tip Travel magazine Croatia 026 (English edition) 05/2019 - 04/2020

EN

tipTravel

ISSN: 1849-059X

www.tipTravelMagazine.com

CROATIA

Number 26 • Year VII • May 2019 - April 2020

Travel and tourism magazine

INFORMATION • RECOMMENDATIONS • EXPERIENCES

Issue topic:

Zagreb County

A top destination for top excursions Dubrovnik and Neretva County

Beautiful diversity.

Diversified beauty. ˇ Island: Korcula

On a dream island Šibenik-Knin County: Šibenik and Vodice

A combination of experiences in the heart of the Adriatic Counties: Bjelovar-Bilogora, Krapina-Zagorje, Požega-Slavonia, Sisak-Moslavina • Dubrovnik • Varaždin • Plitvice Valleys • Omiš

National Parks:

Krka and Kornati World:

Madagascar UNESCO

Stećci: The stone sleepers of southern Croatia

EXPERIENCE THE BEST VACATION OF YOUR LIFE

EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT ONLINE BOOKING PORTAL

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I love to travel!

M. Mihaljević

Discover Croatia with Croatia Airlines!

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Visit our website, check our offers and book your seat!

m.croatiaairlines.com, +385 1 6676 555

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ABOUT THE MAGAZINE

INTERACTIVE FEATURES Along with the active links in textual form, which lead to certain websites, the magazine also contains active links marked with icons, and by clicking on them, you can open: - additional websites - various social networks - blogs - YouTube video content - 360° virtual tours - live cameras that transmit videos of the destination in real time - an online shopping basket

tipTravel magazine is the first Croatian online travel and tourism magazine, which is exclusively in digital format and available to all readers free of charge. It has been issued in Croatian and English since July 2013, and in German as of 2015.

It is designed for readers in Croatia and abroad who are avid travelers.

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 tourism news, announcements of events and festivals that shouldn't be missed, and first-hand advice and recommendations.

The second part of the magazine is dedicated to presenting global destinations and their travel offer.

More information can be found at www.tiptravelmagazine.com, where you can also find a direct link to all the issues. The magazine can be read online on all computers, tablets, and smartphone devices via the Issuu.com website or application.

On iOS devices (iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch), the magazine can be downloaded free of charge in the App Store, where the application has additional interactive features to enable an even higher quality reading experience. To find it, simply type in 'tiptravel' in the App Store.

The importance and quality of tipTravel magazine in the online promotion of Croatian tourism has been recognized and recommended to readers, tourists, by:

When you come across the App Store or Google play icon, you can download applications by clicking on them.

The users of the tipTravel Magazine iOS application also have two exclusive additional interactive features:

enlarging certain photos across the entire screen (full screen preview)

interchanging multiple photos (slideshow)

tipTravel magazine bears the Green Mark, the leading Croatian sign of excellence in green business, and was the winner of three prestigious Croatian Creative and Innovative Sustainable Tourism Awards in 2014.

NEWSLETTER

EDITORIAL

tipTravel www.tipTravelMagazine.com

CROATIA

Travel and tourism magazine

Travel and tourism magazine May 2019 - April 2020 ISSN: 1849-059X Publisher: Tip Kreativa d.o.o.

Jordanovac 119, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia +385 1 2348488 +385 91 7958016 info@tiptravelmagazine.com www.tiptravelmagazine.com www.facebook.com/tiptravelmagazine

© Robert Kunštek / tipTravel magazine

VAT ID Number: HR21136573248

Yes, that’s all Croatia!

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early every day, we get your emails from all over the world with plenty of questions and comments about Croatia - thank you for that. It's a fantastic feeling to know that tipTravel magazine is being read all over the globe and that Croatia is a great travel discovery, that you are asking questions about its attractions, offers, and ways to get here, and you're also complimenting its success in sports. Some of you, who haven't yet visited Croatian destinations, sometimes ask us if Croatia truly is the way we depict it through the photos we publish. So, let's summarize it...

Yes, in Croatia, the Adriatic Sea is various shades of blue - from turquoise to dark blue, and immersed in it there are more than a thousand incredibly beautiful islands where you can still find a beach all to yourself. It is a special experience to tighten the sails in that nautical paradise. And yes, while in Croatian destinations, you can taste local Adriatic squid, oysters, fish, and crab, as well as freshwater fish in continental havens. Yes, the entire country is like a big park (and protected parks cover 10% of its area), it has a pleasant climate, and its streets, squares, coast, and hinterland are

visited by Hollywood stars, both while they are on holiday and while they are filming a blockbuster. Just imagine a walk through the kingdom of Westeros, or King's Landing (Dubrovnik) from the mega-popular show Game of Thrones! The little country full of diversity is also rich in fertile golden plains, tame green hills, mighty mountains, and therapeutic water springs. Its cultural treasures and enticing enogastronomy await you in nearly every corner. While in Croatia, you'll also have fun at its many events, and you can feel the adrenaline rush while enjoying one of the many outdoor activities, in picturesque landscapes, in the fresh air. Croatia has always been known as a health tourism destination and it offers superb health care services.

You will also find accommodations to suit your taste - from Robison Crusoe-style to superb hotels, camps, and suites. In this year's issue of tipTravel magazine, we present a bit of everything. We hope it will inspire you in your future travels. Don't forget - traveling is always a good idea. And so is coming to Croatia. Željka and Robert Kunštek

Erste&Steiermärkische Bank d.d.

SWIFT: ESBCHR22 IBAN: HR4524020061100663844 Editor in Chief: Željka Kunštek zeljka@tiptravelmagazine.com Graphic Editor: Robert Kunštek robert@tiptravelmagazine.com DTP: Tip Kreativa d.o.o.

Associates in this issue: Mirela Drkulec Miletić, Petra Škofić, Vlatka Vužić, Nikolina Frklić Translator: Marija Crnogaj Marketing: marketing@tiptravelmagazine.com Photo source: tipTravel magazine archive, archives of Croatian Tourist Boards, PHOTOnet.hr, fotolia Cover page photo: Lužnica castle (Zagreb County) Model: Marina Jakšić Photo: © Mirna Bartolić, FotoOkvir

Transmission of texts, in full or in part, is only permitted with the written approval of the publisher and 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 text is not necessarily the opinion of the publisher. The publisher cannot guarantee the permanence of published information, and is not responsible for the content of advertisements.

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Content

Travel and tourism magazine

May 2019 - April 2020 © Romeo Ibrišević

CROATIA

© Miranda Trklja / Šibenik-Knin County Tourist Board

tipTravel www.tipTravelMagazine.com

© Damir Bakarić / Bjelovar-Bilogora County Tourist Board

© Siniša Sović / City Tourist Association Varaždin

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8-27 ISSUE TOPIC - Zagreb County: A top destination for top excursions 28-29 HISTORICAL TRACES Zagreb: Tkalčićeva Street 30-31 Dentum: Get your smile back in just one day 32-33 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Krapina-Zagorje County: A fairy tale at hand 34-36 CULTURAL TOURISM Varaždin: A day in Varaždin 37 EXCURSION - Trakošćan 38-41 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Bjelovar-Bilogora County: A green recipe for a perfect vacation 6

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42-43 BIKE TOURISM - PožegaSlavonia County: Through golden Slavonia by bike 44-45 EXPERIENCE CROATIA - SisakMoslavina County: The magic of water and untouched nature 46-47 ENOGASTRONOMY - Brtonigla: Istria's gourmet mecca 48-49 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Ogulin: The city of fairytales and mystical nature 50-51 ACTIVE VACATION - Plitvice Valleys: A dose of adrenaline in the Plitvice Valleys 52 INTERESTING FACTS - Croatia 53 ACTIVE VACATION - Plitvice Lakes: A vacation on the go

© Igor Tomljenović / "Kornati National Park" Public Institution

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54-62 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Šibenik-Knin County Šibenik and Vodice: A combination of experiences in the heart of the Adriatic 63 Olympia and Olympia Sky Hotels: Near the gems of the Adriatic 64-67 BIKE TOURISM Krka National Park: Cycling through the beauties of Krka 68-71 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Kornati National Park: Island paradise in the Mediterranean 72 INTERESTING FACTS Vis Island: The Vis archipelago named a UNESCO Geopark

Environmentally Friendly

not a single tree has been destroyed in publishing this magazine

© Ivo Biočina / CNTB

© Dinko Franotović / Korčula Tourist Board

The option to show photos in fullscreen view is available to users of the tipTravel Magazine iOS application on iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch devices.

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73 EXPERIENCE CROATIA - Šolta Island: In touch with nature 74 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Solin: Why visit Solin?

© Nikolina Frklić

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82 EXPLORE CROATIA Biokovo Nature Park: In the heart of the mountain 83 NEWS FROM THE AIR

75 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Sinj: In the city of Alkars

84-89 EXPERIENCE CROATIA KORČULA ISLAND: On a dream island > Korčula: The stone beauty 76 NEWS AND INTERESTING FACTS of the Mediterranean (85) Korčula Hotels: Korčula's Magnificent Seven (86-87) 77 EXPERIENCE CROATIA - Dugopolje: Dalmatia's speleological beauty Lumbarda, Smokvica, Blato, and Vela Luka: The hidden paradise of the 78-79 EXPERIENCE CROATIA - Omiš: From serenity to adrenaline southern Adriatic (88-89) 80 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Baška Voda: Like in a movie 81 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Brela: Once Brela, always Brela

90 TIPS4YOU 91 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Dubrovnik Coast - Slano: Full of experiences

92-93 UNESCO - Stećci: The stone sleepers of southern Croatia 94-97 JUBILEES - Dubrovnik: Dubrovnik to celebrate great jubilees 98-117 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Dubrovnik and Neretva County: Beautiful diversity.

Diversified beauty.

118-119 CULTURAL SCENE Interview - Klapa Rišpet: There's nothing like the Adriatic 120-125 WORLD - Madagascar: On the island of lemurs, baobabs, and new friendships 126-127 WORLD ATTRACTIONS Belize: The Great Blue Hole May 2019 - April 2020

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Experience Croatia

ZAGREB COUNTY

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Few world capitals can boast a green ring surrounding them consisting of natural beauty, cultural and historical gems, and centuries of tradition. Zagreb got lucky, just like those that have the luck to visit that peaceful area at least once, which is also known as the Green Ring of Zagreb.

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Text: Petra Škofić Photos: Zagreb County Tourist Board, Samobor Tourist Board, Sveta Nedelja Tourist Board, Zaprešić Tourist Board, Sava-Sutla Valleys and Hills Tourist Board, Krašić Tourist Board, Jastrebarsko Tourist Board, Pisarovina Tourist Board, Velika Gorica Tourist Board, Dugo Selo Tourist Board, Ivanić-Grad Tourist Board, Vrbovec Tourist Board, Sveti Ivan Zelina Tourist Board

Walking down a promenade in Samobor; 2 Cycling on the hills of Sveta Nedelja; 3 Lužnica castle near the city of Zaprešić.

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tipTravelMagazine May 2019 - April 2020

ZAGREB COUNTY

Samobor, Sveta Nedelja, Zaprešić, Brdovec, Dubravica, Marija Gorica, Krašić, Jastrebarsko, Pisarovina, Pokupsko, Velika Gorica, Dugo Selo, Ivanić-Grad, Križ, Vrbovec, Sveti Ivan Zelina

CROATIA

A top destination for top excursions

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4 The wooden chapel of Wounded Jesus in Pleso, near the city of Velika Gorica; 5 A view of the idyllic slopes of Plešivica Mountain.

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Experience Croatia

ZAGREB COUNTY

Countryside Poetry - Zagreb County

phazze Š www.markovrdoljak.com, www.drazenzeljkovic.com and www.infobyte.hr

Check out the complete offer of all travel destinations within the Green Ring of Zagreb with the help of an interactive digital screen. Access the locator via the website, mobile app, social networks, and interactive display. There you will find videos, plenty of useful information, a photo gallery, promotional films, and virtual tours with which you can experience the beauty of the area and plan your trip down to the most minute detail.

www.locator-tzzz.com

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n the excursion paradise of continental Croatia, which consists of many towns and places, you will be awaited by plenty of opportunities to have an active vacation, along with an abundant collection of archeological sites, unique churches and chapels, mysterious castles, and interesting museums. If we add the superb traditional gastronomy, fantastic wines, preserved nature, and the irresistible combination of tradition and fun to the story, you have the recipe for a dream excursion. See why generations of Zagrebians and their many guests seek solace from the hustle and bustle of the capital in the Green Ring of Zagreb...

6 The wooden chapel of St. Peter and Paul in the village of Cerje Pokupsko.

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See which events await you in the Green Ring of Zagreb in 2019:

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In order to explore the beauty of the Green Ring of Zagreb with ease by bike, download the ZG Bike mobile app:

May 2019 - April 2020

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© Edin Tuzlak / Samobor Tourist Board

© Ivan Tibor Grujić / Samobor Tourist Board

ZAGREB COUNTY: Samobor

© Josip Grđan

Experience Croatia

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Samobor: Zagreb's favorite excursion site

Samobor's idyllic winter; 8 The Samobor Carnival; 9 Riding bikes; 10 The Samoborček train; 11 Samobor kremšnite; 12 Selected delicacies from Samobor.

Start your adventure through the Green Ring of Zagreb on the main square in Samobor, then follow the Gradna Stream to Tepec Mountain that rises above the city. There you will find Anindol, the prettiest promenade in Samobor and a forested park. Passing by the chapels of St. George and St. Ana, head up to the viewpoint that offers an unforgettable view of Zagreb and Zaprešić. On the top of Tepec, you will find the ruins of the Old City that dates back to the 13th century, which rewards visitors with an inspirational view on Samobor's green surroundings that have a total of seven bike trails running through them. Explore Žumberak Nature Park, or conquer the Old Town of Okić, the ruins of a medieval fortress in the Samobor hills, which offer a view of the entire Zagreb area. In Otruševac, you will find Grgos' Cave, which is known to be the prettiest in northwestern

At the entrance to Samobor, you will see the Samoborček train, a monument to the narrow-rail railway that connected Zagreb to Samobor from 1901 to 1979.

On the 19 kilometerlong track, the train reached a maximum speed of 20 km/h, and its atmosphere was excellently shown in the legendary film "Tko pjeva, zlo ne misli" ("One Song a Day Takes Mischief Away").

Croatia, while in Rude you will find St. Barbara's mine.

Upon returning to Samobor, treat your taste buds to dishes with a taste of tradition. Samobor kremšnite, Rudarska greblica, Samobor salami, and Muštarda are famous gastro brands of the Samobor area, with flavors that are nearly impossible to resist. Samobor has also always been known as a city of craftspeople, so take home a souvenir to remind you of the town - hand-cut crystal, or licitars, colorfully decorated cookies made of honey dough. Samobor is an attractive destination all year long, which many events bear witness to, such as the 200-year-old Samobor Carnival.

Before trying Samobor's delicacies, treat your taste buds to aromatic Bermet wine.

© Dražen Pajtlar, AGK / Zagreb County Tourist Board

Samobor

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© Marko Vrdoljak / Zagreb County Tourist Board

Explore Zagreb County

BEAUTIFUL NECKLACE AROUND THE CAPITAL CITY

Zagreb County Tourist Board Preradovićeva 42 10000 Zagreb • Croatia  +385 1 4873665 info@tzzz.hr © Marko Vrdoljak / Zagreb County Tourist Board

www.tzzz.hr

May 2019 - April 2020

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ZAGREB COUNTY: Sveta Nedelja

© Romeo Ibrišević / Sveta Nedelja Tourist Board

Experience Croatia

© Romeo Ibrišević / Sveta Nedelja Tourist Board

© Romeo Ibrišević / Sveta Nedelja Tourist Board

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Holy Trinity Church; 14 A carriage ride; 15 Camp Zagreb; 16 The adrenaline center; 17 Resting from riding next to the lake; 18 The Sveta Nedelja Spicy Fish Stew Cook-off; 19 The chapel of St. Mary Magdalene.

Sveta Nedelja

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Every September, the Sveta Nedelja Spicy Fish Stew Cook-off is held, a competition in preparing fish paprikash, a traditional fish dish that is cooked in a 600-liter cauldron.

Besides a free tasting, visitors can also enjoy a competition in traditional games, all accompanied by an entertaining program.

tipTravelMagazine May 2019 - April 2020

Sveta Nedelja: A vacation on the go Fans of active vacations will feel at home in Sveta Nedelja, a charming area at the western entrance to the capital of Zagreb, peacefully tucked away between hills, valleys, and lakes, and next to the meandering Sava River. Sveta Nedelja boasts picturesque churches and chapels, such as the parish church of the Holy Trinity that has proudly stood on a hill in the very center of town since the 18th century.

The main features of the tourist offer in the Sveta Nedelja area are the Rakitje, Orešje, Kerestinec, and Strmec lakes, which are a magnet for recreational fishermen and sports fishermen, but they are also a favorite area for family walks, cycling, canoe rides, and horseback tours. Near Kerestinec Lake, the 16th-century Erdödy castle has beaten the test of time, and various events are held there all year long, while the Sava - Strmec ornithological

reserve, a unique habitat for many species of birds, is located next to Strmec Lake.

Of the many walking trails that meander through the hills of Sveta Nedelja, the prettiest is the Kozjak trail that leads to a viewpoint of the same name that offers an enchanting view of Zagreb, Samobor, the hills surrounding Samobor, and nearby Slovenia. Sveta Nedelja also has three marked bike trails suitable for fans of mountain biking and recreational cycling, and to the delight of adrenaline buffs, there is also an adrenaline center there with an adrenaline park, quads, archery, paintball, a zip line... Round off your Sveta Nedelja adventure with a visit to the Rimac Automobile factory. Get to know more about the work of the young and already world-famous innovator Mate Rimac who designed the first electrical concept car, Concept One, along with Concept S, its more powerful version that is one of the fastest electrical cars in existence today.

© Romeo Ibrišević / Sveta Nedelja Tourist Board

© Mario Žilec / Zagreb County Tourist Board

Explore Zagreb County

BEAUTIFUL NECKLACE AROUND THE CAPITAL CITY

Zagreb County Tourist Board Preradovićeva 42 10000 Zagreb • Croatia  +385 1 4873665 info@tzzz.hr © Marko Vrdoljak / Zagreb County Tourist Board

www.tzzz.hr

May 2019 - April 2020

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ZAGREB COUNTY: Zaprešić, Brdovec, Dubravica, Marija Gorica, Krašić

© Mario Žilec / Zagreb County Tourist Board

Experience Croatia

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Zaprešic ‘

used for a golf school, tournaments, and various events, and you can even perfect your golf skills at night under the lights of the reflectors. New Palace is just one of the castles in the area, and the most representative of them all is the baroque 18th-century Lužnica castle with a charming English garden and a lake, forests, and a 2.5 kilometer-long promenade. The castle is open to the public, and it is home to the SpiritualEducational center Marijin dvor.

As a city of sports, Zaprešić not only attracts golf buffs but also fans of horseback riding. The Trajbar Team Equestrian Club is responsible for nurturing that noble sport, and besides having a riding school, they also organize recreational and athletic horseback riding. Fishing aficionados gather at Zajarki Lake, one of the largest gravel pit lakes in the region.

Zaprešić: A city of sports and castles

Lužnica castle; 21 Jelačić Days; 22 Trajbar Team Equestrian Club; 23 Zajarki Lake; 24 St. Joseph's chapel; 25 New Jelačić Palace; 26 The golf green.

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On the north shore of the Sava River, located just 17 kilometers west of Zagreb, is an area covered in castles, churches, chapels, and lush nature, ideal for exploring by bike. The first stop is the city of Zaprešić and its main city attraction New Jelačić Palace, one of the best-preserved feudal estates in all of Croatia.

Nowadays, at the complex that Croatian Ban Josip Jelačić bought from the Counts Erdödy in 1851, you can find a castle, chapel of St. Joseph, the tomb of the Jelačić family, an orchard, residential and auxiliary buildings, a vegetable garden, park forest, and garden. The New Palace complex is home to the Ban Jelačić Golf Center and Golf Club where the greens are

Preservers of Zaprešić's traditions include many folk dance groups, Zaprešić's majorettes "Jelačićke" and the "Plemićka mladež" association that preserves the culture of the way aristocrats lived in the 19th century from falling into oblivion.

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The most beautiful witnesses of times past, lined along the Green Ring of Zagreb, are the castles that adorn its many forested hills.

Surrounded by romantic parks and lush gardens, they reveal forgotten stories of the aristocracy to their visitors.

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After Zaprešić, explore the attractive area to its west. In Brdovec you will find Januševec castle, the most beautiful classical castle in Croatia, and a heritage site, which houses part of the Croatian National Archive.

A kilometer away from there, you will find Laduč castle, with French gardens, which now houses an orphanage.

The castles are not open to the public, so you can only enjoy the view of their exterior, but you can visit the Brdovec Museum - dive into the interesting stories of the area, such as the one about the giant mammoth's tooth found in the municipality of Marija Gorica. The fact that the most interesting things can be found in the least expected places is proven by the sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), the only carnivorous plant in Croatia, found in the area of the Čret Dubravica Botanical Reserve in the settlement of Dubravica.

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Krašić: The Valley of Cardinals 27 Januševec The tame valleys, forested hills, quick castle; streams, and picturesque villages of 28 Laduč the Krašić area offer heavenly beauty. castle; 29 A Krašić is where the "Gates to Žumberak" carnivorous are opened, so it is the right decision to plant; 30 head out to explore the idyllic hills of Krašić. Žumberačka gora from the Krašić valley.

Those attractive surroundings are the birthplace of Zagreb archbishop and cardinal Alojzije Stepinac, Cardinal Franjo Kuharić, and bishops Juraj Jezerinac and Josip Mrzljak, which is why believers from all parts of Croatia and the world In Marija gather there in the Gorica, visit the "Valley of Cardinals" at Sv. Križ viewpoint the parish church of Holy that, in nice weather, Trinity on the main city offers a view that square. The oldest and reaches the snowmost valuable church in topped peaks the area is the parish of the Alps. church of St. Pope Sixtus that dates back to early medieval times. It is also the only church in Croatia that bears the name of that saint who was a Croat.

May 2019 - April 2020

Brdovec, Dubravica, Marija Gorica, Krašic‘

Brdovec, Dubravica, and Marija Gorica: Surprises in a small place

© Mario Žilec / Zagreb County Tourist Board

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Experience Croatia

ZAGREB COUNTY: Jastrebarsko, Pisarovina, Pokupsko

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Jastrebarsko: In the wine empire

Plešivica offers picturesque views; 32 33 Fertile vineyards and wine cellars are a trademark of Jastrebarsko; 34 Mlinareva iža.

Halfway between Zagreb and Karlovac, you will find the "European City of the Future". Jastrebarsko, popularly known as Jaska, spreads over green hills adorned with amphitheaters of vineyards. The tradition of active vacations, embedded in all the destinations of the Green Ring of Zagreb, is also cultivated in Jastrebarsko. Head down one of the marked bike trails, try your hand at horseback riding, archery, motocross, and paragliding, and conquer the peaks of Japetić and Plešivica. Then head down the Plešivica wine road and try the enticing wine made of indigenous sorts including Portugizac, Plavec žuti, Slatki zelenac, and Šipelj, and make sure to try Plešivički copanjek, an authentic flaky, savory cake.

The oldest sledding run in Croatia, where people have been sledding since 1907, is located on Plešivica.

Traditionally, the "Plešivica Sledding Cup" is organized on the 350 m long trail, along with an entertaining program.

