ISSN: 1849-059X
www.tipTravelMagazine.com
CROATIA Number 2 • Year I • September - October 2013.
Travel and tourism magazine INFORMATION • RECOMMENDATIONS • EXPERIENCES
The island of Murter Sailing through the Murter aquatorium
Jezera, Tisno, Murter, Betina 24 hours
Solin City break
Sisak
Interview:
Portugal:
Meri Matešić, Croatian National Tourist Board
Lisbon September / October 2013.
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www.tipTravelMagazine.com
CROATIA
Travel and tourism magazine
Travel and tourism magazine ISSN: 1849-059X Publisher: Tip Kreativa Ltd. Jordanovac 119, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia phone: +385 1 2348 488 mobile: +385 91 7958 016 info@tiptravelmagazine.com www.tiptravelmagazine.com www.facebook.com/tiptravelmagazine MB: 4055845 OIB: 21136573248 Erste&Steiermärkische Bank d.d. IBAN: HR4524020061100663844
Foto: Robert Kunštek
Editor in Chief: Željka Kunštek zeljka@tiptravelmagazine.com Graphic Editor: Robert Kunštek robert@tiptravelmagazine.com Associates: Martina Zajec, Sanja Plješa, Vlatka Vužić, Jasminka Perić Translator: Marija Crnogaj
EDITORIAL
Marketing: Tip Kreativa Ltd. marketing@tiptravelmagazine.com Photo source: tipTravel magazine archive, archives of Croatian Tourist Boards, fotolia Cover page: Sailing through the Murter aquatorium photo: Robert Kunštek
ISSN: 1849-059X
www.tipTravelMagazine.com
CROATIA Number 2 • Year I • September - October 2013.
Travel and tourism magazine INFORMATION • RECOMMENDATIONS • EXPERIENCES
The island of Murter Sailing through the Murter aquatorium
Jezera, Tisno, Murter, Betina 24 hours
Solin City break
Interview:
Meri Matešić, Croatian National Tourist Board
Sisak
Portugal:
Lisbon
Transmission of texts, in full or in part, is only permitted with the written approval of the editor or author. Any type of mechanical, optical, or electronic copying is forbidden. All rights are reserved. Texts and photographs are sent in electronic form. The opinion of the author of the next is not necessarily the opinion of the editor. The editor cannot guarantee the permanence of published information, and is not responsible for the content of advertisements.
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tipTravelMagazine September / October 2013.
Now on Newsstand
T
ruly, only a bit is needed to leave the daily grind behind, go back to nature, and recharge our batteries for the return to new work and life achievements. All it took was a three-hour drive to get from Zagreb to the town of Jezera on the island of Murter, where we boarded a sailboat and spent a week living an entirely different life. The one at sea, where daily work tasks were replaced by tightening the sails, setting the sailing course, anchoring, or finding a cove to spend the afternoon. True renewal. And when we got onto this island primarily well-known for sails, regattas, and gajetas, we decided to explore it in detail and present it to you in this issue. To give you an idea for one of your next trips. We are also presenting you a good idea for spending the day in our report on Solin, an ancient city full of interesting stories, and the remains of ancient times. We are also taking you to Sisak, the city in which history also left a lot of marks. Definitely visit it during one of the many festivals it is known for.
As far as heritage under UNESCO’s ‘eye’, we present Dubrovnik, one of the best-known ‘open-air museums’ in the world. We also spoke to the director of the Main Office of the Croatian National Tourist Board, Meri Matešić, about this year’s season, and the plans for promoting tourism next year. In this issue, as a global destination, we introduce you to Lisbon, the city of sailors and fado, which is definitely a must-see on the European tourist map. In order to allow all of you, who read us on the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch devices, to have an even better reading experience, in collaboration with the Aplitap company, we placed tipTravel magazine on Newsstand. Both the Croatian and English versions of the magazine can now be found on this "digital newsstand", and the application can be downloaded for free. Enjoy reading and travelling, Željka Kunštek
www.tipTravelMagazine.com
CROATIA
Travel and tourism magazine
Download the tipTravel magazine iOS Newsstand application on App Store and read us free of charge on English and/or Croatian. Download here:
September / October 2013.
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Content
www.tipTravelMagazine.com
CROATIA
Travel and tourism magazine
09-10/2013
The tipTravel magazine project has been commended by:
tipTravel magazine is the first Croatian online magazine on travel and tourism and it is aimed at domestic and foreign tourists, travel aficionados. In each issue, through original reports and photos, it introduces readers to Croatian coastal and continental destinations and their diverse and rich tourist offer, it reveals the less known facts, brings news from the world of travel and tourism, announcements of events and festivals that shouldn’t be missed, and first-hand advice and recommendations. The magazine is issued in Croatian and English, and is available free of charge; you don’t even need a computer, because it can also be read on smartphones and tablets. Along with active links inside the magazine (that lead to certain web sites, videos and virtual tours), additional interactivity is enabled to all iOS Newsstand application users: view photos in larger formats
In these circles within the magazine you will find helpful tips and recommendations for travelling and staying in destinations.
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tipTravelMagazine September / October 2013.
14-23
24-51
8-9 CROATIAN NEWS 10-13 INTERVIEW Meri Matešić, director of the Main Office of the CNTB "Croatia offers content for guests with different interests" 14-23 NAUTICAL TOURISM Sailing A life-changing school 24-51 BLUE CROATIA The island of Murter: To the island of gajetas, regattas, and kalafats
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58-61 Jezera - sailor's corner (27-33) Tisno - a blue green oasis (34-39) Murter - a town at the 'gate' to the Kornati (40-47) Betina - home of the talented kalafats (48-51)
52-54 TIPS4YOU In September, October and November 2013, don't miss... 55 INTERESTING FACTS
Environmentally Friendly
not a single tree has been destroyed for the publication of this magazine
66-69
74
84
76-77
88-107
70-71
56 BEAUTIES OF CROATIA Lokvišće Bay (Jadranovo) 58-61 CITY BREAK - Sisak A City of Proud History 62-63 TIDBITS The prettiest roof in Zagreb 66-69 24 HOURS - Solin
74 CROATIA THROUGH PHILATELY - The Red Lake The deepest lake in Europe 76-77 GOURMET CROATIA Lika The charms of Lika's cuisine
70-71 UNESCO - Dubrovnik Open-air museum
78-79 SEND AND... WIN Around the world with a book
72-73 CROATIA ONLINE Offers and attractions in one place
80-81 UNICEF Croatia and World Campaign for Syria
82-83 WORLD NEWS 84 WORLD ATTRACTIONS Maras 85 INTERESTING FACTS 86 WORLD ATTRACTIONS Myra 88-107 WE'RE TAKING YOU TO... Lisbon (Portugal) To the city of sailors, fado and 'elevadores'
September / October 2013.
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MAP OF CROATIA
Destinations in this issue
Scale 1 : 1 000 000
Zagreb
Jadranovo
SISAK
Legend:
The island of MURTER (Jezera, Tisno, Murter, Betina)
SOLIN
highway with junction motorway with junction main road (regional and local are not included)
Imotski
Dubrovnik
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tipTravelMagazine September / October 2013.
INFO
General information on Croatia Geographic position
Croatia extends from the furthest eastern edges of the Alps in the northwest to the Pannonian lowlands and the banks of the Danube in the east. Its central part is covered by the Dinara mountain range, and southern ends at the coast of the Adriatic Sea.
Highest peak
Power supply
Climate:
Drinking water
Surface area
The mainland covers an area of 56.594 km² and coastal waters cover a surface area of 31.479 km².
Population
Croatia has 4,29 million inhabitants (2011.).
Demographics
The majority of the population are Croats (90,42%), with the largest minorities being Serbs, Bosnians, Slovenes, Hungarians, Czechs, Italians and Albanians.
System of government
Croatia is a multi-party parliamentary republic.
Capital
With 792.875 inhabitants, Zagreb is the economic, transport, cultural and academic centre of the country.
Length of the coastline
6.278 km, of which 4.398 km is made up of island coastlines, solitary rocks and reefs.
Number of islands, islets, solitary rocks and reefs
1.244. The largest islands are Krk and Cres. There are 50 inhabited islands.
Dinara, 1.831 m above sea level. There are three climate zones in Croatia: in the country’s continental interior the prevailing climate zone is moderately continental, while the mountain climate prevails at 1200m above the sea level. The areas along the Adriatic coast have a pleasantly mild Mediterranean climate with a large number of sunny days, summers are hot and dry and winters are mild and wet. The average temperatures in the continental interior are: January -2°C to 0°C, with somewhat lower temperatures in the mountains; July temperatures reach 20°C to 22˚C, and around 13˚C in the highlands. The average temperatures in the Littoral (Adriatic Coast) are: January 5°C to 9°C and July 23°C to 26°C. Winter sea temperature is about 12°C and it reaches approximately 25°C in the summer.
Currency:
The official currency in Croatia is the kuna (7,5 kunas ≈ 1 euro). Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks, exchange offices, post offices and in the majority of tourist information offices, hotels and campsites. Credit cards (Eurocard / Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners) are accepted in almost all hotels, marinas, restaurants, shops and cash machines.
Power supply: 220 V; frequency: 50 Hz
Number 112
Tap water is safe to drink in all of Croatia.
Travel documents
Since 1 April 2013, the visa system of the Republic of Croatia has been fully harmonized with the visa policy of the European Union. In 2013 all foreign nationals, who are holders of valid Schengen documents, are not required to have additional (Croatian) visa to enter Croatia and a enjoy short stay. More information: www.mvep.hr/en/
Public holidays
1 January - New Year’s Day 6 January - Epiphany Easter Sunday & Easter Monday 1 May - Labour Day Corpus Christi 22 June - Anti-Fascist Resistance Day 25 June - Statehood Day 5 August - Victory Day and National Thanksgiving Day 15 August - Assumption Day 8 October - Independence Day 1 November - All Saints’ Day 25-26 December - Christmas Holidays
Shops and public services working hours
During the tourist season, most shops are open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on weekdays, and many are also open during the weekend. Public services and business offices generally work from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.
If you notice a natural, technical or technological threat or an accident which might threaten the life or well being of people, property or environment Dial 112, free of charge, 24 hours a day, from every telephone in the Republic of Croatia. By dialling 112 you can reach emergency medical services, fire department, police department, mountain rescue, coastguard recsue, the help of other emergency services and protection and rescue operation forces. When dialling 112 it is possible to communicate in: English, German, Italian, Hungarian, Slovakian and Check.
Important telephone numbers
International country code for Croatia: +385; Information on international numbers: 11802; Weather forecast and road conditions: 060 520 520 (automated service); Road traffic information: 062 777 777; Road rescue: 1987 (If you are calling from abroad or from a mobile phone dial +385 1 1987).
Speed Limits
Within settled areas 50 km/h; outside settled areas 90 km/h; on major roads designed exclusively for motor vehicles and on highways 110 km/h; on motorways 130 km/h; for motor vehicles with a trailer without brakes 80 km/h. Driving with dipped headlights is obligatory during winter time.
September / October 2013.
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Croatian
NEWS
Days of Croatian Tourism in Zadar
The Church of St. Donatus in Zadar - Photo: Robert Kunštek
This years’ meeting of workers in Croatian tourism, "Days of Croatian Tourism 2013"¬ will be held October 24th and 25th in Zadar in Falkensteiner Hotels & Residences on Punta Skala. Many professional congresses and meetings, thematic conferences and workshops, will be held, as well as the 13th Croatian Tourism Forum on the topic "Tourism and the Global Economic Crisis". There will also be discussion of Croatian architecture and design in tourism, and the draft of the Strategic Marketing Plan for Croatian Tourism for the 2014 to 2020 period will be presented at the days. Online applications have been available since September 9, and you can find the application form on the website of the Ministry of Tourism.
Photo archive: UHPA
UHPA Directory 2013/14 published More tourists in the first eight months In the first eight months of the year, Croatia recorded a total of 5.4 percent more tourist arrivals and 3.3 percent more overnight stays, in comparison to the same time last year. In that time, foreign tourists marked an increase of six percent in arrivals, and nearly four percent in overnight stays. "The results achieved on source markets are encouraging and very positive. Along with the traditional markets, such as Germany, Slovenia, Austria, and the Czech Republic, we feel optimistic because markets such as Great Britain, Poland, Slovakia, but also the Scandinavian markets reacted very well, and we recorded excellent results. The said markets will continue to be the focus of our strategy, with the aim of positioning Croatia as a travel destination to which guests love to return", Croatian Minister of Tourism, Darko Lorencin, commented the results.
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Photo archive: Hotel Esplanade, Zagreb
Photo archive: www.mint.hr
www.mint.hr/default.aspx?id=4846
tipTravelMagazine September / October 2013.
In September, the Association of Croatian Travel Agencies (UHPA) issued the new UHPA Directory 2013/14, with a list of its regular and associated members: travel agencies and tour operators that offer many interesting travel programs. The publication contains a detailed description of what agencies offer, their contact information, and geographical location, as well as a list of associated members, such as hotels or national parks. Information on Croatia and the changes that came with Croatia’s accession to the European Union can also be found here, as can data on the branch offices of the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) around the world. "With the help of the employees of our agencies, true professionals, the modern traveler will, amongst all the available information, be able to make a better decision about buying the trip of their dreams", the UHPA emphasizes.
The Esplanade Hotel introduced the PressReader Hot Zone service At the end of August, the Esplanade Zagreb Hotel introduced the PressReader Hot Zone service to its offer, which allows its guests to, while they are in their rooms, at the health club, eating lunch, drinking coffee, or the like, read more than 2300 domestic and foreign daily papers and magazines from more than a hundred countries in 56 world languages. The newspapers and magazines are identical in content and visually to the printed issue, and guests can flip through them on their own smartphones or tablet devices. All they need to do is connect to the hotel’s free wireless internet connection and download the PressReader application to their device. If a guest does not have their own tablet, the hotel staff will provide them with a hotel tablet for use.
Zagreb will soon get its first campsite
Rakitje lakes - Photo: archive of Sveta Nedelja Tourist Board
In the spring of 2014, Zagreb should get its first campsite, next to Rakitje Lake on the western part of town. Up to now, about 70 percent of the content has been constructed, and besides the sites for camping and tents, there will be plenty of other content, such as a restaurant, wine cellar, wellness center and bungalows, where both the restaurant and bungalows will work all year long. The investor, entrepreneur Krešo Dubrović from Zagreb, says that they plan on offering a lot of sports content in the camp, such as horseback riding and the indispensable fishing. Also, camp guests will be offered organized excursions to Zagreb and the nearby towns of Samobor and Sveta Nedelja.
Four Croatian parks nominated for prestigious certificate Croatia’s Kornati National Park, and Vrana lake, Lonjsko polje, and Medvednica Nature Parks have been nominated for the prestigious Europark certificate for sustainable tourism, according to the WWF, global organization for environmental protection (World Wide Fund for Nature), reports Hina. As part of the "Parks of the Dinaric Alp" project, the WWF, in collaboration with the Europark Federation, chose 16 regional parks, of which four are in Croatia, which are included in the process of receiving this certificate. This certificate guarantees "added value" for tourists - seeing birds or wild animals, or special cultural value. Such parks in, for example, Provence, are visited by up to six million tourists over the three summer months.
Svetvinčenat - Photo: Robert Kunštek
Vrana lake - Photo: Robert Kunštek
www.croatiaweek.com/croatian-capital-zagreb-to-getits-first-auto-camp
Art Pavilion in Zagreb - Photo: Robert Kunštek
After Picasso comes Miró After the exhibition of Picasso’s works, which broke records, next autumn, the works of Joan Miró, the famous Catalonian painter, sculptor, graphic artist, and potter are coming to Zagreb. The exhibition will be held in the Art Pavilion, where paintings, sculptures, tapestries, and lithographs from the Margeurite and Aimé Maeght Foundation, which has more than 150 thousand pieces of art, amongst which are some key works of Kandinski, Chagall, Miró, Braque, Giacometti, and others. www.croatiaweek.com/firstpicasso-now-joan-miro-exhibitionin-croatias-capital
Well-known Swedish show filmed in Istria From September 2 to 26, 2013, filming of the incredibly popular Mästarnas mästare show, produced by the Swedish national television company SVT, and the Meter film production company will take place in the Istrian County. The show will be shown on the first program of SVT in the 2014 winter period. It is an extremely popular show with an audience of about 2.3 million viewers per episode. The reason the show is so popular is that the competitors are famous former athletes, winners of Olympic medals, world championships, etc., who are looking for a winner in an interesting and dynamic way.
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Interview
MERI MATEŠIĆ
MERI MATEŠIĆ, director of the Main Office of the Croatian National Tourist Board
Croatia offers content for guests with different interests Photo: PIXSELL
We spoke to the director of the Main Office of the Croatian National Tourist Board, Meri Matešić, on the current status of the season, forecasts for the postseason in Croatia, on preparations for tourism in 2014, and the Croatian travel offer. Conducted by: Željka Kunštek Photos: archive of the Main Office of the Croatian National Tourist Board
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tipTravelMagazine September / October 2013.
H
ow would evaluate the current status of the season? What can we expect in the postseason, what are the forecasts from our leading source markets? The increased arrivals and overnight stays in the first eight months, the growth of new employees in tourism by 17.4 percent, the increase in revenue
(according to available official data) for six months of 6.6 percent, as well as the excellent forecasts for the postseason, are pieces of data that say enough about the success of this tourist season. The results achieved are better than those foreseen by the ETC regarding the maximum growth of revenue from tourism at the peak of the season from 1 to 3 percent.
Photo: Saša Pjanić
Photo: archive of Kastav Tourist Board
Čigoč
Photo: Damir Fabijanić
Kastav
Photos: Kastav cultural summer (top left); Čigoć, European village of storks (top right); Mljet National Park in the south of Croatia (bottom).
Croatia offers many possibilities for different groups of guests, from those interested in "classic" vacations, the natural and cultural heritage of our country, all the way to those who seek special content, activities, entertainment, gastronomy, etc. Mljet National Park
Indicators for the first eight months of the year (January-August) are positive, and in that period, we have marked a growth of total arrivals of tourists by 5.45 percent (in total, 10.1 million arrivals in comparison to last year’s 9.6 million) and a boost of total overnight stays by 3.33 percent (60.523 million overnight stays in comparison to last years’ 58.575 million). Most of the market is in the black, often in the double digits. Especially good results are from the Scandinavian countries, when we speak of overnight stays: Finland marks an increase of 41 percent, Norway 30 percent, and Sweden a 31 percent increase. The indicators for Poland (+21%) and Great Britain (+26%) are also excellent. The remainder of the
market is in a single-digit increase, or at the level of indicators similar to last year. The results of just a smaller number of markets are poorer than last year. Spain and Italy are still under the influence of the economic and financial crisis, while the results for Russia and the Ukraine were negatively influenced by the introduction of a new visa regime, which Croatia had to establish at the time it became a full member of the European Union, but also by the poor economic situation, the exchange rate for the ruble, and changes in the tour operator market. We are excited by the fact that large growth was achieved from certain distant markets, especially Brazil (65%), and the USA (26%), as well as the market of South Korea (43%).
