Gastro

Five stories from the island of Pag for a magical experience of the town of lace, salt, cheese and stone

By Croatian Hot Spots 05/09/2024

The very first associations most people have when Pag Town is mentioned, are more than likely lace, salt, locally produced cheese and of course – the fact that this special island looks just like the surface of the moon. Pag is all of that, and much, much more.

There’s a true wealth of gifts provided by nature, even if at first glance it seems as if the bizarre, otherworldly looking appearance of Pag makes it seem barren. The geological makeup of this island makes it appear harsh and unforgiving, battered by merciless storms. It is precisely because of those sometimes difficult conditions that has seen Pag able to withstand the elements and all possible adversities. That alone has rendered Pag strong and resilient.

Pag Town emerged from those often pitiless conditions, much like precious pearls emerge from hard, impenetrable shells. This is a town with a truly special atmosphere, impregnated with the aromas of its rich cultural history. That long history shows in all of its stone streets, as well as in its impressive former palaces where the spirit of Mediterranean life comes alive.

In this idyllic stone town, architectural wonders like old churches, palaces and other cultural and historical monuments transport us directly back to ancient times, and they tell stories of their own…

The permanent salt exhibition

Pag provided the world one of the most valuable things it has, and over which countless battles were fought for centuries – salt – or as many call it; white gold. The centuries of local salt production are presented to the public through a unique exhibition in the 1st Salt Magazine. This is an interesting setting where objects used to extract this precious salt over the centuries are displayed in a unique way, as is the way of life of the inhabitants of Pag Town, most of whom are very closely connected with salt production.

The exhibition can be seen in two parts: the first part involves a stroll through the museum accompanied by a guide, while the second part allows you to watch a short film about salt production throughout history.

2) Mornings spent out in the salt flats

We use it every single day, but how much do we really know about it? Have you ever found yourself curious about how salt is actually made? Ever wondered what the difference between salt and a salt flower (fleur de del) is? The answers to all of the above (and more) are offered by open-air workshops, accompanied by an expert guide from Solana Pag. Spend the morning in an original way and learn everything about Pag salt production’s past and present. You will learn about its composition, you’ll be able to look at the salt basins and their accompanying sluices and canals, and get better acquainted with the ecological network that includes Solana Pag. You can even try your hand at collecting the precious salt yourself!

3) The Gallery of Pag Lace

Lace is an extremely important part of the very long history of Pag. Throughout the lives of those born on Pag, one unbroken, delicate thread of lace symbolises all of the beauty, but also the difficulty of living in Pag Town, and on the island of stone and salt in general. The centuries-old tradition of making Pag lace gained additional value when it was rightfully entered into the UNESCO register of intangible cultural heritage back in 2009. Since 1998, the Pag Lace Gallery has been operating in the Duke’s Palace in Pag Town, organised by the “Frane Budak” Society of Pag Lacemakers.

In the gallery itself, you’ll be able to watch the process of just how Pag lace is made and see the creations of various lace techniques, which are incredible works of art made by the diligent, talented hands of Pag’s traditional lacemakers.

There is beautiful lace dating from different historical periods in the gallery’s rich collection. There are replicas of Pag lace based on old designs, various textile items which were integral to the typical interior of the homes built on Pag, as well as part of the clothing items worn throughout history by Pag Town’s residents. As well as exploring how lace was made and used throughout the centuries, you’ll also get to see plenty of creations from far more recent times.

The International Lace Festival has been being organised on Pag each June for thirteen years now, which highlights just how important Pag lace is in the lives of the local residents. The festival successfully brings together a large number of lacemakers from across the country and the rest of the world. When admiring the old photographs of Pag lacemakers from long ago (which are interwoven with lace themselves) in the stone building of the Duke’s Palace, notions of the transience of life and the cultural values that make Pag Town so special will overtake you.

4) The exhibition of sacred art at the Benedictine Convent of St. Margaret

You’ll be able to enjoy numerous beautiful exhibits in this renovated and extremely beautiful space, among which the Reliquary of the Thorn of the Crown of Christ stands out. It is a fascinating authentic thorn from the Crown of Christ that was entrusted to the Benedictine sisters from Pag Town for safekeeping all the way back in 1443! It is the only Holy Thorn in the entire world, along with the Crown of Thorns kept in the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris, which has had the Vatican’s confirmation of its authenticity.

There is a small but invaluable painting of the Madonna and Child among the other valuable exhibits. This rather remarkable image is associated with the circle of no less than the world famous Renaissance painter from Padua, Andrea Mantegna.

The beauty of Pag lace comes to the fore once again when you visit the ground floor of the building. You’ll also be able to sew some of your own, in a modern digital way.

The symbol of the formerly powerful Venetian Empire will be the one to greet you a little later on. This is an impressive, large marble relief of the Lion of Saint Mark from the sixteenth century. The formidable marble cat once stood proudly above the gates in Pag.

5) The story of Pag cheese

Lace holds an immeasurable level of importance to Pag Town and indeed the entire island, but it doesn’t hold that title alone. The famed Pag cheese is also part of the very soul and essence of the island. The story behind Pag cheese is a genuinely wonderful one. It is about an island of stone where only aromatic herbs grow, and where one of the best cheeses in the entire world is produced. Pag cheese put not only Pag but the whole of Croatia on the cheese map of the world and became one of the most recognisable Croatian products on a global scale.

Pag Town’s keen visitors can come and unlock the old secrets of Pag’s cheese producing and sheep farming traditions, as well as explore the connection and intertwining of the island’s nature with the production of Pag cheese. A tour of the Pag cheese factory, the island’s oldest, will reveal how the best Croatian cheese is produced accompanied by an expert guide and tasting sessions in the most authentic setting imaginable.

More: Tz grada Paga

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SEAYOU BOAT TOURS Passionate organisers of amazing boat tours: Experiences we want – instantly!

By Croatian Hot Spots 06/08/2024

Experience their passion – Have you ever been scrolling on social media and come across a gorgeous photo that just makes you want to dive into your screen?

We can say with certainty that this is exactly the feeling we got when we began researching what the SEAYOU agency can offer its clients. This incredible agency specialises in the organisation of speedboat trips and maritime transportation services from Split, Brač, Hvar and other locations across beautiful Central Dalmatia!

Teamwork is everything – Over 30,000 travellers have enjoyed paying unforgettable visits to the most breathtaking islands in the Croatian Adriatic. This is all owing to the diligent work of the SEAYOU team’s twenty warm and highly qualified experts.

These people genuinely want nothing more than for you to come and experience their passion, discover hidden bays, coves and the best places to swim and dive down into the azure depths below.

Get better acquainted with the secrets of the deep blue sea and enjoy it like the world’s elite do! Most of these tours are available in either private and group versions, and we’ll be honest, they’re all so enticing that the only issue you’ll face is choosing the right one (or two) for you! When picking one of these wonderful excursions, you’ll be able to visit several stunning locations as part of it.

For example, a visit to the famous Blue Cave also includes a visit to some jewels in the crown of the beautiful island of Vis, such as the idyllic Stiniva bay where steep cliffs embrace a secluded pebble beach lying below. There’s also the mysterious military tunnels which rendered Vis inaccessible until 1991. These imposing structures give this astonishing Mediterranean island an unusual and almost cinematic aesthetic.

We have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that regardless of taste and wishes, everyone will be able to find something that suits them when picking through the proverbial treasure trove of SEAYOU tours. Those who are seeking romantic, secret coves will definitely enjoy the Blue Lagoon tour, which includes a visit to Croatia’s picturesque and beautiful so-called “living city museum” – Trogir.

Those who want to experience the glitz and glam of certain Dalmatian island destinations will undoubtedly be more than satisfied with the Hvar by night private tour. They’ll be happy regardless of whether they decide to enjoy an evening on Croatia’s premium island as it bursts with the hustle and bustle of summer, or dance the night away at the Carpe Diem club which is adored by global jet setters. Whichever is chosen – an amazing time for all is guaranteed.

In addition to the aforementioned tours, SEAYOU also offers tours which are much more thematically focused on the island of Hvar, as well as on Bol and the island it is situated on – beautiful Brač. People who really want to push the boat out (quite literally in this sense), can opt for a luxury private tour on a stylish boat that can be completely tailor-made.

The shining reviews SEAYOU have earned are their very own sea of stories – It’s impossible to miss the reviews which shower SEAYOU with well-deserved praise when browsing their website (www.seayou.com).

Full of genuine expressions of gratitude interspersed with words like “brilliant” and “amazing” stand out the most. After we scanned these reviews, it was immediately obvious to us that the SEAYOU team don’t only create boat tours, but incredible memories that last a lifetime.

