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!

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.

The Wines of Dalmatia: An Extraordinary Choice of Indigenous Grapes

Croatia has a range of high quality wines which are slowly attracting international attention. The global wine market is increasingly competitive, and in order to compete, Croatia has to offer quality and a little something extra.

One thing which is exciting wine enthusiasts about the wines in the region is the sheer diversity of indigenous grapes - some 130 in all - and the unusual and highly unique wines that these grape varieties produce. Coupled with the successful cultivation of more internationally recognised varieties such as merlot and chardonnay, it is an exciting time to discover the wines of Croatia, with Dalmatia very much among the leading wine regions.

The recent Dalmacija Wine Expo in Makarska was the latest opportunity to showcase the quality produced in Dalmatia, as well as a chance for visitors to see the diversity of the grapes on offer. Many thanks to Zdravko Podolski for this excellent video tour os some of the indigenous grape varieties on show.

A group of 17 wine journalists travelled to Hvar the day after the fair as guests of the Hvar Wine Association, a successful day you can read about here.