tip Travel magazine Croatia 001 (English edition) 07-08/2013

ISSN: XXXX-XXXX

www.tipTravelMagazine.com

CROATIA Number 1 • Year I • July - August 2013.

Travel and tourism magazine INFORMATION • RECOMMENDATIONS • EXPERIENCES

Interview: Darko Lorencin, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Croatia

Crikvenica

The Green Beauty of Kvarner Croatia:

Greece:

City break Zagreb • Weekend trip Ugljan • 24 hours Vinkovci

Santorini

July / August 2013. tipTravelMagazine

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www.tipTravelMagazine.com

CROATIA

Travel and tourism magazine

Travel and tourism magazine Publisher: Tip Kreativa Ltd. Jordanovac 119, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia phone: +385 1 2348 488 mobile: +385 91 7958 016 info@tiptravelmagazine.com www.tiptravelmagazine.com www.facebook.com/tiptravelmagazine MB: 4055845 OIB: 21136573248 Erste&Steiermärkische Bank d.d.

IBAN: HR4524020061100663844 Editor in Chief: Željka Kunštek zeljka@tiptravelmagazine.com Photo: Robert Kunštek

Graphic Editor: Robert Kunštek robert@tiptravelmagazine.com Associates: Jelena Šporčić Prtorić Martina Zajec Sanja Plješa Daniela Kos Translator: Marija Crnogaj

EDITORIAL

Marketing: Tip Kreativa Ltd. marketing@tiptravelmagazine.com Photo source: tipTravel magazine archive, archives of Croatian Tourist Boards, fotolia Cover page: the beach in Crikvenica photo archive: Crikvenica Tourist Board

ISSN: XXXX-XXXX

www.tipTravelMagazine.com

CROATIA Number 1 • Year I • July - August 2013.

Travel and tourism magazine INFORMATION • RECOMMENDATIONS • EXPERIENCES

Interview: Darko Lorencin, Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Croatia

Crikvenica

The Green Beauty of Kvarner Croatia:

City break Zagreb • Weekend trip Ugljan • 24 hours Vinkovci

Greece:

Santorini

Transmission of texts, in full or in part, is only permitted with the written approval of the editor or author. Any type of mechanical, optical, or electronic copying is forbidden. All rights are reserved. Texts and photographs are sent in electronic form. The opinion of the author of the next is not necessarily the opinion of the editor. The editor cannot guarantee the permanence of published information, and is not responsible for the content of advertisements.

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tipTravelMagazine July / August 2013.

Our first issue

D

ear travellers and travel fans, I am delighted to greet you at the beginning of a new journey that is starting on these pages of the first Croatian online magazine on tourism and travel, tipTravel magazine.

I am also happy that the infinite abilities of the internet have led you here, to the place where we will take you on an adventure to all ends of the earth.

Still, we will mostly take you through Croatia, the beauty of the Mediterranean, which recently entered the great "European family" and so caught even more attention of the global public. In each issue, step by step, we will reveal what makes it so special, introduce you to a world of opportunities and experiences that it offers to its guests, lead you to its most hidden corners, and bring you a lot of useful first-hand tips, which will, we believe, help you during your stay in Croatia.

Of course, this is also an invitation to come (back) to this country full of diversity, opportunity, and curiosities, which offers content for even the pickiest.

In this first issue, we will take you to several continental and coastal destinations. If you aren’t sure where to start, start in Zagreb, the proud and charming Croatian metropolis. You can then head east, to the oldest city in Europe, Vinkovci, or towards the sea, to Kvarner, where this time, Crikvenica awaits you. If you head south, you will reach Ugljan, an island near Zadar, which the famous director Hitchcock watched at the moment he wrote in his notebook that the sunset in Zadar is the most beautiful in the world. We also researched the Šibenik cathedral, a pearl of the UNESCO list, and much more.

We also spoke with the head of Croatian tourism, Minister Darko Lorencin, so that you could truly get first-hand recommendations in the first issue.

As far as global destinations are concerned, this summer we are taking you to Santorini, the ‘Aegean black pearl’. What more can we say? Enjoy reading! Željka Kunštek

July / August 2013. tipTravelMagazine

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www.tipTravelMagazine.com

CROATIA

Travel and tourism magazine

Content

07-08/2013

The tipTravel magazine project has been commended by:

tipTravel magazine is the first Croatian online magazine on travel and tourism and it is aimed at domestic and foreign tourists, travel aficionados. In each issue, through original reports and photos, it introduces readers to Croatian coastal and continental destinations and their diverse and rich tourist offer, it reveals the less known facts, brings news from the world of travel and tourism, announcements of events and festivals that shouldn’t be missed, and first-hand advice and recommendations.

The magazine is issued in Croatian and English, and is available free of charge; you don’t even need a computer, because it can also be read on smartphones and tablets.

In these circles within the magazine you will find helpful tips and recommendations for travelling and staying in destinations.

14-27

30-39

28

46-50

8-9 CROATIAN NEWS 10-13 INTERVIEW Darko Lorencin,

Minister of Tourism of

the Republic of Croatia

"Goal: to be one of the top 20 travel destinations in the world" 14-27 BLUE CROATIA Crikvenica The Green Beauty of Kvarner 28 BEAUTIES OF CROATIA

Vela plaža (Baška,

Krk island)

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30-39 CITY BREAK - Zagreb A Charming Metropolis with European Flair 40-41 TIDBITS Faux windows 42-43 TIPS4YOU In July, August, and

September, don’t miss...

46-50 WEEKEND TRIP - Ugljan To a place of olives, nine settlements, and hidden coves

51 BEAUTIES OF CROATIA Dugi otok

Environmentally Friendly

not a single tree has been destroyed for the publication of this magazine

52-55

64

78

56-57

66-67

80-91

52-55 24 HOURS - Vinkovci 56-57 UNESCO - St. Jacob's

cathedral in Ĺ ibenik An artistic pearl in the

centre of town

58 DID YOU KNOW...

Sutivan catacombs 59 INTERESTING FACTS

60-61 BUSINESS TOURISM Croatia The new congress star of the European Union

62-63 CROATIA ONLINE Promotion as a shared goal

72-73 WORLD NEWS

64

CROATIA THROUGH PHILATELY - Lubenice The stone town above Kvarner

66-67 GOURMET CROATIA

Ravni kotari and the

island of Pag Where the sun kisses the sky... wine and good food 68-69 SUMMER SHOPPING

74 WORLD ATTRACTIONS Arches National Park 77 INTERESTING FACTS

78 WORLD ATTRACTIONS Ko Phi Phi

80-91 WE'RE TAKING YOU TO...

Santorini (Greece) The island where life passes slowly

70-71 UNICEF CROATIA

July / August 2013. tipTravelMagazine

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MAP OF CROATIA

Destinations in this issue

Scale 1 : 1 000 000

ZAGREB

VINKOVCI

CRIKVENICA Baška Lubenice Legend:

UGLJAN Dugi otok

Šibenik

Sutivan

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tipTravelMagazine July / August 2013.

highway with junction motorway with junction main road (regional and local are not included)

INFO

General information on Croatia  Geographic position

Croatia extends from the furthest eastern edges of the Alps in the northwest to the Pannonian lowlands and the banks of the Danube in the east. Its central part is covered by the Dinara mountain range, and southern ends at the coast of the Adriatic Sea.

 Highest peak

 Power supply

 Climate:

 Drinking water

 Surface area

The mainland covers an area of 56.594 km² and coastal waters cover a surface area of 31.479 km².

 Population

Croatia has 4,29 million inhabitants (2011.).

 Demographics

The majority of the population are Croats (90,42%), with the largest minorities being Serbs, Bosnians, Slovenes, Hungarians, Czechs, Italians and Albanians.

 System of government

Croatia is a multi-party parliamentary republic.

 Capital

With 792.875 inhabitants, Zagreb is the economic, transport, cultural and academic centre of the country.

 Length of the coastline

6.278 km, of which 4.398 km is made up of island coastlines, solitary rocks and reefs.

 Number of islands, islets, solitary rocks and reefs

1.244. The largest islands are Krk and Cres. There are 50 inhabited islands.

Dinara, 1.831 m above sea level.

There are three climate zones in Croatia: in the country’s continental interior the prevailing climate zone is moderately continental, while the mountain climate prevails at 1200m above the sea level. The areas along the Adriatic coast have a pleasantly mild Mediterranean climate with a large number of sunny days, summers are hot and dry and winters are mild and wet.

The average temperatures in the continental interior are: January -2°C to 0°C, with somewhat lower temperatures in the mountains; July temperatures reach 20°C to 22˚C, and around 13˚C in the highlands.

The average temperatures in the Littoral (Adriatic Coast) are: January 5°C to 9°C and July 23°C to 26°C. Winter sea temperature is about 12°C and it reaches approximately 25°C in the summer.

 Currency:

The official currency in Croatia is the kuna (7,5 kunas ≈ 1 euro).

Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks, exchange offices, post offices and in the majority of tourist information offices, hotels and campsites. Credit cards (Eurocard / Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Diners) are accepted in almost all hotels, marinas, restaurants, shops and cash machines.

 Number 112

Power supply: 220 V; frequency: 50 Hz

Tap water is safe to drink in all of Croatia.

 Travel documents

Since 1 April 2013, the visa system of the Republic of Croatia has been fully harmonized with the visa policy of the European Union. In 2013 all foreign nationals, who are holders of valid Schengen documents, are not required to have additional (Croatian) visa to enter Croatia and a enjoy short stay. More information: www.mvep.hr/en/

 Public holidays

1 January - New Year’s Day 6 January - Epiphany Easter Sunday & Easter Monday 1 May - Labour Day Corpus Christi 22 June - Anti-Fascist Resistance Day 25 June - Statehood Day 5 August - Victory Day and National Thanksgiving Day 15 August - Assumption Day 8 October - Independence Day 1 November - All Saints’ Day 25-26 December - Christmas Holidays

 Shops and public services working hours

 Important telephone numbers

International country code for Croatia: +385; Information on international numbers: 11802; Weather forecast and road conditions: 060 520 520 (automated service); Road traffic information: 062 777 777; Road rescue: 1987 (If you are calling from abroad or from a mobile phone dial +385 1 1987).

 Speed Limits

During the tourist season, most shops are open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. on weekdays, and many are also open during the weekend. Public services and business offices generally work from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.

If you notice a natural, technical or technological threat or an accident which might threaten the life or well being of people, property or environment Dial 112, free of charge, 24 hours a day, from every telephone in the Republic of Croatia.

By dialling 112 you can reach emergency medical services, fire department, police department, mountain rescue, coastguard recsue, the help of other emergency services and protection and rescue operation forces.

When dialling 112 it is possible to communicate in: English, German, Italian, Hungarian, Slovakian and Check.

Within settled areas 50 km/h; outside settled areas 90 km/h; on major roads designed exclusively for motor vehicles and on highways 110 km/h; on motorways 130 km/h; for motor vehicles with a trailer without brakes 80 km/h.

Driving with dipped headlights is obligatory during winter time.

July / August 2013. tipTravelMagazine

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Croatian

NEWS

160 km of bicycle paths constructed

The largest catalogue in the world, "Irresistible Croatia", its front page, visual identity, and creative team that stands behind it, led by author Sunčana Matić from Zagreb, were presented June 26th, 2013 in Nin, a town located about 15 kilometres from Zadar. The aim of the catalogue was to tell the best and the most attractive parts of Croatian past and present, the most important facts on its identity, economy, and people, and to promote modern Croatia as a travel destination. The catalogue is 170x130 cm in size, it weighs more than 110 kg, with more than 350 pages, and 800 square metres of paper, and this autumn it will be nominated to the Guinness Book of Records for the title of the largest catalogue in the world. The current record for the largest catalogue in the world has been held by a German publication for a decade.

tipTravelMagazine July / August 2013.

Photo: Željka Kunštek

Photo: Robert Kunštek

Photo archive: Nin Tourist Board

The "Irresistible Croatia" catalogue for the Guinness Book of Records

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Photo archive: Bakar Tourist Board

In early July, nine constructed circular bicycle paths "Bakar bike", 160 km long, that include almost all the places in the area of the city of Bakar, located on the north shore of the Adriatic sea, all the way to the foot of Risnjak mountain, were opened. The paths pass through century-old forests, meadows, and hills, and are aim at recreational riders, but also adventurists. The first Bakar bike festival with 60 participants was held July 6th, 2013 to celebrate the opening of the path.

Stable sales in tourism According to all available information, the current status of sales in Croatian tourism is stable, as it also is for August and the post-season. However, tourism workers, from the director of foreign offices of the Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) and professional associations to hotels, have pointed out the trend of slow and last-minute sales as a trend this year. The director of the Head Office of the HTZ, Meri Matešić pointed that out in an interview with HINA, adding that she found out from leading hoteliers on the Adriatic that according to physical revenue, they are at the same level as last year, or a few percent better.

She added that, in following trends, promotional activities for Croatian tourism and investments have been additionally boosted on five markets: Germany, Austria, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia, as well as Russia because of the effects of the new visa regime.

Increase in the number of tourists According to data from the systems of tourist boards on the Croatian Adriatic, and in the city of Zagreb, in the first six months, a total of 3.6 million arrivals and 15.2 million overnight stays were registered, which is a 5 percent increase in arrivals and 4.6 percent in overnight stays, in comparison to the same time last year. Good results were recorded in June, with an increase of 3 percent in arrivals and 0.4 percent in overnight stays in comparison to last year. "Considering the situation, the economic conditions in Europe, the awkward schedule of vacations and holidays on the main outbound markets, and the poor weather conditions, the preseason results are extremely exciting and have awakened optimism for the rest of the 2013 tourism season. Croatia has a competitive tourist product, which it will continue to strengthen in the upcoming period, said Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Croatia, Darko Lorencin.

Increase in the number of cruisers

Photo archive: Idea Istra

Photo archive: Camp Selce

Photo: Željka Kunštek

According to data from the Central Bureau of Statistics, in the first five months of this year, a total of 186 return trips of foreign ships was attained, which is 20 more trips, or 12 percent more than at the same time last year. This year, the increasing trend in the number of passengers arriving in Croatia by cruiser has continued, so in the first five months of this year, a total of 260 thousand or 21.5 percent more than last year have arrived. Most return trips were by ships sailing under flags from Malta, the Bahamas, Panama, and Italy.

At the beginning of July 2013, the Ministry of Tourism sent all County Heads, City Associations, and Heads of Government Administration Offices a memo which initiates the motivation to develop, or plan and build campgrounds outside the T3 tourist zone. So, from now, it is also possible to open campgrounds in cities, smaller towns, near roads, and at other locations where they can be built, according to urban plans, and not only in tourist zones.

"Campgrounds are an important part of the camping infrastructure, which has recorded continued growth in Europe, and there are currently about six thousand.

So, there is great potential for development and quality improvement, especially in the area of rural campgrounds", said Minister of Tourism Darko Lorencin.

Photo: fotolia

Campgrounds outside tourist zones

Online visa applications The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs has further simplified visa issuance for citizens of Russia, the Ukraine, and Kosovo, and as of July 2nd, 2013, it is possible to submit an application for visas via an online form on the Ministry’s web site.

After completion of the online, form, it must be printed and attached to all the other required documentation and submitted to the competent Croatian embassy/consulate or visa centre.

In that way, the visa issuance process is further accelerated and facilitated.

Hop on - hop off in Pula As of June of this year, Pula has complemented its tourist offer with a red double-decker tour bus, which circles the city every day from 9 AM to 7 PM and stops at all the sites of Pula and the city centre. Tourists can hear information on the city’s culture and landmarks during the drive in 11 different languages. The first station is located at the amphitheatre, and the bus goes on to six more stops. A ticket costs 75 kuna, or 10 euro, and is valid for 24 hours. For the price of a ticket, a passenger can ride around all day, get on and off at chosen locations and come back to the centre again. www.youtube.com

July / August 2013. tipTravelMagazine

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Interview

DARKO LORENCIN

DARKO LORENCIN, MINISTER OF TOURISM OF THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA

Goal: to be one of the top 20 travel destinations in the world Why visit Croatia, and which of its destinations are a must-see, what has changed for tourism with Croatia's accession to the European Union, and in which way will Croatian tourism develop in the upcoming years - are just some of the questions we asked the head of Croatian tourism, Minister Darko Lorencin.

Find the answers below...

Conducted by: Željka Kunštek Photos: Archive of Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Croatia, archive of the Ugljan Tourist Board, fotolia, Željka Kunštek and Robert Kunštek

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tipTravelMagazine July / August 2013.

T

he first of July has passed, Croatia has joined the European Union. What exactly does that mean for Croatian tourism?

