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Attractive location for moviemaking

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CROATIA – THE SEVENTH ART SCENERY

Although the beauty of our country has been perpetuated and celebrated many times in poems, paintings and in written word, we are particularily proud when our familiar and well-known landscapes stand in for a movie – that powerful media of the present and one of the most impressive forms of art. Thus, for example, rocky parts of Istria once „played“ Afganistan, and a number of our national parks american wild west. The masters of visual in art recognized the value and potential of our landscape – many words of praise have been recorded, coming also from the biggest of them all – Alfred Hitchkok, that demanding and critical-minded genius, without any hesitation declared the sunset of Zadar the most beautiful in the whole world!

While areas along the coast are usually among the most attractive, our national parks played an important part in the world of seventh art. In nineteen sixties, as much as 7 movies were filmed at the area stretching from Paklenica to the Prezid Pass on the southern side of Velebit Mountain, so our national treaures played a role themselves, of „Wild West“ in this case. National parks Paklenica, Plitvice Lakes, Krka, the canyon of river Zrmanja, Vrana Lake and many other locations, hosted numerous works of a western genre, including the most popular ones about Winnetou by Karl May. Nowadays there are numerous theme tours in his honor, and at the time of the shooting, friendly locals gladly accepted supernumerary roles!

When listing attractive film locations, we should not leave out our capital. Academy Award winner Meryl Streep in “Sophie’s Choice” walked through the streets of our metropolis, as well as charismatic Sean Connery as the most famous undercover agent in the world (scene from the main railway station in “From Russia with Love”), and action hero Jackie Chan who delighted the fans of this genre performing stunts on Dolac and Liberty Bridge. Zagreb was also the background of “The Trial” directed by Orson Welles – the Velesajam scene with thousands of machines, workers and typewriters that perfectly evoke the characteristic atmosphere of the famous work of Kafka, is especially remembered.

More recently, after several silent years, Croatia is becoming more recognized as an exotic and tempting location for the creation of seventh art. The makers of globally popular series “Game of Thrones” brilliantly took advantage of the ancient walls of Dubrovnik and the Fortress of Klis, which needed no computer processing; while Woody Allen’s and Pedro Almodovar’s muse – the Spanish beauty Penelope Cruz, filmed the scenes from her recent release “Venuto al Mondo” in Korčula and Pelješac. Beautiful vistas, colorful sunsets, unspoiled nature and abundance of cultural treasures deserve to be immortalized on a movie, so we hope that our country will continue to follow upward trajectory and that, in addition to tourist ones, it will be drawn on another world map – that of filmmakers!

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Čazma Christmas Story

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13 December 2013 – 10 January 2014

All Christmas stories are romantic and educational, especially if you are a guest of the Salaj family in Grabovnica. At Christmas time, the Salaj family prepares a special treat for all the Christmas time enthusiasts, when their garden is alight with thousands of multicolored lights, offering all who come a magical sight and an idyllic atmosphere. The Christmas stable, the manger and the decorations all over the garden, including the multicolored Christmas lights and ornaments shining in the night, offer an unforgettable sense of a deep dream followed by awakening in a world of fairy tales, a world of a true Croatian Christmas story.

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Exhibition Piri Reis

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Cartographer in the service of Suleiman the Magnificent

15 November – 31 December 2013
Dubrovnik, Rupe Ethnographic Museum

On the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the publication of the world map by cartographer Piri Reis (1513), UNESCO has declared 2013 the Year of Piri Reis. For this occasion, exhibitions were organized in Rijeka, Poreč, and Zagreb, and now you can visit this exhibition in Dubrovnik, where you can see the most important works of this famous cartographer who lived during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent.

The aforementioned exhibitions are a part of the series of international events organized by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and Croatia was chosen as a host for these exhibitions because there are many maps that indicate Croatian cities and islands in Piri’s famous book entitled Kitab-ı Bahriye (Book of Navigation), which was written in 1521 and is comprised of maps and notes that are organized in 210 chapters.Many exhibits will be displayed, such as a replica of a portolan chart showing Eastern Adriatic ports from the Book of Navigation; a replica of the world map from 1513 (which is one of the oldest preserved maps showing America); depictions of Adriatic ports produced on famous iznik ceramics (a technique of decorating ceramics that was very popular during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent); navigation instruments dating back to the 16th century; and various portraits and other works of exquisite historical and artistic value. The authors of this exhibition are Ali Riza Işipek from the Turkish Foundation for Underwater Archaeology and Tea Perinčić from Maritime and History Museum of the Croatian Littoral in Rijeka, Croatia.