The forecast for the continued postseason are very good, and I believe the postseason will offer the appropriate contribution to the total success of this year’s tourist season. We joined the European Union in the middle of the season. Will anything change in the promotional strategy of Croatian tourism in the upcoming period? We started communicating the accession of Croatia to the European Union back in 2011, it was actively used in promotions during last year, as well as in the first half of this year. Still, in a travel sense, Croatia has been a part of the great European community for a long time - for most of our guests - EU citizens - formally September / October 2013.
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MERI MATEŠIĆ Photo: Mario Romulić and Dražen Stojčić
Photo: Renco Kosinožić
Interview
Kopački rit Photo: Andrija Carli
Photo: Aleksandar Gospić
Buje
Velebit
Photos: Buje, a town in the interior of Istria (top left); Kopački rit Nature Park (top right); Sveto brdo, one of the peaks of Velebit (bottom left); St. Nikola’s Church in Nin (bottom right). Nin
With further strengthening of airplane connections with the rest of Europe, certain Croatian destinations will affirm themselves even more as very interesting for city break programs, long weekends, and the like. 12
tipTravelMagazine September / October 2013.
speaking, no great changes occurred with our official accession to the Union. For years, Croatia has been a wellknown and established Mediterranean and European destination, and no "iron curtain" was lifted upon our accession, nor did the "pressing of the EU button" change any significant formal factors that would follow the arrival of, for example, a German citizen to our country. That German citizen could have travelled to Croatia last year with his identity card, the only difference is that this year there is no customs check, but only a police check, which really isn’t a deciding factor for increasing our competitiveness. Still, there will be changes to our promotional strategy, unrelated to the EU, during 2013, especially taking into account that a new Strategic Marketing Plan for Croatian Tourism for the 2014-2020 period is in
preparation. It will be, synchronized with the Development Strategy for Croatian Tourism for the same period, adopted by the Government and Parliament of the Republic of Croatia, as much as possible. We will continue to inform the public about all the novelties and improvements in our work, the new models of cooperation with the public and private sector, etc. Have the preparations for the 2014 tourist year started yet? Which source countries will be given special emphasis, and which way, and with which messages, will Croatia be promoted next year? Will there be any changes in comparison to this year? Yes, it has started, but the market strategy for 2014 will be completely defined by the said marketing plan for the 2014-2020 period, which will be
Photo: Hrvoje Serdar
Photo: Renco Kosinožić
Dubrovnik
completed during the autumn. One of the key tasks of this plan is to revise all the components of communication, starting with the key elements of the Croatian tourist brand. I believe we will advance the strategy of marketing communication in a great way, both in the promotion of special products, as well as targeted interaction with groups of guests interested in our tourist products, on the traditional, but also on new markets. Of course, we are also planning a completely new production of multimedia tools, improving public relations at home and abroad, etc. What sites in Croatia are a must-see for tourists? There is no universal answer to that question. Today, Croatia is a destination that offers many possibilities for different groups of guests, from those interested in "classic" vacations, the natural and cultural heritage of our country, all the way to those who seek special content, activities, entertainment, gastronomy, etc. Croatia is trying to position itself more and more as the ideal weekend destination all year round, especially for the tourists from nearby countries. What would you recommend to our
Photo: Sergio Gobbo
Dobrinj
Photos: panoramic view of the town Dobrinj in the interior of the island of Krk (left); linđo is the most popular dance of Dubrovnik and its surroundings (right); Veliki Tabor Castle is one of the pearls of Hrvatsko Zagorje (down).
Veliki Tabor
readers - where should they spend the weekend at the coast, and where in the continental region of Croatia? The key target group for the consumption of "weekend" products in all tourist countries are primarily domestic guests, so the growth of revenue in that segment will mostly depend on the buying power of Croatian citizens. Of course, as a weekend destination, we can be interesting to guests from neighboring countries, especially in relation to food and wine products, trips based on learning about the natural and cultural heritage, and shorter active programs. With further strengthening of airplane connections with the rest of Europe, certain Croatian destinations will affirm themselves even more as very interesting for city break programs, long weekends, and the like.
With all your obligations as the head of the national tourist organization, do you have time for rest and travel? Taking into account the extent of my tasks, so far I haven’t had a lot of time for rest, and travelling for pleasure. Still, whenever I get the chance, I try to "catch" a bit of time to relax in one of our pearls of tourism. We recently published the first issue of our online magazine on travel and tourism, tipTravel magazine. What are your first impressions? There is definitely room for good-quality professional monitoring of travel topics. Many topics can be opened in a way that is interesting to the travel professionals, as well as to the general public. After the first issue, my impression is that you are on the right path. I wish you success and longevity on the Croatian media circuit. September / October 2013.
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Nautical tourism
SAILING
It is unbelievable how little it takes to escape from the daily bustle and return to nature. It is equally awing that just seeing the sea, hearing the waves crash against the stern and the light mistral wind can be true therapy and quench the body and soul.
Photo: ANA’s sailboats during courses in the Murter aquatorium
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tipTravelMagazine September / October 2013.
SAILING
THROUGH THE MURTER AQUATORIUM
A life-changing school Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: Robert Kunštek
September / October 2013.
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Nautical tourism
SAILING
tip: "Pašnjak" is the knot most often used on sailboats so if you forget how to tie all the other knots, definitely try to remember this one.
Photos: relaxing times while sailing (top); practical and theoretical part of lessons in the classroom (bottom left and right).
Murter’s aquatorium wasn’t randomly chosen as the base and ‘classroom’ of ANA (Academia Navalis Adriatica), established as part of ACI back in 1988, and later set off on its own. This area and its surroundings were already then evaluated as the best location for year-long conduct of the program. Even when there isn’t wind anywhere else, ANA’s experienced skippers always manage to find the gust of wind in this aquatorium, enough to get the sails up.
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tipTravelMagazine September / October 2013.
I
never imagined I would end the summer in sailing school, and that phrases like "ready to tack", "luff up" or "bear away" would enter my vocabulary. Although I have heard about the charm and experiences sailing brings from my father, who has been recreationally sailing for twenty years, I must admit that after the publication of the first issue of the magazine, I wished for a few days of relaxing in the shade of pine trees on an Adriatic beach with book in hand. Then, I received an invitation from ANA, the international sailing school, and our best-known school specialized for sailing knowledge and skills, with headquarters in the marina in Jezera on the island of Murter for more than 25 years. And a completely different vacation could start...
Learning from the best In only a few days, we were on the 10-meter long sailboat in the happy company of our six-member crew, led by the legend of Croatian sailing, Živko Matutinović. This experienced sailor has sailed the world, and crossed the Atlantic twice, and is known on the Adriatic for two things: he participated in one of the world’s largest cross-ocean regattas, Whitbread, and the second is his culinary skills in preparing various exotic seafood specialties. Our seven-day journey started each morning around 7 AM with stretch, followed by a one-hour lecture on the basics of sailing, where Živko, head of the school base, and boss of all the other instructors, taught us everything with gusto: the parts of a sailboat, the maneuvers, tying knots, setting the sails,
tip: Teamwork and discipline are the most important rule on sailboats, and it is best to accept them right away if you plan on setting off on the adventure of taming the waves.
rules of behavior and sailing at sea, avoiding accidents, anchoring, winds and meteorology, regattas, and much more sailing know-how and skills. Still, the most is learned only once you leave the port and face all the challenges that the sea and wind bring that day.
Ready to tack? "Ready to tack?" or, in translation "ready to go?", is the question the skipper will most often ask you when heading out to sea. For course participants, the crew, it is a sign that action is starting, and that they should prepare for maneuvers for turning the boat at their position, for which they are responsible at the moment. If the wind is good, the real adventure and adrenaline rush come when the skipper turns the sailboat to 45 degrees, or the angles closest to
sailing "into the wind". Eh, that is one of the moments that life is worth living for. It is hard to remain unaffected, and, if for nothing else, you will fall in love with sailing, the sea, the sails, and the waves for this feeling. Another one of the moments that enthralls course participants is when the boat leaves port, the engines are turned off, the sails are tightened, and the indescribable silence arises, which is occasionally broken by the sound of the waves hitting the stern, the whistle of the wind between the ropes, and the cricket concert, if you are sailing near one of the islands.
From 34 countries of the world The long and mostly cheerful discussions of the students, or the crew, are just one of the interruptions of the silence
Photos: raising the sails (top left and bottom right); teamwork is most important on a sailboat (top right); pulling the ropes (bottom left); the sailboat at sea (bottom middle).
at sea. However, that is not strange, considering that sailing brings together similar people, relaxed and simple, who share common interests, so long-lasting friendships are often formed, even "internationally". For example, a total of around 600 students pass through ANA annually, and they came from a total of 34 different countries this year alone. People of various profiles - from doctors, lawyers, conductors and engineers to graphic designers, photographers, students, and adventurers, come to the September / October 2013.
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Nautical tourism
SAILING
Photos: family sailing has become a more popular form of spending an active family vacation (top).
Schooling at ANA, a member of the ISSA, the International Sailing Schools Association, is divided into several programs: basic education (basic, advanced, and skipper’s courses), specialty (spinnaker, regatta, trans Adriatic courses), additional courses for improving skills (Adriatic islands, Vis-Lastovo, Elafiti, Gourmet course, etc.), as well as the off-shore Malta course, where you will, over 14 days, sail to the island and back to Jezera. Find out more at: www.anasail.com
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school, told us Gordan Smadilo, head of the school. Although the only goal of the school is to enable students to become responsible for a boat and inexperienced crew, the school also brings people together, and of those who take the basic course, around 60 percent return within two years to take one of the advanced courses. And so it starts... "Everyone is welcome, and truly, everyone comes - from high-school students to 70year olds, from those who want to become skippers and do this professionally to those who have always dreamed of sailing", says Gordan, adding that due to great interest from families for sailing programs, they have introduced sailing courses for families. "Staying at ANA is more than education. With a strong emotional experience and top-notch instructors/skippers, true
aficionados of the sea and sails, the beautiful landscape, and interesting historical surroundings where the school is held, leave a strong impression on the students. This is why you will often hear that ‘ANA changed their life’", explained Gordan.
A little silence, a little chatter... On our sailboat, there were also moments of incredible silence, followed by moments of cheerful chatter, and also silence... But one thing was for certain - when our skipper Živko started talking, we were all silent. All of us wanted to hear as much as we could about his regattas around the world, the experiences on the calm seas, and the wild oceans, the adventures of a lifetime he experienced at sea, far from land. "It
tip: To survive on a desert island, all you need is a knife, and it would be good to have a mask. You can find brackish water, which can be drunk because it isn’t too salty, in a sea cucumber, and food, for example, in a sea urchin. If you are lucky to be on an island where wild onions grow, you can season it all...
was most dangerous to sail around the South Pole, from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean, and around the tip of Africa, in the Tasmanian Sea and near Australia", revealed Živko. At the South Pole, he said, he needed to be extra careful that none of the crew fell into the sea, because it would be impossible to save them. After four or five minutes, they would freeze to death, and that is too short a time to save them and pull them out of the sea, explained Živko. Luckily, he never experience such situations at sea on his boat, but he remembers that it happened that some crews lost a member.
How to survive on a deserted island? Sailing with this experienced sailor is truly a real experience. Besides learning
Photos: docking at Tetovišnjak mali (top); wild onion (left circle); tunicate is a well-known delicacy (right circle); try the gourmet platter, spaghetti with lobster buzara and tuna pašticada with gnocchi in the "Kod Ribara" tavern. (bottom).
the basics of sailing and monitoring the wind, he will also show you how to survive if you find yourself on a deserted island. That day, we stopped next to Tetovišnjak mali, and swam through the turquoise sea to the shore, and Živko prepared a quick snack, and offered us sea urchin (the intestines are removed, and the orange part is eaten), salt that accumulated between the rocks, wild onion from the shore, which is, oddly, sweet, and looks like a flower, followed by a delicacy - tunicate. "When you are at home, it is best to prepare it on a salad and season it with a little lemon, olive oil, and pepper", revealed this gourmet, who used to run his own restaurant. Only, do not overdo it so that you do not start hallucinating, Živko said, and later we learned that is also an aphrodisiac. Before leaving the island, he took us to a jacuzzi, but a
tip: At the "Kod Ribara" tavern, definitely try the tuna pašticada with gnocchi and the spaghetti with lobster buzara. If you prefer meat, the Gourmet platter is a great choice. For dessert, we recommend the crepes, which will definitely remind you of ‘mom’s’.
natural one, that is formed by the foamy waves of the sea amongst the smooth white rocks.
"Kod Ribara" for tasty delights and get-togethers If you aren’t into experimenting with tunicates and sea urchins, but still love seafood, especially if it is prepared in a domestic fashion, the best place to go is the tavern "Kod Ribara". This pleasant September / October 2013.
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Nautical tourism
SAILING
Photos: Murter’s aquatorium is rich in various shells and sponges (top); moments of sailing (bottom left); breaks in sailing are often used for swimming in one of the coves (middle); one of the coves on the south side of the island of Murter (right).
tip: With some luck, you will find dolphins in the Kornati aquatorium if you sail instead of using the engine, because these tame animals do not like noise.
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restaurant, with a domestic "flair" is a favorite site for students, but also tourists, in Jezera after an entire day of sailing. The friendly hosts, Lidija and Edo, will always await you with a smile, and a full plate of tasty dishes (and the largest portions in Jezera!), and they are always happy to hear your sailing experiences.
Every day is different As similar as they seem, every day at sea is different. Besides noticing an improvement of our sailing skills, on our way we discovered new islands and coves, often only accessible from the sea. Živko told us stories about the islands we passed, and shared the legends and stories tied to some of them. He revealed that there were sunken ships and amphoras on the bottom of the aquatorium (it is illegal to remove them from the seabed!), which isn’t strange considering that long ago, there was no navigation, not lighthouses to show the sailors the way, so during storms, the passing boats would seek shelter in
various cove. He made us laugh while telling us the names of the islands of this archipelago, amongst which are, for example Kakan (defiled) and Babina guzica (Grandma’s bottom). He also brought our attention to the island of Dražemanski, which we sailed by, which has many openings in the rocks inhabited by wild pigeons, and there is always an eagle flying overhead. When the time came for a break, which we used for lunch, bathing, and sun tanning in one of the coves, Živko would go out to the depths of the sea, and he always came back with full pockets. He found various shells, interesting stones... One of the memorable experiences that you’ll have, if you’re lucky, is meeting a pod of dolphins. There are many in the Murter and Kornati aquatorium, and they love to greet sailors by playing around boats.
The sense of freedom One of the greatest advantages of this way of spending your vacation are the
Photo: Mirjana Kačavenda
numerous friendships that are made here with people from all over the world. And once you find your course, catch the wind, and tighten the sails, there’s time for socializing. Except, of course, if your skipper doesn’t make you try several dozen "tacks" that day. So, for example, after several days of sailing together, I found out that Ana Erčulj, one of the assistant instructors, is actually and conductor and head of several choirs in Ljubljana, and has been successfully merging music and sailing for years. This student of music and cultural sociology fell in love with sailing, she says, after setting sail the first time, she took courses at ANA, gained experience sailing and at regattas, and completed ANA’s internal course for instructors. As soon as she gets some free time, either over the summer, or for various holidays and breaks, she comes
to Jezera from Ljubljana. "Sailing frees you, it does not set boundaries. I love that feeling of freedom, that’s why I keep coming back to it", said Ana who brought choir members from Ljubljana to Jezera, and already held two smaller concerts. The path of instructor Ivan Nemet, who came to ANA by chance four years ago and stayed, is also interesting. He leads courses all year long, and he says, he cannot imagine doing anything else. When you hear life stories like this, feel the strength of the sails, and the scent of the sea out in the open, and have a look at the beautiful nature that surrounds you, it is hard to imagine a "classic" vacation anymore, on the beach, in the shade of a pine tree. Each time you set sail is a new challenge. You never know what the wind and sea will bring to you that day... But that is where the charm lies.
Photos: the proper setting of the sails is one of the main lessons learned at the basic sailing course (left); reading maps in the theoretical portion of the advanced course class (top); view from the top of the island of Žut to the sunset (bottom).
tip: Since it is a certified RYA training center, you can find one of the world’s best known and best quality sailing courses at ANA, and gain this internationally recognized certificate.
September / October 2013.
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Nautical tourism
SAILING
Živko Matutinović, legend of Croatian sailing Conducted by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: Robert Kunštek
How long have you been sailing, how did it all start? - I started sailing relatively late in life, when I was 33, and it all started at ANA. A relative told me a sailing school had opened, which sounded interesting, so I went to see what it was all about. And so I stayed at ANA from its very beginnings. At the time, Damir Miloš was running the school. I learned from the best, and was soon nominated as an instructor.
You have sailed the world, more than 50 thousand nautical miles... - Yes, I stopped counting ages ago. I had the honor of being with one of two Croats who participated at Whitbread , the best known and best recognized navigational regatta around the world. I was also a member of the ACY No°1 team, a crew lead by Damir Miloš, which participated in the Columbus regatta in 1992 and 1993, held in honor of the discovery of America, as well as a number of other world regattas. I can proudly say that the crew won the high fourth place in the World Cup for maxi yachts. How did you manage to get into the team that sailed the world? - When choosing a team, everyone needs to have a specialty because the team needs to be made up of different specialties. Someone is a great mechanic, someone a doctor, someone a sailor... I was chosen for the team as a cook. You have to know how to prepare meals for 20 people without a refrigerator. Where was it most interesting to sail? - Every place has its interesting features, but I would single out Punta del Este in Uruguay, and Oakland in Florida.
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If you could choose your career again... - I cannot complain about my life path. I have seen a lot, met many people, I can say that the doors are open for me wherever I go... How do you juggle this business with family? - In the beginning, when I started to work in this business, I was still a bachelor. The family came later. When my wife now starts to complain that I’m away from home for too long, I always say: "Why did you choose a sailor, you should have chosen someone who works in an office" :-) Who would you recommend sailing to? - Everyone. The greatest part of sailing is the co-habitat with nature. It is a lifestyle. You are known as a great gourmet, and have managed to connect gastronomy with sailing. What are your favorite specialties? - It is true, and I used to run my own restaurant. I am happy I have managed to connect sailing and gastronomy through the school, so we organize Gourmet courses. Then, I prepare brudet, gregada, spaghetti with seafood, various risottos, etc. We organize five such courses per year, of which three are always booked because the same teams come, and at the beginning of May and September, we have open courses for gourmets..
