Trogir June 12 to 15
The city of Trogir is hosting the fifth World Cup, “Battle of the Nations – Bitka naroda”.
The organizer of the BATTLE OF THE NATIONS is HMBI, the Historical Medieval Battle
International Association, whose mission is to develop new types of sporting
and cultural activities that are emerging in the modern era, with the aim of reviving
medieval history.
Foto: Ante Gašpar
Piše: Paul Bradbury
Discover the Rich UNESCO Heritage ‘Behind the Mountain’ in Zagora
By Paul Bradbury
Away from the beach Dalmatia offers a wealth of diversity in the relatively undiscovered hinterland of Zagora. It is a region of outstanding natural beauty or mountains, rivers, lakes and exansive plains, as well as a place of tradition and heritage, some of which has been captured by the UNESCO list of intangible heritage.
Foto: Zoran Alajbeg
This is a region with a proud history and tradition, and nowhere is there better demonstrated perhaps than with by the Sinj Alka, a unique knights’ tournament which takes place every August, attracting some of Croatia’s top dignitaries, including the president itself. Next year will mark 300 years of the famous lifting of the Siege of Sinj, and the annual Alka tournament was named Croatia’s top cultural event in 2012.
Dalmatia, of course, is a magical land of song, and its world-famous musical contribution is klapa, A Capella singing with themese of love, longing and the sea, which are performed usually (but not always) by male groups. The klapa of Dalmatia was inscribed as UNESCO intangible heritage in 2012.
Zagora has more specific musical heritage which has been recognised by UNESCO, and the Ojkanje two-part singing from Vrlika and Knin is performed by two or more singers (male or female) using a distinctive voice-shaking technique created by the throat. Each song lasts as long as the lead singer can hold his or her breath.
Foto : Branko Čović
From unique singing to unique dance, the Nijemo Kolo is practised by communities in Inland Dalmatian. Performed in a closed circle with male dancers leading female partners in energetic, spontaneous steps, the male dancer publicly tests the skills of his female partner, seemingly without defined rules. The defining feature of the silent circle dance is that it is performed exclusively without music, although vocal or instrumental performances may precede or follow the dance.
A world away from the beach, inland Dalmatia offers the traveller a throwback in time, to a world away from modern life, where time in communities has stood still. Dalmatia is changing, albeit slowly, and now presents a great opportunity to experience this exceptional region.
30 May 2014 – 01 June 2014
There is food and drink as far as the eye can see, and these are local products that are made according to original recipes and are prepared for visitors by the restaurant owners of the county of Zadar.
On the table are also souvenirs that have been gathered from all over Croatia and neighbouring countries such as Slovenia, Hungary and Italy. There are a total of 232 exhibitors all on the same table.
A sight that should definitely not be missed.
In 2013, there were 43,000 Chinese tourists, spending 65,000 nights in Croatia. It seems a very long way to come to average 1.5 nights, but we will let that discussion pass for now. Is that number about to accelerate? According to a report in Exyuaviation:
Chinese Southeast Europe Business Association (CSEBA) and its partners have announced plans to create a new airline which will launch direct flights between Zagreb and Belgrade, connecting the two cities for the first time in 23 years. In addition, the airline plans to provide charters between Croatia and China, as well as Central Asia. According to the Chinese Southeast Europe Business Association, “ticket prices are expected to be in the range of low cost airlines”. CSEBA President, Mario Rendulić, said in a statement, “There will be tourist air charters between Croatia and China. Chinese tourists are seeking new destinations, and due to recent initiatives by the Croatian Tourism Ministry, the Chinese are very interested in Croatia”.
The town of Hvar is proud of its art heritage. The picturesque ambience of this island town with a millennium-long history and rich culture has a special charm to which all artists gladly respond. This is the reason why, during summer months, Hvar hosts numerous theatre troupes, musicians and folklore ensembles from Croatia and abroad. A diverse cultural programme within the Hvar Summer Events will enrich the days spent under the bright sky of this sunny island for many visitors.
Foto: Tz Hvar
23 May 2014 – 30 May 2014
Contact
Telephone +385 (0)51 784 101
[email protected]
www.rivieracrikvenica.com
23 May 2014 – 25 May 2014
Contact
www.tz-zelina.hr
www.vitezovi-zelingradski.hr
www.tz-zelina.hr
Solin, the monument city on the Jadro River. Here, in the ruins of the ancient Salona, the beginnings of Christianity were imprinted. It is the place where numerous martyrs rest, a place that keeps the grave of St Dujam, the most famous Salona’s martyr, patron saint of Split. The very heart of Solin city hides the oldest Marian sanctuary in Croatia, the sanctuary of Our Lady of the Islet (Gospa od otoka). The legend says that around old church of Our Lady of the Islet elm trees used to stand, so people called it also Our Lady of Brist
Surrounded by the branches of the Jadro River, Our Lady’s Islet (Gospin otok) became the first settlement of Croats in Medieval Age. On the Islet, in the 10th century, on the place of today’s Church of St. Mary, Our Lady of the Islet (1880), two churches were built by Queen Jelena: Church of Blessed Virgin Mary and Church of St. Stephen. This sanctuary was visited by The Pope John Paul II in 1998. On this occasion he sent the message to Solin people: ‘Cherish the treasure of faith that the history has entrusted you’.
