Day 236 – MONTENEGRO and CROATIA: Kotor to Dubrovnik


Today’s distance / 今日の走行距離: 60km
Total distance to date / 今日までの積算距離: 1122.86km (plus 8400km)
Ascent / 上り: +970m
Descent / 下り: -930m

Dumb speedometer. I think the sensor is to blame for the fact that it no longer registers speed. Will try to get a replacement somewhere along the road somewhere…

The ride around the bay of Kotor is really quite pleasant. Rather pleasant indeed. Great Sunday drive stuff. Quaint old towns, quiet marinas…

Central clock tower in Perast, Kotor Bay, Montenegro

Kotoro Bay as seen from Perast, Montenegro

From the border of Croatia, the road passes through relatively uninspiring inland farmland until it hits the coast. For about 25kms, I was thinking that all the hype about Croatia wasn’t living up to itself. I did however meet the third touring cyclist I have met so far on this journey. Sandra from France is cycling to Mt. Kailash in Tibet. Jolly nice to meet her.

Thrid cyclist to meet in 8 months - Sandra from France

The uninspiring farmland continued. Then I hit the coast.

Dubrovnik from above, Croatia

I almost cycled on past Dubrovnik, due to the fact that I would have to cycle down there, and up to get out. But just as well that I did go down for a look, as the town lives up to its fame as a beautiful old town.

Old city in Dubrovnik, Croatia

Old city in Dubrovnik, Croatia

I cycled around through the narrow streets to the amusement of fellow tourists and locals alike, before making a beeline for the coast to find somewhere to sleep. I eventually settled on a quiet spot of stony beach. I found a large plank of discarded wood nearby, and used this as a ‘bunk’.

Sleeping spot on coast of Dubrovnik, Croatia

Quite nice, and slept till morning when I was woken by the sound of a large cruise ship entering the bay.

Cruise ship entering Dubrovnik Bay, Montenegro


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8 thoughts on “Day 236 – MONTENEGRO and CROATIA: Kotor to Dubrovnik

  • Satoshi

    Rob

    if you could let us readers know how much the things cost in those little countries – we all know that you don't spend money like the regular locals or tourists but you can tell which country is more expensive to buy this and buy that. We know you can survive on five kiwi dollars a day when you are lucky to meet friendly locals but I am sure you check prices of food at the shops for example. I recall Croatia being more expensive than Euro zone about five years ago due to ridiculously overvalued Croatian currnecy back then so I had to cancel my travel plan and instead I went down to Namibia instead!!! Anyway what are the items you buy regularly in all theose countries? Pasta? milk? eggs? just curious – i will know in which country i can spend longer when i have a chance to go up there hehehe

  • Rob Thomson Post author

    Satoshi, on the whole, Croatia doesn't seem all that much more expensive than Greece when it comes to food. For example, 0.50 Euro for a chocolate bread roll or cheese filled bread roll. 1.20 Euro for a kilo of bananas…

    Internet however is a different story. Perhaps is just coz I was in the tourist area, but the cheapest I could find in Dubrovnik was 3 Euro and hour. One place was charging 5 Euros! Rediculous.

    Apparently the Youth Hostel in Dubrovnik is 10 Euro a night, which isn't bad. The beaches are better though – and free 🙂

  • Daniel

    What about wireless network? Starting from Istanbul you might have found many open networks. What do you think about driving with a PDA? Maybe with a GPS bluetooth mouse and a foldable keyboard – so you could decrease the cost for internet while on the trip dramatically and write your essays in a more inspiring environment (on the beach in the evening …)? I'm just interested 'cause I don't know what way I'll navigate on my coming tour yet.

  • Mum

    Certainly looks a lovely place. Equal to NZ? We found most Internet places in Tasmania cost $5.00 an hour. Your cheap Chinese speedo has lasted well. Maybe another cheapie will get you to England.

  • Rich

    Rob,

    Just checked back your site again, after a few months exodus;) Amazing that you are still under way. I'm starting to miss the road again…

    BTW, what a great city Dubrovnik is. Your pictures brought my memories back when I visited it on a family vacation some 20+ years ago, as a 12 year old kid;) Thanks…

    If you are heading up the Adriatic Coast, I still remember what a amazing scenery it was, Makarska, Split and even Zagreb. If you heading anywhere near Zagreb, don't miss Plitvicka Jezera, one of the most amazing lake and waterfall cascades in the whole world!!!

    Tailwinds from Rich

  • Rob Thomson Post author

    Daniel, I have certainly seen more wireless access spots as I travel west. Especially in Istanbul there were plenty around. However, in the end I don't really mind about the cost of internet. It gives me an opportunity to sit down inside for a day and relax. Listen to music on Youtube as I type. I did have a PDA, but didn't end up using it as much as I had expected. The most I had used it for was for typing up the Japanese versions of the updates. I have been very slack on the Japanese side of the site of late though. It is a lot of work doing everything twice.

    I used the PDA more when I was staying at cheap accommodation in Asia. The battery only lasted about 3 posts worth of typing before I had to recharge it (I should have taken the DC power cord). Now, when I don't stay at accommodation, it is tough to recharge stuff.

  • Rob Thomson Post author

    Rich, cheers for the advice on Plitvicka Jezera. I had spied that lake on my map, and was contemplating visiting it. If the weather holds, I'll take a look. Any more adventures on the boil for you?