Makarska, Croatia: Secret Seaside

Most visitors to Dalmatia head straight for the islands, but the Makarska Rivijera on the mainland coast, between Split and Dubrovnik, is home to some of the country’s loveliest stretches of beach. Running from Brela in the north to Gradac in the south, the riviera is 38 miles long and centres on Makarska.

Makarska itself is built around a deep sheltered bay, and backed by the dramatic rocky heights of Mount Biokovo (5,770ft), which acts as a buffer from the harsher inland climate. Biokovo’s sea-facing slopes are criss-crossed by well-marked trails, so besides swimming in the deep turquoise Adriatic, it’s possible to get in some hiking or mountain biking too.

Back in the 10th century, the Byzantine Emperor Constantine VII referred to this region as Pagania. The long narrow coastal strip, between the mouth of the River Cetina and the mouth of River Neretva, Pagania was named after its inhabitants, the Pagani. A rebellious people who lived from piracy, raiding passing galleys, the Pagani hadn’t accepted Christianity until the 9th century, far later than the other Slavs.

Nowadays things are somewhat more peaceful, with the locals making a living from fishing, olive oil and wine making, and tourism, but there’s still a rather pleasing, wild untouched feeling to the place. The settlements here remain small and villagey, with the exception of Makarska, with its lovely main square overlooked by the Baroque Church of St Mark and several elegant palazzi built by wealthy local merchants, recording 18th-century prosperity and refinement under Venice.

Text: telegraph.co.uk

Oznake: makarska, croatia

Vis, Croatia: an island fit for a Bond villain

I may have been driving a 50cc scooter rather than a gadget-enhanced Aston Martin but it was the theme tune to the 007 films that raced to mind as I rounded the corner of the spectacularly scenic road that winds its way through the northern extremity of the Croatian island of Vis. The reason? There across a glistening stretch of crystal-clear water was a sleek but slightly stark concrete opening built into the rocks that for years served as the entry and exit point for the submarines of the Yugoslav navy. It was impossible not to feel that somewhere deep within that crevice the villainous Stavro Blofeld still had a lair and that at any moment I would hear the immortal words: “I’ve been expecting you, Mr Bond.” The scooter offered an appreciative roar as I gave it full throttle (at one point reaching a heady 24mph). This was fun; this was living; this was holidaying in Croatia in late May with the delicious freshness of the early summer and the promise of yet warmer days ahead.

The road, bordered by trees and bushes coloured in the brilliant green of the season, carried on around a huge inlet of water within which, in another slightly Bondian twist, a wet-suited diver was preparing to explore. Then, rather abruptly, the Tarmac came to an end and we found ourselves continuing on a dirt track from which there were more dramatic views – this time out to the deep blue hues of the Adriatic Sea. We turned around and headed back towards the town of Vis, the principal settlement on the island, stopping only to venture down another rough track, at the end of which we rewarded ourselves with an exhilarating swim off the rocks.

We had hired the scooter (or Easy Rider as we preferred to call it) for six hours – plenty of time to explore an island that boasts only two main roads of approximately nine and 15 miles’ length, which link Vis and the island’s other main town, Komiza. From our base in the latter we took the longer, more scenic route, initially heading south along hairpin bends that afforded ever more wonderful vistas out towards the island of Bisevo and back to the extraordinarily picturesque red roofs of the harbour of Komiza itself. We then turned inland to head east and slightly north towards the promising sounding vineyard-strewn country of Plisko Polje.

There were stops along the way, the first involving a steepish ascent up most of what is serendipitously known as Hum Mountain to “Titova spilja” (Tito’s cave), the place to which for a while during the war, the leader of the Yugoslav partisan forces retreated to mastermind operations. The cave was sparse (it was presumably better furnished in Tito’s time), but for a military HQ, the beauty of the sheltered hillside setting could not be faulted. Further natural beauty awaited just a few miles ahead in the form of Stiniva beach, a perfectly formed white pebble cove framed by towering cliffs through which a small opening leads out to the sea. It being early season, for a while we had the place all to ourselves. But then through that tantalising crack through the cliffs we spied a yacht from which a dinghy was launched bearing fellow bathers. Back on the road – almost completely devoid of traffic – we tuned into the sight and intoxicating scents of the palm, pine, oleander and lavender bushes that lined it.

