The first seasonal flights have landed and the first cruise ships have docked, and the important Easter holiday is almost upon us.
For the most part, however, tourists visiting Central Dalmatia will be looking to arrive in the summer months, and the Dalmatian islands will be the destination for many. As such, the Jadrolinija ferry times are an important part of the holiday planning.
The summer Jadrolinija ferry, which comes into effect from June 1 - September 30, is now available. For the most comprehensive overview, visit the official Jadrolinija website. For a more simple overview for transfers from the mainland to the islands of Brac, Hvar, Vis, Solta, Korcula, Veli and Mali Otok, click on the links below:
There are so many fascinating destinations on the Dalmatian coast to discover, that is can be a difficult choice to find the right one. One destination with plenty to offer for a very varied holiday is the town of Omis. Here are seven great reasons why Omis is worth looking into for every kind of holiday - family, activity, history or pure relaxation.
1. Pirates!
Omis has a rich pirate history, and the region was under constant attack from the Ottomans. The Cetina gorge was a favourite hiding point, and the legends of the Omis Pirates are very much alive today. So much so that there is the annual Omis Pirate Night during the Omis cultural festival, where legendary battles are recreated and the whole town descends into one big party. The most famous pirate of them all, Johnny Depp, was invited to come to last year's festival. He couldn't make it then, but this year - who knows?
The most important date for your pirate diaries every year is August 18, when the 13th century pirate battles are reconstructed in the town harbour - a true spectacle and fun for all the family.
2. Dinosaurs!
There is plenty of ancient heritage to discover in Dalamtia, but for a sense of the oldest heritage of all - and for fun for all the family - head over to Dino Park, the first theme park on the Adriatic, with dinosaur attractions aplenty.
3. Rafting
Omis is gateway to the mighty Cetina river, and the Cetina means... rafting! One of the most popular adrenaline days out in Dalmatia.
4. Fotresses
If adrenaline is not your thing, there is plenty more to discover up the Cetina, starting from Omis. The river's mountainsides are full of fortresses which pay testament to the brutal history and legends of the region. To learn more about the legends and fortresses of the Cetina, click here.
5. Beaches
The Dalmatian coastline is one big beach opportunity, and the 35 kilometres of the Omis Riviera is no exception. Get away from the crowds and discover quaint old fishing villages and your own private spot. From accessible family beaches to something more secluded, there is plenty to choose from, and if activity sports are your thing, activities such as windsurfing are available.
6. Omis Dalmatian Klapa Festival
If you are a fan of traditional Dalmatian music, head for Omis for the famous Dalmatian Klapa Festival which has been taking place since 1967. It has become the central point of Dalmatia's rich klapa heritage, and the festival is growing in importance and reputation every year.
To visit Dalmatia without experiencing the soul of the region through the excellent performances of the various klapa groups would be to miss out of one of its essential ingredients.
7. Free climbing and trekking
As if the activities on the Adriatic and challenges of the Cetina river were not enough for the the active tourist, Omis an excellent base for trekking and climbing, discovering the stunning mountains which surrouns the town. It is one of the premier destinations for free climbing in the region.
One of the biggest changes moving from Manchester to life in Dalmatia is my relationship with vegetables. I still recall the woman from Cambridge in a shop on Hvar in November who was complaining that there were no tomatoes for sale. When it was explained that it was not the season for tomatoes, she appeared confused, as tomatoes are for sale 12 months a year in her shop back home...
The quality of the fresh fruit and vegetables in Dalmatia is exceptional, and I have come to accept the seasonal availability of produce. Not only to accept, but also to look forward to the coming season - asparagus in a month, for example. There is no comparison between the quality and taste of fruit and vegetables produced in Dalmatia and the bland offerings in British supermarkets.
The other difference between Manchester and Dalmatia apart from availability is buying habits. Many families grow their own food and will sell to others, while there are certain places where one should always stop and buy things if one is in the region.
One such place for me at least is Vrgorac, which is a stunningly beautiful little town in the middle of the most perfect landscape, which few people have heard of, and fewer have visited. It appears almost from nowhere on the drive from Mostar back to Split, as the road winds round in acres of pristine forest in the hills. It is totally unspoilt nature, with historic Vrgorac in the middle.
In summer, the first signs of life in the hills are individuals dotted around the winding roads - strawberry sellers. If I come home without Vrgorac strawberries, I am in trouble...
Strawberries are only part of the story, as Vrgorac has a great reputation as a quality producer of fruit and vegetables, all grown in a healthy and a natural environment. It was no surprise, therefore, to see the Vrgorac Tourist Board launching an excellent culinary initiative at GAST 2013 in Split this week, called Zeleni Dani, or 'Green Days', a great idea to celebrate the local produce in season in late Spring and Autumn.