Castles add an additional charm to the already attractive area, and one of the most popular ones belonged to the Counts of Erdödy, surrounded by an English garden, which makes it ideal for romantic evening walks. The many churches and chapels filled with stories of long-lost times and hidden architectural and artistic gems also attract attention. Fans of times past will be delighted by Mlinareva iža, an original miller's house like the one families used to live in. Today, the house is an important reminder of the role mills had in preserving and developing life in the village. Round off your adventure in Jaska with a visit to the Crna Mlaka ornithological reserve, which is home to a total of 235 different species of birds. It is also the largest gathering spot of the ferruginous duck (Aythya nyroca) in central Europe.

© Mario Žilec / Zagreb County Tourist Board

Jastrebarsko

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On the left bank of the Kupa River, which divides the Zagreb and Karlovac region, you will come across a town that looks as if it were made for excursionists craving relaxation in nature. In the past, it was the frontline of defense against the Ottomans for the Kingdom of Croatia, but today, Pokupsko is home to many vacation homes where the people of Zagreb escape to in order to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. Pristine nature enabled organic agriculture to become an important economic branch in that area, and it also offers many possibilities for outdoor activities. Hunting, fishing, walking, cycling, and kayaking are just some of the popular activities. When the summer sun warms up the pavement in the city, many seek refreshment in the clear water of the Kupa River and its cultivated beaches.

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Pokupsko: An excursion in nature

ević /

Lush nature intertwined with flatlands and hills, meandering rivers, and ancient oak forests make Pisarovina an attractive excursion destination. The clear water and untouched forests of the area are a magnet for hunters and fishermen, and just four kilometers away is the settlement of Jamnička Kiselica, the source of the popular "Jamnica" sparkling water. The cultural gems of the area are the 13th-century gothic church of St. Martin in Jamnica, and the wooden chapels in Lučelnica and Dvoranci.

In Donja Kupčina, the outdoor Local History Museum, the second largest in Croatia, with its čardaks, wooden singlelevel homes, and valuable ethnographic artifacts, rejuvenates the traditional cultural heritage of the Pisarovina area.

The youngest members of your family will be delighted by the Krašograd Ecopark with a small zoo, farm, children's play area, train ride, boat ride on the lake, summer pool, sports

35 37 The Donja Kupčina Local History Museum; 36 The wooden chapel of the Holy Spirit in Lučelnica; 38 Krašograd Ecopark; 39 The wooden chapel of St. Peter and Paul in Cerje Pokupsko; 40 Boats on the Kupa River.

© Romeo Ibriš

facilities... and there are sure to be some sweet treats as well.

Pisarovina, Pokupsko

Pisarovina: For all generations

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ZAGREB COUNTY: Velika Gorica, Dugo Selo

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© Hrvoje Mareković / Velika Gorica Tourist Board

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A panorama of Velika Gorica; 42 Lukavec castle; 43 The Robić čardak in Buševec; 44 The wooden chapel of St. Barbara in Velika Mlaka; 45 A podgutnica.

Velika Gorica

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Weddings in Turopolje are one of the most colorful and interesting traditions in the area with plenty of customs connected to the proposal, driving of the dowry, and the arrival of the bride in her new home. They were held in the winter and lasted three days, and several couples were often married at the same time.

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Velika Gorica: The heart of Turopolje The great natural abundance of Vukomeričke gorice and Turopolje, the historical heritage and many sacral and ethnographic monuments make the Velika Gorica area a true tourist gem. Incredibly valuable archeological artifacts were found in the settlement of Ščitarjevo, which is home to the ruins of Andautonija, an ancient city that dates back to the Roman Empire. You can visit that outdoor museum every year from May 1 to November 1, and an excellent time to visit is in the spring, during the "Andautonija Days" festival, and in September, during the Dionysus Festivities. You can also find out a lot about Velika Gorica's past in the Turopolje Museum in the center of Velika Gorica.

Thanks to the abundance of dense European oak forests that covered the entire area in the past, the "Turopolje beauties", eleven wooden churches

An ideal souvenir as a reminder of the Turopolje area is a podgutnica, a predecessor to what is now the necktie.

and chapels, were created. They were built by local Turopolje craftsmen who, by breathing life into the indigenous building material of European oak, created pieces of folk sacral construction that are unlike anything else in the world.

The prettiest example is the chapel of St. Barbara in Velika Mlaka with 150 richly adorned paintings with depictions of saints, plant motifs, etc.

The area around Velika Gorica is also a mecca for fans of active vacations. Take a walk down the Šumarica educational trail, explore Turopolje's bike paths, or try your hand at hunting, fishing, horseback riding, waterskiing, paintball...

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Dugo Selo: In the land of St. Martin

Proof that there is nothing better for the people of Dugo Selo than a glass of fine wine and a view of the fruitful vines whose fruit produced that enticingly delicious drink lies in the abundance of the festival whose main theme is - wine. In January, "Vincekovo na Martin Bregu" marks the start of work in the vineyard, and in July they celebrate "St. Martin's Summer", and the placement of St. Martin's footprints, while the most important event is "Dugo Selo's Autumn", several events combined and dedicated to cultivating the vineyard, producing wine, and other traditional winerelated activities. Homemade wine pairs excellently with marinska goose with mlinci, strudel, and gibanica, traditional dishes in the area, especially on Martinje and the traditional blessing of must, when the Day of the City is also celebrated.

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The fastest way to reach Dugo Selo from Zagreb is by train from Zagreb's main train station.

46 The church of St. Martin; 47 Cyclists frequently visit the Dugo Selo area; 48 Vincekovo on Martin Breg; 49 A grape harvest.

Dugo Selo

On the outskirts of the Posavina plain and the slopes of the hills of Prigorje, you will find Dugo Selo, a place whose history and culture was marked by the name of St. Martin, since the very first time the city was mentioned in the gift certificate signed by King Andrija II in 1209, which gave the Templar knights Terram sancti Martini or "St. Martin's land". Nowadays, St. Martin is the protector saint of Dugo Selo's parish, and the city has also been marked by his foot, which is awarded to cities that have a piece of Martin's heritage and is part of the European project of marking St. Martin's path. The oldest cultural and historical monument in Dugo Selo, the ruins of the church on Martin Breg, which has stood there for centuries, even before the Templars took control of the land, also bears the name of the protector saint.

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Experience Croatia

ZAGREB COUNTY: Ivanić-Grad

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the queen of autumn - pumpkin, is just one of the many traditions interwoven into the foundation of Ivanić-Grad.

The locals also nurture the tradition of making opanci, leather folk dance shoes, and processing flax and making linen folk costumes and household linens which are still used and sold as souvenirs.

Find out plenty of information about the past at the Ivanić-Grad Museum and in many churches and galleries, and the traditional wooden čardak houses also bear witness to the past.

Ivanić-Grad attracts outdoor enthusiasts with its bike trails that connect the lively villages, rivers, hills, and mountains of the area, and Žutica in the flood zone of Lonjsko polje is known as the prettiest. Health tourism is also an important tourism branch thanks to the "Naftalan" special hospital for medical rehabilitation, where they use the method of treating with naphthalene, ground mineral oil. Interestingly, so far, there are only two known sources of naphthalene in the world: one in Azerbaijan, and the one mentioned above, in Ivanić-Grad.

Ivanić-Grad: In the sign of pumpkins

Reserve the third weekend in October for the Pumpkin Festival.

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© Zoran Ozetski / Zagreb County Tourist Board

Ivanic-Grad ‘

50 51 52 53 The Pumpkin Festival is the most famous event in Ivanić-Grad; 54 A folk dance festival; 55 Naphthalene oil.

© Zoran Ozetski / Ivanić-Grad Tourist Board

In western Moslavina, next to the Lonja River, there is a city full of events. The Toy Festival, June in Ivanić, Vincekovo, the Old-timer Rally, the Craft Fair, and Folk Dance Festival are just some of the events that the people of IvanićGrad celebrate their rich cultural and historical heritage with. The Pumpkin Festival, a great culinary spectacle that celebrates pumpkins, pumpkin products, and other eco-ethnic products made by the hardworking hands of local families every year on the third weekend in October, is the one that tops them all. Try the homemade pumpkin strudel and other creative dishes made with pumpkins, find out how to make pumpkin seed oil, pass through the city park that has plenty of pumpkin-themed installations and sculptures... If you plan on visiting the Pumpkin Festival from Zagreb, hop aboard the "Bučko Express" tourist-excursion train that will take you from Zagreb's main train station to Ivanić-Grad that weekend. The story of

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Explore Zagreb County

BEAUTIFUL NECKLACE AROUND THE CAPITAL CITY

Zagreb County Tourist Board Preradovićeva 42 10000 Zagreb • Croatia  +385 1 4873665 info@tzzz.hr © Marko Vrdoljak / Zagreb County Tourist Board

www.tzzz.hr

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ZAGREB COUNTY: Križ, Vrbovec, Sveti Ivan Zelina

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© Igor Vereš / Zagreb County Tourist Board

Experience Croatia

© Mario Žilec / Zagreb County Tourist Board

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While in Križ, visit the memorial room of one of the greatest opera divas in the world, Milka Trnina.

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A panorama of Križ; 57 Lovrečina castle; Milka Trnina; 59 Petar Zrinski tower; The "What our Elders Ate" festival.

Križ, Vrbovec

Križ: Visiting the opera diva

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As part of the "What our Elders Ate" festival, the "What our Elders Drank" event is held in the wine cellar of Vrbovec's marketplace.

Besides tasting culinary delights, you can also get to know more about the enological story of the Vrbovec area.

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On the top of a hill next to the Česma River, at the very edge of the Green Ring of Zagreb, there is a small village with tame beauty and great cultural value. Križ is the birthplace of Milka Trnina, one of the greatest opera divas in the world, and the "Hommage à Milka Trnina" memorial room was opened in Vezišće in her honor with a collection of paintings and ceramics, a photo exhibition, and other artifacts. Besides the church dedicated to the Holy Cross (now a heritage site), around which the settlement was formed, in that area you will also see old houses - čardaks, examples of original rural architecture, and the Sipćine archeological site near Okešinec with an ancient villa that dates back to Roman times. The surrounding forests are abundant with plenty of wildlife, while the Česma invites you to relax while fishing.

Vrbovec: The flavors of the past On the hills of the charming town on the eastern part of the Green Ring of Zagreb, you will find an original gastronomic experience. Every August, with its vast array of flavors and aromas of traditional dishes, the "What our Elders Ate" festival transforms Vrbovec into a large dining room table that entices gourmets from all over Croatia and beyond. Every year, the dishes made according to old recipes and saved from falling into oblivion win over new fans. Besides being famous for its incredible flavors, Vrbovec is also known as the birthplace of Count Petar Zrinski and popular Croatian writer and journalist Marija Jurić Zagorka. It is famed for its attractive castles and fortresses from where the town was run in the past, and nowadays Lovrečina castle, Petar Zrinski tower, and the small Patačić castle are still standing. The Vrbovec area is also home to Varoški Lug zoo reserve and forest, a typical European oak forest that attracts people with its beautiful pristine nature.

You need just a half hour by car to reach the green oasis of Sv. Ivan Zelina from Zagreb. It is known as the northeastern gate to the Green Ring of Zagreb, the town is full of events and interesting stories, the most attractive of which is the one about the Zelingrad Knights.

It is an association that gathers fans of Croatian medieval history, many of which first experienced their love of knighthood in the Old Town of Zelingrad. Its ruins are hidden in the forest of Zelinska gora and have become a must-see stop while exploring the area. With its great knight's camp and equipment, the association is a favorite guest at reenactments of medieval battles and various other knights' events throughout Croatia and Europe,

© 360 Provideo / Zagreb County Tourist Board

© Mario Žilec / Zagreb County Tourist Board 62

61 A view of Sveti Ivan Zelina from above; 62 The ruins of the Old Town of Zelingrad; 63 A knights' tournament; 64 The Zelina area is known for its excellent wines.

and even at the International Knight's Tournament of the Zelingrad Knights that is held every year in May. There you can experience a siege of the city first-hand, try your hand at sword fighting and archery, and treat yourself to medieval delicacies. Fans of fine wine will head down Zelina's wine road where they make Kraljevina Zelina, an indigenous sort also known as the "Queen of Prigorje", which is also the brand name of wine from the Green Ring of Zagreb.

The Zelina area offers many possibilities for sport and recreation, and besides hiking on the eastern slopes of Medvednica and Zelinska gora and riding down bike trails, play soccer, handball, tennis, go hunting and fishing, explore the motocross trails....

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From the wide wine palette of Zelina's wine road, try Graševina, Traminac, Chardonnay, Yellow Muscat, Rhine Riesling, Šipon-Moslavac, Pinot Blanc and Gris, Kerner...

Sveti Ivan Zelina

Sveti Ivan Zelina: The city of knights

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© Mario Hlača / SWAN / Samobor Tourist Board

© The "Sirek" Association of Small Zagreb County Cheese makers

ZAGREB COUNTY

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The Wine and Cheese Road

Working in the vineyard; 66 67 68 Superb wines and cheese are strong features of the Green Ring of Zagreb; 69 Vineyards near Jastrebarsko.

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The hills and valleys of the Green Ring of Zagreb tell a lot of stories, and one of the best stories is told on the Wine and Cheese Road. The winemaking tradition is so firmly embedded in the lives of the local population that there are nearly no families who haven’t decorated their home with a fruitful vine whose fruit is used in the autumn to prepare delicious wine. Today, that authentic way of life can be found in the cellars and cottages on three wine roads: Zelina, Plešivica, and Samobor, where the family farms and small producers of the best indigenous and international sorts of grapes produce the fine Zagreb wine. It pairs perfectly with one of the main ingredients traditionally served on tables in the Zagreb area - cheese. The rhapsody of flavor of that irreplaceable

© Guesthouse Pavlin, Samobor

A pleasant climate with plenty of sunny days in the year, fertile land, and the local winemaker's knowledge and hardworking hands are a winning combination for producing extremely fine wines in the Green Ring of Zagreb.

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ingredient can be experienced at nine small family-owned dairies that prepare various cheese delicacies using milk from local cows and goats. The wide offer includes traditionally made fresh, cooked, and smoked, soft, hard, and semi-hard cheeses, along with those that have various additional herbs. The dried "Dragec" cheese and hard "Kriško" cheese are a special treat, along with the newest "ZG Sirek" brand. Take the time and find your favorite combination of wine and cheese. You will remember their enticing flavors for a long time, just like your stay in the Green Ring of Zagreb. 

Download a guide through the wine roads and wineries in the form of a mobile app:

© The "Sirek" Association of Small Zagreb County Cheese makers

© Hrvoje Mareković / Zagreb County Tourist Board

www.tzzz.hr

© Marko Vrdoljak / Zagreb County Tourist Board

Zagreb County Tourist Board Preradovićeva 42 10000 Zagreb • Croatia  +385 1 4873665 info@tzzz.hr

Explore Zagreb County

BEAUTIFUL NECKLACE AROUND THE CAPITAL CITY

May 2019 - April 2020

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Historical traces

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et's meet in Tkalča - is a sentence said on a daily basis by the youth in Zagreb, but also by other generations of Zagrebians, when they decide to meet up with friends and have a coffee, one of their favorite rituals. Of course, they mean Tkalčićeva Street, one of the most popular streets in the city, lined with many cafés, pubs, and restaurants. It is also a must-see site for tourists visiting Zagreb, who, while touring it, find out interesting facts about its past from their tour guides. One of them is that the street used to be called Potok, after the stream (potok) that ran through it, which was lined with mills and bridges. The street was also famous for its brothels, which a sculpture of a woman in a window bears witness to today. In Tkalčićeva, you will also find the statue of Marija Jurić Zagorka, an author and journalist from Zagreb, alongside the sundial, which is a famous symbol of the street. However, few people know much about the person who the street has been named after since 1913. Ivan Krstitelj Tkalčić was a renowned historian, a researcher of the history of Zagreb, and a priest. He researched the political, sacral, and cultural history of Croatia, published many scientific works, and above all, he truly loved his city of Zagreb. So it is no wonder that one of the most popular streets in Zagreb, located in the very heart of the city, bears his name. 

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Walking through Tkalčićeva Street and drinking coffee in one of its many cafés is on the list of things to do for everyone who visits Zagreb.

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Get your smile back in just one day A

s far as dental health and preserving our precious smile are concerned, it is absolutely logical that we will be selective and only entrust the care of our teeth to professionals - dental experts who achieve excellent results due to their professionalism and excellence, but also by using the technologically most modern materials made by the most recognized dental brands. At Dentum, one of the leading dental clinics in the region, located in Zagreb, you will find exactly that kind of team of dentists that offer a wide range of high-quality services.

In the pleasant ambiance of the

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clinic, get your first consultation free of charge (sign up at: dentum.com/en/ consultation), which includes a free digital panoramic radiograph and diagnostics, a consultation, and the creation of a personalized therapy plan and treatment costs. Then you can relax, because you are in the hands of experts, regardless of the service you use - dental implants, dental prosthetics, general dentistry, orthodontics, or aesthetic dentistry, for which Dentum has been recognized as one of the most successful dental clinics, or All-on-4ÂŽ, a permanent solution for the entire jaw, which is growing in popularity.

PROMO The benefits of All-on-4®

© Dentum / allon4treatment.com / dentum.com

All-on-4® If you are missing all your teeth, or your existing teeth must be removed, if you have constant or temporary pain accompanied with chronic tooth loss, your mobile dental prosthesis is uncomfortable or the appearance of your mouth has deteriorated and you've lost your ability to bite, there's no reason to worry anymore. By using a revolutionary method of permanently replacing all the teeth in your mouth, in just one day All-on-4® will bring a smile back to your face - painlessly, absolutely safely, and incredibly quickly, in just a few hours.

With the help of a special technique, the experts at Dentum will install fixed prosthetics on just four implants, which definitely makes that method the most reasonably priced one on today's market. Besides that, in contrast to other implantation and prosthetic procedures, thanks to the new method, bone upgrading isn't necessary. Your face will retain its natural appearance, you will be able to chew normally and live carefree since you have permanently

solved the issue of your smile since the Nobel Biocare implants used have a lifetime warranty.

You're probably asking yourself what the All-on-4® implant method looks like. Even that is simple with Dentum!

The implant process is divided into two treatment phases, and after the first phase you will get a temporary fixed denture. Don't worry, the procedure is done under local anesthesia and is completely painless. In the second phase, after three to five months, the permanent prosthesis is put in place.

The Dentum team will treat you just as they treat your teeth, and care for you like the most precious thing in the world. If you are arriving in Zagreb by plane, they will await you at the airport and take you to the clinic free of charge, and they will also offer you free accommodations in the modernlyfurnished suites at the clinic. They will tell you all the secrets about what must be seen in Zagreb, what events shouldn't be missed out on, where to have your picture taken... and all you have to do is - smile :) 

Gradišćanska 36 • 10000 Zagreb Croatia •  UK line: 020 376 939 73 DK line: 07667 05537 Ireland line: 07877 2137 smile@dentum.com

dentum.com

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KRAPINA-ZAGORJE COUNTY

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© Terme Tuhelj / Krapina-Zagorje County Tourist Board

© Jasenka Haleuš / Krapina-Zagorje County Tourist Board

© Terme Tuhelj / Krapina-Zagorje County Tourist Board

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A fairy tale at hand Would you like to have a fairy tale vacation? Experience it - in Zagorje.

Text: Željka Kunštek Photos: Krapina-Zagorje County Tourist Board

A family picnic with a view of the Veliki Tabor fortress; 2 3 Superb wellness & spa experiences are guaranteed in Zagorje.

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Throughout the year, many events are held in Zagorje: knights' tournaments, reenactments of historical events, film festivals, concerts, plays, folk dance performances, food events, sports competitions...

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magine picturesque green hills, with slopes covered with fruitful vineyards, and wine roads meandering through that picturesque landscape of nature, peace, and quiet, which is only disrupted from time to time by the sounds of songs.

Every so often you will see a traditional wooden house, a church, an old castle, or an estate. At the foot of the hill, there is an entirely different story where there are plenty of hot springs and a labyrinth of hiking, cycling, and equestrian trails.

No, we're not telling you the story of one of Hans Christian Andersen's tales; we're describing Croatian Zagorje, a region in northwestern Croatia, which people have always visited to enjoy themselves, rest, and become healthy.

The ancient Romans also enjoyed the benefits of the healing thermal water there, and their recipe for rejuvenating the body and soul is also used today by all generations who visit the Zagorje region. Nowadays, they have modernly designed hot springs with pools, water attractions, and an abundant offer of saunas and treatments, or in other words, anything your heart desires for a superb wellness and spa experience

at your disposal. Amongst the hills of Zagorje, you will find thermal spas, clinics for medical rehabilitation and other specialized hospitals that achieve excellent results in treating various ailments. Modernly furnished hotels with abundant offers for fairy tale vacations enrich the experience.

And once you step away from the aquatic fairy tale, Zagorje will continue to intrigue you. This time with its secrets, which have been kept for centuries between the thick walls of castles and estates. Nowadays, tourists walk the halls instead of the aristocracy, and their halls, foyers, courtyards, and terraces have become stages for various cultural events. The spirit of the countryside, which hasn't been lost over the centuries, is still felt there today.

While in Zagorje, visit some of the museums that will present the rich history of that area in a modern way.

One of the most popular ones is the Krapina Neanderthal Museum, located at the world-famous site where the Krapina Neanderthal was discovered.

Just like a time machine, the Peasants' Revolt Museum will take you back to

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an interesting time in Zagorje's history, while amongst the walls of the Veliki Tabor fortress you will hear Zagorje's most famous love story. A must-see site on every tourist's route is the outdoor ethno museum - the Old Village Museum in Kumrovec, the birthplace of Josip Broz Tito (the president of Former Yugoslavia).

In nearby Klanjec, pop into the Gallery of Antun Augustinčić, whose famous Peace statue is located in front of the UN building in New York. While in Krapina, visit the Presečki Old-timer Museum...

Zagorje is the right choice for those who like to spend their vacation

© Villa Magdalena / Krapina-Zagorje County Tourist Board 8

actively. Besides enjoying the aquatic enchantment at one of the many pools, there you can cycle to your heart's content on the many cycling trails, explore the landscape on horseback, head out on a quad adventure, admire Zagorje from a hot-air balloon, or try your hand at paragliding. And you can always fill up a basket, sit in the middle of a meadow, and enjoy yourself with a picnic in good company.

Zagorje's offer of food and wine is also irresistible. Turkey with mlinci, dishes made with mushrooms, kotlovina, bučnica, zlevanka, and štrukli are just

© Nino Verdnik / Krapina-Zagorje County Tourist Board

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© Marko Mihin / Krapina-Zagorje County Tourist Board

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4 Lunch with a view of Zagorje's hills; 5 Presečki Old-Timer Museum; 6 7 Superb and diverse accommodations; 8 Horseback riding through preserved nature; 9 Zagorje's gourmet story.

part of the delicious story that you can, for a complete experience, round off with sips of wine made from Zagorje's ice grape harvests, which wine experts (and those who aren’t yet experts) covet worldwide.

At every step, a fairy tale can be seen on the hills of Zagorje... 

www.visitzagorje.hr info@visitzagorje.hr

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Cultural tourism

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A day in Varaždin Text: Željka Kunštek Photos: City Tourist Association Varaždin

1 The Old City of Varaždin, the most important representative and witness of the city's long history.

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alking through the romantic streets of the old city center of Varaždin, which still evokes the feeling of the splendid Baroque and stories of time past, is more than just a walk. It is art displayed at every step. Endless creativity and imagination.

If you are ready to take on such an adventure, duck into the labyrinth of the old city streets of Varaždin, which will lead you to many palaces and villas, next to one of the oldest city halls in

Although a day definitely isn't enough to experience everything one of the most beautiful continental cities in Croatia has to offer, it is absolutely enough to experience love at first sight.

