Giadani Plaza Adventures
As usual, we kicked off the day with a hearty breakfast at our B&B, a familiar spread of cold cuts, cheeses, bread, juices, and made-to-order eggs. It was another solid meal that fueled us for the day’s journey. Bellies full, we packed our bags, checked out, and hit the road, eager for one last beach adventure before heading inland.
Chasing the Perfect Beach
Determined to nail a memorable beach experience, we sought out Giadani Plaza Beach, a gem we found early in the morning on our way to the ferry. For a blissful hour or more, we had the cove all to ourselves. Snorkeling in the crystal-clear water, we swam alongside colorful fish darting through the shallows.
At one point, a squid jetted by, leaving a dramatic cloud of black ink that slowly dissipated—no squid in sight, just an intriguing moment that added a spark of mystery to our dip. We weren’t the only ones with the idea of swimming at this spot, by the time we left, there were about 8 people in this small spot and probably more than a dozen the the cove next to it.
There were boats passing by along with some people paddling on SUPs. It would definitely be the perfect spot to stay all day, but we were a little time crunched. After soaking up the sun (and maybe a bit too much of it over the past few days), we were ready to move on.
Back to the Mainland of Croatia
Just around the corner from the beach was our ferry boarding point. We hopped on for a smooth 20-minute ride back to the mainland, first in line to board and among the first to zoom off upon arrival. Craving snacks and coffee, we stopped in a quaint coastal town, but the bakery-café only took cash, leaving us empty-handed.
We crossed a mountain pass and drove through some small villages before arriving to a large town. We found a Lidl supermarket to stock up on snacks for the next few days, knowing our upcoming stays would include breakfast. The supermarket had some decent offerings and pretty good prices and it felt very similar to Aldi.
Refueled—both us and the car—we embarked on a stunning three-hour drive to Plitvice Lakes. The coastal road gave way to a steep climb, transforming the dry, beachy landscape into a lush alpine wonderland of A-frame buildings and towering evergreens. The dramatic shift from sun-soaked shores to mountain serenity was nothing short of breathtaking.
For Tomorrow
Our final full day in Croatia promises to be a highlight as we explore the iconic Plitvice Lakes for much of the day. Afterward, a two-hour drive will bring us back to Zagreb, where our adventure began. The trip is nearing its end, but there’s still magic to uncover. We are in for an epic hike around some amazing world class waterfalls. Until then, keep exploring!
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Day 11 – Rab Island Croatia Adventure: Ferry Journeys, Historic Cres, and Romantic Rab
