Official Blog of Central Dalmatia Tourist Board

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Thursday, June 27, 2013

Vis in Europe's Top Ten Secret Summer Hotspots, Says Yahoo



How to escape those summer crowds? How indeed. Yahoo News has done a little research and come up with a top ten list, which includes our very own island of Vis, surely one of the most beautiful and tranquil islands in the world. Here's what Yahoo had to say:

Europe is popular in the summer for a reason: the days are longer, the sun is shining and everyone's in a vacation mood. Unfortunately, it's also peak season, when tourists swarm the continent, prices skyrocket and hotels are booked up far in advance. So leave the well-trodden tourist trail behind and discover these 10 secret European summer hot spots instead!

Leave the tour buses walled up in Dubrovnik and head to Vis, Croatia's most remote island. The two-hour ferry ride from Split will be worth it, as you'll be rewarded with amazing natural beauty, fantastic restaurants and cultural heritage. Get active with sea kayaking, hiking, sailing or caving, or lounge on the near-deserted beaches and then treat yourself to some fresh fish and local wine, as vineyards are abundant on the island.

To see the full list, click here.

Makarska Featured in Britain's Daily Telegraph


With Croatia's imminent accession to the EU and the tourist season in full swing, there are lots of column inches to be had about Croatia as a tourist destination in the international media. The Daily Telegraph today ran a feature on the beach haven that is the Makarska Riviera...

"Most visitors to Dalmatia head straight for the islands, but the Makarska Rivijera on the mainland coast, between Split and Dubrovnik, is home to some of the country’s loveliest stretches of beach. Running from Brela in the north to Gradac in the south, the riviera is 38 miles long and centres on Makarska." Read more... 

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

River Cetina in Lonely Planet's Top 40 Amazing Experiences in Europe



It has not been a secret for anyone who knows Dalmatia a little, but now the world will know for sure - the Cetina River is an amazing experience! Who says so apart from us? None other than Lonely Planet, who have named the Cetina as one of the top 40 amazing experiences in Europe in a new publication to mark the travel guru's 40th birthday. Lonely Planet says of our favourite river:

'The Cetina is the longest river in Dalmatia, the sea-kissed jewel in Croatia’s crown. Stretching 105 km from the eponymous village, it flows through the Dinara mountains and the fields around Sinj, before gathering speed and pouring into a power plant around Omiš. It is an extraordinarily scenic journey as the limpid blue river is bordered by high rocky walls, thick with vegetation, and the best way to enjoy it is on a rafting trip, braving the rapids on a three-to four-hour trip.'

The book is available for free download here: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/campaigns/europe-experiences/

An Opportunity to See One of Dalmatia's Rarest Games: Zoga Falo with Wine



Bogdanuša Evening is a celebration of Hvar culture and also its best known indigenous white grape variety. Translated, it means 'a gift from God' and it only grows on Hvar. It was a star performer at a Croatian wine tasting in Oslo recently, and you will have the chance to sample the Carić Bogdanuša which won the silver medal in Bulgaria last month. But that's not all...


The traditional game of zoga falo has all but died out in Dalmatia, and the village of Svirče is one of the few places where it is still played. As part of the celebrations, there will be a game of zoga falo at the beginning of the evening. An exhibition of famous people from Svirče, as well as the excellent male klapa Veli Kamik, and it has all the hallmarks of a great evening. Check out Hvar TV's report on last year's event - including a game and explanation of zoga falo - and see you in Svirče!

Active Dalmatia and Green Tourism: Vrlika Hosting Rowing Regatta


With temperatures soaring, the temptation is to not stray far from the beach, but there are some fantastic events and initiatives taking place in Central Dalamtia, all of which are very accessible from Split.
Take the Green Tourism Lake2Lake regatta on Peruća lake, for example, which takes place this week. I will be on official Central Dalmatia Tourist Board blogging duties with my two little ones. It looks like a stunning spot, and one with EU funding to start a rowing centre. The potential of Dalmatia as an adventure tourism destination is huge, and something we will be featuring on the website a little more. (With thanks to the Sinj and Vrlika tourist boards for the information below). 
VRLIKA

PROGRAMME
Saturday, June 22
5:00 p.m.  Football match: VRLIKA – RAMA
8:00 p.m. Cultural programme

Sunday, June 23
10:00 a.m. Rowing regatta on the Peruća lake
 2:00 p.m. Lunch for all participants