Next to the parish church dedicated to Virgin Mary, an exceptionally valuable archaeological locality is situated, today completely under the ground. By the sanctuary spreads a decorated lawn, which with its simple horticultural style invites to coexistence of its citizens, where every days children’s echoes can be heard, together with the laughter of the youth and the song of the believers. Thanks to its beautiful horticultural decoration, Our Lady’s Islet was the winner of Blue Flower of Croatian Tourist Association in 2011, for the most beautiful and the most decorated park in Coastal Croatia.
When walking near the Jadro, you will find Our Lady’s Well, which is, according to a legend, therapeutic spring of water. The Well is often visited by the Italian pilgrims, who are especially guided by the recommendation of Paolo Brosi and his book ‘The Road to Međugorje’, where he recommends pilgrims to stop at Solin, visit the sanctuary of Our Lady of the Islet and drink a glass of water from Our Lady’ Well.
If you are in Solin on September 8, the celebration of the Town Day and the feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, you will find thousands of worshippers from all over Dalmatia who visit Solin in honour of Our Lady, and who, on this day, enjoy religious and music programme as well as in traditional fair which is has been organized here since olden times on this very day.
SAFE ANCHORAGE IN STONE EMPIRE
Enthusiasts and supporters of nautical tourism soon will be able to draw another attractive anchorage on their maps, Brač’s city of Supetar!
This beautiful city is famous for many of its interesting and beautiful localities (beaches, monuments and churches like Parish Church of Mary’s Annunciation and numerous works by sculptor Ivan Rendić…), by first-rate gastronomy – it is a place where one of the most prestigiousculinary festivals of the Mediterranean – The Pearl of sea. takes place. This destination with countless attributes is going to become an unavoidable nautical centre of Central Dalmatia.
To navigators and sea enthusiasts Supetar will offer firm and safe port with two new docks for boats over 20m of length, and as much as 12 docks for sailing boats and yachts under 16m. The introduction of new docks for luxury boats is recognized as an excellent opportunity for enrichment of the existing tourist offer, but also for extending it to the whole year!
Together with the existing 5 nautical docks for sailing boats in Mali most, Supetar is at the disposition of considerable number of docks in the older part of the city’s port. All docks have an ensured electricity connection, while most of them have water connection as well. There is also operative part of the coast for sailing boats and excursion boats.
Therefore, all those who wish to try famous vitalac or fantastic hrapošćuša cake, which deserved the status of the protected good, and also to explore Supetar’s cultural treasures, can peacefully enjoy the magic of this beautiful city knowing that their boats are safe!
More information for dock booking in Supetar is available in Communal Society “Grad”, which manages the port.
tel 021/631 077, mob 091/ 514- 6578
Not too long ago, the term “expatriate” held an air of mystique, carrying vague connotations of a glammed-up, long-gone generation that swore off life in their own countries to pursue the finer things elsewhere, joining the ranks of Hemmingway, Fitzgerald, and Man Ray. But now, as more and more people adopt location-independent lifestyles, becoming an expat – that is, one who lives outside his or her native country – isn’t quite so novel. Still, though, when most people think “expat,” they likely conjure up images of themselves cycling through a chic Parisian neighborhood, bike basket brimming with wine and a still-warm baguette. Or maybe scrawling notes for a novel while people watching on a Roman piazza. But Croatia has its expat community, too, and it seems to be on the rise. Many of Croatia’s international residents are associated with the American International School in Zagreb, the American Chamber of Commerce, various international embassies, or the Universities of Zagreb and Split, both of which offer several English-language programs. It’s also home to a few “self-made expats,” too – those who didn’t move for a job or for family, but simply because they wanted to experience life in Croatia. For the long-term traveler and the expat alike, Croatia is an ideal place to settle, at least temporarily, for a number of reasons. Most people speak at least some English, and many are practically fluent. For those expats who want to try their hand at Croatian, several universities offer Croatian language courses. And online networks aimed at the globally-minded, like CouchSurfing, Internations, and Meetup make social integration easy. Source: Like! Croatia
When someone mentions the word “vacation,” most people see the same picture in their mind. A beautiful piece of shore with some shade from the sun, a colorful cocktail in hand and bright yellow sand meeting the waves of the sea coming in.
Aah, yes – the sand. We all know that strange feeling of walking over it barefoot, the feeling of crossing a very hot yet pleasant carpet.
The shores of the Mediterranean are mostly rocky, pebbly sites. As such, they have a unique charm of their own. But you’re not reading this text because you want to learn about that. You want to find out where to land on some sand in this country. So here you go – we bring you several picks for locations offering sandy beaches where you can make like a lizard.
