Croatian Islands

Croatia's top five holiday islandsCroatia's stunningly beautiful islands tend to get overrun in peak season, but late August and September are the perfect time to enjoy warm waters, ancient towns and fantastic food


Best for couples: Vis


Vis is an ideal romantic hideaway. As well as tucking yourselves away on one of numerous spectacular and secluded bays, you can tour the island, discovering its extensive vineyards, palm, pine, olive, oleander, fig, carob and mulberry trees, and more than 300 herbs (ideal for self-catering), local seafood and wine. My favourite "domestic" restaurant (as places that use only local or eco- produce are known) is at Stoncica Bay. Run by the Lincir brothers, it overlooks an idyllic cove. Also good are Kantun towards the Kut end of Vis town, and for a romantic meal, the palm-filled arboretum restaurant-bar of Villa Kaliopa (V Nazora 32, +385 21 711755) makes a magical setting.



Elsewhere, you can marvel at the old fishing boats at Komiza, on the south-west of the island, investigate military history from Venetian to English to Tito, or snorkel in the emerald waters of Stiniva Cove, watching out for loggerhead turtles and bottlenose dolphins. Under new ownership from the beginning of the season is Hotel San Giorgio in Kut, round the bay from Vis town. It has 10 stylish rooms (+385 21 711362, hotelsangiorgiovis.com, doubles from €68) and offers lovely Croatian dinners and a fantastic breakfast.

• For tours and activities on Vis, see alternatura.hr/onama-en.php. More information from vis-special.com

Reached by catamaran or ferry from Split, Rijeka or Dubrovnik, this island was called Korkyra Melainia, "Black Korcula", by the ancient Greeks because of its dense oak and pine forests. Korcula combines a hint of Dubrovnik chic with an abundance of natural beauty. Just like Dubrovnik, the medieval old town of Korcula is squeezed onto a peninsula. The narrow stone lanes all lead down to the sea from the pretty St Mark's Square with its 15-century cathedral and museum. The latter houses Greek and Roman artefacts from the island and Venetian art, as well as documenting the local shipbuilding and stonemasonry traditions. Stay in the old town at the excellent Marco Polo apartments (marcopolo-apartments.com, doubles from €35). The explorer is said to have been born in Korcula in 1254.




As well as the architectural splendour, sample the work of Croatian artists in the Gallery Vapor (facebook.com/vaporgallery), before retiring to a cafe on the tree-lined promenade overlooking the sea and the 48 smaller islands that make up the Korcula archipelago. Catch a taxi boat to Badija or Vrnik, just off shore, or head inland to visit the vineyards and bell-towers of Zrnovo.



For food, try U Maje i Tonke, just metres from the harbour entrance to the old town. Its "Dalmatian tapas", all made from local produce (goat's cheese, ham, fish paste, aubergines) cost from 30KN (£3.75) and it has great local wines. For the traditional Dalmatian outdoor grill of fish or cevapcici (tasty sausage stubs of minced pork, lamb or beef), try Planjak on the edge of the old town near the ferry terminal, from £6.

• More information from korculainfo.com


Croatia's top five holiday islandsCroatia's stunningly beautiful islands tend to get overrun in peak season, but late August and September are the perfect time to enjoy warm waters, ancient towns and fantastic food








reddit this James Hopkin The Guardian, Friday 19 August 2011 Article history

Spectacular seclusion … Stiniva Cove, Vis, Croatia. Photograph: Alamy

Best for couples: Vis

Vis is an ideal romantic hideaway. As well as tucking yourselves away on one of numerous spectacular and secluded bays, you can tour the island, discovering its extensive vineyards, palm, pine, olive, oleander, fig, carob and mulberry trees, and more than 300 herbs (ideal for self-catering), local seafood and wine. My favourite "domestic" restaurant (as places that use only local or eco- produce are known) is at Stoncica Bay. Run by the Lincir brothers, it overlooks an idyllic cove. Also good are Kantun towards the Kut end of Vis town, and for a romantic meal, the palm-filled arboretum restaurant-bar of Villa Kaliopa (V Nazora 32, +385 21 711755) makes a magical setting.



Elsewhere, you can marvel at the old fishing boats at Komiza, on the south-west of the island, investigate military history from Venetian to English to Tito, or snorkel in the emerald waters of Stiniva Cove, watching out for loggerhead turtles and bottlenose dolphins. Under new ownership from the beginning of the season is Hotel San Giorgio in Kut, round the bay from Vis town. It has 10 stylish rooms (+385 21 711362, hotelsangiorgiovis.com, doubles from €68) and offers lovely Croatian dinners and a fantastic breakfast.

• For tours and activities on Vis, see alternatura.hr/onama-en.php. More information from vis-special.com



Best for culture: Korcula

Korcula town with St Mark's cathedral. Photograph: Alamy Reached by catamaran or ferry from Split, Rijeka or Dubrovnik, this island was called Korkyra Melainia, "Black Korcula", by the ancient Greeks because of its dense oak and pine forests. Korcula combines a hint of Dubrovnik chic with an abundance of natural beauty. Just like Dubrovnik, the medieval old town of Korcula is squeezed onto a peninsula. The narrow stone lanes all lead down to the sea from the pretty St Mark's Square with its 15-century cathedral and museum. The latter houses Greek and Roman artefacts from the island and Venetian art, as well as documenting the local shipbuilding and stonemasonry traditions. Stay in the old town at the excellent Marco Polo apartments (marcopolo-apartments.com, doubles from €35). The explorer is said to have been born in Korcula in 1254.



