Pula, Croatia travel diary

After a long drive through the border, we made it to Croatia! The city we stayed in was Pula, known for it's Roman arena.

Our hostel looked like the dogs bollocks online and was super central, but after getting lost (what's new) and being escorted to 'reception' by a group of creepy men (which was actually, said creepy mens bedroom), we made a swift exit to our room avoiding the 30 something other European men on the floor below.

I can't say I'm the most organised person and when visiting a new location I like to get my bearings then plan the days ahead once I've arrived, rather than in advance. 

The main town is quite small and mostly packed with restaurants, cafe's and souvenir shops. There are day trips to Islands you can arrange, but we didn't have time and fancied having a chilled few days eating and sunbathing to end our trip.  

Although everyone staying in our hostel at the time was a bit pervy, the decor was so shabby chić and cute!

There had been a film festival taking place in the arena over the last few days. Luckily we arrived on the final day, so we're able to catch the last midnight viewing under the stars. You have to get there super early to get yourself a seat with a good view and have time to queue for a snack. 

Our early was not early enough, so we squeezed in a little spot at the very back to watch the first film. Only problem was the film was in Croatian with English subtitles - which would have been fine if the subtitles weren't showing right at the bottom of the screen, behind everyones heads. Still have no clue what that film was about. 

Luckily, as it was quite late everyone disappeared after the first film. I grabbed us a spot right in the centre while Holly took popcorn duty. We had the perfect spot and the film was in english! Who wouldn't want to watch ghost busters at 1am in the middle of Croatia, wrapped in your borrowed hostel duvet? 

There are a few different beaches in Pula, however they don't all tend to be sand or pebble, occasionally they're made of concrete terraces or rock where you have to ease yourself into the sea. 

The first beach we went to was in Valkane which was like this. We weren't a fan of the concrete beach, so we set ourselves up on the rocky side, a small climb from the cocktail bar. We found a spot where the sea had eroded the rock into seat (throne) shaped coves where we could read our books and chill like royals. 

The view from our room, looking out at the 'Lighting Giants'.

If you ever find yourself in Pula for a small amount of time, I'd recommend taking a trip to the Verudella beach over Valkane, which is where these photos were taken the next day. 

There's a restaurant that over looks the beach that sells amazing frozen cocktails and food, so you don't have to go too far in your flip flops. We went back there for dinner in the evening, it had the best view to watch the sun set. 

We of course had to rent a pedalo because you can't go to the beach without taking trip on one.

We pedaled up the coast and unexpectedly stumbled across a nudest each full of old men, with their wangs out. It was quite wavy by the rocks and they'd constantly pull you closer to the edge, so we definitely got more an eye full - I've been put of prunes for life. 

We had an early light the next day after an amazing chilled few days in Croatia. 

Dress up your evening away.

Here's my final outfit post and I must say it's one of my favourites from this trip. Lace and embroidery have been everywhere throughout this whole year and I have definitely jumped on the band wagon.

I'm drawn in by any intricate detail and both this skirt and top caught my eye right away. A touch of lace really adds some elegance to an outfit, no matter what style of item it is. I'd wear this body with a casual look, such as jeans or culottes, when I want to style them up into an evening outfit but not look to dressy. Or of course with this beaut matching skirt from ASOS, for an evening away.

I'm a sucker for a matching pattern/fabric, especially when they're not created to be a co-ord, so the mix of black sheer fabric and lace throughout this outfit me so happy.  

Skirt, Body, Shoes, Belt- ASOS

Bag- H&M

It's peachy out here

This back drop is just a blog post waiting to happen. Piran, Slovenia, is lined with beautiful buildings and picturesque walkways, the main square here is no exception. This outfit is the perfect camouflage, all I need is a peach ice cream in hand. 

A light weight maxi/midi skirt is a must when travelling around. I got this bargin in the sale on ASOS and it's been a great travel piece this trip. It's that style of skirt that makes you want to spin around in circles like you've had one too many glasses of wine. 

I've been a big fan of ruffles over the summer  and I'm already collecting a few staples to carry through to winter - It's all about the layers people.

Skirt -ASOS

Belt- ASOS

Top-Zara

Sun Glasses - And Other Stories

Shoes - Zara

Piran - Photo Diary

I hadn't heard of Piran until we started planning this trip, but after seeing a handful of photos, we were sold. Piran is like a mini Venice perched on the edge of the sea in the very corner of Slovenia, every turn is a new photo opportunity. 

Our hostel, although owned by a the strangest man, was very central and happened to be located on the narrowest street in Piran,  surrounded by a maize of beautiful streets. 

After being turned away 10 mins before check in, we spent most of our first day wandering around and getting lost in the windy streets (and continued to get lost each night we stayed here).  

The main square, full of cafes and restaurants. (below)

The weather turned out to be beautiful in the afternoon, so we wandered around looking for somewhere to sunbath. After walking around the whole of Piran, turns out there isn't a beach, but the marina is surrounded by large rocks where everyone goes to soak up the sun. 

We'd had quite a busy holiday until this point, and I was still as pale as Holly, so a chilled afternoon sunbathing was needed. Had a great view of the harbour.. and some old ladies baps who took up a seat next to me. 

There are so many restaurants lined up along the coast, with a beautiful view out to sea. Being so close to Italy, each one was full of sea food and Italian specialities - we were in our element. 

After such a chilled day in the sun, we finished the night off with lots of wine and cocktails. Although I may have had a few too many...  I managed to walk all the way back through the restaurant thinking I looked like a boss ass bitch because everyone was watching me. 

In reality I'd forgot to pull the under skirt of my very sheer midi down, only to be told by the French lady next to be once I'd sat back at my seat in the front of the restaurant. So glad I was wearing a thong that evening. Bare ass bitch.

''More wine please"

It was raining cats and dogs the next day, so we nursed our hangovers with a lye-in and bunch - the food did not disappoint! Piran is so small and relaxed, there isn't too much to do when the weather bad, so we took cover in a cafe with boots, snacks and wifi.

Luckily, it was bright again in the afternoon, so we could take a trip up the viewing tower and see the whole of Piran. 

Just a tad windy, but the views are beaut. Just practicing for my lead role in the next L'Oréal advert..  

Taken after stuffing our faces at dinner before rushing round the corner for golden hour. Sunsets out weigh indigestion apparently. Worth it. 

I can't say Piran is the liveliest area but if you're after a couple of days relaxing and eating in the sun and you can't afford Italian prices, why not take a visit. 

Next stop Croatia.