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Dimensions Festival 2019 - Credit: Callum Chaplin

All star line up for Dimensions Festival 2019

13th February 2019/0 Comments/in Festivals in Croatia, Fun, Istria, Nightlife

This year’s Dimensions Festival (28th August – 1st September 2019) will be its last to take place at the wonderful Fort Punta Christo site near Pula in Istria. And Dimensions’ organisers have announced an amazing all star line up for this final year – its eighth, no less – at the fort!

Another 7,000 ravers will unite at Fort Punta Christo this year to enjoy some of the best names from the electronic underground. This spectacular abandoned fortress offers up plenty of unique arenas – Noah’s Ballroom, The Void, The Garden, Subdub Arena and of course the 80-foot Moat, stacked high with speakers. Not forgetting the seaside chilling during the day and sunset beach sessions available at Dimensions too.

Names on the bill this year include Jeff Mills, Omar-S, Hunee, Peggy Gou, Larry Heard aka Mr. Fingers live, Nina Kraviz, Paula Temple, Joy Orbison, Gilles Peterson, Call Super, Zip, Mr.Scruff, Andrew Weatherall, Craig Richards amongst many others – Dimensions Festival 2019 is sure to be an excellent send off for Fort Punta Christo.

To get a feel for the event, check out the line-up announcement video below:

Dimensions Festival 2019 Line Up

As ever, Dimensions will kick things off with an opening concert on the first night (28th August) in the gorgeous 2000-year-old amphitheatre in Pula, the Area. Setting the tone for the weekend, one of electronic music’s most notable names, Jeff Mills will be performing, joined by one of the most iconic drummers from the past century, Tony Allen. Joining them on the bill is Objekt, who will perform tracks from his critically acclaimed album with a new live show. Hunee also joins providing his perfect blend of soulful house and disco.

The festival itself will continue to span house, electro, techno, acid, DnB, ambient and jazz, bringing together artists from all over the globe. Joining for each outing since its conception, Hessle Audio are back in the Moat with Ben UFO, Pearson Sound and Pangaea. Following stand-out appearances at last year’s festival, fellow electronic enthusiast Batu is also along for the ride showcasing his Timedance sound. Korean-born, Berlin based selector Peggy Gou will also be making a return to the festival, not forgetting Nina Kraviz who is an essential booking for the final send off following b2b performances in the Moat and Clearing for the last two years. Staple selectors Andrew Weatherall, Vladimir Ivkovic and Identified Patient will be providing selections in the weird and wonderful, with sounds connecting everything from post punk and ebm to breaks and techno. Returning to Dimensions after a short hiatus, techno pioneer Blawan joins for the final outing as well DVS1, making a debut appearance at the fort. London born, Berlin based Call Super is also on hand to take ravers on a journey til the early hours, as is Joy Orbison.

Dimensions Festival 2019 - Credit: Dan Medhurst — Dimensions Festival 2019 – Credit: Dan Medhurst

Red Bull Music Academy alumni and Apeiron crew member Courtesy will be returning, alongside fellowalumni and label partner Solid Blake. Long term Fabric resident Craig Richards will be providing the late night arm raisers with an epic b2b with Nicolas Lutz whose taste revolves around the outskirts of dance floor culture. Elsewhere Stones Throw’s epitome of good times and lord-of-funk, Dam-Funk is welcomed back with open arms.

On a darker tip, is the return of DnB pioneer dBridge, joined by fellow peers Fixate, Skeptical andSP:MC. Mumdance is also on duty drawing from grime, techno, hardcore and more. Bass weight and dub-heavy selections come from Deep Medi label boss and DMZ co-founder Mala alongside Commodo –known for pushing the boundaries in post-dubstep.

Not forgetting electro, Dimensions welcome back DJ Stingray, one of the champions of the Detroit sound, while DJ Bone demonstrates a rare insight into his collection of electro records. An ever-popular choice for fans of the sound, DMX Krew performs live electro with a twist, who will grace the festival alongside electro pioneer Radioactive Man, also performing a special live show.

House heads are in for a treat, as Chicago house legend Larry Heard aka Mr Fingers joins the final fort send-off. It doesn’t stop there, dancers can move to the eclectic, soulful sounds of music counessioursHunee and Brownswood label owner Gilles Peterson, with Omar-S delivering that signature Detroit sound. Elsewhere, body-moving selections are guaranteed from two of London’s indomitable DJ’s Jane Fitz and Josey Rebelle, who earned her stripes at the infamous London club Plastic People, while two of Canada’s finest house exports Ciel and feel good selector Jayda G join for debut appearances. Brothers and Detroit techno legends Octave One bring their live set to the festival, while self-confessednoisician Paula Temple and one of the people’s favourites from 2019, Croatian legend Petar Dundov andSkee Mask are on hand for a voyage in techno, as is Peach Discs’ label boss Shanti Celeste and Canadian ball of energy Peach. Outer limit techno advocate Karen Gwyer is set to surprise fans with her live set, whilst woman of the hour Object Blue makes her Dimensions debut. Genre-bending Saoirse, whose selections span electro, house, dub, jazz and everything in between, will be joined by Swedish native SPFDJ who merges the fringes of techno, acid, hardcore and trance, alongside Manchester noise electro artist Afrodeutsche. Very rare appearances come from two of the Perlon family as label boss Zip, who has been educating ravers since the 80s, joins Tokyo based Fumiya Tanaka alongside label-mate Binh for a special Perlon showcase. An unmissable stop for fans of the deep, dubbed-out, house-sound synonymous with the label. On a Northern soulful tip are Manchester hip hop stars Children of Zeus, who areheading back to Dimensions with vinyl aficionado Mr. Scruff. The festival is excited to welcome Sadar Bahar whose taste spans gospel, funk, disco, jazz and soul. Also on hand are NTS’ Donna Leake and Melodies International label head Mafalda. London’s hotly tipped jazz crew Steam Down Orchestra are making their first appearance at the festival with a live performance while West African disco and soul enthusiast Awesome Tapes From Africa returns to the fort.