And around Plisko Polje we duly saw numerous signs bearing bunches of grapes and what we imagined were invitations to come and sample some of the local produce. We waited until we were on our way back before stopping at one – an idyllic little spot about half a mile off the road at which we were greeted by a benign-looking couple who spoke not a word of English but who understood only too well our need to pay homage to the great god of Bacchus.
We sat on their veranda, warmed by the early evening rays of the sun, the views of the vineyards beyond and the glasses of white and red (admittedly a tad rough and ready) for which we paid the princely sum of just over Ł1. And thus fortified, we were ready for the hairpin bends back to Komiza. The day on the scooter was undoubtedly the highlight of a week-long holiday in northern and central Dalmatia, which began with a glorious sunset in the city of Zadar, took in the medieval treasures of Trogir and ended with a sunrise stroll through the magnificent palace in Split in which the Roman Emperor Diocletian chose to retire and which today is home to scores of shops, bars and an underground market. As a result of its importance as a naval base in the former Yugoslavia, Vis was strictly out-of-bounds to tourists and the island retains a sleepy and, dare I say it, slightly undiscovered air. Perfect for all would-be easy riders.

Getting there
Adrian Bridge flew from London Stansted to Zadar with Ryanair (ryanair.com) and from Split to London Gatwick with easyJet (easyjet.com).

Staying there
Accommodation, which ranged from a sea-facing room in a delightfully arty hotel in Zadar to a modern apartment in Split and an entire house on Vis, was arranged through the website booking.com and averaged about Ł70 a night. Eat lobsters plucked from the sea directly beneath you at the unique Jastozera restaurant in Komiza.

Text: telegraph.co.uk

Oznake: vis, croatia

What to expect from Terraneo festival?

Popular music Terranea festival will be held from the 7th to 9 August to the familiar and all your favorite location, the former barracks Bribirskih princes in Sibenik. But Terranea this year and got out of the sea! This five-day holiday in one of the most beautiful Adriatic region with a rich and attractive list of musical performers and accompanying program, complete. Festival beach called Terraneo beach is located in the secluded marine barracks Minerska (the Sv. Ante, at the sea entrance to Sibenik), serves as a central location for daily bathing, socializing, relaxing and having fun all at the festival, as well as all that you are there. The Terraneo Beach will have restaurants, Terraneo's environmental program, various workshops, and for the duration of the camp, from 6 to 10 August, every day will be from 10 am to 20 pm will be organized musical entertainment.

There are re-Acoustics stage which is located in the camp, and the second time Red Bull Academy stage to dance the audience throughout the evening, and will be placed in the open, where it was Aero stage. Terranea festival this year, becoming the most technologically advanced event because all payments at the festival area to perform non-contact, a special festival Terranea card, ie, MasterCard ® and Maestro ® contactless cards! Time Terranea stalls alongside the world's biggest festivals like Roskilde, Sziget and Wireless, and nobody really likes the crowd!


As for the performers, nor this year are lacking some of the biggest names from the world scene, and it will be good to remind yourself how Prodigy sound live, which in Sibenik coming after a successful performance at Exit Festival. Their performances on three main stage confirmed the currently very popular in the world of hip-hoperica Azealia Banks, My Bloody Valentine, Wu-Tang Clan, Aloe Blacc, whose song "I Need A Dollar" conquered the world, then the Gang of Four, The Cribs, Americans favorite Calexico, Rob Garza from the legendary band Thievery Corporation, Emiliana Torrini talented and brilliant parade band Hot 8 Brass Band, Woods ...


Cloud Nothings ..., Woods, Mambo Kurt, Duncan Sheik, Koan Sound, Blond: ish, Peter Dundovo Pinkunoizu, Kolektiv, Darkwood Dub, Kawasaki 3p, while in the Red Bull Music Academy present Norman Jay, DJ Spinn & DJ Rashad, Jesse Boykins III, Tokimonsta, Rustam Ospanoff, MayaVanya, Kyodai, Mad Mats, Eddy Ramich, Davor O, Audio InFunktion, Maja Milic, Jan Kincl ..., a Grammy award-winning DJ Dubfire has completed this year's electronic line-up the main stage.


It seems that the Terraneo and this year will be a summer destination for festive fun and enjoying the music. Program Day and background information can be found on the official website of the festival.

Oznake: terraneo, croatia, music festival

Croatia is hosting the World Cup in windsurfing

Viganj the household of this prestigious sporting event got into fierce competition with San Francisco. The full name of the competition is World Cup's Eset Nod 32 Antivirus Formula windsurfing 2013. More than 150 top surfers from around the world is coming to Viganj. Among them is Antoine Albeau, a multiple world champion and the most famous windsurfer in the world. Many famous surfers come to the peninsula Pelješac: Ross Williams, the current world champion in Formula One, Arnon Dagan, world vice champion in Formula One, Alberto Menegatti and many other world famous surfers.

