Author: marsovac

In the center of the Adriatic is located Sibenik that is the oldest native Croatian town on the Adriatic known for its cultural and historical sites and natural beauty. This city-museum is one of the most desirable tourist destinations in Croatia and we bring you 10 reasons why you should visit it.

1. Kornati National Park and Krka National Park
Krka National Park gained its status in 1985. This national park is adorned with the Krka River and its 7 travertine waterfalls, the Cikola River, rich flora and fauna, and cultural monuments – Visovac Monastery and Krka Monastery. The Kornati archipelago is the most indented island group in the Adriatic Sea and in 1980 it was declared a national park due to its interesting natural features. The most famous phenomenon of this park is the cliffs facing the open sea.

2. The Medieval Monastery Mediterranean Garden of St. Lawrence
This garden is the only medieval Mediterranean garden in Croatia and is decorated with boxwoods, roses, a collection of thyme and capers.

3. Four fortresses of Sibenik
The Fortresses of St. Michael, St. John, Vol. Nicholas and Fortress Barone used to be defensive buildings and nowadays are famous tourist attractions. On the stone hill stands the Fortress of St. Michael under whose walls has developed the oldest autochthonous Croatian town. Fortress Barone and St. Johns Fortress were built before the arrival of the Ottoman army during the Kandian War in the mid-17th century. St. Nicholas Fortress, an important Croatian maritime monument, was built in the middle of the 16th century at the entrance to the canal of Sv. Ante.

4. Promenade in the St. Anthony’s Channel
Perfect for sightseeing with stunning panoramic views of the city, as well for recreational activities, is the promenade through the St. Anthony’s Channel. The promenade connects two places – Panikovac Cove and St. Nicholas.

5. Old City Center
Feel the spirit of medieval Sibenik as you pass through its old city center, enriched with beautiful medieval buildings such as the Cathedral of St. James’s, Prince’s Palace, Bishop’s Palace, Square of the Republic of Croatia, Civic and Small Loggia, Four Wells Square and many others.

6. The Cathedral of St. James – UNESCO  World Heritage
One of the most beautiful Croatian buildings, the Cathedral of St. James was built of stone with no binder. During the centuries-old construction, the cathedral has changed 3 styles: Gothic, Gothic-Renaissance and Renaissance.

7. Sokolarski centar Dubrava
Dubrava Falconry Center In Dubrava located near Sibenik is the only falconry center in Croatia where you can see different species of birds of prey, take a course in medieval falconry and enjoy the wildlife.

8. Aquapark
In the family part of Amadria Park Sibenik is the first water theme park in Dalmatia – Aquapark, which covers an area of ​​8000 m2. Due to numerous sites such as the “lazy river”, large barrels and kids zones guests of all ages can enjoy there.

9. Sandy beach at Amadria Park
This sandy beach repeatedly awarded as the most beautiful Adriatic beach is ideal for relaxing and enjoying the sea.

10. Dalmatian Ethno Village
Moreover, you can visit the Dalmatian Ethno Village in the heart of Amadria Park, get to know Dalmatian traditions and amenities and taste the indigenous Dalmatian delicacies of the past. In the village you will have the opportunity to see the centuries-old mills, weaver, oil mill, to taste Sibenik’s wines and numerous indigenous Dalmatian specialties.

Don’t miss these top Sibenik attractions and visit destination.ADRIATIC.com and atlantis-travel.hr for more infomation about excursions and accommodation in Sibenik.

Sources:
https://www.sibenik-tourism.hr/, http://sokolarskicentar.com/o-nama/, http://www.aquapark-dalmatia.com/hr/o-nama/

The bay of luxury in Rovinj got a new decoration, that might be considered the most beautiful so far. It is a luxurious Grand Hotel Park, which opened its doors some days ago. It’s hard to distinguish what’s the best thing about it, so we’ve made a list of details that make it special.

1. Architecture
Suffice to say that the hotel was designed by the same architects who are responsible for the design of the nearby hotel Lone and the Mulini Beach. That means that each element is perfectly arranged in relation to the , but not only that — the entire hotel, including its exterior, is integrated into the environment thereby enriching it. They used the cascade type of construction and due to that the hotel elegantly descends along the downhill towards the coast and the sea.

2. View
Every part of the hotel is open to the Old rown — reception, restaurants, luxurious rooms, swimming pools and Wellness area on the roof of the hotel. Naturally, the sea view is also available, therefore the hotel guests can enjoy many beautiful views looking out of the window.