Dimensions Festival 2019 - Credit: Danijel Bartolic — Credit: Danijel Bartolic

Tickets for Dimensions Festival 2019

Early bird tickets for the event cost £120 (+ booking fee) and can also be purchased via a payment plan.

For £160 (+ booking fee), you will get a full festival pass, access to the Dimensions campsite and a ticket to the opening concert.

Tickets to the opening concert can also be purchased separately.

All tickets can be purchased at http://bit.ly/Dim19_tkts. Be sure to snap them up soon!

More info on Dimensions Festival

See our guide to Dimensions Festival to find out more details of how to get to the festival and where to stay.

Full information on the festival can also be found on the official website, with all the latest updates on their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Outlook Festival 2019 announces first names for final year at Fort Punta Christo

28th January 2019/0 Comments/in Festivals in Croatia, Fun, Istria, Nightlife

Outlook Festival (4th – 9th September 2019) – one of the longest running festivals in Croatia – has announced some of the first names that will be appearing at this year’s event. Now in its 12th year, this will be the last festival to be held at Fort Punta Christo near Pula.

Amongst the names to appear at Outlook this year include Chase & Status, Bugzy Malone, Goldie (Live), Ghetts, Andy C, Shy FX and Mala.

Check out this video to see for yourself some of the names appearing at Outlook this year…and to get a feel for the festival!

With a deep admiration for sound system culture, Outlook festival champions the scene’s hottest talent and newcomers alike – uniting thousands of bass lovers for four days and nights soundtracked by high grade sound systems channelling dubstep, house, bass, garage, grime, hip-hop, DnB and everything in between.

Waving goodbye to Fort Punta Christo, Outlook is making sure its final year at the fort will be one to be remembered.

Outlook Festival 2019 Line Up

As ever, the opening concert that kicks of the proceedings of Outlook will be at the stunning Arena – the Roman amphitheatre – in Pula. This year, Ram records label boss Andy C, South London rapper Loyle Carner, drum and bass master Shy FX performing live with his Ragamuffin Soundsystem, festival stalwarts Gentleman’s Dub Club and rising vocal talent Flohio will all join the final show in the stunning 2000-year-old amphitheatre.

But the rest of the festival is just as thrilling. This year sees some of the most exciting talent head to the fort including drum and bass duo Chase & Status making their debut with a RTRN II JUNGLE dj set, Manchester’s quick fire rapper Bugzy Malone, and DnB royalty and MBE holder Goldie performing live celebrating 25 years of Metalheadz.

Outlook Festival 2019 Credit: Perry Gibson — Credit: Perry Gibson

A solid crew of grime & rap talent joins this year’s edition, with figureheads Ghetts and D Double E representing East London. North Manchester’s hardest barrer Aitch and rising rapper Unknown T will be playing this year’s edition, whilst MCs Killa P, Irah and Flirta D are not to be missed. With beginnings in jungle/DnB and now firmly representing the grime scene, President T will be back at Outlook, alongside West London’s Big Zuu. On a hip-hop flex, DJ Amy Becker will be bringing her selections to the Adriatic coast, championing the new gen sound, elsewhere Estonian rap prince & rising star Tommy Cash will be sharing to the stage DIY popstar Jimothy Lacoste. Northern heroes Children of Zeus return to Outlook with their genre-spanning jazz infused hip hop whilst, soulful singer Eliza and South London’s Flohio and Sam Wise will touch the mic with their raw and poetic bars.

Supporting music from grassroots up, Outlook showcases some of the most notable names the drum and bass scene has to offer and this year is no different, inviting founding father Grooverider. Shy FX, a regular to the festival is also billed to play, alongside intelligent drum and bass stalwart LTJ Bukem. Calibre will also be bringing his signature liquid DnB sound. Take a trip down memory lane with Randall who will be joined by dBridge, championing the low frequency sound and The North Quarter label boss Lenzman.

Repping the roots and dub is reggae’s finest Sister Nancy & Legal Shot Sound who will be joined by Iration Steppas, Channel One and Mungo’s Hifi. Standout vocalist Eva Lazarus will make her return to Outlook alongside dancehall mainstay Seanie B.

Dubstep pioneer and Deep Medi boss Mala returns alongside Tempa affiliates Youngsta and Hatcha. Elsewhere Rusko, Joker, V.I.V.E.K, Commodo and Truth are joined by dubstep duo Sicaria Sound.

Expect sonic explorations from Holy Goof, who will be taking things darker and deeper, meanwhile innovative producer Alix Perez heads back to the festival – not to mention Ninja Tune veteran The Bug. Sound system dons O.B.F will be bringing along The 1 Crew whilst staple figure to the scene Zed Bias will provide non stop bass heavy anthems. Veteran Paradox will perform live, as well as Sam Binga – an unstoppable force in the bass music scene. On MC duties expect none other than Sgt. Pokes and SP:MC, Blackeye, Tempza & Pean.

Outlook Festival 2019 Credit: Callum Chaplin_OUTLOOK FESTIVAL SATURDAY NIGHT-37 (1) — Credit: Callum Chaplin

Making their return to Outlook, Kurupt FM’s very own Decoy & Seapa (MC Grindah) join a number of artists making a nod back to the old school days of pirate radio with plenty of selections coming from Matt Jam Lamont, Hollie Cook and Outlook mainstays 24 Hr Garage Girls. Known just as much for shelling out house & bassline as much as 2-step & jungle Jossy Mitsu – Astral Black affiliate rounds of the bill.