About the Project ''Green tourism, LAKE 2 LAKE''
Sport Recreational Centre is the backbone of the "Lake2Lake – green tourism" project, financed by the European Union throught the IPA CBC Programme Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Project partners are Vrlika city in the Republic of Croatia and municipality Prozor – Rama from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Sport Recreational Centre is becoming the main driver of the tourism development in the city of Vrlika and municipality Prozor – Rama.
It is located by two natural attractions – Peruča Lake and Rama Lake that have the ideal conditions for the implementation of active tourism. Because of their position in the basins, there are no hurricane winds or tidal waves, which enable unobstructed rowing, canoeing and fishing for professional and recreational athletes.
The establishment of the Center is based on regional similarities, natural resources and services, complementary to the cultural and gastronomics offer that enables creation of a common economic space. The Center contributes to people's assembly from both sides of the border, ensuring a socialization based on positive values; entertainment, recreation and enjoyment of nature. Organizing of traditional annual sporting events creates a point of connection and sense of collectiveness of people on both sides of the border.
ABUNDANT SPORTS AND RECREATION EQUIPMENT OF THE CENTER
Professional and recreational athletes at Lake Peruča will be able to use a paved road, access ramp to the waterfront, 24 meter long starting pontoon for landing the gear in the water, catamaran for referees and coaches and a main starting pontoon with 8 tracks of 100 meters total length. Rama Lake is equipped with a hangar for storage of equipment, 3 pontoons for landing the gear in the water and for fishing, marking strips system for competitions, four catamarans for coaches, animators and referees during the competitions.
By variety of accessories, reconstruction of lake shore and allocation of the Center, a foundation and prerequisite for the organization of sporting events, competitions and various events was created. Possibility of spending time at both locations across the border under the same high – quality conditions raises the service value and attractiveness of both destinations' offer.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

A Glimpse into the History of Dalmatia: Tomorrow in Split!


A GLIMPSE INTO THE HISTORY OF DALMATIA

Dalmatia from ancient times to the present
A journey through Dalmatia's history

A unique experience of the past times


Cultural-historical events             Fair of authentic products             Workshops


Organizer of the event:
DALMATIA EVENT ASSOCIATION & DALMATIAN HOT SPOTS MAGAZINE

Sponsors of the event:
Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board
Split-Dalmatia County
Tourist Board of Split
City of Split

VENUE:
Prokurative, SPLIT
7 June 2013
Starts: 19:30

SPLIT, Prokurative, 7 June 2013, beginning at 19:30

In the extraordinary surroundings of one of the most beautiful Croatian squares – Prokurative, in one of the most attractive Croatian destinations, in Split, for a moment we will take you back to the past, where you will experience the sounds, tastes and aromas, music and spirit of the bygone times.

Calendar of events

Cultural programme
The event begins with the alignment of all participants (over 250 participants in traditional costumes) and then the procession which starts from the understructures of the Diocletian's palace and goes to Prokurative. Each group represents a certain historical period of Dalmatia and will be positioned on the scheduled area on the Prokurative. Stands with authentic manufactured products and presentations of old crafts will be beside each group of performers.

Antique workshops
Throughout the day, visitors will be able to enjoy and participate in the making of ancient mosaics, ancient pottery, ancient hairstyles and creams for women.

Fair/Exhibition of original products and old crafts
Small manufacturers will exhibit their products - souvenirs, handicrafts, traditional and organic products on the stalls. In this way they are promoting their products, which are made thanks to their skills, knowledge, but also humility, and this event is helping them to find their way to the consumers.

Objective of the event
The aim of this event is to promote authentic Croatian products and cultural tourism as a special form of tourism.





6 Traditional and cultural-historical stories

This project consists of six historic-cultural experiences, condensed in 90 minutes.

The narrator follows the whole manifestation – he tells a short story in Croatian and English language before every performance.

1. THE ARRIVAL OF THE EMPEROR DIOCLETIAN
Dioklecijanova legija (Diocletian's Legion) is an association which promotes ancient cultural heritage with special emphasis on Roman culture. In their performance, Diocletian's legion will show us how the emperor Diocletian lived, how he travelled, who was his beloved. They will also perform gladiator fights which will take us back to 3rd century AD. Soldiers will be clad in authentic armor from Roman times, while the emperor will be dressed in luxurious robes.