This year is both important and challenging for Croatia and Croatian tourism, and accession to the European

Union (EU) brings about many changes and advantages for Croatian tourism. We joined the EU in the middle of the main tourist season, under the watchful eye of the global community, and we tried to properly use that moment to represent ourselves. We tried to tell the world

Photos: Rovinj, city of romance (top); National Park Kornati is a popular destination for boaters (bottom)

Rovinj

Dugi otok and National Park Kornati

Croatia’s best story, of the land of natural beauty, kind hosts, and rich content. I believe we achieved that.

Since most foreign tourists come to Croatia from the European Union, Croatia has, as far as tourism is concerned, been a part of the "European family" for a long time. Still, the formal accession to the Union, the recognisability of Croatia and Croatian tourist products have become more visible on the market, and the flow of both people and capital will now be additionally simplified and strengthened, so a market of half a billion people will hold Croatia as a domestic and even more accessible vacation destination.

Accession to the EU also is an additional motivator for investors, as they now have the resources of the Structural funds

available to them, which will reflect positively on the competitiveness of Croatian tourism. The accession of all new members to the EU represented a new incentive for the development of tourism to those countries, and I am certain that trend will continue in Croatia.

Besides that, the physical barriers on the borders with Slovenia and Hungary were removed with our accession to the EU, so the flow of tourists arriving by car is much faster and simpler. On the other hand, with the accession, Croatia is completely adapting to the visa policies of the EU, according to which citizens of Russia, the Ukraine, Turkey, and other families outside the "European family" need a visa to enter Croatia as of April 1st, 2013.

tip: For readers who are, for example, travelling by car, I would recommend a visit to Hum, the smallest town in the world, Rovinj, the city of romance, the Brijuni islands, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Dubrovnik, KopaÄ?ki rit and Lonjsko polje, but also the entire interior of Istria and Dalmatia. For those who prefer the sea and sailing, I would definitely recommend Kornati National Park, and the islands of Mljet, Vis, Hvar, and Lastovo.

Recently, the Croatian Tourism Development Strategy untill 2020 was adopted. How will it be implemented, and what are its main goals?

Yes, this year we received the longexpected Strategy for the Development of Croatian Tourism, that is, the document that defines the future of July / August 2013. tipTravelMagazine

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Interview

DARKO LORENCIN

Mljet

KorÄ?ula Photos: St. Mary island in the Great Lake, Mljet National Park (top); KorÄ?ula, city of Marco Polo (middle left); Plitvice Lakes National Park (middle right) Plitvice Lakes Nacional Park

Except as a great summer destination, more and more we're trying to position Croatia as an ideal weekend destination.

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tipTravelMagazine July / August 2013.

tourism of our country and represents a signpost for a stronger development of tourism in all regions of Croatia over the next eight years. Besides that, the Strategy precisely defines guidelines for increasing the competitiveness of Croatian tourism in the international market, it gives clear instructions for motivating investments in the sector as well as being a foundation for retrieving resources from European Union funds.

The main development goal is to be one of the top 20 most competitive travel destinations in the world. In order to achieve that goal of Croatian tourism by 2020, we must implement the following strategic goals: achieving new investments in the amount of 7 billion euro, improving the structure and quality of accommodations, i.e. the construction of 20 thousand new hotel rooms and increasing their share from

13.1 percent to 18.1 percent. There is also the construction of new facilities in camps, improving the quality of family accommodations, opening around 30 thousand new workplaces in tourism and associated businesses, and increasing tourist spending. All measures and activities included in the Strategy will be conducted in cooperation with the public, private, and civil sectors.

What are the most popular Croatian tourist destinations?

Choosing travel destinations greatly depends on the country the tourists hail from, the transportation devices they use to arrive, and the type of vacation they prefer. Guests who come to Croatia by car most often choose Istria, or north and central Dalmatia, i.e. the closer destinations. On the other hand, socalled air guests most often come to

Dubrovnik

Photos: Motovun, an ancient town situated in the interior of Istria (left); Stradun, the main street of Dubrovnik (right)

Motovun

destinations connected with airports such as Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar, Zagreb, and Pula. The favourite destinations for all tourists are our national parks, such as Plitvice lakes, Paklenica, Mljet and Kornati, but also islands, such as Vis, Hvar, KorÄ?ula, etc.

Why choose Croatia for a holiday?

Each part of Croatia is interesting and special in its own way, and not only during the summer, but throughout the entire year. Croatia is a land of diversity and truly offers many vacation options, and is widely renowned for the wealth of its natural and cultural heritage. Besides being an excellent summer destination, we are trying to position Croatia more and more as the ideal weekend-destination, especially for tourists from closer markets.

We are dedicating special attention to the stronger development of tourist products,

such as cultural, bike, wine and food, golf, and health tourism...

Upon entry into the European Union, Croatia also got its first online magazine on tourism and travel, tipTravel.

The redirection to online tourism promotion was also emphasised in the mentioned Strategy, and the new Strategic Marketing Plan of Croatian Tourism for the 2014-2020 period will be based on that. In order to be able to strongly compete on the international tourism market, it is necessary to continually follow trends and to adapt to them in a timely fashion. Online is a trend today, and tourists are now found on the internet. So we will await them there first.

How do you spend your free time?

Travel is one of my favourite hobbies,

which I heartily enjoy, and which truly relaxes me. However, my current function as the Minister of Tourism includes numerous obligations, especially during the tourist season, so that my love for travel will have to take a backseat for some time.

Which Croatian destinations would you recommend to our readers?

For readers who are, for example, travelling by car, I would recommend a visit to Hum, the smallest town in the world, Rovinj, the city of romance, the Brijuni islands, Plitvice Lakes National Park, Dubrovnik, KopaÄ?ki rit and Lonjsko polje, but also the entire interior of Istria and Dalmatia. For those who prefer the sea and sailing, I would definitely recommend Kornati National Park, and the islands of Mljet, Vis, Hvar, and Lastovo. ď ś July / August 2013. tipTravelMagazine

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Blue Croatia

CRIKVENICA

Photo: View of Hotel Kaštel, the former Pauline monastery

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tipTravelMagazine July / August 2013.

CRIKVENICA CROATIA

The Green Beauty of Kvarner Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: archive of Crikvenica Tourist Board and Robert Kunštek

Archduke Joseph Habsburg, Swedish king Oskar, the Queen of Morocco - mother of King Hassan II, and numerous representatives of Austrian, Hungarian, Polish, and Russian aristocracy all enjoyed the advantages of its gentle Mediterranean climate, and the scents and shade of its green park. It was the inspiration of many world-renowned artists for its beauty, and at the beginning of the last century, it became one of the most exclusive travel destinations of the Adriatic and Mediterranean due to its climate.

Meet Crikvenica...

July / August 2013. tipTravelMagazine

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Blue Croatia

CRIKVENICA

Photos: The former Crikvenica baths (top left); hotel Therapia is a symbol of Crikvenica tourism (top right)

L

ocated in the Kvarner bay of the Adriatic Sea, Crikvenica is, along with the towns of Dramalj, Jadranovo, and Selce, part of the Crikvenica Riviera, which is celebrating the 125th anniversary of its tourism tradition this year. It all started with the construction of the first wooden swimming baths in 1888, and hotels Therapia (1895), and Miramare (1906), which marked the strong development of Crikvenica tourism, especially health tourism.

In 1895, the luxurious "Archduke Joseph" hotel was opened in Crikvenica to satisfy the aristocratic clientele that had started to visit Crikvenica at that time. Two years after it was constructed, Archduke Joseph Habsburg, the imperial governor in Rijeka, bought the hotel, and changed its name to Therapia. The first hydropathical institute was established in the hotel, which initiated the development of health tourism.

Cr 16

ik

n ve

Tradition of health tourism At that time, it was already obvious that Crikvenica is located in an area protected from strong winds, where air from the sea and continent constantly mix,

i ca

tipTravelMagazine July / August 2013.

Dr

am

creating a combination of incredibly pure air, full of healthy minerals. It didn’t take long for several spas to open in town, and for Crikvenica to be officially proclaimed a climatic health and sea resort. At the same time, the construction of magnificent houses and summer homes started, and Crikvenica transformed from a small rural fishing village into a modern city centre. In 1995, Thalassotherapia Crikvenica, specialized in the prevention and rehabilitation of respiratory systems, opened its doors as the only health institution.

Along with their long tradition of health tourism, the people of Crikvenica are also proud of their historical and cultural heritage. They will gladly tell you that their ancestors

alj Ja

d

n ra

ov

o Se

l ce

Photos: View of Crikvenica's promenade (top left); drinking coffee on the newly renovated main city square (top right); hotel Kaštel (bottom left); Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (bottom right)

once lived in the town of Kotor (or Ad turres, translate: at the towers), in the backwaters, on the nearby hill, which was located on an important Roman road that linked the north of Italy with Dalmatia. Kotor parish, comprised of six churches, was part of the medieval town of Grižan, which had access to the sea through Crikvenica, then the harbour of Grižan. After a large fire that demolished Kotor in the 18th century, the population moved towards the sea.

Pottery kilns The Kotor region was well known for its developed pottery workshops.

At the archaeological site "Igralište" in Crikvenica, near the city stadium, you can still see the largest of the six

pottery kilns of Crikvenica, which is also one of the best preserved from Roman times. This workshop supplied the entire Adriatic coast with ceramic goods. Two years ago, using materials and technologies from ancient times, a replica of a kiln was built and fired up several times. It is located near the Dubračina stream, where you can tour it at any time of the day.

When you already at the Dubračina, you cannot miss the symbol of Crikvenica, the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, also the oldest preserved church in the city, and the Pauline monastery, which today houses the "Kaštel" hotel. They were commissioned by Nikola Frankopan IV from the noble Frankopan family, who left a significant mark on this area.

tip: It is easy to reach Crikvenica, by land, sea, or air. If you plan on coming by plane from a European city, check Rijeka Airport’s website www.rijeka-airport.hr, to see where you can fly from directly to this airport, which is located on the island of Krk (connected to the mainland with a bridge) and located only 20 kilometres from Crikvenica.

July / August 2013. tipTravelMagazine

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Blue Croatia

CRIKVENICA

Photos: Bronze statue of a fisherman (top); sunset behind the island of Krk, opposite from Crikvenica (right); passage with an exhibition dedicated to Julije Klović (bottom)

Legend has it that as a boy, Juraj Julije Klović, the famous miniaturist, drew tiny drawings on his thumbnails.

His talent was noticed by the Crikvenica Paulines, who brought him to the monastery and offered him a good education. Although he later moved to Italy, it is interesting that he regularly signed his works with "Croata", "Croatus", etc., proud of his roots.

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tipTravelMagazine July / August 2013.

Little Michelangelo If you come a little closer to the building of the former Pauline monastery, you will notice a picture and a sign next to it: "Juraj Julije Klović (Grižane, 1498. Rome, 1578.) educated in the building with Paulines of Crikvenica". Definitely pass through the covered pedestrian walkways where a permanent exhibition dedicated to the artist has been installed, and read a few lines from the life of this most famous miniaturist painter of all time, whose artistic opus was never overshadowed by any other painter. He created numerous drawings and graphics, and illuminated many manuscripts, prayer books, and missals. They called the "little new Michelangelo" and the "Raphael of miniatures", and today, his works are kept

in renowned world museums, libraries and private collections from London, Vienna, and Paris to Chicago and New York.

Crikvenica’s fishermen Before the strong tourist boom, Crikvenica was exclusively tied to the sea and fishing. In the 1950s, Crikvenica’s fishermen accounted for as much as 30 percent of the Adriatic catch, and today they are known as the best fishermen of the northern Adriatic. In the city’s harbour, you can see a bronze statue of a fisherman, made in remembrance of Crikvenica’s fishermen. Another one of the symbols of Crikvenica’s ties to the sea is an original sculpture of a fish that you will come across while walking through the centre. Besides being famous for their

Photos: City parks are ideal both for pedestrians and bicyclists (top); weather station (right); the Love Path (bottom)

fishing, the people of Crikvenica were also well known for their sculpting and masonry work, as well as olive growing.

In Frankopanska Street, a large olive crushing stone still stands as a sign of the times when olives were grown near the city and on the island of Krk.

The Love Path It’s hard to say whether it is better to seek refreshment in the sea or in the shade of one of Crikvenica’s parks and walkways during hot summer days. The groomed lawns and flower patches, and lush vegetation of city parks, dominated by laurel trees, are trademarks of the city.

Walking through one of them, Stjepan Radić’s park, you will come across a weather station, one of the three oldest

in Croatia, which has constantly been measuring the temperature and other weather information since 1900.

If you prefer to take walks in the forest, further away from the city centre, and you are in good company, head over to the Love Path. This set of paths that lead towards the backwoods of Crikvenica got its name from the frequent passing of infatuated couples. The path is about eight kilometres long, and on it, amongst other things, you can have a look at the ancient construction of Badanj, the former source of drinking water, and the viewpoint with a view of Tribalj. Throughout the path, you will be in the shade of oak, hornbeam, ash, cedar, and pine trees, and you will be engulfed in the scents of cyclamen, sages and various Mediterranean plants. A true refreshment in summer months.

Not far from the Love Path is the Mediterranean Labyrinth of Love. It consists of, still small, laurel trees, planted in the shape of a labyrinth. The hosts say that the labyrinth, amongst other things, fulfils wishes, rejuvenates, beautifies, and encourages creativity and wealth. The rules for walking through the labyrinth are as follows: you cannot look back, go back, nor jump from one path to another over the hurdles. And to be truly powerful, they say the labyrinth must be passed as often as possible.

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Blue Croatia

CRIKVENICA

Photos: the beach in Selce (top left); Crikvenica's city beach (top right); the beach in Dramalj (middle); Lokvišće cove in Jadranovo (bottom)

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Beaches for all Long, stony, and sandy beaches and lonely coves are just one reason why a large number of tourists choose this city for their summer destination.

For example, the sandy beaches here were formed from deposits of fine grained sand from the Dubračina stream. Tourists love the City beach, nearly two kilometres long, which has been bearing the blue flag, the prestigious international eco-brand, which guarantees cleanliness and many other conditions, for fifteen years in a row. The beach is also wheelchair accessible and also has a ramp and elevator that ease entry to the sea, also, the sunbathing area and toilets have been adapted.

Along the entire length of the beach is a Mediterranean garden, many restaurants and cafés with diverse offerings, and plenty of content for all ages. Here you can, amongst other things, rent a paddleboat or kayak, take a diving lesson, try water skiing or use your time to go parasailing and have a look at the entire Riviera from a birds-eye view. Entrance fees to the beach are charged from June 1st to September 15th, and the price of a day-ticket for children ages 3 to 14 is 8 kuna, while for all those older than 14, the price is 15 kuna.

DIVING CENTER

tip: If you are an adventurer, then Crikvenica’s Riviera is made for you. At the "Mihurić" Diving Centre in Selce, you can learn your first diving steps, or, if you are already experienced in this sport, you can get equipped and dive into the depths of the sea and enjoy the lush undersea world of Crikvenica in the company of divers from all over the world. On the other side of Crikvenica, towards Dramalj, the diverse offer for adventurists includes Crikvenica Adrenaline and Paintball Park, where you won’t be lacking adrenaline.

MIHURIĆ SELCE/CROATIA

Photos: Undersea life of the Crikvenica Riviera (top); Crikvenica is a favourite destination of bicyclists (bottom)

Organized shore, night and boat dives Housereef, wrecks, caves, reefs, coral walls Dive guide available PADI diving courses

tip: The Crikvenica Riviera is connected with six bicycle trails, and you can choose between recreational, athletic, circular, the lily trail, violet trail, or viewpoint trail

Discover Scuba Diving & Bubblemaker (introduction dive) Lodging arrangements: hotels, appartments, bed & breakfast

Diving Center "MIHURIĆ" Uvala Slana bb 51266 SELCE, Croatia tel: +385 51 765462 tel/fax: +385 51 241038 e-mail: info@mihuric.hr www.mihuric.hr

PADI 5* IDC Gold Palm Resort

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Blue Croatia

CRIKVENICA

Pet friendly The pet beach is a novelty in Crikvenica’s offer, and it is located near the Podvorska harbour. The beach is equipped with awnings for pets, a special garbage can with collection bags, and benches, and as of this year, a shower for pets, with an additional faucet and water bowl. Entrance to the beach is free of charge.

Crikvenica's dog beach was proclaimed the best Adriatic beach for pets by the Top destinations website. GKTD Murvica who, in cooperation with the City of Crikvenica, brought fresh running water to the beach this year, made a great contribution to the construction of this beach.

For more information, contact:

GKTD

Murvica d.o.o.