Više: www.seayou.com

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Destination of the month

SUMMER HOT SPOT Supetar will feed your senses with picturesque sights, landmarks and stories deeply woven into the very identity of this utterly idyllic destination

By Croatian Hot Spots 05/08/2024

Once again, the Supetar Tourist Board has totally proven that it has no competition when it comes to combining tradition with modernity. It very successfully branded the destination in a gastronomic sense through the “Unlocking the taste of Brač” project by showcasing the skills of the masters of Supetar’s kitchens worthy of Michelin recommendations on our plates. Those incredible dishes were equally inspired by the old recipes of Supetar grandmothers as they were by modern fine dining. Supetar’s gastronomic successes also seem to have been reflected in other segments of its overall tourist offer, so locals decided to prepare their guests a true feast for the soul this time.

Don’t get us wrong, we’re not for a second suggesting that you bypass the magnificent restaurants and taverns in Supetar, we’re merely saying that this time – we’re going to feed your senses with picturesque sights, landmarks and stories deeply woven into the very identity of this utterly idyllic destination.

We’ll take you along four impressive themed trails, which (after all, we’re talking about the masters of combining the traditional and the modern here!) are additionally equipped with all of the advantages of modern technology for an even more realistic experience. Above the quaint village of Splitska, in picturesque, peaceful Mirca and in the town of Supetar itself, intriguing reliefs await us boasting untouched nature, liquid gold from right here on the island, and none other than the father of modern Croatian sculpting, Ivan Rendić, and the greatest Croatian poet of the 20th century, the marvellous Tin Ujević!

Stone that enjoys global fame – To arouse even more intrigue regarding the remarkable story of Brač stone from the Roman era (it adorned the incredible Diocletian’s Palace, as well as the lobby of the UN building in New York, part of the White House in Washington, and the parliament buildings in both Vienna and Budapest!), we’ll begin along a 1.1 kilometre themed trail. It starts at the bottom of Splitska’s horseshoe shaped little harbour and leads to the Rasoha quarry itself.

This is otherwise one of several Roman quarries (alongside those in Plate and Stražišće) that are located above the beautiful settlement of Splitska, a mere kilometre away from the sea. It’s the perfect environment to sit back and relax with a favourite book while enjoying the idyllic natural environment.

No book? No problem! Taking in the interesting 80 cm relief of Hercules carved into the rock is also an option. Hercules has been standing alone here for years, so why not snap a few photos of him for social media? We’ll be more than happy to explain to any curious followers that his disproportionately large hands are a symbol of his exceptional strength and the dogged determination of human will. It’s no wonder that hardworking stonemasons adopted him as their protector!

For a complete experience, we can use our phone cameras as a mobile time machine, and step back into an age long gone by. The Supetar Tourist Board created a presentation of real historical events through 3D characters, objects and attractive animations using AI technology. This showcases the process of quarrying and the poor slaves who painstakingly laboured there, as well as the soldiers who controlled and commanded them. That isn’t all, either – so make sure to try it out!

The path to liquid gold – Did you know that there are about a million olive trees growing on the island of Brač today? This gorgeous island is actually considered the largest olive growing area in the entire country! We’ll learn everything about the island’s prized liquid gold during a walk along the Maslinovi puti (Olive paths) pedestrian path, which begins in the quiet, picturesque town of Mirca.

A five kilometre circular path will lead us through ancient and stunning olive groves which continue to grow and produce fruit above the village, all the way to Prihod – the old irrigation system, which has played a vital role in Mirca’s history since ancient times (water was transported from these reservoirs to the village in barrels or in pails that the women then carried on their heads!)

When walking along Maslinovi puti, guided by the trail’s markings, we’ll gain more knowledge about the tradition of olive oil production and the dominant and autochthonous types of olives (oblica, buhavica and levantinka). We’ll also get better acquainted with the timeless and beautiful construction of Brač’s iconic dry walls.

This thematic trail does very well in resisting the woes of seasonality. It can be enjoyed all year round for a bit of recreation and relaxation out in the fresh air. An additional bonus also lies in the fact that the Supetar Tourist Board has further refined its offer with the Olive Trek web application (app), which offers a unique stroll and tour of the area’s breathtaking olive groves using modern technology.

It offers a detailed display of digital trails – revealing their length, terrain and altitude, as well as giving an accurate insight into the average duration of any given tour! In addition to finding out the necessary information through the description, we can see old olive mills, oysters and presses, and take photos using phone cameras.

The sculptor who refused to be forgotten – Supetar is the home of one great artist, hedonist, joker, and carnival lover… you guessed it, it’s the iconic Ivan Rendić, who, according to his namesake (who was also a virtuoso in the sculpting world), Ivan Meštrović, incited a real thirst for sculpting among local artists. The Supetar Tourist Board and the National Library of Supetar decided to honour the unforgettable Ivan Rendić and his greatness in the way he deserved. They designed and marked out a thematic trail called “A Cultural Walk with Rendić”.

The trail highlights significant points in Rendić’s life, which are uncannily and rather incredibly synchronous with the important points of this town itself. Along this line, it’s enough to mention the area of Vrdolac in the immediate vicinity of the sculptor’s house, which, along with Glavica and Varoš, forms Supetar lifeblood. It’s where life for this town once began and from where it eventually descended down towards the shoreline.

Gustirne played a particularly important role in the sculptor’s upbringing, as well as in the life of Supetar. We can reach them by taking a leisurely stroll as part of this themed trail – Gustirne are old wells in which rainwater from the nearby drip tray accumulated, and this way of collecting water was once Supetar’s way of life. It’s the place where all of the town’s secrets and gossip were discussed, as well as where various goods and dishes were washed. This water was warmed up and then used for everyday life.

We particularly enjoyed the crescendo of this walk, and we have no doubt at all that the sculptor himself – a proven slapstick master – would have equally liked it.

With the help of AI (in this case we’re talking about augmented reality), the sculptor himself appears on the screen of the device, instructing the user to wander through Supetar’s cemetery, which is full of his beautiful monuments. As he directs you to the cemetery, he’ll use his legendary sentence: “Where’s Rendić?”, before he appears at his very own final resting place there.

Maybe the real Ivan Rendić would be surprised by modern technology for a brief moment, but that would soon be overtaken by his amusement that, just like some sort of witty trick that he was prone to during his life, he’d managed to come to life on the screen of your phone. Naturally, he secured a place in the hearts of his fellow citizens a very long time ago.

A place that abounds in poetic beauty – You know what they say – that you should leave the best till last. We’ve done precisely that. Last but by no means least, we’ll take the path that leads us through a quaint village occupied by olive growers and farmers. Although the name Mirca comes from the Latin word murus (wall), its association in the modern day for most is with exactly what this area abounds in, and in truly incredible quantities – idyllic peace.

“Peace enters me, because this is a suburb of silence…” – penned the great Tin Ujević back in 1929. His own heritage hailed from the island of Brač on his mother’s side. His literary work entitled “Discovering Mirca” was the foundation and basis for designing this thematic walking trail, and the Supetar Tourist Board’s wish for this particular path was for everyone who takes it to learn about Mirca’s interesting history along with a pleasant walk.

We’ll be more than glad to follow the approximately five-kilometre-long trail and learn more thanks to the seventeen information boards which tell us more about Mirca’s history, cultural sights and interesting scenes from the long life of this beautiful place, all while admiring its insurmountable poetic beauty. Mirca’s characteristic Dalmatian construction of old stone houses in Mutne kale, the beautiful and ancient dry-stone walls and mulberry trees are all a joy for the eyes. To be frank, the only negative is that it might make you regret not coming back in spring, when (believe it or not) Mirca takes on even more of a gorgeous look with its colourful almond blossoms.

On this occasion, it’s important to understand one thing and one thing only – Supetar has scheduled a rendezvous for us with the beauty that has inspired artists, and we, falling in love again and again, will never refuse to take it up on the offer!

More: www.supetar.hr
Photo: TB Supetar, Marko Lorenzo Blaslov

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Rural pearls of Dubrovnik-Neretva County – unreal fairy-tale places are waiting to be discovered

By Croatian Hot Spots 16/03/2023

Step out into the sparkling cosmos of true southern hospitality where you don’t look at the time, but at the sun.

Southern Dalmatia is just like the Mediterranean – inexhaustible and immeasurably deep, like a magical book in which a brand new page is written every day, tickling all the senses.

Visiting Konavle, the Dubrovnik coastline and the Dubrovnik Municipality, one gets to know not only the divine, unreal fairy-tale nature, but also the spirit and culture of the hosts and their centuries-long local traditions.

Only twenty kilometres from Dubrovnik lies beautiful Konavle – Dubrovnik’s golden valley, a rural jewel full of Croatian treasure chests. Vast vineyards and olive groves, the green of the tall cypresses, the harshness of the karst rocks, and the deep blue of the Adriatic are the colours with which this climate has been generously rewarded.

Blend in with nature by walking or cycling along the well-maintained paths, smell the healing scent of the local Mediterranean herbs and refresh yourself with the clear water at the source of the Ljuta River.

Try your hand at horseback riding: with a soothing trot perched on the backs of these noble animals, the experience of vast meadows and fields is utterly unforgettable. Head along the old Austro-Hungarian paths interwoven with indestructible dry stone walls and conquer the beautiful peak of the imposing mountain beauty of Sniježnica, Sveti Ilija.

