tip Travel magazine Croatia 019 (English edition) 06-08/2017 by tipTravel magazine

ISSN: 1849-059X

Number 19 • Year V • June - August 2017

Issue topic:

Neretva valley

The call of the wild in the valley of life Dubrovnik-Neretva County

INFORMATION • RECOMMENDATIONS • EXPERIENCES

Šibenik The stone heart of the Adriatic Brussels City break

Belgium

NATIONAL PARKS:

Mljet, Krka and Brijuni Dubrovnik Coast • Brela • Baška Voda • Biokovo Nature Park Vodice • Zagreb County • Samobor • Opatija • Brtonigla

FURNISHING: For the superb comfort of the youngest guests

HOLIDAYS IN CROATIA www.kompas.hr / www.visits-croatia.com / kompas@kompas.hr

Everything You may need in Croatia! HOTELS  EXCURSIONS  CITY BREAKS ESCORTED TOURS ADRIATIC CRUISES FLIGHT TICKETS  TRANSFERS

KOMPAS ZAGREB Inc. tourist agency, Zagreb, Ede Murtića 4, Croatia / HR-AB-01-080158822 www.kompas.hr, www.visits-croatia.com / e-mail kompas@kompas.hr / phone +385 1 4882 500 Offices: ZAGREB, Gajeva 6, phone: 01 4811 536 / ZAGREB, Ede Murtića 4, phone: 01 4878 777 / KARLOVAC, Zrinski trg 4, phone: 047 492 240 OSIJEK, Šet. kard. F. Šepera 8f, phone: 031 212 077 / ČAKOVEC, Strossmayerova 4, phone: 040 313 333 / RIJEKA, Andrije Medulića 8, phone: 051 210 760 SPLIT, Ulica kralja Zvonimira 4, phone: 021 323 300 / ŠIBENIK, Stube I. Lukačića 3, phone: 022 247 000

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tipTravel magazine is the first Croatian online travel and tourism magazine, which is exclusively in digital format and available to all readers free of charge. It has been issued in Croatian and English since July 2013, and in German as of 2015. It is designed for readers in Croatia and abroad who are avid travelers. In each issue, through original reports and photos, it introduces readers to Croatian coastal and continental destinations and their diverse and rich tourist offer, it reveals the less known facts, brings tourism news, announcements of events and festivals that shouldn't be missed, and first-hand advice and recommendations.

The second part of the magazine is dedicated to presenting global destinations and their travel offer. More information can be found at www.tiptravelmagazine.com, where you can also find a direct link to all the issues. The magazine can be read online on all computers, tablets, and smartphone devices via the Issuu.com website or application. On iOS devices (iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch), the magazine can be downloaded free of charge in the AppStore, where the application has additional interactive features to enable an even higher quality reading experience. To find it, simply type in 'tiptravel' in the AppStore.

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NEWSLETTER

EDITORIAL Travel and tourism magazine ISSN: 1849-059X Publisher: Tip Kreativa d.o.o. Jordanovac 119, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia +385 1 2348488 +385 91 7958016 info@tiptravelmagazine.com www.tiptravelmagazine.com www.facebook.com/tiptravelmagazine VAT ID Number: HR21136573248 Erste&Steiermärkische Bank d.d. SWIFT: ESBCHR22 IBAN: HR4524020061100663844 Editor in Chief: Željka Kunštek zeljka@tiptravelmagazine.com Graphic Editor: Robert Kunštek robert@tiptravelmagazine.com DTP: Tip Kreativa d.o.o. Associates in this issue: Mirela Drkulec Miletić, Vlatka Vužić, Petra Škofić, Alma Radoš

On the wings of summer

hen's the last time you found your way through reeds and lily pads in a lađa (traditional Neretva boat), and listened to the concert of flocks of birds as you sailed peacefully through a mystical marsh? When's the last time you picked a juicy mandarin orange yourself, got refreshment on a hot summer's day with watermelon chilled in a river, or tried brodet stew with freshly caught eels or fish? Once, or maybe never? Luckily, it's never too late to visit the fertile Neretva valley, a somewhat humble gem of tourism in southern Croatia (located just a hundred kilometers from the world-famous city of Dubrovnik), which we present to you in this issue. This year, feel the call of the wild in that magical valley. In this issue, which is coming out in the warmest part of the year, we also bring you many recommendations for summer vacations, and how to have a truly memorable holiday. Whichever part of the Croatian Adriatic you head out to, you've chosen well. Still, have a glance at the recommendations

we bring you since each destination is unique and special for many reasons, so it will be easier for you to pick the one that suits your needs and preferences best. Besides relaxing by the sea and lakes, destinations in continental Croatia offer a different kind of refreshment and experiences. Hopping on a bike and riding under the dense canopies of centuries-old trees to visit idyllic hills, towns, and lake-side landscapes, and stopping by at one of the family farms on the way to refresh yourself with homemade delicacies is a perfect vacation for those with a more active spirit. For those who like to spend their holidays exploring large cities, and using those few days off to head out on a city break, we recommend you visit Brussels, a city that is so much more than just the capital of the European Union. Wherever you go, relax and enjoy the benefits of summer! Željka and Robert Kunštek

Translator: Marija Crnogaj Marketing: marketing@tiptravelmagazine.com Photo source: tipTravel magazine archive, archives of Croatian Tourist Boards, PHOTOnet.hr, fotolia Cover page: Neretva valley photo: fotolia

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

June - August 2017

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Content

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8-9 NEWS - CROATIA 10-33 ISSUE TOPIC - Neretva valley: The call of the wild in the valley of life 34-35 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Dubrovnik Coast: A combination of experiences for a perfect vacation 36-37 BEAUTIES OF CROATIA Mljet National Park: A park of intrinsic beauty 38 PRESENTING - Monography: Legends of the Light 40-41 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Baška Voda: A holiday with the taste of the sea, mountains, and lively events 6

June - August 2017

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42-43 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Brela: A holiday on heavenly beaches 44 TIPS4YOU: Don't miss out... 45 EXPLORE CROATIA Biokovo Nature Park: In the kingdom of nature 46 EXCURSION - Dugopolje: Three features of Dugopolje 47 EVENTS - Sinj: How does Sinj live in the summer? 48-51 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Šibenik: The stone heart of the Adriatic 54-55 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Vodice: Top destination for a top vacation

56-57 NOVELTIES - Krka National Park: Preserving thousands of years of heritage 58 CROATIA THROUGH PHILATELY: Croatian tourism - Zadar: Greeting to the Sun 59 ACTIVE VACATIONS Otočac: Active vacations next to the Gacka 60 CROATIA ONLINE 63 EVENTS - Opatija: RetrOpatija 64 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Vodnjan: All the treasures of Vodnjan 65 FOOD AND WINE - Brtonigla: For true hedonists

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Environmentally Friendly

not a single tree has been destroyed in publishing this magazine

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66-67 EXPERIENCE CROATIA Brijuni National Park: Paradise in the northern Adriatic 68-69 UNESCO: Two-part singing and playing in Istria and Croatian Primorje 70-71 BIKE TOURISM - Zagreb County: Cycling on the Green Ring 72 BIKE TOURISM - Samobor: On bicycle through Samobor 73 TOURIST CARD - Zagreb: Zagreb Card 76-77 RECOMMENDATION Zagreb: Bistro Lauba. Food. Wine. People. Game. Art.

78-79 HISTORICAL TRACES Zagreb: The Botanical Garden 80-81 TIPS - Dental health: The power of a smile 82-83 FURNISHING - Hotels and suites: For the superb comfort of the youngest guests 84-85 CULTURAL SCENE Interview - Jacques Houdek: I'm trading the Maldives for Komarna

90-100 CITY BREAK - Brussels (Belgium) 102-103 WORLD ATTRACTIONS Bora Bora (French Polynesia) 104 EVENTS - Summit: Leaders in Hospitality Summit held in Prague

86-87 NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS - WORLD 88 INDONESIA: Indonesia presented "ten new Balis"

June - August 2017

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CROATIA

In late April, Monarch, the leading independent airline and travel company in Great Britain, introduced direct flights from Zagreb to London Gatwick, and from Zagreb to Manchester. The main goal of the company is to offer a great connection between Croatia and Great Britain at very affordable prices, so, for example, a return ticket with all taxes included can be bought at prices starting at 95 euro. Flights to London are scheduled on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and to Manchester on Saturday and Monday. The flights will be flown by an Airbus A321.

Piece of Zagreb project launched Piece of Zagreb is the name of a shared project between the Design Center Zagreb and the Zagreb Tourist Board, dedicated to the creation of authentic souvenirs from Zagreb. In line with that, a public tender was issued for proposals for new Zagreb souvenirs aimed at professional designers, design students, artists, craftsmen, etc. who create things in Zagreb.

tipTravelMagazine June - August 2017

Port 9 is raising the standards of tourism on Korčula One of the gems of the Croatian Adriatic, Korčula island, has been enriched with a renovated tourist settlement, HTP Korčula d.d., an investment worth 75 million kuna. The settlement is now called the Port 9 resort, includes 180 four-star accommodation units, and combines the thousand-year-old tradition of Korčula with a modern approach to tourism. Along with two freshwater outdoor pools, and two saltwater pools, the Port 9 resort also offers three restaurants - two buffet-style, and one à la carte restaurant, Ala Longa, which under the guidance of chef Ante Valenteković offers dishes that are typical in the lands Marco Polo visited.

Monarch connects Zagreb with Manchester and London

News

Unique Piazza opened in Poreč In late May at the 4* Lanterna camping resort in Poreč, Piazza was presented, a unique concept with which the Valamar Riviera company has set new standards in Croatian tourism. Piazza is an attractive combination of restaurants, bars, and stores that offer selected products from local producers and family farms. Many entertaining programs, concerts and other events are held there, and the youngest ones have a playground at their disposal.

Croatian market in Budapest From May 23 to 25, 2017, the event "Croatian Market" was held at the most beautiful marketplace in Europe, Nagyvásásrcsarnok in Budapest, where Croatian culture, gastronomy, and the travel offer of Croatian destinations were presented to potential Hungarian tourists. Several tourist boards from counties and cities participated at the event, and 30 Croatian producers presented their products for tasting - representatives of four clusters: Dalmatia, Istria and Kvarner, Slavonia, and Central Croatia. The promotional-sales campaign of Croatian products was organized by the Ministry of Tourism, representatives from the Croatian Tourist Board in Hungary, and the Croatian Chamber of Economy.

The first underwater winery was opened on Pelješac In early April 2017, the first underground Croatian winery, Edivo, which holds wine for up to 700 days in amphoras in the depths of the sea, was opened on the Pelješac peninsula. The winery is located in the town of Drače, just half way between Ston and Orebić. Besides being a way to get to know more about wine from amphoras, visitors to the winery will find out a lot of information about making wine. Wineries also offer selected bottles of wine that have "matured in the sea". Interested visitors can, accompanied by an experienced diver, dive into the hidden underwater world where amphoras preserve wine for 700 days at the ideal temperature of 15 to 17 degrees.

On May 18, 2017, Croatian Minister of Tourism Gari Cappelli signed contracts for the distribution of grants for the development of bike tourism in the interior with representatives of 14 counties in the interior. The contracts were signed based on the Development Plan for inland bike tourism in 2017, for which the Ministry of Tourism secured an additional five million kuna of funds this year. By signing the contracts, each county will receive 350 thousand kuna of grants, and the funds are to be used for the creation of an operative plan for the development of bike tourism in the county with standards, routes, improving and marking existing routes, making maps, mobile apps, etc.

5 million kuna for the development of bike tourism in the interior

First olive oil museum opened in Istria In Pula, on May 9, 2017, the first olive museum "Museum Olei Histriae" - the house of Istrian olive oil, was opened, which is also the first museum of its kind in Croatia. The museum spreads over 500 square meters, and it takes visitors into the world of olive growing in 12 languages, and informs them of how to plant olives, their cultivation in the past and today, and the effect of olive oil on health. Superb Istrian olive oil can also be tasted and bought at the museum. Source:

www.croatiaweek.com

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Issue topic

NERETVA VALLEY

An dr PH ija C OT ar On li et

A view of the Neretva valley, where the river flows into the sea.

Just when you thought that you knew a lot about southern Croatia, its incredible islands, old, charming, world-famous cities, people, and their Mediterranean lifestyle, you will discover the Neretva. That mystical river that meanders through the fertile valley, which was submerged under the sea in ancient times, is the starting point for an entirely different story in the far south of Croatia. Get to know the valley that has become a growing tourist attraction. Text: Željka Kunštek

tipTravelMagazine June - August 2017

NERETVA VALLEY Dubrovnik-Neretva County

CROATIA

The call of the wild in the valley of life

June - August 2017

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NERETVA VALLEY

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The fertile fields of the Neretva valley.

tipTravelMagazine June - August 2017

The Neretva is 218 km long, it passes through Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, of which 22 km flow through Croatia. It is part of what is actually the only river delta in Croatia.

he first thing you will notice in the Neretva valley, located a hundred kilometers from the worldfamous city of Dubrovnik, is the harmonious coexistence of the river and the sea, of lakes and marshes, lowlands and karst, and most of all, of the landscape and people. The Neretva has always given the local population life and abundance, and the people of Neretva planted their fertile fields of citrus fruit next to it. As a tourist in that marshland kingdom, amongst the reeds and blossoming lilypads, along with the concert of the many birds, you will feel the call of the wild, discover hidden beauty, and experience an adventure unlike anything you've ever dreamed of.

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NERETVA VALLEY

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Lađa, a lifeline

Traditional Neretva lađas.

tipTravelMagazine June - August 2017

The lađa, a wooden boat, is irrevocably tied to the Neretva and its people, and from the moment you first meet, the friendly and communicative locals will tell you everything about the traditional boat where people were born, wed, and where they died. The lađa was used for fishing, catching frogs, harvesting, visiting friends, transporting wood, crops... Yes, the lađa (or trupica, as the locals call it) meant life there and they were regularly named, and continue to be an item of great pride, and an indelible piece of history, for the people of Neretva. Its importance in the daily life of locals might be best described with the quote: "Nothing is as good for the Neretva as the lađa". Today, it is primarily used as a mode of transportation, and in the meantime, it has become a great tourist attraction, so a boat ride is an experience no visitor to the Neretva valley should miss out on. You will see many lađas, full of tourists, skillfully and easily sailing through the arms of the Neretva, through the watery

labyrinth that impresses everyone who sees it. Don't hesitate for a minute, and jump into one of them to head out on an exciting photo-safari through Croatia's only river delta. You will pass through narrow canals and arms, find your way through sedges, lily pads, and reeds, while listening the croaking of frogs and bird songs, many of which, such as the cormorant, will pose for you on the way. The locals will gladly show you how they catch fish, tell you stories of the collection of fish in that marshland area, and reveal the secret of the sunken city, hidden in the depths of Kuti Lake. According to legend, it is home to Gavan's court, the final resting place of the evil Gavan who got what was coming to him. However, even more intriguing are the claims of explorers who believe that the depths of the lake are home to the ruins of Troy. Yes, you read that right. So, if you take a closer look, perhaps you will see the ruins of that legendary city. Still, what you definitely see while you pass through Neretva's arms are the endless orchards of aromatic, juicy fruit...

Touring the marshlands in traditional Neretva lađas on a photo-safari is an integral part of the offer of travel agencies, hotels, and restaurants in the Neretva area.

Moored lađas are a common sight Traditional lađas on the Neretva; are still used today on a daily basis.

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NERETVA VALLEY

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Citrus valley

Mandarin oranges and other citrus fruits are the trademarks of the Neretva valley.

tipTravelMagazine June - August 2017

The Neretva valley is located in the "olive climate zone", which is characterized by more than 2700 hours of sun that caress the fruits of Neretva's fields ever year.

It can rightfully said that the Neretva valley is a kingdom of citrus, and its most famous representatives are definitely mandarin oranges. Even though they also grow in other coastal areas, mandarin oranges from the Neretva valley are the juiciest and the sweetest in Croatia. Other fruits harvested in the fertile Neretva fields include watermelons, figs, oranges, lemons, kiwi, grapes, peaches, nectarines, apples, apricots, plums... Now you can just imagine the colorful, aromatic rhapsody that reigns in the valley during harvest season, when fruit is at its juiciest. In the hot summer months, the locals offer fruit to their guests, chilled with cold water from the Neretva, nearly at every step in the fertile valley. The soil in Neretva is also great for olives, so you will also come across carefully cultivated olive groves.