Getting to Outlook

Pula Airport is the nearest to the festival site, and there’s plenty of flights to here from the UK, Ireland and elsewhere in Europe – see our Getting to Istria page for more details. That page also gives you details of flying to other nearby airports such as Trieste, Venice Treviso or Venice Marco Polo.

Outlook Festival site Credit: Digital Anthill — Credit: Digital Anthill

Outlook Festival also organise coach packages and flight packages – see outlookfestival.com for more details.

Tickets for Outlook 2019

Tickets for the festival cost from £120 and can be purchased online at bit.ly/Out19_tkts. You can also get a festival and opening concert ticket and camping pass together and save over £30!

Tickets are selling fast, so act fast to snap some up for an exciting final year at Outlook’s stunning Fort Punta Christo location!

More on Outlook Festival 2019

Find out all the latest news and info on Outlook at outlookfestival.com, and seek them out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Outlook Festival
4th – 9th September 2019
Fort Punta Christo
outlookfestival.com

Dimensions Festival reveals stage breakdowns and takeovers

26th June 2018/0 Comments/in Festivals in Croatia, Fun, Istria, Nightlife

News is in from this year’s Dimensions Festival (29th August – 2nd September 2018) – a full run down of all the stage sets and takeovers has been revealed.

The day to day breakdowns for the ten stages have now been revealed – with takeovers from Hessle Audio, Zeezout, Resident Advisor, Stamp The Wax, Make Me, Electrix, Exit Records, JAW Family and more. Hosting acts include Underground Resistance, Peggy Gou, Nina Kraviz, Bonobo (All Night Long), Hunee, Jon Hopkins, Ben UFO, Saoirse, Maurice Fulton, Helena Hauff, DJ Stingray plus over 100 more acts.

About Dimensions

With no less than ten (ten!) stages at the Festival, Dimensions has fully confirmed its places as one of the most forward thinking electronic parties, bringing together the underground’s most dynamic, thoughtful and innovative artists.

Taking place over five days, the seventh Dimensions Festival will once more return to its idyllic abandoned fortress spot outside Istria’s main town Pula. All the old favourite Festival areas return, from the iconic Moat area through to the sun-kissed Beach stage. Attendees can discover fresh new breakout acts, or revisit classic talents that have laid the foundations.

As well at the main festival, Dimensions will also see a fantastic opening concert on the evening of Wednesday 29th August with Kraftwerk, Nils Frahm and Moodymann all performing.

Dimensions Stage Breakdowns

The Clearing

The Clearing will once again be delivering a quality set of names for 2018. Opening with a solid start, embrace the sounds of the motor city with Underground Resistance presents Depth Charge, plus electronica institutions Jon Hopkins and Petar Dundov. The Clearing starts as it means to go on with techno’s leading ladies Volvox and Nina Kraviz spinning all-encompassing electro, acid and beyond. Don’t miss mind live performances from Azymuth & Marcos Valle, The Comet is Coming andJames Holden & the Animal Spirits as well as angular beats from Avalon Emerson among Friday’s offerings. A testament to Dimensions’ diverse programming, catch DJ’s DJ Jon K, MXMJOY:[maximumjoy] and Rush Hour legend, Hunee, bringing those unforgettable, magic sunrise moments as well as Joe Claussell. The soundtrack to the final evening comes courtesy of Bonobo, playing all-night-long from soul and jazz, disco, house, electronica and beyond – in a way only he can.

The Garden Stage

The leafy GARDEN STAGE is another world within the festival. Lush green surroundings host an impactful set of names; starting with a journey through house, jazz and feel-good vibes galore straight from the Motor City, enter the Mahogani music godfather, Moodymann and vibe purveyors Amp Fiddlerand Marcellus Pittman. Eddy Ramich and legendary Leeds party crew, Cosmic Slop also join on Thursday. Friday we celebrate 30 Years of French institute, Rex Club with stellar selectors rRoxymore, Ash Lauryn, Gabriella Vergilov and Peggy Gou, while Saturday is and all-night affair on a cosmic tip with Margaret Dygas, Sonja Moonear, Ste Roberts and more on board. Finishing proceedings, rising talent and DJ Directory member Alex T and Mexico City’s underground hero, Leo Leal spin on Sunday night. A final treat for those in the know fabric kingpin, Craig Richards and wax wizard, Nicolas Lutz join forces to close the Garden with an over 5 hours of seam B2B blends.

The Void

A much loved zone with a mammoth sound system, The Void is a Dimensions arena that is loved by the masses, catering to the deeper, darker electronic palettes. First up to host is Resident Advisor, whereWillikens & Ivkovic go head to head with a genre-defying b2b session ahead of John Talabot. Hands in the air for Kuniyuki, and DJ Python’s reggaeton, deep house and breakbeat fusions. Catch Disco’s sweetheart IIl Bosco (Red Laser Disco), J.A.W. Family, Alexander Nut, Red Greg and Maurice Fultongracing the booth on Friday. A real underground affair is set for Saturday, one for electro aficionados, catch Chris CPU, Billy Nasty and Drexicyan explorations from the don, DJ Stingray, plus live sets for the modular heads; London Modular Alliance, Carl Finlow aka Silicon Scally and DMX Krew. Rounding off the weekend, is Dutch dream team, KAMMA and Masalo, local spinner, Ilija Rudman plus revered selectors, Palms Trax and Josey Rebelle.

