Ziplines in Croatia

If you’re the sort of traveller who seeks adventure at every turn and definitely does not want to have your feet firmly planted on the floor – some of the time – ziplines are absolutely the thing for you. These days, Croatia is home to a number of amazing zip lines in some top locations, all with truly spectacular views of surrounding nature, famous sights, islands and more, They’re absolutely the sort of thing to give your holiday a thrill. Here’s our guide to the best ziplines in Croatia.

Generally, the ziplines in Croatia listed below operate daily through the high summer season (and just before/after this period), and by appointment at other times of year.

If they’re not your cup of tea or perhaps you have a fear of heights – you’re in good company, I do too! – let’s keep our feet on terra firma. Why not stick to the Top Sights in Croatia or the Best Beaches in Croatia?

On the other hand, ziplining may be just the tip of the…ahem, mountain?…for you, in which case take a look at our Activities in Croatia page for all sorts of fun adventures for you to enjoy.

Zipline Croatia, Omis

Zipline Croatia is one of the oldest established and top rated ziplines in the country, located just outside the fun town of Omis. (The company does have an office in central Omis, however, where you can book and to meet your instructors.) This high wire will see you zipping high above the beautiful Cetina River canyon, with the gorgeous natural surroundings just the thing for your high adventure activity.

Zipline Croatia is in fact a series of eight ziplines totalling 2,100 metres in length and at a height of 150 metres above the ground. The longest zipline of the eight is 700 metres in length, and the whole activity takes around two and a half hours.

Ziplines in Croatia - Zipline Croatia
Credit: Zipline Croatia

This zipline is open to participants aged 7 and above, meaning that even kids can enjoy the experience! The instructors will be able to verify whether the child in question can descend by themselves, or will need to ride the zipline in tandem with an adult.

A “flight” on this zipline costs €65 per person.

Panorama Zipline, Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is obviously one of the most stunning destinations in Croatia, and you only have to glimpse the city’s Old Town to know why. What about viewing the Old Town from high above whilst zipping along…on a zipline?! Panorama Zipline operates their experience on Mount Srd above Dubrovnik, which obviously provides the required height for this sort of adventure as well as stunning scenes of the historic part of the city and out across the Adriatic Sea to the nearby islands and beyond.

Ziplines in Croatia - Panorama Zipline Dubrovnik
Credit: Panorama Zipline, Dubrovnik

The Panorama Zipline experience offers two ziplines, 500 metres in total length, which all thrill-seekers are able to go down twice. You’ll reach speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour! The whole adventure takes three hours, which includes short transfers to the main part of the city. The whole experience costs €50 per person.

Slightly better than viewing Dubrovnik from a zipline is viewing Dubrovnik from a zipline…whilst the sun is setting! Panorama Zipline does also offer sunset tours, which are priced at €55.

Zipline Du The Wire, Dubrovnik

Another option for Dubrovnik – and the longest coastal zipline in the country, stretching out over 900 metres! The Wire zipline is one of those where to take flight in “Superman” position – essentially, exactly how Superman takes to the skies. At an altitude of 175 metres, you’ll reach speeds of up to 100 kilometres an hour…that’s pretty speedy indeed. But not so fast that you won’t be able to admire the stunning Adriatic Sea and the island of Lokrum.

This zipline is located around 4km from Dubrovnik, but it’s easy to get to as local bus number 10 goes direct from the main bus station (or just above the Old Town) to the zipline.

The Wire is priced at €60 for adults and there are four sessions (two in the morning, two in the afternoon) per day.

Zipline Split

You’re very likely to be travelling through Split on your Croatia travels, so what better place to try out a zipline than in Dalmatia’s largest city? Or close to it, anyway, as Zipline Split is located up on Mount Kozjak above Split, close to the small town of Klis. This position means you have a glorious view out to the Adriatic Sea and the famous Dalmatian islands nearby whilst you’re thundering down the wire.

Covering a total of 2,500 metres of cabling over 6 different zip lines, the whole adventure at this place takes around three hours.

This zipline adventure costs €66 per person if you’re collected from central Split, or €59 if you reach the starting point with your own means of transport. Children aged 10 are allowed (as long as they are over the minimum weight requirement) although will likely need to ride in tandem with an adult up to the age of 17.

Generally, Zipline Split offers two morning departures (at 8.30am and 10.30am) and two afternoon departures (at 3.30pm and 5.30pm)

Zipline Sibenik

Zipline Sibenik is another zipline that’s located above a river canyon with stunning nature, this time the Cikola canyon – which is about 25 kilometres from the lovely town of Sibenik itself.

This zipline comprises three separate lines of 1,400 metres in total length which are at a height of between 30 metres and 120 metres above ground. You’ll reach speeds of up to 70 kilometres per hour! The total experience takes around 1 hour, although you will need to add transfers (organised by prior arrangement) on top.

Zipline Sibenik is priced at €50 per person, although you can also take advantage of a special package for 2 adults and 1 child for €135.

If this zipline doesn’t provide enough adrenaline for you, the same company also organises other thrill-inducing activities, such as rock climbing, quad biking and sea kayaking.

Pazi Medo Zipline, Plitvice

I mean, you hear about a zipline in the Plitvice Lakes region and you immediately think, “sign me up”! The Pazi Medo Zipline (which means “beware of the bear”) allows you to experience the beautiful nature of the heavily forested Lika region.

Almost 2,000 metres in length, the Pazi Medo Zipline will see you reach speeds of a rather staggering 120 kilometres per hour, at a height of 80 metres above the ground.

Credit: Pazi Medo Zipline

This zipline costs €39 for adults or €19.50 for children up to the age of 14. You can even rent a GoPro camera for €5 to record your zipline flight yourself! Your footage gets transferred to your own USB stick (you must bring one with you) or your phone. Rock climbing and cycling is also possible here for those of you who want to prolong the high-thrills adventure.

Edison Zipline, island of Krk

For those of you who want to maximize your time on a zipline in Croatia, Edison Zipline on the island of Krk is for you. This one is the longest zipline in the country, with its eight separate lines totalling over 2,000 metres in length.

Located in the interior of the island, between the main towns of Krk Town and Baska, you will be able to enjoy absolutely gorgeous views over the island itself and Baska, and to the smaller island of Prvic which is situated south of Krk.

Ziplines in Croatia - Edison Zipline, island of Krk

The experience is priced at €70 for children up to the age of 12, €75 for adults and €100 per person for private tours. Children up to the age of 12 must operate the zipline in tandem with an adult.

Zipline Pazin, Istria

For a zipline with a difference (one in which you zip over and near a cave and a castle), give this one near Pazin in Istria a try! Zipline Pazin sees you fly high above a natural and unusual gorge on four different lines which have a total of 660 metres in length. Reaching speeds of up to 50 kilometres per hour, the last line is the one in which you can glimpse the famous Pazin Cave.

Credit: Zipline Pazin

With a total flight time of around 50 minutes, this is perhaps one of the shorter zipline experiences available to you in Croatia. However, pre-booking isn’t necessary unless you are planning on trying this out of season or if you’re in a group of ten or more.

Glavani Park, Istria

Near Barban in inland Istria, Glavani Park isn’t just a zipline but a whole adventure park with a number of aerial activities! (You may well have experienced something similar in your home country.) As well as the two ziplines that are 113 metres and 80 metres in length, you have aerial courses of three different levels of difficulty (there is also an easy one just for kids), a high suspension bridge, a 12-metre-high climbing wall, a 20 metre “high jump” (that’s the height you jump off, not the height you achieve!) and a human catapult that flings you distance of 75 metres.