Discover hard-to-reach, untouched beaches ideal for a true Robinson-style holiday and explore the mysterious depths of the surrounding sea which hide the largest amphora site in all of Croatia. Check why the sunset in Cavtat is so special and magical.

You know what they say, when in Rome, live the Roman way, if you’re somewhere else, live however the ‘’way’’ is there! What better way to get better acquainted with local traditional ways of production than to try them out for yourself? Picking and processing olives, producing olive oil, that elixir of life; picking grapes and producing wine in a way that has been handed down from generation to generation for hundreds of years.

In addition to Malvasia from Dubrovnik, a wine that was also enjoyed by the ancient Greeks, and during the time of the Republic of Dubrovnik it was a protocol gift from the prince to the guests of Dubrovnik, numerous other autochthonous species are grown down in Konavle, among which, Plavac mali wine really stands out.

See the unreal work and skill involved in local silk production, essential for brilliant silk embroidery, a part of the local Konavle women’s costume, the ancestral dress that is still very much alive and present in this, the southernmost Croatian county, to this very day. For a unique souvenir and a truly beautiful decoration, reward yourself with a pair of gorgeous Konavle earrings – these earrings have a half-moon shape and are made of gold wire, with a pendant with two small pearl beads. They are an important part of local family treasures which were passed down through the generations and are a living witness of a long tradition and the skillful hands of master goldsmiths.

Numerous restaurants and taverns base their rich gastronomic offer on home-made, healthy and traditionally prepared cuisines from Konavle. Organic products from local family farms and agro-tourism facilities will also all captivate you with their fullness of taste and aroma, and many also offer interesting programmes for their guests, such as a school for cooking old-fashioned dishes – so you can become an excellent chef and prepare green menestra, the oldest dish originating from the famous Republic of Dubrovnik, among other dishes which have been being made by Konavle locals for generations.

Sweeten your palate up with mantala, a traditional dessert, or refresh yourself with zavajuna, the simple energy drink enjoyed by our ancestors. You should definitely try out the homemade cheese made from mixed cow’s, sheep’s and goat’s milk.

When it comes to finding somewhere to stay, Konavle villas, apartments and other accommodation facilities are waiting for you with open doors and arms.

In the Traditional House of the Dubrovnik Littoral in Slano, there are some interesting facts about prehistory in the area of the Dubrovnik Littoral to be learned. Early Christian sarcophagi, the Prince’s Palace in Slano, various maritime traditions, coastal costumes and other historical and ethnographic heritage can all be seen there.

The entire Dubrovnik Riviera is an ethereal space full of enchanting landscapes, picturesque villages, hidden beaches, evergreen thickets and ancient olive groves. Once part of the glorious Republic of Dubrovnik, it has always been at the intersection of historical, economic and trade routes.

History carved into the old stone can be read on stećaks, which are tombstones, of which there are over a thousand in Dubrovnik-Neretva County alone, and the most intriguing is the “Snake Stone’’ located at the Greblje-Bistrina site.

You should definitely visit the House of Honey and Traditional Products in Majkovi, the centre of beekeeping in Croatia’s southernmost county. Bee products are medicinal and prepared in the traditional, proven way of our elders.

The Dubrovnik Parish is geographically small, but it is a place of hard-working sailors, fishermen, farmers and labourers, precious folk customs, picturesque costumes and rich folklore. Even today, you can hear the lively sounds of the Lijerica, a Dalmatian folk instrument, and watch traditional dancing (kolo). Family jewellery, dignified and rich in gold and pearls, was jealously guarded and proudly passed down as a legacy from generation to generation.

Visitors looking for a more active holiday in Konable can explore this area shaped by beauty through an ATV safari, and for a real adrenaline injection, embark on a jet-ski or zip line adventure.

Allow yourself to be conquered by the passionate south of Dalmatia and preserve a collage of memories woven with the smells and tastes of delicacies, enticing drops of wine and locally made olive oil, the fruits of the calloused hands of weary workers and fishermen.

And most of all, enjoy the endless hospitality of your hosts and take home a sense of community and belonging from this magical part of Croatia.

www.visitdubrovnik.hr

Photo: Archive of tourist boards of Dubrovnik – neretva county, Cavtat-Konavle, Slano

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The magic of a perfect holiday spent in the town of knights

By Croatian Hot Spots 31/01/2023

The nature in and around Sinj and the entire Cetina region has always effortlessly provided perfect backdrops ideal for various types of active holidays and outdoor activities. The clear and swift waters of the gorgeous Cetina River lap gently against the vast and fertile Sinj plain, and the karst queen mountains of Svilaja, Dinara and Kamešnica all protect their kingdom with their stone springs..

The long tradition of Sinj mountaineering is the best guarantee of an unrepeatable experience filled with conquering magnificent peaks and taking in some utterly spectacular views. Get out of your comfort zone and take a deep breath, filling your lungs with the perfectly clean mountain air, feel alive behind the wheel of a quad vehicle, or design your very own cinematic jeep safari adventure

Numerous agencies with ideally designed arrangements will take care of the original experience of the “tamed wilderness” of the stunning Cetina region. Well-maintained bicycle paths will also take you along some ancient roads which have been touched with periods of rich yet very turbulent history. Recently, Sinj has also been the proud host of one stage of the exciting international Cro Race cycling race.

Closely associated with horse breeding and equestrian sports since way back in ancient times, Sinj also offers a newly built and superbly equipped riding hall and a great opportunity for visitors to come and ride. Safely seated on the saddle of a noble creature, at a light trot accompanied by the soothing patter of hooves, there couldn’t be a better way to explore the network of riding trails the Sinj area provides. A visit to the Sinj Hippodrome, the second largest in all of Croatia, and the impressive Alkar stud is certainly a unique experience for all.

For all those who prefer to rely on themselves and discover things as they come by simply taking a walk – have no fear – whichever direction you head in, new panoramas and gorgeous picturesque corners of the area unfold before your eyes as the most precious gifts.

You will find the inspiration of a spiritual pilgrimage if you decide to walk along the well known Path of Our Lady of Sinj, known as the wonderful “Croatian Camino”, as well as along the path which takes you towards Sinj’s Old Town, which boasts fourteen ‘’Stations of the Cross’’ and various astonishing works by great Croatian sculptors, all in an idyllic wooded location.

Adrenaline-seeking visitors can try their hands at canoeing through the rapids of the Cetina River, paragliding or even skydiving – Sinj even has a functional sports airport! Even certain larger cities might rightfully envy Sinj’s very well developed sports infrastructure: tennis courts, football and rugby stadiums, an athletics track, and believe it or not, a city swimming pool of Olympic dimensions which refreshes the people of Sinj and their guests during the hot summer months.

However, none of the buildings and activities would be worth what they are if it weren’t for the warm hospitality shown by Sinj’s residents and hosts – the people of Sinj are widely known as hosts who welcome people to their town with a full heart and a full table – they will open their doors to every traveller. The rich and unique gastronomy of this area is the result of centuries of contact, which hasn’t always been friendly, between East and West, the Mediterranean and the continent.

Sinj arambaši are a world-famous delicacy without which no celebration will be complete, homemade prosciutto whipped into its perfect shape and taste by the harsh bura winds, mišni cheese ( cheese made from sheep’s milk which also then ages in sheepskin) accompanied by the enticing taste of fragrant herbs growing on nearby mountain pastures will overshadow all other foods… In Sinj, food is truly an art.

Always at the hub and crossroads of civilisations, Sinj, known as the town of knights, is situated under the remains of the Grad fortress, on which sits a small votive church built on the two hundredth anniversary of their arrival from Rama (which is now within the borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina). The fateful exodus of the people fleeing from the marauding Ottomans and their oppression forever marked the identity of this heroic town – the town of the Alka of Sinj and the Miraculous Lady of Sinj.

Its historic victory in 1715 gave birth to the ‘’knight’s game’’, which has now entered its fourth century and is also protected by UNESCO due to its priceless value. The unbreakable bond and gratitude to the Mother of God springs from every corner, and most of all in the magnificent sanctuary of the Miraculous Lady of Sinj, the most faithful advocate of the Croats, always full of believers eager for comfort and hope. Last year, the sanctuary also hosted an important Congress of the Spiritual Heritage of Marian Shrines.

The museums of Sinj both exhibit and nurture the fruits of the area’s utterly rich cultural and historical heritage, and the galleries are popular places for interesting events, concerts and exhibitions of both local and foreign artists. The Museum of the Sinj Alka doubles up as an innovative and interactive centre that successfully combines tradition and modernity.

If you happen to find yourself in Sinj during the time of the carnival, get ready for a surprise. The traditional carnival processions of Podkamešnica villages (villages situated under the Kamešnica mountain), the famous and imposing Didi from Kamešnica will certainly impress you with his appearance and performance. He’ll also effortlessly drive away the ghosts of winter.

