Monty Python funnyman Michael Palin is back on the road again. The intrepid globe-trotter, who has previously documented his experiences in the Sahara and the Himalayas, is a little closer to home for his current TV project – Palin's New Europe. The 63-year-old has been filming in Croatia's second largest city, Split, this week for his new series. Slipping off his shoes and socks to give his weary feet a rest, he happily watched the local game of Picigin, a beach sport played with a small ball in shallow water.
Speaking about his latest adventure, Michael says: "The idea is to look at the way people live now in countries which will all be part of the EU over the next few years. Many of these countries didn't exist when I was born and those that did exist have been through difficult times."
Beautiful Split sits mainly on a peninsula on the island of Ciovo, although it has now spread onto the mainland. The charming old part of town is rich in history and is famous for the magnificent limestone palace built by Roman Emperor Diocletia which attracts visitors from around the world. Set on the stunning Adriatic coastline, Split is also renowned for its marinas which attract the yachting fraternity.
The city, which is home to Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, makes a perfect base from which to explore the surrounding area and beauty spots, including the Mediterranean island of Hvar which is brimming with Romanesque and Renaissance buildings. Hvar is a fertile wine-growing area and the picturesque island's main towns, Vrboska and Jelsa, are famed for their Dalmatian vintages.
Worth exploring is the scenic spot of Makarsa, 30 miles south of Split. The popular holiday town, with its natural harbour and stone cobbled streets, offers secluded beaches and a landscape characterised by pine groves and glades of wild flowers. It was previously occupied by the Venetians, Turks, French and Austrians, all of whom have left a colourful mark on the culture. The town also boasts an amazing collection of sea shells housed in a Franciscan monastery and a selection of Baroque palaces.
Photo: Rex
Photo: AFP
