Travel News for Your next Holiday & Vacation in Croatia | Croatia Blog » Dalmatia http://www.croatia-blog.net/en Croatia Travel Blog provides everything you need to plan your holiday in Croatia including maps, list of beaches, accommodation, culture, transport and weather in Croatia. Learn about popular places to visit in Croatia. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:06:35 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Brac: Walking in the rural heart of Croatia http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/brac-walking-in-the-rural-heart-of-croatia/ http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/brac-walking-in-the-rural-heart-of-croatia/#comments Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:57:05 +0000 Administrator http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/?p=382

Dusk over the Dalmatian archipelago. I'm sitting on the terrace of my guesthouse under a canopy of vines, the soft bells of
St John's chapel calling in the fishing boats. My hosts, Lidia and Josko Ivanovic, have opened the travarica, a herb-infused liquor, and I'm grazing on dried figs and nuts as we chat about Croatia's changing fortunes since they first opened their rustic, family-run guesthouse in 1967.

"We closed for four years during the Balkan war and went back to the land," Josko says. "But we missed the guests."

"Because we all cook together, I enjoy swapping recipes with our visitors from all round the world," adds Lidia.

But my hosts know that even more changes are in the air for Croatia. The country's bureaucrats are keen to join the EU and replace the native kuna with the euro, while increasing commercialisation of the islands is threatening rural traditions. That's why I've come to Brac, the third largest – but one of the lesser-known – islands, for a grass-roots glimpse of Croatian culture before the inevitable march of progress becomes a full-blown stampede.

Brac is good walking country and, thanks to a mercifully minor role in the war during the Nineties, free of landmines. Sandwiched between Split on the mainland and the better-known island of Hvar, the stony outcrop of olive groves and pine forests enjoys the tortoise-paced rhythm of a typically Mediterranean village. But I'm not here for siestas and seaside. Travelling with Footsteps in Croatia, a small independent tour operator from Britain, I'll be following a series of day walks – some gentle strolls, some more challenging hikes – to capture a late-season feel for island life. The company's ethos is simple and successful: walk with local guides, stay in simple but homely family properties and enjoy a more cultural experience than your average beach holiday.
Read more about walking holidays in Croatia >

]]> http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/brac-walking-in-the-rural-heart-of-croatia/feed/ 0 The Islands of Northen Dalmatia http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/the-islands-of-northen-dalmatia/ http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/the-islands-of-northen-dalmatia/#comments Mon, 13 Sep 2010 10:28:43 +0000 Filip http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/?p=354

Dugi otok
Dugi otok is a place of peculiarity and contrast, attractive tourist destinations and natural beauties, special views and beautiful hidden bays and beaches. The island is about 45 km long, about 1 km wide at its narrowest point, and 4km wide at its widest point. On it are 12 villages connected by a road.

Dugi otok is rich in sacral heritage. There is the church of St. John from the 5th -6th century in Sali, the cultural and administrative centre of the island, then the church of St. Victor on Stivanja gora from the 8th-9th century and St. Pelegrin, a monument of the highest category in the village Savar.

Sali is known for its rich, thousand year old fishing tradition. Parks and olive gardens over a thousand years old are an attraction for many tourists who also enjoy the unforgettable donkey races as part of the Cultural summer of Sali, a traditional summer folk manifestation. Zaglav is located at the entrance to the Kornati islands,which makes it especially attractive to sailors and tourists are attracted by the beautiful beaches.

On the northwest part of the island is the small port Božava. The crystal blue sea and the many bays surrounded by pine trees make Božava an ideal place for a real holiday and relaxation.

On the northwestern cape of Dugi otok, the lighthouse Veli rat or Punta Bjanka was built in 1849. It is 42 meters high, which makes it the highest lighthouse on the Adriatic. As a part of the lightouse are decorated tourist apartments.

Dugi otok is first mentioned in the middle of the 10th century by the Byzantine Emperor Constantin Porfirogenet, who in his piece De administrando imperio ,calls it Pizuh. Found on the island were archeological excavations dating from the stone ages, which proves that the island was populated very early on.

Island Pašman
Island Pašman, in the Zadar archipelago, is set apart from the coast by the Pašman canal that has dozens of little islands.