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RIVIERA & ISLANDS Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board www.visitdubrovnik.hr

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NERETVA VALLEY

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In a kingdom of birds Along with fertile fields, the bestknown inhabitants of the Neretva are birds. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded, of which a little more than a hundred are resident birds, so the Neretva valley deserves to be included in the list of the best birdwatching sites in Croatia. Besides that, it is also a famous resting spot for millions of migratory birds, and there are marked birdwatching trail meandering through the area. There are three special ornithological reserves in the valley: Prud, Pod Gredom, and Orepak, and an ichthyological-orthological reserve in the southeastern part of the Neretva Delta, which attracts avid birdwatchers all year long. Aware of the importance of that incredible potential, and upon initiative of the employees of the Public Institution for Management of Protected Natural Areas of the DubrovnikNeretva County, two bird-watching watchtowers were constructed - one at the Neretva delta, and another at the special ornithological reserve, Pod Gredom. Their goal is, as they say, preserving targeted groups of birds in the area of the Neretva delta ecological network, and the stronger development of sustainable tourism, primarily for birdwatching, which is growing in popularity.

The Eurasian kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is one of the most beautiful representatives of Neretva's world of birds.

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Eurasian penduline tit (Remiz pendulinus); Common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus); Western marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus); Redbacked shrike (Lanius collurio); Northern shoveler (Spatula clypeata); Kentish plover (Charadrius alexandrinus); Swallowtail (Papilio machaon); European tree frog (Hyla arborea); Black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus); Common stonechat (Saxicola torquatus).

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NERETVA VALLEY

The Neretva delta has been added to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, and is part of the NATURA 2000 European nature protection network.

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Enclosed watchtowers allow for enjoyable birdwatching regardless of the weather conditions; Eurasian curlew (Numenius arquata); Eurasian wigeon (Anas penelope).

The watchtower at the Neretva delta with an enclosed area offers the possibility of continuous nature watching regardless of the weather conditions. The watchtower also has a terrace with a telescope and a covered pavilion in the lower area, so bird and nature watching is possible there for a larger group of watchers. The watchtower in the special ornithological reserve Pod Gredom is somewhat cozier. It is also protected from the elements, so regardless of the weather, you can enjoy birdwatching there, as well as an impressive view of reed beds, another special feature of the Neretva valley which are a kind of trademark in wetlands. You will see especially attractive reed beds next to the Norin River (in the area of the Pod Gredom and Prud ornithological reserves), at the protected areas of Modro oko and Desne Lake, and in the area of Kuti Lake, the largest lake in the Neretva valley. Still, don't head out to explore the reed beds on your own, since they are hard to access, but instead head out on an organized excursion, which includes a light ride in a traditional Neretva lađa

P © D u ro t P b r e c t fo r u b ov e d M l i c ni N an I n k- a t a g s t Ne ur e itu re a l m e t i o t v Ar n n a C ea t o ou s o f nt f y

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Hoopoe (Upupa epops); Eurasian coot (Fulica atra); Caspian tern (Hydroprogne caspia); Black-headed bunting (Emberiza melonocephala).

down the Neretva and Norin rivers. The photo-safari is truly a special experience that will allow you to see the birds, but also hear them from nearby.

Wetlands and marshlands, such as the Neretva valley, are the permanent or temporary habitat of various species of birds. Some of the better-known representatives are herons, ducks, snipes, cormorants, and birdwatchers from western and northern Europe find birds whose areas are limited to a smaller region in Europe most attractive, such as the pygmy cormorant (Microcarbo pygmaeus), which is common and plentiful in the Neretva, and stays there all year long. However, there are other species, such as the Eurasian bittern (Bottaurus stellaris), Purple heron (Ardea purpurea), Little egret (Egretta garzetta), three species of crakes (Porzana spp.), Western marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus), Cetti's warbler (Cettia cetti), and others.

Who will you see?

June - August 2017

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NERETVA VALLEY

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Spotted crake (Porzana porzana).

Low, sandy shores, sandbars, and shallow pools are the resting spots for various species of shorebirds (Charadriiformes) during migration, and the winter spot for a smaller number of species from that group. During winter at the Neretva delta, various species of ducks are the most abundant, and the incredibly attractive Black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus) also nests there. There are also various species in the karst area, which are also incredibly attractive for birdwatchers due to their limited prevalence in Europe. The Rock partridge (Alectoris graeca) and Shorttoed snake eagle (Circaetus gallicus), and songbirds, such as the Olive-tree warbler (Hippolais olivetorum), Sardinian warbler (Sylvia melanocephala), Subalpine warbler (Sylvia cantillans), Sombre tit (Poecile lugubris), and Black-headed bunting (Emberiza melanocephala) are just some of the songbirds present in Croatia, but also interesting for birdwatchers from northern and western Europe. Other animals also attract special attention from birdwatchers, such as the European otter (Lutra lutra), Olm (Proteus anguinus) and various dragonflies amongst which the Bladetail (Lindenia tetraphylla), only found at some sites in Croatia, stands out. The world of reptiles is also incredibly abundant with ten species of snakes, and three species of turtles, two of which are aquatic species: the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) and the Balkan pond turtle (Mauremys rivulata).

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Pygmy cormorant (Microcarbo pygmeus); European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis); Common shelduck (Tadorna tadorna); Great reed warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus); Black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus).

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NERETVA VALLEY

tipTravelMagazine June - August 2017

Stand-up paddle boarding and riding in a lađa at the Baćina Lakes; The beauty of the Baćina Lakes attracts fans of nature and active vacations; The cave in Predolac.

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Natural phenomena If you visit the Baćina Lakes, you will see many species of birds, along with other magical waterways in the Neretva area. The seven heavenly lakes, six of which are connected, and one separated, are located next to the slops of Rilić Mountain. Their depth ranges from 5 to 35 meters, with fresh water, and springs in some of them are directly connected to the sea. The lakes are home to many protected, and even endemic plant and animal species. It is best to tour them as part of a photo-safari, in traditional lađas, while those with a more active spirit can try stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, or touring the lakes by bike. In the warmer months, swimmers enjoy themselves at the lakes, and small, picturesque beaches can be found all around their accessible shore. The area surrounding the lakes is also interesting and it is home to remains of ancient walls and mosaics, old Christian basilicas and stećci... As far as natural beauty is concerned, the Neretva valley is endless. One of the representatives of natural phenomena is the cave in Predolac, whose most famous inhabitant is a unique species of bivalve mollusc, the Dinaric cave clam (Congeria kusceri), the only shell in the world that lives underground, which was believed to have gone extinct five million years ago. The favorite site for speleologists is also home to other protected species, such as the olm. More interesting facts and secrets of the interesting underground world can be found out in the educational center, located near the cave.

RIVIERA & ISLANDS Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board www.visitdubrovnik.hr

June - August 2017

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NERETVA VALLEY

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Active on the Neretva

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A rowing regatta on the Neretva; Fisherman are lined along the Neretva every day; A Neretva photo-safari; Coastal destinations near the Neretva are a favorite destination for summer vacation.

Along with the already mentioned, photo-safari, which is a must in the Neretva valley, you can also let off some steam with many other activities. Did you know that the Neretva valley has excellent locations that attract surfers (for windsurfing, as well as for kitesurfing and paddle surfing)? Yes, many surfers catch a breeze there to push them off on exciting adventures. You will also often see recreational fishermen in Neretva's arms catching eels, mullet, bream, seabass, mackerel, and other species. Swimmers are sure to visit the many beaches at the Neretva delta and enjoy its sandbanks, as well as making a trip to the coastal towns immersed in Mediterranean greenery, where in the summer months you can hear loud cricket concerts, along with chirping birds and the cry of seagulls. It is all splashed by the clear sea, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, refreshed by the cool mistral wind in the summer, and some towns offer a view of the Pelješac peninsula. Some will rent a boat and head out to secluded coves, while others will decide on long walks on the many trails, of which we recommend the Predolac-Šibenica trail that passes by incredible landscapes and offers a magnificent view of the Neretva valley. Photographers often visit there, as they find the Neretva a source of eternal inspiration. Cyclists are sure to visit the 12 km long gravel Prud-Dragovija-Vid MTB trail, equipped with tourist signs. Excursionists will enjoy the Neretva valley, and after exploring it, they will head over on an excursion to Ston and other towns on the Pelješac peninsula, to Dubrovnik...

M ar d

RIVIERA & ISLANDS Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board www.visitdubrovnik.hr

June - August 2017

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NERETVA VALLEY

The Narona Archeological Museum is the first in situ museum in Croatia.

A walk through the Narona Archeological Museum is a walk through the same place the inhabitants of Ancient Narona used to walk through two thousand years ago.

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Discovering unique museums Two unique museums prove that the Neretva valley isn't just a large natural attraction, but also a preserver of incredible cultural value. Just twenty years ago, few people dreamed that the small town of Vid would become the home to a sensational discovery, and when archeological digging was first conducted in 1995, the archeologist's theories were confirmed more and more as days went by. The ruins of the Augusteum Ancient Roman temple were found there, along with 17 marble temple sculptures, the most impressive one being the one of Emperor Augustus. The site so became the Narona Archeological Museum, and the first in situ museum in Croatia (located at an archeological site), and its exhibits were placed at the same place they stood in ancient times. A total of 900 findings are exhibited, the most valuable ones being the mentioned sculptures that bear witness to life in that area since ancient times. It is said that such a valuable and complete set of sculptures has yet to be found anywhere, except in Rome. You can see incredible value, based on Neretva's great bit of wealth - birds, if you visit the Metković Natural History Museum, which houses the second largest ornithological collection in Europe. It is visited by ten thousand tourists and nature buffs annually as part of their photo safari through the Neretva valley. With more than 340 stuffed

The Neretva area is also home to other cultural value. The Norinska Tower has proudly stood at the confluence of the Norin and Neretva rivers since the 16th century. It originally was used to defend the valley from Venetian shops, and was later used for military purposes to finally be turned into a windmill. Today, it is an attraction where visitors to the Neretva valley often get their picture taken. The 17th century Nonković tower in the town of Klek also gathers attention, along with the ruins of Smrdan grad above Klek. Even though it is on a cliff, tourists love to head up to the top, knowing that it offers a beautiful view of the Klek panorama and part of the archipelago. Next to the fortress is a church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and nearby, there is a necropolis of mystical stećci (medieval stone tombstones), which especially intrigue tourists.

Towers, fortresses, stećci...

The entrance to the Narona Archeological Museum; The Metković Natural History Museum is home to the second largest ornithological collection in Europe; Norinska Tower. © Davorka Kitonić / crepina2@gmail.com

birds set in their habitats, which include 218 species of birds (of the more than 300 recorded thus far in the Neretva area), the museum will take you on a tour through the rich and diverse life in Neretva's marshes, underbrush, through dense sedge and reeds, to the karst land and to the fields. It is an interesting story of the life in the Neretva area, told in a creative and interactive way, adapted to today's modern visitor.

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NERETVA VALLEY

Eels, frogs, marshland birds... Try the unique flavors of the unique valley.

The "Neretva Valley of Life" road was opened in 2015 and is the second thematic tourist route in the DubrovnikNeretva County.

At the table in Neretva

Along with frogs and eel, fish specialties are an integral part of the Neretva spread; Kroštule.

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Even if you haven't managed to tour all its cultural features, do not leave the Neretva valley without sitting down at a table to see what the Neretva has to offer. The gastronomy in that area is unique in the Adriatic, and its representatives are eels and frogs. The Neretva is the most famous eel habitat in Croatia, so it's no wonder that various eel and frog specialties are found on the menus of local restaurants. Brodet has been the most famous way to prepare them since ancient times, and even though it once was known as a dish for the poor, today it is a delicacy, and a trademark of the valley. Make sure to try it, but prepare yourself for the fact that it is different and spicier than Dalmatian brodet. The friendly hosts will also offer you with frogs prepared in various ways - from fried, to in risotto, to frogs wrapped in prosciutto. There is no end to inspiration in their preparation. A special feature of Neretva's gastronomy area dishes made of marshland birds, amongst which the most popular are cooked coot, or hunter's coot. The unavoidable dishes on the Neretva spread include various fish dishes, freshwater or saltwater crabs, dishes prepared under the bell, prosciutto, cheese, homemade bread under the bell... Don't miss out on raising a glass of homemade spirits or stein full of homemade Neretva wine, after which singing often follows. You can also discover the tastes of the Neretva on the thematic tourist road, "Neretva Valley of Life", which connects wineries, tasting rooms, restaurants with character, rural accommodations, venues for various events... You can find out information on all 55 sites of the road, marked with tourist signs, in a tourist brochure, which contains a map, a short description, and plenty of information.

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RIVIERA & ISLANDS Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board www.visitdubrovnik.hr

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NERETVA VALLEY

vić

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For a complete experience

Every year, the Lađa Marathon gathers thousands of spectators; A performance by a folk dance ensemble; Roman Night in Narona; Days of the Neretva Principality.

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The many events held throughout the entire year in the area prove that the people of Neretva are happy and open hosts who also known how to entertain you well. One of the main events is the Lađa Marathon, which is traditionally held every second Saturday in August, with 30 teams participating from the Neretva valley, other parts of Croatia, and abroad. The teams compete in rowing down the Neretva on a 22 km long course from Metković to Ploče, cheered on by thousands of spectators along the entire route. Other famous events are the Roman Night, Days of the Neretva Principality, Baćina Trail, the Neretva Challenge adventure race, the Moonlight Shines Down on Neretva folk dance festival, and many culinary events such as the Brudetijada, Eel Days on the Neretva, Metković Cipolijada, Mandarin Orange Harvest in the Neretva valley, Neretva Sweet Christmas... Yes, everything in the Neretva valley is tied to the river that truly means the world to them. Discover its beauty, the breathtaking landscapes, the friendly hosts, enticing flavors and aromas, unexpected attractions... The Neretva valley is different from everything you've ever seen and experienced. Feel its strength and its peace, feel alive in the valley of life. 

RIVIERA & ISLANDS Dubrovnik-Neretva County Tourist Board www.visitdubrovnik.hr

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Experience Croatia

DUBROVNIK COAST

The Franciscan Monastery and church of St. Geronimo; A view of Slano and the "Veljko Barbieri" ACI Marina; Stećci.

A combination of experiences for

a perfect vacation

Fans of cultural delights, active vacations, and entertainment will find something to suit them at the Dubrovnik Coast. It's even better if you combine a bit of everything. Text: Mirela Drkulec Miletić Photos: Dubrovnik Coast Tourist Board

The Dubrovnik Coast is abundant with beautifully decorated tombstones stećci, and the best preserved examples can be seen at the Novakovo greblje site, and around the church of St. Martin in the village of Čepikuće, around the church of St. Vid and Modesto in the village of Smokovljani, and at the Greblje-Bistrina site.

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ust 37 km northwest of Dubrovnik, you will find a calm, charming, sun-soaked town - Slano. Slano is the center of the picturesque Dubrovnik Coast, located in a fivekilometer long bay. There, stone houses and churches arise from the dense, aromatic greenery, and intimate beaches and coves beckon you to take a break from the daily grind. If you want to experience the hustle and bustle of the most beautiful stone city in the Mediterranean, you can be in Dubrovnik in a flash. However, before heading out to Dubrovnik, Ston, Cavtat, or Mljet, discover the charms of the Dubrovnik Coast, which will thrill you with untouched nature, valuable antiquities, and hospitable locals.

Tour the ruins of Rotonda, a unique circular church with eight semicircular apses from the 9th or 10th century, located north of the village of Ošlje. Legend has it that golden bells are buried near the church. It's also worth making a visit to the Franciscan monastery and 15th century church of St. Geronimo, which will delight you with its architecture, but also with the view it offers of the entire bay, channel, and surrounding nature. In the monastery garden, there is a lapidary where four early Christian sarcophagi and two graves were found. From there, head up to Prince's Palace, another site in Slano. Don't miss out on seeing one of the features of this area - stećci, unique, medieval, ancient Croatian tombstones, often lavishly adorned with ornaments. There are 34 such sites preserved on the Dubrovnik Coast. You can head out to tour them on foot, by car, or by bicycle on the marked "Stećci of the Dubrovnik Coast" bike trail. While on the trail, get refreshments in the taverns and country estates along the way and try homemade specialties, find out how to make wine and olive oil, and you will also have the chance to buy some of those delicious "edible souvenirs".