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Read more: www.dubrovnik.hr

 

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Ivanec Miners’ Days

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04 December 2013

The Miners’ Days in Ivanec demonstrate the importance the people of this area attach to keeping alive the memory of their traditional ways of social and cultural life, as well as to teaching the young people to cherish their cultural and historic heritage. This also provides all visitors with an exceptional opportunity to see the exhibition of the old tools and other equipment used by miners in the old days, and thus learn about the hardships of our ancestors. The exhibition is supplemented by children’s works on the subject of mining, and by the miners’ sculptures. Undoubtedly the most attractive part of the event is the procession of the historical Ivanec Miners’ Company that is in charge of receiving the guests and ensuring that everyone feels welcome.

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Gastro

Traditional Festival of Chocolate

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06 December 2013 – 08 December 2013
OPATIJA

Can you imagine a better entry into December, a month of great events, than the Chocolate Festival? Chocolate, the sweet pleasure which fulfills us with optimism and satisfaction, has always been the symbol of richness, happiness and delight. That is why we cannot resist it. The sweetest beginning of December may be experienced only in Opatija at the already traditional Festival of Chocolate!

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Prestigious awards for Zagreb County Tourist Board

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20. INTERSAS, 16. ITF’CRO, 12. KEA/EFE-CRO

Zagreb County Tourist Board was, from 6th Nov to 9th Nov in Solin, presented  on  20th INTERSTAS 2013/International tourist, tour film, landscape festival – International Club of merited for tourism, 16.ITF’CRO 2013 / International tour film Festival and 12th KEA/Entente Florale Europe – CRO
On the final ceremony Golden flower of Europe ’2013. was assigned to Zagreb County Tourist Board and Povelja FEST to director – mr.sc. Ružica Rašperić.
A special recognition in 61 movie competition on 16.ITF’CRO 2013 won the Zagreb County Tourist Board and the film “Coutryside Poetry” by Mark Vrdoljak.

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Linđo– symbol of a city that aspires to future

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To be able to dance and sing in Linđo nowadays means to be sociable, popular and beloved. In nearly fifty years many generations of ensemble members have exchanged, many great friendships and loves were born. Today Linđo is important and indispensable cultural event in Dubrovnik.

Ensemble of Linđo has been active for almost fifty years. Established in 1964, it started operating a year later. The name originates from the name of the ensemble’s most popular dance that is danced for two hundred years in the same way, with small variations in the Dubrovnik area, Župa and Konavle. It is considered that the dance was named after the famous leader Nikola Lalo Linđo, the founder of Linđo hop dance, while some people think it is a folk name for lijerica player (an ancient instrument from southern Dalmatia). The ensemble primarily nurtures and protects its own tradition, which is the basis of its survival and of preservation of both Croatian and local cultural identity.

THE BEGINNINGS

Folklore group formed at the Pedagogical High School in Dubrovnik in 1964, already in 1965 turns into a folklore ensemble within the Tourism Society and makes its first independent appearance. At the initiative of the Atlas Traveling Agency and Tourism Society, after examining the performances of Linđo and considering self-financing capabilities of the ensemble, from 1966 Linđo acts wholly independently as a citizens association, and in 1998 it becomes an institution in the culture of Dubrovnik.

With choreography signed by the most significant choreographers of Croatia, Folklore Ensemble Linđo proves to be extremely successful:

– approximately 3500 concerts visited by more than 2 million local and foreign tourists
– almost 200 promotional tours
– over 3000 members passed through the ensemble by dancing, singing and performance
– constant gathering of 200-300 young girls and boys aged 12-28
– the first guest appearance of Linđo ensemble took place in 1966 in Italy
– guest appearances in almost all European countries, Northern, Central and South America, Japan
– Linđo Folklore Ensemble is particularly proud of the Gold Medal and the Gold Record won at the International Folk Festival in Dijon in 1973 whereby it was listed among the best European folklore ensembles.
– In February of 2012, it became the IIPT Ambassador for Peace, receiving the recognition of the Institute for Promotion of Peace through Tourism for their generous and humane activity.

Nowadays, under the guidance of headmistress Dubravka Sarić, economics graduate and former active member of the FA Linđo, Linđo is developing into a true brand and expects further achievements, performances, programs, projects, guest appearances and tours with the ambitious and hard working employees. Back in the distant sixties of the twentieth century, the objective of Linđo was to explore and collect artistic elaborations, and to stage the most beautiful examples of Croatian music and dance traditions. Today’s goal relies on that of the founders, it is stratified, socially and creatively stimulating, focused on Dubrovnik, Croatian and world community.