As well as the architectural splendour, sample the work of Croatian artists in the Gallery Vapor (facebook.com/vaporgallery), before retiring to a cafe on the tree-lined promenade overlooking the sea and the 48 smaller islands that make up the Korcula archipelago. Catch a taxi boat to Badija or Vrnik, just off shore, or head inland to visit the vineyards and bell-towers of Zrnovo.



For food, try U Maje i Tonke, just metres from the harbour entrance to the old town. Its "Dalmatian tapas", all made from local produce (goat's cheese, ham, fish paste, aubergines) cost from 30KN (£3.75) and it has great local wines. For the traditional Dalmatian outdoor grill of fish or cevapcici (tasty sausage stubs of minced pork, lamb or beef), try Planjak on the edge of the old town near the ferry terminal, from £6.

• More information from korculainfo.com



Best for relaxation: Mali Losinj

Heading to the beach on Mali Losinj. Photograph: Alamy Situated in the Kvarner region of the northern Adriatic, and reached by ferry from Zadar, Mali Losinj is an island in an archipelago of more than 30 small isles. The colour of the sea is an astonishing deep green as the island is heavily forested. Because of this, it's known as the island of vitality, ideal for those needing a rejuvenating break.



In the main port, also called Mali Losinj, try the Klickovic apartments (apartmani-hrvatska.com/osobnaen.asp?BR=4440, doubles from €37) for heart-soothing views across St Martin's Bay. Veli Losinj, about a mile south, is an old fishing settlement with a mix of Venetian and Greek features and beautiful bays ideal for a restorative swim. Renew your sense of smell at the Aromatic Island Garden (miomirisni-vrt.hr) on the edge of town, where a guided tour takes you through a heavenly sample of the island's flora and fauna. Then get hiking through the Cikat park and forest. After all that healthy activity, you can treat yourself to fine traditional dishes at Konoba Dalmacija (Mete Vidulica 19, +385 51 232400) in Mali Losinj, or in one of the restaurants overlooking the sea in Veli Losinj.

• More information from losinia.hr/losinj/destination


Croatia's top five holiday islandsCroatia's stunningly beautiful islands tend to get overrun in peak season, but late August and September are the perfect time to enjoy warm waters, ancient towns and fantastic food








reddit this James Hopkin The Guardian, Friday 19 August 2011 Article history

Spectacular seclusion … Stiniva Cove, Vis, Croatia. Photograph: Alamy

Best for couples: Vis

Vis is an ideal romantic hideaway. As well as tucking yourselves away on one of numerous spectacular and secluded bays, you can tour the island, discovering its extensive vineyards, palm, pine, olive, oleander, fig, carob and mulberry trees, and more than 300 herbs (ideal for self-catering), local seafood and wine. My favourite "domestic" restaurant (as places that use only local or eco- produce are known) is at Stoncica Bay. Run by the Lincir brothers, it overlooks an idyllic cove. Also good are Kantun towards the Kut end of Vis town, and for a romantic meal, the palm-filled arboretum restaurant-bar of Villa Kaliopa (V Nazora 32, +385 21 711755) makes a magical setting.



Elsewhere, you can marvel at the old fishing boats at Komiza, on the south-west of the island, investigate military history from Venetian to English to Tito, or snorkel in the emerald waters of Stiniva Cove, watching out for loggerhead turtles and bottlenose dolphins. Under new ownership from the beginning of the season is Hotel San Giorgio in Kut, round the bay from Vis town. It has 10 stylish rooms (+385 21 711362, hotelsangiorgiovis.com, doubles from €68) and offers lovely Croatian dinners and a fantastic breakfast.

• For tours and activities on Vis, see alternatura.hr/onama-en.php. More information from vis-special.com



Best for culture: Korcula

Korcula town with St Mark's cathedral. Photograph: Alamy Reached by catamaran or ferry from Split, Rijeka or Dubrovnik, this island was called Korkyra Melainia, "Black Korcula", by the ancient Greeks because of its dense oak and pine forests. Korcula combines a hint of Dubrovnik chic with an abundance of natural beauty. Just like Dubrovnik, the medieval old town of Korcula is squeezed onto a peninsula. The narrow stone lanes all lead down to the sea from the pretty St Mark's Square with its 15-century cathedral and museum. The latter houses Greek and Roman artefacts from the island and Venetian art, as well as documenting the local shipbuilding and stonemasonry traditions. Stay in the old town at the excellent Marco Polo apartments (marcopolo-apartments.com, doubles from €35). The explorer is said to have been born in Korcula in 1254.



As well as the architectural splendour, sample the work of Croatian artists in the Gallery Vapor (facebook.com/vaporgallery), before retiring to a cafe on the tree-lined promenade overlooking the sea and the 48 smaller islands that make up the Korcula archipelago. Catch a taxi boat to Badija or Vrnik, just off shore, or head inland to visit the vineyards and bell-towers of Zrnovo.



For food, try U Maje i Tonke, just metres from the harbour entrance to the old town. Its "Dalmatian tapas", all made from local produce (goat's cheese, ham, fish paste, aubergines) cost from 30KN (£3.75) and it has great local wines. For the traditional Dalmatian outdoor grill of fish or cevapcici (tasty sausage stubs of minced pork, lamb or beef), try Planjak on the edge of the old town near the ferry terminal, from £6.

• More information from korculainfo.com



Best for relaxation: Mali Losinj

Heading to the beach on Mali Losinj. Photograph: Alamy Situated in the Kvarner region of the northern Adriatic, and reached by ferry from Zadar, Mali Losinj is an island in an archipelago of more than 30 small isles. The colour of the sea is an astonishing deep green as the island is heavily forested. Because of this, it's known as the island of vitality, ideal for those needing a rejuvenating break.