Working with the restaurants and other local partners, the Vrgorac Tourist Board will be holding several events in the shoulder months of March, April, September and October with a culinary theme. In addition to its gastronomic scene, Vrgorac has plenty to offer. It has historic fortresses and a lovely old town (see video below), and is the birthplace of famous Croatian poet Tin Ujevic (read more about him here).
It is also a great base for activity sports, and its hiking credentials are assured as it is the birthplace of mountaineer, film maker and photographer Stipe Bozic, who was the second European to climb Everest twice.
For more information about options for that healthier holiday, contact the Vrgorac Tourist Board.
One of the many advantages of flying into Split is the sheer wealth of holiday choice which awaits the arriving tourist. While the majority head out to the stunning islands of Hvar, Brac, Vis and Solta, and a large number savour the growing attractions of the Dalmatian capital, some of the real undiscovered treasures of Croatia lie just a short journey inland.
The town of Sinj is one such example. Last year, there were almost 12,000 overnight stays, down from 21,500 before the motorway from Zagreb opened in 2006 (Sinj lies on the old road). A town and surrounding area of 24,000 people (the town itself has 11,448 inhabitants), some distance from the sea. Why bother when there is so much Adriatic magic to enjoy at the beach? Why indeed?
Except...
There is something different about Sinj. It is a town rich in history and tradition, with its main tourist event - the Alka - one of the most interesting festivals in southern Europe, the annual knights' tournament which takes place every summer to commemorate the famous defeat of the Turks at Sinj in 1715. A town with a unique festival which takes place over a short period of time every year. Not so unusual.
Except...
Dig a little deeper. Did you know, for example, that there is evidence that football was first played in the Cetinjska Krajina region. Evidence which was put on the front page of the 1969 cover of official Fifa journal, FIFA News (issue 71). As the Sinj Tourist Board explains:
Photo: Nikola Belančić
A tombstone of a seven-year-old Roman boy Gaius Laberius holding a ball with hexagons joined in the manner of a net-like ornament. The symbol of a real leather ball, it is considered firm evidence that football in Europe was first played in the Cetinska Krajina Region. It was found in the Tilurium site, in the locality of Gardun, and dates back to the 2nd century.
Today the tombstone is built into the front wall of the Perković family-owned stone building in Vrlička Ulica at number 10 in Sinj. Made of limestone, the monument is 113 centimetres high and 46 centimetres wide. At the bottom there is a two-part inscription, the first part of the inscription being in a well-defined frame and informing about Gaius Laberius, whereas the second part is an inscription by an unkonown author dedicated to the boy.
The central part is a round medallion framed with ornaments, bearing a portrait of the boy who holds the ball in his right hand. At the top of the monument there is a frieze showing a kantharos (a large two-handle vase), a dolphin and the head of Medusa (in ancient mythology, the personification of evil) and a triangular gable with acroteria (plastic ornaments of tops and corners) in the shape of lion’s paws. The head of Atis is sculptured in the triangular gable.
Photo: Branko Čović
Even though football was played at Gardun among Roman soldiers and sons of the rich, originally the game was Illyrian and the Delmates had played it long before the Roman troops arrived. This is further proven by the fact that in no locality other than Gardun throughout the historical Roman Empire, a football-related pattern or image has been found.
In 1969, the international football association (FIFA) dedicated a cover of its official journal FIFA NEWS (issue 71), headlined Archaeology and football, to the archaeological discovery of the amateur archaeologist Josip Bepo Britvić. According to the FIFA, this discovery is a piece of information significant for both archaeology and football fans. (Delmates VS Romans match).
So, pretty town with some history, a claim to fame and a couple of traditions? Maybe a little interesting.
Except...
Photo: Sinj Tourist Board
There is plenty to do. Sinj is a perfect blend of heritage, tradition and activity sports. Supremely located just 30 minutes from Split and yet a world away from the tourist hordes, Sinj is the perfect place to discover the charm and unique aspects of traditional Dalmatian life, and for outdoor lovers, there is a wealth of choice.
With its own airfield, there are paragliding options.
Photo: Sinj Tourist Board
Sinj's hippodrome is world famous, and horse-riding holidays are available in the region, a perfect way to discover the real Dalmatia close up.
Photo: Ilija Veselica
The mighty Cetina river has some challenging days out, including white-water rafting and canoeing safaris.
Photo: Sinj Tourist Board
Tennis courts, an Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool, fly-fishing, climbing, paintballing, hiking, mountain climbing and Jeep safaris - the list goes on.