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Europe, and alongside many houses with interesting façades. While admiring the creative buildings, you will feel as if you have entered some kind of fairytale.

The mythical animals that can be seen on many façades are sure to intrigue you, along with the unusual symbols that will awaken your curiosity.

Yes, walks through the old city center of Varaždin are full of surprises, and while there, you will see some angels too. Do you still believe in them? Head down the Path of Angels, and tour the city's churches (there are 11 in total), three monasteries, and the cathedral, and, while there, find the angels in the sculptures and painting, embodied in art. It will soon be clear why they call Varaždin the City of Angels. The Museum of Angels, inspired by the charming heavenly children painted by painter Željko Prstec, but also by other artists whose angelic works are exhibited at the museum, will show you that you are in a city where angels sleep.

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2 The Crinoline of Love; 3 A klipič machine; 4 Relaxing in nests; 5 Varaždin's marketplace; 6 The City Guards; 7 The Museum of Angels.

© Andrej Svoger / City Tourist Association Varaždin

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Street art Varaždin has always been a haven for craftsmen whose hardworking hands continue to make various crafts today from utensils to accessories. So, it's no wonder that the people of Varaždin have dedicated one of the city squares to them - Traditional Craft Square (Trg tradicijskih obrta). Get a new hat from the milliner, stop by the weavers shop and find out how string is used to make fabric, try local honey at the beekeepers... You can also try and buy various homemade products at Varaždin's farmer's market, where you will best feel the pulse of the city and its people.

Proud of their rich tradition, the people of Varaždin will invite you to stay in their city on Saturdays and attend the ceremonial Changing of the City Guard - Purgari, precisely at 11 o'clock on Korzo in front of City Hall. Varaždin's City Guard even found its place on the list of protected intangible cultural heritage of Croatia. See why for yourself.

Visiting Varaždin and not seeing its most famous site, which graces nearly every postcard from Varaždin, would truly be remiss. So, find your way to the walls of the Old City and see the witnesses of

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times past that bear witness to the rich culture and history of the city that was built and developed over centuries. The etymological collection, the World of Insects, and the fun Escape Room, which will offer you a great challenge where you can save Varaždin from fires and the evil witch of Garestin, are worth a visit.

While in Varaždin, you need not always go to museums, churches, or galleries in order to see and experience art.

It is displayed in that city nearly at every step - you will see it in the streets, on the squares, and in the parks in the shape of unusual benches, shaped like round stones, interesting sculptures, such as the Crinoline of Love, installations such as the city "roommates" (the turtle, mermaid...), or those dedicated to the gastro brands of the area - Varaždin's cabbage and klipič. You will also come across the installations of the Bird, the View, the Royal Throne, and two of the newest ones to be installed on the streets of Varaždin are the Nest bench, and the Musical Bench, which emits sound and light when weight is placed upon it. Innovative, isn't it? The artistic creations were designed by young Croatian designers.

© Siniša Sović / City Tourist Association Varaždin

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Every Saturday at 11 AM, see the changing of the City Guards - Purgari on Korzo in front of City Hall.

City Tourist Association Varaždin Ivana Padovca 3 • 42000 Varaždin Croatia •  +385 42 210987 info@tourism-varazdin.hr

www.tourism-varazdin.hr

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VARAŽDIN

© Siniša Sović / City Tourist Association Varaždin

Cultural tourism

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The fun side of the city

Špancirfest; A cute, small courtyard.

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Not only will Varaždin impress you with the stone story of its old streets, but it also has a green side. Walk down Strossmayer's promenade, Vatroslav Jagić's promenade, John Paul II Park, and the Park of Youth, and make sure to stop by Varaždin's graveyard, which is an excellent example of park architecture. After your walk, you are sure to be hungry, so take a break in one of the restaurants with typical dishes from Varaždin, and make sure to leave some room for the famous Varaždin klipič and for the Countess Marica cake.

It's time to duck into Varaždin's courtyards, hidden and intimate corners of the old city center. It's best to do

Throughout the year, Varaždin celebrates many events.

Find the ones you don't want to miss out on here:

City Tourist Association Varaždin Ivana Padovca 3 • 42000 Varaždin Croatia •  +385 42 210987 info@tourism-varazdin.hr

While in Varaždin, don't miss out on: The 10th Vafi (May 27 - June 2) • The Festival of Varaždin's Courtyards (July 6) • Summer in Varaždin (July / August) • The 21st Špancirfest (August 23 - September 1) • Varaždin's Baroque Evenings (September 20 October 1)

© City Tourist Association Varaždin

www.tourism-varazdin.hr

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so during the Festival of Varaždin's Courtyards (July 6), when a dozen of them will await you with open doors, an excellent atmosphere, and plenty of things to do - workshops, exhibitions, musical treats...

Have we forgotten to mention that Varaždin is also a venue for various events all year long? We would need much more space in order to list and describe them all, but we must mention the "king" amongst them all - Špancirfest (August 23 - September 1), a street festival held in late August every year, which transforms the historical center of the city into a place of fun, laughter, art, creativity, music, hedonism, good emotions, the culture of living..., into everything that Varaždin truly is. 

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While in Varaždin, go on an excursion to Trakošćan Castle, located just 40 km away and one of the most beautiful castles in Croatia.

Tour its interior, but also walk through the romantic gardens that surround it and go on a boat ride or pedal boat on the lake. Before you head there, you can also walk through that beautiful area virtually:

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Experience Croatia

BJELOVAR-BILOGORA COUNTY

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A green recipe for a perfect vacation In the idyllic Bjelovar-Bilogora area, you will find everything you need to have the vacation you’ve always dreamed of.

Text: Petra Škofić ◆ Photos: Bjelovar-Bilogora County Tourist Board

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Julije Janković Park. Nearby, you will also find Aqua Balissae, a thermal water park that is especially popular in the summer months.

There will also be plenty of opportunities for an active vacation.

The best way to experience the green oasis at the foot of Bilogora is on the bike trails that crisscross the entire area, and special challenges and viewpoints await you on the hiking trails of Moslavačka gora and Papuk.

Find a completely different experience on the 90 kilometer long Bilogora equestrian tourism trail, which is, for now, the only internationally tested and certified equestrian trail in Croatia.

The tradition of breeding and raising horses has deep roots there, and the equestrian trail will take you alongside fruitful vineyards and centuriesold forests, all the way to country homesteads.

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4 Fruitful vineyards; 5 Vila Bilogore; 6 The Bara excursion site; 7 Aquae Balissae; 8 Vila Arcadia at the Daruvar spa; 9 10 Exploring the area by bike and on horseback; 11 Idyllic landscapes are a feature of the Bjelovar-Bilogora area.

In the Bjelovar-Bilogora area, there are around 15 active equestrian associations and about 10 country tourism homesteads that are in the horse-breeding business.

© Na malenom brijegu excursion site / Bjelovar-Bilogora County Tourist Board

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hile you sit beneath a fruitful vine with a glass of homemade wine in hand, in the shade of wooden cottages, and with a view of sun-bathed hills, you will think you are in heaven. The forested slopes of Bilogora, Papuk, and Moslavačka gora intertwined with valleys and winegrowing hills, along with idyllic pastures and settlements with picturesque church towers paint a fairytale landscape where it seems as if time has stopped. Besides being a mecca for excursion tourism, the Bjelovar-Bilogora area has successfully cultivated several branches of tourism, especially health tourism. The Ancient Romans were the first to recognize the therapeutic properties of the thermal water springs and mineral mud in the place where the Daruvar Spa complex, a special hospital for medical rehabilitation, is currently located, surrounded by the romantic

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Flavors of the past In Daruvar, raise a glass of Staročeško beer. It has been produced in Croatia's oldest brewery since 1893 according to an original Czech recipe.

12 Strudel with cheese; 13 Janković castle and a large Ginkgo biloba tree; 14 "Vlak u snijegu" (The Train in the Snow) at the Mato Lovrak Cultural Center; 15 A table with homemade delicacies; 16 The Roma Ethno House; 17 Terezijana; 18 The Salaj Family's Christmas Story.

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The hard-working hands that have lived in those small villages for generations are responsible for the irresistible flavors of the Bjelovar-Bilogora food and wine story. You will get to know it best on the Daruvar and Bilogora wine roads in the authentic ambiance of wooden cottages and wine cellars. Superb sorts of wine will seduce your taste buds - try awardwinning Bilogora Graševina, a refreshing wine with a rich flavor, but also excellent dry wines such as Rhine Riesling, Chardonnay, Traminac, and Sauvignon.

In Bilogora's wineries, they also make fantastic red wines including Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Portugizac, and Frankovka. Homemade cheese, made with cow, sheep, or goat milk, pairs excellently with homemade wine. The cheese is made according to old-fashioned recipes and used to prepare traditional dishes such as gibanica, buckwheat štrukli, and various pies, and prge, or cone-shaped cheese, is the local specialty. Traditional dishes made with game, smoked meat, and delicious cakes made with local apples, walnuts, and honey reveal the attractive culinary story of the area.

Not only will the locals await you with a full table, but they will also share local legends, such as the one about the Bilogora giants. They will offer you accommodations in their homes and at excursion sites, which are often located on hills that offer an idyllic view. Waking up to such a view is surely something you don’t want to miss out on. The Bjelovar-Bilogora area has always been

© Štefan Brajković / Bjelovar-Bilogora County Tourist Board

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a cross-roads of many people who have left an indelible mark on its tradition and culture. One of the most beautiful witnesses of times past is located in the middle of Moslavačka gora. Garić grad is one of the oldest medieval cities in northern Croatia, and today it attracts walkers and hikers to its romantic ruins.

The Janković castle, which dates back to the 18th century, is somewhat newer, and the city of Daruvar was built around it. While in the castle, see the exhibition of written documents about the Janković family, the Wine Room, Count Janković's room, the Room of Jewish Culture and Tradition, and the exhibition on the Homeland War in Daruvar. You can find authentic examples of rural architecture at the Ethno Park in Veliko Trojstvo, and immerse yourself into the history and culture of the indigenous Croatian Roma Lovari at the Roma Ethno House.

That area is also the birthplace of one of the greatest Croatian writers. Visit the Mato Lovrak cultural center and find out more about the stories that affected generations of Croatian students. Along with many churches, chapels, museums, and galleries, the area's offer is enriched with various events, of which the most popular one by far is the Salaj Family's Christmas Story. While in Bjelovar, have fun at Terezijana, which takes place every June in honor of Empress Maria Theresa who founded the city, and in October, visit DOKUart, an international festival of professional documentary films. In early June, Daruvar awaits you with Vinodar, the most entertaining wine festival, and the Ždral Trail race in October... 

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www.tzbbz.hr

© Davor Kirin / Bjelovar-Bilogora County Tourist Board

© Damir Bakarić / Bjelovar-Bilogora County Tourist Board

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POŽEGA-SLAVONIA COUNTY © Agneza Gaura / Požega-Slavonia County Tourist Board

Bike tourism

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Through golden Slavonia by bike Explore the area of quirky attractions, preserved nature, and superb gastronomy and wine, all by bike.

Text: Mirela Drkulec Miletić Photos: Požega-Slavonia County Tourist Board 1 Skakavac waterfall in the Jankovac Park-Forest in Papuk Nature Park; 2 The beauty of Papuk Nature Park; 3 4 Homemade bread and sliced smoked meat.

Head down the Road of Wine and Roses, which starts in the center of Pleternica, and stretches three and a half kilometers next to vineyards.

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xploring new areas by bike offers a sense of freedom and unhindered excitement. Riding through the Požega-Slavonia County on its developed network of bike trails will offer you precisely that kind of priceless experience. In contrast to the rest of Slavonia, which is famous for its endless plains, the landscapes in that area include five mountains and three rivers.

In the center, you will find the city of Požega, and Papuk, one of two geoparks in Croatia, is the heart of active tourism.

The bountifulness of the Požega valley surrounded by mountains, dense forests, fertile fields, vineyards, and orchards was also highly regarded by the Ancient Romans, who called it "Vallis Aurea" (Golden Valley).

"Cycling through the Požega-Slavonia County", the new cycling guide available in Croatian and English, will help you discover the unique attractions and lush nature, superb gastronomy and wine

of the area. Hundreds of kilometers of marked trails will guide you through flatlands, inclines, downhill, and through forested areas. You need not worry about accommodations. You can find plenty of cozy places to rest - rural houses, lodges, mountain cabins, hotels, suites, villas with pools, country estates, inns, two camps, and even Robinson Crusoe-kinds of accommodations.

Fulfill your intensive experiences in nature with intensive culinary experiences. Look for restaurants with the sign "Flavors of Golden Slavonia" and taste the best delicacies from Slavonia, such as the unbeatable kulen and kulenova seka, cracklings, smoked bacon, traditional meat dishes such as čobanac, podolac roasted under the bell, and sekeli goulash, or fish specialties carp, smoked or roasted on a fork, fried catfish, perch, and trout. Treat your taste buds to the enticing flavors of fish paprikash, and sweeten your meal with

strudel, dumplings, and other sweets.

Complement your chosen dishes with selected superb wines, especially Graševina. Head down three wine roads (the Požega-Pleternica, Kutjevo, and Pakrac wine roads), which include more than 30 wineries in a unique tourism experience. Visit the wine tasting rooms and try the wine that suits you best.

End your trip with a tour of the sites of five city centers. While in Pakrac, don't miss out on seeing the renovated Janković manor house complex that dates back to the 18th century, and currently houses the Pakrac City Museum, and the Omanovac excursion site. In Kutjevo, a city that has lived

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from wine and for wine for more than 800 years (the main square is called Graševina Square), tour Kutjevo castle, Vinkomir villa, and the Kutjevo Cellar, which dates back to 1232. Požega is the cultural center of the area. Walk through its peaceful streets all the way to the Kužni pil monument, Cathedral of St. Teresa of Avila, the Diocese Museum, Sokolovac viewpoint, and St. Laurence's Church. The picturesque town of Lipik is a famous spa, and even more famous for its Lipizzaner horses from the Lipik State Stud Farm. Visit Pleternica, a religious center and a town where bećarac, a traditional kind of folk song, will get its own museum. 

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5 The locals in a vineyard; 6 7 Grilled trout and homemade strudel are just part of an elaborate spread; 8 Kužni pil in Požega; 9 A carriage ride through Lipik.

Marten fur was used for trading long ago, before the appearance of money. The first currency mint in Croatia was in Pakrac, where they minted a silver coin, the Slavonian banovac, where the front of the coin depicted a running marten (kuna).

Požega-Slavonia County Tourist Board Županijska 7 • 34000 Požega • Croatia  +385 34 290262 • kontakt@tzzps.hr

www.tzzps.hr

tradicije

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Experience Croatia

SISAK-MOSLAVINA COUNTY

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The magic of water and untouched nature Text: Mirela Drkulec Miletić Photos: SisakMoslavina County Tourist Board

Čigoč, the village of storks; 2 Horses in Lonjsko polje; 3 A wooden boat to ride through the wetlands of Lonjsko polje with.

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More than 250 bird species make their nests or spend the winter in Lonjsko polje, which makes it a favorite destination for birdwatchers.

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The European Amazon, the first settlement of storks in Europe, extremely therapeutic thermal water, indigenous sorts of wine... the Sisak-Moslavina area is full of surprises.

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ake a break from the daily grind surrounded by soothing landscapes, just like the ones from painter's canvases, while listening to the sound of the river and inhaling the clean forest air. You can experience such relaxation outdoors, along with so much more, in the Sisak-Moslavina County, an area south-east of Zagreb, the Croatian capital. In order to best get to know that area, head out from its urban center, the city of Sisak, where you can still feel the spirit of the past and the many battles that were fought in that area. After visiting Sisak's fortress, the Old Town, museums, and churches, head out into nature. There are still many marshland areas near the Sava, Kupa, Odra, Lonja, Glina, Česma, Ilova, and Una rivers, unlike anywhere else in Europe, and the entire

area is surrounded by the tame hills of Vukomeričke gorice, Moslavačka gora, Petrova gora, and Zrinska gora, along with the hills of Banovina.

The greatest natural gem of the area, Lonjsko Polje Nature Park, is one of the largest and best-preserved marshland and floodplain areas in Europe, and so they call it the European Amazon.

Its river arms, meanders and sandbars are inhabited by many species of birds including herons, storks, and white-tailed eagles, and the waters are abundant with fish and they are the largest breeding ground for pike in Europe.

The unique architecture of the lively wooden houses in the villages near the Sava, some of which are up to 200 years old, will also charm you. You can see the best-preserved examples in the village

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By bike, on foot, in a canoe, or by tour boat? There are plenty of ways to explore Lonjsko polje Nature Park, and, of course, the choice is yours.

of Krapje, which was named a "Village of Construction Heritage". The villages in Posavina are also recognizable for nests with white storks, most of which can be found in the village of Čigoč, which bears the title of being the first European village of storks. There, you will see more storks than people, and a good time to visit the village is the great celebration of Stork Day, which is held every year on the last Saturday in June. Make sure to also visit Strug Eco-Ethno village, and get to know more about the lives of the local people of Posavina.

Row down the Sava River in a canoe, or take a ride in the "Vodomar" and "Katarina 1" boats, try specialties of Posavina, such as dishes made with freshwater fish or wild game, try your hand at a photo safari, horseback riding, fishing, and hunting, or get to know the surrounding area by riding down the thrilling bike trails.

Stop by Topusko, a town next to the Glina River, about 80 kilometers south of Zagreb, and pay some attention to your

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4 Top-Terme Topusko; 5 Carp roasted on 'rašlje' (a frame); 6 Working in a vineyard during Voloder's Autumn.

health at the Topusko Spa. Topusko's thermal hot springs are rich in minerals, and its therapeutic qualities have been used since ancient times. Rated one of the best-quality thermal waters in Europe, the water at the well-equipped spa gently heals various injuries, and ailments of the cardiovascular, locomotor, nervous, and muscle system.

Find accommodations at the Top-Terme Topusko hotel, which has five thermal water pools, and courts for various sports. You can also entertain yourself with long walks, bike rides, fishing on the Glina River, and hunting in the nearby woods.

Head on to Moslavina, a picturesque area at the foot of Moslavačka gora famous for fruitful vineyards and superb wines. Moslavina is home to two indigenous sorts - moslavac and škrlet. Make sure to try them. Touring the wine road between the towns of Popovača and Kutina is a truly great experience - while there try the wine and homemade culinary specialties.

Moslavina is beautiful all year long, but the festival that tops them all is held in autumn. Voloder's Autumn is a festival that celebrates the grapes and wine, songs, dances, and traditions of that area. Don't miss out on it! 

Sisak-Moslavina County Tourist Board Rimska 28/II • 44000 Sisak • Croatia  +385 44 540163 • info@turizam-smz.hr

www.turizam-smz.hr

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Enogastronomy

BRTONIGLA

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Istria's gourmet mecca Croatia's Tuscany is already known far and wide for its superb and pleasurable food and wine experiences, and a true spectacle of flavors awaits you in Brtonigla.

Text: Petra Škofić ◆ Photos: Brtonigla Tourist Board

Istria Wine & Walk; A collection of wine from Brtonigla; 4 Four types of Istrian soil.

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Michelin's prestigious red guide includes the San Rocco Restaurant, Morgan Tavern, and Cattunar winery.

Restaurants in the Brtonigla area also fill the pages of other international food and wine guides: Gault Millau, Magnar Ben, 100 Top Croatian Restaurants...

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n a picturesque hill in the heart of northwestern Istria, Croatia's largest peninsula, there is a town for guests with a refined taste.

There, surrounded by vineyards and centuries-old olive groves, amongst relaxing colors and the aromas of untouched nature, you will find sanctuary from all the hustle and bustle and a true gourmet wine mecca. The Istrian town of Brtonigla is one of the best enological sites in Croatia that, thanks to its unique phenomenon, attracts wine aficionados from all over the world. In that area, four different types of Istrian soil meet - red, black, white, and gray, where generations of local winemakers have grown their fruitful grapevines and used their juicy fruit to make dry, golden Istrian Malvazija. Try its tantalizing aroma in the wine cellars and tasting rooms in the area and experience the incredible difference between superb Malvazija

created in the same conditions, but with completely different features, depending on the soil type of its origins.

The fruity floral aroma of that traditional Istrian wine pairs perfectly with traditional culinary specialties, together creating a true gourmet experience.

To create the tempting flavors of the dishes, the locals use only local, seasonal ingredients and herbs that they have grown themselves or sourced from local farms. Your taste buds will be seduced at the superb restaurants, rustic taverns, and agricultural tourism sites in Brtonigla by the creatively prepared dishes made with fish and seafood, wild game and boškarin (an indigenous Istrian type of cattle), along with fantastic sheep's-milk cheese and curd, and many dishes will be enhanced with mushrooms, asparagus, truffles, and homemade honey. Even the vinegar there is made by them, not to mention the famous Istrian olive oil.

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It is enough to say that Istrian olive growers can be found in Flos Olei, the prestigious international guide for superb, extra-virgin olive oil and that Istria was named one of the best olive regions in the world. Of the 500 best and highest-quality olive oils in the entire world, 81 oils come from Istria.

Need we say more?

Many events in Brtonigla are also inspired by superb local dishes and wines. Istria Wine & Walk (May 18, 2019), the Day of Open Wine Cellars (May 26, 2019), the Colors of Tradition - Harvest

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Festival (July 12, 2019), Feast Day of St. Roch (August 14-16, 2019), and Mushroom Days (October 26-27, 2019) are just some of the events that will share the magical flavors of that part of Croatian Tuscany with you.

Brtonigla will delight you with the authentic Istrian lifestyle, seen primarily in the abundance of the Istrian spread, in wine cellars, and in their friendly locals, as well as in the enchanting nature that generously gifts the people there everything they need for a happy life. 

Watch a short video on Brtonigla here:

5 The entrance to a tavern; 6 Scallops (Capesante); 7 Istrian delicacies; 8 Trying local delicacies in a tavern; 9 The Wine Queen and princesses.

Brtonigla Tourist Board Mlinska 2 • 52474 Brtonigla • Croatia  +385 52 774307 • info@tzo-brtonigla.hr

www.coloursofistria.com May 2019 - April 2020

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OGULIN

© Domagoj Blažević / Ogulin Tourist Board

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The city of fairytales and mystical nature In Ogulin, you will have an enchanting vacation surrounded by rivers, lakes, mystical forests, and Klek Mountain, which is still the topic of many legends nowadays...

Text: Mirela Drkulec Miletić Photos: Ogulin Tourist Board Cycling towards mystical Klek; Ivana's House of Fairy Tales will take you on a trip to the world of fairytales and imagination.

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According to a legend, the Klek Mountain was formed when the angry god Volos petrified the giant Klek. There are also stories going around that during stormy nights, witches, fairies, and elves dance on the mystical mountain.

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f fairytales and legends are intertwined into the life of a town anywhere, then it is in Ogulin, the most enchanting of all the cities in Croatia. The lively city surrounded by forests is located in the very heart of Croatia, at the base of the Klek Mountain, which towers over it like a mighty, sleeping giant.

Klek is also the birthplace of Croatian hiking and alpinism. Even now, it is exciting to head up to the top of the 1181 meter tall mountain, which offers an amazing view of the surrounding area. The trails are well marked, and you can choose to take the easy trail with a slight incline or try your hand at climbing the 200 meter tall, vertical Klek cliff. After reaching the top, take it easy in the mountain cabin.

For more than 500 years, Ogulin has been guarded by the Frankopan Castle.

Nowadays, it is home to the Local History Museum, where you can find out more about the history of the area.