For €63, you will get access to all of the activities in the adventure park for one whole day. Should you wish to experience just one element of Glavani Park, it costs €9 or €7 for children aged 10 and under.

Happy Ziplining!

The Top 10 Tours in Croatia 2024

Now that you’ve got your holiday all booked up (if you’re still deliberating, why not head over to my Plan Your Perfect Holiday to Croatia 2024 advice page) it’s time to start thinking about what day trips and tours you might like to do on your travels in the country. On this page, I’m going to suggest some of the best tours in Croatia 2024 – including some of the most popular ones, some “must-see” experiences and some that are perhaps…slightly bonkers…but are too good to miss!

For all the tours below, I’ve shown the length of the tour and whether the tours can be booked individually (meaning you join a group and can book as 1, 2 or more people) or whether they need to be booked as a group.

Please note: this post contains affiliate links, which may earn Visit Croatia revenue. All suggested tours are Visit Croatia’s own opinion, however!

The Top 10 Tours in Croatia 2024

1. Enjoy the best sunset in the world in Zadar – in style!

1.5 hours, can be booked individually

Sunsets are a pretty spectacular affair up and down the Croatian coastline, but there’s no better place to watch the setting sun than in Zadar. (Just ask Alfred Hitchcock.) Whilst sitting up on the main seaside promenade with the Sea Organ twinkling gently alongside is a superb free experience, take things to the next level on a Sunset & Night Cruise with Unlimited Sparkling Wine. (They totally had me at “unlimited sparkling wine”.)

The 90-minute small boat tour sets off from Zadar marina and makes the small journey out to sea to really make the most of the glowing sunset as it makes its way behind the local islands. After experiencing this, you’ll then be taken on a brief sightseeing tour of some of the town’s main sights by sea – including the aforementioned Sea Organ. And all the while, you’ll get to sip on sparkling wine!

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2. Zip across a zip line near Split

2.5 – 3 hours, can be booked individually

When did zip lines get so popular? And who invented them?! I’m not the biggest fan of ziplines given a slight fear of heights and “going faster than a human should be going” (I believe that’s the official technical term) but I can totally see how the thrill-seekers amongst you are beside yourselves with the opportunity to try a zip line in a new location.

There are actually a number of zip lines in locations up and down the coast, but I’ve picked out a zip line experience that’s just a short journey from Split.

The Zip Line Adventure (which also provides optional transportation) takes you to a zip line which is situated on Kozjak, a small peak slightly inland from Split. The actual zip line isn’t just one zip line, oh no – it’s six different zip lines, which comprise 2,500 meters in total length and then also include a 90-meter suspension bridge through pine trees.

The tour of course also provides a full safety briefing before participants make their way over to start their zip-lining adventure. You’ll be flying over beautiful Croatian forests with sea and island views in no time.

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3. Enjoy the tranquil island of Cres on a boat trip from Opatija

8 hours, can be booked individually

If you’re holidaying in gorgeous Opatija, you may not necessarily think about doing a boat trip to any of the local islands which is a shame as there are some real beauties in this part of the coast.

This 8-hour Boat Trip to Secluded Beaches on Island Cres tour sees you head off to one of Croatia’s quieter islands – just the kind of place to have hidden beaches. You’ll be able to enjoy three beach stops as well as visiting the charming village of Porozina. The tour offers plenty of time for swimming and snorkelling, and generally just having a relaxing time on lovely Cres!

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4. Views for miles on Biokovo Skywalk via tuktuk (from Makarska)

2.5 hour tour, can be booked individually

One of the more modern sights in Croatia is the Biokovo Skywalk experience on Mount Biokovo. Opened in 2020, this horseshoe-shaped glass platform extends 11m over the cliff face at a height of 1,228m, offering amazing views out across the Adriatic Sea to nearby islands such as Brac and Hvar.

The Biokovo Skywalk isn’t far from Makarska at all but it is up high (of course!) and getting to it is a little tricky if you don’t have your own transportation. That’s where the Skywalk Biokovo Sunset Tour by TukTuk comes in.

You’ll get picked up from your hotel (there are a number of pick-up points along the Makarska Riviera) and then taken to Biokovo Nature Park in a little tuk-tuk. (Not perhaps the most authentic of transportation in Croatia, but the open nature of the vehicle works perfectly to allow you to enjoy the nature all around you and the views!)

Having skipped the entry queue, the two-and-a-half-hour tour gives you time to enjoy parts of Biokovo National Park on a guided tour (with scenic stops for photos) whilst also offering 30 minutes on the Biokovo Skywalk at sunset. Glorious to enjoy at any time of day, sunset will be a wonderful time to experience it. You’ll then be driven back through the Nature Park and returned to your hotel.

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5. Food and wine in Dubrovnik

3 hours, can be booked individually

If you’re in Croatia, you’re going to have to indulge in all sorts of local gastronomic specialities – and where better to do so than if you’re visiting Dubrovnik?

The 3-Hour Food and Wine Tour is a walking guided tour that takes in many of Dubrovnik Old Town’s top sights, whilst also offering the chance for you to sample some little treats at the city’s top restaurants. And treats that come with a wine pairing! The culmination of the tour – as any good tour should – is dessert comprising of a traditional Dubrovnik cake.

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6. Private Boat Tour from Dubrovnik

8 hours, group booking

“Oh la-dee-dah” – you’re probably thinking – “private boat tours are how the other half live, but there’s no way I can afford them!” Well, perhaps you can – providing there’s a big enough group of you. A number of private boat tours can cater to large groups of say 6 to 12 people and when you divide the total cost of the boat tour by 6, 8, 10 or even 12 that ends up being…not too much at all.

Of course, there are a wide variety of private boat tours from ports such as Zadar, Trogir and Split, but take a look at this Full Day Elafiti Islands Private Experience for six people. The tour gives you 8 hours of exploring time on the three main Elafiti islands, Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan allowing you to explore beaches, bays and the islands’ tiny villages. The tour can be customised as per your group’s wants so if you prefer to explore as much as possible you can, or if you want to devote a good chunk of time on a secluded beach, that’s possible too.

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7. Get your kayak on and explore Dugi Otok

11 hours, individual booking available

Once you’ve explored your Croatian destination to the fullest on foot or by transport of some sort, why not do the same…by sea? And not just on some kind of boat tour – why not put the effort into it yourself by powering your own sea vessel? Before I start going too cryptic, I’m referring to sea kayaking.

The island of Dugi Otok near Zadar is one of the lesser-known Croatian islands – often referred to as an “off-the-beaten-track” kind of place – and is ripe for exploring. On the Full-Day Kayaking Tour in Dugi Otok, you’ll be transferred to a bay to start your sea kayaking adventure – an adventure that will lead you to all manner of secret coves, bays, caves and even past soaring cliffs. You’ll then get transferred to the north part of Dugi Otok for lunch and where the second part of your kayaking adventure will commence – one that will take you to a sunken ship which will give you the opportunity to do a spot of snorkelling.

The final bit of the tour offers a spot of fun on Sakarun Beach, one of the best (sandy!) secret beaches in Croatia.

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8. Night-time kayaking from Pula

2 hours, individual booking available

If you’ll be further up the coast but want to indulge in a spot of sea kayaking, why not try this rather inventive trip based in Pula? Because what’s better than just regular sea kayaking? Night-time kayaking. And what’s better than that? Night-time kayaking in a transparent kayak. (Yes, really!) And one that’s equipped with LED lights so you can see into the sea.