3. Interior
Interior design is carried out by the Milanese studio of Pierre Lissonie, one of the most famous studios in the world. The design of common areas and rooms is largely based on his personal experience of the hotel’s environment. They are also decorated with the artworks of famous artists who used to live in Rovinj and later created their works based on the memories of Rovinj.

4. Travel log
This is a detail that perfectly illustrates how the hotel’s management and staff were carefully thinking about their future guest’s experience. Upon the arrival at the hotel, they will be welcomed by a gift pack that will make a great memory out of  their stay in Rovinj. They will get a leather notebook, which is at the same time a guide for Rovinj and a collection of memories, as well as a camera for instant photo printing.

5. Restaurants
Within the hotel there are six top restaurants and bars, including Cap Aureo with spectacular views of the town and & marina, Viva Eufemia Lobby Bar with the largest selection of champagne in Croatia and Katarina Pâtisserie, which aims to become the best pastry shop in the city.

SPECIAL OFFER: 15% discount for bookings made 60 days before arrival and free transfer from Pula airport to the hotel

Enjoy in sweet gourmet creations with irresistible Zagreb strawberries, with a glass of rosé Château Minuty and indulge yourself in the French charm of Le Bistro, the cosmopolitan ambiance of the Esplanade Bar, or the timeless Oleander terrace. Taste the perfect desserts such as éclairs filled with strawberries and pistachios, homemade ice cream with dried basil, or coconut cake with caramelised strawberries, and complete your hedonist moments with ice cold Strawberry Mojito.

Izvor: https://www.esplanade.hr/en/hotel-blog/782/time-strawberries

Although it is difficult to single out the most beautiful places when it comes to Croatia, we have selected 5 of them that stand out especially for their natural beauty and cultural heritage.

1. Hrvatsko zagorje

Enjoy the preserved nature and clean fresh air of Zagorje, the most successful tourist destination in continental Croatia. You can visit the Orsic Castle and the Peasant’s Revolt Museum, which takes you back to the 16th century, during the time of renowned Matija Gubac, and the ethno-village Kumrovec where you can see what Zagorje villages looked like in the early years of the 20th century. In the center of the village is the birthplace of Josip Broz Tito, President of Socialist Yugoslavia.

Don’t forget to visit one of the most attractive and preserved castles in Croatia – Trakoscan Castle.

2. Motovun
This medieval Istrian town is a unique monument of architecture that took its present form in the 12th century. Motovun is especially known for the renaissance 17th-century Church of St. Stephen, the famous wines from the Motovun hill and black and white truffles.

3. Dubrovnik
This city-museum is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is adorned with old narrow streets and the most famous attraction among tourists – monumental city walls up to 25 meters high and about 2 kilometers long. The walls are ideal for walks with beautiful views of the city, the sea and the islands. Inside the walls, in the old city center of Dubrovnik, you can see the city’s rich historical heritage: the Rector’s Palace, the Orlando Pillar, Sponza Palace, the Cathedral and many other preserverd historic buildings.

4. Trogir
In the central Dalmatia there is the romantic Trogir town also called “Little Venice“. There are Gothic and Renaissance buildings in preserved old town center dating from the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. The rich history of this town is evidenced by the churches, palaces, towers, and other historic buildings that made this town a UNESCO-protected town. The first European farmacy was opened in Trogir in 1271.

Do not miss to visit the Cathedral of St. Lawrence in which entrance is the most important medieval Portal of Master Radovan dating from 13th century.

5. Mljet
This National Park and the island is one of the most beautiful and greenest Adriatic islands. Within the Park are the natural phenomena Malo and Veliko lakes. Veliko lake includes an islet within the island itself –  St. Mary islet with the 12th century Benedictine Monastery.

For more information about trips to these beautiful places in Croatia, please visit https://www.destinationadriatic.com/.

Source: https://www.visitzagorje.hr/, http://www.mljet.hr/, http://www.topdestinacije.hr/destinacija/srednja-dalmacija-trogir-31, https://www.istra.hr/hr/destinacije/motovun

The Torre Rotonda Cafe is one of the most desirable and attractive cafes in Porec, with 28-year-old tradition. With its medieval ambience and the historical significance of the round tower, it stands out as a specific and unique cafe. This round tower was built by a podestat of Porec,  Pietro de Mula as a strategically important defense building in the war against the Turks.

The tower is located in the south of the Porec peninsula in the immediate vicinity of Narodni trg, and its terrace offers a perfect view of the Port of Porec and the island of St. Nicholas.

The excellence of this unique cafe proves the “Certificate of Excellence” given to Torre Rotonda Cafe by TripAdvisor for the excellent reviews that have been constantly received from visitors. 

