If you’ve ever wondered why we embarked on this stretched-out journey, here’s why.
In July 2024, I learned about Memory Lane at Monty’s Dog Beach in Crikvenica, Croatia. Naturally, I asked if I could have a stone placed there for “Miss Darcy.” By August 2024, her stone was in place, and I knew I had to make the pilgrimage to see it for myself.
My plan was initially simple: fly to Zagreb with Lulu and stay at the Hotel Esplanade, just as I had with Darcy in October 2019. That plan meant George couldn’t come along. But it changed everything when Ju-li said she’d like to join us. With her on board, we decided to travel by train, which meant George could come too. Still, I hesitated. It’s a long journey, and I’d already taken the London–Zagreb route via Munich and Ljubljana, and I wasn’t eager to repeat it. Then the idea struck: why not visit Prague, Bratislava, and even take George back to the long-overdue homecoming in Hungary? A chance to revisit Prague since 2020 and return to Budapest in about 35 years was far too tempting. It also meant making Slovakia the 97th country visited and counting! Let’s go!
And so, off we went — the merry five: two humans and three dogs. With just 48 hours in each city, we packed in more than 10,000 steps a day, broken up by long train rides. By the time we reached Zagreb, I knew I couldn’t face another marathon train journey. Instead, we arranged a driver to take us to Crikvenica — two hours by car instead of nearly five by rail. It was an easy decision.
And now, here we are in Crikvenica, standing on the shore at Monty’s Dog Beach …
I was ready to see Darcy’s stone with my own eyes.
We came all this way for one thing: to stand here, on this shore, in front of her stone… and feel close to her again. It provides a lasting tribute to dogs who hold a special place in our hearts. And you know I would go to the ends of this world for Darcy.
We did more than just visit. The dogs had their first chance to swim in the Adriatic Sea — its surface shimmering in the sunlight, the waves lapping at the shore. I wasn’t entirely sure if George or Lulu could swim, but it’s remarkable how instinct takes over. As Ju-li carried Lulu toward the water, her tiny legs began paddling mid-air, as if she already knew what to do. Would they choose to venture in on their own? Probably not. But once the water wrapped around them, cool and buoyant, they swam with ease. Watching their little heads bob above the clear blue, I couldn’t help but feel utterly delighted — as if the sea itself was welcoming them.
We went early in the morning for a couple of hours for a swim,
and then again each evening at the Golden Hour.
We had the opportunity to meet Ruby, the co-founder of Monty’s Dog Beach and Bar.
Monty’s Dog Beach & Bar is far more than just a beach. Since its launch in 2015, it has redefined how dog lovers holiday, blending the laid-back charm of seaside relaxation with a bar experience designed for pups and their humans. Its flagship location in Crikvenica, on Croatia’s Adriatic coast, is joined by sister spots on the island of Rab, in Portorož, Slovenia, and even as far afield as Long Beach, California. No matter the setting — the sparkling Adriatic or the sun-soaked California shore — Monty’s offers off-leash play, refreshments for both species, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere where dogs truly come first.
One of the most touching features at Monty’s Crikvenica location is Memory Lane, a beautiful tribute path where dog owners can celebrate and honour their beloved companions. Here, love, memory, and community come together in a thoughtful space that invites reflection and connection. Currently, thirty-two plaques are set into the path, each crafted by sculptor and stonecutter Hrvoje Živković. Every plaque bears the name of a cherished dog and includes an embedded QR code, turning each spot into an interactive memorial. Visitors can discover personalised stories, photos, and memories of the pup being honoured by scanning the code.
For those who wish to participate, Monty’s offers the opportunity to purchase a personalised plaque — a lasting tribute to a dog who holds a special place in the heart. The plaque is both a marker of remembrance and a celebration of the bond between humans and their four-legged friends.
- Purchasing a Spot: You can buy a dedicated spot along the path to honour your dog, but for specifics like pricing, placement, and content submission, visiting Monty’s official “Memory Lane” page on their website is your best next step monty.hr.
- Personalisation: The QR code allows you to hold space online for a story, tribute, or fond memory, creating a meaningful, interactive way to remember.
As in every stop on our journey, we managed to discover a restaurant worth recommending — this time, Restaurant DIDAhttps://www.restaurant-dida.com/. Set in a lovely spot with views of the sea, it offered not only excellent food but also a unique touch: each course was paired with its own carefully chosen olive oil.
And so that was Crikvenica, Croatia.
Next stop: back to Zagreb for an overnight, and then we begin our long journey home. We planned it so we went to the local vet (Veterinarska ambulanta Crikvenica) for the dogs to be dewormed. Vet Mladen, who was so helpful and sorted out a few nagging questions I had about George. More on this later.