Impressions from some of this year’s ‘graduates’... "Sailing always takes you there where you wouldn’t go by land. Besides that, sunrises and sunsets are always best experienced from the sea, it is a different experience. I would recommend this kind of vacation, such as sailing through Kornati, to everyone. I will be back next year, if not sooner. Sailing is a must. Once, someone said that salty liquids heal everything, be they tears, sweat, or the sea. Choose the sea". Mirjana Kačavenda (Croatia)
"This is my third trip to Croatia, and this year, I took my family with me to school. Sailing through the gorgeous Kornati archipelago thrills me every time. So far, I have passed the basic course, and next year I’m coming back for the skipper course". Evgeni Vekua (Belgium)
"Before, I sailed recreationally with friends, and this year I came with the goal of passing the basic course, which fulfilled all of my expectations. I’m going on for sure, the story has just started...". Marko Fresl (Croatia)
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Photo: Ivo Pervan (Source: Croatian National Tourist Board)
Blue Croatia
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JEZERA, TISNO, MURTER and BETINA (The island of Murter)
The island of sails, gajetas, regattas, and true fans of the sea: sailors, kalafats, fishermen, seamen, divers... Murter is all that. "The island of islands", as they often call it. And much more than that.
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THE ISLAND OF
MURTER CROATIA
To the island of gajetas, regattas, and kalafats Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: Ivo Pervan (Source: Croatian National Tourist Board), Robert Kunštek, archives: TB Jezera, TB Tisno, TB Murter-Kornati and TB Betina
September / October 2013.
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Blue Croatia
JEZERA (The island of Murter)
Photo: islet of Bisage in the Jezera aquatorium
W
e found ourselves on the island of Murter by chance this summer, and the main reason for our arrival was to gain basic knowledge of sailing. We were sure we were on the right place as soon as we arrived. Whichever side of the island we saw the sea from, we always saw at least a few open sails. Marinas with rows of docked boats, as well as those looking for a docking spot, are a common sight here, as common as the different languages you hear while walking the streets of this island, a favorite of sailors from all over the world. If you take a walk through one of the four places on the island, you will see dozens of flyers inviting you to various regattas and festivals, mostly connected to the sea. It is simply impossible not to notice the strong connection between the islanders, and their guests, with the sea, gajetas, and sails.
An ideal location Photo: Ivo Pervan (Source: Croatian National Tourist Board)
Although it is one of the smaller islands in Croatia, Murter is amongst the most densely populated islands in Croatia. Besides being a favorite destination for sailors, it is also loved by other tourists, both for its diversity, as well as its ideal location. There are few places that can boast two national parks (Kornati and Krka) and a Natural Park (Vrana Lake) a stone’s throw away, in the vicinity of two historical cities, Zadar and Šibenik, all with a bridge to link it to the mainland. We decided to research and present all four places on the island to you in detail: Jezera, Tisno, Murter, and Betina. Although everyone lives in the spirit of "sea and sail", each of them still has their own story...
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S
Jezera - sailor’s corner
ince we spent the larger part of our stay on the island docked in Jezera, where we learned basic sailing skills and knowledge, we started our research from this place, on the southeast side of the island. Although we were a little tired after battling the waves all day long, our curiosity upon return to the marina was stronger than our exhaustion. We wanted to know what was hiding in the place, located in a horseshoe shaped cove, surrounded by gentle hills, and protected from strong winds, which makes it a favorite amongst sailors.
Sailing base The ACI marina with 220 berths and the "ANA" nautical academy and sailing school, which attracts fans of sailing from the entire world, are the headquarters of this place. Many learned to raise the sails,
do their first "tack" and knot, and follow the wind in the aquatorium in front of Jezera... But also, many new friendships were formed between people who simply love the sea.
Photos: the horseshoe shaped cove of Jezera (top); the lake during the winter months (bottom).
It all started from the lakes The people of Jezera, well-known sailors, fishermen, and divers, who first inhabited the southeastern part of the island, have always loved the sea, along with the two lakes that the place got its name from. They were formed in an area of impermeable ground which collects rain water. One was dried out in the early 20th century due to malaria, and the other is still full of water during the fall and winter months. When they moved down from the lakes into the cove and took over the coast, in the mid-18th century, the people of September / October 2013.
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Blue Croatia
JEZERA (The island of Murter)
Photos: presentation of traditional trades and crafts to tourists (top left); Pudarica, the place from where old citizens of Jezera guarded the fields (middle left); the people of Jezera nurture traditional customs (top right); the making of a fishing net (bottom left); motive from one of the streets of Jezera (bottom middle); procession in front of the parish church of Our Lady of Health (bottom right).
tip: Due to the numerous paths that run through olive groves, pine forests, and low growing shrubs, the place is perfect for Nordic walking, and it is also possible to explore it on horses and donkeys. Nature rides are organized by the "Kukurin" farm in Jezera.
Jezera started building houses along the sea, of which most of them were cottages. Besides working in sailing and fishing, they also worked in winemaking, olive-growing, and fruit-growing, so even today you will see cultivated olive groves and vineyards. They were also excellent in extracting sand and stones, and worked in masonry, so their boats were used not only for fishing, but also for transporting stones that they took from their quarry mostly to Šibenik and Zadar. The people of Jezera are also the owners of several islets east and south of the island of Murter, including part of the islands of Kaprije and Žirje, and a smaller part of property on Kornati.
Traces of the Illyrians Driving around Jezera, we found a mound of rocks that intrigued us with
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its appearance, something like a stone pyramid. Jezera citizen Nenad Milin, director of the local board, revealed that they were traces of the Illyrians, and that the large, messy cone-like pile, "Pudarica" is the place from where their elders guarded the fields. Some think it was an Illyrian building, or a sea fortress that acted as a watch tower over the cove, and from where the citizens at the time gave signals to boats. In ancient times, there were several buildings similar to this one on this side of the island. Proof that the Illyrians truly live here lies in traces of their settlement from the 11th century on the Murtariću peninsula, and two graves of the Illyrian Liburna tribe, found in the Podjasenovac cove, not far from the town.
In the "Plavi cvijet" (Blue Flower) competition organized by the Croatian National Tourist Board for the best cultivated place in coastal Croatia, Jezera received a total of eleven awards.
Jezera
Tourist Board
Put Zaratića 3, 22242 Jezera, Croatia, phone: +385 22 439120, e-mail: turisticka-zajednica-jezera@si.t-com.hr, web: www.tzjezera.hr
At the souvenir shop, Bisage (tourist agency and souvenir shop), Put Zaratića 3, 22242 Jezera, along with the Jezerska Croatia, phone: +385 22 438465 (summer), +385 22 438453 (winter), info@murter-apartmani.net, www.murter-apartmani.net talja, you can also find many other souvenirs, such as the Jezerska spara, which the women of Jezera used to carry loads, as well as various anchors, lamps, replicas of wooden olive presses, olive wood key chains, "Pudarica" models... September / October 2013.
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Blue Croatia
JEZERA (The island of Murter)
Photos: the parish church of Our Lady of Health (top left); members of KUD "Koledišće" (top right); performance on the main town square (bottom left); scene from the picturesque streets of Jezera (bottom middle); "Friday in Jezera" - a traditional program on the main square in Jezera (bottom right).
tip: While in Jezera, definitely try some of the local specialties: prispalje, dried octopus with eggs, dried cod brudet with potatoes and jezerski zelenjak.
One of the prettiest altars The people of Jezera are also proud of their parish church Our Lady of Health, with a 32 meter high tower, built in the Mediterranean Baroque style. One of the interesting features of the church is the altar dedicated to the Lady of the Seven Sorrows, also one of the most beautiful wooden altars in Dalmatia. There are several other little churches nearby, for example, the church of St. Constantine, built as a votive church for protection from malaria, or the great fever that accompanied that illness. It is interesting that it was mostly built by citizens who sustained malaria.
Tradition of gathering One of the greatest values that the people of Jezera managed to preserve
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is the tradition of gathering in various groups. The host of many events in the place today is KUD "Koledišće", which got its name from the old square of Jezera where representatives of the communities would regularly gather, dance at weddings... Today, the group gathers many members, mostly young ladies and men, who, through song and dance, show the wealth of their heritage throughout the country and abroad, winning many awards and recognitions on the way. These young people are often responsible for the "good vibes" in the place, and they attract the attention of many tourists with various performances on the main square of Jezera. They also regularly perform as a part of the "Jezera Days of the Sea", a festival that lasts from the beginning of July to the end of September, which brings together various events: performances from klapa, and various other, musical
groups, presentations of traditional trades and crafts, a depiction of life and entertainment of the old citizens of Jezera, and a presentation of local specialties that fill all of Jezera with their delicious aromas. It also smells great at "Kod Ribara", a tavern in the heart of Jezera, where you can thrill your taste buds with delicious seafood specialties, prepared home style fashion.
Photos: Big Game Fishing is an event that has made Jezera popular worldwide (top left, right, middle left); an evening scene of Jezera (bottom).
Big Game Fishing
tip: "Big Game Fishing", international trophy fishing competition, will be held this year from September 22 to 28 in Jezera.
This small place in the world is known far and away for one grand event. Big Game Fishing, an international sport-fishing competition, a competition for catching big fish, which is traditionally held in the last week of September. We found out from the organizer of the competition, the "Punta Rata" sport-fishing group in Jezera, that, this year, they are expecting the arrivals of 40 crews from various countries in the world,
September / October 2013.
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Blue Croatia
JEZERA (The island of Murter) Souvenir
Jezerska talja One of the original souvenirs you can take from the island is the Jezerska talja. This wooden pulley was located on the masts of old wooden boats, and the ropes for raising sails, various loads, fishing net, etc. were pulled through it. The talja is so deeply rooted into the tradition of the place that there is almost no man in Jezera who hasn’t used it, be he a mason, fisherman, or sailor. It was modernized by Croatian emigrant Mario Puratić who, based on the talja, invented the Puretic power block, which is used for extracting fishing nets. The souvenir, designed and created by Mario Pirjak, is the recipient of the "Blue Flower" for the best souvenir of the ŠibenikKnin County in 2012.
Photos: tradition of women’s rowing (top left); Kromašna luka cove (top right); one of Jezera’s fountains on the boardwalk (middle left); procession of boats from the Jezera harbor to the cove and church of St. Nikola - Murtar (middle right); Kučina beach in Jezera (bottom).
amongst which are Germany, Sweden, Russia, Poland, Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, Austria, Denmark, and others. Most of the teams are coming with their own boats. They may catch up to 750 kg, and each crew has the right to take only one fish out of the sea, which must weigh at least 50 kg, while the others are released back into the sea. They mostly catch tuna, swordfish, white marlin, albacore, greater amberjack, and leerfish, while, for example, catching blue sharks is forbidden. A maximum of four fisherman may be on each boat, and of the seven days the competition lasts, three are reserved for fishing.
Diverse beaches tip: There are several excursion boats sailing from the Jezera cove to Kornati, the Krka waterfalls, and nearby islands. It is also possible to rent a boat and go off to explore the nearby coves and islets on your own.
When you want to spend a day swimming and sunbathing, Jezera have a lot to offer. You can choose from hidden coves, of which many are only accessible from the sea, to cultivated beaches such as Zaratić, Kučina beach, or the pebble beaches of the tourist resort "Jezera Village" where you can try some of the water sports. Here you can also play tennis, mini-golf or table tennis, rent a paddleboat and swim further away from the beach, stretch with water aerobics... From Jezera, we continue our path through the island...
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tip: You can buy the Jezerska talja in the "Bisage" travel agency in Jezera, located right next to the Jezera Tourist Board, for 120 kuna.
PROMO
O
nly 16 km from the A1 highway, and a kilometer from Tisno, where there is a moveable bride, a local attraction that connects the island of Murter with the mainland, is the Jezero Village tourist resort. The village boasts 450 camp sites and 72 apartments, built in Dalmatian village style, with 120 berths, up to six meters in length. Due to this rare and attractive combination, of camping and sailing, apartments, and the possibility for docking boats, this village is the favorite destination of sailors and camping fans,
and all those who like spending time in nature, near the sea, and far from the bustle of the city. The beach of this calm and shallow cove is great for children, and it offers a slide and rental of lounge chairs, paddle boats, etc. The village has a store, market, pizzeria, restaurant with typical Dalmatian cuisine, a pub, sports content, and a stage, where there are various animated programs all summer long. Due to its excellent location on the island of Murter, "the gates to the Kornati", getting to Kornati National
Park from Jezera village is very easy and quick, be it with your own boat, a rental boat, or by organized excursion. Krka National Park, with numerous waterfalls and lakes, is only a few kilometers away, and the picturesque island towns of Jezera and Tisno, as well as the bike and hiking trails are nearby, for tourist who would like to have a more active vacation. Basically, you will find everything you need for a great vacation and recreation all in one spot.
Jezera Village, Uvala Lovišća b.b., 22242 Jezera, Croatia, phone: +385 22 439600, info@jezera-kornati.hr, www.jezera-kornati.hr September / October 2013.
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Blue Croatia
TISNO (The island of Murter)
Tisno a blue green oasis Photos: panoramic view of Tisno, the place that connects the island of Murter with the mainland (top).
The bridge, as the only connection between the island of Murter with the mainland, used to manually move to the side. The main land transportation "vehicles" at the time were donkeys who were often afraid of crossing the bridge because they could see the sea between the boards.
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I
f you arrive on the island of Murter by land, the first to greet you is Tisno, a town placed partly on the mainland, and partly on the island. Along with the nice view of its island portion, dominated by the tower of the Church of the Holy Spirit, upon arrival, you will immediately notice the movable bridge, which has become a tourist attraction.
A bridge as an attraction The island and mainland part of Tisno have been connected by bridge since 1832, and in 1968, the old bridge was replaced with a moveable one. It rises every day, during the summer months,
from 9:00 to 9:30 AM, and from 5:00 to 5:30 PM, so that boats can pass through the narrow, or as the domestic folk say, tisni, channel, only 38 meters wide, for which the town got its name. It is a charming sight, when traffic on land is stopped on both sides of the coast to allow boats to pass, and when the air fills with the sound of the curious tourist’s cameras clicking. When the bridge is lowered, the swimmer’s attention is drawn by a beach, hundreds of meters long with a dense pine forest, while explorers lose their way in the labyrinth of stone streets and squares with palaces from the 18th and 19th centuries. The best known amongst them are the
houses of the Gelpi, Banchetti, and Denari families, as well as the Katunarić and Mazzura palaces. During the 18th century, wealthy Italian families moved to Tisno, and with time, they assimilated with the domestic Croatian population. The people of Tisno like to say that the first tourists were the bishops of Šibenik who had their summer homes in the palaces of wealthy Italian families.
Undersea life This year, Tisno marks its 90th anniversary of organized tourism. However, before tourism took swing, the people of Tisno
lived off of farming, raising vineyards and olives, and crafts and trade. Still today, many cultivate their olive groves and vineyards, located mostly on the mainland, near the island. If you walk through Tisno and its surroundings, you will notice that the place is an interesting combination of blue and green, tradition and modern. In its outback, it is developing eco-rural tourism, nurturing traditional customs and cuisine, and yet, when you come down to the coast, it offers a lot of other content, something for everyone: for divers, sailors, cyclists, adventurists... One of the novelties this year is an
Photos: the bridge is raised twice a day to let the boats pass (top left); impatient tourists as the bridge is being lowered (top right); a garden of one of the palaces (middle right); entrance into one of the palaces (bottom left); scene from one of the picturesque town streets (bottom right).
September / October 2013.
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Blue Croatia
TISNO (The island of Murter)
Photos: Tisno in the early evening (top); a sign in the educational undersea path (middle left); the feast day of Our Lady of Karavaja (middle right); the archeological site next to the Church of St. Martin (bottom).
tip: All you need to tour the underwater path is a regular diving mask and snorkel. If possible, definitely take an underwater camera. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
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educational underwater path in the Murter channel, which connects Tisno and Jezera. This path, the first of its kind in Croatia, is comprised of seven markers, and each one has an underwater sign with many interesting facts about the life of the creatures in this part of the Adriatic. So, you will learn more about echinoderms,
sponges, snails, fish, algae, shells, and many other inhabitants of this sea.
Unique in Europe If you are one of those who prefer the saying "Praise the sea, stick to land", Tisno has a lot to offer to explorers on land. Take a walk to the settlement of Ivinj, in the mainland part of Tisno, where there is an archeological site at the Church of St. Martin, with the remnants of ville rusticae from the 2nd and 3rd century. Have a look at the churches of St. Rocco, St. Andrews, and the parish Church of the Holy Spirit, which holds the early Gothic statue of the Virgin Mary with Child. This statue is unique in Europe because it is completely covered in silver and gold, and was not painted beforehand. Today, the statue visits exhibits all over the world.
Definitely take one of the two paths that lead to the Shrine of Our Lady of Karavaja. One passes through "Karavajska" Street, with 214 stairs that pilgrims used to pass on their knees
to fulfil their vows. The other way is to take the Path of the Cross, which runs alongside the Church of the Holy Spirit. On May 26th, for more than three centuries, believers from all parts of Croatia go on pilgrimage to Tisno on the feast day of Our Lady of Karavaja.
Photos: Tisno in the early evening (left); the tower and entrance into the parish Church of the Holy Spirit (middle and right).
Tourist Board
IstoÄ?na gomilica 1A, 22240 Tisno, Croatia, phone: +385 22 438604, e-mail: info@tz-tisno.hr, web: www.tz-tisno.hr September / October 2013.
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TISNO (The island of Murter)
Photos: coves near the town are a favorite of swimmers (top left); Tisno is popular amongst sailors (top right); a scene from the donkey race (middle left); festivals are a kind of trademark of the city (middle right); the donkey race is of an international character (middle); one of the town’s festivals (bottom).
tip: If you like the combination of good music, world renowned DJs, lots of dancing, sea, sun, and local fare, be sure to come to the Garden Festival in Tisno from July 2 to 9, 2014. More information can be found at: www.thegarden festival.eu
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Tourist spectacle When the sun goes out, Tisno becomes a stage for various events and festivals. One of the bestknown in the summer months is the "International Tovar Race", a donkey race that is traditionally held at the beginning of August on the main Rudina square. Over the years, this spectacle has become a recognizable tourist brand of Tisno abroad, and tourists regularly participate in the race. The race organizer, the "TiĹĄnjanski tovar" association, says their goal is to save this animal from being forgotten and from becoming extinct. On the other hand, besides traditional events, like this one, in the past few years, Tisno has become popular abroad for being an excellent host to a completely different event, the best known boutique musical festival in Europe - the Garden festival. Need we say more, except, definitely come to Tisno? ď ś
PROMO
Hotel Tisno
O
n the beautiful coastline of Central Dalmatia, in a typical small Dalmatian town, located only 30 km from Ĺ ibenik, and near two national parks, Kornati and Krka, is the small family-run Hotel Tisno, which you should definitely visit. The hotel was built on a property that dates back to 1898, and has been recognized as cultural heritage by the Conservational Department of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia. In trying to give their guests the most of the Dalmatian atmosphere, the family
renovated the building with a lot of love, taking the traditional ambiance into account, while merging it with the modern. Hotel Tisno has been decorated with a combination of traditional furniture and modern content. The rooms are large and comfortable and decorated with special attention to details. All rooms are air conditioned, and have satellite TV programs in most languages and a free internet connection. The hotel staff gives a lot of attention to cleanliness and comfort,
so that the guests have as pleasant a stay as possible. In the lobby, the guests have access to the internet corner, or the hotel computer. Also, they can enjoy the outdoor pool, or choose from one of the beaches near the hotel. Those who prefer an active vacation can rent bicycles at the hotel and take a ride on the bicycle paths of Murter, and its surroundings, experience the incredible nature, and enjoy the fresh air. Tisno’s location is ideal for fans of various activities. Many guests have recognized the quality of the hotel, which can be seen from their comments on TripAdvisor and Booking.com. ď ś
Hotel Tisno, Zapadna Gomilica 8, 22240 Tisno (Murter), Croatia, phone/fax: +385 22 438182, info@hoteltisno.com, www.hoteltisno.com September / October 2013.