The locals have also taken care of the entertainment, so the Primorje Summer of Culture (June 15 September 15) offers plenty of concerts of classical and pop music, performances by klapa and folklore groups, sports events, plays, and other events for all generation. As part of the summer festival, the Night of the Dubrovnik Coast will also be held (with performances from famous Croatian performers - Petar Grašo, Jole, and Klapa Iskon) and the Summer Festival (August 13). That's something you definitely don't want to miss out on. 

Cycling, sailing, jet-skiing, and quad riding are just some of the favorite activities of the visitors to the Dubrovnik Coast; Klapa nights are an integral part of the Primorje Summer of Culture.

The Slano Bay hides several sunken historical ships dive in and explore them.

You can also reach the stećci another way - on foot or by bike on the BanićiSlano-Majkovi trail. Make sure to stop by in the village of Majkovi, at the House of Honey, and find out why coastal honey is so full of flavor and incredibly healthy. You can tour villages with olive groves and vineyards with an adrenaline ride on rented quads. Regardless of how and on what paths you explore the hinterland of the Dubrovnik Coast, take some time to stop and enjoy the irresistible views of the sea, the Elaphite Islands and the island of Mljet. Once you return back to the sea, enjoy some water sports and release some adrenaline. Rent a jet-ski, go windsailing, or sail a small sailboat accompanied by an instructor from a sailing school, go waterskiing, dive into the enchanting sea...

Release some adrenaline

Dubrovnik Coast Tourist Board Trg Ruđera Boškovića 1 20232 Slano, Croatia  +385 20 871236 tzo@dubrovackoprimorje.hr

www.visit-slano.com

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Beauties of Croatia

MLJET NATIONAL PARK

A park of intrinsic beauty Its natural beauty was impossible to resist for the goddess Calypso, St. Paul, Queen Teuta... See for yourself - you will fall in love with Mljet at first sight. Text: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: "Mljet National Park" Public Institution

Mljet is the most forested Croatian island; Odyssey's cave.

If you don't feel like taking long walks, or bike, canoe, or boat rides, you can also tour and encircle the park and Mljet lakes with an electrical train. Late in the 2017 season, the first of the three new electrical boats will sail on the Great Lake, while the other two boats are expected to arrive in 2018.

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lthough it is abundant with cultural sites, the first thing every visitor to the island of Mljet and its national park, on the northwestern part of the island, is thrilled by is the beauty of untouched nature. Far away from land, Mljet has been spared from mass tourism and industry, so you can enjoy its original, intrinsic beauty today, just like those who walked the island thousands of years ago did. Since 90 percent of the park is covered in forests, head out for a walk under the dense canopies of old, aromatic Alep pines and holm oaks, which offer true refreshment in hot summer days. While in the forested world of Mljet, you will come across many native plants such as Silver-Knapweed (Centaurea ragusina), Anthyllis barba-jovis, and Tree Spurge (Euphorbia dendroides), while enjoy the cocktail of the aromas

of other plants such as myrtle (Myrtus communis), bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), sage (Salvia officinalis), gum rockrose (Cistus ladanifer), cyclamen (Cyclamen neapolitanum Ten.)...

For easier exploration The animal life in the park is also diverse, and some of the best-known representatives are the Sharp-snouted rock lizard (Lacerta oxycephala), Dalmatian wall lizard (Lacerta melisellensis), and the Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactilus turcicus). There are six species of lizards and five species of snakes, even though they were somewhat depleted after the introduction of the Small Indian Mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) in 1909. While walking through the park, you will enjoy the concert of

many songbirds, such as the finch (Fringilidae), European robin (Erithacus rubecula), and Common blackbird (Turdus merula), and in the spring and summer months, they are joined by the Common nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos). Don't be surprised if some of the other inhabitants of the park show up - the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europeus), Edible dormouse (Glis glis), European hare (Lepus europaeus), Fallow deer (Dama dama)... Mljet's semi-caves, caves, and pits are home to endemic invertebrate fauna, while two saltwater lakes - the Great and Small lake, great natural attractions at the park, are abundant with shellfish, including protected species such as the noble pen shell (Pinna nobilis) and the date shell (Litophaga litophaga). Interestingly, the lakes are also home to a harmless jellyfish from the Aurelia genus, and the Mljet lakes are its only habitat in the world, while its closest relatives live in the salty sea of Palau island in the Pacific Ocean. While in the park, don't miss out on taking a boat to the islet of St. Mary with a 12th century church and Benedictine monastery. The picturesque islet is located in the southern part of the Great Lake, and is an attraction not to be missed out on by a single visitor to the park. New innovative devices, beacons, set up at 19 locations along the trails within

the park will help you explore the great natural and cultural treasures of the park. After you install the Parks of Croatia app (which uses the newest beacon technology) and turn on Bluetooth, your mobile phone will inform you about the locations you have visited, tell you more about sites or some protected or endemic species in the park, and lead you to attractions and interesting features nearby. 

"Mljet National Park" Public Institution Pristanište 2, 20226 Goveđari - Mljet Croatia,  +385 20 744041 np-mljet@np-mljet.hr

www.np-mljet.hr The big bridge; One of the features of the park is the diverse world of plants; You can reach the islet of St. Mary, which is home to a church and Benedictine monastery, by canoe or boat that sails every hour.

You can also buy tickets for Mljet National Park via the Parks of Croatia web shop:

June - August 2017

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Presenting

MONOGRAPHY

Legends of the Light - stories of Croatian lighthouses and their souls, lighthouse keepers

he promise was kept, and the monography Legends of the Light, which brings more untold stories of Croatian lighthouses and their souls, lighthouse keepers, has seen the light of day. Behind the book are enthusiasts, avid fans of the sea and sailing from the Lux Mediterraneum association, gathered around author Jurica Gašpar, who has spent the past three years talking to the remaining lighthouse keepers in the Adriatic, and has experienced the charm of living at a lighthouse himself. The monography brings you that fascinating story on 320 pages, told through many artistic photos, enriched with lyrical and documentary anecdotes about life at a lighthouse. There you will also find stories about the construction of Adriatic lighthouses during the rule of the Austro-Hungarian Empire on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, along with many other interesting facts.

www.luxmediterraneum.org

Legends of the Light will reveal stories about Croatian lighthouses and life in them.

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PROMO

Adriatic Cruises © Atlas Croatia

Cruising the Adriatic

A vacation perfect for every hedonist S

ummer at the beautiful blue Adriatic is just around the corner, and if you would like to turn this year's vacation into a truly hedonistic experience, hop on board one of the beauties in Atlas' fleet, which includes Desire, currently the brightest star in the Adriatic. She is beautiful, luxurious, 48 meters long, and there isn't a ship nor a passenger that won't turn to look at that majestic, five-star yacht. Imagine

waking up with the view of a new island or harbor, with landscapes that relax the body and soul... Irresistible, isn't it? Logically, such hedonism is accompanied with a fantastic culinary offer, so while cruising the Adriatic, you will also enjoy typical Dalmatian dishes, which will satisfy even the most demanding taste buds. Fresh fish, shellfish and other delicacies, along with the aroma of the sea, rosemary, and olive oil, are reason more to choose this type of holiday. You will also be thrilled by the comfortable cabins, which are furnished according to the latest global standards. You can choose from routes that depart from Split or Dubrovnik, and they include the most beautiful gems of Dalmatia, such as Korčula, Hvar, Brač, and Mljet, along with tours of many sites and a wide offer of Atlas excursions. This kind of travelling is a great choice for all age groups, and in order for

everything to go smoothly, with as great a level of comfort as possible, the cruise includes airport transfer, a welcome dinner, breakfast and lunch every day, and a professional cruise manager who is there for all the guests. So head out to greet the wind and the maritime adventure, and by clicking on the video, you will soon come to the conclusion what it means to truly enjoy life. 

Find out more information on the routes and departure dates at www.atlas-croatia.com or send an email to sales@atlas-croatia.com June - August 2017

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BAŠKA VODA

Experience Croatia

wit h the taste of

A holiday the sea, mountains, and lively events In Baška Voda, which combines the best the sea and the mountains have to offer, you will find a relaxing vacation, spiced up with a dose of the typically lively Dalmatian vibe. Text: Mirela Drkulec Miletić Photos: Baška Voda Tourist Board and tipTravel magazine

The award-winning Nikolina Beach; The newly-renovated Grand Hotel Slavia****; Fisherman's nights are an integral part of Baška Voda Summer.

Look for the first audio-video guide through Baška Voda in Croatian and English that will take you to 40 sites in Baška Voda - explore them one by one!

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ature was truly generous to Baška Voda, a town in the central part of the Adriatic Coast. Biokovo Mountain towers over the town, creating visual contrast against the crystal clear green-blue sea and the white pebble beaches, lined with Mediterranean pines that cast shade even in the warmest days. The natural harmony is spiced up with the freshness that comes from the combination of sea and mountain wind currents. Despite its developed tourism offer, Baška Voda has retained the former charm of a fishing village with a Dalmatian vibe and relaxed ambiance. In the summer, the beaches become the center of all local events, and one of them has become internationally known because of its beauty - Nikolina City Beach. As of this summer, the award-winning beach will be even more attractive: 70 new meters have been added to the promenade, while the nearby small square has been paved with stone, where there is a column with a mast that proudly flies the Blue

Flag (a sign of high water quality of the sea), which Nikolina deservingly bears. Discover some of the other beaches in Baška Voda, try some of the many watersports, and tour the area that surrounds Baška Voda. Get a map with marked walking trails, and locations for free climbing and other activities at the tourist office. This year, alongside the marked walking paths, there are five new rest points where you can enjoy the view, but also birdwatch. The enchanting Biokovo Mountain irresistibly attracts tourists. Although the mountain trails have been additional marked this year, be careful - the mountain is known to be unpredictable. So, it's best to head out to Biokovo on an excursion organized by specialized agencies and accompanied by a guide. Along with the existing 250 berths in the harbor, this summer, tourists will be greeted by a newly renovated main building of the Nautical Center and a large parking lot. The Center will be opened this fall, and on the outer side

best rated private accommodations in Croatia at Booking.com. In Baška Voda and the surrounding area, you are sure to have a good time, and, of course, to eat. The best of what Dalmatia has offer can be found at the fair of homemade products, Flavors of Croatia (June 23 and 24, and August 25 and 26). Of the 60 summer events in Baška Voda, Promajna, Bratuš and Bast, you are sure to find something for yourself during the 22nd Baška Voda Summer, and have fun at a Fisherman's Evening or Folklore Evening, at one of the many concerts, or at the BMX Battle Show (June 26 and 27). The Baška Voda Summer will be closed with a concert by the Basca a cappella group (October 7). 

of the breakwater, the construction of a pier with berths for mega yachts is planned. The Nautical Center will also receive two new panorama web cameras, so live videos from Baška Voda will be available from a total of seven cameras and one in the nearby town of Promajna at www.baskavoda.hr. Promajna will also receive a new attraction this fall a triptych with the depiction of Croatian saints in All Saint's Church. Baška Voda offers some of the best quality accommodations in Croatia. The representative Grand Hotel Slavia**** was renovated in detail last year, and is open for guests all year long. As of this summer, the municipality offers another 36 new houses with pools, and Villa Lilla is in the top ten

Soft-rock, bel canto, guitar or some other kind of concert. During the Baška Voda Summer, many concerts will be held, and the calendar of events can be found here:

Cyclists enjoy the panorama of Baška Voda; Folklore and Klapa Nights are just part of the events held at Baška Voda Summer.

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

www.baskavoda.hr

June - August 2017

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BRELA

Experience Croatia

A holiday on

heavenly beaches

Text: Mirela Drkulec Miletić ◆ Photos: Brela Tourist Board

Brela's beauty is enchanting: six and a half kilometers of long, white pebble beaches and coves splashed by the turquoise sea, with shade cast by aromatic, centuries-old pine trees.

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Some of the activities no visitor to Brela shouldn't miss out on include taking a swim at Punta Rata Beach, having your picture taken at the Brela Stone, and walking down the Path of Vitality.

incredibly clean sea, and shade cast by centuries-old pine trees has been on the top list of the world's most beautiful beaches: in 2004, it was on the list of American magazine Forbes; in 2014, the American website, The Huffington Post, proclaimed Brela was a dream destination; and in 2015 it was on the list of the most beautiful

Podrače Beach; The Brela Stone is a trademark of the town; The Path of Vitality is ideal for walking or cycling; There are also more demanding cycling paths in the Brela area.

rela will win you over with its beauty at first sight. The impressive Biokovo Mountain rises high above the town, and it offers a view of the crystal clear sea that splashes more than six kilometers of long, white, pebble beaches. The incredible natural beauty has not gone unnoticed - Brela's most famous beach, Punta Rata, with its

The Hollow Cliff offers an irresistible view of Brela, and the surrounding archipelago; Diving reveals the magic of the waters surrounding Brela.

beaches of the Belgian website, European Best Destinations. On Punta Rata beach, you will also find the famous Brela Stone. The idyllic picture of pine trees growing out of a stone immersed in the blue sea has become a trademark of Brela, but also a recognizable motif of the tourism campaign for the Croatian coast. It was once the place where the monk seal, today a nearly extinct sea mammal, used to rest. The people of Brela called it a šakan, so the famous stone was also called Šakan up until the first decade of the 20th century. The intimate beaches from Vrulja to Jakiruša, and the picturesque beaches from Stomarica through Šćit to Podrače make the town especially attractive, and you are sure to choose one to your liking. Some beaches will await you with a water park, a trampoline, a large children's playground, and

free animation, which will be especially delightful for the youngest guests. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush in Brela, you can find it in various variants - rent a kayak, pedal boat, or water scooter, enjoy parasailing (parachuting), or diving in the crystal clear sea. The Bikini Dive Center diving school organizes diving and diving courses for both experienced divers, as well as for beginners. During July and August there are several different forms of recreation organized outdoors for adults, free of charge, and alongside the walking paths, there is also equipment for exercising outdoors. You can also cycle to your heart's content, even on the slopes of Biokovo, and ask for more information about the possibility of climbing Biokovo's cliffs at the tourist office. If you prefer walking, you can enjoy the view of the magnificent combination of the mountain and the sea while taking a romantic, 6.5 kilometer stroll on the romantic seaside promenade. It is called the Path of Vitality, not without reason - you can combine fast and slow walks (or bike rides), and breathe in fresh mountain air, full with aerosols that mix together with the cool mountain air, and positively affect your health. Brela will also attract you with superb services in luxury hotels and excellent private accommodations. Your summer holiday will be complemented with many concerts, fishermen's evenings, and sports and cultural events, which are a daily happening in Brela all summer long. Make sure to add the Šakan Festival (August 11-12), and the Homemade is Best Fair (June 19-22, July 17-20, and August 28-31) to your itinerary. 

Biokovo is abundant in karst formations, the most famous one being the natural phenomenon, the Hollow Cliff or Biokovo eye. It is located on a peak just above Brela, and through the hole in the rock, you can see Brela, the islands, and the sea towards Italy. Don't miss out on that majestic view!

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

www.brela.hr

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u o y 4 s tip

t... u o s s i m t ' Don

Dolphin Day (June 30 - July 1) in Veli Lošinj will show you everything about the activities connected with the Adriatic Dolphin Project - a long-term research project of bottlenose dolphins in the waters surrounding Lošinj and Vis. www.visitlosinj.hr

Once again, the city of Rab on the island of the same name will go back in time. The Rab Fjera (July 25-27) will bring back small trade shops and craft shops to the city streets, while an entire fishing village will appear on the beach, built entirely with traditional tools. The streets will be full of song and music, and guests will be offered tuna, fritule, cheese, and wine.

Dolphin Day

Rab Fjera

www.rab-visit.com

Ethno Meetings and Fishing Days in Bilje

Ethno Meetings in Bilje (September 9-10), and Fishing Days in Kopačevo (September 23-24) will take you back to times past and pamper you with the tastes of fish specialties: fish paprikash, carp roasted on a wooden fork... www.tzo-bilje.hr

Antique Nights and the Krk Fair

www.krk.hr

The Antique Nights (July 14-15) at the ancient site near Omišalj will take you back to the time of the Romans, gladiators, emperors, and ancient delicacies. Find out what life was like on the island of Krk during the reign of the Frankopan dukes in the city of Krk (August 8-10), when the medieval Krk Fair, Lovrečeva, will be held.