Trg Stjepana Radića 1/II

51260 Crikvenica, Croatia

phone: +385 51 455 500

fax: +385 51 241 060

e-mail: murvica@murvica.hr www.murvica.hr

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Photos: Sign for the dog beach (top left); levee of the Podvorska bay (top right); welcome sign for dogs to the Trabakul tavern (middle right); shower, awnings, and dog beach (bottom)

Photos: Details from the Crikvenica Aquarium (top left and right); details from the postcard exhibition at the City Museum (bottom left and right)

Crikvenica Aquarium

Crikvenica on postcards

If you are not keen on diving and researching the undersea world at several metres depth, take a walk to the aquarium, near the main city square.

There, in thirty pools, designed according to natural habitats, you will be awaited by more than a hundred types of fish from the Adriatic Sea, and fifty types of fish from tropical seas.

Amongst the most interesting domestic examples are the moray eel, seahorses, spiny lobster, octopus, scorpion fish, and common lobster, and amongst the tropical, zebra fish, clownfish, angelfish, palette surgeonfish, etc.

The aquarium is open every day.

For more information visit: www.aquariumcrikvenica.com

Not far from the Aquarium is the Crikvenica City Museum. An interesting exhibition of postcards "Hartuline zi Crikvenice" is open in its basement to September 15th of this year, which shouldn’t be missed. The postcards will tell you the story of the beginning of tourism in Crikvenica, where you can read the messages and greetings that the guests back then sent to their loved ones from their holiday in this city. The exhibition will reveal many interesting facts, such as that from 1853, the Selce harbour was a regular stop for steamboats that travelled from Rijeka to Zadar and brought tourists to the Crikvenica Riviera. Did you know that some of the tourists at the beginning of the 20th century came to Crikvenica by carriage? It is also interesting the

tip: Don’t miss out on the postcard exhibit at the Crikvenica City Museum, held until September 15th of this year, which will reveal many interesting facts from the past of the Crikvenica Riviera. Entrance is free of charge.

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Blue Croatia

CRIKVENICA

Photos: Frankopan Days are held at the end of June, 2013 in Crikvenica (top and bottom left); festival on the promenade (top right); diverse offer of excursions on the promenade (bottom right)

tip: If you would like to head out to sea, take a ride on a boat, or go on an excursion, stop by the Crikvenica promenade, where the excursion boats are docked. There, they offer various excursions to the islands of Krk and Rab, but also to the island of Košljun and nearby coves.

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City baths, established in 1901 had a lot of content, and employed swimming instructors, doctors, masseuses, day care teachers. We won’t tell you more. The exhibition has been set up in Croatian and English, and entrance is free of charge, which is reason more to visit.

Festivals on city squares This year, the newly renovated main square and promenade, city stages in their own right, where events and festivals happen all year long, are the pride and joy of the people of Crikvenica. So, for example, Frankopan Days (medieval fair), the Cherry Festival, Strawberry Festival, Mardi Gras, (Sr)Etno Selce, Ad Turres Day and more were held.

But, don’t worry if you missed them.

The people of Crikvenica have prepared plenty of more events for this year.

During July and August, Primorje nights,

Fishing with guests, Fisherman’s festivals, St. Jacob’s 2013, Melodies with the taste of the sea, Jakovarske noći (Jadranovo nights), Tourism Day in Selce, Evenings of traditional vocal songs, Fishermen’s Fest of Sharks, 47. Fisherman’s week and many concerts, regattas, tournaments, and much more will be held. tip: You can find the exact schedule of events and festivals on the Crikvenica Riviera on the web site of the Crikvenica Tourist Board www.rivieracrikvenica.com.

The website is in Croatian, English, and German.

Only for gourmets Healthy and natural ingredients prepared in the traditional way is the foundation for coastal cuisine, which is known as one of the most interesting in Croatia.

The people of Crikvenica are known to be

tip: The best-known dessert from Crikvenica is the Frankopan cake, whose three hundred year old recipe was reconstructed twenty years ago. It is best to try it in the Inter café in the International Hotel on the main city square.

Photos: Frankopan cake (top left and right)

Souvenir

Amphora from

Crikvenica

In the Trabakul tavern, we found an exhibition of fashion sketches "Tradition in Fashion - Tradicija u modi", inspired by Crikvenica's folk costume, with several created models by fashion designer Andrea Anić

A recognizable and original souvenir of Crikvenica with which, it could be said, Romans formed their foundations, is the amphora from Crikvenica. This amphora was found in the former Roman settlement Ad turres, which preceded Crikvenica, and it is unique due to its flat bottom, and for the fact that it was made in Crikvenica.

They were made from domestic clay during the 1st and 2nd century in a large pottery workshop, in the area next to where the football field stands today. The amphoras were used to preserve wine, and one such amphora was found near the island of Lošinj.

Today, two thousand years later, amphoras are still made, but as smaller replicas that tourists often buy and carry home as a reminder of their stay in this city rich with ancient heritage.

tip: The amphora from Crikvenica can be bought in the Museum of the City of Crikvenica for 40 kuna.

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Blue Croatia

CRIKVENICA Where to stay Jadran Crikvenica Hotels phone: +385 51 241 970 www.jadran-crikvenica.hr Apartments Lounger Frković Vukovarska 26, Crikvenica mob: +385 91 241 0513 www.lounger.com.hr

tip: You can try traditional specialties from Crikvenica, such as crkveniške rupice, blue fish marinade, batuda and lumbuli teti Anki, in the Mendula, Burin and Trabakul restaurants. The mountain lodge "Vagabundina koliba", located on the Bribir-Fužine road, offers an interesting and different menu, where you can try dishes made of self-sprouting edible herbs, game, and local specialties.

Apartments and rooms "Kaskade" M. Krleže 4, Crikvenica phone: +385 51 785 595 mob: +385 91 178 5595

Where to eat Restaurant Mendula Gajevo šetalište 23b, Crikvenica phone: +385 51 784 160 www.catering-derossi.hr The mountain lodge "Vagabundina koliba", Ravno 7, Bribir (on the road Bribir-Fužine), mob: +385 98 9432 885 www.pd-vagabundina-koliba.hr

Coffee and pastries Coffee house Toš Frankopanska ulica 2, Crikvenica mob: +385 98 932 8098 Coffee house Inter (ground floor of hotel "International"), Ivana Skomerže 1, Crikvenica, phone: +385 1 241 324 www.jadran-crikvenica.hr

Sport Photos: Authentic specialties: crkveniške rupice (sardines fried with cornmeal and herbs) (left) and lumbul teti Anki (pork fillet stuffed with chard) (top); stinging nettle patties (bottom)

tip: The best address for morning coffee, excellent cakes, ice cream, and doubtlessly the best shade in town, under the cover of the great plane tree, is Kavana Toš in the centre of town. Next to the terrace is a toš, a large round stone that once served for crushing olives, which is how the café got its name.

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gourmets, who regularly take their guests on a gastro trip through the Crikvenica Riviera. In order to further popularize their gastronomy offerings, and bring them closer to tourists, they opened the "Blue Fish Road", which has five hotel and twenty independent restaurants that offer creative, tasty blue fish dishes daily.

If you collect five stamps in five different restaurants, you will get "Kuharicu našeh non" ("Our Grandma’s Cookbook"), printed in Croatian and German, with recipes for traditional dishes of the Crikvenica Riviera. Amongst the best known are blue fish marinade, crkveniške rupice zelenjavun, batuda, brudit and peasant’s polenta.

Crikvenica is a city full of flavours, colours, and scents, that this year, when the hospitable hosts are proudly celebrating their long tradition of tourism, is more emphasized than ever.

Drop by this part of Kvarner and relax in its rhythm. You won’t regret it. 

Diving center "Mihurić" Uvala Slana bb, Selce phone: +385 51 765 462, www.mihuric.hr

Souvenirs Shop Vrt Arome (ground floor of hotel "International"), Ivana Skomerže 1, Crikvenica, mob: +385 91 178 5595 www.facebook.com/BosseVrtArome

i

Crikvenica Tourist Board

Trg Stjepana Radića 1c 51260 Crikvenica, Croatia phone: +385 51 784 101 e-mail: info@tzg-crikvenice.hr web: www.rivieracrikvenica.com

Jadran Crikvenica Hotels (Jadran d.d. u stečaju) phone: +385 51 241 970 phone: +385 51 455 560 (Sales and marketing department) fax: +385 51 241 975 e-mail: marketing@jadran-crikvenica.hr www.jadran-crikvenica.hr

Hotel Esplanade (Crikvenica)

Hotel Kaštel (Crikvenica)

Hotel Omorika (Crikvenica)

Hotel Zagreb (Crikvenica)

Hotel International (Crikvenica)

Hotel and Pavilions Ad Turres (Crikvenica)

Harmony of tradition and modern The Crikvenica Riviera - an oasis of scents and diversity which lulls you to sleep with lavender and awakens you with rosemary! The centre awaits you with nine hotels, a tourist resort and auto camp, friendly staff, and more than 2500 beds ready for your arrival! The plentiful offer of excursions, the cultural monuments that take you back to the time of Pavlin and Frankopan, the tastes of the Mediterranean for everyone’s tastebuds... all of that is Jadran d.d. with its rich tourist tradition for more than 60 years.

Walk the 15 kilometre long coastline, let at least one of the many sports activities become your own, relax on a beach with a blue flag, the sign of superb quality, and don’t forget to visit us again because we are here for you!

Tourist resort Kačjak (Dramalj)

Hotel and Pavilions Slaven (Selce)

Hotel Varaždin (Selce)

Autocamp Selce (Selce)

www.jadran-crikvenica.hr

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Beauties of Croatia

VELA BEACH

B Ph ašk ot a T o: ou M ri So ar st u ku Bo rce s s ar : tu d di o

Vela beach (Baška, island of Krk)

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Although there are more than thirty, the largest and one of the most recognizable beaches in Baška is "Vela plaža" (or Vela beach). This natural stony beach is 1800 metres long, and can hold several thousand bathers. It is located along the centre of town, and in the vicinity of numerous tourist and food vendors. There is a lot of content on the beach so, amongst other things, you can rent a paddle boat, surf board, and a lot of beach requisites necessary for a pleasant holiday. The European Blue Flag, a sign of high quality and beach standards, has been flying above the beach since 1999.

tipTravelMagazine July / August 2013.

PROMO

Baška hotels

I

f you are getting ready to spend your vacation, or just a weekend, in Baška on the island of Krk, prepare yourself for utter pleasure. Besides being known for the longest and one of the most attractive beaches on the Adriatic, with a lot of content, the town is also known for its top-notch accommodation capacities and the experiences it offers its guests. You can choose between the hotels Corinthia, Zvonimir, Atrium Residence and Villa Adria, or the Zablaće camp, which is ideal for families with children, and the Naturist camp Bunculuka, located in a peaceful cove and surrounded by untouched nature.

Wellness and gastronomical experiences If you want to rest your body and soul in a more relaxed way, the right address is the

Baška Wellness Centre. Alongside an indoor and outdoor pool, you can also find a fitness studio, a spa zone, and a beauty centre. Absolutely everything you need to be perfectly relaxed.

On the other hand, amongst others, Bistro Funtana is responsible for the gastronomical experiences. Here you can try local and traditional meals, prepared according to the original Krk recipes based on Mediterranean ingredients with various herbs.

Fun for all Those who prefer to spend their holidays in direct contact with nature can find their ideal corner in the Zablaće camp, located near Baška’s Vele beach. There is plenty to experience within the camp, and nearby, such as an aqua-gun, mini

golf, tennis courts, beach volleyball, daily animated programs, organized excursions, etc. Guests have free Wi-Fi access to the internet, and for those who prefer more comfortable accommodations, the camp also offers mobile homes.

The 18 new mobile homes are a novelty this year in the Bunculuka Naturist Camp. They have been placed at the most attractive locations within the camp, with a view of Bunculuka cove, the beach, and the nearby island of Prvić. The camp, which was the winner of the prestigious 2011 ADAC Camping Award, offers its guests plenty of sports, animated, and entertaining content. 

Hoteli Baška d.d., Emila Geistlicha 39, 51523 Baška (Krk Island), Croatia, phone: +385 51 656 111, info@hotelibaska.hr, www.hotelibaska.hr July / August 2013. tipTravelMagazine

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City break

ZAGREB

City break

Photo: Ban Jelačić Square, the main square in Zagreb

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A Charming Metropolis with European Flair

Prepared by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: Robert Kunštek

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City break

ZAGREB

Photo: The view of the main square from the terrace of the "Ritam grada" café bar.

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isiting the 900-year-old Croatian, and European metropolis is an experience that cannot be missed. The charming streets of Zagreb, the green city parks, the historical neighbourhoods full of cultural landmarks, secrets, and stories, kind hosts, and countless events and happenings on festive squares are just some of the reasons Zagreb has always attracted the attention of curious tourist from all ends of the world, who often stay much longer than they planned.

Zagreb experienced a real tourist ‘boom’ over the past few years, so the metropolis with European flair is now a destination marked on the maps of many world travellers. Although there are many features to see in the city, we have singled out 15 that you should not miss.

1. Ban Jelačić Square It’s best to start researching Zagreb from the main square, which the hosts call "Jelačić plac". Three of the most important landmarks are located on it. First is the monument of ban Josip Jelačić on a horse, who was previously turned towards the north, or towards Hungary, and now faces south.

The second is the Manduševac fountain, which is located in the place of the former well, or spring that supplied the city to the end of the 19th century.

The third important point is the large clock, a traditional meeting place of Zagrebians.

2. Cathedral The Zagreb cathedral is the most monumental Croatian sacral building, built in the neo-gothic style. It has been a symbol of Zagreb and Croatia since the 19th century, and is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Alongside the graves of Zagreb bishops and archbishops, the cathedral also houses the grave of the Blessed Alojzije Stepinac, Zagreb archbishop and cardinal, which is visited by thousands of believers every year.

Come, experience, and discover why Zagreb is "the city of a million hearts" and why Zagrebians and tourists consider it an outdoor living room, a city where they feel at home in its comfortable and warm atmosphere...

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City break

ZAGREB

3. Funicular Zagreb’s Lower and Upper town have been connected by the Funicular since the late 19th century. It is the oldest public transportation system in Zagreb, even older than the horse-drawn tram. With a track of only 66 metres, Zagreb’s funicular is the shortest funicular in the world. At first, it used a steam engine, which was later replaced with an electric engine. Its lower station is located in Tomićeva Street, and the Upper station is at the foot of the Lotrščak tower. It can carry 28 passengers and runs every 10 minutes.

4. The Lotrščak tower and Grič cannon The Lotrščak tower is another symbol of Zagreb. It was built in the 13th century for defence purposes, and today it stands as one of the best preserved defence structures in the city, and the only preserved tower. It is located on the Strossmayer promenade, alongside the former small gate of Dverce. It got its name from the bell (thief’s bell) that used to ring in the evening hours before the city gates were closed to call all the citizens back to the safety of the fortress. One of the interesting features within the tower is the Grič cannon, which the city leaders obtained in the 19th century for the purpose of shooting it every day exactly at noon so that the bell-ringers of all the city churches could synchronize their ringing. Although this tradition was forgotten during the First World War, the cannon was shot again in 1927, and since then it has been telling Zagrebians the exact time at noon every day.

5. Summer on Stross This year, once again, as is tradition, the festival "Summer on Stross" is being held on the Strossmayer promenade, one of the most romantic in town. The festival lasts from May 25th to September 29th, 2013, and every day, there are concerts, art workshops, plays, and plenty more. www.ljetonastrosu.com

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6. The Museum of Broken Relationships Ever since it opened its doors in late 2010, the Museum of Broken Relationships hasn’t stopped attracting the attention of tourists from all over the world. It has already been written and reported about by the BBC, Daily Mail, Le Monde, CNN, NY Times, and many other global media companies. The Museum was founded as a travelling exhibit, and it is dedicated to unsuccessful romantic relationships.

The exhibits in this innovative museum are personal objects from former lovers, accompanied by short impressive descriptions and stories. In 2011, the European Museum Forum, awarded this museum the prestigious Kenneth Hudson award for the most innovative museum in Europe. www.brokenships.com

7. Saint Mark’s Church You have probably noticed this renowned Zagreb rooftop in one of the brochures or info material on Zagreb. Zagrebians are extremely proud of it, and it adorns the Church of St. Mark on the Upper town, the historical core of the city. The church dates back to the 13th century, and its recognizable roof, with the triune kingdom of Croatia, Dalmatia, and Slavonia, was created in the 19th century.

Croatian bans used to take their oaths at the altar in church.

8. Stone gate One of the witnesses and best preserved landmarks of Old Zagreb is the Stone gate, also the only preserved old city gate. The tower with the wagon passage was built in the 13th century for defensive purposes. A chapel with a picture of the Holy Mother of the Stone Gate, protector of the city, whose feast day is celebrated May 31st, is located in the passageway. This picture was miraculously undamaged in a large fire that caught Zagreb back in 1731. Zagrebians pilgrimage here daily to light candles and pray to their protector, and on the interior walls, they place plaques with their pledges and thanks to the Holy Mother of God.