This 2-hour Night-time Sea Kayaking in a Transparent Kayak tour sets off from the Verudela resort area of Pula to explore the Adriatic Sea and all that it contains – by which I mean marine life. Should you tire of looking at the little fishes (unlikely) then simply look up and do a spot of star-gazing instead.

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9. Visit the Plitvice Lakes from Split

12 hours, individual booking available

How could I not include visiting the truly amazing Plitvice Lakes in this list of the best tours? Visiting them yourself is relatively straightforward – it’s just an easy public transport bus ride up from cities such as Zadar or Zagreb. But if you’re in Split and want to visit Plitvice, things get a little more complicated because of having to rely on (the not so frequent or well-timed) buses.

The 12-hour Plitvice Lakes National Park Full-Day Tour transportation to and from the Plitvice Lakes as well as a 4.5-hour guided tour inside the National Park. After the tour, you’ll have time to take one of the short boat rides or simply take a breather amongst the beautiful nature.

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10. Hop over the border to Slovenia from Zagreb

11 hours, individual booking available

When you’re in Croatia, there are quite a few chances to hop over to a neighbouring country for a day trip – to Montenegro from Dubrovnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina from Split or Dubrovnik and Italy from Istria, for example. But you may not know that it’s a very short journey up to Slovenia and Ljubljana from Zagreb. And not just Ljubljana but the magical Lake Bled too.

The 11-hour Ljubljana with Funicular, Castle, and Lake Bled tour offers a great chance to take in some of Ljubljana’s best sights, including the impressive Ljubljana Castle. And no visit to Slovenia is complete without enjoying the tranquil Lake Bled, which is also included on the tour.

All transport is included, and you’ll get a guided walking tour of Ljubljana too. Just remember to bring your passport!

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Other Top Tours in Croatia 2024

Narrowing down all the wonderful tours you can do in Croatia to just ten was impossible. So here are a few more tours that are absolutely worthy of a mention:

Open water swimming in Croatia - Cres

Open Water Swimming in Croatia

John Clayton is a UK citizen who has been living in the coastal city of Rijeka for 15 years. Following on from his previous post about enjoying an Outdoor Easter in Rijeka, John talks here about open water swimming in Croatia – in particular the best beaches in and around Rijeka to seek out for this activity.

Croatia made me become a swimmer. As a mountain sports kind of person, swimming had always just been a pleasant way to cool down in the summer. Swimming involved expending a lot of energy to go nowhere, and I was fine with that. However Croatia, with over 1200 islands, 6000 kilometres of coast, and crystal clear, mirror-smooth water, gave me no choice but to change my swimming from “not drowning” to actually moving forward.

Open water swimming in Croatia - Cres
Swimming past the tip of Cres

After many hours on YouTube and a lot of ineffective splashing at my local beach, I am now able to swim a mile, with a few breathers. Fortunately, this is just enough to swim the length of the beaches in my part of Rijeka.

Every part of the Croatian coast has amazing and accessible swim options. I’ll share here my tips for my local area, but this is just a tiny area; every part of the Croatian coast has similar opportunities. Better still, very few Croatians swim far from the beach and the tourist boards have yet to realise the potential of promoting swimming – this leaves the sea to us swimmers and the dolphins.

My preference is to swim with a tow, partly for security but also it allows for one-way swims. There is something very special about arriving somewhere from the sea. I’d also strongly suggest wearing a bright swim cap, there are boats in the summer and they don’t expect to see swimmers beyond the beaches.

Uvala Svežanj

The best swimming spots in Rijeka

As mentioned, I live near a string of beaches in Rijeka. As the third biggest city in Croatia, Rijeka is known as an industrial city. However, the southern suburb of Pećine is home to several beautiful beaches. My favourite swim is to start at Grčevo, home of the cute Pajol beach bar. I swim north past the first few small beaches and the tiny marina, then pass Glavanovo and the most famous beach in Rijeka, Sablićevo. Going around the corner, wide enough to avoid the cliff-jumping teenagers, I pass Hotel Jadran and finish at the dog beach by the main port. I usually swim north as there is less glare from the morning sun, but either direction works (in the video we are swimming south).

Kostrena
Kostrena

All of the beaches mentioned have free showers and the water is drinkable. The number 1 bus regularly runs from the city centre along this route making access very easy.

My second recommendation is to cycle, or take the number 10A bus, to Kostrena, just a little further south. Here there is a 3km stretch of white pebbled beaches separated by caves and vertical cliffs. There is a pedestrian path allowing an easy return from a one-way swim. Uvala Svežanj is a picture-perfect location and is the ideal place to start. You can swim either 1.3km north to Žukovo or south as far as you feel like, although I’d suggest stopping before you get to the refinery.

On the other side of the bay, the famous towns of Opatija and Lovran are just a short hop on the number 32 bus and offer another whole range of swim possibilities.

John has also produced an excellent video of the best open water swimming spots in Rijeka – take a look below:

Other Locations for Open Water Swimming in Croatia

And my last suggestion, if you want a truly wild and remote swim adventure and there are at least two of you. I strongly recommend a swim/kayak trip, alternating swimming and paddling. Last year we took camping gear and swam/kayaked around the northern tip of Cres Island for an incredible two days. We’d previously made a similar trip in the Kornati National Park in Dalmatia, perhaps the most spectacular place in the world to swim.

Open water swimmg in Croatia - Kornati islands
Swimming in Kornati National Park
Green Sail Free Course

Free course on chartering a yacht in Croatia from non-profit organisation Green Sail

Something that is sure to be of interest to all sailors in Croatia this summer is the news that Split based non-profit organisation Green Sail have launched a free online course titled Yacht Charter: An Introduction to Croatia.

Green Sail Free Course

The course combines the knowledge and experience of professional yacht skippers and the established Green Sail team to help all sailors who are new to Croatian waters. The course will provide a concise and informative introduction to the unique world of sailing green in Croatia.

With the wonderfully calm Adriatic Sea and numerous islands and islets, it’s no surprise that sailing is a popular type of holiday and sport in Croatia – and elsewhere around the globe. Sailing in a new country can be daunting and confusing, so the Yacht Charter: An Introduction to Croatia course is an ideal way for first-time sailors in Croatia to learn about the specifics of sailing in this country, and to help reduce the risks onboard.

Everyone that completes the short 20 minute course will be well equipped to set sail in Croatia safely and efficiently with more confidence. You will also reduce the risk of damage onboard your charter yacht (possibly incurring additional costs) and will have an increased awareness of environmental sustainability issues involved with sailing.

Yacht Charter: Introduction to Croatia
Yacht Charter: Introduction to Croatia

The Yacht Charter: An Introduction to Croatia course will cover technical topics such as safety equipment onboard, using your bow thruster and how to dock and moor in Croatia. However, the course will also teach sailors about important environmental issues in the country such as how and when to release black and grey waters, anchoring near Posidonia Oceanica, waste reduction onboard and the importance of recycling

Green Sail is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to promoting the development of responsible nautical tourism in Croatia and abroad.

You can watch the course trailer here – https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1667511910305917.

To sign up to the course, head to Yacht Charter: An Introduction to Croatia on the Green Sail website.

The Yacht Week 2021

The Yacht Week 2021 open for bookings

All young, adventurous travellers looking ahead to next summer and planning their holidays will be delighted to hear that Yacht Week 2021 has announced bookings are open. It’s the ideal opportunity to not only book the trip of a lifetime, but also to book something to look forward to in the current doom and gloom.

