Discover the Fortress Settlements of the Kaštela Riviera

Split airport lies between Trogir and Split, two popular destinations and often the first port of call for tourists arriving by air. Many new visitors, passing through the relatively modern and industrial area by the airport are unaware of the heritage and rich treasures that await them just outside the airport and on the waterfront.

For this is the so-called Kaštela Riviera, a collection of impressive fortresses spread over seven settlements, and one of the lesser visited places outside of Split. There is plenty of heritage and old Dalmatian stone charm, and the hordes have yet to discover the riviera, making it an ideal place to enjoy the tranquility of a quiet Dalmatian holiday by the sea.

Although the region's heritage goes back much further, the fortified buildings in existence today date back to the 15th and 16th century, as local noblemen from Split and Trogir built fortifications to protect themselves from Ottoman attack. There are seven settlements in all, which can easily be visited in one day. Starting from Split...

Kaštel Sućurac

Originally inhabited during the time of Ancient Salona whose inhabitants built summer palaces there, Kaštel Sućurac  is the gateway to the riviera from Split. The most significant palace is the archbishop's summer residence, which protected the villagers of Putalj. Kaštel Sućurac is also the starting point of a hiking path leading to Vela stina, from the hiker's home Putalj (480 m) across the path to the Vrata pass situated on the Kozjak ridge and then west to the small church of St. Luke (690 m).

Kaštel Gomilica

Originally known as Kaštel Opatica, the Benedictine nuns from Split built a fortress on the small islet of Gomile, which led to the name change to Kaštel Gomilica. A property gift from King Zvonimir to the Benedictines resulted in the church of church of St. Cosmos and Damian. The fortress is accessed by a wooden bridge, and used to house the population, until villagers started to build their own dwellings around the city walls.

Kaštel Kambelovac

Brothers Jerolim and Nikola Cambi built a castle on an islet in 1517 to protect themselves from their enemies and the inhabitants of Lažana and Kruševik, and Kaštel Kambelovac takes its name from the brothers. The only cylindrical fortress on the riviera, it was an effective defence. The property was gradually expanded and the Cambi coat of arms can be found there no a later construction, dated 1589.

Kaštel Lukšić

The largest and most central of the seven settlements, Kaštel Lukšić was the boundary between Split and Trogir properties and takes its name from a property of the same name. It was previously called Kaštel Vitturi after the noble family who constructed it in the latter part of the 15th Century. Brothers Nikola and Jerolim Vetturi was granted permission in 1487 by Trogir Count Carlo Pesaro to build a fortification with towers and trenches by the sea.

Kaštel Stari

The oldest of the settlements is Kaštel Stari ('stari' means old in Croatian). It is a fertile place, rich in vineyards and olive groves, figs and cherries, with a particular micro-environment which makes it conducive to Mediterranean herbs.

Kaštel Novi

Kaštel Novi ('novi' means new in Croatian) dates back to an order to construct in 1512 by Pavo Antun Ćipiko, a fortification around which the village later developed and expanded. It is a pretty place with great sporting facilities.

Kaštel Štafilić

The final settlement on the riviera is Kaštel Štafilić, whose fortifications date back to 1508 and the construction ordered by Stjepan Štafileo of a fortress with courtyard overlooking a cliff - known today as Rotondo Castle. The village gradually expanded around its fortification, and is full of symbols or Christian culture and churches.

One riviera, seven great villages. For more information visit www.kastela-info.hr

The Pristine Adriatic: A Dolphin Playground

(Photo by http://www.prijatelji-zivotinja.hr)

One of the great attractions of a holiday to Central Dalmatia is the inviting Adriatic Sea. With beaches galore and some of the cleanest water in the world, pictures of the Dalmatian coast circulate the globe on Facebook during the winter as people long for their Croatian summer paradise.

Dalmatia's clean seas are not just the preserve of visiting tourists, however, and the region has a rich marine life. The increasingly rare Mediterranean monk seal was spotted between Vis and Hvar last year, and one of the delights of a holiday for many is seeing dolphins playing in the sea.

