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Pirate battle Omiš 2014

By Croatian Hot Spots 18/08/2014

18.08.2014.

The Pirate Battle of Omiš, which is to take place on August 18^th 2014 in the town port of Omiš for the 8^th year in a row, has over the years become a traditional and central summer event for the town of Omiš, the Split-Dalmatia County and Croatia.

The infamous pirates of Omiš ruled the coastal area between the Neretva and Cetina rivers (including the nearby islands) in the period from the 12^th until the 15^thcentury.

As a reenactment of an actual historical battle between the pirates of Omiš and Venetians that took place in the 13^th century, this unique event uses historical facts in building the brand of Omiš as a town of pirates and thus contributing to the development of cultural tourism of the wider Omiš territory.

More then 100 fully armed participants are directly involved in the reenactment of the original battle each year, including, apart from the Pirates of Omiš, also members of historical military units Kumpanija from Korcula, Trombonjeri from Dubrovnik and Uskoci from Klis.

It should also be noted that more than 10 000 visitors enjoy this unique event each year.

Preko 15000 ljudi svake godine posjeti Gusarsku bitku – Hrabri omiški gusari bore se protiv moćnih Mlečana

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Kulturno – glazbeni spektakl u Sinju (en)

By Croatian Hot Spots 18/08/2014

KAMIČAK – Music Programme

This year as well, in order to bring to life the most picturesque and memorable symbol of Sinj, the Town of Sinj Tourist Board is organising a music programme at the Kamičak fort – Accordion Orchestra “Ivan Goran Kovačić”.
The celebration is going to be held on Monday, 18 August, beginning at 8.30 pm.

Welcome! Free entrance.

PROGRAMME:
Elmer Bernstein – Sedmorica veličanstvenih
Juan Llossas – Tango Bolero
Dmitri Shostakovich – Jazz waltz
Josef Tamarin – Cuban dance
Pietro Mascagni – Intermezzo sinfonico
Ennio Morricone – Dobar, loš, zao
Nino Rota – Speak softly love
Ennio Morricone – Cinema Paradiso
Branko Radić – Cartoon Concert
Gerardo Matos Rodriguez – La Cumparsita
Astor Piazzolla – Fear
Astor Piazzolla – Libertango
Ronan Padraig Hardiman – Lord of the dance

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Days of Diocletian 2014.

By Croatian Hot Spots 14/08/2014

Back to the time when famous Roman emperor Diocletian walked the city

16.08. – 19.08.2014.

In the period from August 16 – 19 Diocletian Days 2014 will take Split back to the time when famous Roman emperor Diocletian walked the city. Romean legions will align on the city streets and squares, the emperor Diocletian in carriage followed by the legions will pass from the Promenade to the Peristyle where Diocletian’s co-rulers with their families will greet the gathered crowd. The sounds of fanfare, drums and Roman music will be heard throughout the city.

DAYS OF DIOCLETIAN 2014 PROGRAMME

SATURDAY – 16August 2014_______________________________

The Old Town Hall / Pjaca

10:30 am Emperor Diocletian’s theatre
11:00 am Opening of the exhibition “Tribute to Robert Adam” by Vjekoslav Stipica

Riva
12:00 pm Gala presentation of the scale model of the Diocletian Palace, reconstructed as it looked in 305 AD.
6:00pm Roman food and drinks
8:00pm Assembly for the Ceremonial Parade, in front of the Diocletian Palace Substructures
8:15 pm Ceremonial Parade from the Riva-Substructures to Marmont Street, the Golden Gate and back to the Peristyle
8:30 pm Ancient Roman football game – Harpastum, Roman ladies dances, Gladiator fights
9:30 pm Music concert by the band “Repassage”
11:30 pm DJ Diocletian

Peristyle
7:00pm Emperor Diocletian’s theatre
9:00pm Grand opening of the event : Premiere of the musical ”Diocles” (invitations only )

The Diocletian Palace Substructures
10:30 pm Gala Roman Dinner with the Emperor (invitations only )