Photo: Nikola Belančić
All a 30 minute drive from Split. The home of football. For an inexpensive activity or outdoor holiday in inland Dalmatia's unspoilt nature, yet within a short drive of the amenities of the city and the beach, Sinj is surely one of the last quality undiscovered destinations in Europe.
And the food. We have not yet mentioned the food. Next time, or for more information, visit the Sinj Tourist Board online.
In addition to its standard tourism offer, Central Dalmatia is becoming increasingly important as a conference and trade fair destination. With several quality hotels appearing in Split and elsewhere in the region in recent years, the ability of the region to host major events is increasing year by year.
Next week sees the start of the 18th GAST international food and beverage fair in Split. It is an extremely popular event, both for the visiting public and businesses in the hospitality industry. In the words of the official website (please click here for more details):
GAST 2013
Split,March 6th-10th, 2013.
The most significant gastro event in Croatia!
18th International Food fair
18th International Beverages fair
18th International Hotel and hospitality equipment fair
18th DIONIZIJANA – Wine fair
8th Coffee fair
8th FURNITURA - Furniture fair
7th SATURN - Tourism fair
6th GAST AROUND THE WORLD
GAST fair is a meeting point of numerous food, beverages, hotel and hospitality equipment producers and merchants, and it is recognized as a key spot of touristic season logistical contracting. This manifestation has a yearly growth trend of 35% for all elements included - the exhibition area, number of exhibitors and the number of visitors, as well as the number of contracts, which is an extreme rarity in Croatian fair industry.
Please find below a report from last year's fair, where there was a seminar on eco-ethno tourism in Dalmatia, including a presentation from current Central Dalmatia Tourist Board director Joško Stella.
The Central Dalmatian islands are a huge draw for tourists visiting the Adriatic coast. Beaches, nightlife, nature, heritage and the unending pleasure of one of the cleanest and most inviting seas in the world. Hvar, Brac and Vis are very popular destinations, and rightly so.
And then there is an island which is even closer to Split and usually overlooked by tourists.
The island of Solta can be clearly seen from the stylish cafes of the Split riva, one of the most popular places to check out the pace of life in Dalmatia. There are regular ferries and yet not so many people choose to visit the pretty island compared to its more distant neighbours.
As one of the UK's leading travel correspondents noted in an excellent piece on Solta in the Independent in 2010, the Lonely Planet Croatia guide devoted the same amount of space (16 lines) to cinemas in Dubrovnik, as it did to the whole of the island of Solta.
So why go to Solta at all?
If throbbing nightlife is your thing, there are other locations, but for natural beauty and an appreciation of the natural goodness and the slow pace of Dalmatian life, Solta is an excellent option for a short day trip from Split, or a longer relaxation. Foreigners are discovering the island, and several have bought property there and are living a relaxed retirement, with Split just across the water for all modern necessities and transport back to the UK and elsewhere.
For somewhere to enjoy and learn more about the natural products of Dalmatia, Solta is an ideal destination. The island is a leading quality producer of products such as olive oil and honey, and there are organised trips from the mainland, where one can learn more and see the process in action.
Olynthia Natura's olive oil mill in Gornje Selo is one such destination, and staff can show you round and you can learn all about the olive processing steps. Come in the autumn and experience the olive harvest first hand. Apart from being healthy and great fun, it is a fascinating insight into a Dalmatian tradition that has gone on for centuries.
Solta's rosemary honey is world famous, and the healthy natural climate is the perfect place for quality honey production. Why not make your learn more about the process and even make your own honey? Honey-making tours are available.
Solta is an island of natural goodness and, just as the view to Solta from Split is impressive, so too is the view back to the Dalmatian capital. What could be better than a few days in a natural paradise will one of Croatia's most vibrant cities on your doorstep?
As part of its concerted campaign to promote all aspects of tourism in the region, the Central Dalmatia Tourist Board recently launched a Youtube channel.
Over the coming weeks and months, there will be several videos added to the channel, where you can discover interesting aspects of this fascinating region. Although it was only launched recently, and currently has just three videos, the channel has already clocked up an impressive 230,000 views.
The first video, Hvar Timeline Stairs, documents the rich heritage of the island of Hvar over the ages, and features current Mayor, Pjerino Bebic.
Hvar Dynamic Postcard has been the most popular be far, with more than 170,000 views and many positive comments. Some information about the video:
The final video focuses on the rich history of one of the island's three UNESCO heritages - the Stari Grad Plain, which is the largest cultivated field on the Adriatic, and where farming practices have continued uninterrupted and relatively unchanged since the arrival of the Ancient Greeks in 385 BC. The concept for all the videos is based on an idea by Central Dalmatia Tourism Director Joško Stella.
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