Across from the castle, in the very center of the city, you will find another one of Ogulin's famous sites - a forty meter deep gorge into which the Dobra River plunges, known as Đula's Abyss.

It was named after a girl named Đula or Zulejka, who jumped into the gorge due to an unhappy love story.

You will be delighted by the mystical nature of Ogulin's surrounding area, just as it also impressed the most famous Croatian fairytale writer, Ivana BrlićMažuranić, who was born in Ogulin in 1874. Don't miss out on visiting Ivana's House of Fairy Tales Visitor's Centre. At the interactive multimedia exhibition, you will learn a lot about the life of the famous writer, about her fairytales, but also about fairytales written by other writers worldwide. You can spend hours there, because your children will be entertained by games, creative and educational workshops, or listen to a story around the stylized fireplace. Pass through the Magic

© Domagoj Blažević / Ogulin Tourist Board

© Domagoj Blažević / Ogulin Tourist Board

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6 Storytelling at the Ogulin Fairytale Festival; 7 Cycling alongside Sabljaci Lake; 8 The Ogulin masnica cake. © Hotel Frankopan / Ogulin Tourist Board

Forest, where the trees tell stories, have a look at yourself in the Magic Mirror, and get some magical powers...

There is also an absolutely special festival dedicated to fairytales, the Ogulin Fairytale Festival, which will be held for the 14th time from June 7 to 9, 2019.

Actively, full of experiences...

The city especially comes alive in the summer, when nature is at its best and most beautiful. At that time, Summer in Ogulin is held, a festival with plenty of cultural, sports, educational, and entertainment programs. It's an opportunity to try your hand at street­ ball, a mini-soccer tournament, beach volley­ball, salsa dancing... Novelties this year include the Dance Nature international salsa festival (in August), and the Motovun Film Festival, which will visit Ogulin over the course of three days in July, so guests will have the chance to enjoy several films shown at the festival in Motovun. The International Folk Dance

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Ogulin Tourist Board Kardinala A. Stepinca 1 47300 Ogulin • Croatia  / +385 47 532278 tz-grada-ogulina@ka.t-com.hr

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Festival will also be held in July. Over the course of the entire year, you can try traditional dishes in Ogulin's restaurants.

Thick slices of potatoes with bacon, walnut rolls, handmade pasta with the famous Ogulin sauerkraut, delicious cheeses from small cheese producers, dishes made with game - to name just a few. Make sure to try the most famous traditional dish - Ogulin masnica, a leavened dough filled with eggs and onions, which General Marmont prepared

for Napoleon when he visited the Ogulin area.

Mother Nature truly lavishly adorned Ogulin with forests, mountains, and the Dobra River with its tributaries, and the locals also made sure they got a lake - Sabljaci.

From spring to fall, you can row, SUP board, surf, or take a boat ride on the artificial lake, or ride around it by bike. There are also two regional bike trails, with a total length of 131 km, along with 100 km of local routes. Find comfortable accommodations in one of the hunting cabins, hotels, or suites, or in the lakeside camp, under the starry sky. 

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Active vacation

PLITVICE VALLEYS

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A dose of adrenaline in the Plitvice Valleys Cycle, walk, ride on horseback, and test your limits in the adrenaline parks.

The Plitvice Valleys are the perfect place for an active vacation.

Text: Mirela Drkulec Miletić ◆ Photos: Rakovica Tourist Board

The idyllic landscape of the Plitvice Valleys; 2 3 4 The tame Plitvice area is perfect for exploring by bike or on horseback; 5 The Barać Caves.

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f you love having a relaxed holiday far away from the crowds, visit the Plitvice Valleys, an area located just a ten-minute drive away from the world-famous gem, the Plitvice Lakes National Park. In the idyllic untouched nature of the Plitvice Valleys, you will find lush centuries-old forests, green pastures, picturesque villages, medieval fortresses, and country estates with enticing flavors and aromas. It is a

The halls of the Barać Caves are full of stalagmites and stalactites and columns that are up to ten meters high. The skeleton of a cave bear was found in the caves, and today they are home to many bats.

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perfect backdrop for those who love to spend their vacations actively.

The expansive network of marked bike trails will take you on an exciting trip through inspiring landscapes, next to natural phenomena and cultural delights. Most of the trails start in Rakovica, the main town in the Plitvice Valleys. The trails run down paved and gravel roads, forest and mountain trails, and some demand excellent physical fitness. Take a break while riding, breathe in some fresh forest air, listen to the silence, and rest your eyes with the greenery. Some of the routes lead to the biggest attractions of the area - Plitvice Lakes NP, Barać Caves, Rastoke, the old town of Drežnik, and Jelov Klanac.

If you've come without your bike, don't worry. Plitvice bike & bed delivers bikes directly to the place you're staying, and they also offer various excursions. One of them will take you

© Rade Jug / Rakovica Tourist Board

This summer, the traditional "Legends of the Plitvice Valleys" festival will be held at the tower of the old town of Drežnik, and there is a panoramic view of the Plitvice Valleys from the top of the tower.

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to the ruins of the radar center of Tito's former army. The hiking tour to Plitvice Lakes is also popular and, as part of a guided tour, you can also visit the former underground military complex, the largest one in Europe, and see the airport, military planes, and abandoned tunnels.

If you love horses and horseback riding in nature, the Plitvice Valleys are the right place for that adventure. Come to the Rastoke - Fairyland Equestrian Center and ride out into nature regardless of your riding experience, and children can also ride there. If you're a beginner, it's not an issue, as the hosts also run a riding school. You can also ride through the forest, alongside a clear river or through fields on horses from the Rakovica Equestrian Club, and while there, you will also "meet" other animals, such as ponies, donkeys, and Gnjura pigs.

At the Terra Ranch in Irinovac, both beginner and experienced riders will enjoy riding on horseback. You can also find horses at the Equus igni Ranch in Jelov Klanac. Just like Winnetou, ride the trails of the mighty Velebit, which acted as the natural background during

6 On horseback next to the old town of Drežnik; 7 8 Adrenaline parks offer many opportunities to test your own limits.

the filming of the movie about that famous Indian. At the ranch, you can also choose to participate in riding school, riding in nature, one-day riding excursions, but also riding tours that last several days. Dolina Jelena Ranch is also idyllic, where you can see both ordinary and fallow deer from up close, and you can even feed the timid animals there.

Test your bravery and agility in the adrenaline parks. At Ogi Adrenaline Park in Oštarski Stanovi, you can pass through 25 elements at a height of two and a half and six meters, and try your hand at paintball. At the Plitvice Adrenaline Park, located just three kilometers from the main entrance to Plitvice Lakes NP, try the big swing and the zip line. Feel the excitement of flying on a line at a speed of up to 70 km/h and enjoy the bird's-eye view of the canyon of the fast and clear Korana River. 

rakovica

Rakovica Tourist Board Rakovica 6 • 47245 Rakovica Croatia •  +385 47 784450 direktorica@plitvickedoline.hr

www.plitvickedoline.hr

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Interesting facts

CROATIA

Through the Guest Review Awards, Booking.com, one of the leading online travel platforms, rewards destinations that offer their guests excellent experiences, and according to results from 2018, for the first time they have also revealed the most hospitable places in the world according to travelers' reviews. The Croatian town of Slunj has found its way onto the list, and it has taken the very high second place for hospitality in the world, and first place in Croatia. It's a great recognition for the small city located between Karlovac and the Plitvice Lakes, and it's also located very close to Rastoke, a picturesque town famous for its fast streams and waterfalls, often called Little Plitvice.

After Slunj, the most hospitable destinations in Croatia are Korenica, Plitvice Lakes, Otočac, Rakovica, Skradin, Osijek, Zagreb, Split, and Rovinj.

Source:

www.croatiaweek.com

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Camping in Parks Camping near Parks in Croatia is the name of the new tourism project aimed at campers and fans of natural beauty.

The project brings together Croatian national parks and nature parks with activities and accommodations at camping lots or in mobile homes in the close vicinity of untouched nature parks. A total of 18 camps and 19 parks are included in the project, and Dražen Cvijetić is the project author.

Find out more at:

In April 2019, the first spring issue of The Plitvice Times magazine was published. The magazine brings an interview with Kristjan Staničić, director of the Croatian National Tourist Board, and many topics from the area of Lika and Plitvice. Discover what lies behind the name Croatian Infiltration, read a story about a hard-working apartment owner from the Gacka Valley, get to know more about the most important events in the Plitvice Valleys and at the Plitvice Lakes and don't miss out on a night spent out under the stars on Velebit. The magazine also brings stories about a trip to faraway Jordan, and about the small picturesque village of Letinac near Brinje...

www.campinginparks.eu

© fotolia

Slunj is the most hospitable city in Croatia and second in the world

© fotolia

The spring issue of The Plitvice Times

PLITVICE LAKES

A vacation on the go

Active vacation

Text: Željka Kunštek Photos: Lucija and Rade Jug / Plitvice Lakes Tourist Board

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ogically, the first thing you will do once you arrive in the Plitvice area is take some time to enjoy the bubbly fairytale of the Plitvice Lakes National Park that won over the world a long time ago. After that, continue actively exploring its surrounding area as well.

You can do that in several ways, and one of the most popular ways is by bike. Five marked bike trails of various difficulty levels meander through the area, and they are adapted to both recreational cyclists, along with experienced cyclists.

The trails run through untouched nature, and they will lead you alongside clear streams, idyllic pastures, forests, and fields, next to forgotten villages, old mills and churches... You will also pass alongside natural attractions such as Barać's caves, old fortresses such as the old town of Drežnik, and next to viewpoints that will take your breath away. The favorite trails of recreational

cyclists are Popolje, Oko Mrsinja, and the one that runs along the slopes of Lička Plješivica.

Those looking for more adrenaline and motorbike speed will head down the winding roads in the area. If you are ready for true enjoyment on a motorbike, choose one of two routes: Plitvička jezera - Korenica - Bjelopolje - Frkašić - Donji Lapac - Dobroselo or Gospić - Sv. Rok - Lovinac - Udbina Korenica. Hikers are also sure to find inspiration in the idyllic landscape of Lika, and fans of rafting, paragliding, and horseback riding are also sure to find something to suit them. Your pulse will definitely increase after you go on an exciting quad ride, head down a zip line, climb up cliffs, try airsoft, visit an adrenaline park... On the other hand, if you need a little bit of peace and quiet, try your hand at fishing on the enchanting Gacka River. 

© Plitvice Lakes Tourist Board

On two or four wheels, on horseback, on foot, by boat, or from the air... Choose your favorite way of exploring the beauty of the world-famous Plitvice area.

Plitvice Lakes Tourist Board Trg sv. Jurja 6 • 53230 Korenica Croatia •  +385 53 776798 info@tzplitvice.hr

www.discoverplitvice.com

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Experience Croatia

ŠIBENIK-KNIN COUNTY: Šibenik and Vodice

A combination of experiences in the heart of the Adriatic Text: Mirela Drkulec Miletić Photos: Šibenik Tourist Board, Vodice Tourist Board, Šibenik-Knin County Tourist Board, tipTravel magazine 1 A view of the old center of Šibenik.

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Unusual cultural experiences await you in Ĺ ibenik, but also in nearby Vodice, which have everything you need for a vacation activities and relaxation, during the swimming season, and during the off-season.

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ŠIBENIK-KNIN COUNTY: Šibenik and Vodice

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f you are yearning to have a vacation by the sea, in the warm Mediterranean climate and with aromatic vegetation, which is also enriched by great cultural experiences, come to Šibenik. Located in the middle of the Adriatic coast, the

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© Valentino Dražić Celić / Šibenik's fortress of culture / Šibenik Tourist Board

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2 A view of the old part of Šibenik; 3 Barone Fortress; 4 The narrow, stone city streets are connected by many stairways; 6 Mihovil Fortress is one of the most beautiful outdoor stages in Croatia.

© Alan Grubelić / Šibenik Tourist Board

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oldest coastal town in Croatia has stood above the bay of the crystal clear blue sea for almost a thousand years, from where it has a view of 249 islands, islets, and skerries in the waters surrounding Šibenik. You will be delighted by its stone squares surrounded by Renaissance palaces and its narrow streets, kale, where you can feel a lively vibe. Have a look at the ornately embellished portals, tour the unique St. James cathedral, and some of the 24 churches and six monasteries in Šibenik. Soon you will see for yourself that Šibenik is home to a true collection of cultural treasure. You likely won't be able to avoid climbing at least some of the 2851 stairs in the city, since the city is surrounded by a mountainous hinterland. Šibenik's four fortresses, of which three are located on the hills, offer Šibenik a special flair. Throughout history, they protected it from conquerors, and today they are the city's first-class tourist sites. Tour the renovated Barone fortress and, through augmented

© Igor Tomljenović / Šibenik Tourist Board

7 The St. Nikola sea fortress is opening up this summer with a fresh look; 8 Civitas Sacra; 9 Stone sculptures of heads on Šibenik's cathedral.

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reality technology, experience the construction of the fortresses, characters, sounds, and scenes from 17th century Šibenik. Make sure to also visit the renovated St. Mihovil fortress, which offers a spectacular view of the city and Šibenik's harbor. Its stage, where various concerts are held in the summer, is one of the most beautiful outdoor stages in Croatia. As of this summer, the sea fortress of St. Nikola, located on the islet of Ljuljevac on the very entrance to the St. Ante channel, will also await you with a fresh look after its recent renovation.

The 16th century triangular fortress is the best-preserved fortress in Šibenik, and it was inscribed on UNESCO's list of world heritage sites in 2017 due to its architectural and historical value. The fortress can be entered from the sea, and a boat will sail to the fortress from Šibenik's main promenade. On board the ship, you will get a tablet with which you can tour the fortress with a virtual guide.

Soon, the renovation of Šibenik's fourth fortress, St. Ivan, will commence, and for now, you can only see it from its exterior.

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Signed by UNESCO The architecture of old Šibenik is the crowning glory of the central Dalmatian builder's school, and the shiniest gem is the St. James Cathedral that dates back to the 15th and 16th century. It has been protected by UNESCO since the year 2000, and so Šibenik is the only city in Croatia and one of the very few in the world that can boast two monuments on UNESCO's list of cultural heritage sites.

The cathedral was under construction for more than a hundred years, and is made only of stone with no mortar whatsoever, and it is embellished with 71 realistic stone portraits of heads in the form of sculptures. The great Renaissance builder Juraj Dalmatinac worked on it as well, and with the help of an app for smartphones and tablets, he will tell you all about its history. You will soon be able to find out a lot of information on the cathedral at the renovated Galbiani palace, where Civitas Sacra (the Holy City), the St. James Cathedral multimedia and interpretative center, will open in

Šibenik's events Throughout 2019, Šibenik will host many events, of which we will mention just a few.

The Croatian Travel Festival (May 20-26) gathers travel writers and travel buffs.

ORC World Champion Šibenik (June 1-8) is the largest sports sailing event and it is expected 150 crews and 1500 sailors will participate. For 61 years, the International Children's Festival (June 15-29) has hosted children and artists from all the continents. Šibenik's Klapa Nights (July 13 - September 12) bring the old town alive every Thursday, and the Off Jazz & Blues Festival (July 18-20) brings together the best jazz and blues performers. The Sea Splash Festival (July 18-21) will attract fans of electronic music, while the Supertoon Animated Film Festival (July 21-26) will delight those gathered with works

by Croatian and foreign artists. The Šibenik Dance Festival (July 22-27) combines dance education, relaxation, and dance performances. The Fair in Medieval Šibenik (September 7-8) brings the Renaissance alive, while Light is Life (September 28), offers a magical light show on the promenade. Find the entire calendar of up-coming events in Šibenik here:

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Experience Croatia

ŠIBENIK-KNIN COUNTY: Šibenik and Vodice

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10 Cyclists adore the area surrounding Šibenik; 11 Banj Beach in Šibenik; 12 Vodice.

mid-May 2019. Over the five floors of the palace, with the help of the most modern technology, you will get to know more about the valuable sacral heritage of Šibenik, and you will also find many interactive surprises there.

It's also worth a visit to Šibenik's museums to see the valuable artifacts they have there. The Šibenik City Museum in the former Duke's Palace bears witness to the history of Šibenik and the surrounding area since the 6th century B.C., and the St. Frano Museum in the monastery library houses one

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of the most famous texts of Croatian medieval literature - the Šibenik prayer.

Stop by the St. Barbara Church museum with sacral art.

Gather your thoughts in a walk next to the St. Ante Channel, which the people of Šibenik and their guests love due to its liveliness and many features (there you can find a bike, trim, and walking trail).

Rest on Šibenik's beaches or head over to nearby Vodice, the most developed tourist center in the Šibenik Riviera.

Something for everyone Vodice owes its popularity to its location in a wide bay and the many vacation possibilities it offers according to the principle "something for everyone".

If you take a walk through the old part of the city, you will get a feeling of the relaxed Dalmatian lifestyle. Just a little ways further, Vodice will also show you its other side - the dynamic tourist center with pleasant hotels and suites, attractive beaches, restaurants with a superb culinary offer, clubs and a rich nightlife, and friendly hosts. Vodice is also a favorite destination amongst sailors because its large marina with more than a hundred berths offers them everything they need.

You will have a wonderful time there in the summer, but also in the off-season.

There are plenty of options for an active vacation. Enjoy riding a bike, and from the 350 km of road and mountain trails,

© Ivan Ivanišević / Olympia Vodice

choose the one that suits you best (ask for a trail map at the tourist information center). You can cycle through olive groves, vineyards, and next to dry stone walls, or tour historical monuments, and if you are an adrenaline junkie try the red "Orlov krug" trail, where the C2 race for the World MTB Cup is held. Vodice is also the right place to try the charms of sailing. There are several diving centers there where you will be awaited by patient instructors who will take you on a safe underwater adventure. Try your hand at fishing and at various water

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© Kalogjera / Vodice Tourist Board

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© Denis Peroš / Vodice Tourist Board

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While walking through the center of Vodice, follow the info boards with QR codes.

They will reveal a lot of information about the city.

sports such as sailing, kayaking, or jet-skiing and relax with long walks next to the sea. The plentiful sun and pleasant Mediterranean climate all year long will strengthen your body and spirit. You can also relax in the wonderfully equipped wellness centers at Vodice's Olympia and Punta hotels. There you will be awaited by massages, saunas, detox, anti-stress and aroma therapy, cosmetic treatments, and recreational programs. In Vodice, you will also find dental and esthetic surgery clinics that offer superb medical

2 National Parks

11 Medieval Fortifications

© Andrija Carli / Vodice Tourist Board

2 Unesco Sites

© Alan Grubelić / Šibenik Tourist Board

230 Cultural Monuments 300 Islands 600 Archaeological sites

2 National Parks

13 14 15 Vodice is attractive for an active vacation all year long; 16 Hotel Olympia Sky; 17 A view of the center of Vodice.

11 Medieval Fortifications

230 Cultural Monuments 300 Islands 600 Archaeological sites

info@dalmatiasibenik.hr | www.dalmatiasibenik.hr

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ŠIBENIK-KNIN COUNTY: Šibenik and Vodice

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© Andrija Carli / Vodice Tourist Board

© Šime Strikoman / Vodice Tourist Board

© Andrija Carli / Vodice Tourist Board

Experience Croatia

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treatment. Vodice's hotels are equipped with multi-functional halls, ideal for organizing congresses, team building, and other business gatherings. They offer participants all the equipment they need, along with excellent conditions for working, but also for resting and having fun.

Prvić Island; 19 Summer Bacchanalia; 20 Homo Volans; 21 Male Vrulje Beach; 22 The Jabuka Regatta; 23 The Vodice Jazz & Blues Festival.

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Make sure not to miss the Vodice Feast (August 4), the highlight of summer parties, along with many other events. Find out more about them here:

A genius from Prvić You probably wouldn't have imagined that the history of Vodice, a modern tourist center, dates back to the time of the Roman Empire and even earlier. The archeological sites there bear witness to that, and parts of its long history are preserved in Vodice's churches, wells, and Ćorić's tower, which used to serve for defensive purposes. Don't miss out on visiting the island of Prvić and the Faust Vrančić Memorial Center in the town of Prvić Luka, dedicated to the 16th century genius inventor. Find out what the multi-talented scientist, innovator, linguist, and philosopher left behind for mankind. While enjoying the collection of his invention, make sure to have a look at the parachute (Homo Volans, or the flying man), and fivelanguage dictionary.

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One thing is for sure - you will never be bored in Vodice. There is always something happening in town - many cultural, entertaining, and sports events. One of the most popular ones is the CMC festival (June 7-8), where many musical stars perform. Come to the Summer Bacchanalia (June 22) at the Velika Mrdakovica - Roman Cistern archeological site and enjoy a real Ancient Roman feast. Don't miss out on the Burtiž Regatta (August 11) in Šepurine on the island of Prvić and enjoy the view of the regatta of leut, gajeta, batana, and other sailboats. In the autumn (October 13), Gabriel's Marathon MTB race, a recreational mountain bike marathon in Vodice's hinterland, is held, followed by the traditional Jabuka Regatta (November 8-11). If you're not a sailor, come and watch it from the coast.

Let the beaches be your summer base in Vodice. The most popular are Hangar Beach next to Hotel Olympia, and the Blue Beach, which flies the "Blue Flag" as a sign the sea is clean. Male Vrulje Beach, in the shape of a closed lagoon with a pool, where you can swim far into the autumn since the temperature of the sea there is up to ten degrees higher than in the surrounding sea, is a true hit. 

2 Unesco Sites

2 National Parks

11 Medieval Fortifications

230 Cultural Monuments 300 Islands 600 Archaeological sites

info@dalmatiasibenik.hr | www.dalmatiasibenik.hr

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The Šibenik region awaits you with more than 2450 km of marked trails that will reveal beautiful panoramas and lead you to cultural attractions, canyons, beaches, vineyards, olive groves, dry stone walls... Explore the beauty by bike, and find out plenty of useful information on the walking and cycling trails there by clicking here:

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Near the gems of the Adriatic

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n the heart of Dalmatia, near renaissance Šibenik and natural gems, the Krka and Kornati national parks, there are two hotels with a modern design and superb experiences - Olympia and Olympia Sky. Located in Vodice, a popular Adriatic travel destination, and only 30 meters from the sea, they attract those with a refined taste, families,

as well as all those who are looking for an active vacation. Play tennis or basketball, explore the area by bike, swim in the sea, or swim in the hotel's indoor and outdoor pools, enjoy the benefits of wellness while the youngest members of your family have fun in the playroom... Treat your taste buds at the à la carte Sky restaurant, and head out on a "Tour

1 A view of the Olympia Sky and Olympia hotels; 2 Staying in the sauna will relax your body and improve your health; 3 A pool at Hotel Olympia.

of Vodice" bike excursion organized by the hotel's travel agency to a taste-test of superb wines made of autochtonous sorts of Babić, Maraština, Debit, and Rose. 

VODICE · CROATIA

A luxurious oasis in the heart of the Adriatic

www.olympiavodice.hr +385 (0)22 452484 sales@olympiavodice.hr

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Bike tourism

KRKA NATIONAL PARK

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Cycling through the beauties of Krka One of the best ways to explore the enchanting Krka National Park is by bike. Head out on that adventure this year. At any time. Krka will delight you during every single season of the year.

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rka National Park stretches over a total of 109 km2 of the most beautiful part of the Krka River and the lower portion of the ÄŒikola River. Besides being famous for its attractions, such as Skradinski buk and RoĹĄki slap, that expansive green area is also home to amazing natural beauty and phenomena, some of which have been inaccessible until recently,

Text and photos: "Krka National Park" Public Institution

A view of Visovac Island on Visovac Lake; 2 3 Incredible panoramas can be seen from the bike trails.

