I first visited Croatia in 1979 and returned many times during the following decade. With one of the longest and most beautiful coastlines bordering the Adriatic Sea, Croatia has over 1,000 islands, many of which are inhabited. This visit to the island of Krk, the most northerly in the country, was just a quick hop by plane from the UK, with the advantage of the airport of Rijeka located on the island itself.
My destination was the cathedral city of Krk on the south of the island with its ancient castle, walled town, marina, beaches and views of the island of Rab to the south. Like much of the Mediterranean, Krk’s landscape is a combination of pine trees, vines and olives. The terracotta roofs and stone buildings reminded me of areas of the south of France I am so familiar with.
My upcoming novel, a suspense thriller set in the 1980s, is centred on an imaginary guest house in the town. My aim was to get a sense of the historic town and imagine how a girl in her twenties must have felt arriving there with no knowledge of the language or the culture.
Today, Croatia is a lively European country with a thriving tourist industry and close ties with its neighbours, and flights to many countries. I found the people welcoming, friendly and eager to ask me the reason for my visit. Even now when I travel alone, I am asked why I am travelling alone! The cuisine is delicious, particularly for seafood lovers and fans of patisserie. If you enjoy hiking, watersports or relaxing in the sun, Krk comes highly recommended. I won’t be waiting another 35 years before returning.
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