Not only is it a relatively common sight (so keep your eyes peeled on those tourist boats...), but the friendly creatures often like to play with boats in the area, swimming and jumping alongside before diving underneath and appearing on the other side. Here is a great example of one such occurrence last week in the Scedro Channel, south of Hvar.

For a different and more tranquil scene, early morning is often the time to catch dolphins gently playing in the sea, as in this very tranquil piece of filming off eastern Hvar last year.


So keep your eyes peeled when swimming in the gorgeously azure Adriatic - you never know who may come and play... 

Taking a Closer Look at the Pakleni Islands

The Pakleni Islands, the emerald jewels opposite Hvar Town, are a major attraction for sailors, beach and nature lovers. Often mistakenly called Hell's Islands, the name Pakleni is taking from a type of resin used in ship building. While they may all look fairly similar from the air, there is incredible diversity - a quick overview of the most interesting islands.

Sveti Klement (Palmizana)

The largest of the Pakleni Islands, and also one of its most interesting.

Looking for a sandy beach? Head for Perna, next to Palmizana, which is one of the most popular destinations on Hvar. It is also one of the most fascinating, and home to tourism since 1906, five years before the first hotel opened in Jelsa, for example.

Leading the way is the Meneghello estate, tourism pioneers, who continue with their innovative ways, housing an art gallery and arboretum, in addition to their quality accommodation and two restaurants – Toto’s and Meneghello.

Next door and one of Dalmatia’s premier restaurants is Zori, discreet destination for the rich and famous, and popular wedding reception destination, while the impressive olive trees at Bacchus offer ample shade and a more earthy dining experience. Making up the exclusive waterfront is Laganini, as chilled a cocktail bar on the Adriatic as you will find.

To reach Palmizana, either sail into the bay directly, or else moor up (or take water taxi) to the ACI marina on the northern shore, and make the short journey through the natural forest – there are plenty of signs.

Much less visited – but equally fascinating – is Vlaka, a small settlement on Sveti Klement’s northern shore. Here you will find the vineyards of Andro Tomic, just 1m above sea level, whose wines bear the name of the island, the excellent Dionis restaurant, and the remains of a Roman settlement and mud bath.

Marinkovac (Stipanska Bay)

Known better by the name of its most famous bay, Stipanska, Marinkovac is one of the Pakleni’s more visited islands.

Stipanska is the home to Carpe Diem Beach, the Full Moon party and some of the hottest nightlife on the Adriatic, but also one of the great chill out zones by day, with 5-star service. Interspersed between the two is Dinner Nights, a new exclusive 7-course dining experience from 21:30 on selected evenings.

Across Marinkovac, and a world away, are the delightful bays of Zdrilca and Mlini, both serviced by regular water taxi, and home to two excellent restaurants – Patak and Tri Grede.

Regular water taxis leave from the Hvar waterfront to all three destinations.

Jerolim

Named as CNN’s top naturist beach in the world in 2011, Jerolim is one of the most liberal islands in Dalmatia. The crowds head for Amo beach facing the town, where there is a bar, restaurant and sunbeds for hire, but walk 30m through the woods to the other side of the island to Kordovon bay and Mare’s place, one of the most chilled places in Dalmatia – a combination of FKK, gay and clothed sunbathers, where everything is organic, and almost anything goes.

Galesnik

The oldest building is on the nearest island, Galesnik, built originally as a quarantine station by the Franciscans, whose monastery is close by on the mainland. The Venetians built a jetty before the Austrians built an artillery fort.

There is a great eco-ethno restaurant with excellent food and astonishing views back to Hvar Town. Ask at the port authority on the riva for more info. And don’t forget to say hello to Galesnik’s only resident donkey, called Mercedes, and with a love of rakija…

Great Discoveries Inland from Split: Trilj

The rich diversity of Dalmatian tourism is perhaps best exemplified by the radius of an hour's travel from Split. Looking for islands? Brac and Solta are an hour by boat. Perhaps some coastal action? Choose from gems such as Trogir and Omis. Or for something truly different and very much off the beaten path, head inland and discover the Dalmatian hinterland, one of the most fascinating and undiscovered regions in Europe.