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and now they can be explored by bike. In 2018, a total of fourteen bike trails, which can be divided into three categories: mountain, road and trekking, were made in the park area.

There are a total of five mountain bike trails, and they are designed for cyclists who are in good shape and have advanced cycling skills. There are marked and rough forest trails with

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inclines and slopes that can also be somewhat steeper.

There are three road trails in the park, of above-average total length, at various altitudes. They are characterized by riding sports road bikes on greatquality paved roads. Like with the mountain bike trails, they are designed for active athletes who seek physically demanding athletic challenges.

Six trekking trails, designed for family excursions in nature and recreational athletes, combine riding on paved roads with riding on great gravel trails without technically demanding parts.

The trekking routes mostly lead to interesting destinations and other tourist content. All the routes are circuit routes and marked in detail (with recognizable blue boards with information on the route) in order to ease the journey for visitors.

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4 Taking photos on a wooden bridge; 5 An attractive view of the Krka River; 6 7 8 In Krka National Park, you can ride on paved roads, as well as on marked and rough forest trails.

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Here we have singled out one of each of the types of routes to inspire you, and you can find the itinerary for your next adventure at: www.np-krka.hr/ stranice/price-list/37/en.html

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Mountain, road, or trekking bike route? Krka has them all, and the one you choose depends only on you and your physical ability.

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Bike tourism

KRKA NATIONAL PARK

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A total of 470 kilometers of bike routes pass through Krka National Park, which will show you all the impressive scenes of the Krka River, breathtaking views, the abundance of flora and fauna, but also the cultural and historical treasures of the area.

Mountain bike route: MTB 4 The starting point of the MTB 4 route is the Krka NP visitors' center in Laškovica.

The trail leads down gravel paths and local paved roads from the Laškovica plateau to the Krka River canyon, down to the Krka monastery, from which it returns to the plateau on the same path, and then, along the edge of the canyon, back towards Laškovica. Then it heads down to the Krka canyon once again, to Roški slap, after which it leads back to Laškovica.

The total trail length is 35.6 km, and the total incline is 658 m, so it is considered to be a medium-difficult trail with a difficulty score of 2 to 4.

9 10 Cyclists stop every so often during their ride to take in the incredible views.

Road route: ROAD 2 This road route can be called the queen of bike trails in Krka National Park because it includes and encircles the majority of the park: from Skradin all the way to Burnum. It starts at the Krka NP center in Skradin, heads through the villages of Rupe and Kistanje, all the way to the northernmost point on the route 10

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Burnum, from where it heads back towards Skradin. The trail heads down to the Krka River canyon to the Brljan waterfall, after which it heads towards waterfall Roški slap through the towns of Oklaj, Razvođe, and Širitovci, and once again heads down to the Krka canyon to Roški slap. From Roški slap it heads off towards Laškovica, and from Laškovica it leads back to Skradin. The total route length is 95.1 km, with a challenging incline of 1447 m, which is why the route is only recommended for the most experienced and most active cyclists.

Trekking route: TREK 1 From the Puljane Eco Campus, the route heads down the road past Brljan waterfall to the Burnum amphitheater, the 1st century Roman military camp, and then heads back the same way to the Eco Campus. The entire trail is 11.4 km long, with a 273 m incline, so it is one of the easiest routes in the park, and ideal for weekend family excursions, with a difficulty score of 1 to 4. 

THE BEAUTY OF MOVEMENT MOVEMENT IN THE BEAUTY

Krka Bike www.np-krka.hr

May 2019 - April 2020

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Experience Croatia

KORNATI NATIONAL PARK

An excursion to Kornati

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© Ig na or T t Pu i Na oml bl tio jen ic na In l ović st Pa itu rk tio " n

You can visit the park with your own boat, or in a rented boat, or as part of a tour organized by a charter and/or travel agency throughout the Adriatic that organize excursions to it.

There are many excursion boats that take you to Kornati. The one-day excursions include a ride to Kornati and passage through the Kornati archipelago, a lunch break (on the ship, or at a small Kornati tavern) and one or two breaks for swimming and sightseeing.

Island paradise in the Mediterranean Text: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: "Kornati National Park" Public Institution

They call it Croatia's heaven on earth, paradise for sailors, paradise for divers, paradise for all those who would like to have a vacation in the wild, in peaceful untouched nature... Discover Kornati and describe it in your own way.

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© Igor Tomljenović / "Kornati National Park" Public Institution

© Igor Tomljenović / "Kornati National Park" Public Institution

If you were to look at them from up above, you would probably think that you were looking at a landscape from Mars, because the Kornati islands are mostly bare stone, with many cliffs and without a lot of vegetation. However, once you get closer by boat or see them from the island viewpoints, they will be just as impressive, but you will also see the differences. You will notice the sparse greenery of the stone pastures where many sheep still wander today, you will see the orchids, sage, Adriatic iris (Iris adriatica), and other plant species, as well as the many olive trees that the people from the nearby island of Murter have been carefully cultivating for centuries (it is estimated that there are around 18 thousand olive trees in the park area). From that view, you will also notice the dry stone walls, stone monuments of the intense hard labor, art, and patience of the people.

The workers who built them in the late 19th century to divide land, separate

pastures, and stop sheep from getting to other properties couldn't imagine that their 330 kilometer-long stone walls that divide up the Kornati islands would be an impressive tourist attraction today.

The park is open to tours parkand you all yearNacionalni long, National Park can find information on ticket sales here:

kornati

Dry stone construction is actually a technique of building with stone without using mortar. © Igor Tomljenović / "Kornati National Park" Public Institution

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urrounded by a crystal clear and warm sea, caressed by the sun for nearly 2700 hours a year, and toured by sailors looking for a challenge, but also peace in the stone labyrinth of their wild, heavenly coves during most of the year. That is Kornati, the densest group of islands in the Mediterranean whose beauty hasn't passed unnoticed so 89 of Kornati's approximately 150 islands, islets and reefs were named a national park in 1980 due to the incredible beauty of their landscape, rugged shores and abundance of sea flora and fauna. Even though it isn't within the borders of the national park, the very beautiful Žut-Sit archipelago is also part of the Kornati chain of islands.

Kornati have delighted many people over the years, and Irish writer and Nobel Prize winner George Bernard Shaw described them like this: "On the last day of the Creation, God desired to crown his work and thus created the Kornati islands out of tears, stars and breath."

kornati Nacionalni park National Park

"Kornati National Park" Public Institution Croatia • kornati@np-kornati.hr

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KORNATI NATIONAL PARK

A nautical treat The continuity of life between nature and man on Kornati never ceased. Although they aren't permanently inhabited, there are worker's and fishermen's houses in the tame and protected coves of some islands. Nowadays, some of them have been transformed into taverns and accommodations for fans of Robinson Crusoe-style vacations.

While on Kornati, you will also notice other humble examples of artistic construction, such as fortresses and churches. The most famous are the 6th century Tureta fortress and the votive church of the Lady of Tarca (Queen of the Sea), both on the island of Kornat. Every year, on the first Sunday in July, believers from the island of Murter go on a pilgrimage to visit the Lady of Tarca, and the votive procession of boats is one of the most beautiful religious events in Croatia.

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One of the most beautiful images of Kornati are the many sailboats that tirelessly glide through the rugged waters. It's no secret that Kornati are the Adriatic's nautical paradise, and a challenge and safe haven for sailors so, if you haven't yet, tighten up the sails and enjoy that beauty. Not only will you enjoy the company of other sailors, but also of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), who will happily play around the boat, along with many divers for whom the waters of Kornati, which are full of caves, corals, fish, and crabs, are a true treat.

Kornati also attracts fans of snorkeling, swimmers, and speleologists due to its numerous caves and grottos.

If you are staying in the park area during the summer, make sure to experience Kornati through its authentic flavors in one of the 20 superb taverns. The locals will prepare dishes inspired by the sea, such as fish and crab, along with the famous Kornati lamb, in a simple, domestic way - cooked or grilled, and enhanced with divine drops of olive oil. If you have the chance, taste and buy Kornati sage honey, and make your stay in Kornati even sweeter. ď ś

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kornati Nacionalni park National Park

© Igor Tomljenović / "Kornati National Park" Public Institution

© Ervin Šilić - Novena d.o.o. / "Kornati National Park" Public Institution

Nacionalni pa National Park

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kornati Nacionalni park National Park

Nacionalni p National Park

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"Kornati National Park" Public Institution Butina 2 • 22243 Murter • Croatia  +385 22 435740 • kornati@np-kornati.hr

www.np-kornati.hr

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Interesting facts

VIS ISLAND

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Photos: Ivo Pervan / The Vis archipelago Geopark

The Vis archipelago named a UNESCO Geopark 4

1 The "Stone Book" on the island of Biševo; 2 The harbor in Komiža; 3 Dry stone walls; 4 Stiniva Bay; 5 Stončica lighthouse; 6 The Blue Cave; 7 Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) live in the waters surrounding Vis; 8 Falkuša, a traditional fishing boat from Komiža; 9 A swimmer in the Green Cave.

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After Papuk, Croatia got its second Geopark, which is also the first one on the Adriatic - the Vis archipelago. UNESCO's Executive Board confirmed that at the meeting held on April 17, 2019 in Paris, adding that geologically incredibly valuable archipelago to the network of UNESCO Global Geoparks. The Vis archipelago is the guardian of the oldest rock in the Adriatic (220 million years old) and is the only area in the Adriatic where traces of volcanoes and diapirs have been found. Along with the island of Vis, which is the largest island, the archipelago also includes many smaller uninhabited islands - Ravnik, Budihovac, Veli Paržanj, Mali Paržanj, Greben, Host, Veli Barjak, and Mali Barjak. The faraway islands in the open sea are also part of the archipelago - St. Andrija, Jabuka, Brusnik, Biševo, and Palagruža, of which the last four are of volcanic origin. The geologically oldest island in the Adriatic is Palagruža, which, just like the island of Brusnik, is constantly growing due to tectonic activity.

Palagruža is also the most distant Croatian island, and its only inhabitants are the lighthouse keepers. Besides the island of Vis, the only other permanently inhabited island is Biševo, known for its impressively beautiful Blue Cave.

The Vis archipelago also includes seven areas protected by the Environmental Protection Act. The islets of Brusnik and Jabuka are protected natural geological monuments, the Blue Cave, Medvidina Cave, and the Green Cave on the island of Ravnik are categorized as geomorphological natural monuments, while Stiniva Bay and Ravnik Island are protected in the category of significant landscapes. 

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© Jure Ravlić / Šolta Island Tourist Board

© Matija Prajo / Šolta Island Tourist Board

© Beep Pictures / Šolta Island Tourist Board

ŠOLTA ISLAND

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Experience Croatia

In touch with nature Mysterious, relaxing, and incredibly beautiful that's Šolta, an island where even emperors relaxed.

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ess than an hour-long ferry ride is enough to get you from the hustle and bustle of touristic Split to entirely different surroundings - far away from the crowds, noise, tons of souvenir shops, packed beaches... If you're looking for a true vacation, you will find it on Šolta, an island where even Emperor Diocletian rested, and where famous Croatian authors came for inspiration. Nowadays, those who come to that empire of untouched nature are mostly those looking to spend their vacation actively - cyclists, sailors, divers, excursionists... Those who head down one of the walking trails that connect the coastal towns with the picturesque villages in the island's interior will also be able to enjoy the beauty of the island landscape. Šolta is home to many heavenly coves, and the most beautiful ones line the southern side of the island. Explore

them by kayak. Šolta's deep waters are also magnificent and they hide sunken ships, caves, corals... and they are a true magnet for divers. Sailors are also frequent guests on Šolta. They love to drop anchor in the southern coves of the island, in Stomorska, or in the marina in Maslinica, where you can also see the impressive 300-yearold Baroque Martinis-Marchi castle.

You can also expect an interesting journey on your plates in Šolta. At the island's taverns, restaurants, and country estates, the locals will offer you selected island delicacies enriched with superb, awardwinning olive oil and therapeutic wild rosemary honey. Make sure to raise a glass of homemade liqueur and fantastic red wine made with the indigenous Dalmatian Dobričić sort, which is still mostly only grown on Šolta. 

1 A view of the Martinis-Marchi castle in Maslinica; 2 3 Šolta has plenty of heavenly coves and beaches; 4 The people of Šolta love to preserve their traditions; 5 A street in the village of Grohote.

© Ivo Pervan / Šolta Island Tourist Board

Text: Željka Kunštek Photos: Šolta Island Tourist Board

© Matija Prajo / Šolta Island Tourist Board

© Jure Ravlić / Šolta Island Tourist Board

THE RETURN TO INNOCENCE

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Šolta Island Tourist Board Šoltanskih žrtava 14 • 21430 Grohote Croatia •  +385 21 654657 info@visitsolta.com

www.visitsolta.com

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Experience Croatia

SOLIN

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Why visit Solin?

Even though there are many reasons to visit Solin, we bring you at least five here.

© Solin Tourist Board

Text: Željka Kunštek Photos: Solin Tourist Board

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Nowadays, Ancient Salona (present-day Solin), formerly the capital city of Dalmatia, is the largest archeological park in Croatia. Take the time to walk through that outdoor museum that gives the impression that gladiators and Ancient Romans walked through it not long ago. Visit Manastirine (an ancient Christian graveyard), Tusculum (an archeological museum with replicas of old artifacts), a 2nd century amphitheater, a cathedral complex with two basilicas, a baptistery, and spas...

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The House Parać is home to a valuable archeological collection, and various exhibitions, and in the summer, restoration workshops inspired by ancient times are also organized.

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Gašpina mlinica is the name of an old 18th century mill, located on

the Jadro River, which is one of the few preserved mills. There, the locals will show you how grains are milled, but also share many interesting facts about the mill.

Gospin otok (Our Lady of the Islet), embraced by the arms of the Jadro River, is the oldest Marian shrine in Croatia. The island is dominated by the church of St. Mary, and next to it, underground, there is a valuable archeological site. Pope John Paul II visited the shrine in 1998.

Many events are held in Solin over the course of the entire year - from gladiator fights and an ancient fair to culinary events and concerts.

If you only have time to visit one event, let it be Romance in Salona.

It is held several times during the summer months and it reenacts the magnificent ancient times. 

Solin Tourist Board Kralja Zvonimira 69 21210 Solin • Croatia  +385 21 210048 tzg-solin@st.t-com.hr

www.solin-info.com 4

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The Sinj Alka is inscribed on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

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© Željko Zrnčić / Sinj Tourist Board

© Ante Gašpar / Sinj Tourist Board

© Ivan Alebić / Sinj Tourist Board 1

© Ilija Veselica / Sinj Tourist Board

Experience Croatia

© Milan Šabić / Sinj Tourist Board

SINJ

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In the city of Alkars

1 A procession for the Feast of the Assumption; 2 The Sinj Alka Museum; 3 An Alkar competing; 4 Kayaking on the Cetina; 5 The church on Sinj's Grad fortress and the statue of Our Lady of Sinj.

Sinj is the only place you will see the Alka knights' tournament, which is something the city lives for.

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ot only does it have the sea, but the heart of Dalmatia also hides several surprises in its interior.

One of them is the city of Sinj, a town located thirty kilometers away from the Adriatic Sea and the city of Split. You will find it surrounded by three mountains, fertile fields, rough stone, and the refreshing Cetina River, all guarded by the watchful eye of Alkar knights and Our Lady of Sinj. Although you can visit it at any time of year, the best time to visit Sinj is the first weekend (Sunday) in August.

In Sinj at that time, for more than three centuries, you can see the Sinj Alka, a one-of-a-kind knights' tournament.

For the people of Sinj, it has a deep and double meaning - it is organized in memory of the win of Sinj's knights against the Ottomans who besieged Sinj in 1715, and as a sign of gratitude to Our Lady of Sinj who, according to belief, saved the city at the time.

To get a bird's-eye view of Sinj, head up to the ruins of Sinj's fortress, Grad, where you will find a statue of Our Lady of Sinj. Tour the Kamičak fortress and the church of the miraculous Our Lady of Sinj, and have a look at the multimedia Sinj Alka Museum, where you will learn about the knights' tournament that means the world in Sinj in detail. Thanks to its natural beauty, Sinj is also an endless source of inspiration for those who like to spend their vacation actively. There you will find a labyrinth of walking, hiking, and cycling trails. Those looking for a bit more adrenaline can try their hand at paragliding and skydiving, or head out on an exciting quad ride or jeep safari. Recreational horseback riding, kayaking or canoeing on the Cetina River, or rowing on Perućko Lake are also experiences that you will remember for a very long time. 

© Ivan Alebić / Sinj Tourist Board

Text: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: Sinj Tourist Board

Sinj Tourist Board Put Petrovca 12 • 21230 Sinj • Croatia  +385 21 826352 • info@visitsinj.com

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CROATIA

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News and interesting facts

© URIHO

Tourists reserving their stay later and later, poor economic trends on key emissive markets in the European Union, and a great return of the markets of the eastern Mediterranean, particularly Turkey, bring about uncertainty in this year's tourism results, and market uncertainty is a factor that will also mark the tourism seasons in the future concluded Tourist Impulse, the first regular publication that presents tourism trends, which was presented by Veljko Ostojić, director of the Croatian Tourism Association (HUT - Hrvatska udruga turizma) on March 26, 2019 in Zagreb. He emphasized that along with uncertainty in the area, an additional challenge that Croatian tourism companies face are dominant factors in the business world in Croatia, which are the lack of work force and uncompetitive business climate.

Discover natural attractions of Croatia

The most Zagrebian souvenir: Purger and Purgerica

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© URIHO

HUT presented Tourist Impulse

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The Šestine folk costume, umbrella, and licitar are already recognizable symbols of the city of Zagreb, but also of Croatia, so URIHO's designers wanted to come up with a souvenir to include those traditional details.

Amongst the many proposals, the idea that designer Irena Rački came up with won: the Purger dressed in a Šestine folk costume with a black hat that has a small rim and tricolor ribbon, and the Purgerica in a Prigorje folk costume with a scarf on her head and an apron.

Shirts, bags, aprons, children's onesies, bibs, notebooks, pens, cups, lighters, and coasters with the motifs of the Purger and Purgerica are the most Zagrebian souvenir that have been made with love by people with disabilities. The souvenirs can be purchased via the URIHO web shop, or in the gallery/retail store in Gajeva 4 in Zagreb.

Croatia is rich in natural attractions and diversity, and is also one of ecologically best preserved areas in Europe.

Imaginative illustrations and amazing photographs bring Croatian national and nature parks, fascinating facts about plants and animals, and everything else that makes the nature in Croatia attractive, special and wonderful to life.

Find out more at:

www.nakladanika.hr

© Emil Škare / Dugopolje Tourist Board

© Emil Škare / Dugopolje Tourist Board

Vranjača Cave was first opened to tourists in 1929, and this year it's celebrating the 90th anniversary of its first tourist visits. In 1963, it was named a protected geomorphological natural monument. See a short video about the cave here:

Experience Croatia

© Emil Škare / Dugopolje Tourist Board

DUGOPOLJE

Dalmatia's speleological beauty Vranjača Cave is one of the most beautiful Dalmatian caves open for tourists.

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re you looking for refreshment and an escape from the hot beaches, or do you just want peace and quiet and to immerse yourself completely in nature? In either case, head to Dugopolje, a town at the foot of the northern slopes of Mosor Mountain in Split's hinterland, near the highway and all the important travel destinations in Dalmatia's interior. Dugopolje is known as a modern commercial zone with outlet stores, restaurants and cafés, and accommodations, and behind that modern façade lies its traditional side, intertwined into the lives of the local population. It is also an area with impressive nature that showed its greatest level of creativity in the Vranjača Cave, a protected geomorphological natural monument. It is located in the calm settlement of Kotlenice, which is just a ten-minute drive from Dugopolje and half an hour from the hustle and bustle of Split. Like many tourists who come to rest and relax in the heart of Dalmatia, don't miss out on walking

through its halls that are a pleasant 15 degrees Celsius (which is the temperature inside the cave all year long) and enjoying the view of the exquisite stalactites, stalagmites, and other cave decorations that nature gave to that part of the Dalmatian underground. The cave is managed by the Punda family, whose land the cave is on, and who will gladly share various interesting facts about that natural phenomenon.

Dugopolje is also a favorite destination for fans of active vacations, and especially for cyclists. Of the many trails, the longest one leads from Dugopolje to the cave, and it's worth the ride towards the villages on the northern side of Mosor, as well as towards the attractive Klis fortress, which is located just eight kilometers from Dugopolje. The fact that Dugopolje is a bike friendly destination is proven in the many rest stops for cyclists with the appropriate infrastructure, and a public shared-bike system is also available. 

© Emil Škare / Dugopolje Tourist Board

Text: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: Dugopolje Tourist Board

Dugopolje Tourist Board Matice hrvatske 11 • 21204 Dugopolje Croatia •  +385 21 656189 info@tzo.dugopolje.hr

www.visitdugopolje.com

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Experience Croatia

OMIŠ

The Cetina River Canyon has boasted the status of protected natural landscape since 1963.

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From serenity to adrenaline Surrounded by an emerald river, clean sea, and mighty mountain, find the right balance between adrenaline and a relaxing vacation for all the senses.

Text: Željka Kunštek Photos: Omiš Tourist Board

1 The Cetina River Canyon; The Mirabela tower and the old part of the city; 3 The church of St. Rocco in the old center of Omiš; 4 A view of Omiš.

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mmediately upon arrival in Omiš, it will become clear that you aren't in a typical Dalmatian town. Nature made its mark in Omiš, located about twenty kilometers southeast of the city of Split, and showed its creativity primarily in the formation of the impressive canyon of the emerald Cetina River that cut its way into the mountain on its way to the sea.

Nowadays, that landscape is enjoyed and inspiration is found by fans of active vacations, adventurers, photographers, painters... An unforgettable view of the canyon, steep cliffs, and medieval Omiš can be seen from the Mirabela city fortress that still reminds the people of Omiš of the famous pirate past of the city. Make your way up to Fortica, a fortress that is more than 500 years old that will reward you with a spectacular view of the central Dalmatian islands of Brač, Hvar, and Šolta, along with the canyon and Omiš hinterland, where you will find Poljica, a group of villages at the foot of Mosor Mountain, in the middle.

That is where the former Republic of Poljica, the first of its kind in Europe, was located, where the people reigned and every year they would elect their

leader - the duke of Poljica. The Republic even had its own statute that dated back to 1400. Find out more about the rest of their history there, from the locals, first-hand, while you treat your taste buds to soparnik, a traditional dish from Poljica that has been safeguarded by the EU by the Protected Designations of Origin trademark.

Along with the Cetina River canyon, the picturesque old city center and Poljica, another strong tourist feature of Omiš is its riviera lined with small, charming fishing villages. In every single one of them, you will find sandy and pebble beaches splashed by the crystal clear sea, but also the peace and quiet you need. Enjoy swimming, diving, windsailing, and other water sports.

Omiš offers endless opportunities for an active vacation. Take advantage of the Cetina for unforgettable rafting, kayaking, or canyoning, which combines walking, swimming under waterfalls, and mastering river rapids. You will also get a huge dose of adrenaline at the zip line above the canyon, as well as on the steep cliffs that are a challenge for every climber. If you prefer hiking or walking,

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or a combination of the two, trekking, head down one of the thematic trails, but also make sure not to miss out on Imbertrek, a race through Omiš's hills and the Cetina canyon that is held every year in March. April in Omiš is in the sign of the Mosor Grebbening trekking race, while in September get your running shoes ready for the Omiš half-marathon, and for the Dalmatia Ultra Trail in October.

You are sure to work up an appetite from all the outdoor activities.