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Blue Croatia
MURTER (The island of Murter)
Murter - a town at the ‘gate’ to the Kornati Photo: view of the cove where Murter is located, the place that is at the ‘gates’ to the Kornati islands (top).
W
e arrived in Murter, the proud bearer of the island name, and also the largest settlement on the island. There is a lot that the people of Murter are proud of, but mostly of their location ‘at the gate’ to the Kornati islands, the pearls of the Mediterranean, where sailors from all over the world wander all year long.
The densest archipelago of the Mediterranean Just like most of the guests, upon arrival to Murter, our attention was first drawn to the view of the aquatorium, with the view of a row of islets of this densest 40
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archipelago in the Mediterranean in the distance. They are approximately a dozen nautical miles from the town, it is estimated that there are about 150, although there is no general consensus on their exact number. We decided to freeze at least a few of them in time with our camera, at least as much as possible from the land, so, accompanied by two adventurists, we headed for Raduč hill, the highest hill on the island (125 m). We were at the viewpoint in about twenty minutes, where we were awaited by not only the view (which cannot be described in words), but also by an interesting thing - a labyrinth of ‘forgotten’ bunkers and tunnels, for
Photos: the lighthouse on the islet of Prišnjak in the Murter archipelago (top left); view from the Raduč hill to Kornati (top middle) and towards Murter (middle left); entrance into the bunker (top right); many boats lower their anchors in Čigrađa cove in the early evening (middle right); the sandy Slanica cove is the most visited beach in Murter (bottom).
which we later found out were part of the former Austro-Hungarian military base, which is waiting for a renovation and refurbishment into the Center for the Development of Human Potential and Innovative Action. Despite the state of disarray, our curiosity got the best of us so we went into one of the tunnels, and thanks to the flashlights on our mobile phones, we managed to pass through several underground passageways. In any case, we wouldn’t recommend a tour at the moment, and if your curiosity gets the best of you, remember that the tour is at your own risk.
Attractive coves The sun was already pretty high, so the heat ‘chased’ us from Raduč to the nearby cove of Čigrađa, surrounded by a pine forest, which we reached in about ten
minutes. It is difficult to resist swimming in this cove, with its turquoise sea, and small pebbles, which invite you in. The cove has plenty of shade, and a wealth of food service options, which was more than enough to spend the rest of the day here. In the early evening, when the sun starts to go down, it is a pleasure to watch the sailboats slowly coming into the cove and lowering their anchors, both for the protection the cove offers, but also for the gourmet delights the sailors here cannot resist. Along with Čigrađa, we recommend the somewhat more concealed beach in Podvrške cove, the favorite meeting place of the people of Murter. They consider it one of the most beautiful sandy beaches on the Adriatic, so you will often see it on various promotional material for the island, but also for the Šibenik-Knin County, which it is a part of. It is ideal for
The educational-tourist project of the Center for Sustainable Development "Phoenix Arbor", for which the location on Raduč hill on Murter has been recommended, will be the basis for the development of innovative, sustainable and transmodern tourism on the island of Murter. The foreseen content of the center includes programs of higher education, life-long learning, international research programs, cultural events, etc. In 2012, the project received the recognition of the European Council for motivating innovative projects.
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MURTER (The island of Murter) Photos: Čigrađa cove (left); scampi parisienne (right).
tip: Čigrađa cove, where part of the movie "Kull the Conquerer" was filmed, is one of the most beautiful on the island, and equally popular amongst tourists and sailors. While here, definitely try the ‘scampi parisienne’, and some of the seafood specialties in the Čigrađa restaurant.
children and non-swimmers due to its shallowness, and a favorite amongst the young for its content and entertainment. There is also Luka, the city’s beach in the center of Murter.
Gourmet experiences Besides dropping their anchors in various coves, sailors also like to stop by Hramina
This seafood restaurant is a combination of the original Dalmatian and modern trends, both in architecture and interior design, as well as in food. Here you can try dishes that preserve the ancient flavors of Dalmatian cuisine, and nurture the bond between healthy food, and creative modern gastronomy. 42
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owner: Darko Turčinov phone: +385 22 435705 mobile: +385 98 461987 e-mail: cigrada@gmail.com http://cigrada.fullbusiness.hr
RESTAURANT MURTER
Restaurant Fabro Žabićeva 8b 22243 Murter, Croatia phone: +385 22 434561 www.restoran-fabro.hr
marina in Murter, which has 400 berths at sea, and 250 on the coast, and two marinas on Kornati. Mostly for the good supply and protection from the wind, but also for the excellent restaurants and taverns in the vicinity. Sailors are well-known gourmets who love to spend their evenings in cheerful company,
trying local specialties, prepared in the traditional way, and Murter truly has a lot to offer them. The cuisine of Murter is based on seafood, but also meat dishes, which are prepared home style, with plenty of indigenous spices and Mediterranean herbs, and the unavoidable olive oil.
tip: Excellent seafood, but also meat specialties, prepared in an incredibly delicious and domestic way, can be eaten in the "Fabro" and "Boba" restaurants, where you can see why they are the first choice of people from Murter, but also their guests.
KONOBA BOBA, Butina 22, 22243 Murter, Croatia, mobile: +385 98 9485272, konobaboba@net.hr, www.konoba-boba.hr September / October 2013.
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MURTER (The island of Murter)
Latinsko idro Photos: "Latinsko idro", a traditional regatta of wooden boats with Latin sails, is the main event of the town (top).
The patron saint of the town is St. Michael, whose feast day is celebrated September 29. On that day, a formal holy mass is held in the parish church of the same name with choir singing, followed by the traditional "Latinsko idro" regatta, and a folk festival in the evening.
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Murter is also the center of many events, of which the best known, by far, is "Latinsko idro". This regatta of traditional wooden boats, gajetas, with Latin sails, is held every year at the end of September, on the feast day of St. Michael, the patron saint of the town. This culturalentertaining-educational event is a connection of all the knowledge, skills, temptations, and beliefs of everything that happened in this interesting aquatorium for the people of Murter. And truly, a lot has happened. The gajeta was the most important member of the household for the old generations of Murter residents, who were, along with the people of Betina, well-known shipbuilders. Special care was taken of the boat, it was protected, entrusted, and
named. What is interesting though is that the boat didn’t serve for fishing as much as for the transportation of various loads: stones, goats, donkeys, as well as fruits and vegetables that the people bred and raised on their mainland and island properties surrounding Murter. For that reason, the gajeta was a sturdy, robust, safe, and well-equipped boat, with lighter sails and oars. It could be said that it was completely adapted to the needs of the people of Murter and the aquatorium, the "Murter Sea" as they called it, where it sailed daily. As with any ship, the crew, made up of family members, played an important role on the boat. Everyone, men, women, children, and the elderly, participated in managing this ‘family boat’. It is truly rare to see this kind of gender equality anywhere on the Adriatic, in this way.
Tourist Board
Murter-Kornati Rudina b.b., 22243 Murter, Croatia, phone: +385 22 434995, e-mail: info@tzo-murter.hr, web: www.tzo-murter.hr
"On the last day of Creation God desired to crown His work and thus created the Kornati islands out of tears, stars and breath." G. B. Shaw
In 1980, part of the Kornati islands, around two thirds of the land and sea, were proclaimed a national park. Since then, numerous scientific experiments have been conducted on Kornati, mostly related to its national heritage. Around 537 botanical species on land, 226 types of benthic algae, around 850 types of living sea organisms: invertebrates, fish, a turtle and three types of mammals, of which one is a monk seal, have been registered to date.
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MURTER (The island of Murter)
tip: When you are on Murter or Kornati, change your radio station and turn the volume up to 93.2 MHz. At that frequency, you will hear the waves of Island Radio Kornati (Otočni Radio Kornati), which will regularly inform you of the most important regional news, entertain you with fun shows, and cheer you up with excellent music.
Photos: Murter can also be explored on horseback on its numerous trails and coves (top left); the Night of the Roman Colentum (top right); remains of the Colentum (bottom left); the Baroque Church of Our Lady of Gradine, next to which is a graveyard where ancient Croatian graves were found (bottom right).
The city of Colentum had two story houses, summer homes, water reservoirs, spas, and narrow streets paved in stone, similar to today’s streets in older parts of Dalmatian cities. It is assumed that it was destroyed and pillaged by pirates at the beginning of the 2nd century, and there are signs that it suffered an earthquake.
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The night of the Roman Colentum Not only are the people of Murter known as shipbuilders, sailors and fishermen, but they are also known as olive growers, and they built long stone walls and fences on the western side of the island. As far as attractive festivals are concerned, ‘Murterski pir’ must be mentioned, where the people of Murter try to protect old wedding customs, the dances and entertainment of their ancestors, from being forgotten. In order to additionally value and popularize the findings of the Roman Colentum, Murter’s people organize the Night of the Roman Colentum, which includes a performance, a procession to Gradine, gladiator fights, selling slaves, etc.
Ancient sea center Besides sailing and regattas, Murter offers many other options for an active vacation. The place may be explored by
walking, cycling, or riding on its many paths, and you can also set out into the depths of the sea. Several diving centers offer diving course, and a lot of organized thematic excursions are offered by many travel agencies. Fans of water sports can try windsailing, canoeing, and fishing. Whichever way you decide to see this place, definitely take a tour of the ancient city of Colentum from the 1st century A.D., at the foot of the ancient Liburnian fortress Gradine. Part of the site is underwater, while the other part is scattered on land just under this hill. This city was an important sea center in ancient times, which has been confirmed by various ceramic articles, ancient coins, pitos (dishes for preserving food), and pieces of amphoras that were found here. Take a walk to the nearby hill of Vršine, where the Church of St. Rocco, protector from the plague, is located. From this hill, you will have a panoramic view of Murter and its surroundings ‘at your fingertips’. A procession of pilgrims walks up the hill on August 16, the feast day of this saint, every year. We continue our trip to Betina, one kilometer away...
Photos: little girls in Murter’s traditional folk costumes (left); shawls hung in the streets of the old part of Murter on the feast day of St. Rocco (top right); mass on St. Rocco’s feast day (middle right); the pilgrims traditionally carry the statue of St. Rocco through the streets of old Murter on his feast day (bottom right).
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Blue Croatia
BETINA (The island of Murter)
tip: The oldest gajetas in Betina are "Baba Tone" from 1925 and "Cicibela" from 1931, which was used in the Second World War to bring supplies from Zadar for the partisans. If you have the chance, definitely take a ride in one of them.
Photos: view of Betina (top); Betina is one of the last sanctuaries of wooden shipbuilding in Europe (left); Cicibela, one of the oldest gajetas in Betina (right).
Betina - home of the talented kalafats Betina got its name from the Celtic word "bet", which means mouth. The naturally formed shape of Betina’s harbor looks just like that, a mouth, which protects boats from gusts of wind. Through history, Betina was also called the "mouth of the Šibenik area" for its fertile fields where olives, figs, and various vegetables were grown, and fed the entire region.
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A
fter exploring the island, we end up in Betina, a friendly Dalmatian town on a protruding cape on the northern side of the island. The place is known for its talented shipbuilders, kalafats, who still keep the tradition of building wooden leuts, gajetas, and kaićes, and by organizing various regattas, they try to promote them and introduce them to their visitors.
Founder - a man from Korčula The story of the three century long tradition of building "Betinske gajete" is best to find out first-hand from the kalafats (shipbuilders of these wooden
boats), so we set out in search for one of them. The people of Betina say that, unfortunately, there aren’t many left. Still, luck was on our side, and we managed to find Ante Fržop, a well-known kalafat, and with him, Marinko Mijat, owner of one of the most beautiful gajetas, Cicibela, board the boat, pull the sails, set out to sea, and find out the story of this interesting tradition. Ante immediately proudly reveals that next to Korčula, Betina is the best known and oldest home of skilled kalafats in Croatia, and one of the last sanctuaries of wooden shipbuilding in Europe. Although shipbuilding started in Betina before, the ‘official’ start of this tradition
is considered to be in 1740, when Paško Filipo from Lumbarda, Korčula, where at the time, there was great competition between shipbuilders, moved to Betina, considering it a good location to establish his family shipyard. So this man from Korčula became the founder of Betina’s shipbuilding, which at its golden age had a total of 27 shipyards and five forges. The Filipi family influence Betina, but also the development of shipbuilding in the areas of Zadar and Šibenik.
The gajeta of Betina is a rugged solid boat with a Latin sail that the people of Betina used to sail to their properties in the Kornati, to Modrave, Prosici, and near Vrana Lake. Besides fruit and vegetables, gajetas were used to transport various loads, including donkeys. In honor of this ‘holy boat’, there is a "Regatta for body and soul", a competition for wooden boats, held every year.
Ships adapted to necessity In contrast to the one from Korčula, the gajeta from Betina is slightly different. It has a flatter bottom, it is shallower, and has a smaller hold, explained Ante, who has been in the business for more than 30 years, and learned the trade the old way. He says that the people of Betina adapted the gajeta to their own needs, as well as to their aquatorium, which is shallower than Korčula’s. Today, there are about thirty wooden boats in Betina: kaićes, gajetas, and leuts. The difference is in the length and size of the boat, so kaićes are up to 5.5 meters, gajetas from 5.5 to 7 meters, and leuts from 7 m onward. Leuts are easiest to recognize for the rails they have on their sides, the main deck, and they are more enclosed. Today, there are three smaller registered ‘škvers’ (shipyards), and one larger one. In order to build a leut in the traditional way, reveals Ante, he needs from three to three and a half hours of labor, or about a year, if he does it on his own, and most of the time is used for the cabin. Less time is needed for a gajeta, up to seven months. The ships are mainly built of Slavonian oak or spruce. The price, of course, depends on the size of the boat, and the material used, and goes from around 12 thousand euro for a gajeta (without an engine) to around 16 to 17 thousand euro for a leut.
Photos: "Regatta for body and soul" is traditionally held in August (top); setting the sails on Cicibela (right); Ante Fržop is a well-known kalafat of Betina (middle); scenes from the shipyards of Betina (bottom left and right).
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BETINA (The island of Murter) According to folk stories, King Bela spent two years in Betina hiding from the Tatars. His hideout was apparently in Get Street, one of the most picturesque streets in Betina. One of the promenades in the Betina harbor carries the name "Belina riva" because it is believed the king docked his sailboat at that very place, which isn’t strange considering the fact that Betina’s harbor is well protected from wind and storms.
The first, and oldest village reading room in Dalmatia, was opened on the island of Murter in Betina in 1867.
tip: After exploring the place, seek refreshment in the Trabakul restaurant. You can choose from a list of appetizers and salads, and we would recommend the octopus salad, or various seafood and meat specialties, pastas...
Photos: the Kosirina cove, near Betina (top); one of Betina’s streets (left); the Church of St. Franjo Assisi with a Baroque bell tower (middle left); the "Stari Mlin" tavern in the center of Betina has an interesting interior (middle right); octopus salad in the "Trabakul" restaurant in Betina (bottom).
tip: Betina’s beaches are scattered through the town, and the best known are Plitka Vala, Kosirina, Zdrače i Bisage. Some of them have camps, the main accommodation capacity of this place.
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Well-known shellfish harvesters Every time the Cicibela docks in the port, it is a true local attraction. Whoever is on the promenade at the time, be they domestic or visitors, they watch the docking of this boat, whose only power comes from the sails and oars, with curiosity. However, the "Regatta for body and soul", traditionally held in August, is also an attraction. This year, a total of 55 wooden boats participated in the regatta, and one of the basic conditions of the competition was power via a sharp Latin sail. Truly an interesting and attractive sight. Not only are the people of Betina known as shipbuilders, but also shellfish harvesters, and they harvested shells using brganje (a tool they used to harvest shells from the sea). Except for food, the shells were also used to obtain dye that they used to tint fabric to make clothes, and they used crushed shells as construction material. Today, harvesting is
forbidden, but in honor of this tradition, for the past 40 years, every first Sunday in August, they have held ‘Dan brganje’ (Brganje Day), a day-long festival with an entertaining program.
Cultural monument Besides the gajetas, regattas, and brganje, Betina is interesting for much more. Its old city center, with stone streets, and typical authentic houses, the Mediterranean style construction, is protected as a cultural monument. Some of the streets are still paved with ‘žal’, round stones taken from the sea, as it was done in the 17th and 18th century. Above the city sits the Church of St. Francis of Assisi from the 15th century, with a Baroque bell tower, which gives Betina a special, photogenic appearance. Betina is often called the "beauty of Mediterranean folk culture" for its preserved, picturesque appearance. And who wouldn’t want to come?
Tourist Board
Betina
Trg na moru 2, 22244 Betina, Croatia, phone: +385 22 436522 e-mail: info@tz-betina.hr, web: www.tz-betina.hr
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Weekend Media Festival Weekend Media Festival, the most important annual gathering of media, marketing, and all other workers whose work is related to communication, is being held in Rovinj for the sixth year in a row, from September 19th to 22nd. Around four thousand participants, which are expected this year, will experience a rich program of lectures, panel discussions, and presentations. For the second time, the regional revue of the best advertising agencies, BalCannes will be held, and for the first time, the SoMo Borac regional internet award will be handed out.
Varaždin Baroque Evenings The 43rd Varaždin Baroque Evenings will be held this year from September 20th to October 2nd in the churches, concert halls, galleries, and palaces of Varaždin. Many Croatian and foreign musicians and ensembles will perform, amongst which are the Minstrel ensemble, Insula Magica, Edin Karamazov, Ante Knešaurek, Telemann Consort Moscow and others. The partner of this year’s Evenings is Russia.