In the main port, also called Mali Losinj, try the Klickovic apartments (apartmani-hrvatska.com/osobnaen.asp?BR=4440, doubles from €37) for heart-soothing views across St Martin's Bay. Veli Losinj, about a mile south, is an old fishing settlement with a mix of Venetian and Greek features and beautiful bays ideal for a restorative swim. Renew your sense of smell at the Aromatic Island Garden (miomirisni-vrt.hr) on the edge of town, where a guided tour takes you through a heavenly sample of the island's flora and fauna. Then get hiking through the Cikat park and forest. After all that healthy activity, you can treat yourself to fine traditional dishes at Konoba Dalmacija (Mete Vidulica 19, +385 51 232400) in Mali Losinj, or in one of the restaurants overlooking the sea in Veli Losinj.

• More information from losinia.hr/losinj/destination



Best for foodies: Pag

Hand-slicing local prsut on Pag. Photograph: Alamy Pag is known for its stunning moonlike landscape, its secluded coves, and for cheese, lamb, lace, and salt. For peaceful, rocky bays, you should aim for Proboj, though best of all is Lun on the northernmost end of the island. The town (with an Illyrian and Roman past) also boasts vineyards and olive trees, and the salty grass (from strong sea winds) gives the sheep's cheese and meat its distinctive flavour. Visit a family-run cheese factory, Sirana Gligora (sirena.hr), in the village of Kolan, and in Pag town there's a salt museum and a gallery of traditional lace. Also here is the small, friendly Dalmatian-style Konoba Bile (Jurija Dalmatinca 35, +385 23 611127, konoba means tavern), serving local prsut (Dalmatian double-smoked ham), sardines, the famous cheese, local brandy and wines. You may also hear locals singing traditional songs.



As in the rest of Dalmatia, big hotels are best avoided; it's far more interesting (and cheaper) to stay in family-run pensions, such as Pension Gea (+ 385 23 600272, geajurkopag.com, doubles from €32) which has spacious rooms and is a 10-minute walk from the old town.

• More information from valamar.com/pag-island/attractions-holidays

Croatia's top five holiday islandsCroatia's stunningly beautiful islands tend to get overrun in peak season, but late August and September are the perfect time to enjoy warm waters, ancient towns and fantastic food








reddit this James Hopkin The Guardian, Friday 19 August 2011 Article history

Spectacular seclusion … Stiniva Cove, Vis, Croatia. Photograph: Alamy

Best for couples: Vis

Vis is an ideal romantic hideaway. As well as tucking yourselves away on one of numerous spectacular and secluded bays, you can tour the island, discovering its extensive vineyards, palm, pine, olive, oleander, fig, carob and mulberry trees, and more than 300 herbs (ideal for self-catering), local seafood and wine. My favourite "domestic" restaurant (as places that use only local or eco- produce are known) is at Stoncica Bay. Run by the Lincir brothers, it overlooks an idyllic cove. Also good are Kantun towards the Kut end of Vis town, and for a romantic meal, the palm-filled arboretum restaurant-bar of Villa Kaliopa (V Nazora 32, +385 21 711755) makes a magical setting.



Elsewhere, you can marvel at the old fishing boats at Komiza, on the south-west of the island, investigate military history from Venetian to English to Tito, or snorkel in the emerald waters of Stiniva Cove, watching out for loggerhead turtles and bottlenose dolphins. Under new ownership from the beginning of the season is Hotel San Giorgio in Kut, round the bay from Vis town. It has 10 stylish rooms (+385 21 711362, hotelsangiorgiovis.com, doubles from €68) and offers lovely Croatian dinners and a fantastic breakfast.

• For tours and activities on Vis, see alternatura.hr/onama-en.php. More information from vis-special.com



Best for culture: Korcula

Korcula town with St Mark's cathedral. Photograph: Alamy Reached by catamaran or ferry from Split, Rijeka or Dubrovnik, this island was called Korkyra Melainia, "Black Korcula", by the ancient Greeks because of its dense oak and pine forests. Korcula combines a hint of Dubrovnik chic with an abundance of natural beauty. Just like Dubrovnik, the medieval old town of Korcula is squeezed onto a peninsula. The narrow stone lanes all lead down to the sea from the pretty St Mark's Square with its 15-century cathedral and museum. The latter houses Greek and Roman artefacts from the island and Venetian art, as well as documenting the local shipbuilding and stonemasonry traditions. Stay in the old town at the excellent Marco Polo apartments (marcopolo-apartments.com, doubles from €35). The explorer is said to have been born in Korcula in 1254.



As well as the architectural splendour, sample the work of Croatian artists in the Gallery Vapor (facebook.com/vaporgallery), before retiring to a cafe on the tree-lined promenade overlooking the sea and the 48 smaller islands that make up the Korcula archipelago. Catch a taxi boat to Badija or Vrnik, just off shore, or head inland to visit the vineyards and bell-towers of Zrnovo.



For food, try U Maje i Tonke, just metres from the harbour entrance to the old town. Its "Dalmatian tapas", all made from local produce (goat's cheese, ham, fish paste, aubergines) cost from 30KN (£3.75) and it has great local wines. For the traditional Dalmatian outdoor grill of fish or cevapcici (tasty sausage stubs of minced pork, lamb or beef), try Planjak on the edge of the old town near the ferry terminal, from £6.

• More information from korculainfo.com



Best for relaxation: Mali Losinj

Heading to the beach on Mali Losinj. Photograph: Alamy Situated in the Kvarner region of the northern Adriatic, and reached by ferry from Zadar, Mali Losinj is an island in an archipelago of more than 30 small isles. The colour of the sea is an astonishing deep green as the island is heavily forested. Because of this, it's known as the island of vitality, ideal for those needing a rejuvenating break.