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Green sport for a dazzling future in tourism

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GOLF IN CROATIA

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The grandeur and stylishness of this sport originated in middle ages in Scotland, certainly cannot be denied, since it generates a variety of facilities and attracts visitors of a high financial leverage. But in the context of our country, it also has an enormous tourism potential, to the extent that in metaphorical terms, it was called a „magic wand“ that can revive our islands and contribute to the exclusivity of national tourist attractions. precisely in these facts lies our interest in this touristic phenomenon – except for what golf can undoubtedly do for us, let us consider what we can do for Croatian golf.

Given that golf attracts fans since 14th century with unabated intensity, in our opinion there must be something to that sport, that magical je ne sais quoi factor (in french, „that certain something“)! Nowadays an invitation to golf, is a very recognizable symbol in the developed countries, and additional amenities and facilities that the sport generates, are capable of effectively improving tourist offer of any area.

Given the current situation in Croatia, where exceptional efforts of tourism professionals are focused on the expansion of our off-season offer, we can say that golf is not just a good idea, but a necessity. In fact, it is interesting to note that Croatia lost several organizational candidacies of international character, just because of the inability to offer the possibility of playing golf to the participants!

RESOURCES

Ironically, thanks to its geographic features and a pleasant and mild climate, Croatia has a fantastic initial potential precisely for the development of this sport. Our abundant and diverse natural beauty contributes to the invigoration of body and spirit at the very heart of golf, as well as the dynamics of the game itself. In this regard foreign investors and experts are particularly interested in the area of Istria and the Croatian Zagorje castles, and in the Dalmatian coast and islands. Istria and Zagreb area are especially attractive because of the proximity of the existing golf courses in Slovenia and Austria (spatial distance is an important factor when it comes to motivation for players to go to another site), and Dalmatia and the islands due to the mild climate and the possibility of practicing golf all year round . The quality of the weather can really be crucial when it comes to the “fate” of a golf destination, as long rainy and cold periods can have a critical impact on their visitor frequency.
Development of golf on the islands, which enjoy beautiful weather even in the winter months, would be of particular importance, as it would encourage the expansion of tourist offer outside the summer season, which is the issue the tourism sector often faces.

LOCATIONS

Currently the most dominant golf destination in Croatia is Istria, which boasts as many as 14 potential sites for the development of golf tourism. First Istrian professional golf club, Golf Club Adriatic, is 6,360m long and stretches over 80 hectares, and there is an additional course of 4,690m in length. Undulating terrain and idyllic scenery make it equally interesting to the well-established players and beginners. Furthermore, one of the greatest golf courses in Europe is situated in Brijuni and was once the favorite destination of European aristocracy in the early 20th century. It offers the privilege of playing golf on the beach embellished by Mediterranean fauna. It is also necessary to mention a very active and competitive Golf Club “Motovun”, Golf Club “Medulin” and attractively designed driving ranges in Umag and on the Krk island.

In the area of Slavonia, there are plenty training grounds for long and short game, and Golf Center “Novi Dvori” in Zaprešić near Zagreb is one of the few sites that offers the possibility of playing at night.

In addition to the existing golf courses, there are new construction projects. One of the best known is the Golf Park Dubrovnik project, whose fields of 9 and 18 holes are personally designed by one of the greatest players in history, Greg Norman, who, according to the initiators of the project, believes that every playground must offer a unique, unforgettable experience.

CONTROVERSY

Unfortunately, the development of golf in Croatia elicited numerous discussions which insinuate that the investments in this sport hide personal interests of individuals. As a magazine dedicated to the promotion of national tourism, we welcome every sincere initiative to hasten its progress, and in this regard we recognize the extraordinary potential of golf. Another type of controversy relates to the ecological threat to the area which would be turned into a golf course. Since golf has always been in accordance with nature, we support adherence to high ecological standards of construction, which wouldn’t disturb the natural balance or include invasive interventions on the environment.
Finally, if, for example, few years ago Turkey skyrocketed as a hit destination for fans of this highly profitable sport, we don’t see any reason why couldn’t we work out our own place in the golfers’ sun as well!