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City break

ZAGREB 9. Dolac Open markets with fresh produce are one of the special features of the city, and they are located in nearly every neighbourhood. Still, the best known and the biggest is the market (or plac) Dolac, on three levels, located near the cathedral. Every day, Zagrebians visit it to stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables, fish and meat, and fresh cheese and cream, as well as various arts and crafts, made mostly of wood. An interesting fact is that the salespeople sell their goods under red umbrellas, with the recognizable pattern from Šestine, which is a kind of symbol of the market. On the south end of the market, there is a statue of a "kumica", a traditional market seller.

10. Coffee at the "špica" If you didn’t know, Zagrebians are well-known for their love of coffee, and one of their rituals is to have coffee in one of the many cafés in the city in good company. Although they practice their favourite habit during the workweek, their favourite is to have coffee downtown on Saturday mornings, when they have the most free time. That ritual, believe it or not, has its own name: "kavica na špici", or coffee at the "špica".

Although Zagrebians consider all of downtown to be their outdoor living room, it is most difficult to find a free seat in Tkalčićeva and Bogovićeva Streets, as well as Cvjetni square.

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11. Zrinjevac and Lenuci’s horseshoe

Girl in a folk costume from Šestine

It is difficult to say which of Zagreb’s parks is the most beautiful.

However, if you’re in a dilemma as to where to start walking through Zagreb’s green oases, start with the posh promenade of Zrinjevac (Nikola Šubić Zrinski Square). This park with a line of plane trees that surround it, the music gazebo, fountains and busts of dignitaries are part of Lenuci’s (Green) horseshoe, which includes eight lower town squares-parks, located in the shape of a horseshoe.

All of them are squares with rows of trees and flower gardens, fountains, and benches where Zagrebians seek rest from the buzz of the city throughout the day.

12. Art pavilion The Art pavilion, locate on King Tomislav Square, was built in 1896 in honour of the Millenium exhibition that was held in Budapest. Thanks to the newest experiences in construction at the time, the Pavilion was dismantled in Budapest and sent by train to Zagreb, where it was reconstructed at its current location. Exhibitions of leading domestic and foreign artists are regularly held there.

13. Croatian National Theatre The neo-baroque building of the Croatian National Theatre from the 19th century is an example of a representative theatre built in the styles of the cities of central and Eastern Europe. It was designed by renowned Viennese architects Ferdinand Fellner and Herman Helmer, designers of about forty theatre buildings. The theatre was officially opened in 1895, and it has been enriching the cultural life of Zagreb ever since. It is located on Marshal Tito Square, the last in the line of eight green squares of Lenuci’s horseshoe.

13.4. - 29.9.2013.

13.4. - 28.9.

UPPER TOWN IN THE PAST

Upper Town, Saturdays, 17:00 - 20:00 h

13.4. - 29.9.

UPPER TOWN MUSICAL PANORAMA

Upper Town, St.Catherine’s Squre, Strossmayer Promenade, St. Mark’s Square, Saturdays and Sundays, 10:00 - 12:00 h

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PROMENADE CONCERTS -ZRINJEVAC

Zrinjevac Park, Saturdays, 11:00 - 13:00 h

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DANCE EVENINGS - ZRINJEVAC

Zrinjevac Park, Fridays, 20:30 - 22:30 h

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PROMENADE CONCERTS -MAKSIMIR

Maksimir Park - Belvedere, Sundays, 11:00 - 13:00 h from 7.7. 10:30 - 12:30 h

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FOLKLORE PERFORMANCES

Kaptol, Ban Jelačić Square and Tkalčićeva Street, Saturdays, 10:00 - 12:00 h / Sundays, 11:00 - 13:00 h

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KUMICE S DOLCA

Dolac Market, Fridays and Saturdays, 8:00 - 13:00 h

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THE STREET OF MUSIC AND FUN Tkalčićeva Street Thursdays and Fridays, 19:00 -23:00 h Saturdays, 11:00 -13:00 h

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CHANGING OF THE GUARD -

GUARD OF HONOUR OF THE CRAVAT REGIMENT St. Mark’s Square, Saturdays and Sundays, 12:00 h * In case of bad weather programs will be cancelled.

Zagreb Time Machine www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr

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City break

ZAGREB 14. Park Maksimir Zagreb is a city of parks, and one of the oldest and lushest parks is definitely the Maksimir park-forest, in the east side of town. It got its name at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th centuries from its founder, the bishop of Zagreb Maksimilijan Vrhovec, who had the oak forest, criss-crossed with creeks, turned into a French park. Maksimir is a favourite weekenddestination for Zagrebians, and through the week for many recreational athletes. The park has a total of seven streams and five lakes, and it’s possible to rend a boat and row on the third lake. The park also includes a sevenhectare Zoo, and many landmarks, such as Bishop Haulik’s summer house, the Viewpoint, Swiss house, St. George’s chapel, obelisk, and the Echo gazebo. Maksimir is also regularly a backdrop for newlywed photo shoots because of its photogenic and romantic qualities.

15. Medvednica

Photo archive: IGK

Photo archive: 'Ritam grada'

Rare are the cities where the hills of the mountains, or nature parks, come down to the centre of town. It’s another one of the special features of Zagreb. Medvednica, with its peak Sljeme at 1035 metres above sea level, watches over the city and protects it from cold north winds.

This "Zagreb forest" is criss-crossed with several hiking trails, which are occupied by many Zagrebians on weekends. After taking a walk, and exercising, they seek refreshment in the hiking cabins, where bean stew is always the daily special. Sljeme is already traditionally the host of the World Ski Cup race in early January every year.

The Gorans on an Adriatic tour The folklore ensemble "Ivan Goran Kovačić" from Zagreb will be guests at the international "SIVO" folklore festival in the Netherlands from July 29th to August 5th, 2013. After that, they will head out on an Adriatic tour, where, from August 13th to 21st, they will perform in Umag, Biograd n/m, Nin, several places on the island of Hvar, and in Šibenik.

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Ritam grada The terrace with one of the best views, the one of Zagreb's main square, is the terrace of the "Ritam grada" café bar and club. This place is especially popular amongst the young, primarily due to the pleasant ambiance, list of various events, and the diverse selection of drinks that includes cocktails and exotic drinks. Entrance is free of charge.

Ro o: k ot Ph nšte Ku rt

be

Morning at the Zagreb Eye Recently, Zagreb became richer by one more tourist attraction, the Zagreb Eye, the viewpoint located at the top of Zagreb’s skyscraper on Zagreb’s main square, which offers a panoramic view of the city. We truly couldn’t miss the chance to await sunrise from this viewpoint and watch sleepy Zagreb slowly wake. Numerous other photographers, who also gathered June 14th, 2013 at 4 AM to record the city waking up were also aware of that. Zagreb Eye Blue Hour, organized by KODA production and Canon EOS Academy, was just the first of many events that we recommend to tourists, but also to all Zagrebians. www.zagrebeye.hr

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Historical traces...

TIDBITS

Faux windows

L

ong ago, on Zagreb’s Upper town, lived people who didn’t have a lot of money, nor opportunities to educate their children. But, since their children still needed to learn to read and write, the old Zagrebians came up with an idea and invited various orders of nuns and priests to Zagreb to teach them. So, sisters of the Order of Saint Clare came to the building that currently houses the Museum of the City of Zagreb, to teach the youth of Zagreb’s Upper town to read, write, and play music. However, in old Zagreb, there was an unwritten rule that every wealthy and noble family must give a daughter to that order. This caused problems because when a girl joined the Order of Saint Clare, she was not allowed to have contact with the outside world for the rest of her life, a rule which still stands today. It went so far that they drew windows on the façade of the building, so-called faux windows, which can still be seen if you take a walk to the Museum of the City of Zagreb.

Zagrebians later named the street Opatička (Nun’s) Street after the nuns...

It is also interesting that the entire street is built on walls that the Croatian-Hungarian King Bela IV had made to encircle the Upper town in the 13th century. The walls were so strong that not a centimeter needed to be dug for the foundations of all the palaces that are now located there. 

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Prepared by: Željka Kunštek Photos: Robert Kunštek

Photo: Even today it is possible to see the drawn, or faux windows, on the facade of the Museum of the City of Zagreb in Opatička Street on the Upper Town.

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Museum of the City of Zagreb

Google maps street view location: http://goo.gl/maps/aYcm1 Address: OpatiÄ?ka 20 10000 Zagreb, Croatia (EU)

tip: While in Zagreb, be sure to visit the Museum of the City of Zagreb, where you can discover many interesting facts about life in this town, from ancient times to present day.

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vić

ust and In July, Aug 't miss... n o d , 3 1 0 2 September

Photo: Nikola Zelmano

u o y 4 s tip

Motovun film festival

Photo: Maja Prgomet

Over the past few years, it has become a rule that every film aficionado, who is even only a bit true to himself, must be in Motovun at the end of July, when that town transforms into the Croatian film mecca. This year, it will be held from July 27th to 31st. The picturesque town on the top of a steep hill offers idyllic surroundings for this type of festival, which honours independent film production. Here you can see a professionally produced choice of films from current global production, regardless of their genre. The five-day marathon with projections throughout the day will satisfy even the largest film appetites.

Diocletian’s Days

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The 64th Dubrovnik Summer Games, as is tradition, will be held in the very south of Croatia, in Dubrovnik, from July 10th to August 25th. The festival will gather the best drama, music, ballet, folklore, and film artists from the entire world. www.dubrovnik-festival.hr

Photo archive: Dubrovnik Summer Games

Split will once again return to its ancient days this summer from August 16th to 19th, when pedestrians in togas and tunics will once again walk its streets. A procession of ancient chariots, transporting Emperor Diocletian and his crew, will travel down the Riva, to the Peristil, where he will, as before, address the citizens. All of that will be accompanied by the attractive scents of Mediterranean cuisine, and the lively stands with delicacies and crafts made by the craftsmen of Split.

The Dubrovnik Summer Games

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Photo archive: Vrbovec Tourist Board

www.motovunfilmfestival.com

'Kaj su jeli naši stari' From August 23rd to 25th in the city of Vrbovec, in the Zagreb County, a traditional tourist-culinary festival "Kaj su jeli naši stari" ("What our old folks ate") will be held. The festival shows the habits, culture, and tradition of the Vrbovec are in a culinary specialties, which are prepared by amateur associations of women from the Vrbovec area according to the original recipes. Good fun is guaranteed with songs, music, and dance, along with a demonstration of traditional crafts and various folk skills. www.tzzz.hr

Photo archive: Zagreb Tourist Board

Zagreb’s Time Machine

www.zagreb-touristinfo.hr

www.tourism-cakovec.hr Photo archive: Čakovec Tourist Board

Up until the end of September, Zagreb’s streets, squares and Maksimir park live in the sign of Zagreb’s Time Machine (Zagrebački vremeplov), nine events traditionally organized

by The Zagreb Tourist Board.

Every Friday and Saturday, you can buy groceries on Dolac market from "kumice" dressed in traditional folk costumes, while on Zagreb’s main square every weekend from 10 to 12 perform folklore dancers. Also, on weekends, the changing of the guard is held in front of St. Mark’s church on the Upper Town, and promenade concerts are held in the Music pavilion on Zrinjevac every Saturday from 11 to 13. We recommend dancers visit Dance Night on Zrinjevac held Fridays.

Robbie Williams in Zagreb, Zaz in Pula As part of his European stadium tour for the summer of 2013, "Take the Crown", the biggest pop star of today, Robbie Williams, is coming to Zagreb. He will perform at "Maksimir" stadium August 13th, 2013. The French singer Zaz will hold the musical spectacle August 14th, 2013 in Pula’s Arena, one of the most beautiful amphitheatres in the world.

Varaždin Touri Photo archive:

From July 31st to August 4th, Čakovec, a city in northern Croatia, will become the stage for a summer cultural program which will be held in honour of the noble Zrinski family, who left a strong mark on the city in the 16th and 17th century.

With numerous plays, concerts, and exhibitions, the most attractive event is the changing of the guard, which is held every Saturday in front of the eagle, Nikola Zrinski’s monument. After the entire summer of cultural life, Čakovec’s cultural summer ends on the holiday Lady of Angels, or Porcijunkula, the main procession in Čakovec, when many concerts are held, as well as a presentation of old professions, an art colony, and archery and equestrian competitions.

st Board

Porcijunkulovo

Špancirfest The baroque town of Varaždin, in the northern part of Croatia, invites you to the popular "španciranje" once again this year, from August 23rd to September 1st. During that time, Špancirfest, or the "festival of good emotions" will transform into the kingdom of music, a large theatre, and the empire of art, and its streets will be reigned by street musicians, entertainers, and artists. Over the past ten years, more than ten thousand performers from all over the world have performed at Špancirfest, and more than 1.8 million guests have visited it. Every year, the Festival gets new, attractive content, with the intent that each visitor becomes an active participant, and the creator of festival happenings.

The only prerequisite is a smile and good emotions. Amongst other things this year, a demo ride of motorcycles will be organized by Harley-Davidson Zagreb from August 23rd to 25th, 2013 as part of the festival. www.spancirfest.com

Photo archive: Kukljica Tourist Board

Festival of the Lady of Snow This year, as every year, on August 5th, in Kukljica on the island of Ugljan, for the festival of the Lady of Snow, or as the domestic people call it Gospa od Sniga, a traditional boat procession will be held to the church of the Lady of Snow in the Ždrelac passage, located between the islands of Ugljan and Pašman. For that occasion, a statue of the Lady of Snow is taken, accompanied by a hundred boats, from the Church of St. Paul to the chapel dedicated to her, where, according to legend, nearly five years ago, it snowed in the middle of summer. www.kukljica.hr

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New offer

RIJEKA

The first biker hostel opened in Rijeka

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d e: oar iv ch t B ar ris u o o t To ka je Ri

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Ph

In the first half of July 2013, the first biker hostel, "River", was opened in Rijeka. It was built in a former apartment, about two hundred square metres in size, and the plan is to have it opened all year long. It consists of seven rooms, and a total of 20 beds within one single, two double and triple rooms, and one fourbed and five-bed room. The hostel is opened to all guests, and offers a five percent discount on accommodations, which start at 22 euros a night, for bikers. The plan also includes the opening of a garage soon, where bikers will be able to keep their bikes.

"River" is the eighth hostel opened in Rijeka, and its owner is also a passionate biker.

PROMO

Road adventure with branded signature Text & photos: Harley-Davidson Zagreb

F

or all enthusiasts of prestige HarleyDavidson brand which can recognize the true value of a motorcycle, there is only one place in Zagreb where you can find everything needed for your favorite one. At exclusive HarleyDavidson shop in Oranice Street you have a chance to feel the joy of living.

Following high standards that this brand requires, latest motorcycle models are displayed in the showroom, including

demo models which you can try and experience the unique joy of riding before you decide to purchase one. Shop also offers wide range of branded motorcycle equipment, casual fashion line for men and women, and for most passionate ones, branded home accessories.

Among highly educated sales staff, their authorized service shop is equipped with the best tools, as well with educated and professional staff.

If you decide to buy one of the motorcycles, you can take a unique advantage of financing in collaboration with VB leas-

ing, which makes it easier to make your dreams come true.

Using existing professional business strategy, Harley-Davidson Zagreb also offers a lot of fun. One of the biggest events was held this year in June in Rome to mark 110 years of Harley-Davidson existence. In collaboration with Croatian HOG branch Pleter Chapter Croatia the number of club members is raising on daily basis, as well as interest for motorcycle events.

Your new road adventure starts in HarleyDavidson Zagreb. ď ś

Authorized distributor of HARLEY-DAVIDSONÂŽ vehicles for Republic of Croatia Oranice 104, 10090 Zagreb, T: +385 1 5634 922 - sales department, +385 1 5634 923 - service E: prodaja@harley-davidson-zagreb.hr www.harley-davidson-zagreb.hr

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Weekend trip

UGLJAN

During his visit to Zadar in 1964, while looking at the sunset from the window of hotel room 204 from what was Hotel Zagreb at the time, famous director Alfred Hitchcock wrote that the sunset in Zadar is the most beautiful in the world, and is incomparably more beautiful than the one in Key West, Florida. While watching the sun sink into the sea, Hitchcock also saw Ugljan, an island located across from Zadar, behind which the sun slowly disappeared from view.

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UGLJAN CROATIA

To a place of olives, nine

settlements, and hidden coves Written by: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: Archive of the Ugljan Tourist Board and Robert Kunštek

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Weekend trip

UGLJAN A valuable painting by an unknown author, Ugljanski triptih, found in Lučino selo, Ugljan, in 1954. The central part of the painting shows the mother of God with her child, painted in the romanic-byzantine style. The painting hails from the 14th century, and is located in the National Museum Zadar in the city of Zadar.

