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01 December 2013 – 01 January 2014

Advent in the Heart of Zagreb is a series of holiday events held on the city’s squares, bringing the spirit of Advent and Christmas to guests and citizens of Zagreb through a rich musical and artistic programme. Interested citizens, guests and passers-by can enjoy various programmes by numerous cultural societies, children’s choirs, drama ensembles, dance groups and music bands, or shop at fairs tailored for the occasion.

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GASTRO BLOG

Setting off on a 20-minute uphill journey from Split, you come to Sinj, the town of the Alka Tournament, Feast of the Assumption, the River Cetina, and the Alkar and Junak sports clubs, acres of arable land in the Sinjsko Polje Valley, and karst hills. Sinj has a traffic light and some sort of airport, so you see, you can even take a charter flight to Sinj.

 

Hundreds of texts and books have been written about Sinj and the entire Cetinska Krajina Region, miles of cine-film recorded, and still, there’s always something to add, a sort of tiny details which some before us have skipped.

 

How beautiful and specific the area is people got to know a long time ago, even the old Romans did. At Čitluk, a village at the northern town gates, they founded the colony of Colonia Claudia Aequum, and you know that the old Romans built towns and walls in a planned and organised way. Water, soil, sewage system, the wind… and so on, they calculated it all.

What a pleasant place to live! Some remains of villas rusticas and tombstones were also found, as proof of the fact that Roman legionaries enjoyed their retirement in and around Sinj after they had conquered the whole world known by that time.

 

And then a big bang came about, there was a blackout, everything was plunged into darkness, Rome went bankrupt, the time had stopped, some new barbaric people from the north came, they became domesticated and put land register in order and then decided they would never again be driven off from their plots.

These people kept their promise, the region’s entire history was marked by wars, earth was soaked in blood, the shadows of men and their steps were almost a rarity, so folks, don’t wonder at great pride of local people!

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I’ll stick to history a little more. This time travel writers from the 17th and the 18th centuries have their turn.

The first one is the Italian monk, biologist, geologist and travel writer Alberto Fortis. In case you’re interested in Dalmatia and its history, get yourself this book, it will help you a lot. Today when we’re connected in all possible ways, just imagine how he felt riding a horse along overgrown Roman roads and bare karst, he almost cried when he looked in the direction of the sea and islands, civilisation… thinking he would never come back again. The journey itself turned out to be better than he could ever imagine. If we pay no attention to the technical parts of the book, we’ll notice that a great deal of the text is about spiza, or food, things to eat and drink.

Indeed, food and what people used to eat and drink was supposed to be the subject of this piece of writing, but I got a bit carried away, I mean you can’t go to the kitchen right away. First we need to get familiar with some basic stuff, a bit of culture and a fragment of history.

So the first gastro Robinson was an Italian guy.

Of all things he liked most milk, prepared in all manner of ways. Kiselina, or home-made yoghurt, cream, butter, all kinds of cheese, sheep’s milk cheese, cows’ milk cheese and goats’ milk cheese, he got so potty about the Meggle’s ancestors that he used to finishalmost all of his works writingabout food and how the hosts are nice and how they eat good and healthy food. Of course, there’re no light products, kefir or soya milk, but, dear folks, if you sniff out a little in peškarija and pazar,market-places in Sinj and Split, you’ll see that there you can find exactly such kind of product.

Isn’t cheese in mišina (washed sheepskin in which cheese is preserved with brine) a big hit today?

And not to mention roast meat? Lamb, turkey meat, venison?

All ofthis our Italian guy tasted, for now I’ve only followed him, I’ve got to, so as not to skip something by accident, well I still haven’t tasted spit-roasted lamb in the outdoors, served onpogača, brown unleavened round wheat bread, now better known as Vrlička pogača (pogača typical of the town of Vrlika in the Dalmatian hinterland).

Well who knows, I might get lucky one day.