In the main port, also called Mali Losinj, try the Klickovic apartments (apartmani-hrvatska.com/osobnaen.asp?BR=4440, doubles from €37) for heart-soothing views across St Martin's Bay. Veli Losinj, about a mile south, is an old fishing settlement with a mix of Venetian and Greek features and beautiful bays ideal for a restorative swim. Renew your sense of smell at the Aromatic Island Garden (miomirisni-vrt.hr) on the edge of town, where a guided tour takes you through a heavenly sample of the island's flora and fauna. Then get hiking through the Cikat park and forest. After all that healthy activity, you can treat yourself to fine traditional dishes at Konoba Dalmacija (Mete Vidulica 19, +385 51 232400) in Mali Losinj, or in one of the restaurants overlooking the sea in Veli Losinj.

• More information from losinia.hr/losinj/destination



Best for foodies: Pag

Hand-slicing local prsut on Pag. Photograph: Alamy Pag is known for its stunning moonlike landscape, its secluded coves, and for cheese, lamb, lace, and salt. For peaceful, rocky bays, you should aim for Proboj, though best of all is Lun on the northernmost end of the island. The town (with an Illyrian and Roman past) also boasts vineyards and olive trees, and the salty grass (from strong sea winds) gives the sheep's cheese and meat its distinctive flavour. Visit a family-run cheese factory, Sirana Gligora (sirena.hr), in the village of Kolan, and in Pag town there's a salt museum and a gallery of traditional lace. Also here is the small, friendly Dalmatian-style Konoba Bile (Jurija Dalmatinca 35, +385 23 611127, konoba means tavern), serving local prsut (Dalmatian double-smoked ham), sardines, the famous cheese, local brandy and wines. You may also hear locals singing traditional songs.



As in the rest of Dalmatia, big hotels are best avoided; it's far more interesting (and cheaper) to stay in family-run pensions, such as Pension Gea (+ 385 23 600272, geajurkopag.com, doubles from €32) which has spacious rooms and is a 10-minute walk from the old town.

• More information from valamar.com/pag-island/attractions-holidays



Best for beauty and buzz: Hvar

Sunset drinks in Hvar town. Photograph: Alamy The ferry arrives in the old town, Stari Grad, which lies at the bottom of a stunning five-mile-long bay, sheltered by densely wooded hills. The town was founded in the year of Aristotle's birth (384BC), and is a maze of stone alleys, along which Edward VIII and Mrs Simpson once lost themselves. They also dined at the Jurin Podrum restaurant (Donja Kola 24, +385 21 765448, established 1917), which now serves nouvelle cuisine dishes of local seafood (from shrimp to grouper to octopus stew with homemade olive bread), followed by lavender-flower deserts.



In the centre of town is Tvrdalj castle, home of 16th-century poet, Petar Hektorovic. It has a tower, a baroque portal, a pond teeming with mullet and an exquisite garden. Stay in the old town, close to the majestic St Stephen's tower, at San Nikola Apartments (Bartola Kasica 3, +385 91 915 2705, studios for two from €40 a night).



If you want to join the designer party crowd amid exquisite Venetian and Austrian architecture, take a 20-minute bus ride to Hvar town. In peak season, the town is heaving with Italians, non-stop party posers, and, of late, posh English yachties. Never Better (+385 91 4636120, never-better.net, one-bed flats from €30 a night) is just steps away from the harbour.



Take a taxi boat (from £3.75) to St Clement, one of the nearby Pakleni (meaning "pine resin") islands for lunch at the Bacchus "domestic" restaurant on Palmizana bay (+385 91 253 3796, bacchus-palmizana.com). Sitting under olive trees and overlooking the sea, you can choose from grilled fish, wild boar and goat's meat, and a selection of tasty local cheeses, fruits and patés, all washed down with local prosek, a sweet dessert wine. Back in Hvar town, Bistro Alviz (+385 21 742797, hvar-alviz.com) on Svetog Stjepana by the bus station is one of the best-value places in town.



For biking, sailing, sea kayaking, rock-climbing, hiking and tours of the island's famous vineyards and lavender fields, try Hvar Adventure (+385 91 154 3072, hvar-adventure.com).

When you're tired of Hvar's bars and boutiques, visit its 17th-century theatre, and the 13th-century Arsenal (once used for repairing war galleys), where you'll find a great art gallery, Hvaroom (hvaroom.com) and a terrace cafe. Most of the nightlife is pretty in-your-face, but down an alley off the harbour indie club Bar Kiva has a recently installed old oak floor and caters for a cooler clientele, with good music and cocktails. Or watch the yachts (and celebrities) in the harbour from the relaxing vantage point of Caffe Gromit (yes, named after the Plasticine mutt!)




• More information from hvarinfo.com and croatia.hr. Bmibaby (bmibaby.com) has flights from East Midlands Airport to Dubrovnik from £138 return



• James Hopkin's new trilogy of short stories set in Dalmatia will be broadcast on Radio 4 in March 2012

Croatia Airlines to Launch Zadar - Zurich

CROATIA AIRLINES is to launch a Zadar – Zurich service this summer using a Bombardier Dash 8-Q400. The twice weekly flight will operate twice-weekly between 03JUN11 and 30SEP11.


Schedule:

OU4468 ZAD1745 – 1935ZRH DH4 15

OU4469 ZRH1525 – 1705ZAD DH4 15


Source: Airline Route

Everything about Croatian health tourism in one place

Croatia is a country with a rich tradition in health tourism that began at the end of 19th and the beginning of 20th century. The first locations at which health tourism developed were spas with medicinal waters, sea zones with a favourable climate and medicinal mud baths. These health spas were in Opatija, Lošinj, Crikvenica, Lipik and Varaždinske toplice, where even at that time an intense social life was organized for the guests who would arrive from the many surrounding countries.

