No matter your size, exploring Dubrovnik and Greece just got a whole lot easier.
Only an hour and a half into the trip Greece And the CroatiaIt's easy to see why travelers incorporate this gem of the Mediterranean during their holidays. For lovers of exquisite cuisine, rich cultures, castle walls, pristine beaches, Roman ruins, and folklore legends, these destinations are a must. But exploring the lands of former gods and goddesses isn't always so easy for plus-sized travelers. The rugged terrain, warm climate, and varying levels of mobility can present challenges for fellow plus-sized travelers.
But rest assured, my name is Chantel Loura, your new travel best friend and the laugh-out-loud, snack-loving creator behind the plus-size travel blog, Vagabond flight. I'm going to share some of my tried and true tips that will help you stay calm and relaxed so you can get the most out of your trip to Dubrovnik and Greece.
What to see in Dubrovnik
When visiting Dubrovnik, most people head towards the Old Town. Surrounded by 12th-century fortification walls, this UNESCO-protected area gives a glimpse of pre-modern Dubrovnik, where streets turn into alleyways that twist and turn, creating a scenic maze that begs to be lost within. You'll find shops selling souvenirs and artisanal goods, restaurants showcasing local cuisine, especially seafood, and plenty of Game of Thrones paraphernalia (parts of the series were filmed here).
Take a walk along the city walls for stunning views of the coast and the old city. Even spring and fall days can be fairly warm in Dubrovnik, so beat the heat and choose to take a tour early in the morning or near sunset, when temperatures are cooler. Another great option (pun intended) is to take a cable car ride. The ride provides a sweeping view worth seeing (especially during sunset) as well as a café and restaurant at the top. The cable car runs from April to October, and all Dubrovnik Cable Car facilities are fully equipped with disabled access. This includes access to both terminals, cabin, restrooms, and elevator.
Outside the city walls, take a break from the Middle Ages and relax on some of Croatia's amazing beaches. Less than five minutes from the city gates, Plaža Banje is a small white pebble beach that is as jaw-dropping as it is peaceful. The main access point is a series of stairs leading down to the beach.
If you enjoyed the tourists who populate the Old Town, mingle with the locals and head to Lapad, a quieter part of Dubrovnik. Stroll along the harbor towards a wide, flat promenade lined with greenery and benches. Here you have your choice of restaurants that serve meals at a fraction of what you'd pay within the city walls. The main promenade is located along Šetalište kralja Zvonimir and leads all the way to Uvala Lapad Beach, otherwise known as Sunset Beach.
It won't take long to fall in love with the clear turquoise surroundings or the Dalmatian cuisine of Croatia. If Dubrovnik wasn't enough, you'll be happy to know that Intrepid has organized extraordinary tours through it Croatia So you can easily extend your travels to the rest of the country.
What do you see in Greece
With over 200 islands and a vast mainland, there are many different experiences to choose from in Greece. Here are some places you can add to your must-see list.
Athens
Most flights to Athens International Airport (AIA) and many ferries to smaller islands depart from here. First impressions of this fast-paced city can be revolting or overwhelming for some. But spending a few days here before setting off to quieter parts of the country can be full of unforgettable moments.
The most visited attraction, the Acropolis, stands tall over the city and offers stunning views day and night. This attraction has a wheelchair accessible entrance as well as an elevator. You can also avoid the trek up the hill with a taxi to the entrance.
The city itself comes alive at night. Once the sun goes down, the colorfully lit cafes and bars along Monastiraki fill the streets with music and fun. The perfect place to dance, sing, eat and drink all night long.
Go on a mission to organize a night out with Intrepid's Urban Adventures Twilight tour. My wife and I joined our tour leader Angel who gave us one of the favorite nights of our trip. We spent four lovely hours strolling the streets of Athens, stopping at exotic or exotic locations, dining on traditional meze dishes and tasting local spirits. The tour itself is not physically demanding and combines a casual atmosphere to learn more about Greece's rich history, traditions and culture.
Castoria
In northern Greece, located along Lake Orestiada and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Kastoria is known for its many Byzantine churches as well as Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. The dramatic views from the valley offer travelers a less-seen side of Greece outside of the white-and-blue seaside architecture most think of. Life moves slower here and if you're lucky you might see a group of older Greek gentlemen singing songs along the lake.
Litochoro
Litochoro is the base city of Mount Olympus, known in mythology as the home of the Greek gods and the highest mountain in Greece. Now, trekkers from all over the world come to hike to the humble abode of Zeus. There is a range of walks that can cater to most skill levels. If you'd rather not spend your vacation sweating it out in the mountains, let me first say I totally understand! There is a café called Priònia that serves traditional home-cooked Greek meals that have been dug into a small valley with a peaceful mountain setting. The café is accessible via taxi, and is a five-minute walk (150 metres) from Enipeas Waterfall.
Paros
If you hear that Santorini is very crowded and Mykonos is expensive, consider the less frequented island of Paros. Its size makes it easy to explore and every part of the island is dotted with beaches, with the crowds getting smaller the further from the port you go to. Smiling locals offer helpful advice on the best way to experience the true beauty of the island (most have excellent recommendations for fresh seafood dishes, too). The scenic island of Naxos is a 45-minute ferry ride away, which makes for a fun day trip.
Practical information
Now that you've arranged your itinerary, keep these details in mind to avoid any travel mishaps.
riding ATVs
Once you're in the Greek Islands, it's not uncommon for ATVs to be used as your main source of transportation. This fun trekking option takes you through Greece's steep hills with ease and will be a lifesaver for your calves. It allows you the freedom to see the less explored parts of the islands that cars can't reach. ATV models come in all kinds of different sizes. Find the one that works best for you with a quick online search or by popping into the shops that line the ferry ports on most islands. Weight limits typically range from 400lbs to 550lbs, with the average being around 490lbs.
Use rideshares/taxis
If commuting is on your mind, skip the walk and consider sharing a ride instead. Cities like Athens and Dubrovnik offer affordable and widely shared sharing options like Uber and Bolt. Taxis are found in almost every city as well, although they may be a more expensive option.
Pack comfortable walking shoes
Comfortable shoes are a must! The streets here are lined with more than just history. You'll find uneven cobblestones, unpaved hills, dirt paths, wooden sidewalks, and old staircases (just to name a few). You'll want to be prepared for any terrain your foot may find itself on. Find this list of plus-size travel hacks, including finding the right shoes over here.
Stay cool with a fan
If you're someone who enjoys cool breezes as much as I do, you'll want to pack a fan. Whether it's a small handheld fan or a rechargeable portable fan, having it in your bag or backpack is just what you need to get some nice relief on those warm, sunny days.
Seat belt extender
Many budget airlines operate affordable flights between Croatia and Greece. You can fly safely and comfortably by bringing your own seat belt extender. The extenders are universally sized, fit easily into your handbag, and usually cost less than $15. Most airlines offer seat belt extenders, but if you'd rather bring your own than ask, this is a great option.
If you want to follow the adventures of Chantel, you can check it out website or follow them Instagram.
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