Foto: www.golf-adria.com/

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Maria Theresa wore Pag lace

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Pag lace is a unique handicraft made by valuable and skilled hands of woman from Pag. It is believed that the Pag lace takes its origin from the city of Mycenae. In the town of Pag making lace began in the late 15th century for the church liturgical vestments. Making lace was initiated by the Benedictine convent that had a school of lace. Lace collection that Benedictine nuns kept and collected more than 150 years, the Ministry of Culture declared the Croatian cultural heritage. History remembers the time when women from Pag went to the court of Maria Theresa to make lace for her.
Eventually, lace has become an independent decorative item, decoration for furniture, framed on the walls, carved or sewn into clothing, decoration sheets, pillows, curtains, tablecloths and as decoration on church vestments.
Uniqueness of Pag lace is that there are no templates or blueprints for making lace, the way of making and sampling has been carried forward from generation to generation by word of mouth and practical work.
Word of its beauty and perfection was wide-spread, its production and expansion in world trade boosts after the founding of Lace School in Pag. The school was founded in 1906 and has continuously worked until 1945.
In order to prevent the extinction of Pag lace making, in 1994 at the high school “Bartul Kašić” was organized training for the profession of Pag lace maker.
With school, an important role in the preservation of Pag lace has The Pag Lace Association “Frane Budak.”
Nowadays, the Pag lace makers can be seen on the streets making the most beautiful needlework created by woman’s hands.
In the city center on the Square Petar Krešimir IV is placed Pag lace Gallery.

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Base Jumping

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RED LAKE IMOTSKI

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Red Lake in Imotski, once again was the scene of the adventure spectacle. Despite of the rain and the occasional wind, nine base jumpers jumped from the steep cliffs of the Red Lake into the water, at the same time falling and flying for about 300 meters in front of more than five hundred inhabitants of the city of Imotski who were bristling around the cliffs of this natural monument. Croat Vanja Šiljak, Italian Maurizio de Palma, three Austrians Edmond Guschall, Hirschi Thomas and Jurgen Schridi, two Hungarians Csaba Szorcnxi and Gergo Kovacs, and the German Tobias Preidel have marked this base jumping location among many other jumping locations they conquered.

“Well we finished the second halftime of incredible jumps in Imotski Red Lake. The first and the historical jump from 2007, and now, for the second time, I have experienced something amazing. Some of my friends jumped for the first time and felt the same way.” They said to me what I have already know, that many of them have jumped the cliffs from all around the world which was rather challenging; however they all agree in one thing – the jump from the Red Lake cliff is something incredible, something unique. They say that they will come again and that they will show off with the jump they performed here, in Imotski. We jumped into the abyss of the lake which is so scary and at the same time so beautiful. “We enjoyed”, says Vanja Šiljka, a base jumper from Zagreb who gathered a team of daredevil heroes.

Board of Imotski, members of the Mountain Rescue Service and Croatian Mountaineering Association Imotski has provided the logistics for base jumpers.
The whole spectacle of adrenaline on the cliffs of Red Lake was filmed with several cameras. One cameraman was Stipe Božić. Stipe will collect and direct documentary that will consist of shots gathered from all recorders including the recordings from cameras on helmets worn by base jumpers. We strongly believe that this documentary shell draw the attention of a wider audience.

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Magic world of wines of Hvar

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The tradition of wine production and viticulture on the island of Hvar reaches back to the ancient times. In the 4th century BC Greeks from the island of Paros established their colony Faros on the today’s territory of Stari Grad. They brought the field crop of vine from their original homeland. Metal coins bear witness to the importance of vine and wine for the old Greeks. The coins were forged in Faros and Issa (today’s Vis) and they portrayed a cluster of grapes with vine leaves on one side and a wine goblet (kantharos) on the other. With the arrival of Romans in 219 BC the cultivation of vine spread. Remains of wine-presses can be found in the ruins of Roman villae rusticae. The Statute of Hvar Commune from 1331 forbade the import of wine on the territory of the Commune of Hvar, unless it was a bad year.
In the middle of the 19th century, oidium, phylloxera and peronospora destroyed the vineyards in France and Italy, which led to the increase in the demand for Dalmatian wines which were characterized with its colour, higher percentage of alcohol and the specific aroma. At the time, grape farmers on Hvar, as well as the rest of Dalmatia, started to cut down olive, fig and carob trees in order to plant vines, and exclusively red sorts.
At the beginning of 1892 Austria and Italy signed a trade agreement which enabled the import of cheep Italian wines on the Austro-Hungarian market that caused the crisis of Dalmatian viticulture. Only two years after phylloxera appeared in Dalmatia and arrived to Hvar in 1909. Crisis in viticulture obliged a lot of agricultural laborers to leave for the New World in search for work. In those foreign countries a lot of people from Hvar were the pioneers of wine growing. Also, the burst of World War I prevented the restoration of vineyards.
The phenomenon of private wine producers at the end of 1980s introduced a new perspective in the production of islands’ wines. Unlike in the time of socialism, when the aspirations were on the quantity, private producers underline the importance of quality. Many rewards they won on international wine competitions are a witness of their success.
If you ever happen to be on the island of Hvar, do not miss to taste some of these wines:
Bogdanuša is the original sort from the island of Hvar. It is one of the best Dalmatian white wines with 11-12.5 alcohol percentage, light yellow in colour, somewhat sourish and mild scented. The largest quantities are grown in the area near Vrboska.
Parč was grown from ancient times on the eastern part of the island of Hvar. Its characteristics are scent of muscat, golden yellow colour and around 12 per cent alcohol.
Plavac mali is the most famous Dalmatian wine sort and the best quality wines of this red sort come from the south slopes of the island of Hvar. It is characterized with dark red colour, very pleasant bouquet and specific aroma of plavac with 13-14.5 per cent alcohol. This wine is the best Hvar’s viticulture has to offer.