Špancirfest During Špancirfest (August 18-27), Varaždin once again becomes a capital of music, kingdom of theater and empire of beauty created by the magical hands of artists. With tens of thousands of visitors, street artists and musicians will once again take over the streets and squares in the city. www.spancirfest.com

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

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In the kingdom of nature

Did you know that the famous bora wind occurs to cold air coming down from23Biokovo? Or that there are more than 400 registered speleological sites on the mountain?

Text: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: Biokovo Natureminimalna Park dimenzija = x 23 × 19 mm

19 There are a lot of things that make Biokovo so special, which is why it was named a nature park in 1981. biokovo There are truly many reasons to visit it this year.

long ago, you will find the unique Biokovo botanical garden, Kotišina. If you pay attention to the karst phenomena, you will also notice sinkholes, cracks, caves, and grottos, amongst which the deepest one is Mokre noge (-839 m), the fourth deepest in Croatia.150% x Although it will at first seem relatively barren, when you dive into Biokovo's kingdom, you will discover the diversity of its plant and animal life at every step. Refreshment and shade in the hot summer months can be found in forests Park prirode • Nature Park of beech, fir, and black Dalmatian pine, and you will also see many indigenous plant species such as the silvery dwarf harebell (Edraianthus pumilio) and Centaurea gloriosa. The European ratsnake, one of the most beautiful snakes in Europe, also lives in the park. While there, stop by archeological sites, shepherd's houses, and one of the 87 churches and chapels on Biokovo. 

Park prirode • Nature Park

The view from Biokovo to the sea; The Church of St. Jure at the peak of the same name; A fortress in the Kotišina botanical garden that dates back to the 16th/17th century; Trim - a shepherd's house.

biokovo

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biokovo Park prirode • Nature Park

minimalna dimenzija = x 23 × 19 mm

biokovo

Park prirode • Nature Park

hile you lounge on the heavenly beaches of the Makarska Riviera or swim in the turquoise sea that splashes them, your view stretches towards Biokovo, an impressive mountain where you will want to spend at least a day. And it's a good decision. Did you know that Biokovo is the tallest mountain closest to the coast in the Mediterranean? Or that it is home to the second tallest peak in Croatia, St. Jure (1762 m), where there is a church of the same name at the highest altitude in Croatia? Along with many hiking trails, there is also a 23 km road that leads to it, the highest paved road in Croatia. When you reach the top, take some time to enjoy the view of the picturesque Makarska Riviera and the surrounding islands, and your view will stretch all the way to Italy, 250 km away. At the foot of the mountain, whose oldest rocks celebrated their 220 millionth birthday

Explore Croatia

BIOKOVO NATURE PARK

Park prirode • Nature Park

"Biokovo Nature Park" Public Institution Marineta - Mala obala 16 21300 Makarska, Croatia  +385 21 616924 info@pp-biokovo.hr

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biokovo www.pp-biokovo.hr

Park prirode • Nature Park

June - August 2017

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DUGOPOLJE

Excursion

Three features of Dugopolje

Vranjača Cave; Hotel Katarina; All generations enjoy cycling on trails in Dugopolje; An outlet mall.

Text: Alma Radoš ◆ Photos: Dugopolje Tourist Board

Vranjača Cave, relaxing in a jacuzzi or pool, and the unavoidable shopping are reasons Dugopolje is an attractive destination for a one-day excursion.

An excellent one-day excursion from Split

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

www.visitdugopolje.com 46

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t is close enough to Split for some to consider it to be its suburb, and yet it is far enough to feel all the beauty and charm of the Dalmatian hinterland. That is Dugopolje, a picturesque municipality on the north side of Mosor that offers at least three reasons you should visit it. According to many people, Vranjača Cave is Dugopolje's greatest feature. It is visited by tourists and adventurists, fans of active vacations, spelunkers, and nature buffs. Its two halls are full of beautiful, uniquely shaped, colorful stalactites and stalagmites, columns, and arches. The starting point for a hiking trail that leads to Vickov stup, the 1325 meter high peak of Mosor, can be found near the entrance to the cave, and cyclists can reach Vranjača with the longest of the three bike trails that run

through Dugopolje that was named after the unique geomorphological natural monument. Shopping buffs are sure to visit the outlet mall in the Podi business center, which has become an unavoidable business center with more than 250 companies. Modern business centers and trendy stores at the exit from the A1 highway towards Split formed the modern appearance of Dugopolje in the early 2000s. There you will also find Dugopolje's Hotel Katarina with an indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, fitness center, and a unique view of Mosor, so it will seem as if you are a part of untouched nature. The hotel also has a multi-purpose congress hall with a capacity of up to 1200 seats, which also makes it an excellent choice for business meetings. 

Dugopolje is an excellent choice for a one-day excursion, but also a must-see destination for hikers, cyclists, and shopping addicts.

The Up to the source of the Cetina bike tour on June 11, the festival of classical music on the Kamičak fortress - Sudar Percussion on July 7, the Rural Products Fair from August 3 to 5, the Sinj Air Show on August 19, and the traditional international galloping races in September are just some of the events that await you in Sinj this summer.

How does Sinj live in the summer?

Events

SINJ

The Sinj Alka; A statue of the Madonna of Sinj; A procession celebrating the Assumption of Mary; Cycling.

Text: Alma Radoš ◆ Photos: Sinj Tourist Board

If you thought the largest crowds in Dalmatia are at the beach, visit Sinj in August and enjoy the Sinj Alka and the holiday of the Assumption of Mary - two of the most important days in the lives of every inhabitant of Sinj.

uring the Sinj Alka and the Assumption of Mary, it will seem as if Sinj is the center of the universe. The city becomes too small to fit all those who come to support the alkars and the Lady of Sinj. Although the Alka is traditionally held the first Sunday in August, and the Assumption of Mary is celebrated on August 15, there is a strong bond between those two events. According to legend, in 1715, the Lady of Sinj saved the city from the stronger Ottoman army, and as of that day she has been highly regarded in that area, and in honor of that historical win, the Sinj Alka, an attractive horseback competition inscribed on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage, has been run for 302 years. The ceremony

starts with the Klape to the Madonna of Sinj Festival on August 3, and seven days later, the Siege of Sinj is reenacted. However, those aren't the only events you will find in the city. Bike races, festivals, musical evenings, galloping races, horse caravans... That's how Sinj lives in the summer. Fans of nature will be thrilled with the high mountain peaks and the gorgeous Cetina River that runs along fertile green valleys towards the sea. Paragliding, parachuting, flying airplanes and driving quads, horseback riding, and cycling on one of the 25 bike routes in the Dalmatian hinterland, some of which pass through Sinj, are the best invitation for all those who enjoy adrenaline sports and an active holiday. 

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

www.visitsinj.com June - August 2017

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Experience Croatia

ŠIBENIK

Ši

Text: Petra Škofić Photos: Šibenik Tourist Board and Šibenik's fortress of culture

The stone heart of the Adriatic Šibenik, one of the oldest cities in Croatia, will delight you with its stone streets full of stories, and warm you up with the rhythm of its many events.

A view of Šibenik's old city center; Taking pictures with a view of Šibenik in the backdrop.

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ibenik is definitely one of the prettiest gems of the Dalmatian coast. While other Dalmatian cities, such as Split and Zadar, date back to ancient times, the stone that was used to build Šibenik was placed by hardworking Croatian hands. Every stone street, building, and palace tells a story of history, culture, and tradition of one of the strongest Croatian cities in the past that resisted all the attacks from the Ottomans, but was destroyed by the plague like no other city before then. The old city center full of picturesque houses, palaces, squares, and archways will also tell you about that. City Hall, and the Duke's and Bishop's palace are amongst the most beautiful examples of Renaissance Šibenik, and it's also not a bad idea to take a walk through Trg Četiri bunara - an interesting complex of 15th century water reservoir, where various exhibitions are often held today.

The heart of Šibenik is an elegant stone building protected by UNESCO - the St. James Cathedral (15th-16th century), a unique monument of sacral European construction. Construction took more than a hundred years, and began in the Gothic style, and was completed in the Renaissance style. It is the only cathedral in Europe that is built exclusively of stone, and is the only one that has an exterior that completely matches the interior space. There are 24 churches in the city, each of which has an interesting story of its own. For example, St. Krševan's church houses the oldest bell in Croatia, which dates back to the 13th century. Šibenik was once guarded by a strong defensive system, and witnesses to that time are four magnificent fortresses St. Michael, Barone, St. John, and St. Nicholas, and both St. Michael and Barone have been recently renovated and placed in the function of tourism and culture. St. Michael is located on a hill above the sea, and marks the place where Šibenik originated. The promenade on the fortress offers a spectacular view of the Šibenik archipelago, and in the summer, it turns into a stage under the starry sky. The Barone fortress is more

You can tour St. Michael's and Barone fortress with one admission ticket that will take you through Šibenik's history, but also reveal a fantastic panorama of Šibenik Krešimir's city.

than reality. It is home to the museum of augmented reality, which successfully combines Šibenik's history with the technology of today. There, characters, sounds, and visions from 17th century Šibenik will come to life right before you. The fortresses of St. John and St. Nicholas, one of the strongest fortresses in the Adriatic, still await renovation. Even though all sites in Šibenik are full of interesting stories and secrets, and are made of stone, Šibenik is more than just stone. If you can't imagine summer vacation without enjoying the clean sea, visit the Banj city beach. Besides the breathtaking view of the old city center, the abundant offer and pebble beach offers something for everyone. However, natural beauty doesn't stop here. Near Šibenik, there are two national parks Krka, with its seven gorgeous limestone waterfalls, and Kornati, the most rugged and most attractive group of islands in the Adriatic.

For hot summer nights

St. Michael's fortress; Barone fortress; St. Nicholas' fortress; At the Days of Croatian Tourism in October 2016, Banj beach was proclaimed Croatian Beach of the Year; Kosirina Beach on the island of Murter, with a view of Kornati NP.

The vicinity of the Krka River enabled Šibenik to get public lighting and alternating current in houses before most large metropolises worldwide did. The hydro power plant on the Krka River started working in 1895, just two days after the first hydro power plan in the world was opened at Niagara Falls.

The St. Michael and Barone fortresses sway in the rhythm of the music of many musical and cultural events, especially June - August 2017

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Šibenik at dusk; The title "A Step to the Stars" (Korak do zvijezda) hides the rich summer program at the St. Michael's and Barone fortresses; City Hall; St. James' Cathedral; The St. Michael and Barone fortresses are the stage for many Breathtaking sunsets. events;

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in the summer months. After Cubismo (June 16), and the unforgettable jazz spectacle, St. Michael will play host to the oldest cultural institution in the city, the Šibenik Folk Music festival (June 29), Solo Positivo, a festival of musical documentary films (July 4-8), and the influential American jazz musician Gregory Porter (July 18) will shine under Šibenik's sky in July, while in August, Icelandic electronic music sensation GusGus (August 5), and Croatian favorite, Tony Cetinski (August 25) will entertain the crowd. Barone fortress will become the stage for the "Around the World on Wednesdays" film festival (June 21 August 23), which will celebrate the best selection of many great films from countries all over the world. The streets and squares of Šibenik also become stages during the International Children's Festival (June 17 - July 1), which has celebrated children's creativity and imagination for five decades with singing, dancing, and performances. Fans of electronic music will be sure to visit Project Vojarna (July 1), and those who love legends,

ŠIBENIK

Experience Croatia

myths, and stories will definitely come to LegendFest (July 7-9). You can also enjoy the notes of traditional Dalmatian music all summer long at the Šibenik Klapa Evenings (July 6 - September 9). A hot atmosphere and fiery rhythm can be found at the Salsa Beach Splash Festival (July 4-9), when dancers and instructors from all over the world will dance to the passionate salsa beat in Šibenik for the fifth consecutive year. July will also be in the sign of the Regius Alternative Festival (July 13-15), the Off Jazz & Blues Festival (July 20-22), Supertoon animation festival (July 16-21), and the Summer Dance Festival (July 24-30). Amongst other things, August will be in the sign of the Membrain Festival (August 10-13), and the Evenings of Dalmatian Chansons (August 19-20), with many more events in September. Experience a bit of the old times at the 13th Medieval Fair in Šibenik (September 8-10). Juggling and jousting, parades of Šibenik's guards, performances, and songs, and a selection of craftsman's goods will take you on a journey through time. 

Šibenik Tourist Board Fausta Vrančića 18, 22000 Šibenik, Croatia  +385 22 212075, tz-sibenik@si.t-com.hr

www.sibenik-tourism.hr © ni

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Šibenik-Knin County Tourist Board Fra Nikole Ružića b.b., 22000 Šibenik, Croatia  +385 22 219072, info@sibenikregion.com

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www.sibenikregion.com

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June - August 2017

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Nautical tourism

ŠIBENIK

tip

Šibenik is a great place for sailors to head out from to many Dalmatian islands, as well as towards the northern Adriatic.

PROMO

roatia is the leading global sailing destination, while Šibenik, located between two international airports, Split and Zadar, and two national parks, Krka and Kornati, is the perfect place to head out from to numerous Dalmatian islands. NCP & mare, the leading Croatian charter fleet, was established in that city in 1995. It offers the largest Grand Soleil fleet of sailboats in the Adriatic, and a

Dufour 460

new fleet of 18 Dufour sailboats, with motorboats and catamarans, as well as luxurious Marex, Fairline, and Sea Ray yachts, along with the more affordable Beneteau and Adria boats. The company is the exclusive representative for Grand Soleil and Marex boats, offers technical support on land and at sea 24/7, is a licensed RYA (Royal Yachting Association) sailing school, and has a long tradition in organizing various events. 

NCP & mare, Obala Jerka Šižgorića 1 (D-Marin Mandalina Marina), 22000 Šibenik, Croatia  +385 22 312999, booking@ncp.hr, www.ncp-charter.com 52

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Are you getting ready to travel with the youngest members of your family and are looking for a practical solution that will make travelling as comfortable as possible for both you and your baby? Many parents worldwide have found their solution in the AMAZONAS® carrier for babies and children, made in Brazil, and inspired by the knowledge and customs of the locals in North and South America. Besides being incredibly light to carry (370 g), the ultra-light green Smart Carrier for children aged 0-3 is incredibly breathable, and made of extra-silky nylon - a material that prevents overheating. The carrier is flexible, adjustable, has a built-in hood, small pocket, and bag, and only three buckles, which makes it easy to put together. It satisfies medical requirements for carrying babies properly, and optimally distributes the baby's weight, so there's no fear of back pain while you discover the magic of various destinations with your little one. www.amazonas.eu

Take the Amazonas Smart Carrier ultra-light green on the road

Excellent results of the CNTB and Croatian Parks campaign In early April of this year, the Croatian National Tourist Board and Croatian Parks created a marketing campaign with the aim of additionally positioning parks as one of the motives to visit Croatian destinations in the preseason. The campaign was conducted on a YouTube channel on a total of 22 markets, and the promotional video had a total of 9.5 million views and nearly 40 million impressions.

PROMO

The photos serve just as an illustration

s of recently, Vodice, a popular tourist destination, has a new gem of tourism - the Olympia Sky Hotel with 150 luxurious accommodation units, and an excellent offer of additional services. The hotel, which looks like a luxury cruise ship, is "anchored" in beautiful surroundings, right next to

the sea, and in the vicinity of many tourist attractions. Six suites have been furnished with jacuzzis on their spacious terraces, and three rooms have been adapted to suit the needs of persons with disabilities. The special attraction of the hotel is an à la carte restaurant on the tenth floor of the hotel, which offers

a majestic view of the islands, Vodice, and the surrounding area, and the true sensation is the heated, shaded pool on the ninth floor. The hotel also has three new congress halls with the most modern audio-video equipment, and the Olympia Beach, which offers plenty of things to do. 

Olympia Vodice d.d., Ljudevita Gaja 6, 22211 Vodice, Croatia

 +385 22 452452, sales@olympiavodice.hr, www.olympiavodice.hr

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VODICE

Experience Croatia

Top destination for a top vacation Text: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: Vodice Tourist Board

Attractive beaches, great events, plenty of possibilities for an active vacation, superb gastronomy... Vodice is a top destination for summer holidays with reason.

Vodice in the evening hours; Evenings of Dalmatian Klapa; The Burtiž Regatta; Bacchanalia; Vodice Jazz & Blues Festival.

