This year’s LABIN ART REPUBLIC is focused on local artists, their everyday life and work and the introduction to their ateliers and work spaces, through “Labin Open Ateliers” program. From July 1st until August 31st, every Monday from 7 PM until 9 PM and every Wednesday from 11 AM until 1 PM all the ateliers in Labin old town are open for all visitors that want to feel the atmosphere of the artists’ work spaces and see them create true and genuine pieces of art.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Labin Art Republic
This year’s LABIN ART REPUBLIC is focused on local artists, their everyday life and work and the introduction to their ateliers and work spaces, through “Labin Open Ateliers” program. From July 1st until August 31st, every Monday from 7 PM until 9 PM and every Wednesday from 11 AM until 1 PM all the ateliers in Labin old town are open for all visitors that want to feel the atmosphere of the artists’ work spaces and see them create true and genuine pieces of art.
Sunbathing on the Island of Brac
We invite you to explore this unique island that offers everything one needs for an unforgettable holiday in an unspoiled natural enviroment.
Rich cultural and historic heritage that dates back to pre-historic times, unique gastronomy, beautiful beaches and bays, crystal blue sea, high quality accommodation in private facilities and the hospitality of the local people are the guarantees of a holiday you will always remember.
Terraneo Festival
An excellent music programme, foreign and Croatian music acts, DJ sets, a non-stop party zone, workshops and lectures, exhibitions and performances, camping, entertainment, ecology, bathing in the sea and the sun… simply put, Terraneo is a music festival that offers a whole week of unforgettable summer fun!
Terraneo festival is held at a disused military facility just outside the centre of Šibenik, which, during the festival, transforms into a busy little town with an especially warm and intimate atmosphere. Conveniently located at the heart of Dalmatia and held at the beginning of August, in the height of summer, Terraneo is a perfect addition to the tourist offer of the region, making it an attractive destination for thousands of young, urban people in search of quality entertainment.
Terraneo festival is held at a disused military facility just outside the centre of Šibenik, which, during the festival, transforms into a busy little town with an especially warm and intimate atmosphere. Conveniently located at the heart of Dalmatia and held at the beginning of August, in the height of summer, Terraneo is a perfect addition to the tourist offer of the region, making it an attractive destination for thousands of young, urban people in search of quality entertainment.
Istria Balloon Experience
Rise above the ground in a hot air balloon and see Northwestern Istria in all its natural beauty! While enjoying the amazing views of the historical towns of Umag, Novigrad, Buje and Brtonigla, you will be accompanied by some of the most experienced balloonists in this part of Europe.
Varaždin: A postcard-perfect Baroque town
Varaždin is known as the Baroque capital of Croatia. However, this reputation may be unfounded as the Old Town tower is gothic, as well as fragments on St. Nicholas Church, while the Old Town Gallery, the Mrazović and Drašković Palaces have renaissance arches, and the Patačić Palace is rococo. There are many classicist buildings alongside modern ones. All of these give Varaždin its unique image as a harmonious melting pot of all styles, which grow on its medieval foundations. The Baroque style that dominates the town is a consequence of the great fire in the late 18th century, when out of the ashes, contemporaries built a modern late Baroque city.
White Water Rafting Cetina River
It is our pleasure to be able to offer you the spectacular rafting experience only a few kilometres away from the sea - on the Cetina River, in close vicinity to the medieval pirates' nest – the small town of Omiš.
Due to its ideal position in the very heart of Central Dalmatia, almost halfway between the towns of Split (20 km to the north) and Makarska (35 km to the south), as well as the magnificent beauty and contrast of the sea, the river and the mountains surrounding it, Omiš is the perfect destination for all adventure lovers.
Top 5 Celebrities who have visited Pula
1. Dante Alighieri wrote parts of his Divine Comedy in Istria. He positioned Pula in Hell on account of the horrendous consequences of the plague that struck the city during the Middle Ages.
2. Napoleon Bonaparte visited Pula as part of his empire and was thrilled by its beauty and historical monuments. The L'Arc de Triomphe in Paris was allegedly modeled on the Golden Gate in Pula, since Napoleon had spent a night in a house beside the monument. The word "Istria" is allegedly inscribed into the L'Arc de Triomphe.