Performers: Association of Diocletian legions Split (Udruga Dioklecijanova legija Split)

2. THE SIEGE OF SINJ
Sinj Amateur Theater will stage a short summary of events which preceded the glorious victory over the Ottomans on 15 August 1715.
40 000 of Ottoman soldiers led by Mehmed Pasha Ćelić wanted to conquer the Cetina Valley and to seize the town of Sinj. However, the people of Sinj, led by Father Ivan Grčić, rejected an ultimatum only 700 people defended the town. During the seven-day siege, the defenders had put up a strong resistance, praying to the Mother of Mercy, the Miraculous Madonna of Sinj and they have defeated the Ottomans. Having been once and for all defeated, the Ottomans finally left Sinj and the Cetinska Krajina Region at dawn on 15 August.

Performers: Amateur Theater of Sinj (Sinjsko amatersko kazalište)

3. USKOKS' BATTLE FOR KLIS, ”Days of Petar Kružić, Captain and Prince of Klis 2012”
Historical units of Klis' uskoks will take us back to 1537 and show us a part of the historic battle between the inhabitants of Klis and the Ottoman army.
Croatian captain Petar Kružić led the defense of the fortress against the Turkish invasion and siege that lasted for more than two and a half decades. During this defense, as Kružić and his soldiers fought without allies against the Turks, the military faction of Uskoks was formed, which later became famous as an elite Croatian militant sect. Ultimately, the defenders were defeated and the fortress was occupied by the Ottomans in 1537.

Performers: Historical Unit Kliški uskoci (Povijesna postrojba Kliški uskoci)

4. Presentation of old customs and crafts of Dalmatinska zagora (Vrgorac region)
Members of the Vrgorac Region Cultural Arts Society will show the customs and old crafts of Dalmatinska zagora. In this performance you can hear ojkavica, ganga, šijavica. In front of numerous audience they will be cutting Dalmatian dry-cured ham, drink from a jug and singing.

Performers: Vrgorac Region Cultural Arts Society (KUD Vrgoračka krajina)

*Ganga is a type of singing from rural Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is characterized by a lone singer singing one line of lyrics and then others joining in for what can be best described as a wail. It is under the protection of the Croatian Ministry of Culture.
*Ojkanje is a tradition of polyphonic folk singing from the Dalmatian hinterland region, marked by a distinctive voice-shaking technique. In 2010 it has been inscribed in UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in need of Urgent Safeguarding
*Šijavica is a hand game dating back thousands of years to ancient Roman and Greek times. It can be played to decide issues, much as two people might toss a coin, or for entertainment.

5. MRDUJA
Sulet Amateur theater from the island of Šolta will perform a small play about the eternal rivalry between inhabitants of the islands of Brač and Šolta entitled "Whose is Mrduja island".
According to the legend, the inhabitants of Brač and those of Šolta wrangled over whom the island belonged to so they used a rope in an attempt to pull it from one side of the Split Channel to the other. The people of Brač won the tug of war so the island is nearer to Brač than to Šolta.
Thanks to Mrduja, which has become a traditional feast between Brač and Šolta, these two islands became twinned and Mrduja had linked them in a cultural - entertaining way.

Performers: Šoltanska amateur theater Sulet

6. SUPETAR CULTURAL POSTCARD
Amateur Theatre "Bracera - Supetar" will stage a segment from the show "Mister Keko" by the legendary chakavian poet from Brač island, Stephen Stef Pulišelić. The performance of this theater group will be accompanied by the tune "Ti Gariful" by klapa "Pupe" Supetar and Brač folk group "Ciciljona" Supetar will perform Brač Quadrille or šotiš dance.

Performers: Amateur theater "Bracera - Supetar", Klapa "Pupe" Supetar, folk group "Ciciljona" Supetar


Fair of local authentic Croatian products
With Croatia's preparations for joining the European Union, our exhibitors got to know how to
draw attention of the public. With these joint actions and common market placements they are adapting themselves to EU standards more quickly.

Their products are made with great skill, knowledge, but also humility in small crafts, co-operatives, family business and small businesses. This project seeks to inform the public of the existence of hard-working people who manufacture organic products, souvenirs, handicrafts, traditional products, so that such products could find their way to the consumers.