Bučijada in Ivanić Grad
www.bucijada.hr
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www.vbv.hr
Photo archive: Varaždin Tourist Board
Bučijada, an exhibition-sales fair of pumpkins, pumpkin products, and other ethnoeco products is being held September 19 and 20 in Ivanić Grad. The Pumpkin Seed Oil Days are held as part of this traditional festival, along with plenty of other things to do, such as buggy rides, educational workshops and play groups, performances for children, exhibitions, concerts, visiting a traditional čardak, a depiction of folk customs, etc. There will also be a zoo with domestic animals, an eco-garden with pumpkins, costumed walks, an exhibition of pumpkin cakes, and a rich gourmet offering of pumpkin dishes in restaurants and the food tent.
Photo archive: Crikvenica Tourist Board
Photo archive: Ivanić Grad Tourist Board
www.weekendmediafestival.com
Days of Squid From September 20th to 22nd, 2013, the gourmet Days of Squid festival will be held on the Crikvenica Riviera, where, for three days, the restaurants in Crikvenica, Dramalj, Jadranovo, and Selce will prepare squid in many ways. The main part of the program will be held September 21st and 22nd in the afternoon and evening on the main square in Crikvenica, where they will have a competition in cooking squid brodet, an entertainment program for children, a gourmet festival with traditional coastal music, and an exhibition of fishing tools. www.rivieracrikvenica.com
Photo archive: IAC Zagreb
Dundo Maroje Do not miss out on seeing the hilarious Renaissance comedy "Master Maroje", a story of love and loyalty, jealousy and greed, lust and money, during November and December in Zagreb. The comedy was adapted from "Dundo Maroje", one of the best works of Croatian literature written by the well-known Croatian Renaissance writer Marin Držić. This interactive show will be performed in English in a relaxed atmosphere, with food and drinks, at the Zagreb Eye viewpoint on the main square of Zagreb. www.iaczagreb.wix.com/my-stage www.facebook.com/IACZagreb
Taste Festival From September 10th to 24th, the Taste Festival, a new gourmet event is being held in Croatia, with more than 150 Croatian restaurants and other food service locations participating, who have the goal of attracting citizens with a diverse menu and affordable prices, and taking them on an unforgettable gourmet journey. The festival is being held under the organization of the Restaurant Club, and since it is a regional event, after Croatia, the festival continues in Slovenia, from September 24th to October 8th in many restaurants, lounge bars, snack bars, etc. The festival started as a formal charity dinner in Zagreb’s Hotel Westin, where funds were gathered for the Special Children’s Hospital for Chronic Illnesses in Gornja Bistra. That evening, guests were treated to many delicacies presented by the leading culinary masters in the region: Tomislav Hruban, Benjamin Launay, Janez Bratovž, Deniz Zembo i Jeffrey Vella. www.festivalokusa.hr
Photo: Renco Kosinožić, archive of Istria Tourist Board
Taste Festival (Steak tartare on a pepper cream with baby porcini mushrooms) - Photo: Robert Kunštek
Truffle Days in Istria Truffle Days, a festival held in honor of this ‘king’ of mushrooms, will be held this year from early September all the way to November 3rd in the Istrian towns of Buzet, Motovun, and Livade. Guest will be presented with typical truffle dishes: fuž, pljukanci, gnocchi, frittata, and various combinations with meat, along with many exhibitions and fairs. For example, from October 4 to 6, the XX Tuberfest will be held in Livade, which will include the fair of the White Istrian Truffle, a truffle exhibition, a celebrity cooking show, and a demonstration of truffle hunting. www.istra.hr
Photo archive: Zagreb Tourist Board
Autumn in Zagreb Once again, autumn in Zagreb is rich and dynamic, so if you find yourself in the city at that time, you can choose from many events. Here are just a few: you can enjoy the program of "Summer on Štros" until September 29, the 11th Festival of Global Theater is being held until October 5th, the Viennese Philharmonic and Lorin Maazel are performing in the "Vatroslav Lisinski" concert hall on September 27th, Restaurant week lasts from October 4th to 13th, and the 11th Zagreb Film Festival is being held from October 20th to 27th... www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr
September / October 2013.
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d Photo archive: Nin Tourist Boar
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European Bird Census Day
Photo archive: Zadar DigIT
On October 2, 2013 in Nin, the 4th European Bird Census Day is being held. So, in the Solana Nin Nature park, under the professional guidance of a biologist, a tour will be organized, as an opportunity to meet the feathered inhabitants of the park. The goal of the event is to promote the incredible biological value of the salt fields, as an important swamp habitat, with emphasis on the bird fauna. This is also a chance to visit the first Museum of salt in Croatia, with a unique offer, such as flowers of salt, chocolate with flowers of salt, and many other salt souvenirs. www.nin.hr
The "Zadar DigIT" conference, whose main goal is promoting the use of new technology in tourism, will be held in Zadar on November 14th and 15th, 2013. In one place, the event will offer the public, B2B sector, investors, and workers in tourism lectures from relevant domestic and foreign experts in the area of tourism, technology, media, and marketing. The will also be information on e-marketing in tourism, practices in social media from the perspective of hotel chains, a holistic approach to travel destinations, tourism, social networks, etc. www.digitzadar.com
Tamburica playing in Vrbnik On October 6th, 2013, in Vrbnik, on the island of Krk, the 120th anniversary of tamburica playing in Vrbnik will be celebrated. Along with a formal program, a concert of the HRT Tamburica Orchestra, conducted by maestro Siniša Leopold. www.vrbnik.hr
Bela nedeja
The Festival of Business Skills, a business conference designed for all employees who work in teams, or who are in daily contact with people, will be held September 26, 2013 in Ilica 107 in Zagreb, from 10 AM to 2 PM. The aim of the conference is to improve communication and presentation skills for better managing relationships with clients, coworkers, and business partners, and to learn how to advance interpersonal relationships, encourage the motivation of coworkers and improve team work.
The traditional fair in honor of the beginning of autumn and young wine, "Bela nedeja", which has been held in Kastva for centuries, will be held from October 4th to 7th this year. A diverse offer, and traditional products and trades are presented as part of the fair, which attracts many visitors from Croatia and central Europe, and it is all accompanied by a rich cultural entertainment program.
www.filaks.hr
www.kastav-touristinfo.hr
Festival of Business Skills
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Photo archive: Kastav Tourist Board
Zadar DigIT
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Inte
ng
Interesting, creative, informative, unusual... such is the crckarije.com website, in Croatia, which is based in Omišalj on the island of Krk, and was designed by a team of young creative minds. The main goal of this young team of journalists is to bring you interesting reports and articles, which will motivate you to visit this site with positive vibes regularly. They also are involved in charity work, so here you can find out how to help and make the daily grind nicer for many. Is there anything better than that? Believe us, this team is full of ideas, and you won’t regret clicking on the link! www.crckarije.com
www.croatiaweek.com
Črčkarije website
fact s
Dubrovnik - Photo: Robert Kunštek
www.crckarije.com
Zagreb - Photo: Robert Kunštek
Omišalj, island of Krk - Photo: Robert Kunštek
rest i
Dubrovnik - the top fall destination Croatia Week Current news and interesting facts from the area of Croatian business, politics, tourism, sports, culture, and art can be found on the CroatiaWeek website, in English. Regardless of the fact whether you are in Croatia on holiday, on business, or you live here, this site will regularly inform you of daily events and interesting information in Croatia. www.croatiaweek.com
The largest travel site, Trip Advisor, and its sister company Flipkey.com, named Dubrovnik, a city in the south of Croatia, one of the top destinations in the world for trips in fall. On this site, one of the leading sites in the world for reserving accommodations, it says "Enjoy stunning views and mild autumn weather in this enchanting port town on the Adriatic Sea". The two sites get more than 150 million visitors monthly.
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LOKVIŠĆE BAY
an rv ca Pe eni rd) o Iv rikv Boa o: C t ot of ris Ph ive ou h T rc (a
Beauties of Croatia
Lokvišće Bay (Jadranovo, Crikvenica Riviera) The crystal clear sea and beauty of the untouched nature are the main features of Lokvišće Bay in Jadranovo on the Crikvenica Riviera. However, tourists also love to come here for the archeological site from Roman times, the Church of St. Jacob, as well as the natural medicinal balneological mud.
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Jadran Crikvenica Hotels (Jadran d.d. u stečaju) phone: +385 51 241 970 phone: +385 51 455 560 (Sales and marketing department) fax: +385 51 241 975 e-mail: marketing@jadran-crikvenica.hr www.jadran-crikvenica.hr
Hotel Esplanade (Crikvenica)
Hotel Kaštel (Crikvenica)
Hotel Omorika (Crikvenica)
Hotel Zagreb (Crikvenica)
Hotel International (Crikvenica)
Hotel and Pavilions Ad Turres (Crikvenica)
Harmony of tradition and modern The Crikvenica Riviera - an oasis of scents and diversity which lulls you to sleep with lavender and awakens you with rosemary! The centre awaits you with nine hotels, a tourist resort and auto camp, friendly staff, and more than 2500 beds ready for your arrival! The plentiful offer of excursions, the cultural monuments that take you back to the time of Pavlin and Frankopan, the tastes of the Mediterranean for everyone’s tastebuds... all of that is Jadran d.d. with its rich tourist tradition for more than 60 years. Walk the 15 kilometre long coastline, let at least one of the many sports activities become your own, relax on a beach with a blue flag, the sign of superb quality, and don’t forget to visit us again because we are here for you!
Tourist resort Kačjak (Dramalj)
Hotel and Pavilions Slaven (Selce)
Hotel Varaždin (Selce)
Autocamp Selce (Selce)
www.jadran-crikvenica.hr
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City break
SISAK
A City of Proud History The city on three rivers that boasts a fortress, whose walls still hide the secret of the great win of the battle against the Turkish army, also has many other interesting features. Here we present some of the most important...
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Written by: Vlatka Vužić Photos: Željko Rakarić (granted by the Sisak Tourist Board)
1. The Stari grad fortress The greatest monument of the city of Sisak, whose picture adorns the city crest, is the renaissance fortress of Stari grad. This historical monument is one of the best preserved military fortresses in Europe. It was built in the 16th century in the shape of a triangle with three towers near the estuary of the Kupa River into the Sava. The purpose of the fortress was to protect the Croatian kingdom from the Turks, and the joint Christian army defeated the Turks in 1593, which stopped the Turkish penetration of Europe. Today, the fortress houses weddings, exhibitions, theatrical performances, and concerts, and its halls and rooms are roamed by visitors instead of soldiers.
2. Stari most and promenade along the Kupa "Stari most" (The Old Bridge) is another symbol of Sisak. It is built of stone and old brick, which gives it a special flair, and its construction took nine years (it was completed in 1934). Of the six bridges in Sisak, it is the most beautiful, and bridges over the Sava River, connecting Old Sisak to New Sisak. Today, traffic is permitted for both pedestrians and cars. The bridge is a favorite motive of Sisak for painters and photographer, and the prettiest city promenade is located next to it.
4. Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross Sisak’s diocese, established in the first century of Christianity, is one of the oldest in the area of present-day Croatia. It ceased to exist in the middle ages, only to be reestablished in 2009. The parish church was constructed to its current state in the first half of the 18th century, and renovated after the earthquake in 1909, when it was proclaimed a cathedral. It is located in the center of the city on Ban Josip Jelačić Square.
Collection of photographs: Croatian Railway Museum
3. Steam engine and steam crane on the Kupa The first railway in the region of the Kingdom of Croatia and Slavonia, Zidani most - Zagreb - Sisak, was constructed in 1862. It served to connect the western parts of the Habsburg Monarchy with the east, and it contributed to the development of the economy in Zagreb and Sisak. You can see the steam engine, which rode the railways throughout Europe at that time, at the train station in Sisak, where it is displayed as a monument of technological heritage of the Croatian Railway Museum. On the promenade along the Kupa is "Granik", the first steam crane for unloading loads from ships, from 1903.
5. "Siscia in situ" Archeological Park Located right next to the cathedral is an archeological park with the remains of Roman architecture: ramparts with towers from the 2nd and 3rd century, and the remains of a horreum - granary from the 4th century. Sisak is a city with a long and rich history, and so archeologists are constantly searching it and finding the most diverse historical clues, from old coins to the outlines of old buildings that once stood here.
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City break
SISAK
6. Veliki Kaptol Veliki Kaptol is the most beautiful example of classic architecture in Sisak and one of the most important historical buildings in the history of Sisak, but also Croatia. On October 2, 1839, the first theatrical performance in the Croatian language and Štokavian dialect, the drama "Juran and Sofija" or "Turks under Sisak", by Ivan Kukuljević Sakcinski, was held in this building. This event was a turning point for the Croatian language and culture, because until then performances were held exclusively in German or Hungarian. The building has been the headquarters of the Sisak diocese since 2009, and it is located on Ban Josip Jelačić Square.
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7. Mali Kaptol The 18th century Mali Kaptol building, which houses the Tourist Board of the City of Sisak, and the Tourist Information Center, where you can find all the information on the city and the surrounding area, but also buy original souvenirs, is one of the oldest brick houses in Sisak. It is located on the left bank of the Kupa River. Its interesting old-fashioned façade faces the street, while the hind side, which connects to a terrace, faces the river. It was built as a tavern, and today houses the comfy "Mali Kaptol" café, but also the wellknown "Siscia jazz klub", currently the only real jazz club in Croatia, which hosts eminent performers from the music scene in Croatia and abroad.
9. Sisak City Museum With a permanent collection and various exhibitions and events, this cultural institution reveals the historical secrets and heritage of the three-thousand-year-old city and its surroundings. www.muzej-sisak.hr
8. Sisak’s historical ring Sisak’s historical ring is an interesting and innovative way of presenting the history of Sisak through a story that is told in seven lit glass cases, where each one presents one of the most important eras of the thousandyear-old history of the city. The cultural project is located on the promenade along the Kupa, near the Mali Kaptol building. At the bottom of each case is a map from that time with the name of the city used then, a sign of the times, replicas of various objects and weapons...
Photo: Blaženka Suntešić, Sisak City Museum
10. Festivals Sisak is well known for various festivals, and one of them, which you definitely should not miss, is Celtic night, which will in a short time and in an unforgettable way present the history of this city. It is traditionally held every year in September on the Kupa River, which becomes a stage where rafts float with depictions of certain historical eras, telling the audience the story of the famous history of the city.
Photo: Mare Milin
tip: We recommend a visit to Sisak during the famous events: Siscia open jazz & blues festival, Klapa Meeting, Celtic night...
Photos: A special experience for visitors is touring the city of three rivers on the "Hrvat" tour boat (top); The Bambi Molesters is the best known Croatian surf band, established in Sisak in 1995. In 2003, the band was an opening act for R.E.M. on their European tour (left).
Restaurant COCKTAIL Ante Starčevića 27, 44000 Sisak, Croatia, phone: +385 44 549137 cocktail@cocktail.hr www.cocktail.hr www.facebook.com/pages/ Restoran-Cocktail-Sisak/
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Historical traces...
TIDBITS
The prettiest roof in Zagreb
O
ne of the oldest and most picturesque buildings in Zagreb, the Church of St. Mark, is located on the Upper town, and doubtlessly is the church with the prettiest roof in Zagreb. It was built in the 13th century by the Mletians (Venetians), who had a nearby street, Mletačka, named after them. Croatian viceroys used to give their oats at the altar of this church, and an interesting fact is that in the 17th century, guilds, professional associations of craftsmen, had 12 altars that they decorated with their flags. As the most recognizable symbol of the church, the roof consists of three old Croatian crests on the left side, where the red and white fields represent Croatia, the three tiger heads represent Dalmatia, the blue line is the Sava River, the longest river in Croatia, and the marten represents Slavonia. On the right side is the crest of the City of Zagreb with a depiction of the four gates, which used to exist in Zagreb, and now only one, the Stone Gate, remains. The open gates are to show that all people with good intentions are welcome in Zagreb. The stars within the crest show Zagrebian’s thirst for knowledge and their desire to learn, while the half-crescent was a sign that the crest was made at a time of peace.
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Prepared by: Željka Kunštek Photos: Robert Kunštek
i
Church of St. Mark
Google maps street view location: http://goo.gl/maps/9wuDq Address: Trg Sv. Marka 5 10000 Zagreb, Croatia (EU)
tip: While touring Zagreb, be sure to visit the Church of St. Mark, whose roof is one of Zagreb’s most recognizable symbols.
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IN ZAGREB
Photo: Harley-Davidson Zagreb
Photo: Harley-Davidson Zagreb
Photo: fotolia
Novelties...
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New models of Harley-Davidson bikes have arrived in Zagreb Denver, the capital city of Colorado. Also a town where it isn’t unusual to see good examples of Harley-Davidson bikes. So it isn’t strange that the "RUSHMORE" project was presented here, along with the newest models of Harley-Davidson bikes for 2014, which was attended by representatives of Harley-Davidson Zagreb. The project includes innovations on models from the Touring,Trike and Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO ™), lines and the most attention was given to the Boom! Box information-entertainment system which is made possible with the Bluetooth® technology with GPS navigation, Daymaker™ LED lights and the Twin-Cooled™ High Output Twin Cam 103™ engine assembly. The "RUSHMORE" project represents a great developmental step in the HarleyDavidson company’s production, following several years of research, based mostly on testing and communication between the company and the riders of their bikes. Experienced riders, who left thousands of ridden kilometres behind them, know how to best "listen" to the engine, which is, at the end of the day, the most valuable piece of information in the process of advancing technology, they concluded in the renowned company. Project "RUSHMORE" so fulfilled the demands of the drivers of the riders of these bikes, but also of new users who, looking at the impressive transformation and advances in production, can only expect the best from their future bikes. Some of the newest models of bikes for next year are already available for sale in Zagreb, at the licensed distributor of Harley-Davidson bikes for the Republic of Croatia.
PROMO
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Hotel International greets bikers with special offers
agreb’s well-known Hotel International is located in the business center of town, near ministries and the headquarters of many large companies. Although it has been recognized as a business hotel, or the home away from home for numerous business guests travelling through town, as well as the host for many business gatherings, congresses, and conferences, recently it has become more and more popular
amongst bikers. Bikers are attracted to the hotel for its good location and parking garage. The hotel employees also quickly recognized the needs of their guests and offered them a free upgrade to Superior rooms, and came up with a popular "biker’s menu" handmade hamburgers with superb seasonal ingredients, fries, and a selection of excellent beers. Also, if necessary, the hotel staff is available to organize servicing, or even organizing
transport and repairing motorcycles in the nearby licensed bike repair shop. Bikers are a synonym for freedom and frequent road adventures. However, despite great desires, that freedom must be "earned" and so, the hotel staff is not at all surprised when participants of conferences and business congresses take off their suits and ties at the end of the day and sit on their bikes to head off on new, exciting road adventures. ď ś
Hotel International, Miramarska 24, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, phone: +385 1 6108 800, hotel@hotel-international.hr, www.hotel-international.hr September / October 2013.
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hours
Written by: Jasminka Perić Photos: Jakov Teklić
Solin If you decide to visit Dalmatia, the pearl of the Croatian Adriatic, definitely spend a day in Solin. One of the youngest cities in Croatia will offer you an unforgettable experience with a combination of the past and the future. Every step you take, the city will tell you a story of Croatian culture, religion, and history...