3. James Joyce came to Pula in 1904 in search of employment. He found a job at the Berlitz School as an English teacher. The Irish poet, storywriter and novelist is one of the most famous 20th century writers. His bronze statue beside the Golden Gate today reminds of us of his stay in Pula.
4. Michelangelo Buonarroti, Renaissance painter, architect and poet, one of the leading and most versatile artists, immortalized the Golden Gate in Pula on one of his drawings that is kept in the Wicar Museum in Lille, France.
5. Richard I, King of England, referred to as Richard the Lionheart because of his outstanding courage, organized his journey to the Holy Land from Pula as a Knight Templar.
2. Napoleon Bonaparte visited Pula as part of his empire and was thrilled by its beauty and historical monuments. The L'Arc de Triomphe in Paris was allegedly modeled on the Golden Gate in Pula, since Napoleon had spent a night in a house beside the monument. The word "Istria" is allegedly inscribed into the L'Arc de Triomphe.
3. James Joyce came to Pula in 1904 in search of employment. He found a job at the Berlitz School as an English teacher. The Irish poet, storywriter and novelist is one of the most famous 20th century writers. His bronze statue beside the Golden Gate today reminds of us of his stay in Pula.
4. Michelangelo Buonarroti, Renaissance painter, architect and poet, one of the leading and most versatile artists, immortalized the Golden Gate in Pula on one of his drawings that is kept in the Wicar Museum in Lille, France.
5. Richard I, King of England, referred to as Richard the Lionheart because of his outstanding courage, organized his journey to the Holy Land from Pula as a Knight Templar.
Šibenik International children's festival
Sibenik, as a town, is the cradle and home of the International Children’s Festival for more than five decades. Perhaps that’s why, just like some people, it has eternal charm and smile of a child.
MDF is a cultural manifestation that aims at improving the aesthetic education of children and youth, as well as the promotion and development of children’s artistic creativity.
The festival is being realized through 3 types of contents:
1. Holding an annual review of selected ensembles fromCroatiaand abroad
2. Workshop program as a form of direct inclusion of children in creative work
3. Organizing expert symposiums on creativity and art, and other issues of importance to the education of children.
The festival is being realized through 3 types of contents:
1. Holding an annual review of selected ensembles fromCroatiaand abroad
2. Workshop program as a form of direct inclusion of children in creative work
3. Organizing expert symposiums on creativity and art, and other issues of importance to the education of children.
Pula Film Festival
Sixty years seems like – forever. We cannot (and we don’t want to) imagine the summer in Pula without films in the Arena – the connection between film and the city has been deeply and permanently rooted into the very fabric of Pula. There is no doubt that film (the Festival) has made an impact on the social and cultural life of Pula citizens, contributing to Pula’s popularization nationally and internationally. At the same time, the audience in Pula is a sociological phenomenon – loyal to its Festival, it has been following national film, expressing a whole array of emotions collectively and spontaneously.
The Elaphite Islands
The Elaphiti Islands or the Elaphites (Croatian: Elafitski otoci or Elafiti) is a small archipelago consisting of several islands stretching northwest of Dubrovnik, in the Adriatic sea. The Elaphites have a total land area of around 30 square kilometres (12 square miles) and a population of 850 inhabitants. The islands are covered with characteristic Mediterranean evergreen vegetation and attract large numbers of tourists during the summer tourist season due to their beaches and pristine scenery.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Trsteno: Relax in Renaissance gardens
Trsteno Arboretum, the only one on the Croatian Adriatic coast, which combines the rich cultural and natural heritage. The arboretum, renowned for its historic gardens and a collection of Mediterranean and exotic plants, was founded in 1948 in the area of the summer residence of the Dubrovnik Gučetić-Gozze aristocrat family. The entire arboretum is a protected monument of garden architecture. Spreading over 25 hectares, the Trsteno Arboretum comprises a number of different units: the historic Renaissance garden with the summer residence, the historic neo-romantic garden from the 19th/20th century, the historic olive grove and the natural vegetation of the woods of the Downy oak, Alpine pine tree and cypress, as well as the vegetation of macchia and coastal rocks. In 1494, at the time of the Renaissance, Ivan Marinov Gučetić-Gozze built a summer residence with a garden on his Trsteno estate, which soon became one of the humanistic cultural centres of Dubrovnik.