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hen the sun warms up the crystal clear sea, pebbles, stones, or sandy beaches, the beautiful sites of Vodice are flooded with tourists, year after year, and not without reason. With their beauty and many facilities, Vodice's beaches have always attracted both swimmers and those who would like to lounge under the warm sun in Vodice, or in the shade of their aromatic Mediterranean pine trees. This year, there will be even more reason to enjoy some time there since some of them await their visitors after undergoing improvements, such as the Male Vruje beach. This summer, the innovative beach will await you with an enclosed lagoon, and a pool, where the temperature will be up to ten degrees higher than in the surrounding area. So, from now on, swimming can be enjoyed there from early spring all the way to late autumn. Besides that, in the warm summer nights, the beach will act as a stage where various musical and cultural entertainment programs will be held.

As far as events are concerned, Vodice is hard to beat. After the CMC Festival (June 9-10), which is a treat for fans of pop and popular music, the Summer Bacchanalia (June 24) will take you into a completely different story. At the Velika Mrdakovica - Roman Cistern site, try your hand at ancient crafts and visit a fair of ancient products, enjoy ancient Roman delicacies and a musical performance, and tour the site. Don't miss out on the most entertaining festival in Vodice, the Vodice Street Festival (July 7-9), when the old stone streets in the heart of Vodice become a stage for art workshops, exhibitions, concerts, performances by street performers... Fans of jazz and blues will definitely enjoy the 15th Vodice Jazz & Blues Festival (July 21-23), with performances by eminent jazz musicians from Croatia and the world, all right next to the sea. Vodice's Festival (August 4) is already the traditional highlight of summer fun in Vodice. Great concerts, fireworks at midnight, and plenty of fun to the wee

A holiday on the move If you aren't the kind of person who likes to lounge on the beach and sip your favorite cocktail and prefer to be on the move, Vodice is the right place for you. Tighten the sails and explore the beautiful sites of Vodice's archipelago, take a kayak to one of the nearby islands, dive into the

magical sea, try windsurfing, or the more and more popular stand up paddle boarding (SUP). If you prefer to stay inland, there are excursions and walking tours organized from Vodice to the interesting hinterland. Cyclists will enjoy the bike trails that meander through the area, while fans of mountain biking are in for many challenges, such as the red "Orlov Krug" trail, where the C2 race for the World MTB Cup is held. Take a trip to the nearby island of Prvić, a place of untouched nature, peace, and beauty that takes your breath away every step of the way. The name of Faust Vrančić, a scientist and inventor who is famous for many inventions,

A beach in Srima; Vodice's beaches attract tourists and swimmers; Throughout the year, Vodice also attracts many cyclists.

the most popular ones being the parachute and suspension bridge, is irrevocably tied to the island. Tour the memorial center dedicated to that great inventor, and set aside some time to enjoy Vodice's taverns and restaurants, with an abundance of seafood specialties, international delicacies and superb wine. 

Vodice Tourist Board Obala Vladimira Nazora b.b. 22211 Vodice, Croatia  +385 22 443888 info@vodice.hr © Vodice Tourist Board

hours of the morning are guaranteed there. Fishermen's Evenings (June 17, July 10, September 2), along with Klapa Evenings on Wednesdays during July and August are just a few of the events that will make your stay in a Vodice even more enjoyable.

www.vodice.hr

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Novelties

KRKA NATIONAL PARK

Preserving thousands of years of heritage As of this year, Krka National Park awaits you with novelties that offer an even better experience in the beauty of protected nature. Text: Krka National Park Photos: Mario RomuliÄ&#x2021; / Krka National Park Skradinski buk is the most famous site at Krka National Park.

Now you can also reserve and buy a ticket for Krka NP online:

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reathtaking natural beauty, the sound of the water spilling over seven magnificent limestone waterfalls, and a rich cultural and historical heritage, which beckon the spirits of times past, represent the values that generations of people have grown up with next to the Krka. With their effort and input, the local population has contributed to the preservation of that natural gem, which visitors fall in love with so much that they want to share their experiences and impressions with others. New generations, who love nature just as much, express their experiences today with some other technological tools. In order to preserve the thousand-year old heritage, this year, the Krka National Park Public Institution has brought forth new business decisions as part of a project for responsible management

and visitor safety with the aim of easing the burden on the most famous and most visited site, Skradinski buk. In order to protect the park, increase the safety of visitors, decrease crowds, and to enable every visitor to have a comprehensive experience in protected nature, several phases of the project have been completed. The main road to Skradinski buk and the Krka NPPI center in Skradin, which now has eight points of sale instead of just three, have been completed, and to make things even more functional, moving within the center is now in one direction. Furthermore, as of this summer, visitors will only be able to board the boat in Skradin if they have already purchased a ticket for Krka NP, which will shorten the lines for boarding the boat, and give visitors even more time to tour the sites in the city of Skradin.

The Krka monastery; Roški slap; You can reach the island of Visovac, which is home to a Franciscan monastery and church, by boat; Ključica, a medieval fortress; The ruins of Burnum, a Roman military camp.

The charms of the middle and upper course As of this year, visitors can only tour Skradinski buk in one direction. Upon arrival on site, visitors will be able to see the direction of touring on the area map, and signs have also been placed to ease their movement. The direction (Walk this way) has been especially pointed out, and signs have also been set up to forbid the movement of visitors who head out in the wrong way.

This summer, the number of visitors to Skradinski buk will be limited. Visitors will be able to see screens in Lozovac and Skradin with the number of available tickets for Skradinksi buk. Visitors who will not be able to get to Skradinski buk at any given moment will be given the option of alternative directions, or programs of touring the sites on the upper and middle course of the Krka. Visitors will also be able to spend their time waiting for Skradinski buk by touring the educational hiking trails and

viewpoints on the middle course of the Krka, they will be able to enjoy the sacral heritage that the Krka NP preserves, discover monuments that bear witness to the tumultuous past of that area, learn more about the undiscovered parts of Krka, and get refreshments in one of the many country homesteads that offer an abundant spread of traditionally prepared and organically grown local products. Another novelty this year is the online reservation and sale of tickets to Krka NP via the Parks of Croatia website. 

June - August 2017

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Croatia through philately

CROATIAN TOURISM - ZADAR

Presenting postage stamps Prepared by: Željka Kunštek

Greetings to the Sun "That must be the most beautiful sunset in the world!", murmured famous film director Alfred Hitchcock while watching the sun set in Zadar. Others who also think like him are the many tourists who admire the magnificent scene, but also the great attraction - the Greetings to the Sun.

D The stamp can be ordered online here:

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id you know that Zadar is more than three thousand years old, and that it is older than Rome? There, even today, you can find many witnesses to the past and beautiful constructions, along with some modern attractions that harmoniously tied into Zadar's ambiance, and won the world over with their appearance. They include the Sea Organ and Greetings to the Sun, works designed by architect Nikola Bašić, which have brought him a lot of recognition and awards. Both attractions are located on Zadar promenade, right next to

one another. The urban Greetings to the Sun installation consists of three hundred laminated glass plates that form a circle 22-meters in diameter. When the sun sets, sensors, which are light elements installed in the circle, are activated and they produce an impressive game of lights according to a programmed light show, which visitors walking on the circle at the time can participate in. Interestingly, on the rim of the circle, there are the dates of Zadar's historical holidays, which makes the installation a calendar of sorts, and, if you look carefully, you will also see the other planets of the Solar System near the Sun. A stamp with the motif of the Greetings to the Sun was issued on June 1, 2016, 48.28 mm x 29.82 mm in size, and along with a stamp with the motif of the Sea Organ, it was issued in a ten stamp sheet, and the Croatian Post also issued a First Day Cover (FDC). It was issued in a 100 000 copies. The author of the stamp is Ljubica MarčetićMarinović, a designer from Zadar. 

OTOČAC

Active vacations

Fans of active vacations visit the Gacka all year long; Otočac; Eco Ethno Gacka.

Active vacations next to the Gacka Text: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: Otočac Tourist Board

The calm, clear Gacka River is an eternal source of inspiration for fans of nature and active vacations.

o you recall the last time you heard water rushing over an old millstone? Or when you last tasted trout that was just caught in clear water, or scooped up a glass of water in a clean river and drank it at once? You can experience all that, and much more, in the enchanting and inspirational destination that was developed on the banks of the Gacka, one of the cleanest rivers in the world. Surrounded by the mighty Velebit, and the tamer Kapela, the Gacka meanders, and fishermen stand in its bends every day, patiently waiting for the world famous Gacka trout, some of which can be up to 5 kg in weight. Not only do fishermen enjoy being alongside and in the Gacka every day, but so do other fans of nature and active vacations. Cyclists have six bike trails to choose from which pass

Eco Ethno Gacka, held on July 22, is a great reason to visit Otočac and enjoy it with all your senses.

through the beauty of that karst landscape, passing alongside springs and the course of the Gacka River. Hikers can head up the Marković Rudine hiking trail and discover the beauty and the strength of Velebit, and those who would like to experience the Gacka first-hand can row down it in a kayak. Birdwatchers will also enjoy themselves next to the Gacka while watching the diverse world of birds, while those seeking an adrenaline rush can try their hand at paintball. Take some time to visit Otočac, and a good reason to visit the city is the Eco Ethno Gacka (July 22), an event that will take you on a journey of flavors, but also on a trip through time. Taste the fruits of the Gacka's fields, try hunter's stew, learn more about traditions in that area, buy a few authentic souvenirs and have a great time. 

TZ GRADA Otočac OTOČCA

Tourist Board Kralja Zvonimira 17 53220 Otočac, Croatia  +385 53 771603 tzg-otocca@gs.t-com.hr

www.tz-otocac.hr

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Croatia

ONLINE

APP

websites and mobile applications

Find the best beaches and spaces for business events With the help of one new and one redesigned website, find a beach to suit your taste and a perfect space for your business event in Croatia.

WEB&AP Prepared by: Ĺ˝eljka KunĹĄtek

BeachRex

More than a thousand beaches in Croatia, located in the areas of Istria, Kvarner, Lika, and Dalmatia are presented on the BeachRex website, where island beaches are especially well presented. Every beach is shown with high-quality photos, and video and 3D recordings which allow you to see the beach from every angle. On the website, you will also find information on parking and how to reach the beach, navigation and travel times from accommodation locations to the beach, as well as the current weather on the beach and water temperature, the weather forecast for the upcoming days... The webÂsite also lists the kind of beach (sandy, pebble, etc.), the capacity, type of beach (for families, for explorers, for fun), as well as detailed information about possible travel accommodations on the beach, restaurants, sports facilities, and entertainment. www.beachrex.com

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Croatia Meetings

As of recently, domestic and international organizers of congresses, conferences, and seminars, who are choosing Croatia as an attractive location for their events more and more often, have a completely redesigned event planning tool in Croatia - the PoslovniTurizam.com / CroatiaMeetings.com website. The redesigned website, which is divided into five basic categories: Meeting venues, Agencies, Services, Destinations, and MICE Magazine, offers users an even better experience, more advice, and support while organizing events. You will easily find the perfect venue for your business event using the website - for a simple search, just choose the location and venue capacity, and there are also advanced search options. www.croatiameetings.com

PROMO

Iv in a

Hotel Esplanade The new star of the Crikvenica Riviera T

he Jadran d.d. hotel group, famous for its long tradition in tourism on the Crikvenica Riviera, has continued investing in the renovation of its accommodations, so in early August this year, one of its hotels, Hotel Esplanade, will shine anew. You will easily find the hotel in Crikvenica since it is located at a prime location - right next to the main city promenade, surrounded by Mediterranean aromas, and across from the main sandy beach in Crikvenica that attracts many tourists

in the summer months. The beach also bears the "European Blue Flag", an international sign of environmental quality and sustainable development, and besides the clear sea, and the warm, soft sand, the beach also has everything you could possibly need for a perfect vacation - recreational and sports facilities, children's playgrounds, restaurants and cafés. After the renovation, the hotel will receive a 4+ star categorization, which will make it the group's best hotel, and it will offer a total of 38 comfortable,

Jadran d.d., Bana Jelačića 16, 51260 Crikvenica, Croatia events@jadran-crikvenica.hr, www.jadran-crikvenica.hr

modernly furnished rooms, and plenty of superb, additional facilities - from a wellness center and outdoor pool to conference halls. Special attention has been given to its interior design, which is in a way a walk through Crikvenica's past - from Roman times to present day. And the view from the hotel? Not only can you see the sandy beach and blue sea, but it also stretches to the neighboring island of Krk. Yes, it's a view you'll fall in love with at first sight... 

The photos serve just as an illustration

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Once again, blues fans will be sure to visit Kastav from August 3 to 7, when the picturesque city will once again breathe in the rhythm of blues. The largest Croatian blues festival, which was initiated in honor of Philadelphia Jerry Ricks, one of the most famous representatives of traditional blues (country blues), who chose Kastav as his final resting place, once again offers an attractive program over the course of several days. The celebratory 10th edition of the festival will gather great bands, including performers such as Angela Brown (USA), Big Steam (GB), Zdenka Kovačiček (HR), and Soul Fingers (HR). Along with many concerts, music workshops and exhibitions will also be held at the festival, and this year's program has also been refreshed with a screening of a biographical film about Philadelphia Jerry Ricks.

The leading international website for the medical travel and health tourism sector, International Medical Travel Journal (IMTJ), named Lošinj a finalist in the category "Health and medical tourism: Destination of the year". Although Malaysia won, it is a great honor for Lošinj - the island of vitality. The 2017 IMTJ Medical Travel Summit was held from April 24 to 27 in Opatija, and it gathered more than 200 participants from a total of 33 countries from all over the world.

10. KASTAV BLUES FESTIVAL KOSTRENA – MATULJI – KASTAV – VIŠKOVO 3. kolovoza – 7. kolovoza 2017. 3 August – 7 August 2017 Koncerti Concerts Glazbene radionice Music workshops Izložbe Exhibitions www.kastav-touristinfo.hr www.kastavbluesfest.com

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Opatija received the Golden Tourist Heart © Kastav Tourist Board

www.kkl.hr

roa

www.kastav-touristinfo.hr

30. lipnja – 25. kolovoza 2017. 30 June – 25 August 2017

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Discover Croatia with Croatia Airlines!

www.kastavbluesfest.com

26. KASTAFSKO KULTURNO LETO 26th KASTAV CULTURAL SUMMER

2017 Kastav Blues Festival

Lošinj received another recognition for health tourism

Opatija won the "Golden Tourist Heart" award as the best travel destination in southeastern Europe and the Mediterranean in 2016. The formal awards ceremony was held on April 29, 2017 in Belgrade, and Goran Pavlović, a representative from the Opatija Tourist Board accepted the award for the city of Opatija. Opatija's tourism offer was also presented at that time.

www.croatiaairlines.com

ro ©C

atia

Air

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A return to retro

Text: Željka Kunštek Photos: Opatija Tourist Board

From June 29 to July 2, Opatija will take you back to the exciting retro past with RetrOpatija.

o you still remember the Charleston from the twenties, the twist from the fifties, rockabilly from the sixties, disco from the seventies, rock music from the eighties, or pop from the nineties? Do you still remember the hot and addictive rhythms that marked the 20th century, and that get everyone dancing, or at least tapping their hands and feet? History will come alive once again from June 29 to July 2, 2017 in Opatija, and its main street and Angiolina Park will become the stage you will keep telling your friends about for a long time. During that time, the windows of the shops and cafés will become part of the scene, and RetrOpatija, the largest and most massive city event, will bring together Opatija's restaurateurs, shop owners, and craftsmen, and attract hundreds of participants and thousands of visitors. The fun time machine will take you back in time to Opatija in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, when it was famous as a city

Events

of festivals and entertainment. So, don't hesitate for even a second, head out on an exciting journey through all the eras of the 20th century, relax, dance the swing and twist, and feel the dancing and disco fever... Besides becoming a stage for music and dance, over the course of the four days, Opatija will also become the capital of authentic fashion that accompanied every musical style from the last century, all complemented by the creative offer displayed by restaurateurs, hotels, and local craftsmen. During that time, forget about "normal" cars on the main street in the city. It will be occupied by retro vehicles, accompanied by members of the Liburnia Classic Club and Rijeka Vespa Club, pin-up girls, entertainers on stilts, make-up artists, hairstylists, craftsmen... Special topics that will mark this year's RetrOpatija are Rockabilly (June 29), I love Rock'n'roll (June 30), RetrOpatija at 30 locations and the biggest outdoor disco party (July 1), and Evergreens (July 2). 