The Moat

One of Dimensions most iconic arenas is The Moat; a 70 foot deep stage that is home to sounds that shake Pula to it’s core. With TRIP hosting first. Expect thundering techno and intergalactic explorations from Nina Kraviz. Joined by Detroit’s K-Hand, Bjarki and Volruptus (live), it’s Alien boogie from the off. Friday’s flavour electro and acid from old skool to new from Zeezout crew. Beat commander Helena Hauffheadlines, following Detroit In Effect, electro legends The Exaltics plus Courtesy and Daan Donk. JoinMassimo Mephisto and the festivals very own Dimensions Sound system, before a triple treat of rave obscurities, jagged beats and flat out belters from Discwoman’s Umfang and Anastasia Kristensenbefore high octane NRG from Paula Temple. Closing out on a high, embark on a final genre defying journey Sunday with the Hessle Audio power crew – Ploy, Pearson Sound, JLIN, Pangaea and the mighty, Ben UFO.

Stables

In the heart of the Dimensions Fortress, the vast STABLES boast another anticipated set of names, venturing through left-field rarities and body-moving beats with Dark Entries’ Josh Cheon, electronic explorations from Alessandra Adriana and more oddball grooves from Jon K, Heinrich Dressel & Teslasonic and Pierre. Stamp the Wax and DJ Directory venture from the ballroom bringing afro-beats, and sunshine sounds with Sean OD, Born Cheating, STW head honcho Aaron L and emerging talent,Will Lister. Embark on a journey through sonic explorations and darker persuasions start to finish from directory members Kiara Scuro, Batu, Skee Mask and Lee Gamble. Then soothe your soul with Music is my Sanctuary hosting Chicago hip-hop icon, Open Mike Eagle, Stones Throw founder, Peanut Butter Wolf and Milo, not forgetting bound-breaking crew Darker Than Wax.

Ballroom

The intimate 100 capacity BALLROOM is a firm favourite, giving way to hedonistic house, and far-flung oddities. This year, Stamp the Wax take the reins on Thursday and Sunday presenting the Dimensions DJ Directory – a motley crew of underrated and breakthrough selectors from across the Globe including the likes of Heels & Souls, Harri Pepper, Molinaro, Aaron L and Sam Hall. Friday’s flavour is hot house heat from RuDan, Ste Roberts, ASOK and more, while Saturday shines a light on Croatia’s emerging scene and it’s key players.

Arija & Courtyard

Offering local artists an international platform, ARIJA hosts both Croatian selectors with a full day takeover alongside discerning DJ’s and underground talent. Another spot for aficionados to find something new,Saoirse, Lady Blacktronica, San Soda and Sheridan are just a few names hitting the much loved COURTYARD this year, with respected party purveyors Journey Of Sound, Make Me and Love Muscle on takeover duties.

Subdub

MUNGO’S COURTYARD has been part of Dimensions since day one, the heart and soul of the festival with a system to reflect that. Dimensions mainstay and Deep Medi boss Mala heads up the Thursday bill, following DJ Lag, The Bug and Simon Scott (Muslimgauze Set). Friday is an exploration through bass with live sets from Bluetrain and Upwellings, plus a dub special from man of the hour, Skee Mask. An annual highlight, Saturday’s Exit Records takeover hosts DnB’s finest, with imprint founder dBridge as well as Steve Spacek, Skeptical and Fixate aboard. High-energy old skool sounds marry deep, off-kilter dub and bass with a vintage special from Dispatch x 1985 with Alix Perez, Ant TC1, Kid Drama, Amoss plusSP:MC & Fokus and more on board.

Beach

The spot to catch sets in the most idyllic of settings whilst relaxing on the Croatian shores, Dimensions’ BEACH STAGE sees acts wander through funk, world, soul, disco and more, with unmissable live shows. Thursday’s all about chilled beach vibes with Alfa Mist, Ariwo and the festival’s very own Dimension’s Soundsystem. Repping London’s free-form and jazz scene it’s Total Refreshment Centre and Ezra Collective, plus Sons of Kemet. Don’t miss Children of Zeus, Darkhouse Family and Palms Trax on Saturday, while the Sunday promises feel good vibes from Eglo Records familia with Fatima and Alexander Nut. Hunee soundtracks the final Adriatic sunset, the ideal end to Dimensions 2018.

To check full day-by-day stage breakdowns, head to www.dimensionsfestival.com.

Tickets for Dimensions Festival

Only final tier tickets – priced at £141 – remain, so be sure to snap them up fast! Buy online at bit.ly/2FszVGR.

More on Dimensions

For all the latest news, be sure to check out the official website as well Dimensions on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MTV SummerBlast Festival back in Porec…with Will Smith!

16th July 2017/in Blog, Festivals in Croatia, Fun, Istria, Porec

With the summer festival season in Croatia in full swing at the moment, here’s news of a fantastic end-of-season festival taking place in the pretty Istrian town of Porec. The MTV SummerBlast Festival will be held there on the 25th and 26th August 2017 with an amazing line-up – featuring none other than all-round international superstar Will Smith, alongside his long-standing musical partner-in-crime DJ Jazzy Jeff.

But there’s an even more amazing line-up besides these top two names! Top DJs and artists such as Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Oliver Heldens, Galantis, Jonas Blue, Duke Dumont, Tinie Tempah, Mike Perry, Far East Movement and R3wire & Varski will all also be appearing at MTV Summerblast!

MTV SummerBlast is visiting Porec for the second year in 2017, and this amazing line-up is sure to entice many of you to this beautiful part of the Croatian coast for a farewell to summer!