Voćni trg (Trg Braće Radić)
Antique Days – open all day

SUNDAY – 17 August 2014_______________________________

Riva
6pm Roman food and drinks
9:30 pm Music concert by the “Mario Rucner Project”
11:30 pm DJ Diocletian

Peristyle
7pm Emperor Diocletian’s theatre
8pm Children’s programme “LITTLE DIOCLETIAN”
9:30 pm Roman legion assembly and gladiator fights – “Diocletian’s legion” Association

Voćni trg (Trg Braće Radić)
Antique Days – open all day

MONDAY – 18 August 2014________________________________

Riva
6pm Roman food and drinks
8 pm Assembly for the Ceremonial Parade, in front of the Diocletian Palace Substructures
8:15 pm Ceremonial Parade from the Riva-Substructures to Marmont Street, the Golden Gate and back to the Peristyle
9pm Disco Diocletian –The Lost Generation
9:30 pm Departure of the Emperor

Peristyle
7pm Emperor Diocletian’s theatre
8:45 pm Gladiator fights and assembly of the legions “Gens JVLIA” and “Diocletian’s legion”

Watch the VIDEO

The Diocletian Palace Substructures
9:45pm Diocletian’s feast
(for all citizens dressed in tunics ) – gift from the Mayor

Voćni trg (Trg Braće Radić)
Antique Days – open all day

TUESDAY – 19 August 2014________________________________

Riva

11:00 am Emperor Diocletian’s theatre

PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS:

“Gens Jvlia” association
“Diocletian’s legion” association
“Gaz” sport association
Temple of new circus “HRAM”
“Srdelice” children’s choire
“Sedmivjetar” dance studio
“ Diocletian`s” moto club
“Arkada” restaurant
“Starizanati” association
“Split” Lions club
Academic painter Vjekoslav Stipica

www.visitsplit.com

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Foto: Slobodna Dalmacija, Tz Split

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International donkey race

By Croatian Hot Spots 08/08/2014

TISNO – OTOK MURTER

August 09

Međunarodna trka tovarov is an authentic name for international donkey race organized at the main square Rudina every year.

It is undoubtedly one of the biggest and most attractive summer events in this area. This happening became a true spectacle as well as a brand, especially when Tisno donkey association decided to involve tourists into the race. Then it became international.

Beside good entertainment, enormous gastronomic offer and lottery, various cultural and artistic associations participate in this event.

This international event also promotes and saves donkeys, an authentic Dalmatian animal from extinction.

Summer events calendar

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Bibinje – visit a place of authentic Dalmatian vigour

By Croatian Hot Spots 05/08/2014

Bibinje, one of shiny Zadar Riviera pearls, a place with countless faces, of which all are attractive to us. It is an oasis with as much as seven pebble beaches, which by night are magically transformed into romantic walkways whose beauty is breathtaking. It is an exceptional destination for family vacation, but also for culture enthusiasts and nautical tourists. Well equipped and connected Marine Dalmacija makes it a significant point of nautical tourism, while the white city of Zadar, full of notable sights, is well within reach.

Bibinje is also an ideal choice for all who whish to get more familiar with customs and authentic ambience of a small Mediterranean place.

If you like klapa (harmony singing group) song, sea delicacies, merry folk festivities, or even all this together, this lovely Mediterranean place is made for you.

There is nothing more special than klapa song intertwined with a summer night atmosphere; in this you will be most convinced if you visit klapa festival “Raspivano Bibinje “09.08.. where Bibinje people sing out of joy and heart, and this festival is an exact reflection of warm Bibinje soul. Do not miss Folks nights 02.08., and concert of Tomislav Bralić and klapa Intrade 14.08.

BIBINJE GASTRONOMY

Bibinjski kogo doesn’t lack the competitive character. It is an event that tastes like more, because here the most successful virtuosos measure one’s strength – with a big ladle! There was no better and merrier occasion than to try famous Črni menestron – black pasta with cuttlefish, of mighty appearance and taste!?