At the same time we would like to emphasize the need to preserve old, local/original Croatian crafts which are on the brink of extinction, so that the knowledge and skills that our small craftsmen-entrepreneurs have can be transferred to future generations.

Organizer of the event:
Dalmatian Hot Spots Magazine &  Dalmatia Event Association 

Dalmatian Hot Spots Magazine is a magazine which promotes tourism, Dalmatian culture  and  cuisine and Croatian manufacturers. It also organizes numerous tourist events and fairs. It is published in 15,000 copies in English and Croatian and distributed to over 500 locations – you can find it in all tourist offices in Dalmatia, nautical ports, catering industry, apartments, hotels, hostels, via business entities, representative offices of Croatian National Tourist Board and embassies. We are also present at international tourism fairs.
The magazine is published with the support of the Croatian Ministry of Tourism, Split-Dalmatia County, Sibenik-Knin County, Dubrovnik-Neretva County, Split-Dalmatia County Tourist Board,  Dubrovnik and Neretva County Tourist Board, Sibenik-Knin County Tourist Board, Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Crafts.


Dalmatia Event Association promotes Dalmatian culture and tradition, and organizes numerous fairs and events. The Association encourages small manufacturers to exhibit their products at the Eco-Ethno fairs and festivals which are organized independently by Dalmatia Event Association, or in collaboration with other similar associations. We also promote small businesses with the project of representing small-scale producers in Dalmatian hot spots magazine.

PURPOSE OF THE EVENT
This event enriches the cultural tourism offer of Split-Dalmatia County, with the revival of the historical and traditional events through staged historical narratives, battles and legends.

These moments of mystical history, with top actors and superb scenery, will be accompanied with a lot of entertainment, dancing and many surprises …

Be our guests and experience Dalmatia! :) 

Connecting Central Dalmatia: Free WiFi Hotspots from Croatian Tourist Board


As part of its commitment to improving the tourist experience in Croatia, the Croatia Tourist Board recently launched a 200,000 euro initiative to provide 269 free WiFi hotspots in the country by July 1. Several of these hotspots will be located in the Central Dalmatia region - the list is below:

Omis – 3
Tucepi – 6
Bol – 1
Jelsa – 1
Dugi Rat – 2
Marina – 2
Solta – 3
Sinj – 3
Vrlika – 1
Vrgorac – 1

Construction Starts on Huge Water Park in Dalmatia



Few places have seen as much change in Dalmatia over the last ten years as Dugopolje. Once a small sleepy town, the arrival of the motorway from Zagreb changed the fortunes of the town forever. As the closest point to Split from the motorway, there has been a surge in traffic. Just as significant is the huge out of town shopping complexes which have sprung up, and maybe people looking to shop in Split head out to the big stores by the motorway.

Work started this week on another project, and quite a cool one. Covering some 120,000m2, the Dalmatia Water Park will have some 14 slides from heights up to 12 metres, and provide employment for up to 150 people. The initial investment will be 220 million kuna, with another 80 million earmarked once the first phase of construction is completed in mid-2015. Central Dalmatia Tourist Board director Josko Stella told news portal Dalje that the water park would be the biggest tourism project in Croatia next year. 

In a sign of the more international world Croatia is about to enter on July 1, the investor is the Hungarian government via the Hungarian Investment Bank, and the company Margaritum doo who will constuct the park has its roots in Luxemburg, while a Turkish company Polin will provide the equipment for the park.
Lots of cool pictures of how the park will look. Check them out here.  

Celebrate Dalmatia's Heritage and Traditions This Friday in Split


Looking to enjoy a little Dalmatian culture and tradition? Split is the place to be on Friday from 1930, as a major fair celebrating the traditions, heritage, culture and indigenous products of the region will take place, an event supported by the Central Dalmatia Tourist Board..

It all begins at 1930 at Prokurative, and there will be something for everyone - see the programme below in Croatian (which will be updated with an English version shortly). 







Planning a Dalmatian Beach Holiday: Check the Sea Temperature Online



With swimming in the sea and lying on the beach an integral part of most holidays to Dalmatia, it would be useful to know the sea and air temperatures for your proposed stay. Additional information about facilities available at each beach, and an aerial map which you could zoom in and out to check the local area, would also be welcome.

You can have all this and more, with an excellent service provided by the Ministry of Environmental Protection, which monitors the conditions of many of Croatia's beaches throughout the season, including several in Split.

