News

Croatia Votes YES to the EU

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 17:27:58 +0000

Croatia has voted to join the EU by a sweeping majority, delivering a greater than expected yes vote in a referendum watched nervously in Brussels for fear of a backlash.
With the EU facing its worst ever crisis, with the sovereign debt emergency sapping its self-belief, and Greece's membership of the euro in doubt, there were fears that the pessimism engulfing Europe would dampen pro-EU sentiment in Croatia.
But the referendum held on Sunday on joining the EU next year as the union's 28th member was supported by up to 67%, according to official projections based on around 40% of the vote.
The solid yes vote was higher than what had been predicted in the opinion polls. The endorsement means that Croatia, barring any last-minute hiccups, will become the EU's 28th member country in July next year, symbolising its break with the Balkans and former Yugoslavia and anchoring it strongly in the European mainstream as well as Nato...

Read the whole article at gaurdian.co.uk

Tips on getting wasted in Zagreb

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:09:48 +0000

American tourist guide for young people Off Track Planet has offered some tips on how to get drunk with the locals in the Croatian capital.
The guide has listed Zagreb amongst 10 world destinations for backpackers in 2012 and a place where "they dig drinking and love music."
A special section, "Getting drunk with the locals", tells visitors how to get wasted in top 10 bars in the city.
The article warns the guests to "be prepared: People in Zagreb are damn friendly and hitting up any of these spots puts you at risk of authentic fun times and cultural immersion. Clear some space on your facebook friendlist and add some Croatians to the mix...
Read the more at CroatianTImes.com

Join Croatian Adventurer...

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:06:11 +0000

Adventurers around the world are invited to join Croatian sailor Leo Lemesic on the epic journey aboard his ship, Dora.
The modern-day Marco Polo, Lemesic - who comes from the coastal town of Split – continued his four and a half year long journey in October, kicking off the 7,500 nautical miles Pacific Ocean stretch in Charlston.
According to the ship’s position tracker, Lemesic is on its way from Panama to Costa Rica and Baja California in Mexico. Just like last year when he travelled some 10,000 nautical miles across the Atlantic, Lemesic hopes to pick up spontaneous adventurers along the way.
On his blog www.sailtheworld.info, Lemesic invites all those who wish to share his dream to drop him a line at llemesic@gmail.com...
Read the more at CroatianTImes.com

Adriatic Coast property prices on the rise

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:02:51 +0000

According to the property portal Home Overseas, referring to the online source Balcans.com, the value of real estate on the Adriatic coast of Croatia increased by 1.3% in December 2011 over the same period last year, while the prices in the capital of Croatia – Zagreb has decreased by 3.2%. The coastal property price for square meter is 2038 euros, which is 0.6% higher than in the previous month, the average cost of square meter in Zagreb is 1744 euro.
The highest property prices are stated in Dubrovnik area located in the south of the country, with the average of 2978 euro per sqm. Split-Dalmatian area is coming next with the average prices of 2447 euro per sqm. The most available prices are in Lizo-Senosky distric with 1691 euro/ sqm...
Read the whole article at novrealty.com

Worlds oldest Astrology Board found in Croatia

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:00:09 +0000

What could be the world's oldest astrologer's board has been unearthed by archaeologists.
The fragments, engraved with signs of the zodiac, were discovered in Croatia, in a cave overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
Consisting of 30 ivory fragments inscribed with Greco-Roman astrological symbols, they include images of Cancer, Gemini, Pisces and Sagittarius.
Archaelogists have spent years digging up the fragments and reassembling them after they were discovered in a cave sealed off for over 2,000 years.
An ancient astrologer could have used the pieces as part of a board to show the position of the planets, sun and moon at the time a person was born to determine their horoscope...
Read the whole article at dailymail.co.uk

Support for EU membership falls

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:51:40 +0000

Croatians' support for European Union membership has dropped three points to 56 per cent in the last month, the latest Ipsos Puls survey shows.
Although the majority of Croatians are still in favour of their country joining the EU, their numbers are slightly down from last month, daily Jutarnji List writes.
The survey shows that 33 per cent of citizens are against the EU, while 11 per cent did not state their preference.
The survey foresees a good voter turnout – 64 per cent of the surveyed said they would come out and vote "for sure", while 16 per cent will "most likely" cast their ballots...