Recharge your energy levels in one of Omiš's taverns and restaurants with Dalmatian prosciutto, grilled fish, dishes roasted under a bell, or, as we already

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mentioned, with Poljica soparnik. Olive oil and homemade wine are something you have to try, and for a full experience, the people of Omiš will say there also needs to be music. Local melodies, klapa, which UNESCO added to its list of intangible cultural heritage. If they were to make a list of the most spectacular events, the reenacted pirate battle that is held every year on August 18 in Omiš's city harbor would surely make it onto the list. The fiery battle between the people of Omiš and the Venetians, the crashing of two sailboats, swords, flintlocks... It's a real Hollywood blockbuster that takes place live right in front of your very eyes. 

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5 Canyoning; 6 Rafting; 7 Omiš is paradise for cyclists; 8 Zip lining above the canyon; 9 The Omiš Riviera is famous for its sandy and pebble beaches.

Did you know that Omiš is the most famous Croatian city of klapa, and the city where the first and oldest Dalmatian tavern was opened?

Share with us your Omiš experience! #loveomis | www.visitomis.hr

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© Studio Blagec / Baška Voda Tourist Board

© Studio Blagec / Baška Voda Tourist Board

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The beauty of Baška Voda was also recognized by filmmakers who filmed several films, shows and music videos in a dozen locations there.

Amongst other places, you can see scenes shot in Baška Voda in HBO's popular show, Game of Thrones.

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© Ljudevit Blagec / Baška Voda Tourist Board

© Ljudevit Blagec / Baška Voda Tourist Board

BAŠKA VODA

© Robert Kunštek / tipTravel magazine

Experience Croatia

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Like in a movie

1 3 Nikolina Beach; 2 The village of Topići, near which scenes for Game of Thrones were shot; 4 Grand Hotel Slavia; 5 A small harbor in Baška Voda.

A vacation in Baška Voda is just like one in the movies - next to pristine beaches, the turquoise sea, in a lively destination...

"Sense of the sea, sense of the mountain"

Text: Mirela Drkulec Miletić ◆ Photos: Baška Voda Tourist Board

Baška Voda Tourist Board Obala sv. Nikole 31 • 21320 Baška Voda Croatia •  +385 21 620713 info@baskavoda.hr

www.baskavoda.hr

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© Studio Blagec / Baška Voda Tourist Board

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he clear emerald sea splashes the six and a half kilometers of white stone beaches lined with pine trees and the lively Dalmatian town above which the untamed Biokovo Mountain rises - that is Baška Voda, a famous resort in Dalmatia located about 50 kilometers south of Split. Amongst the many beaches, Nikolina Beach stands out, and it flies the Blue Flag, a guarantee the sea is clean. The beach and the entire town also won the valuable Blue Flower tourism award. The view of the beach from the web camera has been proclaimed to be amongst the most beautiful in the world, and the Daily Mail said it was one of the top ten most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean.

This summer, walk down the new beachside promenade that runs alongside the entire south side (next to Nikolina and Stazica beaches) with even

more facilities, a new child's playground, and a beach for pets. Tighten the sails and sail out to sea or head down one of the many walking paths. Take along the new travel map that includes the walking trails in the surrounding area, which also includes trails on Biokovo.

The locals have also prepared a new, more detailed guide on Baška Voda that will be available not only in Croatian, but also in ten other international languages and it includes free postcards of the place. All those publications include QR codes for free app downloads with audio guides in five languages.

Along with great accommodations (more than 40 houses with pools, six four-star hotels, two camps), Baška Voda also offers great entertainment.

It is especially lively during the Baška Voda Summer Festival. Have fun at the concerts and folk dance performances at that traditional event. 

BRELA

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Once Brela, always Brela Embraced by the sea and the mountains, you will find Brela, a place that you will, once you discover it, always return to.

Text: Petra Škofić ◆ Photos: Ljudevit Blagec / Brela Tourist Board

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n one side is the magnificent Biokovo Mountain, and on the other, the turquoise Adriatic Sea with six kilometers of white sandy beaches - it's hard to find a more beautiful backdrop for a vacation. Journalists from renowned international publications such as Forbes and The Huffington Post along with the European Best Destinations website fell under the spell of the irresistible charm of Brela, a town on the Makarska Riviera, and the enchanting beauty of Brela's most famous beach Punta Rata. The beach is also famous for the boulder immersed in the sea where Mediterranean monk seals used to rest, which is now Brela's

trademark attraction. The beautiful appearance and clean sea are a feature of all of Brela's beaches, and visitors of all ages will find something to suit their taste. The waterpark, trampolines, pedal boats, water scooters, kayaks, parasailing, diving, programs with animators for children and adults...

There are truly plenty of things to do.

Outdoor exercise equipment awaits you next to the six and a half kilometer long seaside promenade, the Path of Vitality, and you can get an attractive, breathtaking view of Brela, the Makarska Riviera and the surrounding islands from the educational French Road, an incredibly valuable road with ruins of a 19th century dry stone wall.

For those who are a bit braver, there are more demanding walking and hiking trails in the nearby Biokovo Nature Park, and cyclists will be delighted with the trail that is part of the first lap of the international Tour of Croatia bike race.

Luxurious hotels, superb private accommodations, and a lavish offer of food and wine complement the many sports, musical, and cultural events that, with the enchanting beauty of Brela, complete the tried-and-true formula for a dream vacation. 

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1 Podrače Beach; 2 Brela offers many options for an active holiday; 3 On the French Road; 4 Punta Rata Beach; 5 A view of Brela.

Brela Tourist Board Trg A. Stepinca b.b. • 21322 Brela • Croatia  +385 21 618455 • info@brela.hr

www.brela.hr

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© Slavo Jakša / "Biokovo Nature Park" Public Institution

© Stipe Srzić / "Biokovo Nature Park" Public Institution

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Did you know that Biokovo is the tallest mountain closest to the 23 coast in the Mediterranean? The mountain is also homeminimalna to many dimenzija = x archeological artifacts, shepherd's 23 × 19 mm huts, churches, and chapels, 87 of which can be found there.

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Enhance your holiday at the heavenly Makarska Riviera by going to Biokovo, and before you head out, find out more about the mountain at the "Adrion - heart of the mountain" center.

1 Mountain goats are one of Biokovo's trademarks; 2 The church of St. George on the peak that shares its name; 3 The silvery dwarf harebell (Edraianthus pumilio); 4 "Adrion - heart of the mountain" center.

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ike a guardian, the slopes of the impressive Biokovo Mountain rise 150% x above the Makarska Riviera, a travel paradise in central Dalmatia known for its heavenly white beaches and crystal clear sea that splashes them. True holiday enjoyment is experienced by those who enrich their stay at the Riviera by visiting Biokovo, home to the second Park prirode • Nature Park 4 highest peak in Croatia, St. George (1762 m), where a church bearing the same name stands at the highest Once you get to know more about the altitude in Croatia. Alongside numerous rich flora and fauna of the mountain, hiking trails, a 23 km long road, the which is also home to endemic species, highest paved road in Croatia, also leads it will be clear why the mountain has to it. It is truly worth the effort to head been proclaimed a nature park. up to the top, where a reward awaits If the summer heat gets to you and you one of the most beautiful panoramas become too lazy to climb up it, you that you can imagine - of the Riviera and can feel the mountain vibe and find the surrounding islands immersed in 200% x out more about it at the "Adrion - heart the blue sea, and on clear days, the view of the mountain" multimedia center, stretches all the way to Italy, located located at part of the City Sports Center 250 km away. Stop at the base of the in Makarska. Tour its halls and get to mountain, where there are boulders know Biokovo interactively. Make sure that are more than 220 million years to visit the small hall, which acts as a old. There, you will also find Biokovo's Biokovo cave, and try to simulate an Botanical Garden, Kotišina. The park is earthquake while there. After you tour also full of karst phenomena - sinkholes, the center, you will very like decide to cracks, caves, and pits, the deepest one hike on one of the trails of the mighty, bearing the name Mokre noge (-831 •m), Park prirode Nature Park beautiful mountain.  which is the fourth deepest in Croatia.

biokovo

© Stipe Srzić / "Biokovo Nature Park" Public Institution

"Biokovo Nature Park" Public Institution Franjevački put 2A 21300 Makarska • Croatia  +385 21 616924 info@pp-biokovo.hr

minimalna dimenzija = x 23 × 19 mm

Text: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: "Biokovo Nature Park" Public Institution

Park prirode • Nature Park

Park prirode • Nature Park

tipTravelMagazine May 2019 - April 2020

znak-logotip

In the heart of the mountain

biokovo

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© Stipe Srzić / "Biokovo Nature Park" Public Institution

Explore Croatia

biokovo

Dimenzije odn bi se stvorio k

pozitiv Minimalna vel logotip je 23 × smije upotreb

Za znak-logot dimenzijama o progresivno p 500% x, 600%

The summer flight schedule towards Croatia includes 81 new connections by air

Discover Croatia with Croatia Airlines!

Air France boosts flights to Split and Dubrovnik

Fly to Croatia - visit Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Pula, Zadar and other Croatian cities, explore their surroundings, enjoy the Croatian culture, nature, people, cuisine, and much more. With Croatia Airlines, Croatia is easily accessible from many European countries. As the best way to get to know Croatia is to combine a visit to the Croatian capital Zagreb and at least one of the Croatian coastal towns, take one of Croatia Airlines domestic flights to reach other destinations in Croatia and discover other parts of the country. Visit www.croatiaairlines.com or m.croatiaairlines.com, check out Croatia Airlines' special offers, buy your ticket and enjoy your stay in Croatia!

The Air France and KLM group are introducing a new flight that will connect Paris and Split from July 16 to September 1, 2019.

Air France is also increasing the number of weekly flights to Dubrovnik (from two to five) from April to September, and introducing flights on weekends during the summer season.

© Air France

During the summer flight schedule, which includes the time from March 31 to October 27, 2019, a total of 81 new connections towards Croatia were introduced, including regular, low-cost, and charter lines, from 24 international markets. Most of the new lines, 14 of them, depart from cities in Germany, followed by 12 new lines from Great Britain, 8 lines from France, 5 from Italy, 4 from the Netherlands... Most of the turnarounds are planned between Croatia and Germany, Great Britain, France, Austria, and Switzerland, while most of the new lines will fly to the airports in Zadar, Split, Dubrovnik, Pula, and Rijeka. As far as airlines go, most of the new lines, 15 of them, were introduced by Ryanair, while eight new lines were introduced by Volotea, six new lines by TUI, and five new lines by easyJet.

News from the air

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Split © Robert Kunštek / tipTravel magazine

CROATIA AND THE WORLD

Emirates connecting Dubai and Zagreb during the summer

© Šime Lugarov / Real Grupa

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© Witold Ryka / Real Grupa

As of April 2019, Emirates Airlines has taken over flights from Dubai to Zagreb for the period during the summer flight schedule, all the way up to October 26, 2019. After that, flydubai, their partner airline, will take over flights during the winter season.

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KORČULA ISLAND ©A

An exotic beach on the islet of Proizd, near Vela Luka; 2 The old city center of the city of Korčula; 3 Pržina Beach in Lumbarda; 4 Riding bikes in Smokvica; 5 The settlement of Prižba, near Blato; 6 Dry stone walls, an olive grove, and the crystal clear sea in Vela Luka.

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It's so beautiful that it seems surreal and so pleasant that soon upon arrival you will feel as if you have known each other for a long time. That's Korčula, an attractive island in southern Croatia that will sweep you off of your feet at first sight.

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© Dinko Franotović / Korčula Tourist Board

KORČULA ISLAND: Korčula

© Stjepan Tafra / Korčula Tourist Board

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A view of the old city center; The Moreška; 3 Korčula is a favorite destination for gourmets; 4 A brotherhood procession in front of Revelin Tower.

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ccording to legend, it was founded by the Greek hero Antenor, it is the hometown of world traveler, Marco Polo, and today anyone who visits it at least once forms a connection with it. The city of Korčula, located on the island of the same name, will win you over with ease. Besides being one of the bestpreserved medieval island cities in the Mediterranean, it is unique in many ways. You will be delighted by its narrow stone streets and squares, laid out in a herringbone pattern, as well as the opulent stone palaces, churches, and towers you will pass by. If you watch the procession of brotherhoods around the city just once at dusk, enjoy the Moreška knights' dance, admire the magnificent sunset from the tower in the western harbor or treat your taste buds to the creative seafood and meat dishes and the magnificent drops of olive oil and Pošip, a superb indigenous white wine, there is no doubt - you will

return to Korčula. Explore its nearby surroundings - charming places such as Žrnovo, Pupnat, Račišće, and Čara.

Swim in its hidden coves with pebble beaches and at the popular Pupnatska Luka, and then sail to the nearby islands of Badija and Vrnik. Get to know the hospitable locals, and some of the many events during 2019 are a great opportunity to do so: Flavors of Korčula Island (May - September), the Sword Dance Festival (June 14 - September), the International Marco Polo Art Festival (June 1-5), the Half New Year Masqueraded Celebration (June 30), the celebration of St. Theodore, the city's patron saint, and the Day of the City of Korčula (July 29), the "Black Island - White Wines" wine festival (July 14), and Pošip Days (July 27 August 3), the Korčula Baroque Festival (August 31 - September 16)... At the end of the day, gather your thoughts in one of the comfortable apartments and villas or superb hotels. 

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Korčula is a city for true hedonists, esthetes, and those with a refined taste.

Obala dr. Franje Tuđmana 4 20260 Korčula • Croatia  +385 20 715701 info@visitkorcula.eu tzg-korcule@du.t-com.hr

www.visitkorcula.eu

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KORČULA ISLAND: Korčula

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1 A selfie for Instagram; 2 A terrace with a view for a dream wedding; 3 4 Relaxing with a gin & tonic or a good book; 5 Port 9 Resort is a starting point for surfing through the Pelješac Channel; 6 Gin & tonic.

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As pioneers in Croatia, this year, the hosts at the Port 9 Resort in the city of Korčula are introducing an Instagram spots map with seven Instagram locations for the perfect holiday photo. Yes, your friends are sure to be jealous of you for taking them. Don't forget to follow everything with the hashtag #Port9Resort and #SunnySideOfYou. This year, the attractive Amazing Summer by Port 9 entertainment program continues. Don't miss out on Gong Therapy, the tea party (Tea o'clock) on Mondays at 5:00 PM, the Dalmatian and dance/latino night, the fire show, wine tasting, show cooking, movie nights under the stars... The Gin Night Lesson is a true treat, Wednesday evening events inspired by gin & tonic, the most popular cocktail in the world.

Discover the story of its creation, production, storage, and the types, and try a gin & tonic cake. Enjoy sipping it during all the days of your stay in style - at the G&T Lounge Ventula, where they successfully combine it with aromatic island herbs, which results in a rhapsody of flavor. And say "yes" - to a vacation at the Port 9 Resort, and to tying the knot with the one you love and celebrating it in that safe harbor with your closest family and friends, creating the most beautiful memories together. 

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ovie title: Korčula's Magnificent Seven, the main actors: Port 9 Hotel, Port 9 Apartments, Hotel Liburna, Hotel Korčula De La Ville, Marko Polo Village, Hotel Marko Polo and Hotel Park, producer: Korčula Hotels, inspired by: Marco Polo. That's what it would sound like in the world of movies, and when you come back to reality, to the city of Korčula on the island of the same name, it will soon become clear that your vacation there will be just like one from the movies. Your host on Korčula with a long history in tourism, Korčula Hotels, which has managed to combine the thousand years of Korčula's tradition with a modern approach to tourism, will make sure you feel like that.

Besides spoiling you with superbly furnished accommodations at

attractive locations, it will also delight you with its gourmet food and wine story, plenty of content for a relaxing vacation, and special features at each of its seven beauties.

The designer Hotel Liburna fascinates with the most beautiful view of renaissance Korčula, while the charming Korčula de la Ville Hotel in the old city center is an oasis for hedonists. Fans of nature will find their calm home base in the modern mobile homes at Marko Polo Village, surrounded by greenery. Both the Marko Polo and Park hotels guarantee a great vacation, while the Port 9 Resort is an absolute hit this year. Located in Shell Bay, it includes a hotel, suites, the luxurious Villa Andreis, and a camp. This year, the resort also awaits you with a newly-renovated beach with plenty of

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1 The view from Hotel Liburna of the old city center of Korčula; 2 3 Port 9 Hotel and the pool at the Port 9 Resort; 4 The interior of a Port 9 Apartment; 5 The Premium Suite at the Hotel Korčula De La Ville; 6 A room at the Port 9 Hotel.

content for all ages, a VIP zone, and ambience lighting. Novelties include the Port 9 Art Gallery with paintings

by Charles Billich, along with a Concept Store with an offer of artwork, autochtonous island products, and a line of gifts. Find out more details at: www.korcula-hotels.com 

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© Lujo Frlan / Lumbarda Tourist Board

© Lujo Frlan / Lumbarda Tourist Board

KORČULA ISLAND: Lumbarda, Smokvica, Blato, Vela Luka

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The hidden paradise of the southern Adriatic Inspired by Marco Polo, explore the entire island of Korčula, duck into its streets, coves, taverns, caves...

Text: Željka Kunštek Photos: Lumbarda Tourist Board, Smokvica Tourist Board, Blato Tourist Board, Vela Luka Tourist Board

© Šime Strikoman / Smokvica Tourist Board

1 Lumbarda; 2 Pržina Beach in Lumbarda; 3 The Lumbarda Psephisma, a Greek inscription carved in stone that dates back to the 3rd century B.C.; 4 Pošip; 5 Brna Bay; 6 Kumpanija in Smokvica.

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ust like the famous traveler and explorer, Marco Polo, don't just stop by the city of Korčula, but also head out on an adventure to the other places on the island of Korčula. The town closest to the city of Korčula is Lumbarda, a sandy heaven that is perfect for a family vacation. The soft, warm sand of Pržina and Bilin žal beaches are loved by all generations, and fans of active vacations will also enjoy themselves on the beaches. There you can rent a boat, sea scooter, or a kayak, and head off to a hidden cove, or simply play beach volleyball. Just walking down the beach and the seaside promenades or riding a bike through vineyards and olive groves is a joy in itself. When you get hungry, a feast for your taste buds awaits you in local taverns and restaurants. Delicious seafood specialties enriched with homemade olive oil, and Lumbarda's absolute star - Grk, white wine made with the autochtonous grapes of the same name, will round off the experience.

Continue on towards the heart of the island and you will reach Smokvica, a place famous for olive groves and vineyards where Pošip is king. The autochtonous sort was used by locals to make the first protected white Croatian wine, and they even named a trail after it (the Pošip trail) and raised a monument in its honor. The homeland of Pošip is also full of other experiences and there are also many legends tied to it. The best-known one is the legend about the dancing fairies that gather at night in Vilin dol. Smokvica is also an ideal place for recreation and is crisscrossed with walking and cycling trails, and there are also attractive bays nearby. One of the larger bays, Brna, is a favorite destination for sailors and divers, and beautiful Istruga, which has a cave, is also worth a visit. Get to know more about Smokvica and its locals at the table, through delicious traditional food, as well as through kumpanija, a knights' sword dance,

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KORČULA ISLAND

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www.tz-lumbarda.hr Smokvica Tourist Board

www.brna.hr Blato Tourist Board 7 Plokata in Blato; 8 Barilo Ethno House in Blato; 9 Blato lumblija; 10 Vela Luka; 11 A beach on the islet of Proizd; 12 Vela Spila.

and klapa and choir singing, which has been nurtured for centuries.

Many other traditions have also been carefully kept on the island for a long time, such as the one of making Blato's lumblija, an old-fashioned cake inspired by great love that dates back to the time of Napoleon. Every year, the entire month of October is dedicated to lumblija in Blato, the largest island settlement, located in the interior of the island. Blato is also unique for its linden tree alley, the second-longest linden-lined alley in Europe, after Berlin's Unter den Linden. It is a truly aromatic experience to be there during blooming season. Like a time capsule, the Barilo Ethno House will take you back in time through Blato's history, just as a walk down Plokata, a large square with a lodge in front of the parish church of All Saints. In Blato, you will also find the shrine of the Blessed Marija of Crucified Jesus Petković, and nearby are the charming coves of Prižba, Prigradica, Karbuni...

End your trip to the island in style - in Vela Luka, located in a nine-kilometer-

© Saša Prižmić / Vela Luka Tourist Board

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long bay. That place, sung about in many songs and strongly connected to Oliver Dragojević, a Croatian musical legend, is special for many reasons. If you are ready to go on a 20 thousand year-long journey back in time, visit Vela Spila, an ancient archeological site, which is one of the most important sites in Europe that offers a glimpse of what life was like in the Mediterranean. You will get the best experience of what life is like in Vela Luka today as you walk down one of the paths or ride your bike down the bike trails. It is a perfect place for an active vacation. If you go there during the warmer months, don't miss out on swimming in the turquoise sea that splashes the exotic Bili Boci Beach on the nearby islet of Proizd. Get to know more about the flavors of Vela Luka, see the kumpanija, and visit one of the growing number of events. 

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Courtyards Once again this summer, the courtyards of some of Zagreb's most beautiful palaces in the Upper Town will open their doors for ten days. There you can expect to find a lot of urban fun, live music from jazz and classical to pop, tasty treats, and refreshing drinks.

Don't miss out on Courtyards (July 12 - 21, 2019), each of which has a story of its own.

Good Food Festival

© Dubrovnik Tourist Board

Once again, gourmets are sure to visit the Good Food Festival (October 14 - 20, 2019) in Dubrovnik, a festival of fantastic food and wine that includes plenty of workshops, presentations, thematic evenings, gastro tours...

The highlight of the festival is a Dubrovnik feast down the entire length of Stradun. www.tzdubrovnik.hr

www.dvorista.in

Rovinj will once again play host to one of the most attractive sailing competitions - Adris 44Cup (May 28 - June 2, 2019).

Each team will sail on identical class RC44 sailboats that have great acceleration, and they can sail in all conditions, which guarantees an exciting and fair competition where the skills of the crew and helmsman are important. www.44cup.org

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Adris 44Cup

A musical time machine in Opatija where whimsical swing, playful rockabilly, solid rock riffs, spontaneous jazz improvisations, and electric disco rhythms are combined, which will once again create a fantastic show dedicated to the key music styles of the previous century. Visit RetrOpatija (June 22 - 29, 2019)... www.visitopatija.com

Rab fjera © David Kurti / Opatija Tourist Board

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RetrOpatija

This year, the first and largest medieval summer festival in Croatia, Rab fjera (July 25 - 27, 2019) will once again take the city of Rab back in time, to the time of old crafts, songs and music, but also flavors. www.rab-visit.com

tipTravel magazine is not responsible for decisions made by event planners regarding changes in schedules, performers, programs, or in case the event is cancelled. So, in order to find out the details for the event you are interested in, click on the link below the announcement.

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© Toni Miletić / Tourist Board of Dubrovačko primorje - Slano

© Toni Miletić / Tourist Board of Dubrovačko primorje - Slano

DUBROVNIK COAST - SLANO

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Full of experiences Natural beauty, cultural attractions, options for an active vacation and entertainment... The Dubrovnik Coast has it all!