W
e start the morning in the pleasant ambient of the café in the "Zvonimir" cultural center, with a view of the River Jadro, drinking our first morning coffee, and enjoying the view of the idyllic Gospin otok.
9:15 - 13:00
Photos: Gašpina mlinica (top left); view of the Jadro River and the "Zvonimir" cultural center (left middle); summer stage on Gradine (top middle).
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We stroll down to the most important ancient city in Croatia, Salona, and tour Manastirina, the largest ancient Christian graveyard, where lies the first grave of St. Domnius, the patron saint of the Split-Makarska Archdiocese. We also stop by Tusculum, the building of the Archaeological museum ordered by the world renowned archeologist don Frane Bulić for the needs of archeological research work. Here you can also find interesting souvenirs, such as statue of a woman from Solin, Roman portraits, oil jugs, money, and copies of ancient
ceramic dishes, after which you can head down to the cathedral complex - two aisled basilicas, nearby the bapistry and the spa. We decided to continue our walk to the Kapljuč and Marusinac archeological sites. The amphitheater from the 2nd century A.D. is especially interesting, preserved in the bottom portion of the massive walls, and restored and reconstructed in recent times.
13:30 - 17:00 You can have a lunch in the "Zvonimir" or "Gašpić" restaurant, and then head off to Vranjic, a fifteen minute walk away small fishing village located on a peninsula, which, due to its beauty, is also known as "Little Venice". Do not pass up the opportunity to swim in the crystal clean sea here. Of course, if you come during the warm season. Take some time to visit the vibrant Dalmatian villages of Mravince and Kučine, which offer an
unforgettable view of the sea and the islands. In Kučine, you can hike up to the medieval church of St. Peters, and north of the church, have a look at the remains of the "Stari Grad" or "Pod Kukom" forts, which were first mentioned in 1144.
Photo: Gospin otok, location of the oldest Marian shrine in Croatia (top).
17:15 - 19:00 Definitely take a walk to Gospin otok, which houses the oldest Marian shrines in Croatia, which were also visited by Pope John Paul II. Tour the old Gradina fortress, the oddly shaped church, built above the remains from Roman times. Gašpina mlinica, one of the few preserved mills, mentioned for the first time in 1711, is located here. The hosts will be happy to show you how to grind grain, and you can also buy some, if you wish. This mill is registered in the registry of cultural monuments of the Republic of Croatia. While here, drop by the church of St. Peter and Moses, known as the "Hollow
Gospin otok is surrounded by the arms of the Jadro River, which long ago flowed a different path, and passed through the city. The people of Solin call it "Solinska Rika", and they often call it the "Croatian Jordan" for its importance and events from ancient Croatian history. The ancient Illyrians built houses on its banks, and thanks to it, the Romans built the largest city on this side of the Adriatic Sea.
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24 hours
SOLIN
Photos: Fireworks above Gospin otok (top left); the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (top right); the spring of the Jadro river (right middle); the "Zvonimir" cultural center and Jadro river (bottom left).
church", the basilica of the coronation of King Zvonimir.
19:30 - 20:30 In the evening, we enjoyed Dalmatian specialties in the "Slap" tavern-pizzeria, located on the "Velika galija" mill, which was once owned by Mihrimah, daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent. Also, the "Girasole" tavern-pizzeria is a great choice.
20:30 - 22:00 Since we found ourselves in Solin during August, we spent the evening at a concert of Dalmatian klapa music, held as 68
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a part of the Solin Cultural Summers. This event is held from July to mid-September every year, and, besides offering concerts for all generations, there are numerous plays, Adriatic games, Ethnoambient Salona, a musical festival of cultural diversity held as part of the event...When Solin Cultural Summers ends, you can continue to enjoy various cultural events in the "Zvonimir" cultural center, and in the City Library.
22:00 You can find a place to sleep in Solin in the "President" hotel, "Jadro" hostel, or in private accommodations. It all depends on your desires and possibilities.
Photo: fotolia
Photos: The area surrounding ancient Salona is an archeological site and a must-see for every tourist who visits Solin (top); Manastirine, the largest ancient Christian graveyard (bottom).
The area surrounding ancient Salona is where a new project, "Salona Archeological Park", worth 50 million euro, financed by resources from European funds. Along with the renovation of the park of regional importance, the old paths and constructed entrances to Salona will also be renewed, and the entire area will be landscaped.
23:00 In the evening hours, Solin becomes especially "alive", and its streets are flooded with domestic inhabitants, but also with the ever-growing number of tourists from all parts of the world. You can have a drink in one of the many cafĂŠs, and spend the night out to the wee hours in the disco club "Kameleon". ď ś
Solin - Cradle of Croatian history Join us in the memorable travel to past... Experience Solin! The Cultural Temple on River Jadro!
Kralja Zvonimira 69, 21210 Solin, Croatia phone: +385 21 210048, fax: +385 21 260900 tz@solin-info.com; tzg-solin@st.t-com.hr
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UNESCO
DUBROVNIK
Open-air museum
Photos: Church of St. Blaise (Vlaho) in the heart of Dubrovnik (right); St. Blaise (Vlaho) is the patron saint of the city (middle); Minčeta fortress (bottom).
Prepared by: Željka Kunštek Photos: Archive of Dubrovnik Tourist Board
The old town of Dubrovnik, one of the most attractive open-air museums in the world, has been on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites since 1979. This city from the late medieval times, the pearl of the Adriatic, but also the Mediterranean, is located on the far south of the Croatian coast and is at the top of the cities most visited by tourists in Croatia.
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nce you see it, you will never forget the sight of Dubrovnik. Firstly, for its unique urban entity, with impressive fortresses, palaces, and churches, all circled by a 1940-meter-long stone wall, the eternal inspiration for numerous artists: painters, poets, musicians... The walls border the city in the shape of an irregular polygon, where the thickness of the wall on the continental side between four and six meters, and from the coastal side from one and a half to three meters. There are three entrances to the city walls: on Stradun at the Pila gate, near St. John’s fortress, and St. Luke’s fortress. Although Dubrovnik was hit by a strong earthquake in 1667, luckily, the walls were not severely damaged, and the city managed to preserve its pearls: the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque churches, palaces, convents, fortresses, and fountains. After the destruction of
The Festivity of St. Blaise, the patron saint of Dubrovnik, has been on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2010.
cultural heritage during the Homeland War, Dubrovnik was restored with the help of UNESCO’s program.
City of Culture The main city street of Placa, or Stradun, nearly three hundred meters long, with Baroque houses, plays an important part of the rich cultural heritage of Dubrovnik. Amongst the most notable examples are the Gothic Rector’s Palace (Knežev dvor), and Sponza Palace, built in the Gothic-Renaissance style specific to the architecture of Dubrovnik. Orlando’s Column, the Great Council Palace, the fortresses of Revelin, Lovrijenac, Minčeta, Bokar, St. John, Onofrio’s Great and Small fountain... there are many monuments in this city, and even more stories to tell. As a city of culture, Dubrovnik is the center of many exhibits, concerts, theater performances, festivals, and events all year long. One of the oldest and best respected events is the Dubrovnik Summer Games. During the games, various concerts, theater performances, and folklore programs are performed in city palaces, churches, and on squares, observed by tourists from all over the world.
Imaginative Creativity If we go back in time, Dubrovnik became an important sailing-trade center of the Mediterranean, along with Venice and Ancona, during the 14th and 15th centuries. A century later, the golden era of the Republic of Dubrovnik commenced, thanks to the sea trade.
The birth home of Ruđer Bošković, the most renowned Croatian scientist, physicist, astronomer, and poet of the 18th century is in Dubrovnik.
At that time, large ships, such as galleons, caraccas, and navas, equipped for longer and more treacherous journeys through the Mediterranean, the Black Sea, as well as the oceans to England, and even to India and America. Through its statute and other historical documents, the Republic of Dubrovnik brought the city and life in it into perfect order. The material wealth brought the citizens of Dubrovnik a sense of security and freedom and motivated imaginative creativity and the strong development of art, culture, construction, painting, poetry, literature, and science. Even today, you can feel that wealth at every step throughout the city. Much has already been written about Dubrovnik, but infinitely more could be written. However, I will conclude with the words of Irish writer George Bernard Shaw, who, upon visiting the city, wrote: "Those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and find it".
Photos: Lovrijenac fortress (top); the stone walls are 1940 meters long (right); one of the windows of Sponza palace (bottom).
tip: While in Dubrovnik, definitely tour the walls and fortresses, walk through Stradun, the main street, peek into some palaces and churches, get your picture taken at the fountains...and if you have the chance, come to the Dubrovnik Summer Games.
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Croatia
ONLINE websites and mobile applications
Offers and attractions in one place Whether you are coming to Croatia for a longer vacation or a weekend getaway, city break, or congress, you will probably search for information on the destinations and their offer on the internet. In this issue, we are bringing you several interesting web sites and mobile applications, with a lot of useful information... Prepared by: Željka Kunštek Photo: Robert Kunštek
The Association of Small and Family Hotels If you are amongst those who prefer to stay in small family hotels, with their special charm and warmth that nurture authenticity and boast a high level of service, the right address for you is the web site of the Association of Small and Family Hotels. Here you will find all the information on two hundred small hotels, divided according to various Croatian regions, all in one place, and depending on your wishes, you can choose from hotels ideal for family vacations, active and adventure vacations, wellness and spas, heritage, gourmet, or hotels for business trips. The site is available in five languages: Croatian, English, German, French, and Italian, and you can take a virtual tour of many of the hotels and find special deals. www.omh.hr
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Istria’s official travel website You can find all the information on Istria, Croatia’s largest peninsula, located in the northern Adriatic, on the official travel website of Istria. Here, you will be able to find out information, in seven languages (Croatian, English, German, Italian, Slovenian, Russian, and Dutch), on the regions of Istria and destinations, offered accommodation capacities, and attractions and activities that you can enjoy here. Amongst other things available on the site are many thematic brochures and multimedia content, and it is also possible to download applications for iPhone and Android devices. www.istra.hr
Photo archive: Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
Photo: Esplanade Zagreb Hotel
Zagreb’s congress offer on one location
Gastro Zagorje Available, quick, and informative - such is the "Gastro Zagorje" application, created by the Krapina-Zagorje County to inform visitors on the rich and diverse gastronomical offer of this part of Croatia. The application shows the current geolocation of the user and guides them to the other offers nearby, shows a picture on the map, recipes of traditional foods, a photo gallery, contact information of restaurants, the offer, and price, and allows for communication via phone or email. It is available in Croatian, English, and German, depending on the basic language settings on the device. The application can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play, via the following links: http://itunes.apple.com/ hr/app/gastro-zagorje/ id676536515?mt=8&ls=1 http://play.google.com/store/apps/ details?id=com.gastrozagorje. restaurant&hl=hr
At the end of July, the congress office of the Tourist Board of the City of Zagreb launched an application "Meet in Zagreb", based on iOS systems. The application allows for an overview of Zagreb’s congress capacities and services in one place, in English, which can help congress organizers, and a congress brochure is also available. You can download the application via the following link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ meetinzagreb/id640170891?mt=8
Riviera Crikvenica mobile guide As of mid-August, information on the entire tourist offer of the Crikvenica Riviera, which includes Crikvenica, Dramalj, Jadranovo, and Selce, is available to smartphone users in English and German. In order to ensure an even better quality holiday for their visitors, the Tourist Board of the City of Crikvenica came up with a mobile guide with useful information on accommodations, sites, events, the weather forecast, etc. in the Crikvenica area, and the guide even includes a small dictionary of Croatian phrases. The mobile guide application can be downloaded free of charge from the App Store and Google Play, via the following links: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ crikvenica-croatian-sunshine/ id663786030?mt=8 http://play.google.com/store/apps/ details?id=com.mobiexplore.crikv
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Croatia through philately
THE RED LAKE Presenting postage stamps
The deepest lake in Europe On the north end, an underwater river flows into the lake through an opening twenty metres wide. During the Second World War, two American bombers were shot down into the lake, so this natural phenomenon became a grave for at least fifteen allied soldiers.
Gavanovi dvori
Prepared by: Željka Kunštek
The lake was formed after the collapse of underwater caves, and it got its name from the red stones. It is a protected natural monument and a true phenomenon of the karst. tip: Even though the stamp was issued in 2007, philatelists in Croatia still have the chance to get the stamp in Croatian Post’s postal offices. Readers and philatelists from abroad can order the stamp via email: filatelija@posta.hr
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he Red Lake, the deepest karst lake in Europe, is located only 1.5 km from Imotski, a town in the South of Croatia. Its depth varies from 250 to 300 meters, depending on the season, and the water level, and the bottom of the lake is below sea level. The lake was formed after the collapse of underwater caves, and it got its name from the red stones. It is a protected natural monument and a true phenomenon of the karst, as well as an enormous reservoir for clean drinking water.
The Red Lake is the subject of many stories and legends due to its beauty, mystery, and inaccessibility, of which one of the best known is the one of Gavan and his castles. According to that legend, a long time ago, Gavan and his wife, stingy and haughty people, lived in a luxurious castle where the lake now stands. When an angel dressed as a pauper with two children warned Gavan's wife of God’s mercy and justice, she rudely brushed him off, saying: "Why do I need your God, when I have my Gavan?" At that moment, God’s wrath shook the earth, and the castle, its surroundings, and all its inhabitants fell deep into the chasm, where the lake was formed, and today, at night, you can still hear Gavan screaming in pain from the depths of the Red Lake. The block was issued by the Croatian Post June 8, 2007, in 30 thousand copies, 112x73 mm in size, valued at ten kuna. The block consists of one stamp, and suitable cover was also issued the first day (FDC). The design is "signed" by O. Franković and Ivana Vučić from Zagreb, and the photographer is Luka Kolovrat.
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On the second Saturday in October, four renowned Zagreb hotels from the HUP Zagreb hotel group will present their rich and diverse offer of wedding ceremonies. This event, called "Our Wedding", will take place October 12, 2013 in the ‘Kaptol’ ballroom of the Four Points Panorama Zagreb hotel from 11 AM to 3 PM. Future newlyweds will have the chance to see the newest trends of setting wedding tables and arranging flowers, along with the chance to try dishes and sweets from diverse wedding menus, and they will also be able to discuss the details of their weddings with experienced wedding planners from these hotels.
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Active holiday in Hotel Tisno If you would like to spend an active vacation in the charms of untouched nature, and you are attracted by the "smell" of adventure, Hotel Tisno, in Tisno, has prepared special offers for you, based on four or seven nights. Amongst other things, the offers include breakfast, a welcome drink, a tasting of wines from the hotel’s wine list, and depending on the package, admission tickets to Krka National Park or Vrana Lake Nature Park. If you are, for example, a passionate fishermen, in a special offer based on a stay longer than five days, along with the admission ticket, you will get a free fishing license for Vransko jezero, free use of hotel bicycles...The offer is valid from October 1st to 31st, so hurry!
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Wellness weekends in Falkensteiner hotels
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The Falkensteiner hotels invite you to a weekend of yoga, in combination with exotic treatments in the Iadera Hotel & Spa, and a relaxing weekend at the Club Funimation Borik Hotel so that you can await autumn actively, relaxed, and stress-free. As part of the Weekend Yoga Retreat, enjoy the Hata Yoga training, exotic massages, and treatments based on Spirulina algae, which motivates the metabolism, and effectively extracts toxins from the body. At the Acquapura Thalasso & SPA wellness center, spoil yourself with a whole body coffee and wild chestnut peeling, and relax in the "Equilibrio relax" treatment, or the body massage with an emulsion of thermal salt and especially relaxing Mediterranean herbal oils. www.falkensteiner.com
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Gourmet Croatia
LIKA
Photos: cracklings, prosciutto, and cheese from Lika (left); Lika’s cuisine is best known for its lamb, which is roasted on a spit, but also under a cast iron lid (right).
The charms of Lika's cuisine
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Written by: Sanja Plješa Photos: Silvija Munda (G.E.T. Report), Robert Kunštek and fotolia
Smoke-dried meat is one of the best known specialties of Lika, closely followed by lička basa, škripavac cheese, lamb, and the renowned "Lički uštipci".
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he ecologically clean region, untouched nature, healthy climatic features... they are all characteristics of the Lika-Senj County, the largest Croatian county in size, but with the smallest population of all the counties in Croatia. Lika is bordered by the Velebit, Velika and Mala Kapela, and Plješivica mountains, in the area that connects the continental and Mediterranean climate, the dry and hot summers, and the cold and long winters. Those climatic characteristics have also marked the food of the area, so long ago, after arduous physical labor in the field or forest, fattier, harder to digest food was placed on the table. From olden times, the belief was that the people of Lika, because of the long and cold winters that "reigned" over that area, they had to fill up, or eat enough heavy food so that they would have enough stored in their bodies for the winter season. From then until now, when the climate conditions have changes, some old dishes have remained, which are now offered to both tourists and the inhabitants of Lika.
Simple cooking One of the best known specialties in Lika is smoke-dried meat, which is recommended to guests as an appetizer,
or it is added to various cabbage and bean stews, or used in cabbage rolls. Lika is also known for its prosciutto, dried boar, sausages, cracklings, aspic or dried mutton. Since the women of Lika are excellent cooks, they combine all those ingredients into various types of simple meals, and it is that simplicity that adorns the cuisine of Lika. As a side dish, they add polenta or potatoes. Still, Lika’s cuisine is best known for the lamb, which is roasted on a spit or under a cast iron lid. Since cattle breeding is well developed in this area, superb dairy products, such as škripavac cheese, smoked cheese, or lička basa, cheese made from milk and sour cream, are also produced here. Meals in Lika are unimaginable without "ličke pole", potato halves roasted with bacon, with or without sour cream, which are eaten at any time of year.
Lički uštipci - mandatory Most restaurants in Lika offer their guests dishes prepared in the traditional way, so it is possible to try trout pate, since the Gacka River is rich with fish, followed by game prepared hunter style, venison stew, pork, veal, and mushrooms as the main course, or as a side dish. Trout is most commonly eaten in Lika in the spring since the
tip: While in Lika, definitely try the smoked meat, škripavac cheese, ličke pole, trout, masnica, and ličke uštipke, and bring it all together with sweet, white wine.
fishing season starts March 1st. In one restaurant we tried a specialty called Lički mrs, a stew with sauerkraut cooked with pork. As far as homemade desserts are concerned, they have apple strudel, cheese tart, walnut crescents, and masnica - a pulled pastry with lard and sugar, which give the dish a special flavor. Lunch or dinner is unimaginable without Lički uštipci, and the kind hosts will offer them to each guest. Although they are similar to doughnuts, uštipci are not doughnuts because they are prepared without a filling. In some parts of Lika, it is possible to try uštipci with raisins, dried apricots, or prunes. Since the dinner table in Lika mostly consists
of fattier food, fruity, white continental wine is recommended, especially from Vivodina and Slavonia, while red wine is less recommended. Lika is not a winemaking region, but it is well known for its Velebitsko beer. So, while travelling to some tourist destination at the sea, we recommend taking the old road through Lika. Stop for awhile, take a short break, and enjoy the beautiful, untouched nature, and the bubbling of the Gacka River, along with the gastronomical delights that part of Croatia offers. Trust us, you won’t regret it, and maybe you will want to prepare some of the specialties on your own for you family and friends.