Croatian colors on the competition will defend packed with adrenalin, a double Olympian and multiple champion in various disciplines; Ante Berlengi, multiple Croatian champion, Enrico Marotti, one of the greatest young talents Croatian windsurfing and Darko Antunovic best surfer from Viganj.
World Cup will be accompanied by a rich cultural and entertainment programs, and that viewers would be able to enjoy the skills of the best windsurfers in the world are set and large prefabricated panels at the central beach Ponta.
The first World Cup was held in 2000 and was host to the last Latvian city Lipetaja where to championship title Pole Agnieszka Pietrasik and Briton Ross Williams. Before Lipetaje honor to host the World Cup and had a Thai Pattaya, Brazil Fortaleza, who has twice been host, German Sylt and Dranske, Poland Leba, Melbourne (Australia), South Korean Gangeung, Estonian Tallinn, Portuguese Alvor, Spain Santa Pola, Argentina Mendoza and San Juan (Puerto Rico).
Viganj is in recent years a favorite destination for surfers from all over the world. The surfing conditions are perfect in summer. Wind has to spare, a house specialty, which can surf all year round.

Oznake: viganj, pelješac, surfing, windsurfing, croatia

Check out Pretty Mlini, Dubrovnik

Mlini is one of our favourite places on the Dubrovnik coastline and one of the best places to have a villa holiday. It is only 10 minutes drive from the old town of Dubrovnik and yet it is a small and unspoilt pretty fishing village, perfect for holidays. It is also one of the closest location to the old town of Dubrovnik that you can for renting a villa, with some of the best transport links to the old town. We'd recommend it because it is a peaceful haven out fof the hustle and bustle of the old town of Dubrovnik, but close enugh to pop in when you want.

While away the days in Mlini in a villa/apartment or hotel and wander to the beach and soak up the sun, or a cafe bar in the shade. If you want to be catered for then hotel accommodation is available, but it's worth knowing that there are shops close by if you want to russle up something for lunch and a good selection of local restaurants in Mlini which serve food at breakfast, lunch and dinner so if you are looking to sample the local fare and have a bit of variety, a villa or apartment might be better for you - of course you can easily pop to Dubrovnik old town for more restaurants and nightlife - a must do one evening as it is stunning!

Text: guide2croatia.net

Oznake: mlini, dubrovnik, croatia

Americans Invited Viewers on a Journey of Life in Croatia

In the one-hour show, the viewers were introduced with the most interesting and attractive parts of Croatia and Italy, referring to them through the website www.travelchannel.com participate in a contest in which the selection of travel dream opportunity to acquire the grand prize: a trip of up to one hundred thousand U.S. dollars.

The premiere issue is shown 27th January 2013. The presented destination are Rovinj, Split, Hvar and Dubrovnik, and through a series of reports in which the praises of their many hotels, beaches, unique experiences, activities, and wine and gastronomic offer. Leader shows the head of a famous American travelogue series Samantha Brown, and shows she will join a group of popular TV host like Bert Kreischer, Adam Richman and Anthony Melchiorri.

Premiere show follows the series of articles on Croatia on the popular website www.travelchannel.com, with almost one million visitors a month. The series of articles on various topics for www.travelchannel.com result of cooperation representatives of the Croatian Tourist Board in New York and local tourist offices with a number of experienced American journalists’ travelogue. Croatian National Tourist Board pointed to the sights and tourist offer, which Croatia can be proud of and give them the support to travel.

Oznake: dubrovnik, hvar, omis, croatia

What Makes Croatia Such A Great Holiday Destination?

Another magazine claim that Croatia is a great holiday destination, and reasons for this are the history, the culture and the low prices. Will Croatia be your next holiday destination?

"Croatia was once to go-to holiday destination for the rich and famous. However, for a couple of decades, interest in the country dwindled with both the Balkans War and rise of ‘party holidays’. That being said, in recent years Croatia holidays have made a full comeback, with more people than ever wanting to pack up and head over to their sunny shores. So what makes Croatia such a great holiday destination?

History

Croatia is a country enriched by its historical past. Once part of Yugoslavia, many parts of Croatia still bear the wounds of their battle for independence, but there is no mistaking the rich Mediterranean culture to be found on its streets.