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Foto i tekst: Siniša Mikulčić Matković – Secret Hvar travel agency
http://www.secrethvar.com/

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Split-Dalmatia County this season broke a tourist record

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INTERVIEW: Joško Stella,  director of the Split-dalmatia county tourist board

Josko StellaAccording to the current data, the tourism in Split-dalmatia county even in off-season resumes its upward trajectory. At the recently held days of tourism in Zadar, its center – the city of Split, was declared a winner in the category of medium-sized tourist destinations and distinguished itself as the second most recognizable tourist destination after Dubrovnik. The numbers are the best indicator of increase in arrivals and overnight stays – we asked the director of the Split-dalmatia county tourist board, Joško Stella, about the key factors of such a success.

In terms of tourism, Split-Dalmatia County this season broke a sort of record. According to your opinion, to what do we owe such extraordinary results?
Outstanding results are the product of many years of branding Dalmatia, great work and dedication of all employees in the tourism industry. As for Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board, we have prepared a season using an advanced form of internet marketing mix of advertising, trade shows, journalists and newly brought agents, sponsored articles in the foreign press, and special presentations on the Scandinavian and Polish market, which proved as a great strategy. Markets in which we have invested the most are precisely those with the reported growth of over 20% – the Polish market, UK and Scandinavia, so the correlation price-performance is obvious.

To what extent Split-Dalmatia County invests in the development of special forms of tourism? Are there certain segments of tourism in which you see a remarkable potential?
Split-Dalmatia County has an elaborate strategy for the development of cultural tourism, and of rural tourism as well. These are selective forms of tourism that we work on in order to prolong the tourist season. Apart from them, we see the future in active holidays, health tourism and similar specific tourism forms that are just perfect for sustainable development and the extension of the tourist season.

What are tourism development strategies of Split-Dalmatia County in the future? What concrete measures will be taken to improve the overall quality of tourism?
In the future, we would like to pay more attention to the destination management and the inclusion of more subjects in it, in order to jointly define higher quality tourist offer.

We already did a set of 9 educations for private owners this year, and in cooperation with UHPA, by the end of the year we will hold trainings for destination management of companies and announce a competition to help them. So, our goal is to develop new tourism products.

What do you think about the new organization of tourist boards according to the DMO system? Do you think that the new system is capable of improving the performance of tourist boards, and in which aspects?
I believe that the new organization of tourist boards is a great challenge, and it demands an extensive and thorough discussion which would result in the evolution of the system towards DMO quality – a process that certainly requires some time.

 

 

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He appeared from a legend

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TALES FROM RIJEKA
Besides being written in the history and tradition of our ancestors and the skilful goldsmith’s hands, it is also a symbol spreading positive energy as it brings optimism and it is precisely his closeness that guarantees our wishes coming true, our serenity, protection from our enemies and from all evil forces. The Morčić earring was once worn by men too, especially fishermen and their only sons. It is not odd to see it in a man’s ear today nor is it abnormal to find brooches, bracelets, rings and pins in the treasure boxes of every older Rijeka family. Due to its attractiveness and historical importance, the Morčić has achieved enviable world fame acquiring a tourist flyer that describes the importance of this famous symbol in 30 languages.