Today, Croatia offers numerous possibilities in the field of health and medical tourism through exceptionally high quality of treatments which are competitively priced, while emphasising the expertise and education of staff. The affordable prices of health and medical services are much lower than in other developed countries, while the quality of service is at the same level. Exceptionally favourable climate conditions which provide ideal possibilities for a healthy lifestyle, the geo-location and infrastructure and the exceptional tourist offer are additional factors which give Croatia a comparative advantage in the segment of health and medical tourism. The portal CroMedicor has recently been launched with the goal of promoting and establishing Croatia as a global health tourism destination. This is a portal which connects all the top quality health institutions and doctors, has listed treatments and many tourist contents that Croatia has to offer to its visitors. Those searching for a specific treatment can easily find information about it on the portal, as well as information about the health facility and the doctor who can carry it out. The portal offers additional information about other tourism possibilities in the vicinity of the health facilities. The content of the portal is additionally promoted on the foreign market through social networks, searches, specific health websites and personal contacts.

CroMedicor.com 

New hostel opens in Split

“Golly & Bossy” is the new design hostel that just recently welcomed first guests in Split.

Hostel is located in a neoclassical building that used to be a shopping mall in the center city. The venue has been completely renovated and it holds 28 rooms which are interestingly numbered with significant years from Split’s history. 

For more information visit: http://www.gollybossy.com/en/

Istra among 10 most interesting regions to visit in 2011

Blessed with a year-round mild climate, Istria packs a dazzling diversity of landscapes and experiences into a small triangular shape…’ writes Lonely Planet in their “Top ten regions in 2011” where they placed Istria on the high second place of the most recommended regions to visit next year.

Read the whole article:  http://www.lonelyplanet.com/usa/travel-tips-and-articles/76174/

CNN recommends autumn sailing in Dalmatia to sailors

Describing Dalmatia as the Cote de Azur of the east and the hidden jewel of the Mediterranean, the American TV station CNN recently recommended it to sailors as an ideal destination in the autumn when there are no tourist crowds but it is still warm, in its monthly sailing program ‘Mainsail’.

‘For visitors in search of stable weather, after the summer crowds have gone and it is still warm... then the Dalmatian coast is at its best’ recommends CNN. ‘From the historically magnificent Split and glamorous Hvar to the picturesque island of Korčula and the fortified and unique Dubrovnik’, this is the route for a five day autumn cruise along the Dalmatian coast, which Mainsail recommends, including a visit to the island of Mljet.

Hollywood stars Sean Connery, Gwyneth Paltrow and Pierce Brosnan publicly express their love of the Dalmatian coast, while Clint Eastwood and Sharon Stone searched there for private islands, states CNN.

It points out that the Croatian coast is famous for its stone cities from the Middle Ages, Roman excavations, picturesque ports and the crystal clear sea, which attract numerous super-yachts during the summer months and a large number of foreign tourists.

Describing the destinations of the proposed cruise, CNN mentions among other things the richness of the Roman and Renaissance monuments in Split, the unavoidable Palace of Diocletian and a number of contemporary cultural events, recommending a visit to the film festival in the middle of September.

It mentions Hvar as a sanctuary for the jet-set, the Croatian Saint-Tropez, to whose popularity contributed stars such as Brad Pitt, Sharon Stone and Steven Spielberg. The club Carpe Diem is mentioned as a modern gathering place for celebrities that should not be missed.

Along with the beauty of Korčula it is mentioned that this is Marco Polo`s birth place, while a visit to the bishop`s treasury that holds a collection of sacral and Renaissance artwork from Croatia and Italy is highly recommended.

On the island of Mljet, docking is recommended in the Pomena bay, as is a visit to the National park, with its clear lakes, peaceful beaches and picturesque biking trails. The cruise ends under the walls of Dubrovnik, the ‘pearl of the Adriatic’, which is with its baroque churches, richly decorated palaces and tiled streets under the protection of UNESCO as part of the world heritage, and it is considered to be one of the most sophisticated historical cities in Europe, states CNN.

Together with pointing out the specific charm of Dubrovnik, sailors are encouraged to walk along the city walls or to visit the music festival organised by Julian Rachlin and friends as well as a visit to the theatre festival.


CNN
http://www.cnn.com/

Croatia Airlines to launch new Split – Hamburg service in 2011

Croatia Airlines from 16APR11 is launching NEW Split – Hamburg service with Airbus A319/320. Initially service operates 1 weekly but will increase to 2 from May 2011.

Schedule:

OU426 SPU0940 – 1150HAM 319 3 04MAY11-12OCT11
OU426 SPU1600 – 1810HAM 320 6 16APR11-22OCT11

OU427 HAM1240 – 1440SPU 319 3 04MAY11-12OCT11
OU427 HAM1900 – 2100SPU 320 6 16APR11-22OCT11

Article Source: AirlineRoute.net

Dubrovnik Sightseeing – View History in Modern Style

The city of Dubrovnik is located at the coast of Adriatic Sea. Its beaches attract large number of tourists from all over the world. Besides beaches and water activities, travelers also love Dubrovnik sightseeing. The city is one the most famous and attractive cities in Mediterranean and has been inscribed on UNESCO’s list of world heritage sites.

Dubrovnik sightseeing includes well preserved historical and cultural heritage. City is easily accessible by air from almost all major European cities and by ferries from Croatian cities, islands and towns. You can also enjoy your journey on ferry while traveling from Italy. You’d come across number of walls while exploring the city.