OPATIJA

Retro-fever at restaurants and cafés Retro vehicles during RetrOpatija; will occupy the streets of Opatija; Great music is the backbone of RetrOpatija.

www.visitOpatija.com

June - August 2017

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VODNJAN

Leron, an international folklore festival; Picturesque streets in Vodnjan; Mummified bodies of saints; Kažuns; Superb olive oil; Swimming in turquoise coves.

Vodnjan Tourist Board Narodni trg 3 52215 Vodnjan, Croatia  +385 52 511700 tz-vodnjan-dignano@pu.t-com.hr

www.vodnjandignano.com

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All the treasures of Vodnjan Text: Željka Kunštek ◆ Photos: Vodnjan Tourist Board

The town in southwestern Istria will intrigue you with many interesting features and delight you with novelties.

esides being famous for being the home of the tallest bell tower, and the narrowest, shortest, and longest streets in the Istrian peninsula, as well as the great scientific mystery mummified and excellently preserved bodies of saints, Vodnjan will also intrigue you with other interesting features at every step. While walking through the Vodnjan area, you will discover churches, palaces, dry stone walls, and kažuns - stone houses scattered in fields, vineyards, and olive groves, which the locals persistently preserve from falling into oblivion. You will find out a lot about that valuable piece of history, which used to be shelter for farmers and shepherds, at the Kažun Park, an outdoor museum, where they will show you the special techniques and building methods used to make those attractive stone houses. Every year in May, the locals also organize a workshop, "Moj kažun - La mia casita", where they, together with interested visitors, restore kažuns and dry stone

walls. You will also find out a lot about the history of the area if you head down the educational hiking trail that takes you through medieval sites, or if you visit Galižana, an old settlement with plenty of cultural features. There you can tour mini-Galižana, an outdoor exhibit, which is illuminated during the night, with a collection of tools and machines made of wood and stone that the locals used to use in daily life and for work in the fertile fields of Vodnjan. Vodnjan will also fulfill the expectations of those who wish to spend their summer vacation on gorgeous beaches next to the clean sea. Relax on the new beach in nearby Peroj, try some of the water sports, taste Istrian delicacies and the renowned olive oil from Vodnjan, and have a great time in the evening hours. Don't miss out on the Kite Festival in Peroj (June 23-25), and the New Olive Oil Days in Vodnjan (November 17-19), and the Leron international folklore festival (August 17-18). 

Experience Croatia

BRTONIGLA

For true hedonists Text: Željka Kunštek Photos: Brtonigla Tourist Board

Food and wine

Brtonigla is surrounded by vineyards; Making tortellini; Istrian prosciutto; At a farm of Istrian donkeys; The ambiance in taverns; Motifs from the "Colors of Tradition... harvest ceremonies" event.

Those with a refined taste will once again visit Brtonigla this year, and enjoy its colors, flavors, and aromas.

lthough nearly 600 thousand overnight stays are recorded annually, Brtonigla isn't a mass tourism destination. Over the course of the entire year, true hedonists, guests with a refined taste who appreciate not only the beauty of untouched nature, but also superb food and wine, one of Brtonigla's main features, visit that corner of Istria, which has always been partial to tradition and living in harmony with nature. There, on four types of Istrian soil - red, black, grey, and white, winemakers make extraordinary wines that win over the taste buds of the visitors, but also receive enological Oscars - awards from the prestigious Decanter wine competition. Superb wines pair excellently with the local gastronomy, based on fresh, homegrown ingredients, prepared in an inventive and creative way in local restaurants and taverns. Brtonigla has positioned itself at the top of Istra's world of food

and wine for its unforgettable gourmet experience. Take some time in Brtonigla to tour the Škarline Nature Park with a magnificent green canyon, and then head down to the largest cave on the peninsula - Mramornica, abundant with stalactites and stalagmites. Enjoy a walk alongside olive groves and vineyards, and visit a little farm of Istrian donkeys, and a sheep farm and first cheese factory in Istria, where you can try fantastic sheep's-milk cheese, curds, and cheese with truffles. If you visit Brtonigla in July, when the "Colors of Tradition... harvest ceremonies" event is held, you will go back a hundred years in time, and see how to turn on an old grain harvester. Locals will present old crafts (stone masonry, barrel making, blacksmithing), sing traditional songs, and offer you traditional food, and make sure to try pasta with stew. 

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

www.coloursofistria.com

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BRIJUNI NATIONAL PARK

Experience Croatia

Paradise in the northern Adriatic Text: Petra Škofić ◆ Photos: "Brijuni National Park" Public Institution

It's difficult to find a destination that has something for everyone. One of Croatia's most beautiful national parks has it all.

Koki the cockatoo is a famous inhabitant of Brijuni; Superb hotels and villas offer accommodations on Brijuni; Touring Brijuni's beauty by train; The Kastrum site.

In the 19th century, Paul Kupelwieser, an Austrian, bought Brijuni and transformed the archipelago into an exclusive summer resort for European aristocracy. Brijuni were also a presidential residence, and over 25 years, the leaders of a third of the world's countries visited the island.

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fter breakfast next to the sound of the crystal clear Adriatic Sea, head out to explore the exotic safari park by bike. That is followed by refreshments with Istrian delicacies, after which you can head out to explore the prehistoric dinosaur tracks. At dusk, head back to land by boat, accompanied by playful dolphins. Experience all that, and much more, in Brijuni National Park. Located west of the Istrian coast, the untouched 14-island archipelago boasts a priceless natural, cultural, and historical heritage. Brijuni has it all - enchanting, breathtaking nature, a diverse animal kingdom, ruins of powerful civilizations that left an indelible mark there throughout history... The oldest inhabitants of those extraordinary islets were dinosaurs, and more than 200 tracks left by the prehistoric animals who called Brijuni home 65 million years ago are scattered over the islands.

However, that is just one of the many exciting topics of the educational excursions that take visitors (both children and adults) out to explore the abundant treasure of the islands. The youngest will be thrilled with the Boathouse, an interactive center where they can explore the cultural, historical, and natural heritage of the archipelago on their own. The exotic safari park is also especially attractive, and its inhabitants include an Indian elephant, zebras, llamas, ostriches, and holy Indian cattle. Talk to Koki, the cockatoo that will soon celebrate its 60th birthday, or feed the animals indigenous to Brijuni at the zoo. Brijuni's landscape will motivate you to get active. Play tennis or golf, ride a bike down the trails that meander through the island of Veliki Brijun, and while riding, stop by the 1600 year old olive tree, which still bears fruit. You can also rent an electric car instead of riding a bike, or enjoy a train ride.

More than a holiday Brijuni attract tourists all year long, but they also attract many companies whose employees find great inspiration for creative work there. So, Brijuni often hosts teambuilding programs, business 19 meetings and congresses, formal dinners, exhibitions, concerts, various creative programs... The island's romantic vibe also makes it the perfect place to share vows of eternal love, and organize weddings. Although Brijuni are most often

visited as part of one-day excursions, which head out from Istria's coastal cities, spend a few days on the island. Stay at one of the 20 superb hotels or villas, or sail into minimalna Brijuni's harbor by yacht, just like the dimenzija = x members of the international jet set 20 × 19 mm do. Brijuni is often called heaven on earth, which can be confirmed by all those who have had the chance to Nacionalni park • National Park visit that archipelago. Truthfully, it is rare to see such a magical oasis of plant and animal life complemented by mysterious traces of various cultures and civilizations. 

brijuni

Romantic Brijuni are the perfect place to say "I do".

The Church of St. Germaine on 19 of Veliki Brijun; Touring the island the park by electric car; Wild deer are amongst the most common park • National Park Luxurious inhabitants of Nacionalni the park; yachts regularly drop anchor in the harbor of Veliki Brijun; Touring the park by bike is a special experience; The romantic park attracts a growing number of newlyweds.

minimalna dimenzija = 20 × 19 mm

brijuni

150% x

brijuni

Nacionalni park • National Park

"Brijuni National Park" Public Institution Istria, Croatia,  +385 52 525888 brijuni@np-brijuni.hr

www.np-brijuni.hr

200% x

200% x June - August 2017

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UNESCO

TWO-PART SINGING AND PLAYING IN ISTRIA AND CROATIAN PRIMORJE

Living traditionally in Istria and Croatian Primorje Bi o Iv ©

oč in a TB

Prepared by: Željka Kunštek

Since 2009, another treasure of Croatian cultural heritage and living tradition has rightfully had its place on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity - Two-part singing and playing in the Istrian scale in Istria and Croatian Primorje (which is also popularly called singing "thickly and thinly" in Istria). So, if you find yourself in that part of Croatia, make sure to listen to that relatively complicated style of folklore music, recognizable for its characteristic tones that performers achieve with strong, partially nasal singing. Improvisation and variations are an integral part of performing those tone sequences, which consist of four to six tones. Typical instruments used to perform two-part singing are sopele and sopile shawms, mih and piva bagpipes, dvojnice and šurle flutes and the tambura lute. Tradition is persistently preserved from falling into oblivion and is an integral part of daily life in Istria and Croatian Primorje. It is regularly present at weddings, family get-togethers, numerous events, and public gatherings.

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You can see a video that shows a performance of two-part singing and playing in the Istrian scale in Istria and Croatian Primorje by clicking on the icon:

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ZAGREB COUNTY

Bike tourism

Cycling on the

Green Ring

One of the best ways to tour the destinations of the Zagreb County is by bicycle. Experience it this summer.

Text: Željka Kunštek Photos: Zagreb County Tourist Board

Exploring the Green Ring by bike; Bike routes also pass alongside picturesque lakes.

The Zagreb County is included in the Greenway Project, the first cycling highway in Croatia that runs along the Sava River, with a total length of 121.6 kilometers.

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ver the past few years, cyclotourism has become one of the leading trends in tourism, and it is likely to continue growing at a rate of ten percent in the upcoming years. Considering the fact that there are around 60 million active cyclists in Europe alone, it is clear that there is great potential for tourism. The Zagreb County is aware of those facts, and for years, its tourist board has been developing that segment of the tourism offer, and recently, its employees presented ZG Bike, Zagreb County's mobile app for all those who would like to discover the beauty of destinations by bike. Regardless whether you are an avid cyclist, or just do it for fun, before touring the green ring that surround the Croatian capital, download the ZG Bike app, which will help you enjoy exploring the destination and reveal a lot of useful information. Along with 13 maps of bike routes, with a total length of 1317 km, the destination also awaits you with a new cyclotourism treat, 176.44 km in length, called the Sava Route, Waterfall Route, and

Zagreb Route. The Sava Route is 87.59 km long, and includes three additional routes with names that will intrigue you even more: the Jezerska route, the Bird and Turtle Route, and the Route of Wooden Bridges. The Waterfall Route is 47.79 km long, while the Zagreb Route is 41.06 km long. All are described on the app, and there is also information on accommodations and restaurants, as well as attractions worth seeing in the area. The application also allows you to create your own route. The routes will take you over picturesque hills and through idyllic valleys, you will pass through traditional villages full of stories and charming traditional houses, alongside canyons and winegrowing hills, next to breathtaking panoramas, following rivers and lake shores... You will also pass by family farms, and cellars of hardworking winemakers, where it is worth taking the time to stop and rest. Try a bit of wine from those sunny hills that pairs perfectly with homemade dishes, prepared with fresh, local ingredients. You are sure to remember your ride through the green ring for a

long time, not only for its irresistible landscapes, but also for its tempting flavors and aromas. If you happen to need your bike serviced while on the road, there are bike service centers in all nine cities of the Zagreb County, and in the municipalities of Krašić, Pisarovina, and Brdovec.

Virtual tour guide In order to have the Zagreb County in the palm of your hand and find your way through it even easier, first explore it via the interactive digital map, the locator (www.locator-tzzz.com).

Download the ZG Bike application here:

The truly magical technology is an intuitive depiction of all the tourist destinations in the green ring, and you can access it quickly and easily via the web site, mobile app, social networks, and the interactive display. On the virtual map, you will find everything you need - aerial videos, texts, galleries, photos (including panorama photos), promo films, and virtual tours that offer a total experience of the natural and cultural attraction of destinations. After your virtual experience, make sure to head out on your own and get to know more about the destination you are sure to return to. 

To access the locator, click here:

Cyclists of all generations love to tour the Zagreb County; Lužnica Castle; A field of Poppies; An interactive digital map of the county.

Explore Zagreb County

SSOCIA TA T IS

N IO

DOMESTIC DESTINATION OF THE YEAR 2014/2015

TOU R

BEAUTIFUL NECKLACE AROUND THE CAPITAL CITY

EB CO

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

www.tzzz.hr

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Bike tourism

SAMOBOR Cycling in the Samobor area; Grgos' cave; The old town of Okić; The "Dr. Maks Plotnikov" mountain cabin at the foot of Okić; The Medsave ferry.

It hosts famous bike races, and is visited by a growing number of cyclists from all over the world. Yes, Samobor is becoming a true cycling mecca!

www.samobor.hr 72

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On bicycle

through Samobor Text: Samobor Tourist Board Photos: Ivan Tibor Grujić / Samobor Tourist Board

n accordance with trends, and with the aim of promoting cycling and sport, along with the growing need of tourists and visitors from all over the world to have an active vacation in Samobor, a charming city near Zagreb, in 2016, the Samobor Tourist Board launched a project to create and mark cycling routes. The geographical position of the city is perfect for touring and getting to know its attractions by bike, which you will see for yourself soon after arriving in town. The fact that Samobor has become a true cycling mecca is proven by the fact that this year's start of the 6th leg of the famous Tour of Croatia bike race started in Samobor, along with the attractive international mountain biking race (June 18), which will be

organized for the 24th time by BBK Šišmiš, with both the start and finish line on the main city square, Trg kralja Tomislava. In collaboration with Samobor bike clubs BBK Šišmiš and BBK Krpelj, seven bike routes have been designed, from easy on-road routes to demanding mountain routes, which lead you on a tour to get to know attractive, interesting sites in the city of Samobor: the Ivica Sudnik mountain cabin on Veliki Dol, and Željezničar on Oštrc, Grgos' cave, the old town of Okić, the Žumberak-Samoborsko gorje Nature Park, and the ferry at Medsave. Cyclists will find a printed cycling map with altitude profiles and path descriptions, in Croatian and English, and they will also be able to download a .gpx file of every route via a QR code. 

Find out more about the Zagreb Card here:

Zagreb Card

Tourist card

ZAGREB

The Zagreb City Museum; The Zagreb ZOO; The funicular; The main city square; The Museum of Broken Relationships; The Museum of Contemporary Art.

Text: Željka Kunštek Photos: Zagreb Tourist Board and tipTravel magazine

ust like other European cities, Zagreb offers its visitors the chance to use a card that will save time and money and eliminate unnecessary waiting in lines, as well as offering many other benefits. Your travel companion in Zagreb is the Zagreb Card, which will enable you to ride in public transportation and on the funicular (the shortest funicular in the

world) for free, as well as offering free admission to the Zoo, the Zagreb 360° observation deck, which offers you a bird's-eye view of Zagreb, and to four prestigious city museums: the Museum of Broken Relationships, the Arts and Crafts Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Zagreb City Museum. The card will also ensure you get discounts at 70 other places, including other city museums and galleries, restaurants, hotels, rent-a-car services, stores, and other service providers. You can purchase the Zagreb Card for 24 or 72 hours at various points of sale or online, and pick up purchased cards at the Tourist Information Center on the main city square in Zagreb (Trg bana Josipa Jelačića 11). Get it, save money, experience the best of what Zagreb has to offer, and have a great time doing so! 

Enjoy your stay & save money with

Photo: Davor Rostuhar

Are you coming to Zagreb? Get a Zagreb Card, save time and money, and experience the best that Zagreb has to offer.