Photos: trout is mostly eaten in Lika in the spring, when fishing season starts (top left); potatoes are always found on the table in Lika (middle left); apple strudel is one of the favorite desserts in Lika (middle right); the Gacka River is rich with trout (bottom left); Gacka stew (bottom right).
One of the specialties of Lika is Gacka stew, with boiled lamb. Alongside the lamb, salt, pepper, and bay leaf are added to the water. After two hours of simmering over low heat, fresh cabbage, and various ingredients such as onion, garlic, parsley, and tomato, are added, and potatoes may also be added. Gacka stew can be eaten as an appetizer or as a main course.
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Send and...
WIN
Around the world... Dear all, As we announced in the last tipTravel magazine newsletter, we looked over all the photographs you sent us while travelling through Croatia (and thank you for them!), and have selected and decided to publish a few of the best, chosen by the editors. The authors, who we decided had the 'best eye for photography' will get a book published by Profil, in Croatian, published in last month's magazine. Sounds good, doesn't it?
By November 1, 2013
Detail from the sanctuary for young bears in Kutarevo, Velebit (Author: Hrvoje Prtorić, Zagreb)
However, we are continuing the campaign this month :-) You can send us interesting, and slightly strange photographs from your last trip around the world, so a recent trip, min. 5 mpx in size. We will send the authors of the several best photos one of the books, in Croatian, from Profil’s collection, published in this issue or the last issue of the magazine. You can send us the pictures by November 1, 2013 at info@tiptravelmagazine.com The condition is that the authors of the photographs send their name and surname, city and country, and email address where we can contact them, as well as a short description of the photograph.
Diving at the islet of Sit in the Kor (Author: Ivan Šimat, Zadar)
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nati
And don’t forget: the campaign is only valid for readers who have signed up for the newsletter of tipTravel magazine, so if you haven’t signed up yet, what are you waiting for?! You can sign up at: www.tiptravelmagazine.com (as a reminder, we only send the newsletter once a month, and promise not to stuff your inbox :-))
...with a book The Church of St. Donatus in Zadar (Author: Ines Ljubetić Fišer, Zagreb)
The Comanche Indian, My Blood Brother
Tunisia and Thailand
"The Comanche Indian, My Blood Brother" is the first book by Ankica Begić, based on a true story of a great humanitarian campaign and procedure that saved Ankica's life. The main hero is the Indian Gaylon from the Comanche tribe, who, thanks to the "Ana Rukavina Foundation", donated his stem cells to Ankica and so saved her life. The book was published by Profil, who ensured the books would be free. You can find them in all Profil Mozaik bookstores, where it is possible to give donations to the Foundation, and at all city libraries in Croatia, as well as in a PDF document on the websites of the Foundation and Profil Mozaik.
Tunisia and Thailand are just some of the well-known destinations presented in a series of the world-renowned Eyewitness Travel Guides, published by Dorling Kindersley. They bring together information gathered on numerous sites, stores, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues. The guides also bring advice and recommendations, such as: how to manage, where to eat, where to stay, where to walk, and what tour to choose. Also, there are plenty of attractive photos and illustrations, but also maps that will help you find your way in these destinations.
www.profil-mozaik.hr
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UNICEF
CROATIA AND WORLD
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Campaign for Syria Written by: Martina Zajec Photos: archive of UNICEF
Photos: Aya hugs her sister (top left); Aya helps with various tasks in the tent (top right); girls in the Syrian refugee camp (bottom left); every day is a new struggle for survival for children in camps (bottom middle and right).
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The devastating conflict in Syria has forced millions of children into refuge to seek safety. Eight-year-old Aya is just one of them...
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ya is a playful girl with a smile that could win everyone over. For the past two years, she has not attended a regular school. Every day, she practices reading and writing with her older sister Essaff in an improvised tent located in the Lebanese Bekaa Valley. As she said herself: "I want to be a doctor to help children. If they come to me and don’t have any money, I will give them medicine, a prescription, and vaccination to make them better". Like Aya, most Syrian children have been forced to leave their homes. Leaving behind everything except what they had with them. Shocked, frightened, and exhausted, they are currently located in refugee camps in neighboring countries.
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Families staying in those camps live in difficult conditions, and each day presents a new battle for survival. Many children have lost months, and even years of education. Although UNICEF successfully launched classes in most camps, the conditions are still extremely difficult and it is necessary to provide the children with more.
Supply of water and basic food The coming winter is additionally complicating the situation. Blankets, winter clothes and shoes, waterproof tents to be used as classrooms, outdoor classroom materials, water purifying
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tablets, medication, therapeutic food for the malnourished, and much more, is needed. With the increased number of refugees arriving in the camps, the children are exposed to a great risk of contagious diseases and malnourishment. UNICEF, with its partners, intervened and secured the delivery of necessary vaccines, and around 300 thousand children have been vaccinated against polio. Also, more than 30 thousand traumatized children received psychological aid, while drinking water was ensured for nearly 220 thousand people in Iraq, Jordan, and Lebanon. As part of the most recent campaign by UNICEF and its partners, a hundred
tons of supplies of food necessary for child refugees from Syria was rapidly delivered to Erbil, a Kurdish region of Iraq. Amongst other thing were reservoirs with drinking water, hygienic supplies, water purifying tablets, oral dehydration salts, kits for first aid and early child development and recreation, school supplies, etc. The regional plan for aiding refugees from Syria estimates that it will take three billion dollars to solve the refugee problem by December of this year, and for now, only a third of the planned funds have been collected. Like Aya, every Syrian child has a dream. Let’s help them achieve it. Every kuna counts and aids assistance.
Donations can be made: 1) to bank account number: IBAN HR9223600001501092532, reference number: 13696-01 2) via the link: http://www.unicef.hr/show.jsp?page=159585 3) via phone by calling the number: 060 9006 (price of call is 6.25 kuna)
- the millionth child has sought refuge outside the borders of Syria - 2 million children have been evacuated from their homes within Syria - more than 3500 children have crossed the Syrian borders with Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq unaccompanied by an adult
Photos: Aya helps her elder sister (top left); Aya taking a walk with her sister (top right); children in refugee camps live in difficult conditions (bottom).
How children live in Croatia As part of Children’s Week, which will be held from October 7-13, 2003 in Avenue Mall in Zagreb, UNICEF Croatia and the Croatian Press Photographers Association will announce the winner, award the prizes and open an exhibition of chosen photographs on the topic "How Children Live in Croatia" It is a selection of the best photographs, chosen at a competition that ended in early September, on the topic of the diversity of ways and conditions that children in Croatia live. The goals of the competition were to, through photography, raise the awareness of the public on the various conditions in which children live, and to motivate the interest of the public and the media for better realization of children’s rights in Croatia.
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WORLD
NEWS
African Disneyland
World Tourism Day
Beach in the region of Algarve, Portugal - Photo: fotolia
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - Photo: fotolia
In early September 2013, at the World Travel Awards ceremony held in Antalya (Turkey), the southernmost Portuguese region, and also one of the leading Portuguese destinations, Algarve, received the award for Europe’s Leading Beach Destination, while Portugal took the title of Europe’s Leading Golf Destination. Algarve is famous for its 200 kilometers of white sandy beaches, of which most are marked with a blue flag, the sign that the quality of bathing water meets high standards of safety and services. Also, the region is known for its superb golf courses. The World Travel Awards are the Oscars of the travel industry, and they are awarded to travel brands for making a great contribution to tourism in the past year.
tipTravelMagazine September / October 2013.
The trend of last minute reservations, which accounts for the largest part of total vacation reservations, has continued on leading markets this year. Amongst the ten strongest markets in that segment is the Russian market, whose citizens last year have in that way, a month before leaving on vacation, reserved a total of 73 percent of their trips. That was confirmed by the newest analysis on the habits of reserving trips and vacations "IPK International World Travel Monitor", which was conducted by the IPK International Research Group for the world’s largest trade show ITB Berlin. Besides Russia, this method of travel reservation is also common in Italy and China. On the other hand, markets that prefer early reservations are the Dutch, German, and British markets.
Tokyo, Japan - Photo: fotolia
Last minute reservations still trendy Europe’s leading beach destination
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At the end of August 2013, the government of Zimbabwe announced plans related to the construction of a "Disneyland" style resort, worth 300 million dollars near the renowned Victoria Falls. There should be a shopping center, banks, and various forms of entertainment as part of the resort, which will spread over around 1200 hectares. An international airport is located nearby, which the government plans on expanding and adapting so larger airplanes can land.
Moscow, Russia - Photo: Željka Kunštek
Once again, World Tourism Day will be celebrated September 27, and this year's topic is "Tourism and Water: Protecting our Common Future". The central celebration will be held in in Asia, on the Maldives, where many representatives from the public and private tourism sector from all over the world will gather. They will speak mostly of measures with which the tourism sector could contribute to the preservation and protection of water.
The 2020 Olympic Games to be held in Tokyo Tokyo will be the host of the 2020 Olympic Games, as was decided in early September 2013 at the congress of the International Olympic Committee, held in Buenos Aires. In the first round of votes, Tokyo received the most votes, 42, while Istanbul and Madrid received 26 each. In the additional vote, Istanbul beat out Madrid and entered the finals. After the final vote, where Tokyo received 60 votes, and Istanbul, the Olympic Games were sent to Tokyo for the second time in history. The largest sports event was last held in Tokyo in 1964.
Conference on ski resorts
Cultural heritage of the USA Brand USA, the USA’s official travel marketing organization, has launched a new module "Music, culture, and heritage" as part of its online training program "USA Discovery" for agents from Great Britain and Ireland. The program allows agents to learn about the diversity of destinations and the experiences that the USA offers its tourists, along with interactive quizzes. After the users gain basic knowledge of the American states and regions, they are able to choose a special module, aimed at the diversity of experiences and vacation themes. As a part of the new module, emphasis was placed on music, art, and historical heritage throughout the USA.
At the fifth plenary meeting of the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), held from August 24 to 29, 2013 in Zambia and Zimbabwe, Croatia was chosen as the new member of the Executive Council of the UNWTO for the next four years. "This is just another recognition for Croatia for its engagement in the work of UNWTO bodies. We are grateful for the opportunity, and I am sure that we will contribute to the positive perception of Croatia in the world as a travel destination that has something to say and show to the world", said Croatian Minister of Tourism Darko Lorencin, who was recently, at the 20th meeting of the General Assembly of the UNWTO, chosen as the vice-president of the assembly, as the representative of the European region.
Emirates Palace at night, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - Photo: fotolia
Croatia is the new member of the Executive Council of the UNWTO General Assembly
Photo: fotolia
Palace of fine Arts, San Francisco, USA - Photo: fotolia
Photo: www.mint.hr
Big Almaty Lake, Kazakhstan - Photo: fotolia
The first Euro-Asian conference on ski resorts, with emphasis on the development of new resorts for winter tourism, will be held October 8 and 9, 2013 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The main goals of the conference will be the exchange of knowledge and experience and forming stronger collaboration between the ‘mature’ European ski resorts and the developing Asian ski resorts. The event will gather the leading representatives of ski tourism from Europe and Asia. The conference will be held under the organization of the World Tourism Organization and the city of Almaty.
Abu Dhabi hotels recorded records In the first seven months of this year, in 146 hotels and hotel suites in Abu Dhabi, 10 percent more guests visited in comparison to the same time last year, and the guests accounted for nearly 4.8 million overnight stays. What is interesting is that the hotel capacity of the city grew significantly in the past year - from 137 buildings and more than 23 thousand rooms to 146 buildings, and more than 25 thousand rooms, which is what the city currently offers.
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World attractions
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Salt mines (Maras, Peru)
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One of the main attractions of the picturesque city of Maras in the "Holy Valley" in the Urubamba region of Peru, are the salt mines, which have been in use since the time of the Incas. The Peruvians direct the salty water that comes up to the surface from the Qoripujio spring to fabricated pools. The sun evaporates the water, and the salt that remains is harvested and transported to the market. The hosts will gladly show you the traditional methods of harvesting the salt, and you will be able to try it for yourself. When the light reflects off these three thousand salt pools, the view is truly amazing.
tipTravelMagazine September / October 2013.
www.croatiaweek.com/replicacroatian-island-village-in-texasalmost-complete
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China wall, China - Photo: fotolia
Nearly ten years after American Jeff Blackard visited the picturesque coastal town of Supetar on the island of Brač, in the south of Croatia, he remained so impressed that he decided to build a replica of this place in a Texan suburb. Construction started in 2005, and up until now, a quarter has been completed, including residential homes, stores, an Italian restaurant, wine bar, flower shop, etc. The plan is to complete construction of the 54 remaining residential homes next year, after which the American Supetar would be complete.
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Hotel 1888, Sydney, Australia - Photo: www.1888hotel.com.au
Sydney, Australia - Photo: fotolia
Supetar, island of Brač, Croatia - Photo: Robert Kunštek Supetar, island of Brač, Croatia - Photo: Robert Kunštek
Supetar’s Texan replica nearly completed
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Free night in Hotel 1888 Hotel 1888 in Sydney, which they also call the "Instagram hotel", offers its guests a free night stay if they have more than ten thousand followers, reports the Daily Telegraph. However, the condition is that they must take a picture of themselves in the hotel lobby in front of a big frame, and share that photo with their friends, which gives the hotel free advertising. There is a chance that some of the best photos of guests later adorn the walls of one of the 90 rooms in the hotel.
China Radio also in Croatian Did you know that China Radio International, the radio station from Peking with a 72-yearlong tradition transmits in 65 languages, including Croatia? Every day, this radio station presents the culture, history, politics and daily life of Chinese citizens to the rest of the world, but also introduces the rest of the world, interesting facts, novelties, and attractions to the Chinese. Representatives of the radio station stayed in Croatia in the first half of September, and Osijek, a town in eastern Croatia, was their first stop.
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World attractions
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Stone tombs (Myra, Turkey)
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The old Lycian city of Myra, in the Turkish region of Antalya, is home to impressive 4th century B.C. stone tombs. Visually, they look like old wooden Lycian storied-houses with numerous windows. The tombs are cut into the stone, and part of them are located above the old Greek-Roman theater, one of the main attractions of the city, while the others are in a place called the ‘necropolis river’ on the east side. Although most of them look simple today, it is assumed that they were once extravagantly painted in red, yellow, and blue. Reliefs with depictions of the daily life of the deceased have been found in some of them.
tipTravelMagazine September / October 2013.
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Skiing with Jadroagent
Ski with Uniline
Snowy vacations evoke many memories: a sparkly white blanket, high mountains, the church bells of indigenous places, wood cabins, colorful roofs,... In order to experience all that this winter, Jadroagent is offering you a rich palette of ski programs, but also more than that: ski school, fun, entertainment, and exclusivity. Something for everyone. All you have to do is choose one of the many trails and gondolas, one of the many hotels or apartments... and enjoy skiing!
Once again this winter, Uniline takes you skiing to the best ski resorts in Italy, Austria, France, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina... Have a look at Uniline’s website for a truly great offer of ski programs, and the most affordable prices for online reservations of accommodations, with up to 30 percent off, so reserve your snowy holiday on time. You can also find information on the ski resorts, the price of ski passes, ski slope maps, etc. on the website. Don’t wait for the last second, reserve now, and enjoy the joys of winter...
More info: http://travel.jadroagent.hr
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On distant journeys with Atlas The world is a magical place, and in order for you to start discovering it, Atlas has prepared many travel programs. For example, in February, March and April, group premium programs to China await you, including a ride in super-fast trains, accommodations in 5* hotels,... The "Largest cities of the American east and Toronto" program takes you through history to the fascinating Niagara Falls. If you head out to the golden west coast of America, you will see the "City of Angels", Los Angeles, be in the company of Hollywood stars, and find out how they make movies. The best price on the market, and at the most popular time is reason more to go to Japan. Breathe in the beauty of the cherry blossoms and celebrate the arrival of spring at one of the numerous festivals in Japan. Visit Australia, the home of the koala and kangaroo, and the place rich with the heritage of the old Aborigines. Use the first minute discounts and choose your distant journey!
More info: www.uniline.hr
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We’re taking you to...
LISBON
Photo: Belém tower, the place where sailors started on their journeys of the world
Written by: Željka Kunštek Photos: Robert Kunštek
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LISBON PORTUGAL
To the city of sailors, fado, and 'elevadores' Although our friends who had already been there, and even the travel agents, tried to convince us that three to five days was more than enough to see Lisbon, we decided to follow our intuition and visit the Portuguese capital for a full nine days. And we didn’t regret it...
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We’re taking you to...
LISBON Photo: view of Lisbon from the Castelo de São Jorge fortress
A Sintra Cabo da Roca
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lthough most people think of the seaside, endless long beaches, lounge chairs, and cocktails when they think of summer holidays, we decided to spend our vacation in the urban city center that lies on seven hills, on the northern side of the Tejo River. We were sure we made the right decision as soon as we arrived and had our first contact with the incredibly hospitable hosts, who are ready to fulfil each and every desire their guests have. However, the hosts here are not only Portuguese, but members of various nations from all continents who moved to Lisbon, so, for example, our first encounter was with a Brazilian who showed us the way to the hotel. An East Indian advised us as to which stores had the best prices, a salesman from Bangladesh recommended an excellent restaurant, while a group of joyous
Portuguese citizens kept us company while watching the World Cup matches. So it is not strange that a neighborhood in the newer part of town is called ‘Park of Nations’, that Lisbon has been proclaimed ‘A City of Tolerance’, and that, according to a European Union survey, it is one of the safest European cities.
Strong center The diversity of nations in this city, with a population of more than half a million, is not strange considering that Lisbon, due to its good geographical position between Africa, Europe, and America, over time developed into a strong trade, industrial, and cultural center, as well as one of the leading fishing ports, and so won the title of the Portuguese capital with reason. It continued to strengthen its position in recent times as well, so
in 1994, it was proclaimed the cultural center of Europe. It received global attention four years later, in 1998, when it hosted the Expo fair, dedicated to the oceans and marking the return of Vasco da Gama from his expedition to India 500 years ago. Today, it is the center of tourism of the country, primarily thanks to its pleasant climate, vicinity to the attractive Estoril coast, good traffic connections, valuable cultural and historical heritage, and attractive lifestyle.
tip: The best way to see Alfama, the old Moorish neighborhood, is to walk through its streets. Even with a map in hand, it’s very easy to get lost.