The defiance and resilience of Sinj’s local population is also reflected in what’s known as the traditional silent circle dance performed almost exclusively without music, (Croatian: nijemo kolo), the value of which was also readily recognised by UNESCO and included in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity back in 2011. The sounds of the old ojkavica/ojkanje and the rera are still passed down from generation to generation in the Dalmatian hinterland.

Ojkavica, which got its name from the characteristic exclamation oj, has also been on the UNESCO list of Endangered World Heritage since 2010. Rera, a vivid two-part song, is deeply rooted in the identity of the people of the Cetina region and often describes everyday occurrences, conflicts between neighbouring villages and local characters and customs. It also mocks human flaws and weaknesses, often with very specially chosen vocabulary.

Skilled local hands remain the living witnesses of all of these often ancient traditions – they weave the heritage of their ancestors into every stone of the dry walls of the Dalmatian hinterland, and with every stroke of the oar against the Cetina’s crystalline waters. The art of boat building in Otok near Sinj is a protected intangible asset of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia. Today, Cetina boat races and events such as the Žabarijada (a frog jumping competition), the cleaning of the Cetina river bed and traditional fishing from a locally constructed Cetina boat are all held.

Another recognisable Croatian (and Dalmatian) art also finds itself UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Heritage of Humanity – the art of drywall construction – this is a monument more permanent than brass. Hardworking calloused hands took away the karst stone by stone and created wonderful, apparently eternal structures, passing on valuable knowledge to future generations.

That’s how Sinj has become very well known as a real mosaic of perfectly arranged stones – rich gastronomy, remarkable natural beauty, warm-hearted local people, and plenty of things to do – all of which successfully creates a true masterpiece of the Dalmatian hinterland.

More: visitsinj.hr

Photo: Sinj tourist board

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Gastro

Beach bar and restaurant Mina – An explosion of tastes and pleasure in the Jelsa way!

By Croatian Hot Spots 20/08/2020

As soon as we cast our eyes on the name of this sophisticated gastro point, we noticed that Mina was bursting full of charm. If, like us, you are a gastronomist who sticks firmly to their guns when it comes to their palate, this is exactly the feeling that will overwhelm you when visiting this gorgeous in beautiful Jelsa!

The visual identity of Mina itself just screams relaxation and enjoyment – the spacious interior enriched with natural materials such as stone and wood, and fabrics in soft beige shades, is carefully designed to blend this attractive lounge bar as unobtrusively as possible with an environment that is, in one word – beautiful!

And how else would it even be possible to begin to describe the turquoise blue bay surrounded by fragrant pine forests with a view of the Brač channel and the Makarska Riviera?

The restaurant is located just above the beach which bears the very same name, which is otherwise the most popular beach in all of Jelsa, located a mere few hundred metres away from the centre. There is also an Aqua Park located nearby.

An explosion of taste is the most appropriate expression for what awaits you there, pinned on an alluring gastro map. Whether you want grilled fresh fish spiced with homemade olive oil and Mediterranean aromatic herbs, delicious meat specialties, or some more exotic gastronomic sensations like spring rolls or wok vegetables, here you simply have – everything you might want, so much so that it’s difficult to imagine that Mina might not have something covered.

However, if we had to choose, we would recommend grilled gilthead sea bream, Adriatic octopus salad, fresh Adriatic shrimp, mussels and saltwater clams when it comes to the seafood delicacies, and delicious lamb for the avid meat lovers!

Even a cursory glance at the typically struct Tripadvisor revealed to us that guests, among other things, enjoyed the best pizzas they’d ever eaten, so if you want to go on a gastronomic journey to Italy, try out this favourite dish done in Jelsa’s interpretation of it.

For picky and curious palates, we also recommend the divine spaghetti aglio e olio, which enjoys an almost cult status in its homeland, and the friendly staff who know that food and wine go straight to the soul, will help you pair each of these wonderful dishes with a rich wine list and adequate drinks.

Don’t forget the cocktails! A delicious rhapsody of dishes is accompanied by an equally attractive drink menu. Is there anything better than sunbathing on comfortable loungers while relaxing with some of the masterfully prepared cocktails on offer?

We believe that you will want to immortalise this moment which is of true ‘’Bond-style’’ aesthetics with an beautiful photo posted on social media, and for a complete experience, we recommend ordering a Martini done in the way the world’s most famous secret agent likes it best – shaken, not stirred, op.a. ).

Whether or not you decide to taste other intoxicating delicacies – from gin with citrus, floral and fruity aromas, to Mai Tai and Long Island Ice Tea for the slightly braver among you, or maybe a Cosmopolitan – the favouurite drink of the famous columnist from the series “Sex and the City”, Carrie Bradshaw, you can be sure of one thing – the explosion of taste and pleasure hidden behind the name Mina, will shake up everything you knew about food and drink so far – and it will do so in the best possible way!

RESTAURANT & LOUNGE BAR MINA BEACH JELSA
Jelsa 892A, 21465 Jelsa
www.restaurant-mina.com

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HOT SPOT Saznajte zašto je šarmantna Jelsa jedna od najpopularnijih destinacija ljeta

By Croatian Hot Spots 10/08/2020

BISER OTOKA SUNCA

Ovdje ćete probati nabolje hvarsko vino, guštati u nagrađenom maslinovom ulju, kupati se u najljepšim uvala s kristalno čistim morem, posjetiti domaće vinarije, i pritom čuti priču o vinskoj otočkoj tradiciji, upoznati otočku gastronomiju i najbolje obiteljske konobe u kojem će vam razmaziti nepca, prošetati pitoresknim kamenim selima u unutrašnjosti i upoznati otočke gradiće savršene arhitekture, napraviti najljepši selfi na svijetu.

Prekrasne uvale s sjeverne i južne strane otoka, savršena kamena otočka arhitektura, kuće s velikim terasama koje se pružaju ispod suncobrana od vinove loze, pitoreksne ulice, po dalmatinski kale, trgovi na kojima se odvija otočki život, kulturna baština, mirisi domaće kuhinje, odlično maslinovo ulje, vrhunska vinska kapljica, možemo mi nabrajati do sutra, što sve Općina Jelsa i njeni biseri nude u svom sastavu.

I zato dvojbe nema, ovo je kraj s otoka Hvara kojem u goste trebate doći, obići ga, namirisati, kušati i kući se vratiti s dojmovima koji će vam ostati do kraja života.

Jedno znamo sigurno, poželjet ćete se vratiti. Opet i nanovo. Isto kao i brojni gosti koji u Općinu Jelsa, gradiće kakva je Vrboska, ribarska seoceta Zavala i Ivan Dolac, te u gdinjske uvale dolaze već i po nekoliko desetljeća.

Krije Jelsa u svojim njedrima puno aduta, kao razloga koji svake godine, pa i u ovom uzvitoperenom korona svijetu, opet i nanovo na put u Srednju Dalmaciju dovlače stare goste, jelšanske prijatelje.

I evo nam rezultata, čak 80 postotni booking koji ukazuje jednu bitnu stvar, to da ovoj maloj hvarskoj Općini uistinu ništa ne može oduzeti primat vrhunske turističke destinacije.

Trenutno u Općini Jelsa boravi 70 posto gostiju s obzirom na prošlu godinu, a odličan rezultat imaju i kampovi koji bilježe rezultat od čak 80 posto. A još kada se tome pripoje i odlične najave za kraj srpnja i kolovoz, onda se može kazati kako Jelšani imaju razloga za veliki osmijeh.

Ima i razloga zašto se gosti tako vjerno njoj vraćaju. Otkrit ćemo vam ga, to je zato što svaki prijatelj koji ovdje dođe kako bi uživao u raju na srednjedalmatinskoj obali, dobiva tretman ravan kraljevskom. On nije samo gost, on je dragi i vjerni prijatelj kojeg domaćini, a u Jelsi i njenim mjestašcima je to pravilo, obasipaju pažnju kao nigdje drugdje.

I to nije tek gola turistička promidžba, to je način života. To je dugogodišnji sistem pružanja usluge pansionskog turizma koji putnika namjernika, a s vremenom i prijatelja Jelse, uvuče u njegov uobičajeni život. Stoga kada vas ovdje udomaće, ponudit će vam izlete u prirodu, na drevnu težačku zemlju, poći ćete u obilazak maslina i vinove loze.

U berbu lavande. Brat ćete sočne plodove pune uljnih kapljica i naučiti kako se od njih pravi tekuće uljno zlato. U vinogradima svojih domaćina kušat ćete bobe grožđa ravno s trsa. A onda ćete u konobi otkrivati vino koje je iz njih nastalo.

U Jelsi, Zavali, Ivan Dolcu, u malim gdinjskim uvalama vaši će vas hvarski domaćini odvesti na ribe. Bacit ćete tunju, neki i po prvi puta, lovit ćete s parangala, otkrit ćete kojeg raka treba ubaciti u lonac da bi od njega dobili najbolji brudet na svijetu.