The Yacht Week 2021

Their flotilla of yachts set sail on the sparkling Adriatic waters, with several routes for Croatia available – including the Croatia Original route, the Ultra Festival Route and new for 2021, the Hideout Festival Route. The flagship Croatia Original route starts from just £392 / €422 / $508 per person on limited early bird yachts – that’s incredibly reasonable for such an unforgettable summer holiday! This Original route, for example, can take in places and islands such as Trogir, Vis, Hvar, Brac and Split – you’ll certainly experience many of the top destinations in Croatia as well as having an amazing time.

The Yacht Week Hvar
Hvar
The Yacht Week Brac
Zlatni Rat Beach on the island of Brac

The Yacht Week doesn’t just cover Croatia, however. They also offer amazing routes in Greece, the Caribbean, Polynesia, Montenegro and Sardinia – that last one also being a new option for 2021.

Yacht Week 2021 will offer the best yachts and the best prices for all of their destinations. And that’s not all – with new, flexible ticket terms, all guests will be able to book with confidence. If current global circumstances change by next summer, or perhaps you change your mind ahead of your travels, The Yacht Week has you covered. And whilst on your hols with The Yacht Week, you’ll be in a proven, safe environment.

Single travellers or groups of friends can charter a yacht of their choice, equip it with a skipper and a host and enjoy the amazing experience of a seven-day flotilla getaway. It’s the perfect choice whether you’re looking to let loose and party it up, or to kick back and relax. (Or perhaps a bit of both?) The Yacht Week 2021 can deliver a set of carefully curated activities as guests require.

The Yacht Week 2021
The Yacht Week

About The Yacht Week

Since 2006, The Yacht Week has created opportunities for people to step out of their everyday lives. Like-minded individuals can come together to enjoy an experience like no other. You don’t need any sailing experience at all, although you absolutely can get involved out on the open water. Not to mention finding secluded little bays that are perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

The Yacht Week lets travellers take their pick of the best parties from clubs to deserted islands. Better still, their unique circle raft at sea – complete with the Buzz Boat fully loaded with VOID Acoustics Soundsystem – is an experience and a half!

The Yacht Week 2021
The Yacht Week 2021

Watch sunsets from the coolest beach bars, lounges and restaurants whilst enjoying exquisite cuisine and cocktails, explore the world with scooters and open-top cars, or choose wellness and recovery with beachside yoga, spas and fitness. The highly experienced team at The Yacht Week can organise all of this and more – they deliver a highly curated experience. A week at sea with The Yacht Week is also a chance to make friends for life and join a very special community. And get this – no less than seventy (seventy!) marriages can be traced back to a first meeting at The Yacht Week!

The Yacht Week’s flotillas even set sail in summer 2020, despite the challenges presented by the global pandemic. This year’s The Yacht Week received some of the best feedback ever from those who took part. As a ‘floating festival’ of hundreds, it has proven itself a safe environment compared to standard festivals of many thousands of people. 

The Yacht Week

Booking The Yacht Week 2021

Bookings are now open for The Yacht Week 2021, for all of their routes in Croatia and other countries. To book or to see more information about their routes, please see www.theyachtweek.com.

Keep your eyes peeled for forthcoming announcements on the big-name DJs and other music events appearing exclusively at The Yacht Week 2021. Follow The Yacht Week on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube for all the latest news.

Gather your friends together to set sail along stunning coastlines and idyllic islands. You’ll make memories that will last a lifetime!

Hvar Trail Holiday

From Zwift to Hvar! A Hvar Trail Holiday Bikepacking Adventure

Here’s an experience of a bikepacking holiday on the island of Hvar by Simona from Italy, who enjoyed this Hvar trail holiday just last month! Bikepacking is a combination of mountain biking and camping. Read on for Simona’s experience of both of these elements on Hvar, and also the island of Brac. Thank you for sharing this trip experience with us, Simona!

March 2020. The world stopped. We are all locked in the house, astonished and fearful that the quarantine could last forever. We try to keep mind and boy busy as we can. We are looking for a motivation to keep spinning the reels even if we would like to throw them out the window!

Hvar Trail Holiday

I met Luca this way. We crossed our paths at the Winter Fat Trail in Asiago in early February and exchanged friendships on Facebook. When the quarantine started I found it on the bike trainer, spinning like crazy! He had the mission to ride for 14 consecutive hours with the virtual help of “friends and family” on Zoom. I thought: this is crazy! But I wrote to him and we met for a ride. And then, again and again, until it became a daily milestone, first on Zoom, then on Zwift. Luca became my mental coach and taught me a lot of things on riding, training, breathing, nutrition… He’s been training me really hard! We got a lot of “long rides” and running the pedals we started talking and dreaming on the return on the road ….. maybe even for several consecutive days….. maybe in bikepacking.

Luca is a true bikepacking expert. He’s been traveling that way for years. I’m a newbie. I quite never slept in a tent. But I was amazed from it. I only had one handlebar bag that I got at the WFT and I started from there. First, I got a bag for the frame. Then a saddle bag… the tent… the sleeping bag… an inflatable mat… everything! We kept making plans. I tell him I can’t stand his pace, but he didn’t give up. He made me spit blood, but he took me to the end. It would be a good test even to him, who usually travels alone.

Our first idea was to do the “Sicily Divide” and we begun to study the tracks. We decided to start in June, as soon as the regional borders reopen. But things get complicated. With the first reopening Luca has to leave to Croatia. He’s got a lot of things to fix, he’s going to do it in a week. Time starts running and it becomes two weeks and then three. … The Sicily seems everyday more distant. Then, one day, he calls me: “Mate, why don’t you join me in Croatia? I’m setting up a crazy trail! Rough! All uphill! Come and try it and give me your feedback!”. It took 5 minutes, to me, to realize the impact on my programs. But just 5 minutes! In fact, I had a great idea: it was years that Alberto, my husband, was proposing to me to take a trip to Croatia but I have never felt so enthusiastic on this. This could be the right time. I could start some days before and then he could join me with the kids to spend some more days around. All seems perfect!

I book the boat for June 12th. I’m on the line, I already see myself in Croatia; but things got suddenly complicated. First, Al doesn’t have holidays from office, I have to go alone on the 12th and get back by the 20th. Then, even worst: there are no return ferries before the 28th… I can’t believe it. It’s a conspiracy! I’ve tried everything: train, bus, plane, car….. but there’s no way to organize the trip back until the end of June! I have to keep the dates . First departure available june 27 from Ancona.” I moved the date! I’m coming on the 27th!” But Luca doesn’t make a crease: “OK! Come whenever you want! I’m here!” He tells me with his Vicentino accent.

Finally the 27th comes. I’ve prepared everything. I’m really excited about this experience. I feel like I’m 20 years old and I’m in my first experience. “Mom, please, don’t get hurt!” Andrea, my youngest kid, yells at me as I load my bike on the train from Pescara to Ancona, where I will take the boat. Some strange thoughts run into my mind, but the doors close. The train’s running, the adventure begun.