Read the more at CroatianTimes.com

Croatia Splits over EU ahead of referendum
Vedran Sabljak, a shipyard worker in this northern Adriatic port, knows what he thinks about Croatia joining the European Union: A resolute "No."
To gauge just how much the once-elite European club of nations has lost its luster with its debt-burdened economies and bickering leaders, one has to look no further than Croatia, which is holding a EU membership referendum Sunday.
"I'm against Croatia entering the European Union," Sabljak said, as huge cranes in the 3rd of May shipyard helped to assemble a cargo ship on a dry dock.
He said he does not see any advantages to joining a bloc that faces the possible bankruptcy of some members and whose common euro currency is threatened by the European debt crisis.
Croatia signed an EU accession treaty last year and is on track to become a member in July 2013, if Croat voters say "Yes" in the referendum and all of the bloc's 27 states later ratify the deal...
Read the whole article at abcnews.go.com

Strong bookings for 2012

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:47:31 +0000

The Croatian Tourist Board has been active in European travel fairs, and the results are impressive, with German bookings up 57%, according to a leading tour operator.

After a record tourist season in 2011, which saw 1.2 million more visitors to Croatia than 2009, according to official figures, the early indicators for 2012 look promising, with booking especially strong in Germany, according to a report by Deutche Welle on January 14, 2012.

According to Europe's biggest tour operator, TUI, bookings from Germany to Croatia are up a record 57% on the corresponding period last year, with that number set to increase in the wake of a strong Croatian presence at the CMT The Holiday Exhibition in Stuttgart from January 14-22.

The Croatian National Tourist Board also reported an increase in bookings from the Netherlands, in the wake of their participation at the Vakantiebeurs tourism fair in Utrecht, where Croatia was partner country in the exhibition from January 10-15. Dutch tourists are regular visitors to the Adriatic coast, with the majority - some 68% - take advantage of the large network of Croatian campsites on their holiday...

Read the whole article at digitaljournal.com

Croatia set for Top Holiday success

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:40:48 +0000

Croatia becoming more and more popular to British holiday makers
Croatia continues to become an increasingly attractive holiday destination for British holidaymakers. With a beautiful coastline, more airlines offering flights to Dubrovnik and Split, and a multitude of new sights and experiences to discover, 2012 is set to see the nation's popularity grow even more.
Laying on one of Europe's most stunning coastlines, Croatia includes over 1,000km of reefs and islands, and an impressive 6,000km of shorefront. Split and Dubrovnik have seen tourism expand immensely over the past decade, with resorts offering every facility holidaymakers could wish for, from spas and fitness centres to beach loungers and cocktail evenings. Meanwhile, with the coast offering warm waters and a hot climate, water sports such as scuba diving and boating are very accessible.
Much of Croatia remains free of crowds, however, and for those wanting a holiday that is a little more secluded, many islands and fishing villages are isolated from the buzz of town life...

Read the whole article at justtheflight.co.uk

What kind of adventurer are you?

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:37:01 +0000

What drew Captain Scott towards the icy wastes of Antarctica? Or Lawrence of Arabia to the desert sands? Or Livingstone to the jungles of Africa? The same force, perhaps, that drew Mallory to Everest: "Because it's there."
When it comes to adventure, I have always found that fear is a compelling factor in my choice of activity. That which frightens me most attracts me most. Overcoming one's own insecurities – crossing boundaries within as well as without – seems to me to be at the heart of what these days we call "adventure travel"...

Wild swimming, Croatia
The waters of the Adriatic off Croatia are the perfect location for wild swimmers looking for a tranquil yet challenging week of island-hopping while using the island of Prvic, at the heart of the Dalmatian coast, as a base.
The crystal-clear waters of the Sibenik archipelago provide an endless choice of crossings, and then there are the caves, grottoes, dramatic cliffs and startling rock formations of the Kornati National Park. The average daily swim is two and a half miles. The cost of £790 includes swim guiding with full safety escort, technique analysis, baggage handling, accommodation, breakfast and lunch but is exclusive of flights. SwimTrek (01273 739713; swimtrek.com)...

Read the whole article at telegraph.co.uk

Five old towns in six days

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 14:18:37 +0000

Still very shaky after watching the Rugby World Cup final, we hopped on the ferry at Split in Croatia and headed to Hvar island. The early morning booze we'd consumed (to calm our nerves) helped us snooze the whole way.