Aquarium Pula
Aquarium Pula isplaced in the Austro-Hungarian fortress Verudela, which was built in 1886 on the peninsula 3 km from the city centre of Pula. The works to transfor the fortress into the aquarium has been in progress since 2002. The installation has been set in about 60 tanks on the ground floor, the moat, and the first floor of the fortress. In an area of approx. 2000 m2 visitors can get acquainted with inhabitants of Northern and Southern Adriatic Sea, tropical marine and freshwater fish and with exemplary of European rivers and lakes.
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Sea Kayaking Kolocep
For kayakers and divers alike, Kolocep is the most interesting of the 13 Elafiti Islands. Pleasant walking trails, sandy beaches and not a single car in sight, make this island the perfect getaway.
A sea kayaking journey around Kolocep Island takes you through dramatic landscapes of giant rocks, high cliffs, colorful reefs, hidden caves and quiet bays.
Dalmacija Wine Expo
Dalmatia Wine Expo will once again provide visitors with the opportunity to try the best wines and gastro specialties Dalmatia has to offer. Apart from the winemakers, exhibitors from other parts of Croatia and abroad will also participate in the Expo. Dalmatia Wine Expo has undoubtedly become a place where real wine and gastronomy lovers gather, offering a true overview of Dalmatian wine and gastro scene. This year’s festival will be the home of over 150 producers of wine, specialties and olive oil, some hundred representatives from top restaurants and hotels, culinary stars and numerous esteemed guests from the business, cultural and political world.
Učka Bird-watching
Because of the diversity of landscapes and bird habitats over a relatively small area, birdwatchers in Učka can enjoy spotting a wide variety of bird species in different types of habitats (marine, forest, grassland, rocky). Some of these birds live and nest here; others are just passing through the area on their spring and autumn migrations.
Top 5 concert in Arena in Pula
1. In 2010 the king of soul Solomon Burke held a concert in the Arena together with Joss Stone.
2. In 2004 Sinead O'Connor, performer, composer and singer with great possibilities of vocal expression and voice timbre, performed on that same stage.
3. The legend of Italian and world pop-scene Zucchero performed several times in the crowded Arena, for the first time in 2007 and last in 2011, where the enthusiastic audience always asked for an encore.
4. Alanis Morissette, singer who by then had already sold 28 million copies of her album and ensured the status of a superstar.
5. The ultimate king of funk James Brown also showed his skill in Pula
2. In 2004 Sinead O'Connor, performer, composer and singer with great possibilities of vocal expression and voice timbre, performed on that same stage.
3. The legend of Italian and world pop-scene Zucchero performed several times in the crowded Arena, for the first time in 2007 and last in 2011, where the enthusiastic audience always asked for an encore.
4. Alanis Morissette, singer who by then had already sold 28 million copies of her album and ensured the status of a superstar.
5. The ultimate king of funk James Brown also showed his skill in Pula
Recreational Cycling Race Parenzana
Parenzana or, in abbreviated form, TPC was a 123.1 km long narrow-gauge railway line, connecting 33 places in
Istria, from Trieste to Poreč; today it would therefore pass the territories of three countries: Italy – 13
km, Slovenia – 32 km and Croatia – 78 km.
Dubrovnik summer festival
The Dubrovnik Summer Festival presents a rich programme of classical music, theatre, opera and dance on more
than 70 open-air venues over 47 days in summer each year.
TOP 5 destinations for culture lovers
The oldest systems of fortifications around the town were likely wooden palisades. Today's intact city walls, constructed mainly during the 12th–17th centuries, mostly a double line, have long been a source of pride for Dubrovnik. The walls run an uninterrupted course of approximately 1,940 metres (6,360 ft) in length, encircling most of the old city, and reach a maximum height of about 25 metres (82 ft). The bulk of the existing walls and fortifications were constructed during the 14th and 15th centuries, but were continually extended and strengthened up until the 17th century. This complex structure, amongst the largest and most complete in Europe, protected the freedom and safety of a "civilised" and "sophisticated" republic that flourished in peace and prosperity for five centuries. The walls were reinforced by three circular and 14 quadrangular towers, five bastions (bulwarks), two angular fortifications and the large St. John's Fortress. Land Walls were additionally reinforced by one larger bastion and nine smaller semicircular ones, like the casemate Fort Bokar, the oldest preserved fort of that kind in Europe. The moat that ran around the outside section of the city walls which were armed by more than 120 cannons, made superb city defense.