You can enoy the romantic atmosphere of the interior of the tower or climb the stairs to the outdoor terrace at the top of the tower and try a variety of drinks and refreshing cocktails with a beautiful view of the sea and the sunset.

Visit https://www.destinationadriatic.com and find your ideal trip to Porec!

Source: http://www.torrerotonda.com/hr/torre-rotonda/

Opatija is the jewel of the Croatian Adriatic that is situated in the Kvarner Bay in an ideal location between the Adriatic Sea and Mountain Učka. Due to its location, mild climate and beautiful sea views from the famous Lungomare promenade, it is a desirable European destination from the very beginning of tourism development on the Adriatic.
 
What to see and to visit in Opatija?

1. Symbol of Opatija and Kvarner: „A girl with a seagull“
The graceful sculpture of „the Girl with the Seagull“ is located on a cliff that has an impressive view of the sea and the town, therefore it is a favorite location for taking pictures among visitors.

You can take pictures free of charge thanks to Photospot that is located next to „The girl with the seagull“ and to download it online as the card!

2. Lungomare promenade
In the small town Volosko begins the 12 km long coastal Lungomare promenade, which is ideal for long romantic walks overlooking the sea and the sunset, as well as exploring the beauties of the town and learning about its rich history and culture. While walking along this road you can see magnificent villas, monuments, beautiful pebble beaches and enjoy the fragrant coastal plants and to have rest in the shade of centuries-old oaks.

3. Croatian „Walk of fame“
Famous people who contributed to the promotion of Croatia in the world, have received their “star“ on the Croatian version of „Walk of fame“. Some of them: Dragutin Tadijanović, Miroslav Krleža, Rade Šerbedžija, Oliver Dragojević, Janica Kostelić, Dražen Petrović, Goran Ivanišević, Nikola Tesla and many others.

4. The Green Fairytale of Angiolina Park and St. Jakov Park
Opatija is also known as a “park town” whose park architecture is a blend of beautiful scenery and natural heritage. In the very center of Opatija there is the second oldest park and protected monument of park architecture – St. Jakov Park. Its creation is connected with the construction of the monastery (of Opatija) called St.Jakov that is the oldest building in Opatija after which the town of Opatija was named. In addition to the beautiful, numerous and exclusive plant species and green lawns there is also a baroque fountain with a sculpture of the Greek god Sun and Goddess of the Moon, as well as accentuated paths and stairs, the Juraj Šporer Art Pavilion, the Croatian Museum of Tourism etc.

The historical importance of one of the most award-winning parks in Croatia – Angiolina Park began in 1844 year with the construction of a Villa Angiolina. This park is famous for its exotic plants from different parts of the world, laurel, the floral symbol of the town – camellias and the Music Pavilion.

5. Natural park Učka
For all those looking for an active vacation, there is a Mountain Učka with plenty of cycling and hiking trails. Except for recreation you can enjoy the biodiversity of Učka and visit the Vela Draga Canyon with its vantage point adorned with limestone columns and fossil-obscured rocks, as well as Lovranska Draga with one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Nature Park leading by the Slap Promenade and numerous other places.

6. Croatian Museum of Tourism
In the Angiolina Park there is the permanent exhibition “Opatija – The Golden Beginning of Croatian Tourism” of the Croatian Museum of Tourism. In the museum you can find unique photographs, documents, drawings and postcards of Opatija – the items of the oldest Croatian tourist destination.

7. The first hotel on the Adriatic coast
In Opatija you can find different types of accommodation, from charming  hotels on the seacoast to private apartments. Among the many hotels in Opatija, the Remisens Premium Hotel Kvarner is the first hotel on the Adriatic coast built in 1884 year. Its architecture exudes elegance and its terrace next to the Lungomare Promenade offers a perfect breathtaking sea view.

8. Top quality restaurants, taverns and cafes: tasting of delicious  Opatija’s cuisine
In many perfect restaurants and taverns you can try Mediterranean seafood dishes, delicios Mediterranean meals such as bitter wild asparagus and Kvarner shrimp. Opatija also has a special Kamelija cake made exclusively from Mediterranean foods so you can taste it in Opatija’s hotels restaurants and cafes.
In addition to being the oldest and most popular tourist destination in Croatia, Opatija is also a major event hub when it comes to business tourism, thanks to the numerous conference halls of Opatija hotels. Opatija’s congressional tradition has been lasting for over 120 years including about 500 congresses, seminars and other business events that take place every year. Also, Opatija is a well-known spa destination with numerous wellness and spa centers.
The rich tradition and history, the beauty of nature parks and beaches and the wide range of accommodation facilities, congress halls, restaurants and cafes are among the many reasons why tourists return to Opatija.
Enjoy the pearl of the Adriatic, its rich history and culture!