Photos: Ugljan has a long tradition of fishing (top left); procession for the Assumption of Mary (middle); sunset in Muline (top middle); panoramic view of the Sušica cove (top right); the Mostir sandy beach is a favourite amongst young tourists (bottom right)

tip: It’s easiest to reach Ugljan by ferry, via a direct line that sails from Zadar. The trip lasts 25 minutes, and during the high season, from June 28th to September 1st, the ferry runs about every hour.

The tickets cost 18 kuna per person.

Twice a day, before it docks at Preko, that is when coming from Ugljan to Zadar, it also docks at the small island of Ošljak.

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T

he island of Ugljan is traditionally a weekend retreat for many citizens of Zadar, who have summer homes in its settlements and hidden coves, as well as a summer haven for many domestic and foreign tourists. Today, it has become the weekend mecca of curious tourists who seek refuge from busy lifestyles all year long.

The biggest and most developed place on the island is the town of Ugljan, with its nine settlements: Čeprljanda, Lučino Selo, Batalaža, Sušica, Gornje Selo, Muline, Guduće, Fortoština and Varoš. Each of them hides many interesting features which will be, we concluded, absolutely enough for spending an active weekend on Ugljan.

A bicyclist’s paradise Since it isn’t hilly, the town is, like the island, best to explore on bicycle, which can reach every, even the most hidden cove. That advice was given to us as soon as we arrived by the head of the Ugljan Tourist Board, Dražena Strihić.

You can rent them in the Municipality of Preko, but also in Ugljan. If you come to the tourist office, the employees there will take care of everything for you.

There are five bicycle trails on the island, ranging from easy to somewhat more difficult.

It’s best to start the tour from the six hundred year old Franciscan monastery and church of St. Jeronim, which is touched by the shallow sea from the south side, while a refreshing breeze constantly blows on the other side from the pine forest.

Since 1933, the monastery and church were given to the Congregation of Daughters of Mercy of St. Francis, who will happily receive you and give you a tour. There is also a spiritual centre where many believers come for spiritual renewals, exercises, or seminars throughout the year.

Photos: small island of Idula (top left); the 17th century Califfi family castle (top right); there are five bicycle trails on the island (top middle); Franciscan monastery and St. Jeronimo church (bottom middle); Južna luka beach (bottom)

Castles of noble families The path continues to the Upper Town, to the castle of the genteel Califfi family from the 17th century, which was later managed by Beršić family. In recent times, the castle has been restored, and it currently bears the name of world renowned basketball player Krešimir Ćosić. You can only tour the exterior since it is privately owned. If you continue on the bicycle path through the other places, you will notice that the island is a true treasury of villas and castles, which were built by noble families throughout the 16th and 17th century.

Other cultures and people living here also left their mark. Specifically, the island has been inhabited since the first Stone Age, and the first people to live here were the Liburns, an Illyrian tribe, whose village remains can be seen in the hills. It was later inhabited by the Roman who left behind their rustic villas (villae rusticae), and later, in the Middle Ages, the Croats. Evidence of that lies in the stone braided decorations and the numerous churches and toponyms. In the 15th century, it was governed by the Mletians, followed by the French and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The island has been an integral part of Croatia since 1918.

tip: It is best to explore the town of Ugljan, as well as the entire island, by bicycle, which can take you to every, even the most remote, cove.

There are truly coves for everyone: sandy, pebble, and stone. All you have to do is choose.

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Weekend trip

UGLJAN The recipe for copying the Liburnian oil was written by the Roman writer Apicius, who lived in the 3rd and 4th centuries.

It went like this: "This is how you make Liburnian oil. Add elecampane, oats and fresh bay leaves, all crushed, and sieved to a fine powder, with toasted and crushed salt to Spanish oil, and leave for three days, or longer, carefully mixing from time to time. Let rest some time after that, and everyone will think its Liburnian oil".

Olive-growing tradition

Photos: Čeprljanda festival (top middle); fritule are one of the favourite treats of locals (bottom left); olives are a main symbol of the island (top right); findings of an ancient oil plant in Muline (bottom right)

tip: Seek refreshment in one of Ugljan’s restaurants.

If you have the chance, definitely try one of the local specialties: Ugljan saur, chickpea with cuttlefish, fritule, Ugljan babućice or sugared almonds. The people of Ugljan regularly prepare them for their guests during various local events and festivals.

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Not only is the island known for its long tradition of fishing, its ancient villas and castles, attractive coves and early Christian churches, but it’s also known for its olives, due to the more than 200 thousand trees on the island. The excavation of an old ancient oil press in Muline bears witness to the 2000-yearold tradition of olive processing on the island. It is located out in the open, entrance is free of charge, and so you can visit it at any time.

The people of Ugljan will gladly tell you the legend of Liburnian oil, an extremely high-quality olive oil that was produced here, at the mill in Muline, and was sold in Rome and throughout the Mediterranean. It was one of the most valued, and its secret, along with the quality of the olives, also lies in the production method used. Right after harvest, they were put into pools of sea water. Then they were pressed only after they had stood in the salt water for some time, which prevented them from rotting and disintegrating, as well as decreasing their bitterness and improving their flavour. The result were olives with a pleasant taste and attractive scent. Many people, throughout the Mediterranean, tried to copy this oil. Ugljan's inhabitants still nurture the tradition of olive-growing and oil-pressing on their island today, and to additionally promote it, they launched the Olive Oil Days festival at the end of May this year. 

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Ugljan Tourist Board

Šimuna Kožičića Benje 17 23275 Ugljan, Croatia phone: +385 23 288 011 mob: +385 98 9509 527 e-mail: info@ugljan.hr web: www.ugljan.hr Ferry line Zadar - Preko: This line connects Zadar with the island of Ugljan.

The price list for all categories, and sailing schedule: www.jadrolinija.hr

DUGI OTOK

Beauties of Croatia

Dugi otok

d e: oar iv ch t B ar uris o o t To Ph ljan Ug

Near Ugljan is Dugi otok, also the largest island in the group of northern Dalmatian islands. It is about 45 km long, and between one and four kilometres wide. Its coast towards the open sea is characterized, on one side, by steep and enchanting cliffs, while on the other, south-eastern side, calm and sheltered coves. One of the best-known beaches is the sandy Sakarun beach, a favourite of tourists. Due to its rugged coastline, the island is frequented by sailors. The best-known coves for anchoring are Telašćica and Čuna, which, due to their position, are sheltered from strong winds.

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Vinkovci

hours

Written by: Jelena Šporčić Prtorić Photos: Jelena Šporčić Prtorić, Darko Puharić and the archive of Vinkovci Tourist Board

Photos: the city’s pedestrian zone (top); boat on the Bosut (bottom left); Orion on the Vucedol pot (bottom right)

Did you known that Orion, the oldest Indo-European calendar, was found in Vinkovci? Or that the Bosut is a river that flows in two directions? There are many interesting things in Vinkovci and even more reasons to visit this city...

W

hichever direction you enter Vinkovci from, you will be thrilled by the tame nature that surrounds the city on the Bosut. Even though the city looks calm at first sight, it hides a wealth of

interesting things. One of them, the oldest Indo-European calendar - Orion, was found where hotel "Slavonija" is located today. The symbols of this painted pot represent the first marked measurement of time in Europe.

Photo: Darko Puharić

9:00

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It is best to start your day with a morning coffee in the lounge bar Sirius, located in the hotel. After that, recharge with a view of the Bosut, the river that "flows one way in the morning, and the other in the evening", as the ancient Romans said.

10:00 - 11:30 We reached Krnjaš after a walk down the Bosut, the most "šokački" part of

Vinkovci where Ivan and Josip Kozarac, the famous Croatian writers, were born.

At the monument to Josip Kozarac, the path takes us to the statue of St. Rok. The centre of the former neighbourhood of "Sveti Ilija" is located on the other side of Duga Street, where St. Rok’s statue is located. Today you can see the remnants of the church named after that saint, the patron saint of Vinkovci.

After a walk down Ivan Gundulić Street, where individual signs remind us of the importance of findings found while constructing some buildings, we reach the baroque centre of town. Here, we peeked into the church of St. Eusebius and Polion and enjoyed the scent of linden in the "Big park", where the sung-about "lamp in the middle of Vinkovci" stands.

11:30 - 13:00 The visit to the Museum of the City of Vinkovci will remain with us for a long time. There they have, alongside

Photo: Big park (top)

a permanent ethnological exhibit, a depiction of the population movement of Vinkovci throughout a history of more than 8000 years and the previously mentioned Orion.

14:00

20:00

Lunch time. We enjoyed the gastro experiences of this Slavonian town in the pleasant ambiance of the ethno restaurant "Lamut".

A walk down the Vinkovci promenade was an experience in itself. The history of Vinkovci is "told" by the historical buildings, such as the 18th century secondary school, which is still in function today, or the building of the Brod property municipality, today the Croatian Forests Vinkovci administrative building. Part of the city’s history is also "told" by the mosaic with replicas of the ornaments found on the oldest calendar Orion.

16:00 - 19:00 During heat waves, it is possible to get refreshment at the well-known city pool "Banja". However, we decided to use the time until dinner for a bike ride through the Slavonian flatlands on rented bikes in the "Bike zone". We also stopped by the hunting lodge "Kunjevci" for coffee in the open, intoxicated by the scent of the forest and surrounded by the curious gazes of the deer.

20:30 - 21:30 If you aren't hungry yet, and you're the athletic type, why not use the time you July / August 2013. tipTravelMagazine

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Photo: panorama of Vinkovci (top); stork (bottom)

have until dinner for a tennis match?

The place for that are Hotel Gem's tennis courts, and you can choose from two outdoor courts, or a modern tennis hall, with artificial Australian grass.

We decided to have dinner in the "Maslina" restaurant, located on the Bosut, near the centre of town.

Definitely try some of the desserts here, and the unavoidable Slavonian spirits.

21:30 Night life, especially for the young, is guaranteed in Marabu, one of the best known cafés in town, which we saw for ourselves. However, you can also have a drink in one of the many cafés on Korzo. 

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i

Vinkovci Tourist Board

Trg bana Josipa Šokčevića 3 32100 Vinkovci, Croatia Working hours: workdays: 8:00 - 15:00, Saturday: 8:00 - 13:00 phone: +385 32 334 653 e-mail: info@tz-vinkovci.hr web: www.tz-vinkovci.hr facebook: www.facebook.com/ Turisticka.zajednica.grada.vinkovaca At the office, it is possible to obtain a brochure with the tour paths of the city and find out more detailed information on the city, etc.

Perfect.. can't get any better... hotel Slavonija Hotel Slavonija Duga ulica 1 32100 Vinkovci, Croatia phone: +385 32 342 555 e-mail: info@hotel-slavonija.eu http://hotel-slavonija.eu

 

 

business and convention hotel in the center of Vinkovci, in the center of economic, cultural and political events

 

   

108 rooms - 200 beds

congress hall Slavonija, 220 seats

hall Orion, 150 - 200 seats

facilities for the press center and meeting rooms

VIP lounge, 40 seats

restaurant, 250 to 400 seats

Lounge b@r Sirius

parking

WLAN internet

hotel TV

Slavonijaliber - Book and Multimedia fair Vinkovci www.hotel-slavonija.eu Information: hotel@slavonija-gem.eu

Site of Orion:

http://www.kalendarorion.com/upload/knjizica_orion_finish_www.pdf

Success, love, health... hotel Gem

Hotel Gem Kralja Zvonimira 120 32100 Vinkovci, Croatia phone: +385 32 367 911 e-mail: info@hotel-gem.eu http://hotel-gem.eu

      

60 rooms - 135 beds

restaurant, 150 seats

two clay tennis courts

tennis hall with grass surface

sauna, fitness room, parking, promenade

WLAN internet, hotel TV, meeting room pet friendly

July / August 2013. tipTravelMagazine

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UNESCO

ST. JACOB'S CATHEDRAL IN ŠIBENIK

An artistic pearl in the centre of town

Photos: entrance to the Šibenik cathedral (top left); sculpture of St. Mihovil (middle left); panoramic view of the cathedral (top right); cathedral from another perspective (bottom middle)

Written by: Željka Kunštek Photos: Robert Kunštek, Darko Vučić and Ivan Dimnjaković (Šibenik Tourist Board)

This unavoidable stop of each tourist who visits Šibenik took an entire century to build, during which bishops, designers, and workers changed. Still, it owes its current look to Juraj Dalmatinac, from Zadar, who included a series of novelties in its construction and made it unique in Europe.

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S

Photo: Darko Vučić

ince 2000, the Cathedral of St. Jacob in Šibenik, better known as the "Šibenik cathedral", has deservingly been on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. This unavoidable stop for all tourists who visit Šibenik started with construction in 1431, but no one could have guessed that its construction would last an entire century, and that the cathedral would be 1536 before it was finished.

Construction was conducted in three different style-development phases, of which the first got its name from bishop Bogdan Pulšić, who started its construction, "Pulšić’s cathedral", while the other two phases "Juraj’s cathedral" and "Nikola’s cathedral", got their names from the two most important architects who defined its appearance, Juraj Matejov Dalmatinac and Nikola Ivanov Firentinac.

Photo: Ivan Dimnjaković Photo: Ivan Dimnjaković

St. Jacob’s Cathedral is the most important building achievement in the 15th and 16th century in Croatia. Together with the renaissance city hall, and surrounding palaces, churches, and knights’ palace, the cathedral forms one of the most beautiful squares of Croatian urban heritage.

Although bishops, designers and workers changed over the course of construction, they say that the current appearance of this cathedral, built in the late gothicrenaissance style is due mostly to the designer, sculptor, and constructor Juraj Dalmatinac. Dalmatinac introduced a

The first virtual timeline in Europe From May 2013, visitors to Šibenik and the Šibenik cathedral who have newer smartphones or tablet computers have the chance to stop at one the signs in front of the cathedral, turn their devices on and direct them at part of the cathedral or the statue of Juraj Dalmatinac. When they do that, an animated virtual Juraj Dalmatinac will appear on their devices, and in English or Croatian, will talk about himself, his work, the cathedral, and its secrets in an attractive, serious, and fun way. It is possible, for example, to get him to stand on the person in front of the smart phone or tablet, and to take a photo of the "extended reality."

series of construction novelties into his new project, and so made the cathedral unique and recognizable amongst other churches and cathedrals in Europe.

Firstly, this cathedral was completely built of stone, in contrast to the other stone churches that were often built of brick and mortar. Limestone from Brač was used, which, due to its quality and beauty is of called "Brač marble". One of the unique things about the cathedral is the series of 70 sculptures of different heads located on the frieze of the three apses. They say that this line of heads, which do not have honourable signs, names, nor professions (so we cannot be sure if they represent nobility, sponsors, saints, or someone else), are the best quality portrait gallery exhibited as a public sculptural monument on a sacral monument in Europe. The Šibenik cathedral is one of the most valuable construction achievements in Europe, and the most important architectural renaissance monument in Croatia.

Since the renaissance city hall, knights’ palace, and other palaces and churches are located next to the cathedral, we can say that the cathedral’s square is also one of the most beautiful in Croatia. 

Photos: view of the cathedral (top left); baptistry within the cathedral (top right); The Square of the Republic of Croatia (bottom left); sculptures on the cathedral apses (bottom middle and right)

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St. Jacob's Cathedral

Google maps street view location: http://goo.gl/maps/S7nYd Address: Trg Republike Hrvatske 22000 Šibenik, Croatia (EU) In the winter months, the cathedral is open daily from 8:30 to 12:00, and from 16:00 to 20:00, and in the summer months nonstop from 8:30 to 20:00.

Ticket price: 15 kuna Mass: daily at 9:30, 11:00 and 18:00

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Did you know...

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Sutivan catacombs

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Few people know that catacombs are hidden within the graveyard on a forested hill in the small town of Sutivan on the island of BraÄ?. Their construction was completed in 1913, according to the plans of the engineer A. Nonveiller. The entrance to the catacombs is through the chapel of the Brotherhood of the Blessed Sacrament, and an iron spiral staircase leads to 126 graves. This year marks the hundredyear anniversary of their existence.

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Photo: Željka Kunštek

Photo: Željka Kunštek

Photo: Robert Kunštek

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Photo: Željka Kunštek

"When it comes to beaches in Croatia, the best advice is to head south: it’s on the Dalmatian coast where the most seductive sandy shores, pebbly coves and sun-fried rocks are to be found. Indeed all of the beaches that made our list are in Dalmatia, except for one (the bewitchingly sandy island of Susak in the Kvarner Gulf )", recently published the Rough Guides travel guide in their online issue, as part of a text on the most beautiful beaches of the Adriatic.