Tickets for MTV SummerBlast

Both 1-day and 2-day tickets are available. A 2-day ticket costs €67, whilst a 1-day ticket (for either the Saturday or the Sunday) costs €35.

VIP tickets are also available, priced at €150 for two days, or €100 for a 1-day ticket.

Tickets can be purchased on the official website: www.mtvsummerblast.com/en/tickets.

Travel and Accommodation for MTV SummerBlast

Travel packages are available which include accommodation as well as entry to the festival. Alternatively, you can also book official festival accommodation separately to your ticket. Full details are on the festival website’s travel section: www.mtvsummerblast.com/en/travel.

Porec has a wide variety of all types of accommodation otherwise – check out our Accommodation in Porec page for more.

The nearest airport to Porec and MTV SummerBlast is Pula Airport. Full details of which airlines fly there from the UK, Ireland and the rest of Europe is on our Getting to Istria page. Slightly further away is Rijeka Airport, which also sees a number of flights from all over Europe – see our Getting to the Kvarner Riviera page for details of these.

Trieste Airport in Italy is also a suitable place to fly to to reach Porec and Istria. We have plenty of information on Travelling from Trieste to Croatia which details bus routes over to Porec.

More information

For more info visit the official web page www.mtvsummerblast.com, Facebook page and festival Instagram.

New flights to Croatia for 2015!

6th January 2015/2 Comments/in Blog, Dalmatia, Flights, Istria, Travelling to Croatia, Zagreb

Happy New Year to all! The start of a new year – and a bout of the winter blues – normally always means the start of summer holiday planning. So what better time to look more closely at new flights to Croatia for 2015?

One of the most updated sections of the Visit Croatia site is our Flights to Croatia from the UK and Ireland page, which we regularly add to all the time as new routes and schedules get announced. We’ve had the page detailing 2015 flights up since around mid-summer 2014 (as flights always seem to get announced super-early!), but let’s finally put together all the information to see what’s new for 2015.

New flights to Croatia for 2015

Although there are now many, many flights to Croatia in summer, there’s plenty of new routes that have been announced for 2015! Even London, which already has flights to every (major) airport in Croatia, gets a few new routes.

For starters, British Airways have introduced a new London Heathrow – Split route. They will be flying twice a week from 3rd May to 20th September.

Easyjet are to introduce no fewer than four new routes to Split for 2015 – from London Luton, Manchester, Newcastle and Belfast airports. These routes will all start in June, operating through until late September/early October. They also have another new route for 2015 – London Gatwick to Pula.

Jet2.com have introduced two new routes – East Midlands to Pula and Edinburgh to Split, with each being operated on Sundays. As with all their flights to Croatia, these will fly from mid-May to the end of September.

Thomsonfly have introduced new routes to Dubrovnik from Bristol, Newcastle and Glasgow, plus a new route from Manchester to Split. All the Dubrovnik routes will fly on Thursdays, and will operate from 7th May to 22nd October. Manchester to Split will fly on Fridays from 1st May to 16th October.

The airline are also expected to start a service from Bristol to Pula, although we are currently awaiting further details of this.

Cancelled routes for 2015

Unfortunately, there are a few routes that have been scrapped for this year. Easyjet no longer fly to Zagreb, although luckily this airport is still served daily from London by both British Airways and Croatia Airlines.

Monarch no longer fly from Birmingham to Split, or from Manchester to Dubrovnik.

Flybe no longer operate their route from Birmingham to Dubrovnik, and now no longer have any flights to Croatia.

Changes in flight schedules

Easyjet‘s flights from London Gatwick to Split start at the same time of year (end of April), although daily services start a little later, in mid-May. However, their daily services to Dubrovnik from the same airport start earlier this year, also in mid-May.

They’ve upped flights to Bristol so there will be at least two flights a week throughout the season – although there’s three flights a week, as last year, during peak season (mid-June to mid-September).

Outside of August, Ryanair will fly to Pula twice a week (they flew three times in June and September 2014) and their five flights a week to Zadar will only operate in August.

Thomsonfly have upped the frequency of all existing flights to Dubrovnik (from London Gatwick, Birmingham and Manchester) to twice a week.

Jet2.com have also upped the frequency of flights from Manchester to Pula to twice a week.

As you can see, there’s plenty of ways of getting to Croatia from the UK and Ireland this year. Do take a look at our Flights to Croatia from the UK and Ireland section for full details of all flights to the country, including by destination and departure airport.

We hope you enjoy your flight to Croatia in 2015!

Visiting Croatia in September

21st August 2013/0 Comments/in Blog, Dalmatia, Events, Festivals in Croatia, Holidays in Croatia, Travel advice

Who would have thought it? We’re over halfway through August, which means we are most definitely hurtling towards the end of summer. (Although, personally, I definitely think summer runs until the seasons change in September. But then, I like to be an optimist about the weather.)

Some of you who are perhaps yet to take your summer hols, or are looking for a late summer trip to ease yourself back into autumn ways, may be thinking of visiting Croatia in September. You may be pleased to learn that September is considered the best month to visit amongst those in the know – the weather is still good (yes, you will – most probably – still be able to swim in the sea!), the high season crowds will have departed for home by the end of August, but everything – tourist-related – is still very much open.

The island of Vis

However, you probably have a whole list of questions – what’s there to do? Where shall we go? We’re here to help you with these questions and more if you’re considering visiting Croatia in September!