Source: https://www.visitopatija.com/hr, https://www.liburnia.hr/hr/hotel-kvarner, https://www.poslovniturizam.com/destinacije/opatija/1/

The island of Bisevo, a small Mediterranean paradise oasis with only a dozen inhabitants, is increasingly known worldwide for its Blue Cave. This cave was painted by Baron Eugen von Rasonet in 1884, on whose suggestion the entrance of the cave was expanded to make it accessible for visitors.

Bisevo is the part of the Vis Archipelago UNESCO Geopark, formed by 220 million old rocks, and its Blue Cave is protected in the category of geomorphological nature monuments since 1951.

Organized visits to the Cave from the bay of Mezoporat
The regular line 612 connecting Komiza and Bisevo leads to the Mezoporat bay. From the early morning, the bay is crowded with tourists waiting for an expert guide who will take them by boat to the Blue Cave. Boats and rubber speed boats are constantly coming from Hvar, Split, Vis, Brac and Solta, and it is possible to see some mega yachts too.

The cave is entered through an artificially made opening, and passing through the entrance hall, there is a large hall where all the magic of this cave takes place. There the cave is lit by magical sunlight that gives the objects in the sea that enchanting silver blue color.

Over 160,000 visitors a year
For a five-minute tour of the cave, you will need to pay 100 Kuna. Since last year, it is possible to buy a VIP ticket that costs 2000 Kuna for a maximum of 12 people and that allows you to enter the cave without waiting and to enjoy this incredible atmosphere and rare natural beauty for half an hour. This cave has become an unavoidable tourist attraction in the Adriatic visited by over 160,000 people annually. Its growing popularity among tourists is also indicated by data on the increase in the number of visitors from 45,000 in 2012 to 166,000 last year.  

Except enjoying the charm of this cave, you can also enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches and relax with a glass of a premium quality wine Plavac Mali.

For more information about the trip to the Blue Cave, please visit https://www.destinationadriatic.com/izlet.php?id=244.

Source: https://www.jutarnji.hr/kultura/knjizevnost/zasto-je-modra-spilja-na-bisevu-najveca-prirodna-atrakcija-cijelog-jadrana/4661618/, https://croatia.hr/hr-HR/modra-spilja-bisevo, https://www.tz-komiza.hr/aktivnosti/modra-spilja-bisevo, https://www.vecernji.hr/lifestyle/modra-spilja-najpozeljniji-turisticki-izlet-u-dalmaciji-1338147

In Zagreb region, in winery Jaskansko county there is Plesivica wine road that connects wine pearls hills of Plesivica. This region is characterized by a centuries-old tradition of winemaking and viticulture, the natural beauty of the vineyard amphitheater and cultural sites.

Cultural sites of Plesivica wine road

In the cenre of Plesivica wine road there are wine cellars where you can try different autochthonous and world-famous sorts of wine, small houses for celebrations (“kleti”), households and tourist buildings whose architecture reveals the historical and cultural significance of this place. There are numerous signposts leading to these cellars, tasting rooms and households of Plesivica winemakers to facilitate the search for “the wine treasures” of Plesivica wine road. In the center there is the church of St. Jurja from the 14th century with a beautiful view of the vineyards, balconies, houses and cellars. On the nearby hill there is the chapel of St. Francis Xavier dated from 17th-century adorned with valuable Baroque architecture. In addition, near the church of St. Jurja there is a Stone erected in 2012 to commemorate the 105th anniversary of the first Croatian sledding championship in 1907 year.

Flavors of Plesivica – wine and gastronomic offer

Since 2001 about forty winemakers of Plesivica have been offering numerous indigenous varieties of Plesivica wines of high quality such as: šipelj, plavec žuti, slatki zelenac and the most famous among them – Portuguese. These quality wines are becoming more and more recognizable, winning numerous awards in Croatia and beyond. The rich wine offer includes world-renowned wines such as white and gray pinot, chardonnay, traminac and Rhine Riesling.

In addition to wine the Plesivica winemakers also offer a variety of gastronomic delicacies complemented by authentic local specialties. In the restaurants on Plesivica wine road you can taste plesivica copanjek, homemade cheese, cakes, strudels, home-made turkeys and ducks, garlic, fish dishes and many other specialties.

Sport facilities of Plesivica region

In addition to wine festivities, this area is enriched with sports facilities such as paragliding, motocross, cycling, fishing, horseback riding and hiking. Plesivica has a special centuries-old tradition of sledding where since 1907 year have been held sledding cups for all ages.