So as not to hurt veggies’ feelings, it needs to be said, these folk used to gulp tons of shallot, red onion and garlic, nowadays you might say, ″chew Orbit gum after every meal…blah blah blah″.

Time flies, and one day in the year 1838 Sinj saw the certain crowned head. Bored with the sea and islands, he wanted to see what was there beyond the hills. His name was Frederick, King of Saxony. The King’s attendant kept a diary, translated by our Ivan Mažuranić. Things would have all been shipshape, starting with the Alka, the neat and tidy little town itself, its lovely houses and gardens, polite hosts and marvellous food if on the menu there hadn’t been – ice cream.

This kind of sweet food was brought to Sinj by Venetian soldiers, originally coming from Switzerland – the Trek family. How much folk were thrilled with ice cream shows this sentence: ″It would not disgrace even the Tomaso coffee house in Trieste!″

 

This extract from the diary simply shows that Sinj and the entire Cetinska Krajina Region were to wake up after centuries of wars and to actively take part in modern times that were about to come, but it also presents the region as a great blend of the Mediterranean and the continent, the West and the Orient, especially when talking about cuisine.

It’s true enough that there’s no such thing as ″Sinj cuisine″. It’s also true that all of Croatian cookbooks contain recipes ending in ″à la Sinj″.

And I know that you’ve heard that the arambaši of Sinj (rolls of pickled cabbage leaves stuffed with chopped meat) are protected as part of intangible cultural heritage?

Is that right?

Maybe the best thing you can do is to travel up or down to Sinj. Restaurants are easy to find, I won’t promote them for now, but I only need to tell you, these folk keep a good table and are hearty eaters!

Sure enough, here people still value highly the four seasons, or stađuni, and seasonal food, so don’t worry, there isn’t any industry here, but only fresh and pure air, lush scenery, the water in rivers and lakes is cold and drinkable and rich in fish. There’re no GM meat or greens here, and it doesn’t take a lot for you to get used to wine, it’s a bit strong and dry, wines here are home-made.

Forget about heartburn as well, ’cause you’ll have a home-made walnut grappa, or orahovica!

Mario Despotović

 

 

 

WINE HOLIDAY
In November, on St. Martin’s Day, must turns into wine. The popular St. Martin’s Day celebration is a wine holiday deeply embedded in the tradition of northwester Croatia, and as such it is celebrated in a special way. In the Zagreb County, St. Martin’s Day is celebrated in many towns and villages. Standing out among them, both with their special features of that tradition and the variety of their programmes, are Dugo Selo – whose patron saint is St. Martin is, as well as Samobor, Sveti Ivan Zelina and Velika Gorica.

11 November 2013

www.tzzz.hr
Foto: Saša Plejić
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PROMOTION OF RURAL HOUSEHOLDS AND THEIR FARMS

03.11.2013 – 24.11.2013

Istra, (Agritourisms in Istria)

Open door days of agritourisms in Istria is organized by AZRRI ltd – Agency for Rural Development of Istria in cooperation with Istrian county agritourisms. The goal is to promote rural households and their farms, along with Istrian gastronomy as a trademark of rural areas. And, in that way surpass regional significance and become an internationally interesting destination. With the revival and expansion of traditional food and product, the offer is slowly returning to the countryside, to the flora and fauna of villages and hospitable rural household owners, much to the delight of the fans of good taste.

Open door days of agritourisms in Istria will be held from 03.11. to 24.11. (Sundays only) and 11 agritourisms will be included which will offer menu with promotional price of 60,00 HRK.

The program and menù of Open door days of agritourisms in Istria you can download HERE (only in croatian).

ISTRIA BIKE

10:00| h

Sport event

15.12.2013 – 15.12.2013 Buje-Buie,

111 years ago, on December 15, 1902, a train covered the route between Buje and Poreč for the first time, driving along the at the time new narrow gauge railroad Parenzana. It was thus that the second section of the railroad previously connecting Trieste and Poreč was put into operation. With the total length of 123 kilometres, it wound through the green istrian landscapes, connecting 33 Istrian settlements.