Hvar Trail Holiday
Hvar Trail Holiday

I arrive at Hvar on 28 morning at 10.30am. After 2 hours of ferry from Split. Luca is at the port! Already on the bike. He’s kind to say: “Take some rest, we’ll leave early in the morning, the heat these days is hellish”. Let’s take a walk for Stari-Grad, explaining some details of trail. The mileage, the difference in altitude, the roads. He asks me how I put myself with the technique downhill because the funds are often cut off as well as steep. My face should appear perplexed, so he reassures me immediately: “Tomorrow I evaluate you! Maybe I could fire you! 🤣“. I don’t sleep at night. I’m soo nervous. I dreamed of this journey so long. I studied some, but not too much. I peeked at the photos that Luca posted as he traced the island, but I didn’t want to spoil the surprise. And I did well. The trail starts uphill, of course! One of those nice climbs, 10 km with gentle hairpin bends and fairly consistent slope not more than 10%. It goes up. You always go up. Luca warned me. There are no plains. Only climbs alternated with descents. Sweet climbs; Rough climbs; hanged climbs that does not rise, because in addition to being steep, they have a bumpy and slippery bottom. Sunny climbs. Infinitely long climbs. Deceptive climbs that let you think that you arrived at the top, while instead, behind the curve, there is another hidden climb. Climbs that when you get to the top you don’t believe it. Climbs that take your breath away, but when you arrive, reserve unimaginable surprises.

Hvar Trail Holiday
Hvar Trail Holiday

Hvar is weird. It has few roads, almost never coastal. To access the coves scattered along the entire perimeter of the island you have to face drops at sheer descents, quite not paved and almost never traveled. People don’t get there by land, but by sea. And they’re wild. There are no bars and organized beaches. Sometimes there are houses, accessible only by sea precisely. And then there’s the sea. A sea of blinding blue. Crystalline.You feel like you can touch the bottom. The hue changes with the light. What doesn’t change is the water temperature: FREEZY!

As you walk the ride you realize that if you want t to enjoy these incredible views you have to resign yourself to this continuous swing. So, let’s go, up and down. Luca drew the trail with care. He spent days with his partner Massimo turning and getting lost in a maze of streets unknown even to the islanders. And it has created a strenuous path but such that you fall in love with the island not only from a landscape point of view, but also for the food and the wine. He carefully selected the Konoba where to stop to eat and places to sleep and the welcome is always warm. And you can eat divinely. Octopus and lamb are a must-eat, but also the cured meats and cheeses, mostly of sheep and goat milk, are to be tasted. The people I met along the way reminded me the Abruzzo mountaineers that I usually cross when I ride “at home”: they are a bit gruff and maybe not expansive, but at the first smile they adopt you and easily open their soul to the foreigner.

Hvar Trail Holiday
Hvar Bikepacking
Hvar bikepacking

We spent the first three days this way, traveling about 280 km in Hvar. Sometimes we make slightly changes to the program, like when we should have slept in a camping, but finally we got overcome by tiredness and opted for a wild bikepacking, on a beach sunbed… We were already thinking to moving to Brac, but we decided along the way. There are still few tourists and boats do not travel at full capacity, so the only way to move is to know the people who make the connecting routes. And so we set out to discover Brac.

Brac bikepacking
Brac bikepacking

If Hvar is rough, Brac is even tougher. Apparently more developed than her sister, it’s actually wilder. Nothing can be found outside the towns. Roads are km and km uphill, under the sun, with no possibility of find water. Water in these places is a precious resource and there are no fountains. You have to consume it consciously and stock up enough for your needs. At first we planned to spend two days in Brac together, but then plans changed. Luca had to anticipate the return to Hvar while I decided to stop in Brac and spend some time alone. I had never experienced a night in tent alone. I was worried only thinking at that, but I decided to give a try and the satisfaction of living this experience alone was unimaginable. Loneliness exasperates thoughts, feelings and senses. It lays bare with ourselves. It forces us to face our fears and overcome them. And it makes us stronger. At the end of the lap, ready to return to Hvar I felt satisfied and happy ….. and in my twenties! Now we go home. It was an incredible experience. The ride is breathtakingly beautiful and can be covered in a more or less extreme way, depending on your needs! It’s an essential experience. I haven’t come back yet but I’m already thinking about how and when to come back again.

If you would like to take part in a similar adventure on the island of Hvar, check out the Hvar Trail & Holiday 2020. They are hosting a Hvar Trail & Holiday from 5th to 9th September 2020.

Partisan Hospital Feat

Running Back in Time – The Forgotten Partisan Hospital

A few months ago, we featured a blogpost written by David Lavery of VeloCroatia about road cycling in Croatia – in the Petrova Gora region (south of Zagreb, near the border with Bosnia and Hercegovina) in particular. David got in touch again to share another fascinating account of his experiences of cycling in that area. This time round, he searches for the abandoned (and long forgotten) Partisan hospital that is hidden in the woods…

This really is a fascinating read, and especially of interest to anyone who likes their sights ‘off the beaten track’ and who is interested in the history of Croatia.

Running Back in Time – The Forgotten Partisan Hospital

Vojnic is a sleepy little place in Croatia where not much happens. Although all is quiet today this small farming village has seen more than its fair share of history. We were over visiting family on the farm near Vojnic for Christmas and I wanted to explore the woods on the slopes of Petrova Gora to find what remained of the Partisan hospital that operated, hidden, during World War Two.

In an effort to stave off the excess food of Christmas I took my running stuff and an unhealthy obsession for finally finding the hospital hidden somewhere in the woods.

I first found out about the rumours of the hospital when I was researching my cycle to the top of Petrova Gora to see the abandoned spomenik monument. The recent history of Croatia is nothing if not complicated and during World War Two, with Croatia aligned with the Axis a resistance movement formed. These partisans fought in the forests around Petrova Gora against the fascism sweeping the country.

In order to hide and treat the wounded, a hospital facility was built in the woods in a steep ravine called Pišin gaj in the spring of 1942 by partisan doctor Savo Zlatic and Jakov Kanjcevic Brada. As the war waged the facility grew to over thirty facilities and treated five thousand wounded and sick soldiers and civilians from the surrounding Kordun region.

Despite all of this it was never found by Axis forces. Given this I was not confident of finding it myself.

The bodies of over one thousand partisan fighters are interned in graves in the forest of Petrova Gora having succumb to their injuries during the fighting.

After the war, the facility was abandoned and largely forgotten as Yugoslavia emerged from the ashes of the war.

In 1961 the complex was refurbished and converted into a museum, eventually being awarded the “Order of National Hero” by Tito, the strongman of Yugoslavia. By all accounts this was a popular museum to visit and there was even a youth hostel built nearby at the edge of the ravine.

It was an altogether different war that finally put an end to the hospital complex. As Croatia fought a bloody independence war, the complex was extensively damaged during Operation Storm in 1995 and then fell into disrepair. The new state of neglect reflected a wider trend in the newly formed Croatia to collectively forget about anything to do with the partisans. Welcome to the world of politicking and the complexities of national identity.

It was my turn to find the hospital.

Attempt Number One – Lost in the woods. The wrong woods.

Just as during the war, my first attempt to find the hospital ended in abject failure. I parked the car at Lovački dom Muljava and started running along the gravel path into the woods more in hope than expectation. After a few weeks off running due to an injury, my legs were screaming immediately and not happy to be pointing up hill. On they went and were only stopped when the path abruptly ended at the river after around 3km. With nowhere to go I decided, mostly on a whim, to follow what looked like a path into the woods. Every path I took lead to nowhere and I was soon forced to admit defeat. These were just paths forged by the logging trucks and not paths to any hospital in the woods. I might be thirty-four years old but it turns out that I still get excited about the prospect of exploring in the woods so it wasn’t a complete waste of time.