The small town of Trilj is a pleasant 50-minute drive from Split and a world away from the bustle of the city. It is one of Dalmatia's most interesting and lesser known destinations, a place of Roman heritage, adventure sports, impressive fortresses, agro-tourism and great food.



Given its location to the Cetina river, which has played an important role in the town's history, it is perhaps not surprising that the Romans based themselves there to oversee the movements up and down the nearby river. The archaeological site of Tirulij and the Roman legion camp dating back to the 1st centuryand covers a 12 ha. area, part of which is covered by the village of Gardun.



Like everywhere else in the region, Trilj has endured a turbulent history, and attack and occupation were the norm in Dalmatia throughout the ages. One of the benefits for the modern tourist is the string of impressive fortresses dotted around the region, and the eleven fortresses on the Cetina each have their own individual splendour and legends. If you only have time for a couple, Nutjak and Cacvina are both accessible from Trilj



More interesting for the adventure tourist is the rich choice of activity available. Pit your skills against the mighty Cetina with white water rafting, kayaking or a canoe safari, or try some land-based pursuits such as horse-riding, hiking, mountain biking, climbing, trekking or fishing.



The Trilj Region Museum is an important focal point for the archaeological and ethnographic heritage of the immediate vicinity, and it is engaged in the research, purchase, documenting, preservation and presentation of its finds to the public. The museum includes an interesting lapidary arts museum.

Trilj's most famous souvenir is an intriguing one, a walnut necklace. Traditionally, a necklace of walnuts was presented to a girl by her suitor. By accepting and wearing it, the young lady officially accepted the love of the donor.

Trilj's gastronomic delights reflect its location and rich agricultural and eco-ethno potential. That Cetina once again plays a role, with river trout either roasted or fried, often after being covered by corn flour. Other specialities include Koštradina (smoked and dried lamb) and Pulestar (young rooster cooked under a Dutch oven).

For more information, visit the Trilj Tourist Board online.

Four Festivals Not to Miss In Split

Split has a vibrant cultural scene, with plenty of festivals going on throughout the year, from the colourful carnival in the build up to Lent to the biggest New Year's dance party in Europe with the Silvester Salsa Festival. There is plenty going on throughout the year, and the Split Tourist Board can assist you with the latest events on offer during your visit to the Dalmatian capital. Here are four festivals worth visiting:

Split Summer Festival

www.splitsko-ljeto.hr

This popular festival brings the city alive from mid-July to mid-August, and has been doing so for over 50 years. The city’s charming squares and historical venues are converted into open-air stages with opera, drama, and ballet performances setting the scene for many memorable nights under the stars. 

xSTatic Festival

www.festive.hr

This hip-hop culture and extreme sports festival runs for a few days in May and adding to the urban vibe, the event is held in funky rundown venues around town. Besides experiencing graffiti art in the making, DJ sessions, and competitions in street basketball, freestyle football, skating, BMX, breakdancing, kiteboarding and after-parties make for an entertaining few days.

Mediterranean Film Festival

www.fmfs.hr

This festival in early summer focuses on Mediterranean flicks that are not shown in regular film distribution. Screenings will be held at cult cinemas Zlatna Vrata located within the palace walls and open-air cinema Kino Bačvice by the beach. Aside from hosting this popcorn extravaganza, the festival is spiced up with exhibitions and after parties.

In 2013, the Mediterranean Film Festival is held from June 8-15

Days of Diocletian

For ten days every August, take a journey back 1700 years to the time of Emperor Diocletian’s rule. His former palace gets filled with strollers dressed in togas and aromas of Mediterranean specialties linger in the narrow lanes. Enjoy the highlighted reappearance of the almighty Diocletian himself in full period garb as he addresses his people on the Peristil Square before being ferried away to his sleeping quarters.

For more information on these and tourism in the city, visit the Split Tourist Board online. 