And if you want to become a part of a real Mediterranean festivity, visited by numerous locals and tourist, where everything bursts with joy and the sounds of magnificent fireworks, visit Bibinje 15. – 16.08., when the festivity of St Rok is held, equally enjoyed by the young and the old.

www.tzo-bibinje.hr

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Biograd Night – best party at Adriatic

By Croatian Hot Spots 02/08/2014

04. August 2014.

Biograd night is a longstanding traditional tourist festival dedicated to the Homeland Thanksgiving Day. The night is filled with adventure, sound and light effects, and a musical laser programme – a form of pyro-musical fireworks.

There is a parade of illuminated boats, outdoor preparation of delicious complimentary dishes, performances by folklore groups, traditional Dalmatian a cappella groups, local bands, majorettes and a variety of entertainment groups who will entertain you late into the night.

It is held on the Biograd’s main promenade and in the city centre, attracting more than 20.000 visitors.

Biograd virtual tour

Biograd at night

Tourist board Biograd at sea

www.tzg-biograd.hr

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Photo: Tourist board Biograd

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Sinj Rural Products Fair

By Croatian Hot Spots 29/07/2014

31 Jul – 2 Aug 2014

Trg dr. Franje Tuđmana, Sinj

The Cetinska Krajina Region has always provided fertile ground for the development of the rich heritage of the skillfully-made and unique handicrafts and authentic products. For five years now Sinj has hosted the Rural Products Fair. Small- and -medium-sized family farms of the Sinj rural area are given a golden opportunity to acquaint consumers with the traditional homemade products which can hardly be found in any other place.

Visitors can taste and buy choosing from assorted high quality food products: a selection of homemade cheeses, honey and other bee products, homemade smoked and cured meats, wines, brandies, liqueurs, oils, eco products, etc. A wide variety of traditional souvenirs, hand embroidery, utensils and decorative items as well as natural material jewellery are also exhibited.

The exhibits and delicacies are of priceless value, which is the result of a great effort invested in order to get a final product of the unique quality and in keeping with an ancient tradition, passed down from parent to child over many generations. In this way, many crafts and the secrets of the master craftsmen are saved from the fate of oblivion.

Exhibited at the Sinj Rural Products Fair, grandma’s opanci and embroidered sheets, grandpa’s pipe and carved walking stick, mother’s uštipci and kroštule, have stopped being a mere remnant of the past to become the keeper of family treasure and identity.

The whole programme is further enriched through the performances of the cultural clubs and the Sinj majorettes, while the spirit of priceless heritage is revived through their selected repertoire.

Foto: Branko Čović
Tekst: Anđela Šuste

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Dalmatia comes alive with the spectacular 1532 Battle of Klis

By Croatian Hot Spots 28/07/2014

By Paul Bradbury

Klis – Now a Game of Thrones filming location, the historical importance of Klis Fortress is relived, as Dalmatia returns to 1532.

As most tourists in Dalmatia continued to enjoy the standard sun and sea combination on July 26, 2014, a spectacular historical reenactment of the 1532 Battle of Klis reminded visitors of the historical importance of the region for all Europe, as well as highlighting the diverse potential of Croatia’s southern region as a fascinating tourism market.

Kliški Uskoci – more than 250 actors, many from abroad, made up the spectacular cast.

These are good times for the fortress of Klis, which sits majestically overlooking Split and the Dalmatian island of Hvar, Brac, Solta and Vis. Known as the Gateway to Split and the Key to Dalmatia, Klis Fortress is best known in recent times as a Game of Thrones filming location, and the popular HBO series will be back in 2015 for series 5.

The battle took place in various parts of the fortress, with a drone camera feeding live images onto large screens for the audience.

The ensuing Game of Thrones tourism is a welcome boost for the inland community, but it is not the only intervention taking place at the historic fortress. Digital Journal, accompanied by Central Dalmatia Tourist Board director Josko Stella visited the fortress earlier in the week to inspect infrastructural improvements to the fortress by the EU-funded Medpaths project, a worthy initiative to improve inland tourism in Croatia and Italy.

Josko Stella, right, director of the Central Dalmatia Tourist Board, with this Digital Journalist and popular Dalmatian politician Visko Halidic at the EU-funded Medpaths presentation in Trilj. Klis Fortress is also a project beneficiary.

Stella was once more present at the Battle of Klis reenactment, once again demonstrating his strong commitment to the development of tourism in the Central Dalmatian hinterland.