Ne znate što je brudet? Nema problema, naučit će vas. I kako se pravi, i kako treba mirisati i s čime ga treba spariti. A da bi ga upotpunili, s domaćima ćete otići u vrtal, pa sami nabrati povrće za salatu, i voće za desert.

Jelsa skriva brojne prirodne ljepote, ona je sraz kopna i mora. Predivnih uvala s borovima u kojima ćete tražiti zaklon od zvizdana. I brda u kojima ćete upoznati seosku specifičnu arhitekturu. Domaćini će vam reći gdje da krenete, vinskim putima, otočkim stazama, posudit će vam bicikle ako ih nemate, na karti vam ucrtati vidikovce s kojih se pruža pogled na najljepše jelšanske zalaske sunca.

Pansionski turizam koji se u ovom kraju njeguje od samih turističkih početaka, krasi poseban odnos između domaćina i gosta. Gosta koji s povratkom u svoj dom, ispunjen savršenim iskustvima, samo čeka naredne ljeto da bi se na naš otok vratio.

Sjećat će se njega još dugo, dok bude jeo ušećerene bademe i mazao domaće marmelade, ispijao predivno hvarsko vino ili liker, te uživao u mirisu lavande skrivene u malim vrećicama čiste jelšanske prirode. Ponijet će sve to s Otoka Sunca kao dar domaćina, koji će svoje drage goste čekati i naredno ljeto.

Eto zašto Jelsa i ove godine bilježi enormnu popunjenost, u pansionskom smještaju, u hotelima, u kampu. To je zapravo odnos u kojem se gradi desetljetno povjerenje, bazirano na prijateljskom odnosu ljudi, koje su Jelsa i njeni turistički biseri povezali u čvrstu kariku.

Zašto doći u Općinu Jelsa? Zato što ćete tu probati nabolje hvarsko vino. Guštati u nagrađenom maslinovom ulju. Kupati se u najljepšim uvala s kristalno čistim morem. Posjetiti domaće vinarije, i pritom čuti priču o vinskoj otočkoj tradiciji.

Upoznati otočku gastronomiju. I najbolje obiteljske konobe u kojem će vam razmaziti nepca, toliko da ćete se kući sa sjetom sjećati divota koje samo ovdje možete kušati. Prošetati predivnom Vrboskom i napraviti najljepši selfi na svijetu. Dirati njen fini uglađeni kamen, koji gradi gradić savršene arhitekture. A onda krenuti u južne jelšanske krajeve, pa sjesti na brod nekog od ribara i poći na mitski otočić Šćedro.

I na kraju se kući vratiti opijeni mirisima laguna u kojima ste se kupali cijeli dan. Proživljavajući najljepši odmor na svijetu. Ne kažu nam u Jelsi tek tako da njihovi dragi gosti iz cijelog svijeta dođu, stave ključeve od auta sa strane. I onda se samo opuste. Kada su tu, ne treba im više ništa. Sve što im na ovom svijetu treba, tu je u tim trenucima kraj njih.

Ali zaboravili smo i druge aktivnosti kojih i ovdje ima napretek. Od klapa, folklora, tradicionalnih tanci i pjevanja. Kava na trgovima na kojima se skupljaju domaći. Uživanja u ćakulanjima na jelšanskim klupama i šetnjama uz rive malih naselja iz njene Općine.

Degustaciji meda od hvarskih trava i cvijeća, guštanja u najfinijem prošeku i rakijama, te isprobavanju slatkih limunovih i narančinih korica koje su domaći samo za njih zimi radili.

Isprobavanju hvarskih vina, plavac mali i plavac veliki, te bijele sorte bogdanuša, maraština i prč. I isfeštati se na nekoj tradicionalnoj vinskoj fešti, ili pučkoj manifestaciji kakvih je na otoku Hvaru, ma i kada je korona u pitanju, još uvijek puno.

Jeste li dakle spremni za Jelsu, za iskustvo života? Spremite se, i uskočite na val koji će vam u život donijeti obilje novih iskustava.

Više i foto: TZ Jelsa

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Hot Spots summer destination! Island Pag – feel the Magic of the Moon Island

By Croatian Hot Spots 10/08/2020

Island of Pag is an unmissable global outdoor destination, as well as an international film and marketing attraction.

No one has original folk costumes like those Pag has. No woman wears a starched canvas in the shape of a triangle on her head, which frames the beautiful faces of the women and girls from Pag, these canvases are called blankets on the island of Pag and in Novalja, known as the Moon Island.

The island is decorated with one of the protected symbols of Croatian heritage, traditional, beautiful Pag lace, recognisable across the world as one of the most beautiful handicrafts made by the hands of women.

This summer, Pag is once again the number one destination, not only in Croatia but also globally.

The story cleverly developed over the years has led to the birth of Pag becoming an IN location, which must be included in every travel planner.

Because Pag has long been not just one of the top destinations for incredible entertainment, and by gradually building the story, this island has become an unmissable global outdoor destination, as well as an international film and marketing attraction.

And more than anything, this has been presented by the latest campaign that brought together a few wise minds from the island, reinforced by a top professional, well-established photographer Jakov Baričić.

Such a coming together of minds could bring about absolutely nothing but the very best, a story about the island of Pag that brought everything that makes you have to visit this island as soon as possible up to the surface.

And Pag has been enrolled as a must-see destination from the travel plans for many Croatian and foreigner travellers.

Because only here can one take fascinating street style and nature selfies and photos, and much like the trendsetters who have already done so, capture the absolute best that the island of Pag has to offer.

Now, what does one choose in that sheer abundance of options? Moon-like landscapes, beautiful bays, amazing scenes like from another planet? The magical yet modest convent of the Benedictine nuns, the alleyways, the beaches with the crystal clear sea surrounded by a lunar landscape and bare rocks?

Maybe some of Pag’s gastronomic delicacies? Or the incredible beauty of Pag’s women and girls wearing their original costumes, which are kept in families like the crown jewels and passed down from generation to generation?

This is exactly what Jakov Baričić showcased about Pag in his works, weaving fashion, tradition and amazing photography into the heart of the story.

The island of Pag has definitely been the most desirable Croatian outdoor destination for a long time now, which, on the basis of having earned such a title, has been providing fascinating natural attractions to its visitors.

. The most significant thing is the incredible landscapes which resemble the moon itself, extremely rare natural scenery that serves as the background of the trails for the most important outdoor event on the island of Pag – the Life on Mars race.

They were actually the beginning of an integrated programme of outdoor activities that positioned the island globally as a top destination for lovers of active tourism. The above is especially true for cycling tourism, and for trails, running and hiking tourism. Aware of the importance of the potential that Pag offers due to its natural features, the the island’s united forces have put together a special development plan with phases that will be built on in detail and gradually expanded over this year and the next three years. The project ‘’One island and one common vision’’ was created, with the aim of uniting and branding the island of Pag as a destination for outdoor tourism.

Such natural features didn’t go unnoticed even by film moguls who discovered the perfect scenery for some of the shots from their bestsellers in a surreal backdrop. Are you the type who likes to visit the locations where the famous films were shot?

If so, there are some great opportunities for precisely that on Pag, for example; the shot on the beaches of Novalja, which the director of photography Danny Moder, the husband of ‘’Pretty Woman’’ actress Julia Roberts, chose to shoot the film ‘’Ibiza’’.

On Zrće beach, he also shot with the famous actor from the HBO series Game of Thrones, Richard Madden, who played Robb Stark in the first three seasons. The views of Pag also delighted Oscar winner Gabriel Salvatores, who included them in his new road movie ‘’Strangers in Paradise’’.Pag was the ideal backdrop for the filming of the world-famous series The Terror in fantastic locations such as the rough, rugged Paska vrata, produced by Oscar-winning director and producer – the genius Ridley Scott, who is best known for films such as Thelma & Louise, Alien, Blade Runner, Black Hawk Down and Gladiator, for which he won an Oscar and a Golden Globe for the best picture.

When it comes to the small screen, other jewels from Pag have caught the eyes of the creators of various advertising campaigns, and as a result we now have fantastic global campaigns for the most famous fashion magazine in the world – Vogue. And we all know that where Vogue goes, everyone goes, especially since the fashion giant chose Novalja and the island of Pag for their third fashion editorial.

After the Ukrainian and Latin American Vogue, Pag’s alluring ambiance was discovered by the Portuguese edition, and behind them stands the young photographer Jakov Baričić, a well-known name in the Croatian and global fashion industry.

Why Pag, why the beaches Ručica and Beriknica in Metajna? Precisely because, as the director of the Tourist Board of the City of Novalja, Marina Šćiran Rizner, reveals, like other beaches on the island of Pag, it is among the most stunning in all of Croatia.

And what Vogue chooses is noticed by other magazines such as Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and others which have included the island of Pag, its beaches and the views from the Lun olive groves in their advertising catalogues.