Sveti Vlaho (Saint Blaise) is the patron saint of the city. Hence you’d see lot of statues of Saint Blaise around the city. The city is home to many old buildings. Arboretum Trsteno is the oldest arboretum in the world and holds the peak position in the list of Dubrovnik Sightseeing. Visit Little Brother’s Church to see third oldest European pharmacy which is still operational.

Take short boat ride from Dubrovnik and reach Lacroma Island. You’d see a botanical garden and a monastery still survive from the ear of Mexican Emperor Maximilian. The Napoleonic fort still stands on the island to tell the history silently. Besides history, Lacroma Island is also includes a forest vegetation and natural reserve and a naturist beach. “Walls of Dubrovnik” is another attraction in Dubrovnik Sightseeing. The walls were made in 7th century in order to protect citizens of the city.

During Middle Ages, limestone was used to construct the wall. Present day city core was built around the area in 11th century. The walls has Dubrovnik has four gates namely Gate of Pila, Gate of Ploca and Gate of Buza. You’d find well equipped complex in Pila gates. There are multiple doors in the complex and other notable sites are Gothic arches, wooden drawbridge, and statue of Saint Blaise. In Gate of Ploca, you can visit freestanding Revelin Fortress connected by wooden drawbridge.

Dubrovnik sightseeing is incomplete without visiting the forts of the city. There are several forts in Dubrovnik however; beauty of Fort Bokar is unparalleled. The two story casemate fortress was the key point in Pila Gate’s defense. St. John’s Fortress is another popular fort in the city. On the ground floor you can see an aquarium with fishes inside from different parts of Adriatic Sea. As you go upstairs, ethnographic and maritime museum are there on the upper floors. Maritime museum features Second World War’s technique of navigation and sailing.

Festivals of the city are another attractions for excursionists apart from Dubrovnik sightseeing. Visit from July 10th to august 25th every year and be a part of the celebration of Dubrovnik summer festival that features rich performances of opera, theater, classical music and traditional dance.

Rich cultural life of Dubrovnik is evident from its theaters, cinemas and traditions. Another aspect of Dubrovnik sight seeing is people-watching while sipping coffee in the café on the Stradun.

Eva Longoria praises Croatia´s beauty on the Ellen DeGeneres show

The "Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria has praised Croatia for its beauty and excellent Italian food, admitting that she did not know where the country was before her visit this summer.

During an interview on The Ellen DeGeneres show, Longoria mentioned the summer holidays she spent with her husband Tony Parker on the Adriatic coast.

Although Parker had been to Croatia several times before, last summer’s visit was Longoria’s first.

"I kept going, honey, where are we going, Russia?" Longoria told DeGeneres, admitting that she did not know where Croatia was before getting there.

The couple had a lot of fun on their holidays and Longoria said that Croatians are great at preparing Italian food, the daily Jutarnji List writes.

Article Source: CroatianTimes.com

Croatia Arilines to begin direct flights to Athens and Venice from Dubrovnik

Croatia Airlines will start offering direct flights from Dubrovnik to Athens and Venice with ticket sales starting November 1st.

There will be flights to Venice twice a week and three times a week to Athens, the daily newspaper Slobodna Dalmacija writes.

Dubrovnik airport also strengthened its ties with London at the end of the week, with British Airways offering flights during the winter. BA will offer London-Dubrovnik connections for four weeks this season.

Aricle source: CroatianTimes.com

Istria – Truffle days

No gourmet in the world can be called one if they have never in their life tried truffles, the gourmet jewel of Istria. Truffles, mushrooms that grow underground are a trademark of Istria, and the people of Istria show their appreciation of it by jelaously guarding the recipes of dishes with truffles. The opportunity to get to know the real wealth of the truffle in every possible gastro combination is presented at Truffle days, which are held accross Istria during the autumn.

The truffle is an unusual, tuberous growth that grows underground, with an unsightly shape and an intensive odor. This rare and expensive tuber that grows in the fertile Istrian soil is a real culinary delight. The Istrian white truffle is one of the most respected in the world.

The culinary value of the truffle was discovered by old Romans; during the five centuries long rule of Venice, Motovun forrest carried the name St. Mark’s forrest and only individuals were allowed to remove truffles from its soil. With tha changing of rulers and the arrival od Austro-Hungary, the truffle could only reach one destination – the Viennesse court. However, even up until today it has been considered an exclusive delicacy – a peak of gastromomy. It is not visible above ground and can only be found by
specially trained dogs or pigs.

Istria has two types of soil; intensive dark red on the coast and grey, greasy, clay-like in the central part. Truffles grow in this grey land and the epicentre is in the damp Motovun forrest, through which runs the River Mirna. The truffle zone extends northeast to the towns Buzet and Lupoglava and southeast along the River Raša on Labinština and south to Pazinština.

For more information visit:

The Tourist Board of Istria

Istria Gourment

Croatia – Destination of the famous

American TV network CNN was right to announce at the beginning of the year that Croatia would this summer be one of the most desirable destinations for famous stars of the world. In support of this announcement are definitely the photographs of Hollywood actress Eva Longoria dancing and one of the best tennis players of all time, John McEnroe at Stradun in Dubrovnik. The Croatian coast and islands are visited each year by more and more famous guests. Some of them did not hide their enthusiasm about Croatia, like Bill Gates, one of the richest people in the world who recommended Croatia as one of the ideal places for a holiday in Forbes magazine. The founder of Microsoft and his family visited Skradin, a town in central Dalmatia and the National Park Krka.