From the place of the same name Pašman, there stretches an unforgettable view of the many uninhibited islands which are best discovered by boat or sailboat. This place was first mentioned by King Petar Krešimir IV., under the name Postimana.

The village Ždrelac was formed around the church of St. Luke and extended onto a few bays and hills. It was named after the narrow passage at which end it is located, with which Pašman is separated from the island Ugljan. Ždrelac is an attractive destination for sailors and lovers of water sports and the beautiful beaches make it very attractive vacation spot.

Island Ugljan
Because of its location and other characteristics, island Ugljan has the most sunny days in the waters around Zadar. On the island are 7 villages, of which the largest one is Ugljan in the northwest part. This place has a long tourism tradition. Smaller yachts can dock in the little port, while the bigger ones can dock in the souteast part. Swimmers will be delighted by the sandy beaches and the most beautiful ones are in the bays Ćinta, Mostir and Luka.

Preko (across) is – as its name explains – a village across Zadar. Typical Dalmatian architecture, many country houses and paths next to the sea give it a real mediterranean atmosphere, while the view of the Zadar canal and the mediterranean vegetation are an additional attraction for tourists. Located on the island is a little place called Kali, known for its strong fishing fleet.

Island Silba
Silba is an island without cars or motorbikes; on it the transportation of goods is done by hand carts on two wheels, tractors and trailors. On the island there are no hotels, but comfortable acommodation can be found in private houses and apartments, in which the pleasant hosts will make every visitor of Silba leave happy and satisfied with their stay. The island is well known for not having poisonous plants or animals.

Island Olib
Located east of Silba this island was populated even in Roman times, and in the 10th century it was mentioned under the name Aloep. It is one of the lowest in the Zadar archipelago. Rich vegetation and spacious grassland are characteristic for this island, on which the inhabitants live from manufacturing olive oil, cheese and wine, tourism and fishing.

Island Premuda
9 km long and 1 km wide, covered in holm oak, low vegetation and olives, Premuda is an attractive destination for sailors and divers. Among the most famous diving locations is the popular «katedrala», a cave system that will fascinate every underwater visitor.

Island Iž
Located in the central canal between Ugljan and Dugi otok, Iž attracts with its exquisite charm. On the island are two villages; Veli and Mali Iž. This is the only Dalmatian island whose population engaged in pottery, and in the past few years it has become a real paradise for tourists wishing to experience a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
Source: Croatia.hr

]]> http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/the-islands-of-northen-dalmatia/feed/ 0 Jezera, Island Murter – Big Game Fishing http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/jezera-island-murter-%e2%80%93-big-game-fishing/ http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/jezera-island-murter-%e2%80%93-big-game-fishing/#comments Mon, 13 Sep 2010 10:17:06 +0000 Filip http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/?p=344

The best fishermen of the world gather each September in Jezera, a small fishing village on the island Murter in central Dalmatia, as to compete in catching the «big fish» – Big Game Fishing. Drawing out large specimens of fish can take hours, and this kind of fishing can also get rather unpredictable . The catch, the fight, the overcoming and the drawing the fish, which can sometimes weigh a few hundred kilos, out, among which are ,apart from the blue tuna; luca, igluna and albacore tuna, requires from fishermen extreme strength, patience and knowledge. This is an adrenaline sport, uncertain and unpredictable to the very end, which reveals new challenges that bring out team work and a competitive spirit. It is the biggest European competition that is organized at the end of summer, which is the best time for catching tuna and other big sea fish. It is held in the rich fishing areas of Blitvenica, Žirje and Kornati, and this 12th year begins on the 19th September.

Big Game Fishing has become a prestige event at which all the big names of the big game fishing world like to be seen at. Thanks to this competition the small fishing village Jezera has become famous in the sports fishing world. Jezera is located on the southeast side of the island Murter, the biggest archipelago of Šibenik. The island is interesting because of its closeness to land which it is connected to by a 30 metre long bridge. Surrounded by hills, Jezera is drawn into the horseshoe shaped bay. Because of its position it is not exposed to strong winds and its cove is perfect for docking and mooring. In its proximity are two national parks: Kornati and Krka.