Then there are the numerous campaigns, for example for famous brands such as Rimac’s cars, BMW, Porsche, Mercedes, Honda, limited American Triumph motorcycles, and Japan’s Canon… They took Pag under their wing, and in that sense they took Pag across the whole world. And given the fact that Pag has gone out into the world, here is another good reason for the world to come to Pag, to taste, feel, smell and enjoy the best that this island has to offer. The island boasts many fantastic locations and five destinations – Novalja, Pag, Kolan, Stara Novalja, Povljana. Five pearls of the island that are part of the great strategy to brand the island as one single entity.

They ‘’performed’’ together at foreign tourism fairs, and together they launched events such as the rowing regatta ‘’Osmerci on Pag’’ and ‘’Pag on the menu’’. This also resulted in the signing of a joint agreement of all the tourist boards of the island of Pag and the branding of the destination through outdoor tourism.

NEW PROMO VIDEO

A joint tourist-oriented work is also coming to market, a film that brought to the forefront some of the island’s most important acquisitions. The City of Pag presented itself with its UNESCO-protected Pag lace, a beautiful view of the old town reminiscent of Dubrovnik, folk costumes, dances from Pag, and gastronomic attractions, to the people of the Benedictine monastery of St. Margaret.

The film also presented the undisputed gastronomic delicacies such as the famous Pag cheese, but also views of the Pag saltworks, the ‘’Embrace of stone and wind’’ cycling path which was co-financed by the Ministry of Regional Development and EU funds, and the island’s Nordic walking trails. It showcased only what is already well known, that Pag is, more than anything, the entire taste and smell of the destination, the perfect place to relax and the provider of a truly unforgettable experience.

There is also the award-winning camp Straško and camp Šimuni, cultural heritage, galleries which showcase the island’s inherited wealth, ornithological reserves, an amazing underwater amphora site near Šimun, the protected area of the Hanzina forest, the Lun olive groves, the Roman aqueduct…

Anyone who comes to Pag will find it difficult to leave it again. Because, among other things, the bay of Ručica awaits its visitors with its gorgeous long sandy beaches framed by bare rocks that stretch steeply out into the sea. Or the numerous beaches that stretch along the entire island.

You can enjoy the view of the dry stone walls, climb up to the various lookouts, and even enjoy Pag’s healing mud. Some will choose to observe the birds in the ornithological reserve, many will be interested in the famous Pag Triangle, a place which carries with it a legend about extraterrestrial civilisations that may have left their mark there.

Are you perhaps in favour of sage cheese, or one made from a combination of sheep’s and cow’s milk that has been awarded many times at various fairs in the country and throughout the world?

Or maybe you’re up for some cheese with paprika? We definitely recommend trying the cheese with green and black olives, cottage cheese as a rhapsody of flavours, and pralines with Pag cheese, which can also be taken home as an original island souvenir.

All of this is Pag, a combination of traditional, modern, the future, recognisable and ready to lure you to it.

You know the saying: When you dip your finger in the sea you are connected to the whole world. The same is also true of Pag: When you experience Pag, you experience life.

The island is just waiting for you to grab it with both hands and a set of full lungs.

More:
www.visitnovalja.hr
www.tzkolan-mandre.com
www.tzgpag.hr
www.tzstaranovalja.hr
www.visitpovljana.eu

Photo: archieve TB Pag

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Athena extra virgin olive oil – An enchanting tasty adventure on the island of Hvar!

By Croatian Hot Spots 04/08/2020

Athena is the highest quality olive of organic origin, one that will emphasise and round off the taste of absolutely everything it touches, and with it, even a piece of bread and cheese will become an intoxicating and enchanting tasty adventure.

This isn’t just any old, ordinary Dalmatian oil. History, tradition and centuries of extensive knowledge of island farmers are woven into OPG Plenković’s product. This liquid yellow gold comes from the island of Hvar bearing the strong name of Athena. This premium extra virgin olive oil was made from ripe olives from the Stari Grad plain.

. Its name alone alludes to precisely that, to the goddess Athena, one of the main figures of Greek mythology who gave the olive to the people. And the Greeks ennobled it, they made oil from it, which they kept in ceramic vessels – amphorae.

And so it should be done today. The exceptional Athena olive oil comes in ceramic bottles that preserve all of its nutritional properties. Athena is the food and cultural history of the island of Hvar, it is the essence of the coming together of both tradition and modern technology.

The packaging is customised and very pleasing to the eye, and it also comes in a limited series.

This year, they have about 500 white bottles at the Plenković family farm, with an additional limited series in black. Athena Premium carries a medium to intensely pronounced fruitiness in the scent of olive fruit and green grass, apple and tomato, with a dominant intense almond flavour, rounded off with notes of both artichoke and rocket.

Athena Slavač is a mild-tasting oil that will satisfy a wide range of consumers who prefer milder-strength olive oils. It boasts a delicate aroma of ripe olive fruit, a soft taste of ripe fruit and pronounced floral notes.

Due to the fact that a large part of the olive groves belonging to this family farm are located in the Stari Grad plain which is under the protection of UNESCO, Athena draws the strength of the microlocation in which it was born and matured.

In tasting Athena, one actually tastes the history of the island, absorbing the fruit of the knowledge that has been passed down from generation to generation for as many as 2400 years.

Even in this very modern age, people still speak about the concept of terroir, which is what connects the taste and characteristics of this oil to the truly special peculiarities of its microlocation.

Athena is, as judged by the best experts in the field of oenology, table oil in the very best sense, one that will emphasise and round off the taste of quite literally everything it touches. And it will touch everything, from a simple piece of bread and cheese, to salted sardines and brujet (brodet).

Rhapsody will be made in every dish, it will stimulate the palate, cause a wave of gastronomic pleasure and enhance the importance of the most recognised, most appreciated and healthiest diet, the Mediterranean diet. Our diet.

The owners of the Plenković family farm are a couple called Magdalena and Ljupce Plenković, who, last year, decided to brand their olive oil and purchase more fields in addition to their inherited olive groves. Their plan is to plant more olives and gradually expand their production capacities.

“Our desire was to combine the indigenous product with the history and culture of the plain, the benefits of the Mediterranean diet and pack it as a luxury souvenir.”

Web shop: www.atenahvar.com

Points of sale:

“Za pod zub”- Srinjo kola 11, 21460 Stari Grad

“Aroma Dalmatia”-Dioklecijanova 5, 21000 Split

“Terrami”-Zadarska 3, 21000 Split

Photo: Phastudio

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Turn on summer! Use the opportunity, a holiday for the youth in Split has never been more attractive or favourable!

By Croatian Hot Spots 06/07/2020

Come and see for yourself just how Dalmatia and Split have so much more to offer than sun and sea. Climb up to mountain peaks, surf the waves, explore the underwater world and experience the magic created by nature. Discover the beauty of living in good company and enjoying some unforgettable adventures…

When we look at the events that have happened to us throughout 2020 so far, it might occur to us to simply turn a few pages of this year’s book because we don’t like its content. The epidemic, the unemployment rate, not being able to go to school and college, quarantine, earthquakes, etc. These are all topics worthy of apocalyptic novels, they’re not so much the coveted light summer reading for relaxation.

The Student Centre in Split has made an effort to bring a ray of sunshine to these apocalyptic pages of the book and instruct us not to give up so easily when it comes to 2020, but to simply “turn the page of life’s book” into summer.

Okreninaljeto.com is an application from the Student Centre in Split for all those who want to capture some beautiful memories in 2020. The purpose of the page is described in the slogan “Breathe freedom, feel happiness, experience adventure”, and these three things are what young people are longing for the most in 2020. For young people from Zagreb, Zagorje, Slavonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and other neighboring countries, summer in Split has never been closer and more accessible.

Accommodation is provided in two student hostels located on the Campus and on Spinut. These modernly decorated hostels are located close to the beaches. In order to have a carefree holiday, the Student Center has also made sure to provide daily room service.

Each room has a private bathroom, and parking is provided. The hostel has sports fields, a gym and a sports hall. Guests can also use the lounge area with game consoles and laundry facilities.

Inside the building, there is a coffee bar where you can find refreshment during the summer evenings. So, everything you need for an ideal summer vacation is right here.

It only takes a few clicks on the page to make the right decision. In addition, in the application itself, you can find the answers to some logical questions that arise:

-How does one spend time creatively in Split?

-What natural and cultural sights are there to visit in Split and its surroundings?

Where is the best place to have fun?

The prices are more than favourable, so for seven days in a double room, you’ll pay 90 euros (680 hrk), and if you decide to go half board, the price will be 125 euros (942 hrk) for seven days.

It’s time to turn towards a new page in life.

It’s never too late to make great memories. Not even in 2020.

Okreninaljeto.com

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THE HOLIDAY OF YOUR DREAMS! New promotional video showcasing the beauty of Central Dalmatia launched!

By Croatian Hot Spots 25/05/2020

The Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board has launched a new communication concept – a promotional video called Central Dalmatia – A Dream Waiting For You

After months of dormancy and marketing inactivity, the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board has launched a promotional campaign aimed at the surrounding markets. The Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board has been patiently waiting for the adequate conditions to be achieved, i.e. for a favourable epidemiological situation to be declared, and for the establishment of tourist traffic to begin.