Eva Longoria and her husband, the famous NBA player Tony Parker and friends, amongst which were actors Amaury Nolasco and Jennifer Morrison, cruised the coast and visited Mali Lošinj, Zadar, Kornati, Šibenik, Skradin, Trogir, Split and Hvar, where they, judging by the photos published by the world’s media, had an amazing time. They also ended up in a club in Vodice called Hacienda, where they held the «DJ Cut Killer and Tony Parker Show». They also visited Dubrovnik, which is the place visited by most celebrities. Amongst them was also the famous American actor Morgan Freeman, the guest of honor at the Dubrovnik Film Meeting Festival, which has been organized in the past few years in collaboration with the Sarajevo Film Festival. In the past few years Gillian Anderson, Mickey Rourke, Steve Buscemi and Kevin Spacey were also among those who visited. Even at the beginning of the season, walking the streets of Dubrovnik were the world’s most famous flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucia, the tv crime show star Dennis Franz and former German chancelor Gerharda Schroedera. The first days of summer were spent in Croatia by the Hollywood couple Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, who arrived in Dubrovnik from Rome.

This year’s Libertas film festival was marked by the new acting star Gabourey Sidibe, who was nominated for an Oscar for her first role in the movie Precious. At the opening of the festival there were many more famous faces to be seen, like the Czeck film director and Oscar winner Jiřij Menzel and one of the most productive film makers of Hollywood,Dantea Spinottija.

Dubrovnik was also host to a charity tennis match between Wimbledon winner Goran Ivanišević and one of the best tennis players of all time Johna McEnroea, who was accompanied by his wife Patty Smyth and their children. The second ranked tennis player, Novak Đoković was having a good time in Split, and also spending his summer in Croatia after seven years, was the French handball representatives, who has Croatian roots, Nikola Karabatić. He visited his relatives in Poljice, close to Trogir, visited Dubrovnik and went to a concert in Primošten.

Some of the musical greats didn’t only come to Croatia for a holiday but also for performaces, either individual of as part of the many summer festivals.Concerts in Zadar were held by Seal and the soul-jazz diva Natalie Cole.

Because of the Garden festival, one of the best European summer events, a samll fishing village Petrčane next to Zadar was visited by many stars of electronic music such as Hercules & Love Affairs, 2020 Soundsystem, Crazy P, Dave Bee-ar, Tristan Da Cunha, Horse Meat Disco, DJ Stu Patterson, Greg Wilson, Norman Jay i Henrik Schwarz. The Garden festival is highly ranked in the second position of the best summer festivals according to a leading European on-line magazine for electronic music Resident Advisor, while the British The Times last year included it amongst the twenty best European summer festivals, not just because of the choice of musicians but also because of the special location on the penninsula Pinija in Petrčani and the pine woods close to the sea.

Beautiful Croatian beaches, many hidden coves and excellent cuisine have already been discovered by stars such Steven Spielberga, Andre Agassi, Gwyneth Paltrow, Robert De Niro, Clint Eastwood, Sharon Stone, Tom Cruise, Bono Vox, Beyonce and Jay Z and many others.

For more information visit The Croatian Tourist Board

Dubrovnik – Cable cart above the city

Dubrovnik, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, can after nineteen years again be seen through a bird’s eye view. The cable cart, which reaches the hill Srđ in under 4 minutes, in a cabin for 30 passengers, offers a beautiful and unforgettable view of Dubrovnik, has finally been renewed.

A former symbol of Dubrovnik’s tourism (built in 1969) has not been in function since the time of war in 1991., and now after about five million euros has been put in for its renewal, the cable cart is back to its former glory and well on its way to become a big tourist attraction once again.

The Tourist Board of Dubrovnik

Zagreb – City bus, a new tourist offer

Zagreb and its history can recently be experienced by its many visitors by riding a tour bus through the city streets. Instead of having the usual tour guide with a microphone,tourists can use the headphones provided, through which they can experience the tour of the city with the routes and specific landmarks explained in seven languages.

The open top bus offers a shorter and a longer route. The ride on the shorter ‘red route’ lasts one hour, through the Upper and Lower town, while the longer ‘green route’ lasts two hours and includes two of the famous Zagreb lakes, Bundek and Jarun.

The ride on the tour bus enables guests to get to know, through the one or two hour tour, the rich 900 year old history of the city and many interesting facts connected to it, for example: that the first written document mentioning Zagreb dates back to 1094., that Radio Zagreb, as the first radio station in this part of Europe first started broadcasting in 1926. and that the first motorised vehicle first drove through the streets of Zagreb in1901.


For more information visit The Tourist Board of Zagreb

“LADO” Us Tour

World famous National Folk Dance Ensemble of Croatia “Lado” is celebrating 60th anniversary and coming to US for a 5 city tour.

Performances will take place in Washington DC, October 9-10, New York October 13-14, Pittsburgh October 18, Cleveland October 20 and Chicago October 21. Some performances are free of charge.

For more information please visit www.peer97.com

Green Istria increasingly attractive to visitors

The Istrian interior is increasingly attractive to tourists, especially those whose ideal vacation is a stay in nature and the tranquillity provided by authentic Istrian houses, combining effectively the traditional way of life with the needs of the
contemporary visitor. However, green Istria is also perfect for excursions to its medieval city-castles located on hills, which truly have a mystic atmosphere about them. A walk around these “acropolic” towns, Motovun, Labin, Vodnjan, Grožnjan,
Hum and Oprtalj, and a tour of their castles, old churches and squares, will provide visitors with an insight into their history. These locations, however, also serve as a stage for many a cultural event, attracting visitors with both their content and ambience. The best preserved urban core is harboured in Motovun, an old city on the edge of the river Mirna valley. It is surrounded by tall city walls and three layers of defence walls, from which all four sides of the world can be seen,with good reason. The entire city is like a museum, with almost every house a cultural monument, from the Renaissance city hall and the parochial church to private villas from various historical and artistic eras. This beautiful city, attracting visitors every year, is host to the annual international Motovun Film Festival.