Povijesna postrojba Kliški Uskoci

The epic battle lasted over 90 minutes and was surprisingly authentic.

The reenactment of the 1532 Battle of Klis is now in its fourth year, and it is considered to be the highlight of the tourism calendar for the small community which towers over Split. This year’s event was attended by more than 250 actors in traditional authentic costumes, who reenacted the Ottoman attempts to take the strategic fortress after a 25-year siege.

Spectators were treated to an authentic view of the battle of 1532.

Klis, which is also known as the most fortified fortress in Europe, is not a natural setting for a large show, with few open spaces (part of its success against invaders, perhaps), and this year’s event included a drone camera feeding live action into assembled large screens for the considerable number of tourists.

Historical reenactment tourism is becoming more popular in Dalmatia.

Among the guests were members of the Game of Thrones crew. The popular HBO series filmed at Klis last year, and the very strong rumours are that they will be back for season 5 in 2015. Game of Thrones tourism is in its infancy in Split, but it is expanding rapidly, especially as the show has confirmed it will be increasing its locations in Dalmatia next year.

Maja Zlokic, editor of the successful Croatian Hot Spots, with Game of Thrones representatives after the battle.

The most popular after party was held in the home of Toni and Tracey Glavina, who moved from America to his native Klis a few years ago with his American wife, and whose generous hospitality in the Glavina ‘Man Cave’ was appreciated by Game of Thrones staff, tourist board directors and Digital Journalists alike.

Tracey Allison Glavina, an American resident of Klis, in the family konoba where an after party was held, with guests including Game of Thrones representatives.

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Zabava bez granica u Tisnom (en)

By Croatian Hot Spots 26/07/2014

26.07. Water games – The challange, Tisno Bridge – 9 pm, Main Square Rudina – Zaratino band concert, 10.30 pm

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Supetar summer carneval

By Croatian Hot Spots 25/07/2014

BE THE PART OF THIS REALLY PARTICULAR AND PLEASANT SUMMER EVENT
July 26

Summer Carnival takes place in Supetar for 10 years. Carnival nourishes world music and guarantees an excellent entertainment for all those who come to Supetar the last Saturday in July.

Only 50-minute ferry ride away from the mainland, Supetar is a tourist and cultural destination which keeps the beauty of islands living. In Supetar port you’ll find the old boats,among which stands out the oldest preserved original bracera “Roditelj” from 1907. Central square opens a wanderful view of the Parish Church od Annunciationa dated from 18^th century, Leroj (clock tower), the Church Museum, Elementary School building, early Christian mosaics from the 6^th century. The present church was built on the foundations of an early Christian basilica dedicated to Saint Peter after whom Supetar got its name. Close to the Mosaic is a sculpture of Mother Teresa, the work of Brač’s sculptor Pere Jakšić, which a famous Hollywood actor and frequent guest of Supetar, Martin Sheen donated to the city.

Supetar summer carneval

Supetar – VIDEO

Don’t miss gallery dedicated to John Rendić from Supetar, the great Croatian sculptor, whose works can be even seen in the Supetar’s Cemetary where stone turret of the neo-Byzantyne Petrinović’s family Mausoleum , the work of sculptor Tomo Rosandić dominates.

Those who prefer an active vacation will certanly love long walks or bike rides along the Coast to 2 kilometers away Mirca or search for the earliest preserved drawing of the boat in Dalmatia in the early Romanesque Churh of St.Luke (12^th century) above Supetar. Real adventure will be experienced seeking for stone Heraclo in ancient Roman stone quarry Rasoha.

Just 8 km away from Supetar there is Škrip, the oldest settlement amd living cultural and historical postcard of Brač with its Ethno Museum of the Island of Brač.

Supetar’s hotels, villas and private accomodations are opened from early spring. There are two major hotel resorts Svpetrus hoteli Inc.Waterman Resorts and Resort Velaris, small family-run hotels such as Bračka perla, Hotel Villa Adriatica, Villa Britanida, Villa Midea, Pansion Palute, Villa Supetar will be specialy pleasant, just as well as friendly accomodation in private houses.