Mentioned on their list are, along with the Spiaza beach on Susak, Kraljičina plaza (Queen’s beach) in Nin, Bačvice in Split, Lovrenčin and Zlatni rat in Brač, the bays of Dubovica and Grebišće on the island of Hvar, Proizd beach on Korčula on the little island of the same name, Šunj on Lopud island, and Kupari near Dubrovnik.

Photo: Robert Kunštek

The best beaches of the Adriatic

Lonely Planet recommended Croatia The most popular travel website in the world and the leading publisher of travel guides, Lonely Planet, published a list of the top 10 European destinations, to which it added Croatia. The list, amongst others, includes France, Italy, Portugal, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. The editor of American Lonely Planet, Andy Murdoch, recommends visitors to Croatia definitely visit Zagreb, Dubrovnik, the national parks, and continental region of Croatia, along with the attractive coast.

Europe's Caribbean isles "Welcome to Croatia - Europe's Caribbean isles", said the headline of the article published June 16th, 2013 in the Austrian newspaper without largest publication, "Kronen Zeitung". The article lists the tourist, natural, and historical beauty of the Croatian coast, especially the island of Brač and the city of Split. The author raves about the clear blue sea and mentions that the Croatian coast offers the scents of lavender, thyme, rosemary, sage, and bay leaf.

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Business tourism

CROATIA

The new congress star of the European Union On the international congress scene, Croatia is a relatively new destination, but it has great potential for stronger development of business and congress tourism: it is a safe country, easily accessible, and with its accession to the European Union, a larger number of business events are expected.

Hotel Aristos, Zagreb

I Written by: Daniela Kos

www.CroatiaMeetings.com

tip: In congress tourism, it's important to leave a good impression, but also to surprise the demanding business customer with added value that surpasses his expectations.

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n contrast to holiday tourism, business tourism includes any form of travel with the purpose of conducting business activities: from individual business trips, participating in business and scientific congresses to incentives bonus trips and teambuilding, exhibitions, etc. Often, this segment of tourism uses the acronym MICE (meetings, incentives, congresses, exhibitions), although recently, the profession insists on the use of a new phrase - the congress industry. Although it uses part of the tourism infrastructure, such as hotel halls or catering services, business tourism is much more than that and positively influences the entire economy.

Season extension Specifically, it is one of the most profitable and fastest growing special forms of tourism, which brings 3 to 4 times more profit per guest than the classic tourist. Many of them decide to return for private vacations at a later

date. Some of the advantages include an extended tourism season and yearlong business, since most of the business congresses are organized in spring and autumn. Also, business events create additional spending on catering, cultural, and other services in the places they are held, and they boost their reputation since they often host important members of the scientific and business community.

Ideal for congresses of up to 500 people The beginning of congress tourism in Croatia is linked to Opatija, where in 1885, the first congress of balneologists, organized by the Austrian Southern Railways, was held. Thanks to the long tradition and experience, Croatia uses the existing tourist infrastructure in business tourism, although it still lacks several larger congress centres for several thousand participants. Currently, it is the ideal destination for business groups of up to five hundred participants: hotels

tip: offer a large number of Some of the best well-equipped conference Croatian congress halls, more and more destinations are Zagreb, historical and cultural Dubrovnik, Zadar, Split spaces are placed in the and the Istrian towns function of congress of Rovinj, PoreÄ?, and tourism, staff is experienced, Umag. as are the high quality DMC and PCO agencies who are support for the organizers, and in the technical organization of the events.

The excellent geographic location, the combination of the Mediterranean and central European climates, safety and cleanliness are the advantages that most attract international congress organizers.

From Istria to Dubrovnik Besides Opatija, the most important Croatian congress destinations are the global tourist pearl Dubrovnik, Zagreb as the business centre and new European metropolis, and in recent times Split, Zadar, and Istria, where emphasis is put on Rovinj, PoreÄ?, and Umag. For example, the Istrian peninsula offers many possibilities for excursions with its interesting interiors, including tasting excellent award-winning wines and olive oil, and visiting medieval town. Other cities on the coast are also the destination for conferences and congresses, as well as incentives of numerous international companies.

Added value In congress tourism, it's important to leave a good impression, but also to surprise the demanding business customer with added value that surpasses his expectations. Croatia, known for its beautiful nature and hospitable hosts, is a new and attractive country for many organizers of business events from Western Europe and the world, who are looking for this, destinations that have yet to be fully discovered. Since it has been building an image of a vacation, summer destination, the time of business tourism has yet to come. Accession to the European Union has already increased the interest of the business community, and new business possibilities will bring about a new wave of development of congress tourism. So we invite you to organize your next meeting, conference, or incentive in Croatia - we truly have a lot to offer! ď ś

Conference hall Elafiti, Valamar Lacroma Dubrovnik Hotel, Dubrovnik

Sheraton Zagreb Hotel, Zagreb

Remisens Premium Hotel Ambasador, Opatija

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Croatia

ONLINE websites and mobile applications

Tourism promotion as a shared goal Whether you plan on coming to Croatia on vacation, a short trip to the country, or a city break for a long weekend, you will probably start your search for information on the internet. In order to make your search easier, we listed some web sites and applications with useful and interesting content below...

Prepared by: Željka Kunštek Photo: Robert Kunštek

Croatian National Tourist Board Discover Croatia, Destinations, Activities and Attractions, Accommodation Search, and Journey through Croatia are the names of the five basic sections that have subsections and are located on the web site of the Croatian National Tourist Board, the main promoter of Croatian tourism. Here you can find an overview of Croatian destinations according to region, and a list of islands, discover a lot of information on Croatian cultural and natural heritage, and interesting facts on gastronomy and oenology, find a list of Croatian camps, spas, and marinas, all in one place, in 16 different languages of the world.

Amongst other things, the website also contains announcements of various events and festivals throughout the entire year, it offers a search of accommodations according to region, and gives information on how to reach Croatia, a list of travel agencies... www.croatia.hr

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Zagreb County Tourist Board The tourist offer and potential of the ‘green ring of Zagreb’, or the area that surrounds the Croatian metropolis, can best be researched on the web site of the Zagreb County Tourist Board. The site is bilingual, in Croatian and English, with a good overview and innovative design through four sections: Home, Destinations, News, and Events offer useful and interesting information on this travel destination in a simple way. Here you can also find information on the three wine roads, bicycle trail maps that can be downloaded, a list of retreats, and especially interesting panoramic, 360° virtual pictures of all the places. (http://www.tzzz.hr/ hr/kroz-zupaniju/panorame-360).

Definitely have a look, especially if you haven’t had the chance to visit all the destinations of this county. www.tzzz.hr

Photo: National Park Krka

Croatian Youth Hostel Association

Croatian Camping Union For all fans of camping and those who love to spend their vacation in touch with nature, an excellent source of information is the Croatian Camping Union’s website. Here, you can find useful information on camping in Croatia, the best Croatian camps in each region, mini camps, camp services, and depots all in one place, in six different languages.

The website also offers a lot of information on Croatia, as an ideal and ever more popular camping destination, a camp search engine, and brochures: Croatia's Best Campsites, Ok Mini Camps, Mobile homes, bungalows, apartments, etc. Also, the Union issued a mobile application, Camping Croatia, available in six languages, adapted for the iPhone and Android mobile devices. www.camping.hr

If you prefer to stay in hostels and enjoy the fun socializing with tourists from all over the world, then the bilingual website of the Croatian Youth Hostel Association (Hrvatski ferijalni i hostelski savez - HFHS) is the right place for you.

Here you can find information on Croatian hostels, who are members of the Association, but also an overview of numerous hostels worldwide, which can help you plan your next trip. It is also possible to reserve rooms via the website. Here, amongst other things, you can also find information on membership cards for guests of all ages, and about the Hostelling International Card, a card aimed at guests who come to the HFHS hostels, and don’t have a hostel membership card. www.hfhs.hr

HAK application (Croatia Traffic Info) An incredibly useful source of information, especially for those who plan on coming to Croatia by car, is the free application offered by the Croatian auto club (Hrvatski autoklub - HAK) for smartphones. The application contains information on road conditions, eases requesting roadside assistance from HAK, gives a list of the closest gas stations, and an overview of tolls on highway networks in Croatia.

There is also a list of more than 15 thousand points of interest in Croatia in various categories (auto camps, ATMs, hotels, national parks, etc.), as well as live photos from more than 150 cameras on Croatian roads, and much more. The application is available for iPhones and mobile phones equipped with the Android operating system, in Croatian, English, German, and Italian. www.hak.hr/smartphone/ croatia-traffic-info

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Croatia through philately

LUBENICE Presenting the Croatian postage stamp

The stone town above Kvarner changed by the Italians, who couldn’t pronounce Ljubenice, so the place got the name of Lubenice. Who knows, maybe it was this story that also inspired the author of the stamp, Igor Konjušak, a graphic artist from Zagreb and Petar Strmečki, author of the photograph, to make this apt postage block of Lubenice - island of Cres.

Published by the Croatian Post, the block was issued on May 21, 2010, in 30 000 copies, 97x80 mm in size, and valued at 10 kuna. The block contains one stamp, and a suitable cover was also issued the first day (FDC).

Prepared by: Željka Kunštek

Published by the Croatian Post, the block was issued on May 21, 2010, in 30 000 copies, 97x80 mm in size, and valued at 10 kuna. tip: Even though the stamp was issued in 2010, philatelists in Croatia still have the chance to get the stamp in Croatian Post’s postal offices. Readers and philatelists from abroad can order the stamp via email: filatelija@posta.hr

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egend has it that in Lubenice in ancient times lived a king who had a daughter, who a boy from the hills, where the stony town is now located, fell in love with. Dissatisfied with her decision to fall in love with that young man, her father banished her from the Cres town of Osor, after which she went off with her love and settled on the hill. Her name was Ljubica, and so the place received the name of "Ljubenice". Later, the name was

But why Lubenice on a postage stamp? If you have already been there, then it is absolutely clear, and if you haven’t, then you must visit this stone town, located on a 378 meter high cliff, dominating over the open sea of Kvarner, as soon as possible. The town is more than 4000 years old, and located in the central area of the island of Cres. The top of the cliff is dominated by a medieval fortress, a gem of Croatian rural architecture, beneath which is one of the most beautiful and photogenic Croatian beaches, as well as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is only possible to reach this white pebble beach, named after St. Ivan, by boat, from the sea, or via a steep mountain trail.

The value of this town has been confirmed by the fact that in early 2005, Lubenice was placed on the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

TOP

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The ideal family vacation

Stay balanced

In order to enable families to experience the ideal vacation, Baška hotels have prepared a special 'family room' in Hotel Corinthia***. The four-person family that reserves this offer is ensured a room with a balcony, fruit and water upon arrival, a plentiful buffet breakfast and dinner, and in the meantime an afternoon snack while bathing at the pools of the Baška Wellness Centre, where a free set of lounge chairs will await the family.

Children can be entertained in the mini club, play sports or take a short course in the Croatian language, enjoy the mini disco in the evening or play "Treasure Hunt". Each family that stays for longer than a week gets free tickets to the Baška aquarium.

Indulge in an unforgettable experience with our fantastic Westin Stay Balanced Wellness package. Two nights with a SuperFoods® sumptuous breakfast, served in room, a refreshing fruit platter, massage, and much more await you at The Westin Zagreb hotel. The twoday package includes a stay in a single or double room, including breakfast for a unique, flat-rate price of 199 euro. Payment must be in advance.

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Special offer in hotels Kaštel and Omorika Crikvenica’s hotels Kaštel and Omorika are offering a special deal, where you can get a 15% discount on accommodations if you reserve them yourselves.

The deal is valid for the following dates - Hotel "Kaštel": August 1st - 10th, 13th - 21st, and September 14th - 19th and 20th - 26th and Hotel "Omorika": August 1st 31st and September 7th - 30th.

The deal lasts while rooms are available, so hurry!

More info: www.hotelibaska.hr

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Gourmet Croatia

RAVNI KOTARI AND THE ISLAND OF PAG

Photos: old Dalmatian welcoming traditions - bread and olive oil (top left); prosciutto and Pag cheese (top right); organically-made wine from the Benkovac area (bottom)

Where the sun kisses the sky...

wine and good food

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Written by: Sanja Plješa Photos: Silvija Munda, G.E.T. Report

roatia isn’t just a travel destination for sun and sea, but also for a wealthy gastronomical and oenological heritage.

Every part of the country is rich with a diverse gastronomical offer, although Mediterranean cuisine prevails. In recent times, some old dishes, prepared in a modern way, have been redesigned and become favourites amongst domestic and foreign guests. Whether they are continental or Adriatic dishes, Croatian specialties are becoming a more important tourist product. In Istria, Kvarner, and Dalmatia, the main dishes are fish and seafood, and the most common meat is lamb. Highquality superb wines are matched with

The flat lands of Ravni kotari are the most fertile area of the Dalmatian coast centred in the city of Benkovac. Gastronomy there is tied to mostly prosciutto, cheese, and lamb dishes, made as they once were.

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every dish. Croatia is known for its centuries-old tradition of viticulture, and production of such wines. In Dalmatia, the best known sorts of red wine are teran, merlot, plavac, dingač, cabernet sauvignon, postup, and white wines include malvazija, pošip, pinot, kujundžuša, žlahtina, muscat...

In each issue, we will take you on an oeno-gastronomical trip throughout Croatia, and the G.E.T. Report Group for the promotion of wine, gastronomy, and travel will help us with that. To start, we have chosen food and wine of Central Dalmatia and its surroundings for you, me be more concrete, wine and dishes from Ravni kotar - the Benkovac area and the island of Pag.

tip: While on Pag, definitely try the Pag lamb and Pag cheese, which go excellently with the white wine žutica, or the indigenous Pag wine gegić.

Lamb in a bag Ravni kotari are the most fertile area of the Dalmatian coastal area centred in the town of Benkovac. Gastronomy there is mostly tied to prosciutto, cheese, and lamb, prepared in the ways of olden times. One of those methods of preparation of lamb is "janjetina u škartocu" or lamb in a paper bag, which goes excellently with wines from the vineyards of Ravni kotari. Red wines including shiraz, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon, but also the indigenous white wine of the Benkovac area - maraština, go excellently with this dish, but also with prosciutto and cheese.

Combination of blue and green If you head further south towards the islands, for example, the island of Pag,

then the first thought of the gastro offer of the island is - Pag lamb and Pag cheese. With that appetizer, we would recommend the white wine žutica, or the indigenous Pag wine gegić. That white wine goes perfectly with lamb, cheese, fish, and shellfish dishes.

While touring Pag and its gastronomical and oenological delights, you reach Barbati bay, where you can enjoy the continental-Adriatic gastronomical offer. The combination of blue and green, or continental and Adriatic ingredients leads to unusual combinations, such as steak and shrimp, steak with truffles, Adriatic squid stuffed with pancetta and cheese, turkey cutlets stuffed with chard, or for dessert, crepes with vanilla ice cream and berries. A good match for that, besides Dalmatian wine, is white wine from bilogora, graševina, iskra, or cuvee. 

Photos: fritule and wine (top left); tris pasta Barbati (top right); turkey cutlet stuffed with chard (bottom left); crepes with vanilla ice cream and forest fruits (bottom middle); lamb roasted in a paper bag (bottom right)

"Janjetina u škartocu" or lamb in a bag is prepared so that you season the lamb with salt and pepper and brown it on olive oil in a pan. At the same time, boil potatoes in salty water. Sliced onions, tomatoes, garlic, and finely chopped olives are added to the lamb in the pan, after which you add Prosecco, rosemary, and the boiled potatoes, and saute for a short time. Everything is then put into a baking bag, tied with cooking string and placed in an oven for 45 minutes. It is important that guests are served "janjetina u škartocu" in an unopened bag.

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S My travel...

SHOPPING LIST

Summer shopping...

The hot summer months have arrived, and so has our long-awaited vacation.

But, have you prepared for it well? Here is a reminder of things you shouldn't go anywhere without, wherever you go on your deserved vacation...

Wherever you go these hot summer days, don’t forget to take a bottle of water with you. Due to its perfectly balance mineral content, naturally pure Jana is ideal for maintaining vitality, refreshment, and supplementing body fluid lost during daily activities. You can find it in various packages. www.jana-water.com

In order to ensure a carefree and safe vacation for you and your loved ones, don't forget travel insurance.