David Lavery, VeloCroatia
My first attempt ended by simply getting lost in the woods. It was a vital reminder that Google Maps is not always available.

I got some exercise and fresh air and a renewed ambition to find the hospital. I would not be defeated.

Back at the farm I did more research and was quietly confident of finding the hospital on my next attempt.

Attempt Number Two – Finally found. Another reason I am better than the Nazis.

I parked the car at the side of the road and took a different approach into the woods. After three kilometers of running I found what used to be a youth hostel in the glory days of Yugoslavia. It is now completely lifeless but at least I knew that I was in the right area for the hospital.

Opposite to the hostel was a faint path leading up to the ridge in the forest and for lack of a better alternative I headed up in that direction, the forest silent but deafening in my isolation.

Petrova Gora Youth Hostel
The abandoned youth hostel. When you see this, look in the opposite direction for the path into the woods that leads eventually to the Partisan hospital.

I could glimpse the faint outline of buildings up ahead almost completely camouflaged in the dense forest. As I got closer its full form emerged and I had finally, after many fruitless attempts, found what remained of the partisan hospital.

Steps to the Partisan Hospital complex
The path leading into the woods that will take you to the hospital complex.

When I reached the grounds of the hospital I was suddenly struck by how alone I was. In the distance I could hear the rattle and hum of loggers but around me was nothing but silence broken only by the flutter of birds and twigs snapping under my feet.

The Partisan Hospital complex
The remains of the Partisan hospital complex. Hard to believe that 5000 soldiers and civilians were treated here during the war.

Further into the forest the unmarked crosses stood proud among the trees. The graves of one thousand brave partisans apparently all but forgotten and now part of the forest.

Petrova Gora unmarked graves by the Partisan Hospital complex
The unmarked graves to the 1000 bodies buried on the slopes of Petrova Gora.

Despite the isolation, when I closed my eyes I could see the life that once stood and fought here. This small corner of Croatia, unremarkable in so many ways, has been at the crossroads of many turbulent events; first during world war two and then during the Croatian war of independence in the 1990’s.

After exploring what remains of the hospital, I made my way back down the hill and ran back to the car back the way I came. Back in the summer I tried to find the hospital on my bike, my road bike struggling on what used to be a road but was now more of a stream. I realised today that if I had just cycled another two hundred yards around the next corner I would have found it.

Despite the many failed attempts to find the hospital and getting lost in the process, the effort in the end was absolutely worth it. Without hyperbole, it is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen in my life. The fact that it is now abandoned, forgotten and has no appetite to be seen means that if you do visit you will be alone with only your thoughts.

Grave of Jakov Kanjcevic Brada
A grave marking to Jakov Kanjcevic Brada, the founder of the original hospital.

There cannot be many sights in the world, sights of such historical significance, that give the feeling that you alone have stumbled upon them.

David Lavery, VeloCroatia
Proud to have finally found the hospital. This is the kind of run experience that you can never get from the gym!

Getting There

From Vojnic, drive east on Ul. Andrije Hebranga 32 which then turns into Gornji Vojnic where you can follow signs for Lovački dom Muljava (a good place for a coffee and a crepe if it is open when you visit).

As you continue you will see a sign pointing to a road on the right for the hospital (it is quite faint and in Croatian obviously so it is easy to miss). The road has seen better days and since I wanted to run, I left my car near this junction just off the main road. If you have a 4×4 type car then I would imagine the road is passable but certainly when I went it was rutted and had half turned into a river.

The run from here to the stairs to the youth hostel which marks the entrance to the hospital is only 2.2km up a gentle slope.

When you reach the youth hostel on your left, look to the right for the faint trail/ stairs that lead into the woods and to the hospital.

The exact coordinates for the hospital complex are; 45°17’44.1″N 15°45’18.2″E

Vojnic – An Unsuspecting Crossroads in Croatia

It only takes a minute to drive through the village of Vojnic and most people will pass through without realising that it stands at the crossroads of some pivotal events in recent history.

Apart from the partisan hospital, the area also saw heavy action during the Croatian war of independence. Rockets were fired from here by the Serbian aggressors towards Zagreb, a war crime that killed seven civilians.

As the war encroached into Bosnia, refugees spilled into the area. Just at the bottom of the farm is a field that once held thousands of refugees in squalid conditions. Even today when it rains heavily, nappies used in this very field get washed onto the farm.

And even now Vojnic, because of its proximity to the Bosnian border, is a popular passing place form immigrants fleeing war in the middle east and trying to get to Europe. I have seen a few young men stopped by the side of the road by the police, destined to be thrown back across the border to try again in the future.

The common thread running through all of this is war; then and even now.

Thank you, David, for sharing your experiences of searching for this amazing place. You can read the original post on David’s website here: Running Back in Time – The Forgotten Partisan Hospital.

Road cycling in Croatia

Road Cycling in Croatia

We were recently contacted by David Lavery who runs VeloCroatia.com – a website dedicated to road cycling in Croatia. His website details the best road cycling routes, featuring a number of very detailed routes in several areas of the country. However, if any of the routes don’t quite fit the bill, he can create a custom road cycling route for you!

Below, David shares with us his experiences of cycling in the Petrova Gora region (in inland Croatia, about 100km south of Zagreb), cycling up to the peak and taking a look at the fascinating, abandoned monument (David explains more about what it is) there.

Cycling in Petrova Gora

Croatia is a country that is just waiting to be explored by road cyclists. I am lucky to have family in Croatia and when I am not drinking gemišt or eating great food then I am exploring the country on my bike.

During a recent holiday, my legs were feeling good and I wanted to test them on a climb; my search was simple; what was the highest peak in the area. The answer was Petrova Gora and as luck would have it, one side of it was paved and it was only around nine miles away from the farm I was living in near the village of Vojnic.

As I researched the climb, my intrigue deepened when I read that atop of the climb was a monument (Monument to the Uprising of the People of Kordun and Banija) that was epic in its size and by the looks of the pictures crumbling under the weight of its history.

A road cyclist in full lycra is still a novelty in this quiet part of rural Croatia so it was hardly surprising that the bustling café’s stopped drinking coffee to judge me as I passed on the way to the mountain. I did wonder why they were so busy on a weekday mid-morning but then anyone with even a passing knowledge of the coffee culture in Croatia should not be surprised.

A few of the villagers tending to their land on the side of the road gave me a wave as I passed and it wasn’t long before I was starting to climb on the lower slopes of Petrova Gora. Passed the restaurant (Lovački dom Muljava) which marks the bottom of the climb proper I could feel the road really start to kick up. I found a nice gear and tried to maintain a good rhythm despite the rapidly increasing temperatures. Not something you are accustomed to when most of your cycling is done in Scotland.

It was one of those climbs where you could not see the top because of the trees and the mind starts to play tricks. At times you are convinced that the top is just around the next corner and at times you are fairly confident that in fact the climb will never end. The only sign of life on the climb was the indistinct chatter of animals in the woods surrounding me. Apart from that it was just me and my pain as I tried to push hard up the climb.

I pushed on, the thought of ice cream and crepes when I got back to the bottom helping to distract from the heavy legs. It was just then, lost in my thoughts, I turned a corner and saw something completely alien out of the corner of my eye. It didn’t fit in with the landscape at all, jutting at oblong angles from the top of the hill. Around another corner and it was gone, obscured once more by the trees, the landscape again making more sense.