During summer season all visitors of Supetar are more than wellcome to visit Supetarsko Lito, with many cultural and entertaining events.

BRACERA

Bracera or Brazzera is perhaps the most characteristic coastal sailboat of the Adriatic sea which could’ve been seen along the Dalmatian and Istrian Coast,all the way up to the Venice Bay. Bracera was recorded fot the first time in chronicles dated from the 16^th century,and was named after the Island of Brač.

BRAČKI KAMEN

Brač is well known for its stone -white marble, “harvested” in a numerous quarries. Many monumental buildings around the world and in Croatia were build of it, such as Diocletian Palace in Split, Šibenik’s Cathedrale, the Parliaments buildings in Vienna and Budapest, the White House in Washington D.C.

UNIQUE SPECIALITY -LAMB FROM BRAČ

The Island of Brač is also well known for its gastronomy.Although Brač offers excellent seafood restaurants just as other Dalmatian Islands, it’s best known for its superior and delicious lamb. “Brački vitalac“,dish of lamb has been added to the list of protected cultural property of Republic of Croatia and making this traditional dish is the one of the most important traditions of the Island of Brač.Hrapočuša cake and Brač cake are the most popular deserts form Brač.

ENTERTAINMENT

Modern Supetar offers a great places for entertainment, specialy for youg population. There are few great night clubs- Benny’s Bar, Havana Club, Thriller. Also there are Supetar Super Film Festival (Festival of European documentary film) 05.-09.of July, Summer’s carnival with Cuban rythms and Days of urban music VO’ISA (11.-14.August) with some well known european club’s scenes names. For those looking for Dalmatian traditions there are folk evenings, evenings of Dalmatians songs, exibitions and lectures.

www.supetar.hr

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Sutivan is “out of control”

By Croatian Hot Spots 24/07/2014

Festival Vanka Regule
July 20 – 27.

We cannot start the story about Sutivan, without mentioning the adrenergic bomb – Vanka Regule (Out of Control) Festival in July, which has attracted attracts all adventure and extreme sports enthusiasts for many years with an unreduced intensity! If you are bold enough, try some of more challenging disciplines, and within this event the film festival of competitive character which has already acquired great reputation is also held.

Vanka Regule Festival, based in the town of Sutivan, is no Olympic games, more of an ad hoc gathering of like-minded individuals looking to have fun, but for the increasing number of funs of this branch of sports it is well worth a visit.

If you opt for more peaceful recreation, we recommend a visit to the Nature Park, the beautiful picnic area which offers something for everyone. It is divided into several zones which together make an interesting whole. It consists of the sports grounds for bowling, basketball, five-a-side football and beach volleyball and lodging for animals, some of which are tame enough to play with. Numerous autochthon plant species and spice herbs used in the restaurant within the Park contribute to the beautiful experience of nature.

Sutivan – adventure planet

There, as well as in other local restaurants and taverns, you will have a chance to taste the far-famed Brač’s lamb, homemade cheese and prosciutto, dishes from grill and under the baking lid, various types of soups, seafood, and high-quality homemade wines! Do not leave the island without awarding your palates with some of autochthonous specialties – taste vitalac (a dish made of lamb giblets of distinctive taste), dormouse on grill, Brač’s snails and the majestic Hrapoćuša cake!

After refreshing yourselves with fantastic food, you will have enough energy for sightseeing Sutivan’s cultural heritage jewels. The whole historical centre of the place is a protected cultural heritage monument, and the list of sights is rather long – the small church of St. John the Baptizer where an interesting primitive figure of fish – the oldest Christian symbol in the red chalk is kept, complex of Ilić and Definis houses, summer residence of Jerolim Kavanjin whose doors are opened for friends only, picturesque mill-windmill on the very coast, and many other!