The breaking up of the former Yugoslavia is what led to Croatia’s long and narrow shape. Although a large portion of the country is inland, the majority is along the coast of the Adriatic Sea, making it perfect for sun-lovers and beach combers.

It is country laden with modern history, though much of it tragic. This once war-torn country has an abundance of museums and memorials for anyone interested in the history of Communism or the Croatian War of Independence, making it a great destination for those looking for a bit of history to complement their relaxation.

Culture

Croatia shares much of its culture with the countries that surround it. Many people visiting Umag are often shocked by the frequency with which Italian is spoken – but it should be hardly surprising at all.

The diversity of Croatia, culture-wise, is what makes it such a great place to visit; no two areas are the same. Those visiting the quiet picturesque Pula will have a completely different experience than those visiting the much more metropolitan Zagreb. This is one of the reasons that people who visit Croatia often find themselves frequently returning to explore more of the beautiful country.

Croatia has a huge sporting culture, with a large emphasis on tennis. The sport is well practiced there and it is not uncommon to see piles of tennis balls scattered around little towns. Croatians also have a great appreciation for music, with the annual Soundwave festival being held in the centre of the Croatian coast, at Tisno.

If you’re a music lover then this is the place to go, with beach parties in abundance with a variety of music being performed by hundreds of artists.

Cost

If you’re travelling to Croatia this year, expect to get great value for your money with the conversion rates being 9 Croatian Kuna for every pound of British Sterling.

As Croatia is not currently in the EU it means you can also benefit from their duty free shopping: Cigarette prices range from around Ł4.50 for Marlboro Reds to 50g of Golden Virginia tending to cost between Ł5-7.

There are so many reasons to visit this beautiful corner of Europe and they have combined to cause Croatia’s tourist industry to boom – it attracted visitors at a higher rate than Greece, Spain or Turkey last year. If you haven’t been to see what the fuss is all about, make sure you do this year, and enjoy the perfect European holiday."

Text: economicvoice.com

Oznake: croatia, holiday, destination

Magazine by Dolce & Gabbana: Croatia is beautiful in summer and in winter!

Swide.com, online magazine, which was launched in 2009 by a fashion house Dolce & Gabbana, suggested 5 ultimate destinations for the weekend of dreams to their readers. Among them, there is also our beautiful country Croatia, which does not surprise us at all!

"Ah, Croatian landscapes ... Croatia is one of the most popular summer destinations in Europe, but it is a country worth visiting at any time of the year," writes Swida. With Dubrovnik, which is unavoidable, fashion-conscious readers are advised to visit Brijuni, Rovinj, Pula, Plitvice Lakes.
Apart from Croatia, Spain, Italy, England and Iceland are included in the list of the top 5 destinations.

Oznake: croatia

Croatia - One of the Most Attractive Holiday Destinations in 2013 According to Guardian

The Guardian has made an interactive trip planner for 2013. year and chose Croatia as one of the three most desirable destinations for July. If you would like to go on holidays this year, but not sure where, the Guardian has made an interactive trip planner for 2013.

For each month, it offers three destinations and suggests Croatia as the best destination for July holidays. They offer several options of cheaper flights to the cities of the coast or in Zagreb.
Cheaper airlines fly from London, Edinburgh and Liverpool to Zadar, Dubrovnik and Pula.

Guardian also suggests accommodation and points out that newer hotels are generally expensive, but the Bed & Breakfast accommodations are flourishing in the Croatian tourist offer and offer alternative and cheaper solution.

Text: guide2croatia.net

Oznake: croatia, holiday

Croatia as a Top Holiday Spot for 2013

This is the era of some new countries and destinations to visit, and Croatia is the one of them. Well, I am not that surprised as Croatia is really one beautiful country. Keep reading to find out more.

"Croatia is becoming Top Holiday destination and a must for tourists from all around the world. According to melodika.net, Croatia is an excellent choice for both leisure and active holidays.

This is not suprising given that Croatia boasts 2000 miles of coastline, numerous islands and islets hiding untouched nature, pure sea, beautiful beaches but perfect party spots as well.

Also, there are many other attractions inland that are certainly worth a visit, like historic cities of Split, Zadar, Trogir, Pula and of course, a true gem – city of Dubrovnik that lies on the south of Croatian coast.
Dubrovnik is now even more attractive as it has reinstalled its traditional cable car that will take you up to the top of Mount Srdj, providing a breathtaking view of the Old Town and surrounding islands. The new Cable Car in Dubrovnik has given Villas a lift in Croatia!