The Plesivica wine road has a diverse tourist offer for different visitors. Everyone can find something for themselves and enjoy the tradition of this place and indulge in the magic of the Plesivica vineyard amphitheater!

Source: https://www.tzgj.hr/hr/sto_vidjeti/plesivicka_vinska_cesta.html, http://www.skole.hr/veliki-odmor/sirom-svijeta?news_id=12155

Unique Croatian souvenirs

If you are looking for a unique souvenir, the right place for you is Ilica 49 where there is a multi-award-winning store „Cerovecki Umbrellas“, whose family tradition began in 1912. Handmade quality umbrellas will amaze you at a glance. You can find ladies’ umbrellas made of natural fibers, the „Kaplja“ raincoat that follows the shape of a recognizable Zagreb souvenir – „Sestinski“ umbrella that dates back to the 18th century.

For those who want to perpetuate special moments from Zagreb and always to have them with them, they can look for „Like a Map“ products in the Croatian design stores „Take me home“ and „the Link Gallery“. In the collection you can find „Like a Map“ bags, notebooks and posters with cartographic illustrations of Zagreb and each of them comes in color and black and white. These products are the true example of an ideal blend of convenience and uniqueness.

Delicious Croatian products

In the „Kredenca“ Gift Shop you can find original and authentic Croatian products. The „Kredenca“ gastronomic offer consists of various types of chocolates, jams, honey, oils, spices and truffle products. Buy chocolate greeting cards, dark chocolate, extra virgin olive oil with truffles or homemade jam and surprise your loved ones!

The Gligora Dairy, the most award-winning and modern Croatian diary, is ideal for fans of cheese and dairy products. Along with the most famous Pag cheese, some of the classics are hard cheeses Kolan, Zigljen, Kozlar and Tezacki Cheese, and the semi-hard cheese Mladi Trapist. You can find these top quality cheeses at the Dolac, Kvatric and Jarun markets and at stores in „Centar Cvjetni“ and „Arena Centar“ shopping centers.

Fragrant oases

„Notes of Zagreb“ offers a variety of fragrances inspired by the streets, culture and monuments of Zagreb. They offer scented sticks, scented candles, scented sprays for clothing and home and even there is dog perfume. The timeless design and unique scents of this Zagreb brand will bring a touch of freshness and magic to every space. 

In „Niche Perfumery Top“, in the very center of Zagreb, you can find both local and foreign brands. Enjoy the most inviting fragrances of brands sunch as Escentric Molecules, Byredo, Xerjoff, Rajo Dove and many others. Enjoy an intimate atmosphere and personalized shopping at the „Niche Perfumery Top“.

Source: https://www.kisobrani-cerovecki.hr/, https://www.top.hr/, https://notesofzagreb.com/, http://likeamap.com/, https://gligora.com/, https://kredenca.com/, Insight Design Guide

The Zagreb Time Machine, now a traditional event, includes various manifestations that bring back the spirit of old Zagreb into the Zagreb streets and squares from April to October.

Get to know the rich past and the old customs of Zagreb:

The Upper Town, Kaptol, Dolac, Tkalciceva Street, Ban Josip Jelacic Square, parks Zrinjevac and Maksimir – are places where you can travel to Zagreb’s past every weekend. 

Walking through the streets of the Upper Town, you will meet the poet Antun Gustav Matos, the writer Marija Juric Zagorka and other famous figures of the Zagreb past, as well as the main characters of famous stories, such as Dora and Pavle from Zlatarevo zlato who will tell you their unfortunate love story.

At Kaptol, Ban Josip Jelacic Square, Dolac Market and Tkalciceva Street, numerous folklore societies will show you their folklore customs through song and dance and delicious traditional desserts. Along the way, you will also meet the “kumice” from the Dolac, hardworking women of old Zagreb who have fed the people of Zagreb for centuries. In addition, you will have the opportunity to watch the Changing of the guard – Guard of Honor of the Cravat Regiment, held in the area between Ban’s Court and the Church of St. Mark.

Travel back in time with the Zagreb Time Machine and have fun with interesting events and stories, sounds of old town hits, jazz and ballads in Tkalciceva Street or waltz, chanson and operetta in Maksimir Park.

Source: https://www.zagreb.hr/en/zagrebacki-vremeplov/107199, https://licegrada.hr/zapocinje-zagrebacki-vremeplov-koji-ce-trajati-sve-do-listopada/, http://www.infozagreb.hr/zagrebacki-vremeplov, https://relaxino.com/dogadanje/zagrebacki-vremeplov