Sacred walks: Šuma Marjan Park and Krka National Park, Split, Croatia

When I think back to some of my most profound travel moments, I think of solo walks. Walks discovering a city, through parks, and up mountains; ordinary walks that felt extraordinary. During my time in Split, Croatia, I had two such walks, the first in Park Šuma Marjan, and the other, in Krka National Park.

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After wandering around the old streets of Split, I veered off to explore the waterfront. It was a sunny Winters’ day with hardly a soul around and I was taken in by the calm, glistening water on one side and the lushious, green hill on the other. The road took me upwards and I was soon walking under trees overlooking the beautiful Adriatic Sea. Weaving my way around Park Šuma Marjan: the trees, the sea, the setting sun, the old churches, and the solitude, I found myself lost in a moment of pure serenity. 

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With tourism season over, I made my way to Krka National Park via a public bus that had a stop close by. Walking down a quiet road between a river and forest edge, it took about an hour to get to the famous Skradinski Buk waterfall. Alone I stood by the gorgeous falls and wandered around the different paths. As my soul connected to the beauty around me, I was filled with nature’s strength, hope, and peace. Feeling my renewal complete, I made my way back to the little town stopping in at a cafe before heading home.