Croatian beaches are gorgeous and are some of the cleanest in all of Europe. Around every coastal corner is a breathtaking small pebble beach with crystal clear, aqua/teal, warm water. Clint's in heaven here swimming up to three times a day—morning, noon and night!
Swimming is a very popular pastime for all ages in Croatia. We are amazed at some of the local swimming holes scattered about, so different from our own back home with their rocky shores and large concrete platforms. Many swimming ladders are installed along the natural shoreline in every town. Many in places they would never encourage people to swim in the US due to safety measures (I can talk lots more about the differences in safety regulations later!!)!
Some even have permanent water polo nets installed in the ocean. The strength and endurance it would take to play water polo out in the sea, far from the coastline or any side rail, is mind-boggling to me. But that's coming from someone who is a very weak swimmer! You see people throughout the day swimming 150+-yard laps, 100 yards off the coast.
Yesterday, we woke up to the sounds of a triathlon getting started, just steps from our apartment. We quickly climbed the ladder to our rooftop patio and watched the athletes dive into the sea. It was a small event with I'm guessing only about 20 contestants. It was followed by a 5k with only about 25 people. If I had my running shoes on, I would have joined the fun!
