No matter your measurement, exploring Dubrovnik and Greece simply bought a complete lot simpler.
With simply an hour-and-a-half flight separating Greece and Croatia, it’s straightforward to see why travellers mix these Mediterranean gems throughout their holidays. For lovers of unbelievable cuisines, wealthy cultures, fort partitions, pristine seashores, Roman ruins and folklore legends, these locations are a should. But exploring the lands of former gods and goddesses doesn’t all the time come straightforward for plus-size travellers. Rough terrains, heat climates and completely different mobility ranges can pose challenges for my fellow plus-size travellers.
But relaxation assured, my identify is Chantel Loura, your new journey bestie and the loudly laughing, snack-loving creator behind the plus-size journey weblog, Voyaging Vagabond. I’m going to share a few of my tried and true ideas that can provide help to keep cool and comfy so you will get probably the most out of your journey to Dubrovnik and Greece.
What to see in Dubrovnik
When visiting Dubrovnik, most individuals head in direction of the Old Town. Surrounded by Twelfth-century fortification partitions, this UNESCO-protected space provides a glimpse into Dubrovnik earlier than modernization, the place streets flip into alleys that twist and switch, making a scenic labyrinth asking to get misplaced inside. You’ll encounter outlets promoting souvenirs and artisan items, eating places showcasing native fare, particularly seafood, and plenty of Game of Thrones paraphernalia (elements of the collection had been filmed right here).
Take a tour alongside town partitions for breathtaking views of the shoreline and Old Town. Even spring and fall days could be moderately heat in Dubrovnik, so beat the warmth and go for a tour very first thing within the morning or nearer to sundown, when the temperatures are cooler. Another cool (pun meant) possibility is using the cable automotive. The journey provides a birds-eye view price seeing (particularly throughout sundown) in addition to a restaurant and restaurant on the prime. The cable automotive runs from April to October, and all Dubrovnik Cable Car amenities are totally outfitted with entry for the disabled. This contains entry to each stations, the cabin, restrooms and an elevator.
Outside of town partitions, take a break from the Middle Ages and unwind at a few of Croatia’s beautiful seashores. Less than 5 minutes from town gates is Plaža Banje, a small, white pebble seaside that’s as jaw-dropping as it’s peaceable. The principal entry level is a collection of stairs main right down to the seaside.
If you’ve had your fill of the vacationers populating Old Town, mingle with the locals and head to Lapad, a quieter a part of Dubrovnik. You can stroll alongside the port in direction of an expansive, flat promenade lined with inexperienced areas and benches. Here you’ve gotten your decide of eating places serving meals at a fraction of what you’d pay inside town partitions. The principal promenade is alongside Šetalište kralja Zvonimira and leads all the best way to Uvala Lapad Beach, in any other case often known as Sunset Beach.
It doesn’t take lengthy to fall in love with Croatia’s crystal clear turquoise ocean or Dalmatian delicacies. If Dubrovnik isn’t sufficient, you’ll be thrilled to know that Intrepid has curated extraordinary excursions by means of Croatia so you possibly can simply develop your travels to the remainder of the nation.
What to see in Greece
With over 200 islands and an intensive mainland, there are such a lot of completely different experiences to select from in Greece. Here are just a few locations so as to add to your listing of must-sees.
Athens
Most flights are into Athens International Airport (AIA) and plenty of ferries to smaller islands go away from right here. First impressions of this fast-paced metropolis could be off-putting or overwhelming to some. But spending just some days right here earlier than taking off to extra serene elements of the nation could be crammed with unforgettable moments.
The most visited attraction, The Acropolis, stands tall over town and provides beautiful views each day and evening. This attraction has a wheelchair-accessible entrance in addition to an elevator. You also can keep away from the trek up the hill with a taxi to the doorway.
The metropolis itself comes alive at evening. Once the solar goes down, colourfully lit cafes and bars alongside Monastiraki fill the streets with music and hedonists. The excellent place to bounce, sing, eat and drink the evening away.
