100 Days of the Hottest Summer End Today

Although the day started sunny and warm like any other, Split was battening down the hatches in preparation for thunderstorms and the cold Bura winds expected today.

Early morning exploring:

4coffee serves the best coffee in Croatia! So sad it's our last morning.

Trg Brace Radic is one of the most beautiful squares in Split

The Green Market (Pasar Market) is a lively fruit and vegetables market immediately outside the east palace wall.

In retirement, Diocletian grew cabbage 

We were the only ones at the bell tower when it opened at 8am, and had it to ourselves for 15 minutes.

For a great view over the city, climb the 183 steps up the bell tower

It is one of the most beautiful towers I have climbed

No barricade prevents you from climbing out on ledge, which I saw dumb tourists do yesterday

Marjan Park

Having already explored the palace, we had plenty of side-trip options for today. However on our last day, staying put sounded best. Good thing because none of the day trips (that weren't canceled) would've been fun in the storm. Our plan was to get some exercise and walk around Marjan Park, the large forested peninsula at the edge of the Old Town. Paths entwine all over the hillside bringing you to viewpoints, interesting features, and beaches.  The size of New York's Central Park, it has endless places to relax, far away from the crowds of Split's center.

Map of Marjan Park

The easiest way to access the park is a gentle 10-minute ascent of the stepped street Via Senkska, behind St Francis's Church at the end of the Riva.

The view from the lookout in the morning is still pretty.

Take this path, just beyond Vidilica Cafe, to explore for hours.

Marjan Park's Church of St. Nicholas

Kasjuni Beach looks like paradise. It was mesmerizing to watch the wind dance on the bay.

Church built into the cliff - surrounded by rock climbers

As the rain started coming down, we kept walking further and further from our hotel room. I can't believe barely a couple of hours ago I was sweating on the Riva. The temperature has already dropped 25 degrees, and I have forgotten what being warm feels like. The strong Bura wind pushed the trees angrily at each other; branches, needles, and pine cones flew through the air. The rain pelted us. Our timing, arriving at Bene Beach's cabana, couldn't have been any better.

Watch out for debris falling from the trees

We laughed, watching each other fight against the wind.

We can't complain about being holed-up at the prettiest beach in Split, with beer, WiFi, and a WC - waiting out the downpour.

"We go," says the pedi-cab driver to his passengers. "It's nothing - it's only rain and wind."

Back in town 10 miles later, there was nothing left to do but eat dinner. Our reservations at Portas Pizzeria for the patio were swapped for a cozy inside table.