Although the first document of Jezera dates back to 1298., it is probably much older, because not far from it, in the bay Podjasenovac, two graves of the Ilyrian tribe Liburni were dicovered, from a pre ancient period, in 1938. The people of Jezera are very proud of their traditional costumes, customs, songs and dances, which can get to be known by tourists in the summer months through the many cultural, sporting and fun events, that are held under the name 'Days of the sea'. During the time of Big Game Fishing visitors will not be «spared» of the many other interesting manifestations.
Source: Croatia.hr

]]> http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/jezera-island-murter-%e2%80%93-big-game-fishing/feed/ 0 Šibenik – Attractive world nautical gathering place http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/sibenik-%e2%80%93-attractive-world-nautical-gathering-place/ http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/sibenik-%e2%80%93-attractive-world-nautical-gathering-place/#comments Mon, 13 Sep 2010 10:13:17 +0000 Filip http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/sibenik-%e2%80%93-attractive-world-nautical-gathering-place/

Lovers of the sea, boats and sailing will not regret it if they visit Šibenik from the 16th to the 19th September at the Adriatic Boat Show, an international nautical fair of new and used vessles. Everything there is to know about shipbuilding and nautica can be found in one place.

Adriatic Boat Show is a fair which on 160 000 m² promotes the small Croatian shipbuilding industry and a segment of mega yachts in the nautical tourism of Croatia, with a large number of foreign manufacturers and exibitors. At the fair are represented boats of all purposes and sizes; motor boats, rafts, sail boats, yachts and mega yachts..

A rich offer of shipping equipment, ship motors, navigation equipment and instruments, nautical and sports equipment, clothes and footware, diving equipment and underwater fishing equipment, are a guarantee that all nautical lovers, from «the average lover of the sea» to the buyer with a «deeper pocket», will be able to find the neccessary information and satisfy their professional curiosity and maybe make some profitable business arrangements.

Besides the rich offer of vessles and nautical equipment the fair offers to its exibitors and visitors an extremely rich program, from concerts, fashion shows and sporting competitions to culinary presentations in collaboration with the best caterers of the Šibenik area. Adriatic Boat Show has only in a few years proved to be an equisite nautical event and has put Šibenik on the nautical map of the world, making it an unavoidable destination in September of every year.

Šibenik is located in the central part of the Croatian coast on the mouth of the River Krka, between two National parks – Kornati and Krka, in one of the world's most attractive nautical locations. Apartments Sibenik

Source: Croatia.hr

]]> http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/sibenik-%e2%80%93-attractive-world-nautical-gathering-place/feed/ 0 Croatia – Destination of the famous http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/croatia-%e2%80%93-destination-of-the-famous/ http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/croatia-%e2%80%93-destination-of-the-famous/#comments Mon, 13 Sep 2010 10:01:37 +0000 Filip http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/?p=328

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 famoust 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. Apartments Dalmatia
Source: Croatia.hr

]]> http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/croatia-%e2%80%93-destination-of-the-famous/feed/ 0 Dubrovnik – Cable cart above the city http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/dubrovnik-%e2%80%93-cable-cart-above-the-city/ http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/dubrovnik-%e2%80%93-cable-cart-above-the-city/#comments Mon, 13 Sep 2010 09:58:02 +0000 Filip http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/?p=323

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.
Source: Croatia.hr

]]> http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/dubrovnik-%e2%80%93-cable-cart-above-the-city/feed/ 0 Dubrovnik – Museum of wines from Konavli http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/dubrovnik-%e2%80%93-museum-of-wines-from-konavli/ http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/dubrovnik-%e2%80%93-museum-of-wines-from-konavli/#comments Mon, 13 Sep 2010 09:43:38 +0000 Filip http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/?p=316

The Đurovića cave in Konavli, a natural phenomenon, located under the runway of the airport in Dubrovnik, since recently offers visitors not only natural beauty and «sculptures» created through millions of years but also the opportunity to enjoy the best wines from the south of Croatia. The cave offers an ideal temperature of constant 16 degrees Celsius, which makes it ideal for storing high quality wines. Because of this «Nebeski podrum» (Skycellar), was opened here, a place where visitors can try and buy the most famous and geographically protected wines from Konavli, in a unique atmosphere. The explored part of the cave is illuminated and the trails are surrounded. The cave is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm.

