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. 

To order Split: An Insider's Guide on Kindle, click here.

To order Split: An Insider's Guide as a PDF download, click here.

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

iPhone App Store

Google Play (Android)

Nokia Store

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!