VANKA REGULE – Events

NEDJELJA / SUNDAY 20.07.2014.
20:30 OPENING CEREMONY
službeno otvaranje festivala

21:00 OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FILM FESTIVAL
ljetna pozornica Kavanjin / Kavanjin summer stage

22:30 Koncert grupe LIBAR
sutivanska riva / Sutivan harbour

PONEDJELJAK / MONDAY 21.07.2014.
21:30 OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FILM FESTIVAL
ljetna pozornica Kavanjin / Kavanjin summer stage

UTORAK / TUESDAY 22.07.2014.
22:30 OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FILM FESTIVAL
ljetna pozornica Kavanjin / Kavanjin summer stage

SRIJEDA / WEDNESDAY 23.07.2014.
17:00 VANKA REGULE KIDS
biciklistička, penjačka i slackline natjecanja za djecu (bike, climb and slackline contest for kids)
centralni park Sutivan / central park Sutivan

21:30 OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FILM FESTIVAL
ljetna pozornica Kavanjin / Kavanjin summer stage

23:30 AFTER REGULE PARTY – KRIES (CRO)
coctail bar Modrulj / uvala Likva / Likva bay

ČETVRTAK / THURSDAY 24.07.2014.
10.00 PARKOUR WORKSHOP – powered by parkour.hr
Kavanjinovi dvori / Kavanjin summer stage

15:00 RUN & CLIMB
penjačko natjecanje / climbing competition Ložišća

21:30 OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FILM FESTIVAL
ljetna pozornica Kavanjin / Kavanjin summer stage

23:30 AFTER REGULE PARTY – ROOTS IN SESSSION (SLO) ; VOI’SA KOLEKTIV(CRO)coctail bar Modrulj / uvala Likva / Likva bay

PETAK /FRIDAY 25.07.2014.
08:00 X-COUNTRY MOUNTAIN BIKE UPHILL (Sutivan – Vidova gora)
From the Sea to the Summit / Od Mora do Gora
Biciklističko natjecanje / Mtb contest

10.00 PARKOUR WORKSHOP – powered by parkour.hr
Kavanjinovi dvori / Kavanjin summer stage

14:00 STAND UP PADDLING FIGHT
veslanje na dasci
plaža Lučica / Lučica beach

16:00 4SAIL WINDSURFING RACE
jedrenje na dasci plaža Lučica / Lučica beach

18:00 SEA KAYAK SLALOM COMPETITION
kajak natjecanje / kayak competition
plaža Lučica / Lučica beach

19:00 PORATHLON
adventure race / multidisciplinarna timska utrka
luka Sutivan / in the harbour

21:30 OUTDOOR ADVENTURE FILM FESTIVAL
ljetna pozornica Kavanjin / Kavanjin summer stage

23:30 AFTER REGULE PARTY – GUSTAFI (CRO)
coctail bar Modrulj / uvala Likva / Likva bay

SUBOTA / SATURDAY 26.07.2014.
10.00 PARKOUR WORKSHOP – powered by parkour.hr
Kavanjinovi dvori

14:30 SLACKLINE COMPETITION
slackline težinsko natjecanje
plaža Bistrica / Bistrica beach

15:30 GT FREERIDE DUAL BIKE COMPETITION
freeride dual biciklistička utrka
plaža Bistrica / Bistrica beach

17:00 LONGBOARD SEASIDE RACE
plaža Bistrica / Bistrica beach

17:30 SPECIALIZED FREERIDE XC COMPETITION
biciklistička utrka
plaža Bistrica / Bistrica beach

18:30 TRAIL RUNNING CHALLENGE
cross natjecanje / trčanje
plaža Bistrica / Bistrica beach

19:30 VANKA REGULE BEACH BOULDERING COMPETITION
finale bouldering penjačko natjecanje
plaža Bistrica / Bistrica beach

22:30 V. R. AWARDS CEREMONY & PARTY – POSTOLAR TRIPPER (CRO)
dodjela nagrada sport & film festivala

NEDJELJA / SUNDAY 27.07.2014.
12:00 FINAL IMPACT OCEAN KAYAK RACE
kajak utrka plaža Lučica / Lučica beach

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Foto: Tz Sutivan, Vanka Regule
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ŠOLTA – return to innocence GIVE IT A WEEK!

By Croatian Hot Spots 03/07/2014

You would like to go on a vacation, and you only have a week? We have a great advice – go to our beautiful island of Šolta! Namely, in this idyllic surrounding there is enough time for relaxation and vacation, but you also get an exceptional display of sights and features offered by this island.