The weather in Croatia in September

First things first. This is something we always get asked – is the weather in Croatia still good in September? Yes, very much so. It may come as no surprise really – as a Mediterranean country, the summer weather continues long into September. The last few years have seen very hot summers in Croatia, and this glorious weather definitely hung around in the ninth month of the year. (In fact, even into early October too!) This year there’s also been a rather hot summer in Croatia with temperatures in so many places reaching the very high 30s celsius. In fact, during July, temperatures for practically the entire country were classified as being “very warm” or “extremely warm” (poor Vis was the only place in Croatia to simply be “warm”), whilst most of the country was considered to be either “dry” or “very dry”.

All in all, we expect the weather in Croatia to be great this September! The Croatian Meteorological Society has plenty of forecasts in English – at the moment, they obviously don’t show much data for September, but take a look at their seven-day forecasts a little closer to the time.

The sea off the coast of Croatia – having had all summer to warm up – will be great, temperature-wise, in September. Yesterday, for example, temperatures reached around 23/24C for many places, with the sea a few degrees colder in the north of the coast.

Disclaimer: Yes, of course, the weather everywhere is starting to turn a little crazy. So don’t hold it against us if conditions in Croatia inexplicably turn winter-y during September. That’s definitely not supposed to happen. And it’s very, very unlikely to happen. But if anything insanely crazy, weather-wise, happens…don’t blame us!

What’s on in Croatia in September?

Croatia has established itself as something of a prime festival destination in the last few years, with more and more dance festivals being added all the time to each year’s calendar. September is when the festival season winds down, but there’s still a couple of events taking place, both in Istria. The brand-new-for-2013 Unknown is being held in Rovinj from 10th to 14th September, with names like Jessie Ware, The Horrors, Jamie xx and SBTRKT all on the bill. Now in its second year, the electro festival Dimensions will be on in Pula from 5th to 9th September, making use of Fort Punto Christo that’s close to the town. (Dimensions is the “little sister” of Croatia festival favourite Outlook, which is on itself in Pula from 29th August to 2nd September.)

For the less dance music type events, there’s the Split Film Festival on from the 14th to the 21st September. The historical festival Gioistra – now in its seventh year – will be held in Porec from 13th to 15th September, with assorted costumes, revelry, sports, street entertainers and products on sale, all re-enacting 18th century times. The second Korkrya Baroque Festival is an international music festival on the island of Korcula, being held from 7th to 13th September. Zagreb hosts both the general entertainment festival RujanFest (literally, ‘SeptemberFest’) from the 13th to the 22nd September, as well as the 46th edition of the International Puppet Theatre Festival (9th to 14th September).

For those more keen on sports events, Croatia will host the Davis Cup tie against Great Britain in Umag (which means clay!) on the weekend of 13th to 15th September. And yes, Wimbledon champ Andy Murray is expected to play. Tickets can be bought on the ticket portal Eventim.hr.

Be sure to pop into the tourist office of wherever you are to ask for events taking place locally!

Where should I go in Croatia in September?

As we’ve covered so far, the weather will be great in September, so it’s hard not to pick a location on the coast. Dubrovnik should be as busy it always is, and there’s certainly a large number of cruise ships scheduled to dock during that month, bringing thousands of (day trip) passengers at a time. Split has had a great season so far, so it wouldn’t be any surprise to see this place as bustling as it has been. (Seeing as it’s Croatia’s second largest city, it is relatively lively all year round!) Some of the more popular islands, such as Brac and Hvar, and other popular locations on the coast (the Makarska Riviera) are still likely to receive a good number of visitors, even whilst the season starts to wind down.

If you’re after something a little quieter, perhaps consider the most outlying of all the larger Croatian islands – Vis. As a quieter and slightly mystical destination any time of year, we think this place would be divine in September. Other islands to check out include those in the Kvarner bay such as Krk, Cres, Losinj or Rab, all of which are perhaps not as well known amongst non-Continental European visitors.

Istria is of course one of the most popular destinations in the whole of Croatia, with delights such as Porec, Rovinj and Pula all located here. The county has suffered a slight fall in visitor numbers this year, but will still see good numbers overall. If you’d like to visit, why not consider something like a foodie or activity-based holiday – two things the region does very well! Check out Istria Tourist Board’s guides to gastronomy and sport.

From a logistical point of view, almost all flights from the UK to Croatia still operate in September – and well into October too. The one exception to this is Ryanair’s flights from London Stansted to Rijeka Airport stopping at the end of August. See our Flights to Croatia page for details of all routes to Croatia from the UK.

Do note that in almost all cases, ferry schedules will still be running to summer timetables until the end of September. Certainly, almost all of Jadrolinija‘s local routes remain the same until the end of September, as does their twice-a-week coastal route that runs Rijeka – Split – Stari Grad (Hvar) – Korcula – Mljet – Dubrovnik and vice versa. The exception lies with some of their international sailings (to Italy) that reduce in frequency in September, and again further in October. Venezia Lines‘ sailings between Istria and Venice will only operate from Porec and Rovinj during September.

Or check out Adriagate – they offer last minute discounts on accommodation for destinations all over Croatia!

All in all, if you’re visiting Croatia next month, we hope you enjoy your stay! Why not drop us a line on email, Twitter or Facebook to let us know how it went – we’d love to hear from you!

Croatia tourism statistics for January to July 2013 are in!

8th August 2013/0 Comments/in Blog, Dubrovnik, Istria, Split, Tourism stats, Zagreb

Statistics for the number of visitors travelling to Croatia in the first seven months of 2013 were released today – and despite some doom and gloom and uncertainty for this year’s summer season, they do indeed still show an increase on last year’s figures.