Hvar has the most sunlight hours in the whole of Croatia so I'd hoped to wake to a sun-soaked paradise. Instead, we were greeted by dark storm clouds that were already starting to leak.

Despite this, we liked the island the moment we saw it - a baby marina floated on crystal clear water in front of a mini town square and golden cathedral.

Because it's the low season the usually bustling yachties' hang-out was transformed into a sleepy haven - the perfect place to park up for a couple of days.

Thankfully the following day was a beauty. We went for a run along the water and jumped in the Adriatic to cool off - and cool it was, but we couldn't resist. The water was so clear!

Unfortunately, as I was timidly lowering myself in, I stepped into a hole in a rock and ended up with a heel full of sea anemone spikes. Mauricio seemed to be able to see the funny side of this and had great fun pulling them out with a needle and tweezers.

It was so nice to have warm weather again after snowy Slovenia and Mauricio finally got some respite from my embarrassing cold weather attire.

Because of my severe lack of sensible winter gear I went a little nuts at a Kathmandu sale before I left London. The result is that in cold weather, I look like I'm sponsored by them - from thermals to my fleece headband.

To get from Hvar to Dubrovnik we had to backtrack to Split.

We grabbed a windy bus ride along a pretty coastal road that passed through a sliver of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It's probably the shortest time we've ever spent in a new country. We just had to hand over our passports briefly then we were on our way and out the other side to Croatia again within half an hour...

Read the whole article at nzherald.co.nz

Zagreb: PSSST - Silent Film Festival

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 14:14:02 +0000

For anyone who thought they knew that film's dialogue by heart. Well, their cinephile knowledge will not matter at the PSSST! FESTIVAL OF SILENT FILM that gives a new spin to sound.

The festival shows domestic and international silent movies from all genres or films whose creators are willing to remove the audio background of their film in the competition programme. The festival’s organisers provide a sound accompaniment to each film aimed at offering the audience a special experience, the organisers say.

For more information on the festival that is coming to Croatia's capital on 11 November, visit: http://www.festivalnijemogfilma.com/en

Read more at CroatianTimes.com

The saddle saga continues: in Croatia

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 14:09:09 +0000

Continuing their 13,000-mile cycle trip from London to Sydney, Matt McDonald and Andy Madeley slow the pace as they pass through Croatia's charming Adriatic villages.

The courtesy we’ve received from other road users in Croatia seems to be limited to not running us over. We have lost count of the number of coaches that have zoomed past within inches of our bikes, leaving Matt and I surrounded by a cloud of dust, spitting out expletives.

The narrow roads of Krk, Rab and Pag were a difficult introduction to the country. Pedalling down the spine of each island left us exposed to the harsh sun, and keeping our cool proved difficult, with the short, tangled Mediterranean fauna offering little shade. It was quite different from the verdant surroundings that we were used to in Slovenia, and respite only came from stopping at the small towns and villages that we came across along the Adriatic coast.

It was not only the plants that were changing; the architecture also took on a different style. Most of Dalmatia was once part of the Venetian Republic, when walled citadels were built to protect against the constant threat of invasion from the Ottoman Empire. Once impregnable, they are now defenceless against the thousands of tourists who swarm here each year to relax on the plethora of beaches and marvel at the imposing fortresses...

Read the whole article at Telegraph.co.uk

Dubrovnik in top 20 for autumn holidays

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 14:05:32 +0000

British magazine Marie Claire has included Croatia's "Adriatic jewel" Dubrovnik amongst 20 top destinations for an autumn getaway.

Dubrovnik is described as a vibrant city, full of great restaurants, bars and shops. The magazine singles out the luxury hotel Excelsior for its "gorgeous rooms and unforgettable views."

Some other cities that made it onto the list are Paris, Rome, Oxford, Stockholm, Prague and Venice.

Read more at CroatianTimes.com

Where to sail around Dubrovnik

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 14:01:55 +0000

Whether you plan to take the helm yourself, learn to sail first or embark on a crewed yacht charter, a sailing getaway in the nation's superb cruising grounds really is the perfect way to shake off the cobwebs and rejuvenate.

So, what can you expect when sailing in Croatia - and where are the best places to visit?

Dubrovnik is situated in the south of the Adriatic and is the ideal base for exploring the 'coast of a thousand islands', as the local coastline is often referred to. The sailing here is simply splendid, offering reliable winds and conditions, good weather, delicious cuisine and line-of-sight navigation.

