in so can’t tell you the price or anything, or even confirm if it is actually the Bizovac Thermal Springs.
Note:When I asked the locals about getting to Bizovac Thermal Springs, the Health Spa’s (Bizovac Toplice) is what they directed me to.
A Better Place to Go Swimming in BizovacA better idea is to buy a sandwich for lunch from Osijek, and from the train station go straight to the lake we found (featured image).
You’ll see this little ‘chapel’ on the way to the lake
From the front of the train station turn left (west), then immediately right at the no trucks sign. You’ll be heading in a NNW direction. Turn left at the end of this street, on Kralja Tomislava., then the first right on Petra Katancica. At the end of this road turn left and pick which way to go in the fork of the road. We went left. Go past the chapel, corn fields and dirt path until you get to the lake.
Next Stop… Rijeka, CroatiaBizojek was a day trip from Osijek. We went back to Osijek and then went onto Rijeka.
Although we didn’t actually end up getting to the Bizovac Thermal Springs, being at the lake was really nice. An unexpected highlight of my time in Croatia.
Tip: To find the best accommodation, compare Hostelbookers.com and HotelTravel.com and to find the cheapest flights use CheapOair.comThe post Getting to the Bizovac Thermal Springs, Croatia appeared first on Survive Travel.
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