If your looking for adventure holidays, you are on the right place. According to melodika.net, Adventure Dalmatia offers numerous interesting adrenaline activities such as kayaking around Island of Lokrum, night snorkelling and canoe safaris.

For all those interested in Croatia holidays next season, this is the perfect time to book your accommodation and find great deals available on the Croatia Gems website. Also, you can find cheap flights if you book in advance!"

Text: guide2croatia.net

Oznake: croatia

Holidays in Croatia - more expensive next summer

If you have not visited Croatia yet, it is the right time to do it, especially if you want some cheaper price. Why? Apparantly holidays in Croatia are getting more expensive next summer.

"Holidays in Croatia could get more expensive when it joins the European Union on 1 July 2013. Business daily Poslovni predicts prices could go up by between three and six percent due to new taxes on tourist agencies that will come when adjusting regulations to the EU. Some 10 million foreign tourists visit Croatia every year and tourism is a key part of the country's economy."

Text: croatiantimes.com

Oznake: summer croatia, holiday, croatia

Croatia received Travel Agents Choice Award as the Upcoming Holiday Destination

If you do not have idea where to go on the next holiday, maybe you should consider visiting Croatia, as it is awarded as the upcoming holiday destination by Travel Agents Choice Award. Read more below.

"At the press conference, which was organized on the first day of one of the most important tourism fair, the World Travel Market in London, the Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Croatia, Veljko Ostojic and director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, Meri Matesic were given the Travel's Agents' Choice Award for 2012 in the category "Up and coming Short Haul Destination ".

Travel Agents Choice Awards is awarded by Company BMI Publishing Limited, publisher of the leading British travel magazine Selling Long Haul, and is the only tourism award for which only tourism professionals of the United Kingdom vote.

The award for best upcoming short haul destination is another great recognition of Croatia's most successful season to date, but also the confirmation of an upturn in popularity of our country as a desirable tourist destinations in the UK market, which this year shows a rise in the number of guests as much as 23 percent. Let's add to this that the British Association of Travel Agents - ABTA, which brings together about 6,000 members, chose Croatia as a host of its annual conference in 2013. The conference will be held in October next year in Dubrovnik and gather as many as 700 top experts from the tourism sector of Great Britain and influential representatives of travel agencies.

If you are planning to visit Dubrovnik, it would be good to read New York Times' reportage '36 hours in Dubrovnik' and find some tips on where to go and what to see."

Text: guide2croatia.net

Oznake: croatia, holiday, upcoming holiday destination

On Holiday Group signs five-year Atlas Croatia deal

In the following article, read about what Travel Weekly says about Croatia, holidays in Croatia and plan about tourism in Croatia:

"Trade supplier On Holiday Group has struck a five-year deal to become the UK distribution partner of Croatia’s largest ground handler.

The firm, which includes the trade bed bank Holiday Brokers, believes the country can become the next big dynamic packaging destination. The agreement with inbound operator Atlas comes after Abta announced that next year’s Travel Convention will be hosted in Dubrovnik for the first time in 2013.

Atlas said it plans to run a trade-focused promotional and educational campaign including fam trips for both counter staff and travel agency bosses. OHG says the country has been overlooked by the UK trade and it is working with tourist officials and hoteliers in Croatia to hone the product to British holidaymakers’ tastes.

Ivan Gadže, chief executive of Atlas parent adriatica.net, said: “The repositionning of Adriatica.net group helped us to secure substantial funds to invest in modernising technology and deliver exception product delivery in resort.

“It is vital for Atlas to find local distribution partners in each key source market to connect it via travel agents to the UK travelling public.

“We intend to operate a very focused promotional campaign to re-educate the UK travel trade to the benefits of travelling to Croatia, which include the hosting of the 2013 Abta convention and many other educational trips for business owners to counter staff.

“We intend to work with the trade to make Croatia the most fashionable place to visit in 2013."

Steve Endacott, chief executive of OHG, said that while online travel agents have picked up Croatia hotel stock via its XML feeds a lack of logistical support, in particular pre-bookable transfers, has held it back.

“OHG will use its extensive OTA, call centre and high street travel agency community to distribute Croatian hotel stock and to work with Atlas on delivering an extensive educational and promotional campaign over the next six months to drive sales for Summer 2013,” Endacott said."

Text from: travelweekly.co.uk

Oznake: croatia