This combination of fabulous sailing conditions and appealing attractions makes it the perfect spot for sailing holidays. Similarly, Dubrovnik itself has plenty to offer visitors before they head out and explore the numerous idyllic islands that pepper the coastline.

Brimming with a mixture of rich history, culture and a chic atmosphere, this medieval walled city is a delight to discover. To really soak up the city's past, climb up the battlements and walk a circuit around its famous walls - a trip that will give you great views over the old town and the coast.

Then, head into the old town to admire its captivating medley of architectural styles, as well as its lovely cafes in Luza Square.

Having seen the sights of Dubrovnik, you can sail over to the pretty village of Sipansta Luka, which sits on the waterfront on the island of Sipan Luka. The buildings here centre around an ancient plane tree, making it a particularly fascinating place to visit.

Then, sail down the Kobas Stronski Canal, stopping at the villages of Kobas and Broce on the way to Stron. When in Broce, it is worth checking the condition of the canal from here - if it has not been recently dredged, it may best not to continue on to Stron.

Next, cruise to the island of Mljet - the location of the immensely beautiful Mljet National Park. Here, you can moor up at Luka Polace, an anchorage overlooked by a ruined castle, before heading inland to discover the scenic lakes of the national park.

With a reputation as one of the greenest islands to be found in the Adriatic, Korcula is another essential destination to see during sailing holidays here. Be sure to visit Korcula Town, which is home to an abundance of excellent eateries, shops and historical attractions, such as the Church of Our Lady and St Mark's Cathedral....

Read the whole article at iWantSun.co.uk

Krka National Park to be ‘mine-free’ by next year

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 13:58:11 +0000

The Croatian Krka National Park will be mine free by the next tourist season, park authorities have pledged whilst at the signing of an agreement with the Croatia Without Mines Foundation.

The park’s head Zeljko Bulat said this would not only benefit the tourism of the area, but would ensure a more significant return of the population to these parts.

The mine action will also include the areas bordering the park, such as the Nos Kalik neighbourhood.

The total area to be de-mined by May of next year is 204.417 square meters, daily Slobodna Dalmacija writes....

Read the whole article at CroatiaTimes.com

From Classics to Rock and Roll

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 13:52:59 +0000

Europe is bursting with brilliant options, from grand cities to fairytale scenery and magical music tours, writes Michael Gebicki.

WHETHER it's barging through France, gelato on the beach on the shores of the Mediterranean or bargain hunting in a London market, Europe presents a vast canvas of possibilities for the family on the move. From a continent brimming with invigorating delights, here are five top options...

Croatia's Dalmatian Coast
(One week-plus)

The names might sound like someone talking with a head cold, but Hvar, Brac, Pag, Vis and Korcula - the Dalmatian islands that sit off Croatia's coast - are the new cool zone of southern Europe.

Despite the gleaming yachts in their harbours and the islands' growing fame as the Riviera of the Adriatic, this is possibly the most beautiful and least spoilt coastline in the Mediterranean. The appeal of this part of the world mixes sunshine, warmth, weathered stone villages, beaches, olive groves, vineyards and a lifestyle that gives a high priority to leisure, with a price tag that puts the Aussie dollar on steroids.

If you're looking for somewhere to anchor yourself with the family for a week or two and swim, mess about in boats, lounge about in cafes, eat gelato and figs and experience the Mediterranean lifestyle, these islands are a great option. Gateway is Split, Croatia's biggest coastal city, from where a web of ferries links the Dalmatian islands. The megastar of these islands is Hvar, the main town on the island of the same name, which pulls in a fashionable crowd of Italians during the summer months.

Such popularity has its rewards, especially in Hvar's line-up of waterfront cafes, restaurants and accommodation. For something a little less glossy, consider Korcula, a small fortress encased in honey-coloured walls. Whichever island you choose, if the crowds get too much, the coastline is amply furnished with quiet blue bays and beaches. Anchor yourself here for a week of pure happiness and the Dalmatian version of la dolce vita. For families, an apartment or even a villa might be the best bet and the internet is the place to look...

Read the whole article at smh.com

Croatian Mountain Rescue Service in action again...

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 13:46:37 +0000

HGGS rescue a German climber

Croatian Mountain Rescue Services (HGSS) have saved a 39-year-old German climber who fell during a climb in Velika Paklenica canyon and hurt her ankle.