Zagreb Card offers you unlimited travel on public transport, free entrance to 6 city attractions, reduced prices at many restaurants, shops and much more… Available in 24h and 72h version. MORE INFORMATION AT WWW.ZAGREBCARD.COM

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PROMO

A peaceful oasis in the heart of Zagreb Photos: Hotel Dubrovnik, Zagreb

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pastries, which Zagreb's best pastry chefs make using selected natural ingredients to create the sweetest treats for your taste buds. The café will also tantalize the taste buds of those who love juicy steaks - the steak & grill offer includes T-bone, New York, and Porterhouse steaks that will delight even the greatest gourmets. The flavors of international cuisines, prepared according to special recipes, complement the daily bistro offer of local dishes, such as baked Zagorski štrukli, which are made according to a 35-year old recipe, or homegrown turkey with mlinci (traditional North Croatian pasta). Along with superb service from the always-kind staff, a visit to the Dubrovnik Café is an experience that will satisfy all your senses. 

know its people, and also become a part of its interesting daily life. Whether you are with a friend, business associate, or on your own, Dubrovnik Café is a special experience. In its elegant interior, you can enjoy the finest coffee, freshly squeezed juice, and other beverages, along with the most diverse homemade cakes and

n the very heart of Zagreb, on the southern side of the main city square, is Dubrovnik Café, one of the oldest and best known cafés in Zagreb. For decades, it has served renowned citizens of Zagreb, people from the world of business and culture, as well as those in love with the beauty and culture of living, and not only does it have the best coffee and cake in Zagreb, but the café will also win you over with its magnificent ambiance. It is located in Hotel Dubrovnik, built in the art deco style, and so it exudes a special elegance and charm of Old Zagreb, while also being surrounded with the modern vibe of the city. Just one glance at Ban Jelačić Square or the pedestrian zone will be enough to feel the true vibe of the Croatian capital, get to

THE ONLY

ONE

Your Hotel in the Heart of Zagreb!

HOTEL DUBROVNIK'S

prime central location makes it the perfect choice for business conferences, banquets, business dinners, board meetings, press conferences and networking events. Whether you are a business or a leisure guest, we offer a warm, friendly environment, traditional Zagreb charm, and a chance to feel the pulse of Croatia’s dynamic capital.

Ljudevita Gaja 1 · 10 000 Zagreb · Hrvatska · Tel: +385 1 4863 501/ 503 · Fax: +385 1 4863 507 · www.hotel-dubrovnik.hr · email: reservations@hotel-dubrovnik.hr

June - August 2017

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Recommendation

ZAGREB

Fo od Wi . n Pe e. op l e Ga . me . Ar t.

Bistro Photos: Bistro Lauba

A combination of food, wine, and art make Lauba unique in Zagreb's tourist offer.

ust like the rest of Lauba, the Bistro is a place to play with flavors, to play by pairing food with wine, to play with your friends around the table. BREAD, which is the beginning and end of everything, is definitely a trademark dish at Bistro Lauba. Aromatic, fresh from the oven, it's true bait to gather and hang out around a table. It is a universal side dish for every dish, and the combination of

Bistro Lauba is a unique place - a combination of art and food. It is located at the entrance to Lauba - the house for people and art, at Prilaz baruna FilipoviÄ&#x2021;a 23a in Zagreb. 76

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the soft interior and crunchy crust absolutely win over Lauba's guests. Socializing around the table starts with bread and spreads. The menu is carefully designed and changed every three months, according to the changing of the seasons. Ingredients are purchased only at the marketplace and from a few selected small producers, because, as Lauba says, it is important that the food they offer has a "name and surname". When you take your seat at the Bistro, you will notice that the interior is very understated, but if you have a better look around yourself, you become aware that you are sitting in a perfectly created story designed by Morana VlahoviÄ&#x2021;. The Bistro allows you to walk through the exhibition area during dinner, and find out current events on the contemporary art and culture scene.

From June 30 to April 20, you will have the chance to visit A Room with a View of the Ocean an exhibition by Andrew Salgado, a Canadian artist living in London who has had the chance to show his works worldwide. Smaller exhibitions by Croatian contemporary artists will intertwine with the great international exhibition. In the summer months, enjoy the outdoor area and the Bistro terrace with lounge chairs, an abundant choice of entertainment, creative

Bistro Lauba is open daily from Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The space can also be rented for special occasions.

workshops and musical evenings. Lauba House is truly a house for people and art, alive and active all day long, ready to adapt to various rhythms of life. 

At Lauba you will experience contemporary Croatian art alongside superb gastronomy, and have a great time at one of the many events.

Additional benefits for Bistro Lauba guests: Secured parking. Payment by credit card. Free Wi-Fi.

Bistro Lauba Baruna Filipovića 23a 10000 Zagreb, Croatia  +385 1 6302140 bistro@lauba.hr

www.lauba.hr

June - August 2017

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ZAGREB

ko ar

Â©

ist

Vr do l Bo jak ar d

Historical traces...

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The Botanical Garden is open on Monday and Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, and from Wednesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The main entrance to the garden is from Mihanovićeva Street.

Text: Željka Kunštek

The Botanical Garden O

ne of the most beautiful parks and an unavoidable attraction for visitors to Zagreb is the Botanical Garden, which has been opening the gates to its aromatic, exotic oasis, consisting of around ten thousand various species of plants, for visitors every spring since the late 19th century. There are many exotic species, as well as indigenous Croatian plants. The park is an integral part of the green parks of Lenuci's Horseshoe (a group of seven green squares in the center of Zagreb, lined up in the shape of a horseshoe), which spread out over around 4.7 hectares of space. The garden, run by the Faculty of Sciences, was established by Dr. Antun Heinz, and the first plants were planted in 1892. By the end of that year, the garden was full of fish ponds, artificial hills, romantic bridges, and even artificial caves. From that time to present day it has been the favorite relaxing place for the people of Zagreb and their guests, who find a corner of peace and inspiration there, and due to its beauty and romantic vibe, it also attracts many newlyweds who get their pictures taken there. The garden and its content have been protected as a natural cultural monument since 1971, and it is open for visitors from April to November, nearly every day (except on the holidays of the Assumption of Mary - August 15, All Saints' Day - November 1, and on Easter). Admission to the garden is free of charge for all guests. 

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DENTAL HEALTH

Tips

The power of a

smile

A smile opens all doors and enriches us, both privately and professionally. So make sure it always remains bright and true. Text: Željka Kunštek

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Sin ga

po re,

Sin

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lyn

tipTravelMagazine June - August 2017

t costs nothing, but creates much. It enriches those who receive, without impoverishing those who give. It happens in a flash and the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. It benefits everyone. You've guessed it, it's a smile, something we all need in daily life, and even in tourism. Professionals in tourism and hospitality have long been aware that luxurious accommodations, creative design, superb gastronomy, and great facilities aren't enough for guests to be completely happy. The most important thing is the human touch - the host, whose kindness, warm look, pleasant word, friendly approach, honest smile, relaxed stance, and attention are immediately noticed by the guest, and remembered for a long time. As many will confirm, that is the secret to success in tourism. Just a few seconds upon arriving and meeting the host, the guests have their first impression, which is affected by the facial expression and tone of voice. So, the host's face should send a message of delight and a good mood, where the highest importance is given to - the smile, which has been proven to be the best welcome message. In order to make it the prettiest and brightest,

it should be taken care of all life-long. Here are a few tips from dentists that will help make your smile even brighter.

Brush your teeth after every meal (or at least twice daily - in the morning and evening), for no less than three minutes.

Use a brush with soft bristles, rounded ends, and a short head, and replace it every two to three months. Even though it may not seem like it's used, make sure to replace it because over time, bacteria and fungi, which are invisible to the naked eye, grow on it.

Use a toothpaste with fluoride, and avoid those that contain abrasive substances that could damage tooth enamel.

Clean between teeth with dental floss, which will thoroughly remove any remaining food that toothbrushes can't reach. Brush your tongue as well to remove any bacteria.

Avoid smoking, soda, and large consumption of sugar, and if you have a sweet tooth, choose naturally flavored sweets.

Include plenty of raw fruit and vegetables and whole-wheat grains in your diet, and an apple a day will do a lot for your dental health.

Chew sugar-free chewing gum, which will clean your tooth enamel and help remove plaque.

Add two regular dental check-ups per year to your planner (once every six months), and more often if necessary (for example, to remove tartar buildup). 

©D

Aesthetic dentistry for an irresistible smile www.dentum.com a: Gradiščanska 36, Zagreb, CROATIA UK line 020 376 939 73 DK line 078 772 137 e: smile@dentum.com Dentum

June - August 2017

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Furnishing

HOTELS AND SUITES

For the superb comfort

of the youngest guests

The "Evolvie" bed, an innovative product designed by Croatian designers, will complement the offer of every hotel, villa, and suite that wishes to raise the bar of its services and offer its youngest guests superb rest.

Text: Željka Kunštek Photos: Evolvie

The mattresses are made of flexible Sky Cell foam, and have two sides, and memory foam is placed on the sponge to increase softness and comfort for sleeping children.

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ou are the owner of a luxury hotel, villa, or suite, and hold a high position on the market thanks to your offer, service, furnishings, and facilities of your accommodations. Even though your guests are satisfied and gladly return, you are aware of the fact that it is necessary to continually invest in quality and are always ready to raise the bar higher. Why not raise the bar next time for your youngest guests?

Comfort and good quality rest are the primary needs of every guest, even the youngest ones. Croatian designers, aware of that fact, started thinking of the needs of the youngest, and then of parents and service providers in tourism and hospitality, and then designed an innovative and practical product worthy of the global market - the Evolvie bed. It is a bed adaptable to children of all ages, from a cradle (Evolvie Baby Cradle), to a crib with a

Timeless design Its characteristics show that it is a truly high quality Croatian design. Evolvie is made of natural materials, durable, solid wood - Croatian beech, and its final elements are hand sanded and finished with (completely nontoxic) water-based lacquer. Its modern and timeless design will easily fit with

railing (Evolvie Toddler Crib), and a bed that children can sleep in until age 12 (Evolvie Child). However, the role of the multifunctional piece of furniture doesn’t stop there, as it can easily be transformed into a desk, armchair or daybed (Evolvie Teen). The functional and completely modular piece of furniture, which is easily and quickly transformed, takes up little space and is easily moved from room to room, which ensures that you will always be ready to offer superb services to your youngest guests, even when you need to react quickly - when guests with young children reserve at the last minute, or they are already at your door.

any room, and it is available in three basic colors: natural (light wood), alba (white), and brunneae (dark wood). Besides being stable and solid, the bed has simple lines and rounded edges and is completely designed for children. The basic Evolvie set includes two high quality mattresses and two slatted bed bases, adjustable at three, or two levels (for Evolvie Baby and Evolvie Toddler), the elements for assembling the Evolvie Baby Cradle, and the elements to expand to Evolvie Toddler. Choosing an Evolvie cradle means choosing a superbly designed product that will doubtlessly complement your offer, satisfy your guests, and position you even higher on the list of great hosts. 

Functional, modern, highquality - those are the main features of the Evolvie bed. Find out more information by clicking here:

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CULTURAL SCENE

Jacques Houdek At the Eurovision Song Contest in Kiev, Jacques recommended that everyone should visit Croatia, the most beautiful travel destination.

Jacques or Mr. Voice (his nickname) appeared before the general public in 2002 with his first single, "Čarolija". Since then he has won four Porin awards, the most prized music award in Croatia.

CULTURAL SCENE

I'm trading the Maldives for Komarna

Thanks to an incredible musical talent and vocal artistry, Jacques Houdek is a Croatian musician whose career has developed over the years, while his audience has grown. This year, he has the honor of representing Croatia at the Eurovision Song Contest in Kiev (the Ukraine).

Conducted by: Vlatka Vužić Photos: Damjan Fiket Photo editing: Marko Košutić PROMO Jacques Houdek

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ou held a celebratory concert for the ten-year anniversary of your career in Lincoln Center, in New York. Why did you choose to celebrate such an important anniversary there, and where else would you like to perform around the world? I had the honor of celebrating that important anniversary with a concert, which was marked by fantastic collaboration with the female choir "Zvjezdice". The greatest performers in the world performed there, so it was a good feeling to join the list. The venue where a performance would make my musical dreams come true

would be Royal Albert Hall in London. I consider that venue a true shrine to music, where I would love to wow the audience with my performance. You have had many concerts throughout Croatia and the region, but your musical path has also taken you to many other destinations? Yes, I have been lucky to travel throughout all of Europe, thanks to music, and I have also performed in the States, on Greenland, and even on the famous Maldives, which didn't thrill me due to the great humidity I found hard to bear.

CULTURAL SCENE Jacques Houdek - My Friend (Croatia) Eurovision 2017 - Official Music Video

creative, so in the end the results are fantastic, and we can be proud of ourselves because we sometimes actually achieve more with less.

While you were participating in those musical shows abroad as a competitor, you were a mentor in similar shows in Croatia, so you have seen things from both sides. How do they differ? It's impossible to compare the two positions. I consider my experiences as a competitor priceless, and so I am sure the candidates participating in similar shows in Croatia also feel the same way. As far as comparisons go, in Croatia, we have a lot less money to invest in the production of such shows, but that makes us incredibly

What is your favorite kind of family vacation? Since we make sure to separate business from pleasure as a family, every year we can't wait for the time when we are all together. We get into the car, and when we arrive at our destination, we don't touch the steering wheel for two weeks. Over the past couple of years, our summer base has been the small town of Komarna near Opuzen. There we have everything we need to spend some good quality, relaxing, family time together. 

You travel a lot for your concerts. What is the best part of touring? While it's true that we musicians are able to visit various areas, which we might never have seen if we didn't have an audience waiting for us there, the truth is also that they are actually business trips. We often travel during the night, soon all the hotels seem the same, so actually the best part of the traveling is the company. It is a chance to socialize and laugh with the people from the band and the organization, in the van, on the plane... The location doesn't matter, the people do. The best memories and stories that are later retold come from the time spent together.

Would you like to win one of Jacques Houdek's CDs: "Meni za ljubav" or "Najljepše ljubavne pjesme"? Write us why and send your answer to contest@tiptravelmagazine.com The authors of the two most original answers will receive an album as a gift.

The winners of the CD from the previous issue: Ana Kovačević (Zagreb, Croatia); Stephanie Preusner (Salzburg, Austria).

June - August 2017

CULTURAL SCENE

You have participated in two musical shows in Great Britain as a competitor. How hard is it to sing in a foreign language, and have you considered an international career? As a child, I wrote my first songs in English, so I actually don't consider it to be a foreign language. I can transfer my emotions and thoughts into lyrics in both Croatian and English easily (although it is truly never easy), and since I actively use the language, then it really isn't a problem to sing the lyrics either. I don't burden myself with international success. Today, anything is possible, and it is easier to achieve things now than ever before, yet, nothing has to be done. The most important thing is that a person feels fulfilled by their work, and when that happens, success at home is just as valuable as international success.

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News and announcements

WORLD

Europe is the most popular

The largest media conference in the world to be held in Vienna From June 21 to 23, Vienna will host the Global Editors Network Summit media conference. The conference will bring together more than 750 editors, journalists and other media representatives from more than 70 countries. The main topic this year will be the future of the media and facing the media industry with new technological challenges. Besides discussing the sustainability of the media industry and the future of journalism, visitors will also have the opportunity to find out everything about leading media trends and to connect with the best and the most influential people in the industry. 86

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The newest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNTWO) shows that Europe is by farthest the most popular tourism region. Last year, 499 million tourists visited the continent, which is four percent more than in 2015. This is the seventh consecutive year that the number of tourists in Europe has grown, and the number includes European citizens who visit other European countries. The European Union considers tourism to be one of the key segments of economic growth in Europe, which is why it has launched a joint project with the UNWTO with the aim of promoting European tourism, creating a superb statistical database, and promoting sustainable development.

Increase in religious tourism in Italy Italy is amongst the leading countries for religious tourism in the world, which will be discussed at the International Religious Tourism Conference in Rome from June 21 to 23. Religious tourism attracts more than 5.6 million tourists to Italy every year, 3.3 million of which are foreign tourists. Approximately 45 percent of them are from Europe, and nearly 15 percent of the visitors are from outside the EU. Italy has more than 1500 shrines, 30 thousand churches, 700 diocesan museums, and a large number of monasteries and convents. Moreover, the St. Peter's Basilica is amongst the top 25 most visited locations in the world.

Health tourism growing in popularity Over the past five years, the health tourism industry has achieved a growth of 16 million euro in western Europe, and 7 million in eastern Europe. The leading country for health tourism worldwide is Canada, followed by Great Britain and Israel. In Europe, Great Britain, Germany, and France take the lead, although they are followed closely in quality and influence by Italy and Spain. Wellness as an industry has also recorded significant growth, and the segment was best taken advantage of by Germany, Russia, and France. The criteria users of health tourism services have when choosing a destination include professionalism, quality of the facility and service, the cultural context, and costs.