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Over the last ten years, parts of Parenzana were transformed into a hiking and bicycle trail, unique for the viaducts, tunnels and railway stations preserved along the route, dating back to the time when it was daily thundered through by a small locomotive.
Commemorating the 111th anniversary of the first train ride between Buje and Poreč, the Tourist Board of the Town of Buje is organizing a hiking-cycling campaign from Buje to Grožnjan and back, along the restored route of the Parenzana.

The start is in front of the old railroad station in Buje at 10 a.m. and trail-side refreshments are ensured for all participants.

Foto: www.istria-bike.com

ŠOLTA – RETURN TO INNOCENCE

Šolta invites to a real friendship. It wants to tell you about itself, its rocks, rosemary, olives, coves… It want to tell stories about a fishpond of Emperor Diocletian, Illyrian queen Teuta, the father of Croatian literature Marko Marulić, about fisherman and labourers whose hardworking hands shaped the life on this island in full accordance with nature, since the prehistoric times. Country roads belted with kilometres of stonewalls will lead you through the olive groves and vineyards to the rural wells, archaeological finds, chapels, countryside shelter houses and beautiful coves. Although it is the closest to Split of all Dalmatian islands, Greek Olyntha, Roman Solyntha or Ilirian Solenta, it has too often been neglected and avoided. But this is also why it has kept its virginity and all the beauty of untouched nature and originality – things that present luxury in today’s chaotic life.

A famous sentence – May Šolta be your faith – confirms this.Š olta invites to a real friendship. It wants to tell you about itself, its rocks, rosemary, olives, coves… It want to tell stories about a fishpond of Emperor Diocletian, Illyrian queen Teuta, the father of Croatian literature Marko Marulić, about fisherman and labourers whose hardworking hands shaped the life on this island in full accordance with nature, since the prehistoric times. Country roads belted with kilometres of stonewalls will lead you through the olive groves and vineyards to the rural wells, archaeological finds, chapels, countryside shelter houses and beautiful coves.

Although it is the closest to Split of all Dalmatian islands, Greek Olyntha, Roman Solyntha or Ilirian Solenta, it has too often been neglected and avoided. But this is also why it has kept its virginity and all the beauty of untouched nature and originality – things that present luxury in today’s chaotic life. A famous sentence – May Šolta be your faith – confirms this.The amount of relaxation and excitement, sea and blue sky, historical and contemporary… No matter where you are situated, Šolta is a small island and the ideal way to meet it is by walking, since it is only 19 km long and 4,9 km wide. On the island there are 10 settlements connected by walking paths for which a local artist made wooden signs. Unavoidable stations are ateliers of island’s artists, taverns of family households and restaurants with local specialties.

Do not miss to taste wine made of autochthonous cultivar Levantinka, called Šoltanka and honey of self grown rosemary Olintio, praised by Plinius Senior in his acts. On Šolta, same as on many islands of our beautiful Adriatic, mostly private accommodation and apartments are offered. But, today Šolta offers many secret jewels, which attract more and more fans of luxury accommodation every year, although this category of guests, unfortunately, still doesn’t have greater possibilities to leave their money on the island and outside the accommodation. Apart from the resting houses on the solitary spots, that can be reached by boat, there is growing number of luxury villas with pool that meet high standards of contemporary tourism. Through many years, old stone houses were completely renovated to the level of high quality buildings, while newly built modern buildingsoffer additional services. Photographs of these buildings speak of the great improvement Šolta has made in this direction…

Šolta today has only one hotel in a beautiful Maslinica bay, a magic Hotel of cultural heritage Martinis Marchi. Martinis Marchi castle was built at the beginning of 18th century by Martinis- Marchi brothers, with the intention to protect Split and Šolta from pirate attacks, the castle was originally built as a military fort with dominant tower. Recently it has been restored and presents a fantastic combination of the old and the new. This dominant stone building offers, together with 6 accommodation facilities, a restaurant, wine cellar, wellness, big terrace with pool and beautifully stylised and illuminated Mediterranean garden on 5000 m2. Last year marina was also opened, a jewel among the Adriatic marinas, awarded for its conceptual solution. Whole Martinis-Marchi complex is ideal for special occasions of business and private character.