If you come from afar and you wonder, where exactly is that Šolta, you will be delighted to hear that it is only a short ride with ferry or speed boat from Split. Not far from Split, west of the island of Brač (rivalry with this island has been transformed into a tourist product as a manifestation “Pulling of Mrduja”) little treasury of flora and fauna is situated.

Its size is 51,9 km2, it is a home of 100 bird species, among which čuvita owl has become its sign and a sort of symbol of recognition. The island has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and was first mentioned, as Olyntha, in 4th century BC.

Then famous Diocletian was living in his palace not far away, using the smallest bay of this island, Nečujam, as his fishpond. In Šolta’s history Illyrian Queen Teuta is also mentioned, who, according to a legend, had her palace build in Senjska bay.

Of famous guests who gladly spend their summer there Šolta is especially proud of Marko Marulić, the father of Croatian literature.

Beautiful nature gave Šolta its precious gifts, so here you can find a handful of original products. Šolta people are proud of their quality products – Olintio honey, Dobričić wine and Šoltanka olive oil. There are also many agricultural households where you can get local souvenirs. Explore this beautiful island – visit its southern bays and villages in the heartland, drink your first coffee in Stomorska, enjoy the sunset in Maslinica…

Its gastronomy, culture, almost untouched nature, kilometres of walking and cycling paths, great diving destinations and island’s associations guarantee that everyone’s taste will be satisfied. It is best to be personally convinced in all this!

Video island of Šolta – Return to innocence

Šolta summer events 2014.

Potezanje Mrduje–Tugging of Mrduja, 25. – 26. July 2014.

Islands Šolta and Brač are only 800 m apart, but it feels farther than that because there is no direct boat line between them. The annual event called “Tugging of Mrduja” is a way to make this distance smaller. For two days of the year, a direct line between Šolta and Brač allows the locals and guest alike to visit the islands and it enriches the tourist offer of both of the islands.

The night of the pirates

This event has been taking place 2 August. On a relaxed and warm summer evening, genuine pirates arrive on their ship and make their way pompously into town while lighting their way with cannons and torches, ready to attack. While making their raid on the town, they shoot, abduct passengers and stuff them into trunks, scare children and promise a long, sleepless night for the inhabitants and guests of Maslinica.

Photo: Tz Šolta

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Villa Stone Village – 50 SHADES OF BLUE

By Croatian Hot Spots 27/06/2014

True celebrity villa – A Stone Oasis in the middle of the big blue is a favorite hideaway of world jet setters

Vela Luka, Korčula
This magnificent stone mansion is tucked away in a quiet cove just 5 km from the town of Vela Luka.

The owners, aware of the unique and pristine beauty of Žukova bay, created a haven in which every detail of the complex is thoughtfully implemented in the Mediterranean landscape that surrounds it.

The “Stone Village” is a true celebrity villa, isolated and discreet, ideal for those who wish to keep their parties and their moments of relaxation to themselves.

This gemstone provides the perfect ingredients for a tailor-made holiday because the owners – the Oreb family, put a great deal of themselves in it, and furnished it with refined taste and subtle luxury.

It is a complex of stone houses and a thoughtfully designed courtyard with a gorgeous swimming pool, which seems to compete in appeal with the green-blue of the sea only a few feet away.

The harmony of nature and comfort, stone and wood, colors and materials used in the villa, are always smooth and blended; nothing disturbs the eye or the soul.

Former former beauty queens of South Africa: Kerishnie Naicker, Karolina Sky i Katia Fidalgo

The soulful villa, which was created in a manner that in no way undermines the beauty and harmony of the surrounding nature, but to emphasize and enrich it, won the hearts of many celebrities around the world.

Famous place of world elite

It comes as no surprise that many famous guests stayed in the villa, to name just a few: Jérôme Valcke, one of the heads of the World Football Federation (FIFA) and his wife Ornella, South African beauties – former beauty queens Kerishnie Naicker, Carolina Sky and Katie Fidalgo, the popular South African radio presenter Bailey Schneider and many others.