Photos: Lisbon, City of Tolerance (top left); view of the Moorish neighborhood Alfama (top right); the streets of Alfama, and one of the typical entrances, with a photo of the inhabitants, in a house in Alfama (bottom).
Safe harbor Lisbon, or the colony at the time, was established by the Phoenicians as a fortress around 1200 B.C., and it was given the name Alis Ubbo, or, roughly translated "safe harbor". The city later became a Roman colony, and in 716 it was occupied by the Moors, under whose control they remained for more than four centuries. During that "golden" age, Lisbon developed into a strong trade center, and the Moor influence is still visible today in the neighborhood of Alfama, one of the oldest parts of the city. Fishermen and the poor were the first inhabitants of this part of town, and the tradition remained throughout the years. Today, the labyrinth of streets, passages and small squares of this poor neighborhood give passersby the feeling as if time stopped. The experience is completed by the black and white photographs of the inhabitants, located on the walls, next to the entrances of some houses. This neighborhood is one of the rare ones that managed to survive the strong earthquake that hit Lisbon in 1755, thereby destroying a large part of the city and taking thousands of lives. September / October 2013.
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Photos: Some Lisboan artists find inspiration at the Church of Santa Luzia (left); the Church of Santa Luzia (top); view of the Basilica of S達o Vicente and unique objects from the souvenir shop "Things2Give" in Alfama (bottom).
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LISBON Photos: Street performers make sure the atmosphere on city streets is good (top left); it is always lively in La Rua Augusta, the main street (top right); Elevador Santa Justa is one of the symbols of the city (bottom).
tip: For travelling through Lisbon, it is best to buy the Viva Viagem electronic ticket (price 0.50 euro), which is possible to refill. If you fill it with 5 euro, it is valid for a 24-hour ride with all metros, buses, elevators, and trams, including the famous tram number 28. In contrast, a tram ticket costs 2.85 euro, and the Santa Justa elevator (elevador) costs 5 euro... There is also the possibility of buying the Lisboa card, which includes rides in all forms of public transportation and admission to many museums and city sites. The price of the ticket, which is valid for 24 hours, is 17 euro.
Most lively and expensive The main business and trade zone in the city is Baixa, through which La Rua Augusta Street, the main tourist artery, passes. In this strictly pedestrian street, you will find many cafés, restaurants, souvenir shops and stores, also, naturally, the most expensive ones, while you are entertained by various street performers. The street names in this area are dedicated to certain crafts and business activities, so you will find Ceramic Street, Shoe Street, Banker Street, and Goldsmith Street. If you turn into the latter street, you will be in for a surprise, especially if you come across it in the evening. Located in this street is the Santa Justa elevator (elevador) from 1902, which is oddly similar to Paris’s Eiffel tower, which isn’t really strange since it was designed by 94
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Portuguese engineer Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard, a student of the great Alexandre Gustav Eiffel. The elevator will take you to the upper, bohemian part of town, Bairro Alto, in 30 seconds, and it is open every day from 7 AM to 10 PM, or 11 PM in the summer. At the top is a viewpoint, and words cannot describe the view. Tickets for the viewpoint cost 1.50 euro per person.
All the possibilities of a tram Lisbon is an example of a city where public transportation functions excellently. Riding the tram, especially line 28, should not be missed if you would like to personally experience all the possibilities of a tram. These old, but well-maintained trams, which we thought were used exclusively for tourists, are part of the regular city transit system, and
they stubbornly and incredibly quickly penetrate through the narrow and steep city streets, leaving passersby pinned up against walls in some parts. However, do not count on ‘grabbing’ a seat, taking pictures of the city, or seeing a lot from it. As of recently, the city offers tuk tuk transport for tourists, and riding the Gloria and Bico funiculars, and elevator which is on almost every postcard due to its unique outlook and view of the Tejo River, is a special experience. Another possibility is taking a river cruise for a somewhat different tour of the city.
Photos: The view from elevador Santa Justa leaves no one unimpressed (top left); a ride on the 28 is an adventure not to be missed (top right); the Gloria and Bica funiculars and the tuk tuk are also methods of transportation you can use to see the city (middle); the walls of some metro stations are decorated with reliefs such as the bishop of Porto D. Pedro PitĂľes and Hervey de Glanvill (Martim Moniz metro station).
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Photos: a monument to Fernando Pessoa in front of one of the oldest coffee houses, A Brasileira (top left); street performers make sure the atmosphere is upbeat on Chiado (top right and middle left); the park on Barrio Alto with a view of the city (middle right); monument to poet António Ribeiro (bottom).
tip: You can try traditional domestic specialties in many restaurants in Lisbon, such as Cervejaría Trindade, located in the Chiado neighborhood. The restaurant is located in an incredibly interesting building of a former monastery, later a brewery, so the eyes will enjoy the experience as much as the taste buds.
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Meeting place of the young and intellectuals Of all the city neighborhoods, we single out the already mentioned upper part of town, Bairro Alto, the favorite meeting place for youth and couples in love. It is also popular for its small specialized shops, designer boutiques, numerous restaurants, for everyone’s pockets, and fado clubs. Nearby is the Estrela basilica, recognizable for its great dome and cultivated gardens. You should be sure to visit the always lively Chiado, especially in the evening hours. This hedonistic neighborhood has always been a meeting place of intellectuals and writers, and today,
students can often be found drinking coffee, since there are many faculties in the vicinity. Also nearby is the national theater, many bookstores and antique shops, museums, theaters, churches, and monuments of well-known poets. The best known amongst them is the statue of the most famous poet of Lisbon, Fernando Pessoa, who "sits" on the terrace of one of the most popular and oldest coffee shops in Lisbon - A Brasileira, which he considered to be his home away from home when he was alive. It would truly be a shame not to stop by here, have a cup of coffee, read a newspaper (they have newspapers from various countries here), and enjoy the rhythm of the city.
Photos: In Lisbon, Fado is a way of life, and you can enjoy its longing sounds truly everywhere: in fado clubs and restaurants, at Castelo de São Jorge and on city streets.
Fado as a way of life In contrast, if you would like to wind down in the evening and enjoy a calmer atmosphere, the best thing to do is to visit one of the fado clubs, and there are many to choose from. Some Lisboans will say that the best are in Bairro Alto, others in Alfama, while a third group will recommend some other neighborhood. However, whatever you decide, you can’t go wrong. Fado is a part of the Portuguese, a way of life, and you will doubtlessly enjoy its melancholy sounds wherever you are. It is most often performed accompanied by guitar. We were lucky to enjoy fado for the first time in possibly the most beautiful surroundings in the city in the evening hours - the Castelo de São Jorge fortress, where the Fado Festival was being held that week. We
tip: Clube de Fado, Café Luso, Vossemecê and Páteo de Alfama are just some of the places where you can listen to fado in Lisbon. But, like it or not, you will often hear it on city streets, and sometimes even in trams, such as the 28. If you are a true fan of fado, which isn’t hard to become, definitely visit the Fado Museum in the Alfama neighborhood.
were also lucky that Camané, who many Portuguese consider to be the second best fado performer after Amalie Rodrigues, was performing that night. If you don’t know which club to head to, it is enough to walk through the city streets in the early evening. Smiling hosts will surround you from all sides, hand out fliers, and invite you to their club or restaurant, promising you an unforgettable experience. And they aren’t wrong. Often the ‘package’ for listening to fado includes dinner, and the price varies from place to place. After dinner, the singers commonly go from table to table offering the guests the chance to buy their CDs. We bought our copy for 15 euro.
Lisboans go out on weekdays and weekends around 11 PM, and the best time is to be had at around 2 AM.
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LISBON Photos: Today, Castelo de SĂŁo Jorge is the center of various events throughout the year, both for domestic, as well as for foreign tourists, Susana Repolho Correia told us.
Every year, around 2.5 million tourists visit Lisbon, of which a million visit the SĂŁo Jorge fortress. Most of the visitors, about 90 percent, are foreigners, mostly Spaniards, Brazilians, French, Germans, English, American, Japanese, Chinese, and Russian. The peak season lasts from April to October.
First-hand about the fortress Listening to fado in the fortress, which seems to watch over the city, definitely was a memorable experience, and thanks to the kind employee of the castle responsible for public relations, Susana Repolho Correia, we had the chance to learn more about the fortress and its legends first hand. It was built in the middle of the 11th century, during the time of the Moor occupation, exclusively for defensive purposes, and for the residence of soldiers, or, if the city were under siege, to house the elite. Amongst other things, 11 towers, a cistern, and a small gate called the "Treasury door", which served for visitations from secret
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guests, which included the king’s mistresses, have been preserved to date. Today, the fortress is the center of various events throughout the entire year, both for domestic, as well as for foreign tourists. So, for example, within its walls, they have organized tango and traditional dance lessons, fado evenings, bird watching, and travelling through Lisbon’s history. In the winter months, when there are fewer tourists, they have ‘family nights’ for domestic tourists, who, upon decree by the mayor of Lisbon, can enter the castle free of charge. You must admit, a kind and wise gesture, and also a good recommendation for the other mayors who might be reading this.
Through the periscope lens One of the attractions that is equally interesting to domestic and foreign tourists is viewing the city with the aid of an optical periscope system. This device, placed into function in 1998, consists of a mirror and two lenses, and allows sightseeing in 360 degrees, and offers a current view of the cities features, the river, and the bustle of town. Thanks to its inventor, Leonardo da Vinci, this trip through town will give you an entirely different experience. Make sure it’s a nice day when you try this.
Photos: The most attractive inhabitants of the castle are the peacocks (top left); you can see the city from the fortress using the optical periscope system (top right).
The "House of Lions" restaurant is located within the walls of Castelo de São Jorge. It got its name because the eccentric king that lived here had two lions as pets.
Besides a nice view of the city, a tradition is tied to the hill and Church of 'Senhora do Monte', located opposite the São Jorge fortress. All expectant mothers must come to the hill and pray to the "Lady of the Hill" for good delivery of the baby.
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Photos: The view of the Monastery of St. Jeronimo from the top of the Monument to the Discoveries (top); the Belém tower is the place where the Portuguese started their journey to conquer the world (bottom left); the Monument to the Discoveries with the sculptures of Prince Henry and well-known sailors (bottom right).
To view the monastery of St. Jeronimo, you must pay 7 euro, if you are coming individually, and to enter the National Archeological museum, 5 euro, just like for the Belém tower. If you would like to admire the city from the Monument to the Discoveries, you must pay 3 euro, and to enjoy the Pasteis de Belém treat, 1.05 euro per pastry.
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The pride of Lisboans To come to Lisbon and not visit the Belém tower is something the Portuguese would find hard to forgive. This is where sailors left to discover new routes, so the tower represents the symbol of the expansion of Portugal, and it is one of the most representative city monuments. The tower was built between 1515 and 1521 in the GothicRomanesque style, and it gets its exotic charm from the Arabian ornaments and Venetian style open balconies. At the time of the great Portuguese discoveries, the impressive monastery of St. Jeronimo also saw the light of day. In the church of monastery lie the graves of great Portuguese sailors and the explorer Vasca da Gama, and writer Luis de Camões, whose date of death, June 10, is now celebrated as a national
holiday, Portugal Day. The National Archeological Museum is located in the west wing.
In honor of great discoveries In this neighborhood you can find the Monument to the Discoveries, completed in 1960 for the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, who played a great role for Portugal in world exploration in the 15th and 16th century. This massive monument shows Prince Henry on a ship, and in the background are famous sailors, royal protectors, and others who participated in the Golden Era of exploration. On the square in front of the monument is a 50 meter compass rose made of various types of marble, a present from the Republic of South Africa. It depicts
Photos: the Monument to the Discoveries from the front (top left); The marble compass is a gift from the Republic of South Africa (top right); Pastéis de Belém is one of the tastiest creamy desserts in the world, and only the pastry chefs in Confeitaria de Belém know the original recipe (bottom).
sailboats and other ships that mark the main route of the great Portuguese sea journey that changed the world. The monument is open every day from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 7 PM from May to September, or from 10 AM to 6 PM from October to April.
According to secret recipe A must-see stop for all those with a sweet tooth in this part of town, called Belém, is Confeitaria de Belém, where daily for more than 175 years, they have been making one of the tastiest creamy treats in the world - Pastéis de Belém. I personally love vanilla and I can say that this is one of the best versions I have tried. This vanilla cream, enclosed in puff pastry with a little cinnamon, is still made by hand according to the secret recipe of the Monastery of St. Jeronimo. September / October 2013.
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Photos: Comércio Square (top); National pantheon (left); Vasco da Gama bridge is the longest European bridge, with a length of 17.2 km (middle); Casa dos Bicos with a diamond-shaped façade (bottom middle); Park of Nations (bottom right).
Although St. Anthony of Lisbon (known to most as St. Anthony of Padua) is the official protector of the city, Lisbon has another protector who watches over them day and night. You will see it, a 28-meter high statue of Jesus, a kind of replica of the one in Rio de Janeiro, on the other side of the Tejo River. The Portuguese built it in 1959 as a sign of gratitude for sparing Portugal during the Second World War.
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Although you will find versions of it in nearly every bakery and cake shop in the city, often under the same name, the pastry from this shop will definitely melt in your mouth the best.
Pantheon (the impressive Church of St. Engracia), where many Portuguese presidents, writer Almeida Garrett, and the most famous fado performer, Amália Rodrigues, are buried.
In the shape of a diamond
The longest bridge in Europe
Lisbon is a true treasury of cultural and historical sites, of which we will single out Comércio Square, which is dominated by a bronze equestrian statue of Kind Dom Joséa I, who ordered the complete renovation of the city after a strong earthquake. Not far from that is the Triumphal Arch, with statues of famous people from Portuguese history. Interesting, especially for its exterior, is Casa dos Bicos, a Gothic palace with a façade of stone diamond shaped panels. It is also worth stopping by the Sé Cathedral and the National
It can be said that Lisbon is the City of Bridges, of which one of the best known is the Vasco da Gama Bridge. Stretching 17.2 kilometers long, it became the longest bridge in Europe, and one of the longest in the world when it was opened in 1998. It starts in the eastern, newer part of Lisbon, in the Park of Nations, and the entire neighborhood, which is characterized by futuristic architecture, was built for the Expo World Exhibition which was held in Lisbon in 1998. You can see the entire neighborhood from a bird’s eye view in a gondola ride, which
Photos: Oceanário is one of the largest aquariums in Europe (left); the gondola in the Park of Nations (top); motives from the zoo (middle right).
costs 3.95 euro per person one way, or 5.90 for a return ticket. In contrast to this futuristic bridge, the bridge officially named "April 25" is older (from 1966), and shorter (2278 m), but still longer than its "twin", the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
The largest European aquarium The main attraction of the Park of Nations is - Oceanário (www.oceanario. pt), one of the largest aquariums in Europe, with around eight thousand creatures of 500 different species, which annually attract more than a million visitors. Here you will truly feel as if you are at the bottom of the ocean, and close encounters with sharks, stingrays, octopi, piranhas, whales, dolphins, and penguins are guaranteed, especially if you sit on
a seat within the glass tunnel and enjoy the experience where ocean dwellers swim around, under, and over you. Here you will learn about the animal but also the plant species of the water world you didn’t even know existed, and you also have the chance to participate in various educational and creative workshops. The price of a ticket for adults is 16 euro.
Bond, James Bond If you stay in Lisbon for more than three days, as we did, you won’t regret taking a day or two to visit some of the attractions near Lisbon.
tip: An idea for spending an interesting day in Lisbon is visiting the zoo. You can tour it with electric train, or for those who are braver, with an open gondola that constantly circles and takes visitors over the cages of the lions and other animals. There are also daily shows with the dolphins, sea lions, and birds. Admission to the zoo costs 17.50 euro per person.
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Photos: Rossio train station in Lisbon (top left); the beach in Cascais (top right); one of the squares and streets in Cascais (bottom left and right).
Portuguese cuisine is based mostly on fish, seafood, and vegetables, while codfish, especially dried cod, is considered to be a national dish. The Portuguese say there are 365 different ways to prepare it, or one for every day of the year.
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For example, you can take a oneday excursion to FĂĄtima, the popular pilgrimage site, located about 130 km north of Lisbon. There is also the Cascais retreat, which is about 30 km from Lisbon (the price of a oneway ticket is 2.05 euro). This retreat, once the popular summer spot for the royal family and nobility, has retained its status as an elite retreat, and houses the summer residence of the Portuguese president. Numerous sandy coves, picturesque street, luxurious villas, designer stores, and many restaurants and bars are the ideal place to escape to for at least one afternoon. If you go to Cascais from Lisbon, you will pass through Estoril, known for the largest casino in Europe and numerous golf courses. It might be enough to say "Casino Royale" or "Bond, James Bond".
In dreamy Sintra Still, the greatest attraction in the city surroundings is Sintra, a picturesque town located about 25 km northwest of Lisbon. It is on the slopes of a mountain of the same name, between rocks, a creek, and the forest, which hides the aristocratic palaces and many valuable sites. This artistic gem is under UNESCO protection, and alongside Pena national palace, and the royal palace, it is also home to the Moor fortress, the Monserrate palace, built in oriental style, and the Setais palace, which is now home to a luxurious hotel.
The westernmost point of Europe It might be best to end your travels through the surroundings of Lisbon at
Photo: The picturesque Pena National Palace and the exotic park that surrounds this colorful palace will take you to a fairy tale land, at least for a few hours.
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tip: Before going to Cabo da Roca, take a wind jacket or coat, or at least a shawl. In certain areas here, you can feel the strong ocean winds, so it is wise to cover up with something, regardless of the air temperature.
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Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of the European continent, located 15 kilometers or about a 20 minute bus drive from Cascais (the ticket price per person in 3.20 euro). This somewhat mystic, inspirational, and windy place, with cliffs 140 meters above sea level, is a true example of the force of nature, and as the hosts say, one of the places that possibly best symbolize Portugal. Luis de Camões described it as the "point where the world ends and the sea begins". Besides the magnificent view, you can also find a lighthouse, a restaurant, and a tourist office, which can issue you a certificate as proof that you were here.
The fact that you can, in one day, lie on a beach, tour aristocratic palaces, or the city from a birds-eye view, enjoy traditional specialties, and attend a fado concert, after taking an old tram, makes Lisbon attractive to tourists of different interests. All you have to do is come and enjoy its rhythm, its fado.
Photos: Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of Europe; stone plaque with data on the position of Cabo da Roca (bottom right).
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Lisbon (Lisboa)
... is the capital city of Portugal (EU) City area: 84,8 km2 Population in the city limits: 681 063 (1991.) Climate: Subtropical-Mediterranean (mild winters, hot summers) Area code: (+351) 21 Time zone: Western European Time (Croatia -1 hour)
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CROATIA
www.tipTravelMagazine.com The magazine is issued in Croatian and English once every two months, and is available free of charge. You don’t even need a computer, because it can also be read on smartphones and tablets. 108 tipTravelMagazine September / October 2013.
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