Coastal Trail – Aling the Adriatic coast
Episode 3
✍️ Shariq Ali
Valueversity
After finishing lunch at the restaurant, we joined the cheerful crowd of tourists strolling along the lively promenade toward the beach.
As we reached the shore, the bright sunlight and the gentle sea breeze — carrying a hint of salty moisture — greeted us warmly. The beachfront hotels curved in a graceful semi-circle along the sandy coastline. In front of us, the waves crashed rhythmically against the shore, and far out in the vast blue sea, two small islands could be seen shimmering under the sun.
Wooden deck chairs were placed at short intervals along the sand. Tourists, having finished their swims, lounged upon them — sunbathing, gazing at the sky, or simply letting the golden rays soak into their skin. These chairs were for public use, not owned by any one hotel. We too sat on one for a while, chatting, then lay back, closed our eyes, and enjoyed the soothing sound of the waves endlessly washing the shore.
The entire scene around us reflected the very essence of European civility, grace, and tranquility. Despite men and women moving freely in Western-style swimwear, there was neither noise nor indecency — only quiet dignity. Each person seemed content within their own space, respecting the privacy of others. I found this blend of refinement, freedom, and culture deeply beautiful.
To the right of the sandy beach rose a medium-sized hill, its edge carved to create a long coastal trail for visitors to walk and enjoy the sea’s nearness and depth.
After resting for a while, we decided to explore this coastal trail. The rocky path began at the foot of the hill, winding gradually upward. With each step higher, the color of the sea deepened from green to a rich sapphire blue — as if we were descending into the vastness of the sky itself.
On one side was the sea; on the other, small stalls set up for tourists. At certain turns, the trail suddenly opened to breathtaking views of the deep, churning sea below. Wooden benches were placed at intervals where tired feet could rest for a moment. The sight of distant islands, the trees and flowers growing on the hillside — all of it was mesmerizing.
We walked quite a distance but could not cover the entire trail. Even this short walk offered many captivating sights — the flower-laden slopes, the shimmering blue sea below, daring swimmers diving from rocky heights, the gentle sea breeze humming softly, and an engraved name on a wooden bench — perhaps belonging to someone who once sat here, gazing upon this very view, and is no longer in this world.
The Adriatic Sea is the northern arm of the Mediterranean, and a large portion of it runs along Croatia’s eastern coastline. It holds over twelve hundred islands, most of which lie close to the Croatian shore.
Croatia’s eastern coastal region, Dalmatia — home of the famous spotted Dalmatian dogs — is world-renowned for its islands, coves, and rocky cliffs. It is not only a geographically fascinating area but also a highly attractive tourist destination.
This coastline is not just beautiful — it also symbolizes deep respect for a fragile ecological balance.
After our walk along the trail, the children decided to stay longer at the beach for more fun, while Mona and I chose to return to the guesthouse to rest for a while.
On the way back, we noticed a small grocery store. Outside, wooden baskets overflowed with fresh fruits and vegetables — red and golden apples, green, yellow, and red bell peppers, red and green grapes, and shiny tomatoes, all looking as though freshly rinsed in spring water.
Inside, two women worked confidently and peacefully — one arranging items on a shelf, the other handing a small bag to a child at the counter with a gentle smile. Their faces radiated calm and cheer, as if time itself moved slowly here and life flowed effortlessly.
The air in the shop was filled with a faint lavender scent — perhaps from a spilled bottle nearby. We picked up a few daily essentials and some fresh fruit, thanked them, and made our way back toward the guesthouse.
…To be continued