Ministry officials visit the beaches every fortnight from May to September, and record information about the beach's cleanliness and condition, as well as the air and sea temperature. All these results are posted online integrated into a map which you can use to search for your ideal beach in Dalmatia.

So what are you waiting for? Get surfing and check out the sea temperatures from May to September 2012, as a guide to what awaits you for your 2013 holiday. Click here!

Croatian Gastro Vignette Opens in Diocletian's Palace


As part of its commitment to promote eco-ethno tourism and indigenous products, the Central Dalmatia Tourist Board is among the sponsors support the Croatian Gastro Vignette, which is taking place from May 30 to June 2 in the basement of Diocletian's Palace in Split.

Entrance is free, and there is an impressive array of products for sampling, including olives, cheese, prsut, wines, liqueurs, fish products, souvenirs and hand made products. If you are looking for a taste of traditional Dalmatia in a historic setting, this is the place to be...


Adventure Dalmatia: Take Part in the Cetina Adventure Race


Dalmatia is an adventure sporting paradise. With the Adriatic Sea, mighty Cetina River, moutains and wide open spaces, there is plenty to choose from for the adrenaline rush.

With not pit your body against the ultimate challenge - the third Cetina Adventure Race on June 8? In the words of the excellent Sinj Tourist Board:

"3rd CETINA ADVENTURE RACE 2013

The starting point of the race is near the Youth Centre in Sinj (disco club Piccadilly) at 06:00, and the deadline to finish is at 19:00 also near the Youth Centre. So you have a total of 13 hours to finish the 3rd Cetina Adventure race. The race will start with the MTB - around 50 km, and after MTB's comes kayaking - around 18 km, after the kayakimg comes trekking - around 26th km and the last discipline is canyoning - around 6 km.

The path is very interesting and not too challenging, but very long, checkpoints are plotted in the 5 topographic maps that you will receive during the briefing on the Friday June 7 at 19:00 (the exact meeting location will be announced by our administrator on the Facebook Cetina Adventure).

At the briefing, you will receive T-shirts, team numbers and maps and directions. A race director will explain in detail everything about the race and behaviour during the race. The race has a total of 7 control points, on each of them live controls will await you with water, juice, food, etc.

On the checkpoint where you leave your bikes do not worry because we have organized transportation of your bikes to the finishing line where they will wait for you.

During the race you will have a task that is secret until the briefing day and all teams have to perform it.

Regarding kayaking, you will have identical boats with equipment (paddles and vests) and they are all the same except for two or three - difference in color.

Through canyoning is prohibited to jump, competitors will have the opportunity to go down in a diaper like last year or to bring their own belts and descend by abseil - it is your decision.

Competitors are required to have mandatory equipment: (equipment will be controlled at the start of the race)

1 MTB for both parties, if someone can not get mountain bike can ride a bike trek. (Max. 1 per team) with min tread width 2.0 and the largest distance is 30 meters between competitors in the same team. Racing bike is forbidden.

2 Headlamp or hand lamp that works correctly

3 First aid, min 1 per team, or at least patch and one compression bandage if you do not have pack of hiking first aid.

4 Map of the race with instructions.

5 Helmets (which you will get at the start) you should have it during cycling, kayak and canyoning. Please return it after the race.

6 Spare shoes "who wants to" after the canyoning. "

Mob: +385 98 601 533 (Petar Mandac)
Email: adventure.cetina@gmail.com
Date: 08 Jun 2013

One team consists of two people.

For a taster of what is in store, check out last year's event in the video below.

Pučišća on Brač Named in Top 15 Prettiest Villages in Europe


Some global recognition for one of Central Dalmatia's prettiest towns today, as Pučišća on Brač was named by travel site Global Grasshopper in its article 15 of the prettiest villages in Europe for travel snobs. The article said of Pučišća:

Pučišća is a small and gorgeous harbour town located on the northern coast of the island of Brač. Sheltered by a protective cove and filled with attractive Mediterranean style white and terracotta houses, this kind of place is the reason why Croatia is such a popular travel destination.

As the article states, Pučišća is just one such beautiful town, and the island of Brač alone has several other stunning coastal towns, including Milna, Sutivan, Supetar, Splitska, Postira, Povlja and Bol.

Why not take a video tour of Pučišća below and discover its beauty for yourself?