Numerous stories have been told about the Morčić’s origins, numerous popular songs and legends have been sung amongst which there are two of the most famous ones. The first one is the legend of Zrinski described by the famous Rijeka archaeologist and art historian, Radmila Matejčić. It dates back to 16th century when the Ottomans set up camp in the Grobnik Field, threatening to attack Rijeka. The nobleman, Zrinski, shot an arrow from Gradina (Castle) close to Jelenje that hit the Ottoman pasha in his temple causing the army to run away. During this period of Ottoman occupation, the people of Rijeka, so Matejčić says, looked to the sky and prayed to God to throw stones and kill all the Ottomans. This is exactly what happened when they tried to run away: stones covered the Ottomans up to their necks and in a field only their turbans remained. In memory of this event, Rijeka’s men put earrings of a man with turban in their wives’ ears.

The second legend originates from Pelješac and says that an Italian countess had a black slave who she really liked. She gave her freedom and to remind her of the girl she ordered the creation of earrings depicting her. Morčić’s creation was largely influenced by Venice which, in 17th and 18th centuries, was obsessed with the Orient. Besides eastern spices, perfumes, fabrics, clothes and jewellery, the rich Venetian patricians started to use pages and servants in their chambers – Afro Americans wearing eastern clothes. This inspired numerous Venetian goldsmiths to begin creating decorative pins in the form of a black man with a turban, a golden bust, richly decorated with precious stones, known as a “moretto”.

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Foto i tekst: www.visitrijeka.eu

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City break tourism rates are growing steadily

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A SHORT ESCAPE FROM FRENETIC PACE OF EVERYDAY LIFE THAT APPEALS TO EVERYONE

The term „City break“ in tourism denotes a short stay in another city, mostly in some of the world’s capitals, either in personal organization or within some of the vacation packages offered by travel agencies. The reasons behind the popularity of this type of vacation are rather logical – it doesn’t require too much time and money, and it still offers a break from a hectic daily routine. A real expansion of demand for weekend breaks is reported in our cities as well – among those joining a growing trend are Zadar, Split, Šibenik, Zagreb, Varaždin…
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In addition to mega popular capitals of the world, our cities as well distinguished themselves as very attractive destinations for city break tourism, which is growing steadily.

Knowing that concision and efficiency are key words to success when it comes to this type of vacation, the city of Zagreb attractively and high quality presented overall offer of 35 of its travel agencies, based on three-day and four-day travel packages, in an attractive link (http://citybreak.zagreb-touristinfo.hr/). Thus, for example, gourmet-minded guests will get to know our metropolis through exquisite delicacies and local wines, while lovers of cultural attractions will opt for exploring the castles of Croatian Zagorje. There is something for every taste, and those who want to see even more within various tours can “hop” to Zadar, Plitvice…or to Varaždin, just an hour away, and enjoy a tour of its historic center and a very popular bike ride!

„What is lonely London compared to the city of Split?“ – this year this local saying could be heard in almost every corner of our „Mediterranean flower“ and in all languages, since it teemed with foreign guests. In addition to the three-day festival in July – Ultra Europe, which has produced unprecedented interest of young people who came into the city from all over the world, direct flights from eight European capitals have been introduced, and travel packages have been offered at very affordable prices of flight and hotel accommodation, as well as the so-called “Split card” for free admission to the city’s museums and galleries and a guidance of professional tourist guide.

With their energy and lively atmosphere, Šibenik and Zadar, here at your fingertips, equally attracted tourists. According to the foreign Web portals, guests were particularily delighted with the St. Jacob’s cathedral, enchanting view from St. Anna’s fortress, Medieval garden of St. Lawrence, al fresco lunches on the terraces of Šibenik restaurants where they enjoyed seafood and lamb dishes, and especially tasty tiramisu cake! Zadar is only an hour of drive away – it won its guests by a combination of urban culture, monumental architecture, entertainment and nightlife. Imposing Land Gate at the entrance to the old city core provoked true admiration, and a café on the main square was declared ideal for practicing cute Dalmatian coffee culture and taking in relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle! The guests were also thrilled with St. Donat’s church, Sea Organ and a light installation called Sun Salutation!

Due to its lavish architecture, Dubrovnik emerged as an ultimate city break destination. The walk through legendary Stradun and town walls is indispensable, and the list of sites to visit rather lengthy – from Sponza Palace, which best illustrates the fascinating Dubrovnik blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, to the Rector’s Palace, the Franciscan Monastery, the Cathedral of the Assumption, Onofrio’s Fountain…guests find fish restaurants in the historic town core particularly charming, and they also gladly stop by to the island of Lokrum.

Foto: Tz grada Splita, Tz grada Zadra

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