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f you head northwest from Dubrovnik, one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean, in less than 40 kilo­ meters you will reach the seemingly calm town of Slano, which is actually full of experiences. It is located in a 5 km-long bay, and is the center of the Dubrovnik Coast. It is an area with lush Mediterranean vegetation, hidden beaches and coves, and unexpected cultural attractions. Alongside the many churches and stone houses, the remains of the Rotonda, a unique circular church with eight semi-circular apses that dates back to the 9th or 10th century, also attracts special attention. According to legend, a golden bell was buried near it. It's also worth taking the time to visit the 15th century Franciscan monastery and church of St. Jerome and the Prince's Palace, and another special feature of the area are stećci - medieval stone tombstone monuments, often ornately

© Dubrovnik Adventures / Tourist Board of Dubrovačko primorje - Slano

decorated with ornaments. There are 34 such sites preserved in the Dubrovnik Coast. You can reach them on foot, by car, or by bike via the marked "Stećci of the Dubrovnik Coast" bike trail. While there, stop by the taverns and country estates and get some refreshment with homemade delicacies, and make sure to try the wine, olive oil, and honey.

The Dubrovnik Coast is also perfect for riding quads (which can be rented) in the hinterland, but also for enjoying water sports. Jet-ski, windsailing, waterskiing, diving down to old sunken ships, or just swimming in the crystalclear sea and enjoying the beautiful beaches... There truly are many options.

Slano is also loved by sailors who love to drop anchor at the modern and wellequipped "Veljko Barbieri" ACI marina, and for many of them, Slano is the starting point for achieving their nautical dreams in the southern Adriatic. 

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1 A view of the Admiral Grand Hotel, the beach, and Slano; 2 The "Veljko Barbieri" ACI marina; 3 A stećak at the Novakovo Greblje site; 4 Riding quads in the hinterlands.

Text: Željka Kunštek Photos: Tourist Board of Dubrovačko primorje - Slano

Tourist Board of Dubrovačko primorje Slano Trg Ruđera Boškovića 1 20232 Slano • Croatia  +385 20 871236 tzo@dubrovackoprimorje.hr

www.visit-slano.com

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UNESCO

STEĆCI - MEDIEVAL TOMBSTONE GRAVEYARDS Stazama stećaka / On the Trails of Medieval Tombstones Stećci

© DUNEA Regional Development Agency, www.dunea.hr

The stone sleepers of southern Croatia Text: Željka Kunštek

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Get to know more about stećci...

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outhern Croatia is rich not only in natural beauty, but also in cultural, historical, artistic, and sacral heritage, which is so harmoniously combined in stećci, medieval tombstones. There are several thousand in Croatia, and those stone sleepers can be found at various sites in various shapes - from slabs and chests to a 'sljemenjak' (a rectangular house with a ridged roof ). Sometimes they mark one, and at other times several graves,

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and they are often decorated with various motifs. They can most commonly be found near churches, wells, springs and ponds, and in distant mountainous areas and at archeological sites.

Two stećci necropolises - in Cista Provo (at the Crljivica archeological site, near Imotski) and in Konavle (the site next to the church of St. Barbara, near Dubrovnik) - have been recognized by UNESCO and were inscribed on its prestigious list of World Heritage Sites in 2016, along with necropolises in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Serbia.

There are around a hundred stećci at the Crljivica site, and around 50 of them are adorned with various motifs - crosses, lilies, the moon and stars, weapons, cavalry and hunting scenes, people dancing, and battles. The site next to the church of St. Barbara, one of the oldest in Konavle, is also home to around a hundred stećci, many of which are decorated with meaningful messages. On them, you will see motifs of bows and arrows, outstretched hands, rosettes, crosses, shields and swords... Look for stećci while you are in that part of Croatia, as they are sure to intrigue you. 

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Jubilees

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Dubrovnik to celebrate great jubilees For Dubrovnik, 2019 is an incredibly important year because the city surrounded by walls is celebrating four impressive jubilees.

Text: Mirela Drkulec Miletić Photos: Dubrovnik Tourist Board

1 Dubrovnik's historical center is encircled by two kilometers of walls.

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t is rare that the stars align so that in just one year a city celebrates four important, great jubilees. That is precisely what is happening to Dubrovnik, "the pearl of the Adriatic", as the poet Lord Byron called it, this year, in 2019. Everyone who has at least once looked in amazement at the famous view of Dubrovnik from the surrounding hills, watched the frothing waves from the boulders of Dubrovnik, or explored the hidden corners of Renaissance and Baroque façades will understand why

Dubrovnik is, according to many, the most beautiful city in the Mediterranean.

The beauty of the city with a long and tumultuous history, and the preservation of its cultural heritage placed Dubrovnik on UNESCO's list of cultural heritage of the world. Precisely 40 years ago, UNESCO recognized the incredible value of Dubrovnik's historical center surrounded by two kilometers of walls, its integrity and authenticity. In 1994, UNESCO's protection expanded to the suburbs of Pile, Lovrijenac, the part

behind the city, Lazareti, Revelin, and the nearby island of Lokrum with the waters surrounding it.

Although they have become used to receiving compliments about their city, exactly ten years ago, the people of Dubrovnik were thrilled when they found out that their celebration of the Feast Day of St. Blaise, celebrated in honor of their patron saint, was added to UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The connection between the people of Dubrovnik and St. Blaise, a bishop and early-Christian martyr from Sebaste, is truly special. In Dubrovnik, St. Blaise has been revered as a patron saint since the 10th century, when, according to legend, he prevented the Venetians from conquering Dubrovnik.

It is impossible to come to Dubrovnik and not see the image of that saint. You can find him on flags, coins, stamps, and in pictures and sculptures in city and church museums, but also carved into the city walls and fortresses. The city celebrates its protector saint every year with a festival that lasts several

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days, and starts on February 2 with the raising of the saint's flag accompanied by releasing white doves, and continues the next day with an elaborate ceremonious procession, song and dance, and a raffle. Come to the Festival of St. Blaise and enjoy the lively costumes that are intricately decorated with embroidery and gold jewelry, and feel the spirit of the past and local traditions with the traditional linđo dance, which is performed accompanied by a local instrument, the lijerica.

Orlando's year Orlando quietly watches over the Festival of Saint Blaise. Since 1419, in the very heart of the city under Srđ Mountain, in front of the church of St. Blaise, a stone sculpture of that brave knight from Charles the Great's court, also known as Roland the knight, has proudly stood. For six centuries, Orlando has symbolized freedom for the people of Dubrovnik. Long ago in the past, Orlando's column was a shaming post, and messengers would stand in front of

2 Stradun, Dubrovnik's most popular street; 3 Dubrovnik's trombunjeri (military regiment) in a procession down Stradun on the Feast Day of St. Blaise; 4 A view of Dubrovnik and the island of Lokrum from Srđ Mountain, which is connected to the city with cable car; 5 A wooden karaka (carrack) ship in front of the old city harbor.

Do you know what a "Dubrovnik elbow" is? Have a closer look at Orlando's column and you will discover a measure for length, which the people of Dubrovnik defined according to the length of the elbow of the brave knight. So the "Dubrovnik elbow" is exactly 51.2 cm long, and the length is engraved into the base of Orlando's column.

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DUBROVNIK

While in Dubrovnik, have your picture taken in front of Orlando's column, and in the summer, enjoy the plentiful program of the Dubrovnik Summer Games (July 10 to August 25).

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Orlando's column proudly stands in front of the church of St. Blaise.

it when sharing the city government's news, and raising a flag on the column always meant important city events were coming. Every summer, on July 10, the raising of the Libertas

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flag on Orlando's column marks the start of the longest-lasting Croatian cultural festival, the Dubrovnik Summer Games.

This year, the Libertas flag will fly for the seventieth time and artists will take over the city until August 25, and turn it into an enormous outdoor theater. The city's fortresses, palaces, squares, summer homes, but also naturally beautiful sites such as parks, islands, and quarries become part of the magnificent festival story in that impressive ambiental theater.

Over the course of seven decades, the musical-theatrical festival has played host to many superb musicians, actors, directors, and other artists from Croatia and abroad. The exciting drama program, which was initially based on the works of two Renaissance writers, Marin DrĹžić and William Shakespeare, gives it a special tone, and over the past couple of years, it has also been enriched with works from contemporary writers. If you find yourself in Dubrovnik in the summer, make sure not to miss out on the magic of art under the stars. ď ś

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1 A view of Ston, the Ston walls, and the salt pans; 2 The Neretva Valley; 3 A performance of the Linđo dance; 4 Ston oysters; 5 A grape harvest on the Pelješac peninsula.

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Beautiful diversity.

Diversified beauty.

Southern Croatia is an endless source of travel inspiration. Along with the well-known destinations and attractions, give the less-known and incredibly valuable sites a chance to share their stories with you.

Once you arrive in the beautiful, sunny south, you will discover some new, completely unexpected experiences along the way and soon realize that the area has captured your heart forever...

Text: Željka Kunťtek

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ven though it could live for a long time on the tourism fame it has gained thanks to its abundant positive features - incredible natural beauty, an impressive cultural heritage, renowned food and wine, and plenty of developed tourism facilities - the far south of Croatia hasn't even considered that as an option for a single moment. Moreover, its locals have rapidly continued developing the tourism offer in order to invent new experiences, create new memories for you, satisfy the demands of various generations and types of guests, and motivate you to return again. That is how experts in tourism do it.

In the following pages, find out what they have prepared for you now, and to start off, watch a short four-minute video to remind yourself or get your first impression of the destination.

In today's digital times, one of the best destination stories we can share with you via the media is one told by video. So, click on the video, escape from the daily grind for a while, and immerse yourself in the beautiful diversity.

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6 The salt harvest in the Ston saltworks; 7 Mandarin oranges are a representative of the Neretva Valley; 8 The Neretva River Valley.

The "Rural educational cultural-ethnographic tourist attraction" is one of the most important projects currently underway in the far south of Croatia, in the DubrovnikNeretva County. The aim of the project is creating a complete cultural-tourist destination that includes rural and faraway regions of the county, connected in a unique tourism product called "Putevima prošlosti / Historical Trails". It includes activities from renewing cultural sites to digital access to cultural heritage. As part of the project, an incredibly valuable cultural site in the city of Korčula, the Ismaeli-Gabrielis palace, which houses the Korčula City Museum, is being renovated; on the Dubrovnik Coast, the parish house where the Native House of the Dubrovnik Coast will be established; in Smokvica on the island of Korčula, a Museum of Gold and Silver of Smokvica is being built, while the Austrian Path and thematic Babino polje trail is being restored on Mljet. The project started in January 2017 and lasts until January 2020, and is mostly co-financed by the European Union, from the European Fund for Regional Development.

In 2019, in order to bring cultural and ethnographic attractions of certain locations even closer to you through digital content, the locals have set up Wi-Fi Hot Spots in four places in the county - in Smokvica on the island of Korčula, in the town of Slano on the Dubrovnik Coast, in the Sobra ferry terminal on the island of Mljet, and in the city of Korčula.

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Fertile fields are a feature of the Neretva Valley; 10 A Neretva lađa; 11 The Neretva Valley is famous for growing juicy citrus fruits.

One valley, many stories

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For the people living there, it means the world, for tourists, it's a great discovery, and for adventurists, it's a true adventure. The Neretva Valley is Croatia's only river delta, and a place where the river, sea, lake, marshland, lowlands, and karst have lived together harmoniously for ages. Thanks to its abundance of water, fertile soil, and more than 2700 hours of sun per year, the valley is actually a large aromatic field where, depending on the season, the aroma of delicious fruit fills the air. Watermelons, figs, oranges, lemons, grapefruit, kiwis, grapes, peaches, nectarines, apples, apricots, plums, pomegranates... Everything grows successfully and in abundance there in the fertile Neretva soil. Still, the queen of them all is the mandarin orange. The Neretva mandarin is the juiciest and sweetest orange you will find in Croatia.

In the summer months, you can buy seasonal fruit chilled by the cold Neretva water at nearly every step in the valley. Choose your favorite fruit, and then, with the help of locals - the best guides, jump into a lađa (a traditional boat that the people of Neretva call a trupica) and head out on a photo safari. While you glide through the narrow arms between the reeds, grasses, and lily pads with ease, you will hear the call of the wild. Pay attention to the colors, aromas, and sounds. You will experience a concert where the croaking of the frogs competes with the chirping of birds and the call of sea gull, and in the summer, with the song of the crickets. If you watch carefully, you will see many species of birds. There are more than 300 types of birds

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Nature has gifted the Neretva Valley with abundance that later finds its way to the tables there. The absolute gastronomic hit are eels and frogs - try them prepared in the most famous and oldest way, in a brodetto stew. You will also find fantastic seafood dishes, along with dishes made with marshland birds, freshwater and saltwater crabs, and dishes roasted under the bell on the menus in Neretva. The fine Neretva wines will complement the experience.

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living in the Neretva area, which makes that area one of the top Croatian destinations for birdwatching, an activity that is growing in popularity worldwide. There are also three ornithological reserves in the area and two birdwatching towers. Some birds will gladly pose for a photo, such as the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), while the other birds can only be caught on cameras by the most patient birdwatchers.

Besides sounds of nature, there you will also hear many folk stories. The most famous one is tied to the depth of the Kuti Lake, which protects the secret of the sunken city.

The locals say its Gavan's court, while some researchers are convinced that the depths of the lake preserve the ruins of ancient Troy.

Decide for yourself what you believe is true.

A common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis); A black-headed bunting (Emberiza melanocephala); 14 A pygmy cormorant (Microcarbo pygmeus); 15 Kuti Lake; 16 Specialties made of eels and frogs.

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Riding in a lađa and paddleboarding on the Baćina Lakes; 18 A view of the fields and arms of the Neretva; 19 20 The Natural History Museum in Metković has a large ornithological collection.

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In the pace of nature

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In order to experience the pace of nature in the Neretva Valley even better, the locals continuously invest effort in the development of new content, the accompanying infrastructure, and education. A lot of those novelties will be introduced by the end of 2020 through the "Promoting sustainable development of the natural heritage of the Neretva Valley" project, co-financed

by European Union funds, with the slogan "Ritam prirode / Pace of nature". The Vrata Neretve Visitor's Center and Hiking Cabin, in Baćina, near the city of Ploče, will soon become a must-visit site for all guests in the area. In an interesting and modern way, through multimedia and didactic content, it will present their world of natural heritage and protected nature, including special ornithological reserves, biodiversity, and geographical diversity of the Neretva Valley.

The Natural History Museum in Metković, dedicated to the geology, speleology, and bio-speleology of the Neretva Valley will also receive upgrades to part of its exhibition, along with additional multimedia. Trovro, the highest mountain in the town of Rogotin, near the city of Ploče, which offers a unique view of the valley and the trail that leads to it, will also get a new look. The plateau at the top of the mountain will be renewed, along with the horticultural design of the

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As part of the project, there are also educational workshops on the natural riches of the Neretva Valley and on natural heritage in general. They are aimed at the local population, visitors, persons with disabilities, and school-age children, and a total of 700 people have gone through 21 educational workshops.

21 23 With their beauty, the Baćina Lakes attract fans of nature and active vacations, as well as many artists; 22 A black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus); 24 The city of Ploče.

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educational and ecological garden at the foot of the mountain.

The Trovro educational and ecological complex will also be enriched with a dry stone wall and the first stone wind organs in the world, which will use the power of the wind to produce sound. That's definitely an excellent additional reason to come, isn't it?

Nature also showed its beauty in the Baćina Lakes, a series of seven lakes, six of which are connected, and one is off on its own. In order to freely enjoy the enchanting water and the biological diversity of the entire area, the locals are building a viewpoint at the edge of one of the lakes. A thematic trail near the lakes with information and educational boards are also being built and installed, and emphasis has been placed on five things: Dragonflies (Odonata), Birds (Aves), Amphibians (Amphibia), Reptiles (Reptilia), and the Environmental network (Natura 2000).

Educational and ecological trails are also being built in the area of the protected Predolac - Šibenica Park Forest in the area of the city of Metković. Eight new thematic recreational trails with boards that have plenty of information on the area and protected species that live there will also be placed in that important landscape.

The youngest visitors will be intrigued by the children's Staševica educational and ecological garden with indigenous plants and habitats for indigenous species of birds, insects, and butterflies. They will also surely enjoy the educational eco-playground in Otrić-Seoci where, while playing, they can find out plenty of interesting facts about the protected areas there.

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DUBROVNIK AND NERETVA COUNTY We live it. You will love it. Visit Ston

© Damir Kovačić KODA / Ston Tourist Board

Ston: The protector of international treasure

A view of Ston and the Ston Saltworks salt pans from the Ston wall.

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Unique experiences will follow you throughout southern Croatia, which you will see for yourself upon arriving in Pelješac, the secondlargest Croatian peninsula. At its "gate", at the place where it connects to the mainland, you will find Ston, a small city with great attractions that has stood the test of time for thousands of years. It is home to the oldest active saltworks in Europe, and possibly in the world, which are also the largest preserved saltworks in the history of the Mediterranean. It sounds incredible, but the people of Ston still produce sea salt and fleur de sel in the same natural way that ancient Romans used to produce it, and their main assistants are the sea, sun, and wind.

They produce approximately two thousand tons of salt per year, and the harvest season and salt production lasts from April to October. There are a total of 58 salt pans in the saltworks, divided into five groups, and there are also five phases that salt passes through in the production process. There are nine crystallization pools, and they bear the names of Christian saints, except for one named Mundo (world). Salt from Mundo was made for the less fortunate people, who couldn’t afford to pay for it.

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Click on the icon and watch "History on a grain of salt", a short promotional movie about Ston:

26 Mali Ston is connected to Ston by the wall; 27 Railway cars of salt in the Ston Saltworks.

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You will have the best view of the saltworks and its salt pans from the impressive Ston wall, which is 5.5 km long and between five and ten meters tall. The longest wall in Europe, and the second-longest wall in the world (right behind the Great Wall of China) is sure to evoke a feeling of amazement, but also of respect, primarily towards human labor - those who built them during the 14th and 15th century on the steep terrain without the technology that is available today.

The monumental walls were fortified with 41 towers and six bastions, they connect Ston and Mali Ston, and they were built to protect the great natural saltworks from potential attacks from land. In order to protect the great cultural and historical treasure of their area, as part of the "History on a grain of salt" project, co-financed by European Union funds, the locals are investing great effort in the rejuvenation and preservation of heritage and the provision and supplementation of new innovative content. Don't miss out on seeing "Cum grano salis", a true audio and visual show that will, through an innovative show at the Kaštio fortress, show you the tumultuous history, tradition, and cultural and artistic heritage of Ston. A good way to feel the pulse of Ston, get to know its main attractions, and historical figures from its past, but also to discover the secrets that have been kept for centuries is an interactive theatrical tour of the city, Ston Untold. Let the dukes and soldiers, fairies, artists, and troubadours take you on an exciting 120 minute-long adventure.

Visit the Ston Saltworks and buy organic salt and fleur de sel. The saltworks are open from 7 AM to 7 PM in the summer and from 7 AM to 2 PM in the winter.

Up until now, as part of the "History on a grain of salt" project, mostly financed by European Union funds, the Kaštio fortress was renewed, as well as part of the Koruna fortress, the Ston portion of Napoleon's way (which includes educational walking and cycling trails) was also revitalized, along with part of the southern wall of the Ston wall. The valuable collection of the Ston lapidarium has been expanded, Komarda Park was horticulturally renovated, and the new Natura Dalmatia exhibition space, where you can buy homemade products from the Ston area, got a new makeover. A new brochure "Pelješac - Wine Empire" has also come out, and new innovative content has also been created - the "Cum grano salis" show and the "Ston Untold" theatrical city tour...

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Visit the oyster farm as part of an organized boat excursion that departs from Mali Ston. It is also the best way to find out many interesting facts about that treasure of the sea.

Oysters: The shellfish that made Ston famous

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In order to get to fully know a destination, sit down at the table with the locals. Ston has been on the gourmet map of the world for a long time due to the oysters that not even the most refined taste buds in the world can resist, who claim that Ston oysters are the most delicious and juiciest oysters in the world. Why? Experts claim it's because of the way they are grown in the clean sea that has a high content of fresh water, and sea currents also have a large role. The Neretva River and abundant rainfall in the winter months give the Mali Ston Bay a large quantity of fresh water. Oysters have been grown in the bay since Roman times, and the people of Ston have successfully continued that tradition. It is a delicacy prepared by the sea, and the chefs in Ston's taverns and restaurants give it an additional creative note. There you can enjoy oysters in various ways - breaded and fried, sautéed, grilled, roasted with cheese, in a refreshing soup or in a risotto, served with pasta, or in a canape sandwich... The creativity of the chefs is endless because, as they say, oysters offer endless inspiration. Still, both gourmets and chefs claim that it is best eaten as an appetizer (and is most often served in that way) and as an introduction to Ston's gourmet rhapsody.

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Oysters are rich in zinc, magnesium, iron, and vitamins, and are also well known as an aphrodisiac.

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Although they are prepared in many ways, in order to suit everyone's taste buds, they share the opinion that oysters are tastiest when they are prepared in the most simple way - freshly picked from the sea, raw, drizzled with a few drops of lemon juice, and served on ice. It's no secret that oysters are tastiest in mid-March, around the time of St. Joseph's feast day, when a festival is held in its honor The Oyster Festival. It's also a great chance to try them in the most creative combinations, and round off the gourmet experience with a glass of sparkling red or white wine from Pelješac, which pairs best with oysters.

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Mussels, also grown in the Mali Ston Bay, are also a true delicacy, even if they are somewhat in the shadow of the sea's queen of the table in Ston. While in Ston, you can also try excellent fish stew, fish, and seafood, all complemented by the famous grains of Ston salt. Ston's sweet side is just as attractive. Your taste buds are sure to enjoy Ston cake, which is made of makaruli (macaroni), and you can also sweeten your time in Ston with caramelized almonds and arancini and limuncini (sugared orange and lemon peel), old-fashioned delicacies from the Dubrovnik area. Make sure to try the famous rose liqueur (ruzolin), and liqueur made of carob or bitter orange.

May 2019 - April 2020

28 Fresh oysters served on ice; 29 Shellfish prepared à la buzara; 30 Ston makaruli cake; 31 Red wine is a trademark of the Pelješac peninsula.

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© Slobodan Rosić / Putniković Agricultural Cooperative

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Which wine pairs well with which food? Although each wine has its own characteristics, Pelješac's red wine pairs best with bluefish, meat dishes, and hard cheeses, while white wine goes best with seafood specialties, especially Mali Ston oysters, white fish, and white meat.

© Mario Hlača / Putniković Agricultural Cooperative

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32 Through vineyards in the village of Putniković on the Pelješac peninsula; 33 Fish and wine are a winning combination; 34 Janjina; 35 The church of St. Ana in Putniković is surrounded by vineyards; 36 A conversation with wine in the tasting room at the Home of Winemaking Tradition.

Wine as a way of life Just like the oyster has put Ston on the gourmet map of the world, the superb wines of Pelješac have positioned the entire Pelješac peninsula at the top of the international enological scene. Since ancient times, many vineyards have been cultivated on the sunny slopes of the peninsula, and their juicy fruits make superb drops of wine. The main star of the largest winegrowing region in the Croatian south is Plavac mali, a sort that has shown the best results for a long time, so it's is completely logical that it covers nearly 90 percent of Pelješac's vineyards. You can find some of the most beautiful Plavac vineyards in Janjina, a place in the heart of the peninsula, which they also call "Little Paris". The former cultural and economic center of Pelješac is now a favorite destination amongst those looking for peace, relaxation in nature, and a fantastic enological experience.

You will experience one of the best enological stories on Pelješac near the town of Ston.