In total 6.6 million tourists – which includes both foreign and domestic – holidayed in Croatia from January to July 2013, which is an increase of 3% on the same period last year. These visitors stayed for a total of 36.5 million nights, which is an increase of 2.5%. Of these numbers, almost six million were foreign visitors to the country (up 4%), who stayed for 33 million nights (up 3.3%).

The month of July alone also saw increases in visitor numbers. 1.1% more tourists visited the Croatian coast and Zagreb (the two main tourist centres in the country!) than in July 2012, 3 million visitors in total. These visitors stayed for a total of 21.3 million nights, which is also an increase of 1.1% on the same month last year. Of these numbers, 2.8m were foreign visitors (an increase of 1.7%) who stayed a total of 19.3 million nights (up 2.5%).

The majority of the Adriatic counties all posted increases in visitor numbers and nights stayed for the month of July, although there were also some falls. Istria, in particular, received 3.2% fewer visitors who stayed for 2.2% less nights. Zadar county was the only one in Dalmatia to record a fall in visitor numbers and nights stayed – of 1.6% and 3.5% respectively – whilst the other Dalmatian counties recorded relatively healthy increases. Split-Dalmatia county saw 6% more tourists who stayed for 5% more nights, whilst Dubrovnik-Neretva county – home, of course, to the wonderful and ever popular Dubrovnik – received 4.4% more visitors and 3.6% more nights. (For the purpose of completeness, we can mention that Sibenik-Knin county got 3.8% more visitors who stayed for 4.7% more nights.)

It was away from the coast, in Zagreb, that the largest increases in visitor numbers and nights stayed was recorded. 14.6% more visitors came to Zagreb in July 2013 than in the same month last year, staying for 18.6% more nights.

Source: Jutarnji

Boombarstick Urban Arts and Music Festival in Vodnjan, 3-7 July 2013

22nd May 2013/0 Comments/in Blog, Culture, Events, Festivals in Croatia, Istria

It may be no surprise to our regular readers that Croatia enjoys a very healthy cultural calendar each year, with some wonderful film, dance, theatre, art and other events taking place each summer, all across the country. We’d like to use this post to highlight the Boombarstick Festival which will take place for the first time in July in Vodnjan, Istria – an independent, urban arts and music festival that will feature a full line-up of art exhibitions and concerts, as well as featuring workshops and also showcasing locally made products.

Of great importance to the festival and something that plays a large part in its background is the setting in Istria. This particular region of Croatia is one has a very vibrant history – having been under the rule of numerous tribes, leaders and countries over the centuries – but one that has also been peaceful, meaning that today, different ethnic groups and cultures coexist in harmony. Boombarstick’s aim, in a year that Croatia is to join the EU (on 1st July), is to show that Istrian and European cultures can (and should) influence and enrich themselves, but also that Istrian people should treasure their culture – one that is unique and constantly evolving – and share it with others, and not seek to replace what they have with some kind of European dream. Boombarstick will offer up a kind of “momento” for Istrian collectivity, but also show that the town of Vodnjan has much to offer artistically, musically and culturally – three “languages” that can be understood by anyone, wherever they are from.

The above series of images show the first wallpainting of 2013 in Vodnjan, created by Aec from Interesni Kazki for the Boombarstick preview a few weeks ago (click on any image to enlarge)

What’s on at the Boombarstick Urban Arts and Music Festival

The art programme at Boombarstick will see a fantastic collection of outdoor wallpaintings, showcased in some of the less fancy spots in town, plus installations set up in hidden parts of Vodnjan. An indoor art show will also exhibit the works of some of the local artisans. Artists exhibiting their works include Croatian sculptor Franco Manzin; underground, UK-based comic-artist Phlegm; street artist OKO from Croatia; Sam3, a wallpainter from Spain; Italian graphic designer and urban artist Giorgio Bartocci; Ukrainian wall-painter duo Interesni Kazki; graphic artist Ludo; NeSpoon from Poland; and Croatian illustrator Miron Milic. Below you can see the works of some of these artists (click on any image to enlarge).

Eme

Sam3

Giorgio Bartocci

Remed

Emilio Cejalvo

Franco Manzin

Local bands and artists will make up part of the musical element to the festival, which will also see international DJs and acts perform…with a few secret parties thrown into the mix too! Acts appearing include funky, punky hip hop outfit Debout Merci!; Croatian DJ Sisma; folk-poet Ardzen; French beatboxer Spleen; Brixton, London-based ska-gypsy band Drunken Balordi; swing/rock ‘n’ roll band Minima Social Club; and Croatian hip hop band Soundcheck Regaz.

As mentioned, Boombarstick will also host workshops during the Festival’s run, and these will be dedicated to local students although some will also allow entry to all. These seek to teach culture and explore creativity, whilst also establishing a connection between the people attending and some of the artists taking part in Boombarstick.

“Local heros” from Vodnjan will also be on hand, showcasing their tasty products – from food to oil and wine, and more!

It’s free to enjoy all the events at Boombarstick – how fantastic! If you can make it to Vodnjan in July, we’d highly recommend you visiting and joining in with this arts and music festival!

Accommodation for Boombarstick

For those attending the festival, there are a number of easy accommodation options available to you. An improvised campsite will be set up a short distance from the Festival; the site will have full facilites including toilets and showers, food and beverages, and will also provide tents to rent. Camping will be a great way of mingling with fellow festival-goers, allowing you to get to know each other!

It will also be possible to rent apartments and private accommodation in Vodnjan, for those looking to explore and experience the town a little better.

The above options can all be booked via the Boombarstick Accommodation page at www.boombarstick.com/. There’s a whole host of different packages on offer, including those that offer airport transfers, boat trips, excursions and a beach chill out day, so be sure to check these all out!