Dubai is investing 1.7 billion dollars in a new project

With the aim of increasing the number of tourists to 20 million annually by 2020, when Dubai will host World Expo 2020, Dubai is preparing a new project worth 1.7 billion dollars. The project in question includes the creation of two artificial islands on either side of the luxurious Burj Al Arab hotel. One will be dedicated to entertainment and family tourism, while the other will have luxurious villas and a private marina. However, that is just one of the several projects in plan over the next few years, and the others include the construction of an exhibition hall for World Expo 2020, expanding the subway system and the airport, and building a new airport at the edge of the city.

UNWTO on Gastronomy Tourism New rules for visitors to Machu Picchu

In order to decrease crowds and ensure the preservation of one of the most visited attractions in the world, Peru has introduced new rules for tourists who would like to visit Machu Picchu. Tickets will be divided into morning tickets (8:0012:00 AM), and afternoon tickets (12:00-5:30 PM), although the new prices have yet to be announced. Those who would like to explore the holy city of the Incas all day long will be able to buy both tickets. Since the number of visitors grew from 100 thousand in 1980 to 1.4 million in 2014, the Peruvian government has been considering this step for some time. The new rules will come into effect in January 2018.

Presented at the Third Forum of the World Tourism Organization on Gastronomy Tourism in San Sebastian, Spain, the report on gastronomy tourism emphasizes that gastronomy has an effect on tourists similar to the effect a museum, music, or architecture in a destination has. The great potential gastronomy has to help better manage destinations, promote culture, and develop agriculture and food production was pointed out. At the forum, which attracted 250 guests from 60 countries, there was also discussion on managing gastronomy tourism according to principles of sustainability, and it was concluded that there is a need for appropriate measures and better management.

Ryanair is introducing flights for the USA and South America Ryanair has started collaborating with the Spanish airline company Air Europa and has announced its first flights to the USA and South America. Flights will depart from Madrid to 20 different destinations on the American continents. The destinations include Buenos Aires, Havana, and New York, and the flights to those overseas destinations will be flown by Air Europa. The collaboration will allow Air Europa to connect with Ryanair's more than 130 million passengers, while also adding an additional 53 new European cities to its network. Ryanair has announced that it will also collaborate with other airline companies. June - August 2017

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Not only was it sensational at the Place2go fair, held from March 17 to 19, 2017 in Zagreb, and won the award for best destination promotion, but Indonesia also presented its new tourism campaign through its story of "ten new Balis". Although Bali is the most famous island destination for tourists in Indonesia, which attracts around four million tourists annually (around 40% of the total number of tourists that visit the country every year), the aim of the campaign is to introduce tourists to other attractive and still unexplored destinations in the Indonesian archipelago that delight those who visit with their natural beauty. They include Toba Lake (North Sumatra), Belitung (Bangka Belitung), Tanjung Lesung (Banten), the Seribu Islands (Jakarta), Borobudur Temple (Central Java), Mount Bromo (East Java), Mandalika Lombok (West Nusa Tenggara), the Komodo Islands (East Nusa Tenggara), Wakatobi National Park (Southeast Sulawesi), and Morotai (North Maluku). At the fair, Indonesia also presented itself with the "Journey to Thousands of Islands" exhibition by author Damir Zurub, world champion in underwater photography, and visitors enjoyed a performance by dancers who performed the Gembira, a traditional Indonesian dance, and Indonesian culinary specialties.

Indonesia presented "ten new Balis"

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Wonderful Indonesia: The Journey to a Wonderful World

The first baby bistro in Vienna This year, "FreshBaby & Family", the first baby bistro in Vienna, was opened, and it offers only the best for youngest guests - seasonal, local, unseasoned food. Adults and older children can also order the same dishes from the menu, but seasoned. So, young families can now enjoy going out, without having to think about what to make for the baby to take with them.

Booking.com revealed the most popular destinations for first trips abroad For the past ten years, Paris, Barcelona, London, Vienna, Malaga, Venice, Rome, Sydney, Zürich, and Berlin have been the most popular destinations for first trips abroad. That was shown by an international survey conducted by Booking.com amongst 15 thousand people worldwide. Interestingly, nine of the ten most popular destinations are located in Europe.

PROMO

Hill, and surrounded by irresistible nature. There you will find plenty of facilities: thermal pools under a unique glass dome, outdoor pools, slides, many massages and body care baths, saunas, and an ayurveda center with experts from India. If you head

ust an hour and a half drive away from Zagreb, you will find the Laško Spa, one of the best wellness oases in Slovenia. The modernly designed Hotel Thermana Park Laško**** Superior is located next to the Savinja River, at the foot of the Hum

Thermana Laško,  +386 3 423 2100, info@thermana.si, www.thermana.si

over to that wellness paradise in June, two people can enjoy it for the price of one, and from June 14 to 30, there is an additional benefit - accommodations for children up to the age of 10 are free of charge! 

A wellness oasis near Zagreb

June - August 2017

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City break

BRUSSELS (BELGIUM)

Roughly translated, Brussels means "house in the marsh", and it owes its name to the once common floods of the Senne River, which can't be seen there anymore. The river was covered over in the 19th century, and continues to flow underground.

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It smells of warm waffles, tastes like the best chocolate in the world, its main city square is amongst the most beautiful squares in the world, its home to Mini-Europe, and many other attractions. You'll find that all in the Belgian capital Brussels!

City break

BRUSSELS Text: Željka Kunštek Photos: Robert Kunštek

BELGIUM

1. La Grand-Place Although many attractions can be found there, head out to explore Brussels from its magnificent main square, a pearl of Gothic architecture, La Grand-Place (The Large Square), surrounded by guildhalls and an impressive City Hall. The square was inscribed on UNESCO's list of world heritage sites in 1998, and every two years, in August, it becomes even more beautiful for a few days when it is covered with a magnificent carpet of flowers. You will be able to enjoy that sight for yourself in person from August 16 to 19, 2018.

June - August 2017

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City break

BRUSSELS (BELGIUM)

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2. Atomium The Atomium, built in 1958 for the World Exhibition (Expo 58), is doubtlessly the trademark of the Belgian capital. The scale model of an iron atom consists of nine silver spheres, 20 meters in diameter, which can be toured, and which house exhibitions - a permanent exhibition dedicated to Expo 58, and temporary exhibitions dedicated to architecture, design, and society. At the very top, there is a restaurant, where you can enjoy culinary delights while you admire the panoramic view of the city.

The Atomium is even more spectacular in the evening hours, when it is illuminated with many LED lights, which create a special light show.

June - August 2017

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City break

BRUSSELS (BELGIUM)

3. Mini-Europe A must-see attraction in Brussels, located at the foot of the Atomium, is Mini-Europe, which will take you on an inspirational walk through the Old World. It is a true delight for all the senses because various European countries will tell their stories with a visual depiction of their main attractions, with sounds, and scents... Pay special attention to the details, because Mini-Europe is far more than the 350 models of Europe's most beautiful attractions. So, for example, in the model of the Seville bullring, there are six thousand figurines that depict the atmosphere of a real bullfight. Trains, boats, and trucks, which at first sight seem like cute, simple toys, pass through the park, but they are actually the result of high technology. Take a closer look... Next to many of the attractions, you will also see a button that you can activate. Do so, you'll be pleasantly surprised...

Mini-Europe: A depiction of ancient Romans building the road at Porta Nigra (Black Gate), the largest and best preserved ancient Roman gate in the world in Trier (Germany); La Grand-Place in Brussels (Belgium); Plaza de Toros in Seville (Spain); The Leaning Tower of Pisa and a depiction of Galileo Galilei's experiment where he allegedly proved that all things fall at equal speeds (Italy); The Astronomical Clock on the Old City Hall in Prague (Czech Republic); St. Mark's Church in Zagreb (Croatia).

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City break

BRUSSELS (BELGIUM)

4. The ADAM Museum Brussels is home to more than 150 museums, and one of the newer ones was recently opened near the Atomium and Mini-Europe ADAM (Art & Design Atomium Museum). Its permanent exhibition, Plasticarium, is a unique collection that consists of two thousand plastic items - from simple, daily items, to rare and incredibly valuable pieces of art, some of which have been borrowed from the best museums in the world (MoMa, Tate Modern...).

5. The Museum of Chocolate The most famous treat in Belgium (and the world) rightfully has several city museums dedicated to it, including the Choco Story Chocolate Museum, located near the main city square, La GrandPlace. Enter that world of chocolate and discover the creation process from cocoa beans to the world-famous Belgian truffles. Chocolate artisans will show you how to make and shape them, and tasting various types of chocolate while there is a must.

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The street signs in Brussels are bilingual: in both French and Flemish. Along with those two languages, the third official language in Belgium is German.

7. Janneke-Pis Nearly everyone knows about Manneken-Pis, but very few know that the Janneke-Pis statue of a girl urinating in a fountain can also be found in the city, south of La Grand-Place. The fountain was constructed in 1985 as a sign of fidelity. According to old tradition, if you toss a coin into the fountain, your wish will come true. It is said that the coins thrown into the Janneke-Pis fountain by passersby bear witness to the fidelity and qualities of loved ones, and they are thrown with the wish that people remain loyal to one another.

6. Manneken-Pis Brussels' most famous inhabitant since the 15th century is definitely Manneken-Pis, a bronze statue of a boy urinating in a fountain. The 61 cm tall statue is located in the heart of the city, on the corner of Rue de l'Etuve and Rue du ChĂŞne, and several legends are tied to it. He can often be seen dressed in various costumes (he is dressed 130 times per year), for various national holidays, local events, and for other occasions. Manneken-Pis has added more than 960 different costumes to his collection, which can be seen in Rue du ChĂŞne, near the fountain.

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City break

BRUSSELS (BELGIUM)

8. Food brands Superb Belgian chocolate is a food brand, and so you will find stores with the finest chocolate at every step in Brussels. Some of the betterknown chocolate brands are Neuhaus, Godiva, Leonidas, Galler... As far as sweets are concerned, a must-have treat are warm waffles topped with chocolate, strawberries, walnuts, whipped cream... There is truly an endless number of toppings. The Belgians are also real masters of French fries. They serve them with various sauces, and they can be found throughout the cities. Belgium is also famous as a beer capital, which is confirmed by the fact that more than 800 kinds of beer can be found in Brussels, each of which is served in a specially designed glass. What more can be said than - cheers, beer fans!

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9. Excursions to Ghent and Brugge As interesting as Brussels is, its surrounding area, both near and far, is just as attractive. Two gems that can be easily and quickly reached are Ghent and Brugge, charming medieval cities in the Belgian region of Flanders. After just a half-hour train ride from Brussels, you will be walking through picturesque Ghent, the university and spiritual center of Flanders, which charms visitors with its magnificent churches and architecture. The train ride to Brugge, the "Venice of the North", and a city protected by UNESCO, takes an hour. Ride a boat through its canals, enjoy the view of enchanting architecture, jump into a carriage that will take you to the most attractive sites...

June - August 2017

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City break

BRUSSELS (BELGIUM)

Get the Brussels Card, which lasts for 24, 48, or 72 hours, and get free admission to 39 city museums, and many discounts for tourist attractions, stores, restaurants, and bars. By buying the "Brussels Card + STIB" or "Brussels Card + Hop on Hop off", you will have endless rides on city transportation or Hop on Hop Off buses. Find out more at:

10. Superb accommodations In Brussels, you will find accommodations to suit everyone's taste and budget - from large and luxurious to small, charming hotels, from pleasant hostels to private accommodations. Some hotels delight guests with their design, such as, for example, the Vintage Hotel, located near Avenue Louise, the famous shopping zone. The rooms in the hotel will take you back to a funky, retro time, and a special feature of the hotel is that it also offers a glamping (glamourous camping) experience in the center of the city. So, you can also stay in a legendary 1958 Airstream camping trailer.

DISCOVER BRUSSELS.

from

brusselsairlines.com or your travel agency.

€

return

UKLJUČENO: Povratni let za Bruxelles

149

€

Neograničeno putovanje vlakom cijelom Belgijom Bon s popustima za znamenitosti i usluge u dva belgijska grada

brusselsairlines.com

*Conditions: see brusselsairlines.com

* Uvjeti se nalaze na našoj web stranici.

11. Brussels Airlines and the Loft Lounge You will find Brussels Airlines is a reliable and comfortable airline to Brussels, which will spoil you with the taste of Belgian truffles during the flight there, and prepare you for your arrival to the capital of sweets. While you wait for your flight from Brussels, spend some time at the cozy Loft Lounge at the Brussels Airport. There, spread over 1240 square meters, you will find an exclusive and inspirational space for resting and relaxing, a business zone, cozy bathrooms, and unique nap boxes, where you can take a nap before your flight, and an abundant buffet with Belgian and international delicacies that you can enjoy while you wait for your flight.

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PROMO

ÂŠ Lu ft ha ns aP ix el s

A big anniversary of a big transportation company

Lufthansa's 50th anniversary in Croatia Y

ou have to admit that it's a big thing to celebrate a 50th anniversary. That is precisely what the Lufthansa Group is celebrating in Croatia this year, fifty years since its Boeing 727 "Europa Jet" flew from Frankfurt to Zagreb. Since then, the world famous airline company connects Croatia with more than 200 destinations worldwide via its hubs - the Frankfurt and Munich airports. This anniversary represents an important turning point for us, and we are incredibly proud of our successful presence in this area. We have a lot of loyal customers in Croatia, and an excellent reputation, and it delights

us to connect Croatia with the world via our hubs, and so contribute to its development, said Bernhard Wodl, regional manager of the Lufthansa Group for Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Slovenia, and added that the company has prepared many activites and campaigns for the Croatian market this year. So, during the summer months, you will see a rickshaw bearing Lufthansa's colors in the streets of Zagreb, with a QR code that will give you a 20 euro discount for the purchase of your next airline ticket. Several charity events have also been planned at the Center for Rehabilitation of

Children and Youth in Zagreb, where Lufthansa staff will paint the walls of the center to create a more pleasant environment for children and youth. Through its members, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS, and Eurowings, the Lufthansa Group offers international connectivity with more than 11 thousand flights per week to 308 destinations in 103 countries worldwide. The company has also planned to add to its existing fleet of 617 airplanes by 2025 with an additional 205 new planes. We wish them the best of luck with that and in all their future endeavors! ď ś

LH.com June - August 2017

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World attractions

BORA BORA (FRENCH POLYNESIA)

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ÂŠ fo to lia

Bora Bora It is known as the most romantic island in the world, famous as a destination for honeymooners from all over the world, and the first things people think of when they think of the island in French Polynesia (an overseas French country in the Pacific Ocean) are the white, sandy beaches, the emerald and turquoise shades of the sea, dense palm trees, schools of colorful fish and playful dolphins, tropical fruit, luxury resorts, and dreamy bungalows on the water. Yes, for many, Bora Bora is a dream destination. It is surrounded by a lagoon and coral reef, and its magnificent beauty can best be experienced if you dive into its magical waters (which you can also do accompanied by a licensed diving instructor). Besides diving, other favorite activities for tourists on the island include cycling and long walks.

June - August 2017

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Events

SUMMIT

ver the course of last decade, the countries of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE region) have taken the lead as the top travel destinations for various demographics of international and regional travellers. Whether searching for breathtaking locations and authentic experiences or exploring unique cultures, the CEE region offers great value. According to the UNWTO Tourism Towards 2030 forecast, the international tourist arrivals in the emerging economy destinations of Central and Eastern Europe, Eastern

Europe will grow at twice the rate (+4.4% per year) of advanced economy destinations (+2.2% per year). More than 150 hospitality executives from 30 countries of the CEE & CIS region gathered in Prague on June 5-6, 2017 for a two-day summit to network and discuss the current strategies and opportunities the industry needs to explore. This year marks the 5th anniversary of the Leaders in Hospitality Summit. Over these five years, it has supported, educated, and inspired the hospitality industry, while promoting the region within the global landscape and unveiling numerous business opportunities the market has to offer. "We are thrilled to once again receive great encouragement from the industry and to celebrate its 5th anniversary in its home city, Prague" - said Elena Jassim, CEO of the International Business Council Group, the organizer of the event. ď ś More info about the Summit: www.hotelcee.com registration@intlbc.com ď&#x20AC;¨ +420 246 093256

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Photo ÂŠ Leaders in Hospitality Summit

Leaders in Hospitality Summit held in Prague

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