For more than a century, the Putniković Agricultural Cooperative has been active in the village of Putniković, on the road from Ston to Orebić, surrounded by vineyards that rise above the most beautiful Adriatic beaches. One of the largest and most successful ones in Pelješac, it gathers more than 140 cooperatives, and they fill an average of 800 thousand to a million bottles a year, of which around 80% is the famed Plavac mali red wine. The incredible dark ruby red wine is hidden in the bottles named Pelješac, Plavac, Lirica, and Libertas. Although just 20 percent of cooperative's wine is white, the Maraština sort has made the cooperative famous far and wide, and the St. Ana wine is the winery's pride and joy. Maraština is used to make the fantastic dry white wine of the same name, while the cooperative's range of wine also includes a great dry rose wine, Rose, using Plavac mali, which is a favorite amongst women. Those three white wines are a fantastic choice for refreshment in the summer months. In 2018, using Maraština, the cooperative made its first sparkling wine, Pelješka perlica, for now in just a limited series of a few hundred bottles.

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© Tamara Kušić / Putniković Agricultural Cooperative

If you're still exploring the world of wine, and you aren't sure of your choices, the Dubrovnik cuvee blend with 75% Plavac mali and 25% Merlot, made in dry, medium-dry, and semi-sweet varieties, will reveal the opulence of the far Croatian south. A total of five agricultural cooperatives, including the one from Putniković, invested their knowledge of winemaking, traditions of the Dalmatian south, and modern trends they have skillfully incorporated into that wine.

© Slobodan Rosić / Putniković Agricultural Cooperative

© Slobodan Rosić / Putniković Agricultural Cooperative

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In order to keep Pelješac's tradition of vine growing and winemaking from falling into oblivion, the locals opened the Home of Winemaking Tradition in an attractive stone winery building, which includes an exhibition area, a museum area, a tasting area with a presentation hall, and a retail area along with a souvenir shop. Traditional methods of cultivating vineyards, producing and storing wine are best shown in the abundant collection of exhibits - old tools, vineyard replicas, dry stone walls... It's truly worth a visit, and you can visit it every day.

At the Center, as of mid-July 2019, you will also be able to see a replica of an old Dalmatian house and ancient cellar, exhibits from ancient times, an old grape press, a relief map of Pelješac with a depiction of Pelješac's traditions named Ponos (Pride)...

Of the many plans for the future, the locals have announced the opening of a restaurant and underground cellar and the cultivation of a demonstrational vineyard. But come to Putniković before that, discover the secret to the success of Pelješac's wines, taste them in the best possible place - in their homeland, get whatever delights you most, and find out how wine has become a way of life on Pelješac.

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37 38 The Home of Winemaking Tradition leads you into the world of winemaking and wine, and it can be visited all year long; 39 40 Tasting wine in the Home of Winemaking Tradition.

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The church of The Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Smokvica on the island of Korčula, next to which the Smokvica Museum of Gold and Silver will soon be opened; 42 The kumpanija knights' dance; 44 45 46 A depiction of the future Smokvica Museum of Gold and Silver and the square on which it stands.

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With a golden sparkle

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Smokvica, a picturesque town in the heart of the island of Korčula, is loved by many fans of nature, walking and cycling due to the irresistible nature that the many hiking and cycling paths meander through, wine aficionados for the superb Pošip and many wineries for which Smokvica is famous, and it is also regularly enjoyed by all those who want to experience its incredibly cultural treasure that is carefully preserved by many cultural associations. Throughout the year, and especially in the summer months, many events are held on the central town square around the church – concerts, shows and performances by cultural and folklore associations, and the kumpanija, a knights' sword dance, is a special attraction.

Although we could already call it a destination with a golden sparkle, thanks to the fruitful

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vineyards of Pošip whose juicy fruits make golden colored wine, Smokvica will soon confirm that status - by opening the Smokvica Museum of Gold and Silver. In order to offer new experiences and present another great treasure that has been carefully preserved for centuries, the locals have decided to bring together the incredibly valuable collection of gold and silver items (which have been stored at several locations up until now) and to tell their story in an interesting and modern way.

The valuable collection includes 100 items, 62 of which are silver, and each and every one of them has its own story. You will find out where they come from and who made them, and the votive gold that shows the tradition and lifestyle of the people is especially attractive. Besides finding out about the rich cultural and historical heritage of Smokvica and the island of Korčula from the artifacts,

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The Smokvica Museum of Gold and Silver is being renewed as part of the "Rural educational, cultural-ethnographic tourist attraction", primarily co-financed

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you will also be able to find out a lot about the treasure at educational workshops and lectures organized by the museum. The museum found its well-deserved place on the main city square, near the parish church of The Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Along with the construction of the museum, the entire square is also being reconstructed, which, besides the parish church and new museum, also includes a loggia that dates back to 1700, where you can rest and gather your thoughts after the tour.

47 Soon the opening of the Smokvica Museum of Gold and Silver will show that Smokvica is a true center of cultural treasure; 48 Pošip is the main sort of grapes grown in the vineyards of Smokvica; 49 The performance of an oldfashioned dance.

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A kitchen with zidnice; 51 Barilo, a wooden container for which the collection got its name; 52 Tonota (rope) and part of a kopanja, a wooden dish which was used to knead bread dough.

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The Barilo Collection is part of Registry of Cultural Heritage of the Republic of Croatia, on the List of Protected Cultural Heritage.

Nowadays, the collection has more than 2500 items in its permanent exhibition.

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The ethnic heritage of the heart of Korčula If you continue driving from Smokvica to the western part of the island, you will reach Blato, another town in the interior of the island that preserves its rich cultural and ethnic heritage.

The main representative of the ethnological treasure there is the Barilo Ethno House, which will offer you a unique experience of the island ambiance and through its abundant collection - both indoors and outdoors, it will show you the life and traditions of the island people and their predecessors. There you will also see an old fireplace, living room, and bedroom with large wooden beams on the ceiling, something that only the richer families from Blato could afford, and a bed with a mattress made of seaweed that repels mites and the gathering of dust. In the middle of the bed, they often put a large doll, which had a purely decorative purpose. It was not used as a toy for children, and in Blato they called those dolls "lujke iz Italije" ("dolls from Italy").

The rooms is also decorated with one of the oldest dolls from the late 19th century, made

53 Old books, pictures, and magazines; 54 A depiction of a bedroom with a bed under which is a mattress of dried seaweed and a doll from Italy; 55 An old typewriter; 56 A sewing machine in the "women's room"; 57 A depiction of the living room.

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of straw and cardboard, otherwise also known as a straw doll.

Pop into the kitchen where the walls are decorated with many "zidnice" - hand embroidered cloths that had pictures embroidered on them, most often with motifs of flowers, married life, and saints, as well as kitchen motifs, and some of them also gave messages to husbands, visitors... The room with folk dance costumes, clothing, and handiwork from times past, which the hosts and founders of the collection, members of the Marinović Barilo family, also call the women's room, is also interesting. The extent to which agriculture and fishing marked the lives of the islanders is seen in the outdoor part of the collection with farming tools, fishing gear, and many useful stone artifacts.

The indigenous aromatic garden with medicinal and decorative herbs from that part of the Mediterranean is a truly aromatic experience. Try to recognize some of them.

Walking through the family museum will also reveal many other interesting facts.

You will find out the origin of the name of the collection and see a barilo, a traditional wooden container for salting and storing fish, which the family was known for making and so they got their nickname. The hosts will also gladly show you the tonota and explain how in the past, two donkeys could pass one another on Blato's famous linden alley, Zlinje, with loads on their backs. They will also show you a barber's chair made of a single piece of olive tree wood...

Your hosts, Marija, Velimir, and Dita will also offer you homemade products prepared according to old recipes so that they, along with the tradition and former lifestyle of the islanders, won't be forgotten. While in Blato, don't forget to try lumblija, an ancient cake dedicated to great love, which is also one of the main tourist brands of the town, whose message is - don't forget me...

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When tradition speaks...

A view of Slano; The altar from the church of St. Jerome; 60 A performance of Linđo, the most popular dance in the Dubrovnik area.

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One of the most valuable exhibits at the Local History House of the Dubrovnik Coast is a restored monumental altar from the church of St. Jerome in Slano. It dates back to the second half of the 16th century and is a representative example of superb wood carving art.

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Come back to the mainland from the island and head towards the Dubrovnik Coast, an area that unites 20 settlements, of which the largest and most important one is Slano.

Hidden away in an incredibly beautiful large and protected bay, Slano is a famous nautical mecca, which is equally popular amongst those who love active holidays, as well as those who are looking for a calm holiday on an attractive beach. Behind the façade of the modern, tourist center, Slano also hides its less-known, traditional side, and the valuable cultural heritage it soon plans on sharing with its growing number of visitors. A holiday in Slano will get a completely new dimension if you add in a cultural experience that will be in the newly renovated house of the Parish, located next to the parish church of St. Blaise, presented in a modern and innovative way.

The permanent exhibition of the house will take you back in time through the history of the Dubrovnik Coast, and introduce you to its famous nautical past, where the carrack ship, a large sailboat built in the Dubrovnik Republic since the 15th century, also had an important role. The ethnological collection with folklore costumes from the Dubrovnik Coast, which depict the life cycle (baptism, wedding traditions, death), and various customs, will bring you even closer to the lifestyle of the destination you have chosen for your vacation. Find out what Siđ is, and how eggs are decorated for Easter. It's worth a visit to the part of the collection dedicated to agriculture, which will also reveal many interesting facts about the medicinal herbs in that area.

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61 The exterior of the Local History House of the Dubrovnik Coast; 62 63 64 65 In one place, the Local History House of the Dubrovnik Coast will gather all the great cultural and ethnic heritage of that area.

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A special part of the collection will deservingly be dedicated to Linđo, the most popular dance in the Dubrovnik Coast, which is performed nearly daily in the far south of Croatia. It is danced accompanied by a lyre, an old musical instrument from southern Dalmatia, which gives an addictive lively beat to the dance. For a start, you can see it and get to know more about it through a documentary that will be shown in the local history museum in its honor, and then you can see it live in the destination. The special energy the dance exudes will very likely get you to, absolutely unconsciously, start tapping the beat with your hands or feet. Don't hesitate to try dancing it - feel the moment and the adrenaline, feel alive in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. 

63 © Karković / Dubrovnik and Neretva County

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The Local History House of the Dubrovnik Coast is being renewed as a part of the "Rural educational, culturalethnographic tourist attraction", primarily co-financed

by European Union funds, more precisely the European Regional Development Fund.

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CULTURAL SCENE

Klapa RIŠPET

There's nothing like the Adriatic

"Šta mi ljube oćeš kazat", "Fališ mi", "Samo njoj ću pivat", "Šapnut ću ti tajnu" - are the names of some of their best-known songs that became true klapa hits quickly after they were first released, and they have also been recognized with many awards. They have nurtured klapa songs and the Dalmatian spirit for years, with plenty of love and respect. Besides, the very name of the klapa, "Rišpet", translated from the Dalmatian dialect means just that - respect.

CULTURAL SCENE

Conducted by: Vlatka Vužić Photos: PROMO Klapa Rišpet

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our founder, Pero Kozomara, discovered the recipe for writing klapa hits long ago.

Still, it seems that after several years of popularity, a time of stagnation has come, but still Klapa Rišpet has managed to win over the air waves and fill concert halls. Did you expect you would attract such a large audience?

We perform at 50 or 60 concerts per year in Croatia and Slovenia so we know that a large number of people follow us and love our work, and tickets to our two concerts in Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall, a cultural shrine, were sold out 40 days in advance. It's a special feeling to experience, but also to sing there. They were nights of love, emotion, and beautiful Dalmatian songs. It was the highlight of our careers.

CULTURAL SCENE Klapa Rišpet - Šta mi ljube oćeš kazat (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

© Pero Kozomara

and meat and peka the best, or who has the best wine, and they'll say it's us. "Rišpet" is a group of hedonists who love to cook well, and then eat and raise a glass with friends.

Concerts are the reason you travel often. Do you have time to sightsee while on the road?

When we have organized performances, especially abroad, the amount of free time we have depends on the organizer and the location. But we have, for example, seen Frankfurt, Ljubljana, Munich, and Sarajevo together. We always like it when we have the opportunity to get to know the destination we have come to perform in and feel its energy, and discover its culinary offer while we're there :) What would your dream vacation be? Do you only like the Croatian sea, the Adriatic, or do you also like to see other shades of blue?

Do you plan on performing in the many countries where Croats who have emigrated live?

Klapa songs nowadays are fantastic, and there are more and more klapa groups every day. They have mostly turned to pop music, recording their songs in studios and performing at various festivals. In our opinion, due to the lack of true pop music, klapa groups have become the new Croatian pop music. That is why Croats who live all over the world enjoy that music.

We hope our Croats abroad will invite us to come everywhere, from Australia to Canada. If they invite us, we will gladly come and send you photos from the many concert locations we believe will be wonderful :) 

The klapa members are friends who also spent time together before they entered the world of music. How much time do you have left after all of your work obligations to hang out and what do your gatherings look like?

We still get together privately very often. In the Croatian music scene, you can ask Jelena Rozga, Jole, and even Čubi - who prepares grilled fish May 2019 - April 2020

CULTURAL SCENE

It's understandable that "klapa songs" evoke special emotions for Dalmatians, but how do you explain the phenomenon of its popularity in the other parts of Croatia, and even the region?

There is no special secret, it was a combination of a series of great songs and a fantastic group that sings well together. Rišpet's songs have a great audience via its YouTube channel, we have won the Split Festival award, and even two "Cesarica" awards for the greatest klapa hits of 2018 and 2019.

We have sung three wonderful duets with Mišo Kovač, Jelena Rozga, and Doris Dragović.

Over the course of eight years, we have released 22 singles and filmed 21 music videos.

All of that shows that we work a lot, and that is the reason for our success.

Don't hold it against us, but there's nothing like the Adriatic Sea, especially the amazing Croatian islands. As far as dream vacations are concerned, all the klapa members feel the same. They see themselves in a destination with a crystal clear sea, surrounded by palm trees, coconuts, family members and friends, good wine, and delicious homemade food. Our cell phones must be turned off at that time.

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World

MADAGASCAR

Madagascar is an island country in the Indian Ocean that is located east of the African continent. Besides being known for its diverse flora and fauna, best represented by baobab trees and lemurs, the island is also famous for vanilla, and it is the main producer of it in the world.

1 In the company of a Malagasy friend; 2 3 The people of Madagascar are warm and friendly.

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Madagascar Treasure Island

Š Madagascar Tourism Board

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MADAGASCAR

4 5 Lemurs and baobab trees are symbols of the island.

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Text and photos: Š Nikolina Frklić

On the island of lemurs, baobabs, and new friendships Madagascar has unfairly been left off the list of top travel destinations, but that's exactly what makes it so special.

May 2019 - April 2020

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MADAGASCAR

Baobab Avenue, with more than 300 trees, near the town of Morondave on Madagascar's west coast has been a protected natural monument since 2007.

Unique island souvenirs include jewelry made of zebu horns, decorations made of wood, and paintings made by local artists with island motifs.

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A local artist; 7 A woman with a child; The fact that you do not need much for happiness is confirmed by the smiling faces of the youngest inhabitants of the island.

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hen I found out I was going to Madagascar, the only things I could think of about that African island were baobabs, lemurs, and the lyrics from the popular animated movie "Madagascar": "I like to move it, move it". Not many Croats have visited Madagascar so I didn't have the chance to hear too much about it. On the contrary, my travel companions and I were supposed to "explore" the land for potential tourists from Croatia. As soon as I landed at the airport, I was convinced that the vacation of a lifetime had started and I couldn't stop taking pictures, feeling amazed, and making friends.

After we exchanged a small amount of money at the airport and got a pile of Malagasy Ariary, our guide and driver Fidy, who soon became our great friend and revealed all the pros and cons of life on Madagascar, took us to the center of the capital city of Antananarivo. The positive features definitely include the beautiful nature, which is untouched and surreal, along with the calm and warm personalities the local people have. Of course, that same warm personality also contributes to the negative side - the Malagasy are somewhat inert in their battle against poverty, bad situations, and politics. They take the very minimum and look forward to each and every new day, regardless of what it brings.

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See a clip from the animated movie "Madagascar" here:

Another new experience for us was driving through the streets of the capital city without a single traffic light or sign, along with the fact that life there takes place roadside - from washing laundry in the city's rivers and selling pets to socializing and conversations in passing.

On a side note, "Hotely" (a commonlyseen sign on the road) are not hotels; instead, they are diners.

From the capital to the coast As the quarries change color and adapt to their surroundings, so my impression of Madagascar changes, and lemurs and baobabs fall into oblivion. The 170 km journey that starts off our little expedition from the capital city to the Madagascar coast opens up my eyes a bit. The scenes that appear before us make us take a break and fuse with the red soil, rivers, views, cliffs... Pulling

9 A view of an arena for zebu cattle fights in the city of Ambositra; 10 Amongst wooden cars and trucks that are made by entire families in a town in the middle of Madagascar; 11 One of Madagascar's main features is its unbelievably beautiful landscape.

the jeep over to the side of the road allowed me to taste the juiciest pineapple I've ever tried and meet my first Malagasy friend, a boy who shared a smile with me and remained forever embedded in my memory.

I also had the chance to see that aluminum pots and other products are produced the same way they are in Europe - with hands and feet, at high temperatures, surrounded by farm animals that freely roam through the workplace. The towns and villages we passed through are each special in their own way, like the one that was built on rubies, although it is visually far away from anything shiny. The little girl "hidden" inside me also liked the place famous for making wooden cars and trucks, and entire families are involved in the creative creation on the grass.

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May 2019 - April 2020

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World

MADAGASCAR

While on Madagascar, try steaks made of zebu beef, which the locals serve with rice and a green peppercorn sauce.

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A boy watching over a herd of zebu cattle; 13 15 Life on the island streets; 14 The scenery on the way between the capital city of Antananarivo and the coastal town of Toliara; 16 Dwellings in a tribe that has a "king" and lives according to tribal customs far away from civilization; 17 The muddy path through banana fields and undergrowth that leads to the village with a "king".

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As far as gastronomy is concerned, zebu meat is a real treat in Madagascar and a favorite dish of the local people, most often served with rice. I soon discovered that zebu horns are transformed into interesting items and I bought some jewelry and souvenirs. My little shopping spree continued in a candy workshop, and there are never enough of them on Madagascar - at every stop there is a new group of children and some adults who can't wait to get presents from us, but also just to hang out and have their picture taken with us.

Our trip continued and brought me to a smiling elderly man who made pictures and decorations using wood - by hand, with small saws, and by playing with different colors of wood, he made true masterpieces. Pictures with baobabs and the Malagasy fit in well with my interior design, and the handmade wooden bag begs to be shown off at any time.

Visiting the king We climbed up through mud and banana fields to visit a tribe that lives in an entirely different time zone - far away from globalization, economic issues, and war. Our new friends awaited us with open hearts, and visiting the king in his humble hut seems like a dream today. While local children and women watched "from the audience", we enjoyed rice with drops of sweet juice, and after raising a glass of spirits similar

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to schnapps, we rounded off our trip. The least I could do was leave behind the traces of civilization that they loved so much - lip balm, a tip, and candy for the youngest members who also treated us to a special performance.

A special experience was visiting a hotel where young Malagasy are learning about the tourism business, under the guidance of volunteers from Paris who turned their lives upside down for the benefit of mankind. A volunteer told us the most difficult thing for her was teaching the Malagasy to use the washing machine.

Last stop: the ocean A visit to a private national park led us to meeting a new friend - the owner's son who entertained us by telling us stories of local happenings, along with stories of his trip to Europe. At first, second, and third glance it seems as if lemurs really know how to enjoy themselves in what must be one of the most beautiful parts of the world. The story of the lemurs continues on in the national park where they turn into the cutest thieves in the world as they try to steal your food.

It's impossible to avoid mentioning the long-awaited baobab - enormous, impressive, and it blends in perfectly with its surroundings. Due to its size, it is quite difficult to get a picture of it, which always makes the local people

A lemur in Isalo National Park; One of the dwellings "in the middle of nowhere", surrounded by cliffs; 20 A chameleon; 21 A complex of dwellings surrounded by mountains that offers total peace and a view of horses and pastures.

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laugh, as they aren't quite sure why all the acrobatic moves are necessary to get the perfect photo.

Our trip of Madagascar led us to the tourist zone of Toliara. Sandy beaches with coconut palm trees, nearly a thousand kilometers from the capital city, help me put all the pieces together of the puzzle of that truly unique trip.

Over the course of my trip I only met one Croat, and that was in the plane during my flight home, and he was also truly surprised to hear Croatian.

As far as the tourism offer on the island is concerned, Madagascar also has many accommodations for those who enjoy the finer things, which fit in excellently with their surroundings.

At times, it seems as if the island has been forgotten by the rest of the world, even though it is incredibly beautiful.

Aware of the fact that there are still many new places to see, I can only hope to be able to return to that island of unique energy, new friends, endless poor roads that lead to incredible landscapes, and incredibly gratitude for each new moment. ď ś

May 2019 - April 2020

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World attractions

BELIZE

Š fo to lia

The Great Blue Hole Majestic beauty in the middle of the ocean, a geological miracle, oceanic mystery, top destination for divers, the keeper of the secret of the disappearance of the Mayans... The Great Blue Hole, a natural attraction in the Atlantic Ocean, located around 100 km from Belize, a small Central American country on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, has been described in many ways. That underwater hole with an impressive appearance, both from bird's-eye view as well as when you dive into it (as diver's claim), has a diameter of 300 meters and a depth of 125 meters. It has always piqued the curiosity of divers, explorers and scientists, so in December 2018, scientists headed out on an expedition with two submarines in order to discover the secrets of its bottom. Fabien Cousteau, grandson of famous French underwater researcher Jacques Cousteau who discovered the Great Blue Hole, was part of the expedition, as well as billionaire Richard Branson, owner of Virgin. The most exciting discoveries include stalactites never seen before, as well as many findings they couldn't identify. During the expedition, they also took many photos and made a 3D map of its interior.

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May 2019 - April 2020

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Announcement

2019 Adriatic Sea Forum in Ancona Ancona (Italy) is this year's host of the international event dedicated to nautical tourism, the Adriatic Sea Forum - cruise, ferry, sail & yacht, which will be held for the fourth time on May 30 and 31, 2019. The Forum will bring together more than 200 participants - from representatives of tour operators, travel agencies, marinas, nautical companies, and shipbuilders, to shipping agents and representatives of excursion boat harbors -

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who will discuss the future of nautical tourism in the Adriatic at that two-day event.

The Forum is also an excellent opportunity for business networking and for the development of new shared projects for those working in the cruising, sailing, and ferry transport industry. The new edition of the Adriatic Sea Tourism Report 2019, which analyzes the flow and change of tourism trends (cruising, ferries, and the nautical sector) in the seven countries that border the Adriatic Sea, will also be presented at the fair, and it is published by Risposte Turismo, which is also the organizer of the event. More than 40 international speakers will speak at the event, and the official languages are Croatian, English, and Italian.

As a part of the Alumni@ASF project, the forum will host 50 students along with recent graduates (under the age of 30) from countries located on both sides of the Adriatic.

Find out more about the event:

www.adriaticseaforum.com -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Š M ais tra d. d.

The 5th World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism was held in San Sebastian, Spain on May 2 and 3, 2019, organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Basque Culinary Center.

The focus of this year's forum was job creation and promoting entrepreneurship, in accordance with the UNWTO's Year of Education, Skills and Jobs, which is closely connected with the Sustainable Development Goals.

The winner of the UNTWO's international startup program was announced at the forum - Dinify from the Czech Republic.

The five finalists also included ARb (Italy), Ginkan (Japan), Arthylen (Spain), and Bitemojo (Israel), who received special recognition, and all the finalists presented their projects at the forum. The UNWTO launched a competition with the aim of recognizing startups with the potential of planning and promoting sustainable innovations in the gastronomy and tourism sector.

UNWTO

5th World Forum on Gastronomy Tourism held

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