The 2013 Croatia Boat Show in Split

Split has a proud maritime tradition, and its port has seen plenty of boating traffic during its long and distinguished history.

In recent years, the harbour has played host to what has become an increasingly important international boat show, and this year's Croatia Boat Show will take place from April 17 - 21 in Split harbour.

It is a chance for all sectors of the boating industry to come together, and there are plenty of smart yachts for the visiting public to enjoy during the event. The fair necessitates some temporary uprooting of regular ferry and catamaran berths, and regular travellers to the islands may find themselves arriving at a different part of the harbour.

For more information about the Croatia Boat Show, visit the official website, or check out the video below for more details.

Day Trips from Split: 5 Things Not to Miss on the Island of Brac

Given its size, proximity and regular ferry schedule to Supetar, Brac is arguably the most accessible island for a day trip from Split, and the pleasant one-hour ferry transfer should be seen as part of the experience. It is an island of culture, tradition, beaches, beauty and adventure, with plenty to entice the visitor from the mainland. Here are five highlights, all of which can be enoyed on a day trip from Split:

1. Zlatni Rat beach, Bol

  

Arguably the most famous beach in all Croatia, Zlatni Rat (or Golden Horn) is one of the top attractions in Dalmatia. Situated on the edge of the tourist town of Bol on the southern shores of Brac, the shifting tides move the beach left and right, and it is popular family resort, as well as the base for activity sports such as wind surfing. There is a daily catamaran from Split to Jelsa via Bol at 16:00 (16:30 on a Friday), or the beach can be reached by ferry to Supetar and onward bus connection. 

2. Blaca Monastery

 

One of the most impressive complexes in Dalmatia and testament to the determination and dedication of the monks of the  16th century, Blaca monastery is well worth the hike, both for the incredible views and the sense of achievement of human endeavour. Founded in 1551 following more Ottoman attacks, Blaca was also an agricultural community, producing wine, honey and other local specialities.

In addition to the orginal construction, there is also a world-famous observatory, museum and library. 

3. Dragon's Cave

Another fascinating insight into centuries-old monastic life is located close to the village of Murvica, about 7km from Bol. Zmajeva spilja (the Dragon's Cave) takes its name from the relief of a dragon in it, and its main purpose was a a temple and home to the Glagolitic priests from the 16th century on.

The cave is some 20m long and divided into four halls, including the Chapel of our Lady in the first hall.  There are several carvings into the mountainside, including Madonn, the moon and dragons, which scientists have attempted to explain. A common theory is that they are linked to parts of Slavic mythology and Christian iconography.

A visit to Dragon's Cave is possible only with a guide.

4. Dol with Vitalac

A rare treat! Found only on Brac and one more village on Crete, vitalac takes lamb' s offal (liver, heart, lungs) skewered and wrapped. After turning on live coals, the sticks are wrapped in lamb's intestines and then turned for another hour. Vitalac is then cut and eaten while the diners wait for the whole lamb to be baked. Wine and drinks included.

The journey begins from Split harbor and continues across the hills of Brac Island to tiny Skrip village where guests get introduced to history of the island and its traditions. Next stop is picturesque and wonderfully preserved Dol village where our cooking class takes place. The cooking class of vitalac also combines the lamb cooking traditions of Brac island.

The program is offered from Split area in May, June and September.

 5. Brac stone and the Pucisca stone masonry school

Brac stone is famous throughout the world, with its most famous location being part of the White House in Washington. It is also to be found in other public buildings around the world, such as Liverpool Cathedral in the UK.

Stone masonry is a highly skilled art, and one much prized in Dalmatia, where construction from stone is an essential part of the culture. The Pucisca stone masonry school is an important centre of learning and craftsmanship of this very important art form. 

For more information on transfers and organised tours to these destinations, contact the tourist boards on Brac:

http://www.postira.hr/

http://www.supetar.hr/

http://www.bol.hr/

http://www.touristboard-selca.com/

http://www.otok-brac.info/tzo-sutivan/