«Nebeski podrum» is a unique place and a world of its own worth visiting and enjoying in tasting high quality wines in a beautiful, unlikely atmosphere.
Source: Croatia.hr

]]> http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/dubrovnik-%e2%80%93-museum-of-wines-from-konavli/feed/ 0 Vela Luka: The Vela Luka Hotel Korkyra Being Renovated http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/vela-luka-the-vela-luka-hotel-korkyra-being-renovated/ http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/vela-luka-the-vela-luka-hotel-korkyra-being-renovated/#comments Mon, 07 Sep 2009 11:40:02 +0000 Administrator http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/vela-luka-the-vela-luka-hotel-korkyra-being-renovated/

There is good news for all those to whom the south Dalmatian island of Korcula, and particularly the city of Vela Luka, is their favourite tourist destination. The hotel Korkyra is in the midst of a revamp, after 12 years of not working, waiting for new owners and a more than necessary renovation. When, before the next tourist season, it opens its doors, it will be a four-star hotel with an accommodation capacity of 59 rooms and 120 beds. It will also feature an inside pool of 80 square metres and other facilities. The owners plan for the hotel to be open for the most part of the year. Vela Luka is located on the western coast of the island of Korcula, at the end of a very long bay. The city is the subject matter of one of the most beautiful traditional Croatian a capella songs, and attracts many with its tranquillity, mild climate and its site of medicinal mud, thanks to which health tourism is developed here as well. Recommendations for hotels Korcula.  Source: Croatia.hr 

]]> http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/vela-luka-the-vela-luka-hotel-korkyra-being-renovated/feed/ 0 Dubrovnik: Cultural Monuments for Half the Price with the Tourist Card http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/dubrovnik-cultural-monuments-for-half-the-price-with-the-tourist-card/ http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/dubrovnik-cultural-monuments-for-half-the-price-with-the-tourist-card/#comments Mon, 07 Sep 2009 11:39:59 +0000 Filip http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/dubrovnik-cultural-monuments-for-half-the-price-with-the-tourist-card/


The City of Dubrovik, the destination of numerous visitors in the summer as well as year-round, has decided on one more way of saying welcome to its visitors: by introducing the tourist card for the price of EUR 15. The card enables visitors to take a tour of the remarkable city walls, three museums, the fortress Revelin, the Dubrovnik art gallery, the home of Marin Drzi and the Dulci ­ Masle ­ Pulitika gallery with a 50% discount compared to regular ticket prices, making cultural monuments of the city more accessible to all.The daily tourist card was introduced at the beginning of August of this year, and in 2010 a weekly card will be introduced. The cards are sold at info centres of the City of Dubrovnik Tourist Board at the following locations: Siroka ulica, Gruz, Lapad, Lopud, Sipan and the Dubrovnik Airport. Dubrovnik, whose old city centre is on the UNESCO world heritage list, is visited by more than a million tourists every year, half of which stay more than one day in this city known for its high quality accommodation facilities. The rest visit the city as part of Mediterranean cruises, which always necessarily include Dubrovnik as one of their destinations.
Source: Croatia.hr

]]> http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/dubrovnik-cultural-monuments-for-half-the-price-with-the-tourist-card/feed/ 0 Hotel Uvala receives recognition http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/hotel-uvala-receives-recognition/ http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/hotel-uvala-receives-recognition/#comments Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:23:46 +0000 Administrator http://www.croatia-blog.net/en/hotel-uvala-receives-recognition/

The Dubrovnik hotel Uvala, operating under the Maestral Hotels company, has been proclaimed one of the best hotels in the world by Expedia, the world's leading online booking provider. Expedia awarded Uvala with the Expedia Insiders Select Hotel 2009 recognition, for its quality of service, dedication to making its visitors happy and an optimum cost to value ratio. The four-star hotel Uvala has already received much recognition. It features 51 rooms, an inside and an outside pool, and a wellness area on two floors that has also received many awards. The hotel also comprises business meeting halls and generally features a rich offering, on account of which it has repeatedly been ranked among the world's leading hotels. Recommendations for hotels Dubrovnik.
Source: Croatia.hr

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