The ruins of Diocletian's Palace, built between the late 3rd and the early 4th centuries A.D., can be found throughout the city. The cathedral was built in the Middle Ages, reusing materials from the ancient mausoleum. Twelfth- and 13th-century Romanesque churches, medieval fortifications, 15th-century Gothic palaces and other palaces in Renaissance and Baroque style make up the rest of the protected area.
The city of Pula is best known for its many surviving ancient Roman buildings, the most famous of which is its 1st-century amphitheatre, which is among the six largest surviving Roman arenas in the world, and locally known as the Arena. This is one of the best preserved amphitheatres from antiquity and is still in use today during summer film festivals. During the World War II Italian fascist administration, there were attempts to disassemble the arena and move it to mainland Italy, which were quickly abandoned due to the costs involved. Two other notable and well-preserved ancient Roman structures are the 1st-century AD triumphal arch, the Arch of the Sergii and the co-eval temple of Rome and Augustus, built in the 1st century AD built on the forum during the reign of the Roman emperor Augustus.
The Cathedral of St James in Šibenik (1431-1535), on the Dalmatian coast, bears witness to the considerable exchanges in the field of monumental arts between Northern Italy, Dalmatia and Tuscany in the 15th and 16th centuries. The three architects who succeeded one another in the construction of the Cathedral - Francesco di Giacomo, Georgius Mathei Dalmaticus and Niccolo' di Giovanni Fiorentino - developed a structure built entirely from stone and using unique construction techniques for the vaulting and the dome of the Cathedral. The form and the decorative elements of the Cathedral, such as a remarkable frieze decorated with 71 sculptured faces of men, women, and children, also illustrate the successful fusion of Gothic and Renaissance art.
Trogir is a remarkable example of urban continuity. The orthogonal street plan of this island settlement dates back to the Hellenistic period and it was embellished by successive rulers with many fine public and domestic buildings and fortifications. Its beautiful Romanesque churches are complemented by the outstanding Renaissance and Baroque buildings from the Venetian period.
Recipe for Croatian “buzara” Shrimps
- Take a large pot and put olive oil and heat it, but not too much. Add garlic and fry just 30 seconds and
than add all shrimps. Using wooden ladle mix the shrimps to cover them with oil.
- Add wine and cook for 5 minutes until alcohol evaporates. Add tomato, salt, raisins, pepper, bread crumbs. Mix gently with the ladle, or shake the whole pot to mix all ingredients.
- Cover and cook for 10-20 minutes (depends how large shrimps are). At the and add parsley leaves and serve.
- Add wine and cook for 5 minutes until alcohol evaporates. Add tomato, salt, raisins, pepper, bread crumbs. Mix gently with the ladle, or shake the whole pot to mix all ingredients.
- Cover and cook for 10-20 minutes (depends how large shrimps are). At the and add parsley leaves and serve.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Blue Cave on the island of Vis
The Blue Grotto or Blue Cave (Croatian: Modra špilja), is a water-logged sea cave located in a small bay called Balun, on the east side of the island of Biševo and about 4.5 nautical miles (8.3 km) from Komiža, in the Croatian Adriatic. It is situated in the central Dalmatian archipelago, 5 km south-west of the island of Vis. The grotto is one of the best known natural beauty spots on the Adriatic and a popular show cave because of the glowing blue light that appears at certain times of day.
Motovun Film Festival
Motovun Film Festival is entirely dedicated to films made in small cinematographies and independent productions, films that broke out through their innovation, ideas, and the power of their stories. In everything, except for the ambition and the quality, Motovun wants to be a small festival showing small films, small in the warmest sense od the word.