She also sufferred minor head injuries. She was not wearing a helmet.

HGSS rescuers arrived at the scene almost immediately following the call for help. The climber received emergency care and was transported down to the foot of the mountain..

Read more at CroatianTimes.com

Climber hit by falling rocks at Velebit

A climber is awaiting transport to a hospital after a rock hit his head causing serious injuries in Croatian National Park, Paklenica today (Mon).

No further information about the climber is known.

He was underneath the Anica kuk peak when the rock hit him. Anica kuk is the highest peak in the Velebit mountain range that stretches along the Adriatic coast.

Read more at CroatianTimes.com

Croatia’s National Parks - Breath taking phenomena

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 13:39:24 +0000

Croatia is a country with many natural beauties, most of which are not so well-known in the world. This is a great pity, because, besides beautiful beaches and sea, Croatia offers are many more other things that need to be seen..

Croatian national parks, 8 of them, are great miracles of nature. The fact is that these are areas that offer a variety of plant and animal life that will not leave anyone indifferent.

The Croatian national parks are: Brijuni, Kornati, Krka, Mljet, Paklenica, Plitvice Lakes, Risnjak, Northern Velebit.

If you're a fan of the northern part of the coast, Istria, there you have a chance to see Brijuni that are proclaimed "paradise on earth" , because of its diverse flora and fauna .

That's not far from the truth, since you can see marine aquatorium with all the elements of the Adriatic eco system there.

Kornati, located in the middle of the Adriatic, near Zadar, are considered a natural phenomenon. Those who have had the opportunity to see Kornati from the air, know that this is something really special. Kornati are placed under the protection from the 1980.

Krka is also one of the national park, and is famous for its many lakes and waterfalls. Whoever comes there once and see that beauty, returns regularly.

Mljet National Park is the first one that attempts to institutionaly protect Adriatic ecosystem, which is really special and should be preserved.

What makes National Park Paklenica so special are woods and geomorphological features of the park. Paklenica has extremely rich forest community.

Read the whole article at Guide2Croatia.net

Croatia Tourism Figures up for 2011 UPDATED

Wed, 2 Nov 2011 13:34:17 +0000

The Croatian island of Rab is the country's champion when it comes to all things tourist.

The charming island won the Tourist Flower (Turisticki cvijet) award this year for the overall quality of its tourist offer. The awards are given by the Croatian Chamber of Economy (HGK) and Croatian Radio Television (HRT).

Opatija, Krk, Nin and Mlini also won accolades.

Velika Gorica was voted the continental Croatia's "best-dressed" city.

Read more at CroatianTimes.com

Croatia has successfully accomplished all of its goals for this year's tourism season, Croatian Minister of Tourism Damir Bajs said.

"We defended our market share in Europe and were twice as good as our competitors; we brought back the domestic guest; and most importantly, we prolonged the tourist season," Bajs said at the opening of the Croatian Tourism Days held from 19 to 22 October in Sibenik.

Tourism’s share of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 1.7 per cent this year. The sector also took in 14 per cent more employees than last year, Bajs added.

World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)’s Executive Secretary Marcio Favilla de Paul said Croatia’s success this year overshadowed worldwide trends...

Read the whole article at CroatianTimes.com

ZAGREB — Croatian tourism is on track for a record-breaking year, with an eight percent increase in visitors since January, the tourism minister said Wednesday.

"If we talk about numbers of visits and overnight stays, this is certainly the most successful year in Croatia's tourism," a key segment of the Adriatic country's recession-hit economy, Tourism Minister Damir Bajs told national TV.

During the January-July period 6.2 million tourists visited Croatia, ministry figures showed, an eight percent increase on the same period in 2010, or an extra 450,000 tourists.

In July alone, some three million tourists were recorded in Croatia, 4.8 percent more than the same month last year.

Tourists accounted for 19.8 million overnight stays, a 3-percent increase compared with the same period in 2010.

Last year 10.6 million tourists visited Croatia, mainly enjoying the Adriatic coast in July and August, while tourism-generated income stood at 6.24 billion euros ($8.9 billion).

The tourism industry makes up around 18 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

After a continuous rise in tourist numbers since the end of the 1991-1995 war, Croatia registered a fall of 2.5 percent in 2009 when the country fought a recession....

Read the whole article from afp