Previous and future weddings in co organization of M-Travelservice Agency have proved that this is a great location for these kinds of events. Therefore, may the most beautiful day in your life, when you said your final yes to love, be also your final yes to Šolta, this unique island where your soul is always glad to be back, while the memories from here stay with you for life as a part of dreams and fantasies that actually came true…

www.visitsolta.com

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WELCOME TO ŠIBENIK – KNIN COUNTY!

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These are exciting times for Croatian tourism, even more  so with EU entry in 2013. With the major increase in flights to the Dalmatian coastline to airports such as Zadar and Split, the accessibility of the region’s tourism has been visibly improved, allowing visitors to explore some of the lesser known destinations. Destinations such as Šibenik – Knin County, for example, which is conveniently nestled between the two airports above. A region which truly has it all, and yet is not overrun with tourism, thereby offering that rare combination of quality undiscovered tourism in a sophisticated and accessible location.

With the shores of its pristine beaches washed constantly by the lapping waves of the azure Adriatic, the region is a sailing heaven, from beginner’s sailing schools to advanced regatta participation. Symbols of the diverse culture are perhaps best epitomised by the only cathedral in Europe built entirely of stone (the impressive UNESCO-protected St. Jacob’s Cathedral in Šibenik) or the International Children’s Festival, now in its 53rd year. The real treasures of Šibenik – Knin county lie in its natural treasures and adventure tourism potential. Choose from a range of national and nature parks, which bring out the very best on offer in Croatia. The Vransko Lake Nature Park is an area of outstanding beauty, with its ornithological reserve a particular attraction for keen birdwatchers.

The majestic Kornati and Krka National Parks are among the top attractions in Croatia, with the Krka Waterfalls proving one of the most popular day trips from destinations such as Split. The 89 islands, islets and crags which form the Kornati National Park include some of the most spectacular scenery in Dalmatia. There are plenty of geological attractions as well, with two particular highlights being the visible waves in the Stara straža site, close to Knin on the road to Gračac (protected since 1961), and the site of Vrela Cetine, the spring of the Cetina River (protected in 1971), which contains a series of karst springs.

The region’s wines and food are well documented, perhaps nowhere better than on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations showon The Travel Channel last year, but a lesser publicised attraction is the potential of Šibenik – Knin County’s adventure tourism. This is a region rich in water, both rivers and sea, and there are excellent options for kayaking, rafting and diving, in addition to the sailing. Land-based activities are also plentiful, from the relatively rare regional activities from bungee jumping to falconry, while visitors can also indulge in additional diverse activities such as big game fishing, horse riding, cycling and trekking.

With 600 archaeological sites, 11 medieval fortifications and 230 cultural monuments, there is plenty to occupy the history buff, in addition to the main UNESCO attraction. A region then full of cultural treasures, breathtaking natural beauty, picturesque islands, spectacular beaches, a quality gastronomic scene and outstanding activities. An idyllic destination, but how hard is it to reach?This is perhaps the best news of all. With more than 80 destinations serving Split in 2013 and Ryanair opening a permanent base in Zadar, both airports are less than an hour’s drive away, meaning access to the region has never been easier, and with the entrance into the wider European family, there has never been a better time to explore Šibenik – Knin County.