Motovun Film Festival is a five-day film marathon in which film screenings are ongoing from 10 a.m. until 4 a.m., with evening outdoor screenings and daily screenings in theatres. Festival program consists of around 70 titles from all over the world, from documentaries to feature films, from shorts to long forms, from guerilla made films to co-productions. The only criteria in their selection is that they fit the open-minded atmosphere of the festival with their innovations.
Ston Oysters
The words stood out in the guide book “eating oysters in Ston should be an essential part of your trip“.
Who was I to argue! Oysters for lunch on the way from Dubrovnik to Mostar sounded a great idea!
In less than an hour we were driving onto the Peljesac Peninsular, noticing all the oyster farms ….rows and rows of floats as far as the eye can see. Mussels and other shellfish are also farmed here.
Astronomy Village in Istria
The most charming sight is around August 12, when the sky is assaulted by prolific meteor showers associated with the comet Swift-Tuttle. On August 10 and 11, and especially August 12, the Earth moves through a cloud of dust and steam and these particles collide with the Earth's atmosphere at a speed of 200,000 kilometres per hour, boiling off and unleashing a meteor shower in the sky. This event is known among astronomers as the Perseids, but it is commonly referred to as the tears of St. Lawrence since it appears exactly on St. Lawrence's Day.
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Korčula: city's sword dance Moreška
Performed only by males from Korčula town families, the mock battle dance with each soldier holding two swords is traditionally performed on July 29 (St. Theodore's Day) and weekly during the summer tourist season. Documentation shows that the Moreška sword dance has been performed in Korčula since at least the 17th century, but the dance may be older, since double swords were part of known sword technique in the 16th century.
Dramatic dialog sets the context for two armies to battle for the "bula" (a lovely young female), who was abducted by the Moro (Arab) King. Clashing swords in seven battles end with the bula being freed from her chains and returned to her beloved Osman (Turkish) King.
Historically the accompaniment for the Moreška was based on the musical fashion of its time period, since the city of Korčula was in accord with European cultural trends. Today a brass band plays a 20th century arrangement specifically composed by Krsto Odak for Moreška's battles that produce sparks from clashing swords.
Grisia, Rovinj
Grisia is surely the most popular outdoor exhibition in Croatia, and also the most recognizable cultural event in Rovinj. Grisia is organized on a Sunday in August, from 7 in the morning until late afternoon, when the street paved with shiny stone, walls, doors, windows and blinds get decorated with countless paintings, sculptures, installations and other colorful items – fruits of creativity produced by artists form the entire Istria, Croatia and beyond.
Martinje in Croatia
Grapes Mali Plavac Bol CroatiaOn 11th November, as per the Catholic calendar St. Martin’s Day is celebrated. In Croatia this day is called Martinje and is a wine holiday. With the festival it gives a chance to the people to celebrate. The winegrowers on this day along with their friends thank St. Martin for young wine and a good harvest. St. Martin has been portrayed in the paintings as an ascetic and is very different from the happy celebrations of young wine.
Za Planiku, Lastovo island
Za Planiku is the first underwater museum of this kind. "Founded" in 1990., the museum keeps remains of an ancient shipwreck with a cargo of amphorae from the 1st century BC. With colorful endangered and protected flora and fauna, Lastovo deserves first place in the list of "must do" dives. 
The Days of Asparagus in Buzet
The Days of asparagus will this year be organized in Buzet and will take place in restaurants which offer at least 3 different types of dishes which include the fresh asparagus.
Visitors will be able to taste various asparagus dishes at local taverns and restaurants and for the list of taverns and restaurants which have joined the "Asparagus Days".
Vinistra
VINISTRA – exhibition of wine and winemaking equipment is a regional and international exhibition of wine and of winegrowing and winemaking equipment. The exhibition is traditionally held in Poreč. Every year the interest for this exhibition is greater, both for its competitive and its exhibition part, which confirms its importance. Apart from wine, Vinistra hosts the evaluation of olive oil and brandies. During the four exhibition days, a dozen thousand wine lovers taste and research the Istrian world of wine.