The most prominent part of the promotional campaign is a new video, launched just a few days ago, aimed at targeted European markets, and designed by the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board to communicate with its millions of followers on social networks Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other online platforms. Making a step forward in terms of marketing as we begin re-opening borders and establishing tourist traffic in these areas. Given the circumstances that have ensued across the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the almost complete cessation of tourist movement, this campaign wants to draw the attention of current and future tourists to the beauty of Central Dalmatia, the favourable epidemiological situation in this region, and the availability of travel.

Central Dalmatia and all of its treasures, the beauty of its lakes, rivers, sea, beaches, bays, towns and islands are ready and waiting for guests to arrive. In Central Dalmatia there lie safe, preserved, coronavirus free locations which are full of hidden beauty and are always ready to reveal themselves to dear friends and guests. Central Dalmatia truly represents a treasure trove of feelings and a set of memories for those who have already been met with its beauty.

This is a dream that awaits all those who will meet Central Dalmatia for the very first time. Central Dalmatia is still here and is now ready for socialisation again, sending out an invitation for all who want to get a taste of a holiday which will never leave their minds and hearts. All of the above is why Central Dalmatia is inviting all those who want to experience real adventures on the journey of a lifetime, to come and get better acquainted with this area as the most special and indeed most diverse car destination. At every new corner, behind every bend in the road, and after exiting every tunnel, Central Dalmatia provides a new, most beautiful postcard.

The Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board has thus launched promotional campaigns aimed at the markets of Germany, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Austria. And this time, it’s turning towards all those who are ready to step into this new platform of Central Dalmatia’s tourist offer.

Those who do step into this new platform will be provided with a perfect holiday that they will never forget even in the post-coronavirus era. The platform suggests that people come and get better acquainted with the specialties Central Dalmatia offers as a car destination, which includes a wide variety of specifics. Because Central Dalmatia is more than just another tourist destination, one of those aforementioned specificities is the feeling of 100 percent freedom, and at the same time the most beautiful sense of harmony. It is an area where every friend and guest can feel all the treasures this area has to offer – all in one place.

’We are carefully monitoring the situation in the main emitting markets of Central Dalmatia, just as our hoteliers, caterers and hospitality workers, tourist camps, owners of family accommodation and the nautical tourism sector are all waiting for an agreement between the epidemiological and tourist professions which should enable the protection of human health and the realisation of the summer portion of this tourist year. But in the meantime, despite the modest funds available to the County Tourist Board under these circumstances, we have prepared promotional campaigns aimed at our traditional markets of Germany, Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Austria. Through them, we will further promote Central Dalmatia as a destination to which one can drive. The most prominent part of the promotional campaign is the new video that was launched a few days ago, which is aimed at targeted European markets and represents a step forward in terms of marketing at this time when we’re starting to open borders again and establish tourist traffic in these areas,’’ says Joško Stella, director of the Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board.

Through this way of getting better acquainted with the area, every new and previous guest in Central Dalmatia has the opportunity to get to know the connection between the past and the present, the gastronomy offered here, as well as get a taste of adrenaline, fun and relaxation. Through car tours, they will get to see Central Dalmatia’s UNESCO cities, Trogir and Split, drink coffee in Emperor Diocletian’s square, enjoy the healthiest Mediterranean food in the world, and watch kite surfers on the city’s beaches.

They will go to the Dalmatian hinterland, taste grilled trout from the rivers, and taste top-quality home-made wine from carefully looked-after vineyards. They will head south, to the famous beach in Bol, to Zlatni rat, and see this unique world phenomenon that changes shape as the wind blows with their own eyes.

They will swim in the crystal clear coves, enjoy the sea, which has never been more gentle and transparent, and then they will return to the coast again. They can then soar up high into the hills of Omis, to enjoy the lookout from the palms of their hands, and in its centre, in a city where honour and freedom were guarded by the famous Omis Pirates.

There, one can walk through the cobbled streets and head in the direction of the Makarska Riviera and choose which of the gorgeous beaches to descend down to. There, they will feel something that will never leave their heads again, some will feel the warmth of the soul of the place and its people, some will have the feeling of unique fun imprinted on their souls, and everyone will have a memory that will stay with them forever.

Because when Central Dalmatia invites you as a guest, then everyone who responds will start breathing with full lungs again. Come to Central Dalmatia to taste happiness.

More: dalmatia.hr

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Golden olive oil makers from Hvar pick up the most medals at the prestigious NYIOOC competition in New York!

By Croatian Hot Spots 15/05/2020

Owing to its truly stunning natural beauty and rich history, the island of Hvar is often visited by tourists and recognised as one of the top destinations in which to spend a summer holiday.

However, a real little gastronomic scene takes place on the island of Hvar, and the most commonly used ingredient on this gorgeous island is certainly olive oil.

Practically since time began, groves full of beautiful dark purple olives have been being planted and formed in this area and until now, there has never been more of them, producing renowned olive oils which continuously earn the highest recognition possible. There are as many as 220,000 olive trees on the island of Hvar, which speaks volumes about the island of Hvar having grown into a real little olive-growing island region.

The most common olive variety is oblica, with a representation of 85 percent, followed by lastovka, levatinka and the somewhat newer varieties lećino and pandolino. The presence of more than 900 small and large olive oil producers says enough about the tradition of nurturing olives and its products. It is therefore not surprising that every dish on the island of Hvar is sprinkled with this liquid gold.

THE NEW YORK OLIVE OIL COMPETITION 2018: Istrian olive oils shone with all of their brilliance once again, and at this year’s competition in New York – NYIOOC, Croatian olive oil producers picked up more gold and silver medals than olive oil producers from anywhere else in the world did.

In terms of the number of medals in this year’s competition, the winners are, as expected, Italy and Spain. Of the 60 samples sent from Croatia, 34 of them won a gold or silver award, and the percentage of Croatian winners in this competition stands at an impressive 57 percent, making it the highest in the world.

The NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition is otherwise the largest and most prestigious world competition for olive oil. The annual list of award winners is considered an authoritative guide to the best extra virgin olive oils of the year.

Of the 34 winners from Croatia, 10 percent of them come from the island of Hvar, namely: Božić uje, Eva Marija uje and Radojković uje.

1. ULJARA BOŽIĆ – SVIRČE D.O.O.

Božić olive oil is imbued with the tradition, diligence, love and expertise of their family. High standards and passion for food inspire them to produce olive oil which boasts an excellent taste, made from only the finest of ingredients. At this year’s competition, the award went to Oblica olive oil, which is characterised by its distinct aroma and taste. This oil has a slightly spicy and bitter taste, with a pronounced and intense sweetness to it.

2. OPG ČURIN EVA MARIJA

The winning oil from Eva Marija, which is of the levatinka variety, has a medium intensity and fertility, with a feeling of green grass, apple and green almond. This oil also boasts traces of artichoke and chicory, with notes of black pepper and aromatic herbs such as rosemary, sage, and even mint. The bitterness of this particular olive oil is well defined and its sharpness is pronounced, and all of that is very balanced. OPG Eva Marija Čurin is located in the eastern part of the island of Hvar, close to Gdinj.

3. THE GARDEN OF EDEN (RAJSKI VRT) – RADOJKOVIĆ

The Garden of Eden was created out of love, and love is what this producer wants to permeate into every single little drop of olive oil that comes from the estate. The production is located in Bogomolje, a small village located on the eastern part of the island of Hvar, away from the crowds of summer tourists. The award-winning Levatinka olive oil was obtained exclusively from olives of the Levantinka variety. This variety provides a truly superior oil of moderate spiciness, also boasting the smell of fresh grass.

Last year on the island of Hvar, olive oil production was extremely fruitful, not only in the sheer amount of oil produced but also in terms of its top quality. Bravo to the Božić, OPG Eva Marija and Radojković oil producers.

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Hvar’s Arsenal – Winner of the European Heritage Awards/Europa Nostra Awards 2020.

By Croatian Hot Spots 08/05/2020

EUROPE’S TOP HERITAGE AWARDS HONOUR 21 EXEMPLARY ACHIEVEMENTS FROM 15 COUNTRIES.

Ahead of the celebration of this year’s Europe Day (9 May), the European Commission and Europa Nostra are proud to announce the 2020 winners of the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards. Europe’s top honour in the heritage field goes to 21 exemplary achievements from 15 European countries (for the full list see below).

This year’s impressive collection of award winners range from the restoration of Rubens’ garden pavilion in Antwerp (Belgium), to the revival of the renaissance arsenal on the island of Hvar (Croatia); from the trans-European network “Tramontana” dedicated to the research of the tangible and intangible heritage of mountainous regions, to the sensitive preservation of a cultural landscape formed by subterranean caves and wineries in the province of Burgos (Spain); from the rebirth of the impressive Basilica di Santa Maria di Collemaggio in l’Aquila (Italy), heavily damaged by the devastating earthquake of 2009, to the “Ambulance for Monuments” with an emergency team of craftspeople ready to save endangered heritage in Romania; and from “Scanning for Syria”, a research project carried out by a research centre in The Netherlands, to a major exhibition marking the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, organised in co-production between Poland and Spain.