As I approached closer and closer to the top, part by part the monument started to reveal itself until finally I was standing at the bottom of it, trying to catch my breath from the climb and trying to make sense of what I was looking at.

Road cycling in Croatia

What it was and what it is now are very different. It used to be a monument to commemorate the uprising by the people of the area against the fascist Ustasa and the Independent State of Croatia, a Nazi puppet-state, during World War Two. It was finally completed in 1981 during the heady days of the socialist Yugoslavia but the contemporary history of Croatia is nothing if not turbulent and in its struggle for independence during the 1990s the monument was neglected, wilfully forgotten and pillaged for parts.

A sobering and an unnerving experience as it was a ghost town around the monument. Such was the ambition of the monument, there was even a café built in its shadow that feels like it had been abandoned in a hurry. The atmosphere was so heavy and eerie that I was half-expecting someone to pop up from behind the bar, offer me a drink and then audition for a part in The Shining.

Road cycling in Croatia

The façade of the monument is crumbling to reveal a hollow shell of twisted steel. There must be some houses in the local village ablaze with shiny stainless steel panels. The closer you get to the foot of the monument, up the ramp and once grand passageway you are left in no doubt that it is now unloved.

I cycled around the site for a while absorbing the strange atmosphere. I really cannot do justice to the sense of isolation and yet the feeling that you are not alone.

Back at the farm and looking to fill my stomach I decided to take a walk up the hill to get some plums from the trees and whilst up there I looked over to the north. Just in the distance I could see the monument rising defiantly above the rolling landscape.

Road cycling in Croatia is just waiting to be discovered and at VeloCroatia.com our mission is to inspire readers to explore this amazing and diverse country on two wheels.

Thank you very much to David for sharing with us his experience of cycling in the Petrova Gora region, and for helping promote road cycling in Croatia!

Falkensteiner Punta Skala Triathlon

Falkensteiner Punta Skala Triathlon, 11th May 2019

With more and more visitors to Croatia interested in including a bit of activity in their holidays – and more sports events being held – here’s an exciting event taking place near Zadar in May that many of the athletes amongst you may be interested in.

The sixth Falkensteiner Punta Skala Triathlon will take place on 11th May 2019 in a stunning seaside location, with many benefits for the athletes taking part. Whether you’re someone that’s keen on triathlon tourism – as a solo entrant or perhaps even travelling a family – or are looking to take part in a triathlon abroad for the first time, this one is for you. The race is sure to draw in a large number of Croatian and foreign triathletes.

Falkensteiner Punta Skala Triathlon

The best thing about this triathlon, however, is that it is based around a beautiful holiday resort. That means that athletes – who will benefit from lower accommodation prices than in full season – can sleep right next to the start line. Your room and breakfast is but a five-minute walk away from the race start. You won’t have to worry about driving to the race location, struggling to find parking or forgetting essential bits of kit – because you only have a short walk from where you are staying. And that’s not to mention that all of this is right next to the gorgeous, crystal clear sea.

The Falkensteiner Punta Skala Resort

The Falkensteiner Punta Skala Resort offers up outstanding design, first-class facilities and Mediterranean flair combined with excellent service and a fantastic location. All athletes will be able to enjoy an exclusive wellness holiday at this luxury resort which not only features two first class hotels but also fine restaurants, comfortable apartments, modern sports facilities and crystal clear waters – not forgetting the wonderful Mediterranean climate.

The Falkensteiner Punta Skala Resort
Falkensteiner Punta Skala Resort_aerial

And you’re only a short distance away from the amazing town of Zadar. With Roman ruins, medieval churches, cosmopolitan cafes, trendy restaurants and interesting museums, Zadar is a must-see and certainly a great place to visit either pre- or post-race. Zadar also has two wonderful modern sights – the Sun Salutation and the Sea Organ, both of which need to be experienced first hand in order to get their full magic. And lets’s not forget Zadar’s epic sunsets! It’s not for nothing that Alfred Hitchcock proclaimed Zadar’s sunsets as being the most beautiful in the world!

Falkensteiner Punta Skala Triathlon

Falkensteiner Punta Skala Triathlon kicks off triathlon season in Croatia 

As mentioned, this Zadar half triathlon is to be held on Saturday 11 May 2019, which is during the early part of the holiday season. Around this time of year, air temperatures average around 23° C whilst the average sea temperature of 18° C is high enough for swimming with wetsuits.

Triathlon Swimming

The race will start with 1.9 km of swimming in front of the Falkensteiner Family Hotel Diadora. Swimming is then followed by the bike course of 90k (9 + 4×18 + 9), towards the small Dalmatian fishing village of Petrčane, and then towards Nin, the oldest Croatian royal city and winner of the European destination of excellence, European Best Romantic Destination in 2016.

The bike route then continues through the picturesque villages of the colourful Zadar hinterland and then back to the Punta Skala Resort. The bike portion takes place on a gently rolling terrain without significant hills, but being a seaside race wind can be a factor. The cycling course is 2m above sea level at its lowest point, and 52m above sea level at its highest; there is a total climb of 430m and descent through 90km. All roads on the course are in excellent condition and traffic will be regulated during the first part of the route (9km), while the section (4 x 18km) will be closed for traffic.

Zadar Half Triathlon

Last, but not least, comes the run of 21k through the enchanting Falkensteiner Punta Skala Resort. The run covers 4 laps with a course that is new for 2019 race – it is exactly 5.27km long with 14m altitude difference per lap.

Check out this teaser video to get a feel for the event:

Georg Unterkircher, General Manager of the Falkensteiner Punta Skala Resort said:

“As great supporters of the Falkensteiner Punta Skala Triathlon, we are excited to welcome athletes from all over the Europe on the respective race weekend. Our goal is to ensure that participants enjoy the best possible experience in advance of their race, from our carefully devised menus and ease of access to the start line on the morning of the race. With an exciting atmosphere and scenic course, it makes a memorable all-round experience for visiting athletes with their families.”

Race Director Zlatko Parac, Croatian triathlete himself said:

“Based on the experiences of the previous years and the athletes’ opinions, there will also be improvements on the organisational side, to establish this event both nationally and internationally. Falkensteiner Punta Skala Resort is a popular venue for athletes with its fantastic location surrounded by the turquoise blue Adriatic sea, and as hosts they are keen to get involved in triathlon event and join in the spirit of Falkensteiner Triathlon weekend. We already know that there will be a lot of competitors from Croatia joining the competition for the first time and we believe our triathlon will fulfil their expectations. At the same time, we organise this race with the needs of the most demanding professionals in mind and we would prepare an abundance of prizes and other rewards!”

The triathlon will feature the ‘biggest independent prize purses in the Croatian Triathlon Calendar’, with general sponsor prizes in the form of accommodation vouchers for the Falkensteiner Punta Skala Resort. A total value of €4500 will be allocated to the top five finishers in the male and female categories.

The race has grown steadily but is limited to 400 competitors (single and relay competitors combined). This makes it far from overcrowded, retaining the charm of a small well-organised race that takes place in a fabulous setting.

The main race will also be joined by an aquathlon (time-trial event) with the swim portion in the 25m pool of the Falkensteiner Family Hotel Diadora and a 5k run event. For anyone that needs a warm up a weekend earlier, you could take part in the official Zadar Half Triathlon Training Camp 2019 (4 – 10 May 2019) by Adriatic Coaching (Croatian Pro triathlete & coach Dejan Patrcevic). Just a few kilometers away, there is also the unique Wings for life World Run Zadar race.