   

The Undiscovered Dalmatian Hinterland: Visit Vrlika



Just 44 miles north of Split lies the pretty and peaceful town of Vrlika, as different to the bustling Dalmatian capital as is imaginable, and one more example of the diversity and richness of the choices on offer to holidaymakers coming to Central Dalmatia.

Situated an hour's drive north of Split on the old road to Zagreb, Vrlika is an ideal day trip to escape the crowds and get a taste of the real Dalmatian hinterland, while enjoying some of its breathtaking scenery.

With less than 1000 people live in Vrlika today, the town has extraordinary heritage, with evidence of human habitation dating back some 30,000 years. First mentioned in written records in 1069, Vrlika has had a turbulent history, with much of it under occupation by, among others, the Ottomans and Venetians, and its proximity to the source of the Cetina and its fortresses is one of the nearby heritage attractions. Don't miss also the oldest bell tower in Croatia, dating back to the ninth century.



Vrlika is famous for its traditional costumes, which are regarded as among the top ethnographical treasures in the country, and the local population do not need much of an excuse to get dressed up. For an additional treat, check out the traditional dance and music provided by the Vrlicko Kolo - see the video below for an example.


It is impossible to escape the natural beauties and adventure tourism opportunities in and around Vrlika. Nearby Perucko Lake, gateway to the mighty Cetina, for example, is a natural paradise, and an ideal destination for various water sports such as rowing and sailing, as well as fishing, while the wide open spaces and mountainous terrain bring their own activity possibilities.

And all this just 44 miles from Split... To learn more about Vrlika, visit the town's website here

New Guidebook for Split Available on Kindle and PDF



A new guidebook for Split is now available in English on Kindle and PDF download. Co-written by Split resident Mila Hvilshoj and official blogger Paul Bradbury, the 60,000 word guide is the most comprehensive and current information about the Dalmatian capital. 

Useful sections include getting here and around, accommodation, where to eat, sleep and party, a full range of activities, historical sites, practical information, as well as an in-depth section looking at many day trips from Split - along the coast, island-hopping and investigating the fascinating inland Dalmatia. 

A paperback version of the book will be available in many outlets in Split within the next month. 
Many thanks to the many people who helped us in our journey to produce the guidebook.
Chapter 1: Introduction

Why Split?
When to Go
5 Festivals Not to Miss
5 Tours Not to Miss
2013 Calendar of Events
A Brief History of Split
A History of Tourism

Chapter 2: Getting There and Around

Flights to Croatia
Getting to/from Split Airport
Parking at Split Airport
Getting to/from Zadar Airport
Helicopter and Private Plane Options
Ferries to/from Split
How to Buy Ferry Tickets in Split
Buy Jadrolinija, Krilo Ferry Tickets Online from Split, and a New Luggage Collection Service
Trains to and from Split
Buses to Split
Buses around Split
Five Important Bus Routes
Taxis
Car Hire
Scooter or Boat Hire
Driving in Croatia

Chapter 3: Where to Stay

Upscale Hotels
Mid-Range Hotels
Budget Hotels and Hostels
Private Accommodation
Camping

Chapter 4: What to See

Diocletian's Palace
Historical Core
A Tranquil Escape in the City
Galleries, Museums, Theatres and Cinemas

Chapter 5: Activities

Get Wet
Beaches
Sailing
Speedboat Tours and Transfers
Fishing
Spear fishing
Scuba Diving
Kayaking
Rafting
Windsurfing and Kite boarding
Picigin

Go Explore
Bird watching
Off-road Jeep Safari
Rock Climbing
Cycling
Hunting
Horse riding
Sporting in Split
Golf
Fitness
Jogging
Squash
Tennis

Unwind
Spa
Yoga

Tours
Hop On, Hop Off Bus
Hajduk Split Stadium Tour
Segway Tour
Shopping
Split for Children

Chapter 6: Food and Drink

Dalmatian Specialties
Typical Drinks in Dalmatia
Wine
The Konoba
The Gourmand’s Pitstop
Konobas and Traditional Cuisine
Contemporary Restaurants
Budget Eateries and Quick Bites
Pizzerias
Cafes
Bars
Party

Chapter 7: Day Trips from Split

Islands
Hvar
Brač
Vis
Šolta

Mainland
Dubrovnik
Mostar/Medjugorje
Trogir
Plitvice
Kornati National Park
Krka Waterfalls
Šibenik
Omiš
Trilj
Kaštela
Imotski
Klis Fortress and Vranjaca Cave 
Sinj