Take the work out of sorting an evening out with Intrepid’s Urban Adventures Twilight Tour. My spouse and I joined tour chief Angel who gave us considered one of our favourite nights out on our journey. We spent 4 beautiful hours strolling the streets of Athens, stopping at quaint or offbeat places, eating on conventional meze plates and sampling native spirits. The tour itself isn’t bodily demanding and combines an off-the-cuff setting to be taught extra about Greece’s wealthy historical past, traditions and tradition.
Kastoria
In northern Greece, nestled alongside Lake Orestiada and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Kastoria is thought for its many Byzantine church buildings in addition to Byzantine and Ottoman-era structure. The dramatic views from the valley current travellers a lesser-seen aspect of Greece outdoors the coastal white and blue structure most consider. Life strikes slower right here and when you’re fortunate you may even see a bunch of older Greek gents singing songs alongside the lake.
Litochoro
Litochoro is the bottom city for Mount Olympus, recognized in mythology as the house to Greek gods and the very best mountain in Greece. Now, hikers come from all around the world to hike to Zeus’s humble abode. There are an array of mountaineering trails that may meet the wants of most ability ranges. If you’d moderately not spend your vacation sweating up mountains, let me first say I perceive utterly! There is a restaurant named Priònia serving conventional Greek home-cooked meals that’s burrowed in a small valley with a tranquil mountain setting. The cafe could be reached through taxi, and it’s a five-minute stroll (150m) from Enipeas Waterfall.
Paros
If you’ve heard that Santorini is just too crowded and Mykonos too costly, think about the much less frequented island of Paros. Its measurement lends it to be simply explored and every part of the island is crammed with seashores, the place the crowds get smaller the farther from the port you go. Smiling locals present useful recommendation on greatest expertise the true great thing about the island (most have wonderful suggestions for recent seafood dishes too). The scenic island of Naxos is a brief 45-minute ferry journey away and makes for a nice day journey.
Practical data
Now that you just’ve bought your itinerary sorted, hold these particulars in thoughts to keep away from any journey mishaps.
Ride ATVs
Once you make it out to the Greek islands it’s not unusual to see ATVs getting used as a principal supply of transportation. This enjoyable possibility of getting round takes you thru Greece’s steep hills with ease and shall be a lifesaver in your calves. It permits you the liberty of seeing much less explored elements of the islands that vehicles can’t entry. ATV fashions fluctuate in all types of various sizes. Find one greatest suited to you thru a fast web search or by popping into the outlets that line the ferry ports on most islands. Weight limits sometimes vary from 400 lb to 550 lb, with a median of about 490 lb.
Use Rideshares/Taxis
If mobility is in your thoughts, skip the strolling and think about a rideshare as an alternative. Cities like Athens and Dubrovnik present broadly used and inexpensive rideshare choices like Uber and Bolt. Taxis are present in almost each metropolis, too, though they could be a costlier possibility.
Pack comfy strolling sneakers
Comfortable sneakers are a should! Streets listed below are lined with much more than simply historical past. You’ll discover uneven cobblestones, unpaved hills, filth trails, picket docks and previous staircases (simply to call just a few). You’ll need to be ready for any terrain your ft might discover themselves on. You can discover my listing of plus-size journey hacks, together with discovering correct footwear right here.
Stay cool with a fan
If you’re somebody who enjoys a cool breeze as a lot as I do, you’re going to need to pack a fan. Whether a small hand fan or a conveyable rechargeable fan, having this in your purse or backpack is simply what you want for some candy reduction on these heat, sunny days.
Seatbelt extender
Many budget-friendly airways run inexpensive connections between Croatia and Greece. Fly safely and comfortably by bringing your personal seatbelt extender. Extenders are universally sized, can simply match into your hand baggage, and sometimes price lower than $15. Most airways supply seatbelt extenders however when you would moderately convey your personal than ask, this can be a implausible possibility.
If you need to observe Chantel’s adventures, you possibly can try her web site or observe her on Instagram.