Course finish

Benefits for triathletes

The Falkensteiner Punta Skala Resort is able to offer participants top-of-the-line accommodation at extremely affordable rates (special rates on accommodation for competitors with BB service). Middle distance competitors who have booked accommodation at the Falkensteiner Punta Skala Resort are entitled to the following discounts on the registration fee: 50% discount on entry fee for individuals and the same amount in € for relays, when staying a minimum of one night in Hotel & Spa Iadera 5*, Family Hotel Diadora 4* and Premium Apartments Senia.

Falkensteiner Punta Skala Resort

More information

Full information about the triathlon can be found on the official website zadarhalf.com.

More information on the Falkensteiner Punta Skala Resort can be found at www.falkensteiner.com/en/hotels-residences/croatia or elements.falkensteiner.com/en/hotel/punta-skala.

Falkensteiner Punta Skala Triathlon / Zadar Half Triathlon
11th May 2019
Punta Skala Resort, Croatia
zadarhalf.com

Dugi Otok Triathlon Long Island in September embraced by nature

The inaugural Triathlon Long Island on the gorgeous Dugi Otok (near Zadar) will take place on September 23rd – surely one of the most picturesque triathlons or sports activities in Croatia this year. Dugi Otok (its name literally means ‘long island’) is known far and wide for its pristine natural environment, although it remains a pleasantly low-profile destination, despite Croatia’s current popularity.

Triathlon Long Island

At 43km long and just 4km wide, Dugi Otok has plenty of relatively untouched natural beauty for everyone to enjoy. With plenty of hidden coves, sheer cliffs, ancient ruins and gorgeous white pebble beaches, the island is the perfect place for travellers seeking unforgettable scenery and historical sites. In particular, the southeastern coast of Dugi Otok is marked by steep hills and cliffs, whilst its northern half is cultivated with vineyards, orchards and sheep pastures. The centre of the islands see a series of karstic hills rising to 338m at Vela Straža, the island’s highest point.

The island is also home to the stunning Telašćica Nature Park, which acquired protected area status in 1980 because of its valuable flora and fauna, geological and geomorphological phenomena, versatile sea bottom life, and interesting archaeological heritage. The Park is also in immediate contact with two other protected areas, National Park Kornati and the significant landscape of the Sit-Žuz Island Group.

Telascica Nature Park

A triathlon is an increasingly popular way of spending your holidays or getting to know a new destination, and Croatia is no exception to this! Dugi Otok itself abounds with numerous bays that are ideal for a triathlon. Telašćica Bay is one of the safest natural harbours on the Adriatic, and therefore one of the potentially most scenic triathlon destinations. The bay itself is protected from winds and waves; part of Telašćica Nature Park, boat speeds are also limited, contributing to the safety of the entire area.

Triathlon Long Island

The swim section of Triathlon Long Island starts at Sakarun bay – one of Croatia’s most loveliest spots, known as a true paradise beach. Shallow waters and a sandy sea bottom are set off by dark green pinewoods on land, shimmering white pebbles on the beach, and a sea that changes hue during the day, depending on the position of the sun.

Sakraun

After a 1900m swimming lap in a counterclockwise direction, triathletes then head south on a 90km long bike ride (1266m elevation ride) towards Telašćica Nature Park on the southeastern part of island. Dugi Otok is perfectly designed for a bike competition such as this, and the course will be closed to public traffic.

With the bike course finishing near Telašćica, the run part of the Triathlon will then cover a 21km course through this Nature Park – one with breathtaking views and a stunning panorama. The Triathlon Long Island finishes in Sali, the municipal and administrative centre of island and the largest settlement with the largest population. Sali is a typical Dalmatian village with thousands of years of fishing tradition and ancient olive groves that surround the village.

Triathlon Long Island
Triathlon Long Island - Dugi otok, Pantera bay and Veli rat
Dugi otok, Pantera bay and Veli rat

Ivan Peri, one of the race organizers and a member of Triathlon Club Zadar, says:

“Dugi Otok is, as its name suggests, the longest island of the Zadar archipelago and offers everything that is needed for organizing a unique triathlon experience: a long road and the beautiful sea. Swimming at the sandy beach of Sakarun, cycling along the length of the breathtaking island of Dugi otok (from Sakarun to Telašćica Nature Park) and continuing with running through the park takes the power of the entire experience to a whole new level, while also stimulating our motivation to be even faster and better. Join us on this beautiful triathlon adventure and see why you’ll never forget Dugi otok.”

Ivana Čari, director of the Tourist Board of Dugi Otok, says:

“We appreciate team from Triathlon Club Zadar recognizing the opportunity this premier triathlon event brings for Dugi Otok in our island’s sports tourism development. All our guests come to tell us not to change anything, to preserve natural beauty and mystery. That’s why our slogan is Dugi otok – undiscovered island. The island is characterized by a dramatic landscape of great contrast, with steep slopes, thick pine forests, numerous sandy beaches, hidden bays, and coves. It is a perfect place for those in search of tranquility and relaxing holidays, swimming in the stunningly turquoise sea, enjoying sea and sun. We do hope all the participants will enjoy our magnificent island as we are delighted to welcome them.”

To really get a feel for the island, check out this Triathlon Long Island teaser clip:

Dugi Otok is the perfect destination for those who want to combine racing triathlon and relaxation; ‘switch off’ from the world and take a break from your routine. It’s still an undiscovered Croatian island of adventure and peace at the same time, providing a unique low-cost late season island race destination in the European triathlon calendar, on an island abundant in nature and perfect for outdoor activities. At the race finish, you’ll also be able to experience the island fair featuring crafted products and festivities common to this small community.

Registering for Triathlon Long Island

Registration for the event is currently open. Fees for registering for Triathlon Long Island until 15 July are:

  • Licensed athletes – €70
  • For non licensed athletes there is additional fee of €10
  • Relay race (licensed & non licenced) – €90

Registration fees from 15 July until 1 September:

  • Licensed athletes – €100
  • For non licensed athletes there is additional fee of €10
  • Relay race (licensed & non licenced) – €120

All athletes from Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Macedonia have a 40% discount on the price.

All participants who book their accommodation with a partner of the event are entitled to a discount on 20% on accommodation.

For a code name, go to the website contact.

Go to www.triathlonlongisland.com/register to register your place!

Telascica

How to get to Dugi Otok?

The closest airport to the island is Zadar Airport – see our page on Getting to North Dalmatia to see who flies there, and Getting to Zadar for other transport connections to the town.

Zadar is also a key transport hub with ferry connections to the surrounding islands. From Zadar, Dugi Otok is served by regular Croatian Jadrolinija ferries to Brbinj, 12km south of Božava. A high-speed passenger shipping line and a ferry line connect Dugi Otok island (Sali village) with Zadar (peninsula) daily through four round trips; journey time is 1 hour 20 mins; cars are permitted. Brbinj village has a connection with Zadar through a ferry boat line. The departure point of the line is the ferry port Gaženica in Zadar. Božava village also has a connection to Zadar (peninsula) through a high-speed passenger shipping line with one trip a day.

More on Triathlon Long Island and Dugi Otok

Please see  www.triathlonlongisland.com for full details on the event.

For more on Dugi Otok, see the Dugi Otok Tourist Board website, or the Nature Park Telascica website.

With thanks to Jurica Cvjetko for content and images on Triathlon Long Island.

Triathlon Long Island
Dugi Otok, Croatia
23rd September 2018

Triathlon Long Island