Tourists also find the medieval cities Oprtalj and Grožnjan attractive. Once derelict, Grožnjan is today revived by the sounds of the instruments of musicians from around the world. With its many monuments and palaces, the medieval town of Vodnjan in southern Istria also attracts vistors with its unusually large Baroque parochial church, the church of St Blaise, the town’s patron saint, with its 65-metre tall bell tower. The church has a capacity of an astounding 5,000 people and boasts a valuable collection of sacral art. Vodnjan is a centre of the Istrian ‘casites’ (kažun) and there are more than 2,500 of them in its surroundings. The church of St Blaise exhibits miraculous mummies of saints.

In Labin, on top of a hill, the old city core is located, the traditional host of the autumn Mediterranean Stone Sculptors’ Symposium. Beneath the hill, in Dubrova,there is a park of stone sculptures, sculpted by invited sculptors every year. Labin boasts a museum featuring an archaeological and ethnological collection,a model of a mine, unique in this part of Europe, the memorial collection of Matija Vlačić Ilirik, the eminent protestant and philosopher, associate of Martin Luther, as well as a number of palaces. The city is a protected architectural and historical
core, home to many artistic studios of Labin painters and sculptors.
The Mediterranean Sculptors’ Symposium has been held for the past 30 years,every August. Invited sculptors make their sculptures in stone, which remain in the sculpture park. Over the last couple of years, the “White Road” has been worked on, a unique sculpting project in which a series of eminent sculptors have participated.

Among the series of Istrian “acropolic” cities, a special place
belongs to the tiny city of Hum, known as the world’s smallest city. Though small in size and population, Hum has earned its status as a city with the fact that all of its city institutions are functional.

The Istrian interior is also known for its excellent wines and olive oil, the recipients of many awards from around the world, as well as its culinary offering, particularly truffles, a delicacy found in the Istrian forests, excellently prepared in local restaurants.

Karlovac - Meet the City on four rivers

The city of Karlovac has recently introduced an interactive guide,available to visitors on their mobile phones. Touring around this city on four rivers, visitors can find out everything about its cultural and culinary offering, events, accommodation possibilities, entertainment and get around the city with the help of an interactive map. Thanks to the mobiExplore, you will literally have in the palm of your hand all information about the history of Karlovac, its eminent figures, and its cultural and historical monuments.

Karlovac is located around 50 km from the capital Zagreb. It is situated on four rivers – Korana, Kupa, Mrežnica and Dobra – which
certainly contributes to its special atmosphere. The renaissance
city core is formed like a six-pointed star and would later develop
into a baroque city. Out of the many monuments – historical buildings,museums and cultural institutions, a special place belongs
to the old city of Dubovac, ruled by the counts Frankopan and
Zrinski in the 15th and 16th century, and later by Karlovac generals.

The tallest tower of the old city, located above the river Kupa,
functions as a lookout spot and harbours an exhibition.
The four rivers and surrounding forests have contributed to the
development of active vacationing: visitors can enjoy hunting, fishing,biking trails, rafting, canoeing or the educational hiking trail Kozjača, along which visitors can get to know the rich flora of this region.

In this, the mobiExplore application will certainly be useful, as it
informs visitors to Karlovac about its beauties and monuments
through their mobile phones. MobilExplore, for which the experts
of the Split-based company Gideon have received many international
awards, has already conquered many European and world cities. Visitors to destinations in Great Britain, Italy and many other
countries are getting around with the help of mobilExplore now.

More information about Karlovac:

Karlovac County Tourist Board - www.tzkz.hr

City of Karlovac Tourist Board - www.karlovac-touristinfo.hr

Zlatni Rat ( Golden Horn ) - The Most Beautiful Beach in the World

According to the British Daily Telegraph, the beach Zlatni rat in Bol on the Island of Brač is the most beautiful beach in Europe.

Also, the tourist guide publisher Lonely Planet has ranked Zlatni rat among the ten most beautiful beaches in the world.

Zlatni rat is located on the west side of Bol on the mid Dalmatian
island of Brač, positioned beneath the Vid’s Mountain, the highest
Adriatic insular mountain. It is half a kilometre long and is one
of the biggest natural attractions of the Croatian Adriatic coast.
The beach is spectacular on account of its triangle shape, and its
specificity is that it changes shape depending on the direction of
the wind. This makes it perfect for surfing and other water sports,
which is why many international sports competitions are organized
here. The beach is surrounded by a pine tree and oak tree forest,
and offers numerous possibilities for the organization of various
entertainment events. Numerous high quality hotels, suite resorts,
restaurants, cafes, taverns and nightclubs, as well as sports facilities
for both children and adults are located in close proximity to
the beach.

Split Dalmatia County Tourist Board: www.dalmatia.hr

Bol Tourist Board: www.bol.hr

Seasonal flights from Madrid to Zagreb

Beginning on July 4th, the Spanish airline Iberia will introduce two weekly flights between Madrid and Zagreb. These seasonal flights will greatly contribute to the movement of tourists between the two countries. Iberia will also continue with its seasonal flights connecting Madrid and Dubrovnik three times a week. Over the last couple of years, the movement of tourists between the two countries has greatly increased. The number of Spanish visitors to Croatia jumped 10 % last year, with 13 % more overnight stays.

Zadar - New air connections with Stockholm and Edinburgh

Beginning on April 1st, the City of Zadar will be connected by air
with Stockholm. Ryanair will offer flights twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, until October 24th. In January, Ryanair also announced a new air connection between Zadar and Edinburgh,
which will also begin its operations on April 1st. Ryanair already
connects Zadar with London and Dublin.