1. Saharun (Dugi otok)
Saharun is a beautiful white sand and pebble beach almost one kilometer long. It’s located on Dugi Otok and is surrounded by natural beauty and a peaceful atmosphere. Even in the peak summer season with all-day and all-night beach parties, it never gets overcrowded. Its recognizable feature is a tall lighthouse which proudly serves as a photo landscape. Liked by families and the elderly during the day, and hot young things by night, Saharun is a favorite of everyone.
You’ll love it because: The color of the water is a Caribbean-like blue – it’s quite unique for the Adriatic.
2. Uvala Lapad Beach (Dubrovnik)
A well-known site to Dubrovnik locals and guests alike, the first beach in Lapad Bay features sand and has a strong, reliable infrastructure for its visitors. Those who don’t want to change their clothes in the bushes can help themselves to changing cabins, while refreshments are always available in one of the several locales on the beach itself. You have at your disposal there sun loungers and umbrellas and are safe under the careful eye of lifeguards.
You’ll love it because: Uvala Lapad Beach is located just 2.5 km from Old Town and busses there run every ten minutes (take the number 6). Lapad itself is a small center in its own right with a post office, bank, pharmacy and more. This is where you want to go if you’re looking for sand but want to stay connected with the world around you. If, however, you get tired of the crowds and civilization, go for the sandy beach of Sunj. It’s situated on the small island of Lopud, just half an hour by boat from Dubrovnik’s Gruz Harbor.
3. Prapratno Beach (Peljesac)
A village with a strange name surrounded by ancient pine and olive trees? Well, it certainly sounds interesting. Add a beautiful sandy beach beside the fascinating blue sea, and you’ll probably want to book a ticket to Peljesac Peninsula this instant. And you should – Prapratno Beach is considered by many to be one of the Adriatic’s most beautiful.
You’ll love it because: Prapratno Bay is famous for its warm and shallow water. These make it ideal for families with children. Also, with just a short walk along the beach you can discover hidden rocky beaches providing total isolation if you want to be alone. But don’t be shocked if you see a naked person or two around Prepratno. Its number of nudist beachgoers has been on the rise in the last few years.
4. Vela Przina (Korcula)
Korcula is by default a wonderful island to visit. If for nothing else, then to see Moreska, the warrior dance of Croats. But once the swords are left aside, the soldier within will probably want some R&R. Korcula has numerous small and secluded beaches for you to consider. If you want sand, though, you should head straight for Lumbarda, a village located just 6 kilometers outside Korcula Town. There you’ll find a handful of glorious, sand beaches, the most popular among them Vela Przina.
You’ll love it because: Like we said, this beach is popular. If you want the sand but not the seclusion, this is a beach for you. Just be sure to get in early to catch yourself a spot.
5. Mlaska (Hvar)
Mlaska is located to the north of Hvar, not far from the town of Sucuraj. This sandy beach has shallow waters even 10 meters away from the coast. Thick Mediterranean vegetation above the beach provides shades. Mlaska is home to a famous autocamp of the same name.
You’ll love it because: Its shallow waters are perfect for picigin, which traveling south of Zadar should try.
6. Saldun Bay (Trogir)
Saldun is a bay close to Okrug Gornji Village on the well-known peninsula of Ciovo. It’s a place of avid natural beauty with sandy beaches on either side of its charming marina. The main beach in Saldun has beach bars and restaurants as well as water sports and diving to entertain you.
You’ll love it because: Saldun Bay not only provides sandy beaches but is also a perfect destination for yachting and boating – the neighboring Drvenik islands are known for hiding small, isolated sand coves. If you don’t own your own boat you can rent one to get to the perfect location. Or you can take a tour by ship from the beautiful, UNESCO-protected town of Trogir.
7. Solaris Beach Resort (Sibenik)
Solaris Beach is one of the most recognizable sights of Sibenik. With its view of the surrounding archipelago, massage service and decent trattoria, it is one gem of a tourist destination. But that’s not all. Close to Solaris, there is a Dalmatian ethnic village which serves local food under the peka, making the destination great for gourmands and sensualists alike.
You’ll love it because: It’s fabulous. Just look:
8. Ninska Laguna (Nin)
Close to Zadar but far from its crowds proudly reins the ancient town of Nin. The cradle of Croatian royalty, it’s existed for over a millennia and it serves as a perpetual symbol of the country’s sovereignty. And yes, it has sand beaches. Quite a few actually – the entire lagoon is made of sand and mud. Its most famous beach is Kraljicina plaza (“Queen’s Beach”).
You’ll love it because: it will keep you looking gorgeous! One of the lagoon’s special features is medical mud. Its other claim to fame is wonderful winds for sea sports. Try out some kite surfing and wind surfing to stay fit!
Though Croatia isn’t known for its sandy beaches, as you can see, it’s got them. These are arguably the most notable. As one can imagine, there are other patches of sand to be found – there are always new ones to be discovered.
Source: Like Croatia