www.sibenikregion.com

ŠIBENIK
Šibenik is above all a historic city, oozing culture and heritage, and visitors can lose themselves in the history and architecture of the past. A city of some 24 churches, pride of place goes to the imperious St James Cathedral, constructed entirely of stone between 1431 and 1535, and a modern-day UNESCO heritage site. Located on the Adriatic with all the beach relaxation and water sport activities brought by the proximity of the sea, there is plenty of other water-based nature to explore. This is National Park territory, and some of the country’s most popular national parks – Kornati and the famous Krka Waterfalls – are a short distance away.
It is also a fortress city, testament to its importance throughout history on the Dalmatian coast. The city’s fortresses played a major part in repelling attacks from the Ottoman fleet, and they make a fascinating tour today. Choose from the more elevated locations of St John, St Michael and Šubićevac Fortress, then visit one of the most impressive fortifications on the coast, the triangular St. Nicholas Fortress in St. Anthony’s Channel.

Choose from the more elevated locations of St John, St Michael and Šubićevac has a full and  varied line-up of events, including the world-famous International Children’s Festival (www.mdf-sibenik. com,June/July), Organ Summer School (www. organum.hr, August), Šibenik Klapa Evenings (every ThuAugust) and the Fair in Medieval Šibenik (August/September). The reputation of Dalmatia as a gastronomic destination was further enhanced by Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations show on prime time American television last year, and Sibenik has an enviable selection of excellent restaurants, while the wines of Šibenik-Knin County are also attracting international attention. The city has a full range of sporting activities, depending on adrenaline levels required. This include bungee-jumping, sailing, diving, horse-riding, paintballing, climbing, hiking and cycling activities, a wide selection for all the family.

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www.sibenik-tourism.hr

STON
Ston is situated on a narrow isthmus connecting the Pelješac peninsula to the mainland. It is precisely such a strategic location that was the reason for building the Walls of Ston – a unique fortification complex of 5.5 km with numerous towers and bastions – a valuable historical heritage really worth a visit. The view of the surrounding South Dalmatian islands that stretches from atop the walls is as delightful as the walls themselves. There is also the oldest salt pans in Europe where you can discover how the most important spice comes to your table.  The position and the mild Mediteranean climate of the Pelješac peninsula are perfect for the cultivation of vines and olives, so the century- old tradition of the Pelješac farmers results in premium wines of outstanding quality.

Lovers of unusual dishes will surely enjoy the cuisine of Ston, whose specialty and brand dish are the oysters and mussels that are grown here since the days of the Roman empire, followed by the famous desert of the region – the Ston cake made with an unusual ingredient: pasta. Many accessible beaches can be found in the Ston area, the most popular being Papratno and Vučine. You can also choose from a variety of water sports like diving in attractive locations or kayaking around the quiet coves of Ston. Visitors prepared for a more demanding athletic engagement will be interested in the marathon of Ston (08.09), unique in that it runs along the walls of Ston and the beautiful coastline of Pelješac. The Kinookus manifestation (04.-08.09) will delight the lovers of food and film, and more fun can be found at the celebration of St. Liberan (23.07), where you
can taste the local specialties and famous Pelješac wines, while the Ston Folk Music and other performers keep you in good spirits until late in the night.
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SOLIN

If it weren’t for the inhabitants of the ancient Salona, Split-the capital and favorite city of Dalmatia wouldn’t be a city at all, merely a ruin of a palace. As it came to be, the ancient Salonians, fleeing before the Avars and Slavs found refuge on the nearby islands and the Diocletian’s palace. Before the invasion, Salona had been a big, bustling, cosmopolitan city, as evidenced by the remains of a number of significant buildings- the monumental amphitheater, shrines for many Roman gods and large city thermae.
The famous city is today a relaxing location for a holiday. In addition to the ruins of ancient Salona, we recommend visiting Gašpine mills, a preserved mill on the river Jadro, which has been of great importance for the economy of the entire region since the early Roman times. The relaxing vicinity of the river with its lively ducks blends beautifully with the surrounding greenery of Our Lady’s islet – the oldest Marian shrine in Croatia whose church keeps the inscription of queen Helen the Glorious.
-Try the porridge or a cake made with flour from the 300 years old Gašpine mill in whose honor Solin hosts an annual competition in preparing authentic dishes “The Solin pot” on the 6th of September.
– “Romance in Salona” (from August 2nd) is a successful cultural and tourism event which revives the hedonistic spirit of the ancient Salona. Enjoy the performances of gladiators and belly dancers while tasting sweet snacks from ancient times at gastro points.
– Attend the “Creative-interactive entrance to Salona” workshop (June 15th-September 15th) wich aims to create an imaginative presentation of the cultural heritage of Solin, or the “Workshop of
ancient mosaics” (June 3-6) organized by the Art Academy of the University of Split and the Tourist Board of Solin.