GRAWE TOUR travel insurance package includes travel health insurance, accident insurance, and luggage insurance while travelling and staying abroad. www.grawe.hr

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Natural Wealth® Magnezij 375 mg is enriched with vitamin B6 and vitamin B1, which contributes to normal heart functions. It also contains 120 mg of vitamin C for a healthy immune system and more energy. This is why it is recommended for healthy muscles, hearts, and nervous systems. www.naturalwealth.com.hr

The Acer Iconia Tablet W5 is here so you can check your emails and surf while on vacation. This incredibly practical and light tablet turns on like most smartphones, with the touch of a button. Its battery lasts up to 18 hours, so it’s ideal for long trips, meetings, international flights, and even vacations. www.mikronis.hr

Rugged, simple, fun... the 10 megapixel Nikon COOLPIX S31 camera is all that, and its designed for the whole family. Waterproof to five meters, shock-resistant to falls from up to 1.2 m, and dust resistant, this camera is ideal for active use at home and on vacation. Let it be your must-have accessory this summer. www.nikon.com.hr

n

...for a carefree vacation Take a book to the beach Summer is made for relaxing with a good book, be it on a hot beach, on a lounge chair in the deep shade, or on your favourite couch at home. We recommend several summer hits by top-notch authors, published by Profil. As a part of the limited summer action, when you buy some of them, you also get a gift - Nivea sunscreen.

The Time of my Life

"The Time of my Life" is the new hit by the author of the unforgettable novel "P.S. I Love You", Cecelia Ahern.

This fun, bright, and funny book is ideal for relaxing in the summer months. Let Lucy take you to her world, first full of obligations and ruts, followed by change... www.profil-mozaik.hr

Me Before You

Equal of the Sun

Daughter of Siena

A book that will touch you, make you laugh, but also give you cause to think is "Me Before You", by the author of the award-winning novel "The Last Letter from your Lover", Jojo Moyes. www.profil-mozaik.hr

A novel by Anita Amirrezvani, "Equal of the Sun", is based on a story about Princess Pari Kahn Khanoom.

It reveals an On sale intriguing story on from political intrigue in 12.8.2013.

Iran in the 16th century, and the story of this unusual woman. www.profil-mozaik.hr

Full of colour and historical detail, "Daughter of Siena" is a dramatic story on treason, courage, and the power of love. The author is Marina Fiorato, known for the great best seller "The Glassblower of Murano". www.profil-mozaik.hr

This is How it Ends

Following the Odyssey

A Blonde’s Guide

You will find an unusual and gentle story about love and hope that changes lives in the novel "This is How it Ends", by author Kathleen MacMahon. This is a story about identity, the strength of optimism, about the past, future, and skill of living in the present. This hit novel has been translated into more than 25 languages, which says enough. www.profil-mozaik.hr

After the successful "On the Silk Road", where he followed the path of Marco Polo, author Jasen Boko heads on a trip of the Mediterranean, searching for places where the hero of the famous epic story wandered. "Following the Odyssey" is a controversial traveller’s journal about the wandering of the Greek hero through the Adriatic, which is something you shouldn’t miss out on. www.profil-mozaik.hr

What to see in Croatia, where to go sailing, where to have fun, where to hike, where to enjoy gastronomical experiences, and which beach to choose... all that, but much more will be revealed to you in "A Blonde’s Guide", by Nevena Rendeli, famous Croatian host of travel shows and various events. www.profil-mozaik.hr July / August 2013. tipTravelMagazine

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UNICEF

CROATIA

Child friendly cities and municipalities

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Written by: Martina Zajec Photos: archive of UNICEF (Giacomo Pirozzi)

he first activities of the program were launched by the partners gathered in the Union of Societies "Our Children" in January 1999, and later a project was created which was supported

by UNICEF Croatia the same year, where UNICEF secured the funds needed so that the program could come to life throughout the entire country. Today, the program is operatively run by the Union, in cooperation with the Croatian Society for Preventive and Social Pediatrics, Child Friendly cities and municipalities, and with the support of the City of Zagreb - City Office for Education, Culture, and Sport, as well as Societies from cities and municipalities of Croatia.

The Child Friendly Cities Program (www.childfriendlycities.org) was initiated in Croatia in 1996 as a successful continuation of the initiative - Mayors Defenders of Children

Improving the life of children - where they live The aim of the campaign is to improve the life of children through recognition and realization of children’s rights at the levels of local government and selfgovernment, so that an environment is built to suit children in all aspects - from running the community and environmental protection to improvement of services. The aim is also to motivate the adults in Croatian cities and municipalities to completely fulfil the rights and needs of children, laid out in the UN Convention on children's rights.

The Campaign program includes all aspects of children’s lives in the local community. Cities and municipalities voluntarily join the campaign, and currently a total of 90 are participating, of which 40 have received the title "Child friendly".  More information at: www.unicef.hr/ show.jsp?page=148491

tip: On September 13th, 2013, Opatija will be the host of the seventh Congress of Child Friendly Cities and Municipalities, with the topic of active citizens, or children’s participation.

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Read to me!

Written by: Martina Zajec Photos: archive of UNICEF (Davor Kovačević and Giacomo Pirozzi)

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he launch of the campaign was marked in Zagreb on April 2nd, 2013, on the International Day of Children’s Books, and the activities will last an entire year. According to the results of global research, children who are read and talked to from an early age develop and learn quicker, communicate with others better, and develop pre-reading skills, which is directly connected to later success in school and life. Also, reading at an early age additionally bonds children and parents, and even 15 minutes of reading daily can instil a positive habit of daily reading in children.

tip: On September 8th, 2013, in celebration of International Literacy Day, a round table entitled "Reading Aloud" will be held, organized by the Croatian Reading Society.

The first national campaign for promoting reading aloud from the earliest age "Read to me!" was organized to celebrate the European year of reading aloud, with the desire to develop consciousness of the importance of reading from the time a child is born.

Distribution of picture books As part of the campaign, an internet site www.citajmi.info was launched, dedicated mostly to parents, while various printed material with information and advice on how and when to read to children is available in libraries, health clinics, and maternity wards. In addition, as part of UNICEF’s campaign, free picture books "Look at These Cute Little Faces" are handed out to parents in paediatric clinics in less affluent areas of Croatia.  July / August 2013. tipTravelMagazine

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WORLD

NEWS

Etna on the list of World Heritage Sites

Photo: fotolia

Photo: fotolia

On June 21st, 2013, the UN’s Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization added one of the best known and most active volcanoes in the world, Italian volcano Etna, to the list of World Heritage Sites. The organization’s World Heritage Committee, gathered at their annual meeting in Phnom Penh, the capital city of Cambodia, noted that Mount Etna in the east of Sicily, at 3300 meters is the tallest active volcano in Europe.

The most expensive cities in the world for tourists Recently, Geneva took over the title of the most expensive city of the world from Paris, which held the title for a long time, according to a survey conducted on the website www.hotels.com, with a total of 840 participating hotels from all over the world. They used the Club Sandwich Index, or the price of sandwiches offered in hotels worldwide, as a measurement tool.

According to the survey, you will pay the most in Geneva, around 180 kuna, followed by Paris, where sandwiches are about 10 kuna cheaper. Next come Oslo, Stockholm, Kopenhagen, Rome, Tokyo, London, Sydney, and Hong Kong, where the price of a sandwich ranges from 100 to 150 kuna.

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The European Commission has published a tender for promoting the travel of elderly persons, especially in the preseason and postseason periods, announced in July, 2013 the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Croatia. The total budget for the project is one million euro, under the condition that the maximum EU contribution for each project is 340 thousand euro, or 70 percent of acceptable costs. The bid is open under the title "Facilitating transnational low season tourism exchanges in Europe encouraging Senior Citizens to travel ", and its goal is, besides motivating travel of elderly persons, prolonging the tourist season throughout Europe.

Also, one of the project goals is to come up with innovative package arrangements for elderly people that will sustainable and available even after the EU financing period has passed. The deadline for project applications is September 26th, 2013.

Photo: fotolia

Photo: fotolia

One million euro for promoting travel of elderly people

Meeting of the UNWTO on the Silk Road From August 1st to 3rd, 2013, in the Chinese city of Dunhuang (Gansu province), the UNWTO’s 6th international meeting will be held on the "Silk Road" project. The event will gather experts from the realms of tourism, sales, investment, and heritage management, and some of the topics include global tourism trends and perspective for the Silk Road region, creating a stronger environment for business growth, and investing in the strong role of cities included in the Silk Road. The Silk Road project is a tourism project launched by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) with the aim of promoting and revitalizing the important historical route between the east and the west. Croatia has been a part of the project since 2010.

Japanese Mount Fuji also on the UNESCO list

Asia started promoting creative tourism The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) started promoting six experimential and creative travel themes to encourage multicountry trips across Southeast Asia.

The themed promotions are part of the implementation of the ASEAN Tourism Marketing Strategy 20122015. The themes include: "The Tastes of Southeast Asia", "ASEAN, a Tropical Paradise", "World Class Cities", "Experience Diverse Traditions", "Sport and Relaxation", and "Diverse Contemporary Creativity". Currently 20 tour operators in a number of countries offer trips with these topics.

A cross party group of influential peers has called on the British government develop a new strategy of music-based tourism.

Specifically, music festivals attract a large number of tourists from all ends of the earth, and so contribute to filling the local treasury box. According to research from 2011, tourists visiting music festivals spend 1.4 billion pounds, and large musical events sustain more than 20 thousand jobs.

During a debate in the House of Lords in mid-July 2013, it was noted that the Government should form a stronger partnership with existing tourism bodies and local governments throughout land and help them to promote Great Britain on the market as a "destination for music tourism" in order to attract more "music tourists" from abroad.

Photo: fotolia

British Government Called on to Develop Music Tourism

Photo: fotolia

Photo: Martina Dragojević-Trcol

Photo: Robert Kunštek

Photo: fotolia

As of June 22nd, 2013, Japan’s snow-covered volcano, Mount Fuji is part of the UNESCO world heritage. However, Fuji was chosen as a cultural, not natural heritage site. The explanation states that Mount Fuji has been "an inspiration to painters and poets, and a pilgrimage destination for centuries". Mount Fuji is located northwest of Tokyo, and is the highest peak in Japan, 3776 m high. The active volcano last erupted 300 years ago.

New promotional campaign for Mexico City The Mexico Tourist Board, responsible for the tourist promotion of the country, recently presented its new international promotional campaign, aimed at Mexico City. The name of the campaign, worth 11.6 million dollars, is "Mexico City, Live It to Believe It". The aim of the campaign is to promote Mexico City as of the largest capital cities in the world, with emphasis on culture, food, and entertainment. The campaign is of an international character, and mostly aimed at the United States and Canada markets.

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World attractions

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK

T To e x t m & isl Ph av ot Ĺ i o: m at

Arches National Park (Utah, USA)

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Under the influence of wind erosion, which nibbles away at the parts of softer stone faster than the harder parts, fantastic shapes emerge, for which Arches National Park in the state of Utah, USA, is famous. The picture shows "Delicate Arch", the best known arch of this national park, which is also shown on the licence plates of cars in this state.

tipTravelMagazine July / August 2013.

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Greet summer at affordable prices!

With TAP to 75 destinations

Croatia Airlines offers affordable airline tickets for certain one-way flights within Croatia starting at as low as 270 kuna. Fly from Zagreb to Dubrovnik, Split, Brač, Zadar, and Pula, or from Split to Dubrovnik (and back) and indulge yourself with a highquality vacation. If your summer destination is Bruxelles, ten times a week you can travel from Croatian cities to this attractive European capital at discounted prices for return tickets - starting at 225 euro. The prices are valid for online purchase.

Since 1945, TAP Portugal has been connecting Europe with the rest of the world from Lisbon, the European hub between Africa, South and North America.

TAP's flight network consists of 75 destinations in 34 countries, between Europe and the rest of the world. Fly from Lisbon with TAP to ten destinations in South America: Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Fort Aleze, Natal, Recife, Brasilia, Porto Alegre, Belo Horizonte, Sao Paolo. Spend a day in Lisbon, with a free night’s accommodations!

If you don’t have an available flight within one day for your final destination, in Lisbon, TAP will organize transfer and accommodations for you at their expense.

Croatia Airlines - more than a comfortable flight!

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News from Lufthansa Lufthansa, with the Airbus A380, the largest passenger plane in the world, connected seven intercontinental destinations via Frankfurt at promotional prices that are valid to the end of the year. So, at affordable prices, you can fly to the following destinations: New York from 609 euros, Houston from 639 euro, San Francisco from 699 euro, Peking from 779 euro, Tokyo from 919 euro, Johannesburg from 929 euro and Singapore from 999, and all the price include all taxes and airport fees.

In its summer schedule, Lufthansa continues to connect Zagreb, Split, Zadar, and Dubrovnik directly with Berlin at a price of 49 euro for one-way tickets.

More info: www.lufthansa.com

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More info: www.flytap.com

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Accommodations for vegetarians Now, vegetarians can relax. The site www.veggie-hotels.com contains the first website with a list of accommodations that offer only vegetarian and vegan meals. To be precise, the VeggieHotels database consists of more than 350 hotels, bed and breakfast accommodations, and spas in 52 countries of the world. The criteria for acceptance into the group are clear: access is only given to those who don’t offer meat or fish. This hotel association’s certificate, which was confirmed by the Vegetarian Society of the United Kingdom, the oldest vegetarian society in the world, was issued to four locations in Croatia: a hotel on Iž Island, a bed and breakfast in Ližnjan in Istria, a hostel in Rijeka, and an apartment in Zagreb.

The mayor of Vilnius has a plan to install a large screen on city hall with a "happiness barometer", which will measure the moods of the population of the capital city of Lithuania. The large monitor will show the "level of happiness" of the 520 thousand citizen, using a scale from one to ten, which will express the votes of citizens sent via mobile phones or computers. "This barometer is a fantastic tool for politicians.

If we make a decision and notice a sharp decrease in the citizen’s mood, we will know that we made a mistake somewhere", said Mayor Arturas Zuokas. A survey of global happiness conducted in 2011 showed that Lithuania, hit hard by the financial crisis, is amongst the unhappiest countries in the world. Behind it were only Serbia, the Palestine, Egypt, and Romania.

Photo: fotolia

Vilnius to introduce a public "happiness barometer"

Who gives the most tips?

According to a survey by TripAdvisor, taken amongst nine thousand people in eight countries of the world, on tipping habits, the most generous are Germans, followed by Americans, Russians, Brazilians, French, the British, Spanish, and Italians.

The survey showed that one of the basic reasons for leaving tips depended on the type of services offered, and the way in which they were offered.

Specifically, we will leave tips most often when we are extremely satisfied with a certain service, and when the service providers were kind and friendly.

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This Thai island, known for its limestone cliffs that rise vertically from the crystal clean, warm, and turquoise Andaman Sea, recognizable for its long beaches of the finest white sand, has become a must-see tourist site over the past decade. The picturesque, but remote, Maya Bay, with one of the most popular beaches in the film world, the location where "The Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio was filmed, attracts numerous tourists all year long, who wish to eternalize this impressive scene with their cameras.

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Temperatures are rising, your boss has approved your holiday leave, and it’s the right time to reserve your trip under affordable conditions to the destination you desire. Search for the best offers with up to 25 percent discounts on Kompas's website Summer with discount.

If, during the summer months, you prefer colder, northern parts of Europe, we recommend you take a beautiful trip through Ireland, July 27, plane from Zagreb, lasting seven days at at price of 6.795 kn (+ 1.900 kn for flight taxes). The emerald isle of old legends, the ancient Celts and St. Patrick, the home of Guinness and countless medieval castles is the perfect place for a new adventure.

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If you fantasize about long sandy beaches, warm summer nights, and hotel service which will simply spoil you, it’s time for sunshine holiday. Besides Tunisia, Egypt and Turkey, the novelty amongst this year’s destinations is Northern Cyprus, a true piece of heaven that has yet to experience mass tourism. Packages are based on 10 and 11 nights, and flights depart from Ljubljana. "Sunčani odmor" once again takes you to Tunisia - by plane from Zagreb every Wednesday, and the package is based on seven nights. Departures for Egypt are from Ljubljana every Wednesday, or from Zagreb on Mondays or Thursdays. Packages to Turkey, based on seven nights, depart from Ljubljana.

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Long weekend in London Discover why London is one of the liveliest capitals of Europe, a city that lives 24 hours a day!

Take a walk through lush English parks to regal Buckingham Palace, experience the city from the 137 meter high wheel, the London Eye; visit the renowned museums of London like Madame Tussauds, the British Museum, the Tower of London; sail the Thames to Greenwich, shop in Oxford Street, try the famous English pies and fish&chips...In the evening, enjoy one of the well-known musicals in the popular West End, and then relax in the charms of the night life at Covent Garden.

Mondo travel offers the most affordable guaranteed trips on September 9th, October 10th and November 15th, for four days by plane, including a 3* hotel in the centre of London, all transfers, with guided tours, starting at 2290.00 kn + airport fees.