Heritage lovers and supporters from Europe and all around the world can vote online for their favourite award winners and decide which achievement will win this year’s Public Choice Award. In times of confinement and physical distancing, the European Commission and Europa Nostra hope to inspire a particularly large number of people to discover this year’s award-winning achievements and to share the names of their three favourite winners. The Public Choice Award will be announced in the autumn of 2020. The winners of the Grand Prix, entitled to receive a monetary award of €10,000 each, will also be made public on this occasion.

“The COVID-19 crisis has made clear just how necessary culture and cultural heritage are to people and communities across Europe. At a moment where hundreds of millions of Europeans remain physically separated, our cultural heritage continues, more than ever, to bring people together. This year’s winners of the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards are inspiring and powerful examples which truly contribute to a closer, more united and more resilient Europe,” said Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth.

“In these trying times, our award laureates, with their success stories of how adversity can be overcome through expertise, dedication and teamwork, are true messengers of hope. These exemplary awarded projects demonstrate that cultural heritage is vital to our mental and physical recovery from the trauma caused by the pandemic. Our shared heritage and its custodians can contribute in so many ways: from making accessible cultural content via creative digital solutions to undertaking concrete restoration and rehabilitation works as an act of social and economic rebirth for our cities and villages,” stated Hermann Parzinger, Executive President of Europa Nostra.

The European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards were launched by the European Commission in 2002 and have been run by Europa Nostra – the European Voice of Civil Society Committed to Cultural Heritage – ever since. The Awards have the support of the Creative Europe programme of the European Union.

The Award winners were selected by independent juries composed of heritage experts from across Europe, upon thorough evaluation of candidatures submitted by organisations and individuals from 30 European countries. The Juries also decided to give three Europa Nostra Awards to remarkable heritage achievements from European countries not taking part in the EU Creative Europe programme, namely Switzerland and Turkey.

In 2020, two new ILUCIDARE Special Prizes will also be awarded from among the submitted applications to the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards. The ILUCIDARE Special Prizes will be announced on 28 May. ILUCIDARE is a project funded by Horizon 2020 with the aim of establishing an international network promoting heritage as a resource for innovation and international relations.

2020 Award Winners

(listed alphabetically by country)

Europa Nostra Awards go to three remarkable heritage achievements from European countries not taking part in the EU Creative Europe programme.

Category Conservation
Manor Farm of Bois de Chênes, SWITZERLAND

Category Dedicated Service
Société de Lecture, Geneva, SWITZERLAND

Education, Training and Awareness-raising
SARAT – Safeguarding Archaeological Assets of Turkey, TURKEY

The Call for Entries for the 2021 edition of the Awards is now open and the application forms are available on the Awards website. Submit your exemplary project and share your expertise and success!

Hvar’s Arsenal

May 07, 2020 | Conservation | Croatia | Hvar

The Arsenal building, centrally located in the town of Hvar, the most important harbour of the island, has been carefully restored and successfully transformed into a vibrant cultural centre for visitors and the local community alike. The Croatian Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Regional Development were partners to Grad Hvar in the 30-year project to rehabilitate Hvar’s Arsenal. The project was funded by the Hvar municipality, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Regional Development and Split – Dalmatia County with additional funds coming from civil associations and the European Regional Development Fund.

The construction of the medieval Arsenal began in the 13th century. Archaeological finds indicate that it was used as an arsenal since the 3rd-4th centuries AD. It was not until the early-17th century that the building achieved its present appearance, comprising a boatyard on the ground floor with a theatre and arsenal storage on the upper floor, which was adapted to a gallery and reception room.

The extremely demanding project to rehabilitate the Arsenal included documentation, research studies and a conservation report (1989-2005); the reconstruction of the load bearing structure (2005-2009); archaeological excavations (1994-1996 and 2014-2015); phases of reconstruction and renovation (2014-2018); and concluding work on the interior of the building, including updates to the theatre, gallery and reception room (2018-2019).

The ground floor space has retained its original character with exposed stone walls and arches while new multi-purpose facilities have been installed, providing Hvar’s citizens with a venue to host a wide range of cultural and social events. The original Venetian wooden beams are still present on the ceiling of the gallery on the first floor while some other original features of the building, most notably the frescoes and theatre boxes have been kept and restored to their original form.

The necessary new additions to the building were designed in a contemporary style, thus emphasising the original character of the building. These new components to the building’s historical layers have successfully evoked a dramatic meeting of old and new.

The Jury noted that “this respectful revitalisation project has adapted a very significant building to the modern needs of the community and adds a new cultural dimension to the tourism of the area. It represents a long-term effort to ensure the preservation of the Arsenal, a site of high heritage value. The stratification of the 16th-century building and the later 18th-century theatre has been properly recognised in the conservation works. These sites are evidence of a long history of international trade in Europe and are significantly located in the harbour area where they continue to play an important role as a place of connection”.

More information
www.hvar.hr

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Roman roads will take you back to turbulent history of Central Dalmatia!

By Croatian Hot Spots 09/11/2019

Split-Dalmatia County can be explored in various ways, and one of them is travelling along old Roman roads, which are a proof of former turbulent historical periods.

Soldiers from Roman legions marched along them, while numerous pilgrims and others searched a better place for living along this extensive network of roads.

Former busy roads are today transformed into routes full of interesting remains, old military camps and artefacts from archaeologic sites. Central Dalmatia has a lot of them, and therefore this area is a bate for tourist who like to jump backwards to history.

Why go to Rome, when Roman roads can be seen here as well? Their centre was in Salona, old Roman town near Split. Salona is not by chance called antique jewel, its historical structure and infrastructure displays all the wisdom of its builders, impressive for even today’s visitors.

Where will Roman roads take you? In various directions, through protected landscapes of the Cetina canyon, Prološko lake, Red and Blue Lake in Imotski, Vranjača Cave, along the remains of old-Christian necropolis, roman military camps, sacral buildings, historical forts and numerous fortifications.

Their tourist, scientific and historical relevance was upgraded in 2012 by Joško Stella, director of Split-Dalmatia Tourist Board and Lino Ursić, external associate on project of archaeological tourism of the County. In attempt to save old roads from oblivion, they started a project called Roman Roads of Central Dalmatia.

The project surpassed its borders with an exhibition opened on 6 April in Archaeological Museum in Zagreb. The goal was to get people from our capital and numerous other tourists familiar with significant part of Dalmatian and Croatian history.

While developing the project, its initiators have made a big progress regarding preservation and evaluation of Dalmatian road history. For example, in the centre of tourist attention they managed to place Tilurij, remains of old Roman military camp near Trilj, to which leads a network of Roman roads.

Inside this historical edifice Roman bedrooms will be reconstructed as an interesting tourist product. It is the first project of this kind in Croatia, who falls into category of experimental archaeology. Furthermore, it presents a new platform in tourist offer of Split’s hinterland. Numerous participants who have entered the project testify of its importance: Trilj town, Split-Dalmatia County, County’s tourist board and Archaeological Museum from Zagreb.

Roads are not merely roads, they are the paths leading to important sites. When watched from tourist level, old Roman roads are also links to natural beauties, archaeological sites, many excursion points and belvederes. In addition, they lead to localities where one can take part in numerous activities like mountaineering, hiking, horse-riding, cycling, kayaking, rafting…

But we mustn’t forget this region’s specialty – rich gastronomic offer, i.e. homemade traditional specialties that can be tasted along old roman roads. In order to explore treasures of this region, set out on a journey, step by step. Each day in a different direction, each day meeting new vista of beautiful Split-Dalmatia County.

We offer you their suggested itinerary:

Military road: Salona – Klis – Andetrium (Gornji Muć)

Roads of new conquests and determining borders: Salona – Klis, Dugopolje – Dicmo – Aequum (Čitluk) – Servitium (centre of command of First Pannonian Fleet)

Miners’ road: Salona – Tilurum (Gardun, Trilj) – Argentaria (Srebrenica area)

Merchants’ road: Salona – Tilurum – Narona (Vid near Metkovića)

Salona – Spalato

Salona – Epetium (Stobreč) – Oneum (near Baučića village, Omiš) – Makarska

Salona – Siculi (Resnik) – Tragurium (Trogir)

Photo: archive of TB of Split Damlatia county, dalmatia.hr

www.dalmatia.hr

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Croatian Hot Spots

Athena is the highest quality olive of organic origin, one that will emphasise and round off the taste of absolutely everything it touches, and with it, even a piece of bread and cheese will become an intoxicating and enchanting tasty adventure.

The Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board has launched a new communication concept – a promotional video called Central Dalmatia – A Dream Waiting For You

2020 Award Winners

Category Conservation

Category Research

Dedicated Service

Education, Training and Awareness-Raising

Hvar’s Arsenal