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SINJ PERFORMANCE
Under cover of August night, when sultry summer days are relieved only for a short time by its fresh air, there are two acts to be played. The first act starts at the Pijaca, the main town square, when the Ottomans conquer the town of Sinj, burn the church down and take the people into slavery. An effective performance is given by the members of the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS) who, dressed in Ottoman costumes, climb down roofs of the surrounding buildings, in that way faithfully evoking the feeling of panic of the people of Sinj facing the violent enemy.
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Riding triumphantly in a coach, Mustafa Pasha Čelić announces in an overbearing manner that the Sinj fortress will be conquered without difficulty, while at the same time the Fortress at the Old Town shelters the people and a handful of defenders, together with the painting of the Mother of God. The second acttakes place at the Old Town, where the Defence Council take the decision to defend their town from the enemy much superior to the mand stronger than them. The act also shows Pasha’s tent, wild parties and rage of the Ottomans after the people of Sinj have refused to surrender. Several times the Ottoman shave attempted to taketheFortress by storm, but their attacks have been successfully repulsed. After the painting of the Madonna is carried in procession led by Father Pavao, a messengerbrings news: ‘The Ottomans are now in flight! ‘ Sinj camp is thrilled and the grateful people, defenders, friars and officers, standing in front of the image of the Madonna, sing a thanks giving song ‘Oh, the Madonna of Sinj, Holy Virgin…’

Te eighth staging of the 1715 battle and the preceding events is to take place, in order to commemorate glorious defence of Sinj from the Ottoman invasion and a wonderful moment when the Mother of Mercy protected her people from enemy violence. It is a moment which has marked the history and the identity of Sinj, a moment being revived by the heroic Alka and worship of the Miraculous Madonna of Sinj, victory of faith and harmony of the Sinj knights, and hope for the help of their heavenly patroness.

www.visitsinj.com

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PRIVLAKA
Beautiful sandy coves in combination with pleasant and quality accommodation (especially well equipped private apartments), have kept this place in the very top of tourist offer for idyllic family vacations for years now. Tourist potential of Privlaka is very strong and it made this location favourable for rehabilitation and refreshment in this soothing Mediterranean ambient.

Crystal clear sea, therapeutic mud with healing effect and the vicinity of Velebit Mountain which offers many possibilities for recreation, are natural valuables which tourist place Privlaka relies on. Privlaka is recognized as an attractive surfer’s destination and also has a 21 km long cyclist track so the guests who do not want to give up recreation during their vacation can enjoy themselves.

Visitors who are anxious for entertainment will also profit. Night of Privlaka (4th August) is a nicely organized combination of culture, gastronomic offer and tradition, spiced up with a performance of one of the famous musicians and luxurious fireworks.