The above link also lists all the ‘extras’ that are available in addition to the Festival – from the aforementioned boat trips and beach chill out day, to a Cheese Appreciation Day and a Arts of Istria Tour!

Support Boombarstick

Boombarstick is a fully independent festival (and, as mentioned above, there’s no entry charge to any of the events), so if you’d like to help support its first edition and the great team behind it, check out their Indiegogo campaign: www.indiegogo.com/projects/boombarstick-street-art-music-festival. There’s a number of great perks on offer if you contribute to their campaign.

More on Boombarstick

For full details about the Festival and all of the artists and musicians taking part can be found on the official Boombarstick website. Do also keep with with the latest Festival news on their Facebook page!

Boombarstick
3rd – 7th July 2013
Vodnjan (Digano), Istria
www.boombarstick.com

Join the contemporary dance festival – Dance and Non-Verbal Theatre Festival San Vincenti – in Istria this July!

16th May 2013/0 Comments/in Blog, Culture, Events, Festivals in Croatia, Istria

The Dance and Non-Verbal Theatre Festival San Vincenti returns this July for another wonderful event! Now in its fourteenth year, this contemporary dance festival will take place from the 19th to the 22nd July in the very pretty town of San Vincenti (known as Svetvincenat in Croatian), which is located in inland Istria. A number of wonderful and varied performances of contemporary dance, physical theater, mime, circus performances and street art will take place, as well as educational seminars and workshops, with artistic groups from both Croatia and abroad both being featured.

Dance & Non-Verbal Theatre San Vincenti Festival Istria

The Festival was founded in 2000 by the Zagreb Dance Company, a contemporary dance group who have performed at many top events in Croatia, including the very famous Dubrovnik Summer Festival, one of the country’s most well-known events. The group have also performed at a number of festivals abroad, including events in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Mexico, Korea and Egypt.

Over the years the San Vincenti Festival has seen more than 150 Croatian and international dance groups perform 190 plus productions. The Festival’s aims to promote contemporary dance in Istria and Croatia for the enjoyment of both locals and visitors have clearly been realised, and the event has also helped promote creativity and inter-cultural dialogue.

Last year saw a full programme of events, with dance groups from Croatia (of course!), Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and France all take part. Performances included the circus show De pied ferme by Belgium group Wazovol; Animal by Spanish choreographer Daniel Abreu; and Sad Sam Lucky by Croatian artist Matija Ferlin, a piece that evolved from the Festival’s residential programme.

All performances take place in three venues in and around San Vincenti – in the Renaissance Square (where free performances take place); at the Art Centre; and also in the wonderful Kastel (Castle) Grimani. Tickets for performances at the latter two events can be obtained in advance via the Festival website, or on the day of the performance.

This year’s programme is due to be revealed very shortly, so stay tuned to the Festival website for full details: www.svetvincenatfestival.com.

Dance & Non-Verbal Theatre San Vincenti Festival Istria
In front of Castle Grimani

Dance & Non-Verbal Theatre San Vincenti Festival Istria
Renaissance Square

Festival Istria - PROmjene, Zagreb Dance Company
PROmjene, Zagreb Dance Company

Festival Istria - Fragments, LesSlovaKs
Festival Istria – Fragments, Les SlovaKs

Festival Istria - Memory of Water, Masa Kolar
Festival Istria – Memory of Water, Masa Kolar

Dance and Non-Verbal Theatre Festival San Vincenti
19th – 22nd July 2013
www.svetvincenatfestival.com

Travel question: Travelling from Ljubljana to Pula

16th May 2013/1 Comment/in Blog, Istria, Pula, Travel advice, Travelling around, Travelling to Croatia

Hi there, not sure if you’re able to help us at all but my friend and I are coming to Croatia this August for a festival in Pula. We are landing from London in Ljubljana, Slovenia at 19:00 on 27/08/13 and need to get to Pula to our apartment. We want to know if there is a relatively cheap/safe way of us travelling this distance at this time. The apartment owners are aware that we need a late check in but we want to arrive there at a reasonable time. Any information you have would be greatly appreciated. O. H-S

Unfortunately, I have to say that you will find it difficult to travel from Ljubljana to Pula at that time of the day (well, evening). There is a direct daily bus from Ljubljana to Pula at that time of year, but it runs at 9.30am. (See the timetable on the FILS website – scroll down for the seasonal, summer line.) I believe a one-way ticket should be about 200 Kunas, or the equivalent in Euros.

The alternatives I would suggest also don’t really work at that time of the day. I would have suggested getting a train from Ljubljana to Rijeka, but the two a day are at 6.35am and 3.10pm. (From Rijeka to Pula there are several buses per day.)

Another possibility would be to take a train to Zagreb (if you did this, it would be best to take a taxi from Ljubljana Airport to Kranj, which is about 15 minutes away, rather than travel to downtown Ljubljana, about 30-45 mins away), and then a bus to Pula.. There are several trains per day from Kranj (or Ljubljana) to Zagreb but again, these all run before your 7pm arrival time.

(If you wanted to look up train timetables, the Die Bahn website is the best place to do this.)

These above options are all relatively cheap and safe (travelling in Croatia/Slovenia is very safe, just use your common sense with personal possessions, of course!) but, obviously, the most important issue is that they don’t get you to Pula the same day! Aside from renting a car (which isn’t an especially cheap option, and not everyone wants to drive) I’m afraid the best thing I would suggest would be to stay in Ljubljana one night and then get the bus direct to Pula the next morning. I’m assuming you’re attending Outlook so the bus will still get you there in time for the opening concert on the 28th. (Not sure if you’ll be able to amend your booking in Pula by a day.)