Foto: FIFA
Jérôme Valcke General Secretary of FIFA

Roman Abramovich has anchored his mega yacht here once, admiring the heavenly bay and its stone palace, intrigued that the bay shared its name with his wife!

Katia Fidalgo, Bailey Schneider – popular South African radio presenter Bailey Schneider, Lucia Oreb – the owner of Stone Village

NIGHTS PARTY

From the book of impressions

This place is a mecca for those who want to enjoy a unique ambience, for newlyweds on their honeymoon, for guests with refined taste.

Nearly everyone who spends some time at the villa gets poetically inspired upon their departure, declaring it “a true paradise”.

The delightful architectural design so spotlessly integrated into the environment, leaves no one indifferent, and the only “disruption” to your peace and quiet is the sound of the waves and the owls from the nearby woods.

If you feel seduced (and we do!), book on www.orebvillas.com for your own piece of paradise.

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Gastro

Zagorje – Bajka na dlanu oduševilo Poljake (en)

By Croatian Hot Spots 16/06/2014

Croatia tourism away from beach: Total Inland Dalmatia launched Special

By Paul Bradbury

Split – The diversity of Dalmatia’s tourism is highlighted as the regional tourist board launches Total Inland Dalmatia in Split.

In the impressive surroundings of Hotel Park overlooking sun worshippers on Split’s famous Bacvice Beach, the Central Dalmatia Tourist Board called a press conference on June 13, 2014 to formally launch Total Inland Dalmatia, a new public-private initiative to promote the less developed inland region of Zagora, an event attended by Digital Journal.

While the Dalmatian coast has been a magnet for tourists for decades, with its uncomplicated formula of sea, sun and beach, the rich offer of inland tourist destinations has not yet been developed to its full potential, and even many locals living on the coast are unaware of the true tourism potential in the region of Zagora, north of Split.

Paul Bradbury

Jelena Bilic, Sinj Tourist Board director, addresses the media, with regional tourist board director Josko Stella next to her.
It is a region of astonishing natural beauty, UNESCO heritage, adventure tourism, tradition and gastronomy, and yet one lacking in coordination. This Digital Journalist spent last weekend, for example, covering the Days of Zvonimir celebrations in Europe’s second largest fortress in Knin, as well as the increasingly important Cetina Adventure race in Sinj, just two examples of the tourism potential of the region.
Paul Bradbury

Regional specialities were served after the conference, including frogs from Trilj.

The concept of Total Inland Dalmatia is to bring the rich diversity of the Zagora region into one accessible place online for tourists, in the English language, with a long-term strategy of strengthening tourist units in the region, while slowly attracting tourists away from the coast with a coherent and concrete tourism offer.
Paul Bradbury

Sinj Tourist Board Director Jelena Bilic answers media questions in the gardens of Hotel Park in Split.
Launching the site, Central Dalmatia Tourist Board director Josko Stella (who was recently interviewed by Digital Journal) expressed his support for the project’s attempts to promote the region’s finest qualities, as well as lengthening the tourist season.
Paul Bradbury

Central Dalmatia Tourist Board Director Josko Stella has been a passionate promoter of Dalmatia away from the beach.
Another key speaker at the press conference was Jelena Bilic, tourist board director of Sinj, who accompanied Digital Journal around the town last year. Bilic is emerging as a key figure in the development of tourism in the region, and her energy and innovation have given an added impetus to tourism in Zagora since she took up the post over two years ago.
Paul Bradbury

The seven local tourist boards from inland Dalmatia brought traditional dishes for a reception after the conference.
The project is supported by the nine local tourist boards of Zagora, of which seven are located in the Central Dalmatia region — Vrlika, Vrgorac, Trilj, Sinj, Imotski, Dugopolje and Klis. Klis is known as the gateway to inland Dalmatia, and it has the potential to become one of Dalmatia’s best-known attractions, due to Game of Thrones filming at Klis Fortress.
Paul Bradbury

The famous Vrgorac strawberries, the last of the season, proved a hit.

After the press conference, a reception was held in the gardens of Hotel Park, where local specialities were served, including frogs from Trilj and the famous strawberries of Vrgorac.

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