Fisherman’s Night (19th July) celebrates Privlaka as a traditional fisherman’s place This is also an opportunity for decorating Privlaka’s harbour which gives this place a special atmosphere, while guests can enjoy in sea food delicacies. Klapa’s Festival (21.07.) will please klapa enthusiasts in the peak of summer season. At the end – our gastronomic offer: do not leave Privlaka without trying famous Privlaka’s octopus which is made in a special way and offered by local restaurants. This tasteful delicacy will conclude your visit and make your pleasure complete!
www.privlaka-tz.hr

THE ISLAND VIR
The well organized animation program is proof of the island’s aspirations to the continuous optimization of tourism, and in this spirit, it is necessary to mention the step towards elite tourism that Vir made last year – a heritage monument lighthouse from 1881 was transformed into a luxury villa for rent. The media coverage of its opening proves that this type of facility is really refreshing to Vir as well as to the national tourist offer.
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If you want to know the magic of one of the best destinations for a family vacation, we highly recommend that you visit the island of Vir. Its excellent transport links by sea, air and land
make it really easy to reach, and with the regular bus lines the white town of Zadar is at your fingertips! Our readers might recall us recommending the beautiful sunny beaches of Vir as a top spot for spending and ideal vacation with your loved ones in our last issue. But it is also important to mention the constant effort of the island to introduce new and interesting additions to the classic tourist offers. The throughout the day animation on the beaches and the nineteenth century lighthouse as a top tourist facility, indicate the new dimensions in tourism in Vir. Vir has long been recognized as an optimal destination for families with children.

The reason for this are the beautiful bays with sand and pebble beaches; including Duboka Draga, Velika Slatina, Sapavac, Kozjak, Miljkovica and Jadro. The beaches have a throughout the day animation program that includes a variety of entertainment and recreational facilities, such as water aerobics, competitive games and karaoke. Besides being an oasis for those seeking family, or exclusive tourism, this island is suitable for guests looking for active holidays. Visitors have to possibility of practising sport fishing, water skiing, surfing and tennis, while the proximity to the National Park Paklenica and Velebit Nature Park offers the enjoyment of nature, hiking and river rafting.

The island hosts a cycling competition in mid September, for those who like to compete! To keep their guests entertained, the island has prepared a rich program of events for this summer; The youngest theatre lovers’ will enjoy the open air theatre play “Heidi” on July the 15th, and for the older ones, the play “Stonecutters” will be taking place in the courtyard of the parish church on the 29th. A host of “Adriatic games”, two different levels of this fun event will be held in Vir on the 29th of June and the 7th of August. A bookstore-ship with several thousand titles will be stopping in Vir on the 2nd of August, with the participation of famous writers. As for concerts,we recommend the classical music concert (July 6th) and the county meeting of folk singers (“klapa”) (August 4th). But, regardless of age, all guests of Vir will surely enjoy the local festivities! The “Vir Night” (13.08) and “Vir Party” (29.08) with beautiful fireworks and performances by well-known artists are guaranteed fun, so come and join the “fieras” in an authentic Mediterranean setting!
www.otok-vir.info

MURTER
The biggest and the most beautiful ‘island house’ in Croatia, is the centre of a true galaxy of 134 islands known as Kornati. These emerald-green jewels, made of tears, stars and breaths, have been famous in the world of nautical tourism for a long time. Thus, Murter is becoming increasingly recognized as the centre of this tourism branch. There are 3 marines available, two of which are on Kornati, while the highly equipped Marina Hramina is an ideal starting harbour for excursions and cruises. Beautiful beaches and campsites are one of the main contributions to the growing development of Murter tourism. This island is also known for its sandy beaches in Slanica and Podvrške bays, while the most visited bathing places are also in Čigrađa and Luke bays.
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Due to the numerous sports activities which are at disposal here, Murter is favourite tourism centre for guests who prefer active vacation. Marines on the island organize sailing and regatta schools and diving centres organize diving lessons and theme excursions. The island also offers great possibilities for wind surfing, rowing and fishing, while for those who like to stick to the mainland we suggest bicycling, football, tennis, running and bowling, and recently a visit to equestrian Club as well.
The best way to visit Kornati is to embark in Murter, whether you decide to go in a private arrangement or in organized excursion, because less time is spent in driving and more in sunbathing and sightseeing.
www.tzo-murter.hr