More info: www.suncaniodmor.com

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Written by: Željka Kunštek Photos: Robert Kunštek

Photo: Sunset with a view from Fira on the caldera and volcano.

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SANTORINI GREECE

The island where life passes slowly Siga, siga or, in translation, "easy, easy" is the basic rule of life on this Greek island, which your hosts will teach you as soon as you arrive.

Remember - life on this island passes much slower and if you plan on staying on it, it’s best to immediately accept the rules of the "game"...

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The island of Thira got the name "Santorini" in honour of Saint Irina, patron saint of couples, and this island. So it is not strange that besides being a destination for honeymooners and couples in love, it is often a destination for those unhappily in love, but also those with relationship problems.

According to the locals, all of them come to pray for happy love to Saint Irina.

Photo: One of the most common motives from Oia, the main tourist attraction on the island Oia

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SANTORINI Imerovigli

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Mesaria

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Exo Gonia Pyrgos

ASPRONISI

Akrotiri

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Firostefani Fira

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Emporio

Perissa

he picturesque blue and white town, which we had long planned on visiting, and the reasonable 'last minute’ offer were enough of an incentive to visit Santorini, a pearl

that the Greeks

are justifiably proud of.

Santorini (or Thira, which is the

official name of Kamari

the island) spread over 75 square kilometres and

it is located in the Aegean Sea, 200 km southeast of the Greek mainland.

Formed by volcanic eruption Very few would guess, if they haven’t been to Santorini, that this little romantic nook is actually a "caldera" (a geological formation created when a volcano collapses in on itself ), and it owes its present-day look to a volcanic eruption 3600 years ago. According to some theories, a highly developed Minoan civilization and culture on Crete was destroyed at the time. The last eruption of the still active volcano on the island of Nea Kameni, currently a geological park, was registered in 1850.

Boat excursions are regularly organized for tourists to the island of Nea Kameni, and the ticket costs 35 euro per person, while the ticket to the volcano costs an additional two euro. We convinced ourselves that the volcano is still active at the installed vent, which experts regularly

Photos: The centre of the Nea Kameni volcano with a view of Oia (large photo); the dock for excursion boats to the volcano (bottom left); volcano activity is checked regularly (bottom right).

tip: Light clothes, hat, running shoes, sunscreen with a high SPF, sunglasses, and a lot of water are musthaves, or things that you absolutely must take with you if you are visiting the volcano during the summer months.

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Photos: the view of the volcano from Fira, centre of the island (left); most of the accommodations on the island are in small family-run hotels (right).

Some archaeologists believe that Santorini is the remnant of the legendary Atlantis that sunk into the sea during a powerful eruption, whose explosion was around ten times stronger than the bomb thrown on Hiroshima. It is interesting that not a single body was found after the eruption, for which there are two theories: the first is that people predicted the catastrophe in time and left the area, and the second is that it was impossible to find anything due to the strength of the explosion.

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control, and where you can sense the smell of sulphur. Swimming in the hot springs near the island Palea Kameni (included in the price), where the sea temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius, is also a special experience. tip: Take an old swimsuit for swimming at the hot springs, and take off any jewellery before swimming so it doesn’t turn red from the sulphur.

When to travel to Santorini Without a doubt, the best time to travel to Santorini is in June or September.

Still, if you don’t manage to get away then, but travel in July, like we did, or in August, definitely take sunscreen with a high SPF factor, a hat, sunglasses, and always carry plenty of water with you. It’s recommended to dress in light,

airy clothing and comfortable but light footwear since the temperature on Santorini in the summer months can reach up to 40 degrees. Don't forget that it is a volcanic island with black sand beaches, where the sand can reach the same temperature.

Cherry tomatoes - a real hit Due to its high temperatures and location, Santorini cannot boast of lush vegetation. The most common tree on the island is the eucalyptus, which can withstand long periods without water, and pistachios, cucumbers and various herbs do excellently alongside cypresses, palms, agave, and oleanders, which often grace the gardens of the hosts. Still, the true hit are the small cherry tomatoes which seem to grow best in volcanic soil,

Photos: sightseeing the town on a donkey, accompanied by a local guide, is a favourite activity for tourists (left); the windmills are one of the symbols of the island (top right); the picturesque streets of Oia leave no one indifferent (bottom right)

tip: If you decide to take a donkey ride through a community, ride uphill. Downhill isn’t pleasant because it gives you the feeling that you could fall down the cliff at any given moment. Elderly hosts say that the donkey has the souls of deceased Greeks who were bad in their last lives. So today, they are paying for their sins by carrying cargo and people for their entire lives, so try to avoid them.

and when they ripen, they become exceptionally sweet. Tourists regularly buy them from the islanders, and half a kilo costs around two euro. There are also vineyards planted on the island that, due to the heat and long periods without rain, are not planted in the classic way, but so that it covers the ground from which it extracts moisture.

Donkey adventure The hub of the island is Fira (or Thira) located on the edge of the volcanic crater. A total of 566 steps run from the Skala harbour to it. If you’re not in the mood for a walk, you can reach Fira from the harbour within two minutes by cable care, or you can choose the traditional way - by donkey. Although you can rent the at every step and,

accompanied by the owner, take a tour of the town at any time, tour guides do not recommend trying this in every village on the island as they are mostly untamed animals that need to take you along the edges of cliffs in some instances.

See the entire island The entire island is very interesting, and if you would like to see it in the "classic" way, your options are vast. The best way is to rent a small car in one of the numerous rental car agencies (the price ranges from 35 to 40 euro a day, without fuel), or, even better, a quad at half the price, which is a true hit, especially amongst younger tourists. A litre of fuel on Santorini is just slightly higher than in Croatia.

Scooters and bicycles are also available,

as are taxis, but also bus transport, with air-conditioned passenger buses that function as local bus lines, which is slightly unusual for an island as small as this one. The main bus terminal is located in Fira, where you need to transfer to another bus if you would like to see more of the island.

Buses drive approximately every 20 minutes, and for example, a one-way ticket from Kamari to Fira costs about 1.60 euro, while from Fira to Oia, you will have to pay an additional 2.20 euro. You will be charged for a ticket regardless of the crowd in the bus and whether there is room to sit or stand. tip: If you decide to take local buses around the island, don’t even think about not buying a ticket. Ticket controls occur frequently and you must keep your ticket with you at all times.

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Locals explain that most of the islanders build churches next to their houses from fear of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Others built them to fulfil vows that they made because, for example, they were sailors and vowed to build a church if they returned home safely. However, some islanders claim that churches were built exclusively to pay fewer taxes.

Photos: the church in the village of Exo Gonia (top left); one of the churches in Oia (top middle); one of the many churches in Pyrgos (bottom middle); view of Oia (right).

You will notice black volcanic rock placed on the blue roofs of churches, as well as on the fences of many houses, for which there are two theories.

The first says that, according to legend, the devil likes to sit on church roofs, and so they placed the rocks there so that he would hurt himself and wouldn’t be able to stay on the roof. The second variant says that the rocks are placed there for practical reasons so that it is easier for handymen to climb the roof for maintenance.

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As far as air transport is concerned, the only airport on the island is a military one, even though it is regularly used for civil aircraft as well.

Churches - symbols of the island Churches are amongst the best recognized symbols of the island and almost all of them look the same - they are white with blue roofs, except for a few that have red roof tiles, or a different coloured façade. There are a total of 352 churches on the island, although locals say that there are "unofficially" five hundred, of which two are always open, while the others are usually opened once a year, for certain holidays.

Paint tends to fade due to humidity, salty air, and the sun, so for maintenance, nearly every year, the locals repaint most

of the buildings with blue and white paint. Blue symbolizes the sea and sky, while white symbolizes freedom of spirit.

Besides church roofs, blue is also used to paint the doors, windows and fences on many houses because according to ancient Greek beliefs, the colour blue protects from evil. According to islanders, it is that colour that repels insects.

Domination of small hotels There are no large hotels on the island, but stylishly furnished small familyowned hotels, each one with its own pool, just like the majority of private houses.

The hotels are located in all communities, but most of them are in Kamari, wellknown for its long black sandy beaches and great restaurants, followed by the main centre of Fira, and the best-known community on the island, Oia.

Photos: one of the many outdoor Greek souvenir shops in Oia, where it is possible to buy lava souvenirs (top left); the former windmill, now luxury accommodations, on the western side of Oia, where the saying on the door says: "The most popular place in the world for marriage proposals" (top right); tourists watching the sun "drown" into the sea (bottom left); sunset in Oia (bottom right).

There are a total of 79 churches in Oia, and the architecture is in typical island style, with the small blue and white houses built into volcanic rock. Down 214 steps is Ammoudi at the base, and right next to it the famous Armeni beach, to which there are a few more steps, 286 to be exact. During the 1900s, there was a population of about nine thousand people who were mostly fishermen, while some worked in one of the seven shipyards. After a strong earthquake in 1956, Oia dropped down to a population of 500.

Oia - the most beautiful tourist village in the world If you haven’t been to Santorini yet, and you have seen photos of it somewhere, then you’ve probably seen pictures of Oia, the most beautiful tourist village in the world, and also the cultural centre of the island. Although other communities on Santorini are built in the same or in a similar way, Oia still has special charms.

First of all, it is the place the sun sets, and every single night, before the sun sinks into the sea, its streets, cafes, and restaurants on the west end are flooded with seas of tourists. Applause from the thrilled audience always follows the sunset, which is, honestly possible to see from many places on the Croatian Adriatic. Day in and day

out. The scene is always the same.

The locals do not hide their pride of that, nor of the fact that their village is named one of the most romantic in the world. So, it does not come as a surprise that Santorini is the target of many couples from all over the world who want it to be the place they say "I do". Those amongst them with deeper pockets reserve accommodations in the former windmill, today luxury accommodations on the west end of Oia, where on the door is written: "The most popular place in the world for marriage proposals". tip: While in Oia, take the time to visit at least one of the many Greek art galleries, pop into a souvenir shop or shop with local goods, and treat yourself to a tasty bite in one of the many taverns.

Like in a labyrinth Besides Oia, you cannot miss the already mentioned Fira, the island’s shopping mecca with friendly hosts, and the place where life starts in the evening hours.

Neighbouring it on the north is Firostefani, from which you have a great view of the volcano. Even further north, on the northernmost point of the island is Imerovigli, also with a panoramic view of the volcano. Before coming here, definitely take spare batteries for your camera!

However, you will experience the spirit of the traditional Greek village in the island’s interior, in Emporio, the largest village of the island, and in Pyrgos, where in its narrow streets, you’ll feel as if you were in a labyrinth.

The miniature balconies, stairs and July / August 2013. tipTravelMagazine

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A caldera is a geological shape that is formed when a volcano collapses in on itself, creating a large and specially shaped volcanic crater. Calderas can be full of water, and so crater lakes are formed. The word ‘caldera’ comes from the Spanish ‘caldera’, which means ‘cauldron’.

Photos: Imerovigli and the view of the caldera (top left); The Red beach, one of the more popular on the island, in the evening hours (bottom left); the beach in Kamari with black volcanic sand (top right); the narrow streets and miniature balconies in Pyrgos (bottom right).

tip: It is best to buy water in big bottles.

For example, you can buy half a litre of water for 0.50 euro, while at the same store, nine litres (6x1.5l) of water costs only 1.50 euro.

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pathways that lead in all directions, and the bridges that connect houses are enough for you to feel as if you were part of a game.

Red wine enthusiasts will be thrilled

by Messaria, a village near Fira, surrounded by gardens and vineyards.

The largest market on the island is also located here.

If you are looking for a typical summer resort on Santorini, Kamari is the perfect place for you. Once the strategically most important place on the island, today it is a resort with countless hotels, restaurants, clubs, and stores, located along the five kilometre long black sandy beach.

Right above Kamari is the archaeological site of Old Thira, where, for two euro, you can see the remains of a town from the 9th century B.C. A road from Kamari leads to the

site, which is open every day except Monday, from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM. A taxi boat can also take you from Kamari to the neighbouring Perissa, where a one-way ticket costs 5 euro.

Desalinised water on the island Water on Santorini is obtained through the desalinisation of sea water, and as such, it is not recommended for drinking. It is thereby necessary to buy it, and prices vary from store to store.

For example, it is also necessary to know that due to narrow sewage pipelines on Santorini, it is not recommended that you throw toilet paper into the toilet. Your hosts will warn you that there is a bucket placed in every lavatory on the island for that very reason.

tip: Because of the high temperatures during the day, it is understandable why "life" and the city rush on the island start at sundown, in the evening hours. Without a doubt, night life is richest in Fira, where you can greet the sunrise in one of the many romantic restaurants, night clubs, or cocktail bars.

On Santorini, you will notice that private houses, but also many small family-owned hotels, which are predominant on the island, are truly beautifully taken care of, where special attention is given to the details.

Islanders say that it is because women dominate the island, and that their influence is felt in every step here. But, why is it so?

Namely because parents used to leave coastal land to their daughters, which was perceived to be "poorer", as an inheritance, while sons received the more fertile land in the inland, which was better for agriculture. So today, women are the heirs to much more attractive land, where tourism has developed strongly.

Photo: Fira town is located at 300 metres above sea level, on the edge of a volcano crater.

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Photos: the normal rush on the streets of Oia in the evening hours (left); one of the many restaurant terraces in Fira (top right); "gyros" with the addition of fries (bottom right).

For gourmets tip: If you can't survive on Santorini without a phone, it is recommended you buy a telephone card for five euro, which allows for affordable long-distance conversations.

Of course, if you have an application for free phone calls on your mobile phone, you can connect to the wireless internet at the hotel or at restaurants.

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Greek gastronomy is truly rich and diverse, and it is a kind of mix of traditional with influences from other countries. The cuisine is based on fresh ingredients, olive oil, and herbs, and the ingredients include the said cherry tomatoes, capers, special types of beans, and white eggplant.

While on Santorini, do not miss out on trying the moussaka, the island speciality, which ranges in price from 5 to 8 euro per portion in average restaurants. It is most often served in the ceramic dish in which it was baked. Roasted lamb and veal are also recommended by the host, as are the Greek salad and feta cheese in olive oil.

On the island, it’s not worth making your own sandwiches since 100 g of salami costs 2.5 to 3 euro in stores,

and if you add cheese, the price of a "homemade" sandwich is often more than 4 euro. tip: If you want to eat something "to go", and satisfy your appetite, we recommend gyros pitas, or the popular "gyros", which costs an average of 2 to 2.5 euro.

Wine, coffee, beer, Ouzo...

As far as drinks are concerned, the islanders are especially proud of their three thousand year long tradition of wine production. Wine is, they say, their lifestyle. Since Dionysus was revered as the "God of wine", there are festivals in his honour regularly held throughout Greece. The most popular wines on the island are the white Santorini and Nyhteri and red Mavrathiro and Caldera wines.

Photos: refreshing Greek salad (top left); price list at the entrance to one of the restaurants on the main promenade in Fira (top middle); one of the snack bars in Fira (bottom left); souvlaki, a typical Greek meal (bottom middle); folklore at typical Greek dinner (bottom right).

Winemakers claim that French vines can also be easily cultivated on Greek soil, thanks to the volcanic soil and weather conditions.

As far as coffee is concerned, that's a different story. In Greece, and on Santorini, three types of coffee are drunk: Espresso, with several variations, depending on the ratio of coffee and water, or milk, then Greek coffee (or Turkish, although it is definitely not recommended you order it as such), which also has several variations, depending on the amount of sugar, which is also served in small cups like espresso.

Don’t forget - Greek coffee is never drunk to the last drop because of the sediment that settles at the bottom.

The third type of coffee is Frappe, or our popular ice coffee, which is mostly consumed during the hot summer

months, and it is served in high glass glasses. The most popular beers are Mythos and Alfa. tip: What you absolutely must try is Ouzo, an anise-flavoured spirit that turns white when you add ice. Tourists often buy it in small bottles as a souvenir.

The price of drinks varies, but on average, you will pay about 3 euro for a soft drink in a restaurant or café, 2.5 euro for a Frappe, and between 5 and 8 euro for a cocktail.

Come and come again Besides its charm and lifestyle, Santorini is sure to wow you with its hospitable hosts. We are sure that once you’ve visited, you will want to come back to the island. Just like us. 

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Santorini (Thira)

... is an island in the south Aegean Sea, and part of the Cycladic islands, in possession of Greece (EU).

Island capital: Fira (Thira) Island area: 75.8 km2 Area of other smaller islands: Thirasia 9.3 km2, Nea Kameni 3.4 km2, Palea Kameni 0.5 km2 and Aspronisi 0.1 km2 Population count: 13,670 (2001.)

Climate: Mediterranean / desert Area code: (+30) 22860 Time zone: Eastern European Time EET (GMT +2)

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tipTravelMagazine July / August 2013.