Istria Inspirit Festival
Istra Inspirit is a project whose goal is to enrich the peninsula’s cultural tourism events. The project includes events that revive history, Istrian myths and legends at authentic locations. In only a few days, visitors will be able to travel through time, through the period of castles, Roman villas, urban centres and museums, participating in Roman feasts, medieval executions, Baroque balls and visiting a coal mine. Moments of Istria’s mystical history, demonstrated by excellent actors in superb scenery, followed by a specially prepared dinner with menus from various historical periods, entertainment, dancing and interesting surprises...
This is an opportunity to experience extraordinary magical adventures possible only in Istria!
Join this unique revival of the spirits of Istrian history!
Monday, October 28, 2013
Rijeka – Big Carnival
Rijeka Carnival, one of the biggest carnivals in the world, ended the right way – it was spectacular. Accumulated energy exploded this week in Rijeka in countless colors, characters, humorous comments of current events and imaginative creations. All of that was done by 100 carnival groups with about 8,500 participants who throughout the year planed, sewed costumes and built floats, 71 of them this year.
Makarska - Kalelarga Night
Kalelarga Night is a cultural and entertaining manifestation. Singing Dalmatian klapas entertain locals and tourists on town squares and streets.
Pirate Battle in Omiš
In the last six years, a unique event re-enacting the original Pirate battle that occurred in the 13th century is held in the Omiš harbour. This reconstruction shows a battle between the Venetians, led by the fleet commander Acconcio, with the Omiš pirates, led by their ruler Malduk. Omiš pirates won after a fierce battle and ordered the Venetians to pay them a fee in gold coins for safe passage through the Brač channel, because that area under Omiš rule is “Mare nostrum,” Croatian Sea. This year the reconstruction of the battle will be held on Saturday, 18 August at 8:30 pm, with around one hundred armed participants on several pirate and Venetian galleons and sagittas, i.e. fast Omiš pirate ships.
In this way the city of Omiš is based on historic facts and is able to position itself on the tourist map as a city of pirates.
Novi Vinodolski coloured by Summer Carnival
In the summer months, parades of masked people make their noisy way through some of the towns in the Kvarner area. Novi Vinodolski is no exception - in July, it opens its gates to the masked revelers and temporarily cedes power to the summer carnival. Needless to say, that is a time with no room for serious faces and dark glares, a fun and laughter infectiously spread through the town. Leave your worries behind, hide behind a mask and remind yourself how beautiful life really is. 
Collection of Shells in Makarska
The center of Makarska is an old town with narrow stone-paved streets, a main church square where there is a flower and fruit market, and a Franciscan monastery that houses a sea shell collection featuring a giant clam shell. The collection of shells includes some spectacular specimens from the Adriatic, as well as beautiful shells from all over the world. There are about 3000 shells in the collection and a collection of invertebrate fossils.
Zagreb ZOO
Zagreb Zoo is a 7-hectare zoo located within Maksimir Park in Zagreb, Croatia, and is one of three zoo parks
in the country. Zagreb Zoo is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is a participant in
the European Endangered Species Programme. The zoo is home to 2225 animals representing 275 species, including
snow leopard, red panda Okapi, Addax, Scimitar Oryx, North China leopard, Common Chimpanzee, Diana Monkey,
Wisent, Pygmy Hippopotamus, and Bactrian Camel.
The Garden Festival
One of Europe’s best boutique festivals is nominated in the prestigious UK Festival Awards 2013. Arguably the
most charming boutique festival in Croatia and the founding father of all the festivals on the Adriatic coast,
The Garden Festival has been nominated in the UK Festival Awards as the Best Small Festival and in the
European Festival Awards and Best Overseas Festival in the UK Awards. By voting for the best festival of your
choice you can win 2 tickets for every winning festival.
Plitvice lakes in the winter
Winter on Plitvice Lakes whole nature gives a different dimension. Despite low temperatures you have a chance
to see the magic of frozen waterfalls and lakes, skiing and sledging at Mukinje winter centre, ride horses in
the snow, enjoy local food specialties in the warm accommodation and our restaurant.
Christmas time in Zagreb
Croatia's capital, Zagreb, is bedecked in sparkling decorations around Christmas time. Zagreb's main square is
the site of the annual Zagreb Christmas market.
Friday, October 25, 2013
Top 5 nudist beach in Istria
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