Chapter 8: Practicalities

Visas
Health and Emergency
Money and Banks
Phone and Internet
Public Holidays
Consulates in Split
Language
Religion
Typical Dalmatian Souvenirs
Water and Electricity
Laundry
Buying Property in Split
Property Management
Building and Renovation Services
Accountancy services

Chapter 9: The Total Split Project

The Total Split Project
From Dubai and Somalia to Dalmatia - introducing the authors
About this Book and a Request
Acknowledgements
Meet the Photographer: Denis Boban

Map and Annexes

Map of Diocletian’s Palace
Map of Split
Calendar of Events 2013
Jadrolinija Summer Ferry Timetables
Train Timetable


Discover 76 Destinations in Central Dalmatia with the Official App Guide



Tourism is changing, and our visitors are demanding better access to information, according to new media trends. With this in mind, the Central Dalmatia Tourist Board has introduced a range of social media initiatives in recent months, including this blog. 

The official tourist board Youtube channel has proved to be especially popular, with almost half a million views on the three videos uploaded so far - see the most popular - Hvar Dynamic Postcard - below. 

Mobile applications are all the rage, as visitors want immediate access to information, and the Central Dalmatia Mobile Guide is available as a free download, a useful addition to your visit to the region. It is available in the iPhone App store, Google Play and Nokia store. More details below.

The official guide of Central Dalmatia features 76 destinations (Split, Makarska, Trogir, Hvar, Brac, Vis, Solta...) with hundreds of attractions, things to do, places to eat and stay and much more.

Discover the richness of Central Dalmatia, a Croatian region of sun and the Adriatic sea, explore the natural beauties of the Mediterranean and the continental area, as well as the cultural heritage of this area's turbulent history, in a land of tireless land workers, scientists, sportsmen...

FREE DOWNLOAD

FEATURES
- offline content helps you save money on roaming
- direct contact with hotels and private accommodation
- explore things to do, rafting, kayaking...
- guide to restaurants, and local gastronomy
- local travel tips and service information
- city maps
- travel guides for 76 destinations in Central Dalmatia including: Split, Makarska, Trogir,Hvar,Brac, Vis, Solta, Omis....
- interactive maps with geolocation
- useful phone numbers
... and much, much more.

Discover it yourself with the guide of Central Dalmatia – a fully functional free-edition!

Discover Dalmatia's Very Own Indigenous Water Sport - Picigin

Photo by www.croatiaweek.com 

One of the more curious sights for first-time visitors to Split's most popular beach resort at Bacvice is the sight of grown men in the sea lunging through the air in an attempt to keep a tiny ball from getting wet. The spectacle often causes comment from the uninitiated, unaware that they are watching a local sport older than famous football club Hajduk Split, and with its own World Championships - picigin (pronounced 'pi-tsi-GEEN')

Conceived in Split in 1908, the game has expanded elsewhere in the region, and picigin is played elsewhere on the coast, and in a more organised fashion in Medulin, Baska and Dubrovnik, as well as inland in the city of Osijek. Picigin has also extended beyond the Croatian borders, with clubs in Herceg Novi in Montenegro and Novi Sad in Serbia.


The aim of the game is to keep the ball in the air as long as possible and, as the game grows with intensity, passing tourists are treated to the spectacle of grown men flying the air in an often vain attempt to keep a small ball in the air. The ball (balun in local dialect) is a peeled tennis ball, and players make contact with the palm of the hand.

Picigin is a cross between volleyball and water polo, played in shallow water near the beach. It is not a competitive sport - there are no winners, points or opposing sides - but rather a relaxing way for friends to relax and exercise. Despite its non-competitive nature, the sport has hosted its own World Championships at Bacvice since 2005.

Why not introduce yourself and join in a game next time you see it played on the beach? 

Central Dalmatia Featured on French Morning Televsion



A French film crew from morning television show was in Dalmatia earlier this month filming a piece about tourism in the region. During their stay, they visited Split, Brac, Hvar and Palmizana.

The report went live this morning, another positive piece about Dalmatia. With Split this summer connected to almost twenty regional airports in France, it is clear that French interest in the Dalmatian coast is increasing.

Bienvenue!

To watch the report, click here.