Here’s a selection of articles on Croatia from 2014 – with newspaper and magazine articles, and some blog entries too.
Barbarellas Discotheque – in The Garden Tisno – is one of the 25 of the best clubs in Europe – chosen by the experts, according to The Guardian
Will Coldwell, The Guardian, 29th December 2014
Hvar, at least, seems to be where everyone from my office is going on holiday (obviously I’m at pains to tell them I first went years ago). But in neighbouring Vis you have a beautiful island which, due to a well-documented accident of history, really is like stepping back in time. The reason? Well, during the turbulent recent history of Croatia (then part of Yugoslavia) Tito, the people’s dictator, used Vis as a military base. As a result, the place was closed off from foreigners, and even domestic visitors, from the end of World War II until the early ‘90s.
Islington Gazzette, 27th December 2014
The article: Step back in time on the island getaway of Vis, Croatia (link no longer works)
Six years ago Zagreb was named in a poll as the most boring capital city in Europe. Stung by this criticism, the city has now made itself more visitor friendly and has a feast of annual exhibitions, festivals and cultural attractions.
Rob Parsons, Yorkshire Post, 21st December 2014
The article: Croatia: A Taste of the Balkans
Overshadowed by beach destinations of the south, Zagreb, Croatia’s inland capital, should not be missed.
Frances Aguilar, San Diego Reader, 20th December 2014
The article: Zadar Under the Radar
Often referred to as “the pearl of the Adriatic,” Dubrovnik, Croatia is a popular stop on Eastern Mediterranean cruises. A fortified seaside town with impressive walls, and pretty as a picture with buildings with red tile roofs that shimmer in the sun against the blue of the sea, Dubrovnik has enough beauty, legend and history to satisfy the most experienced cruise passenger.
Georgina Cruz, Orlando Sentinel, 10th December 2014
The article: Cruise Port Spotlight: Dubrovnik, Croatia [link no longer works]
Before I arrived in Croatia, people told me that it was one of the most beautiful places in Europe. “If you love Italy, you’ll love Croatia,” they said. “After all, the Croatian coast is where the Italians go to vacation.” Most of Croatia’s coast is along the historic Dalmatian region — a place that perfectly meshes Italian and Eastern European inspirations in architecture, food, and even language.
Gigi Griffis, Huffington Post, 10th December 2014
The article: Croatia: Explore this beautiful country’s Dalmatian coast
Dubrovnik, Croatia – The taxi driver picked us up atthe Dubrovnik airport, spun us up and around a mountainside road, and stopped in front of a gray bunker, announcing “Here you are: Villa Dubrovnik.” Nothing around the bunker looked anything like the boutique hotel that we had understood to be convenient to the dock where in a day we were scheduled to embark on a cruise ship through the Adriatic Sea. All it had was a door.
Julie Hatfield, The Boston Globe, 29th November 2014
The article: Villa Dubrovnik, a cliff with an Adriatic view
Defiant, quirky and oh-so-zany, Zagreb is probably one of europe’s best-kept secrets. With most tourists heading for the sunny coastline, the capital is often overlooked. But walk the cobblestoned streets and you’ll find surprises lurking at every corner. A troubled history of annexation, mental remnants of the Soviet era, coupled with the disintegration of yugoslavia to form an independent Croatia, have lead to fractured psyche. But one that has found release in weird and wonderful ways. the result – nothing is too off-beat for Zagreb.
Kiran Mehta, Gulf Business, 29th November 2014
The article: Travel Review: In Croatia’s Quirky Capital
If you travel to Croatia, you need to like ruins, because these leftovers from centuries past are everywhere. Luckily, the history of Croatia is relatively easy to learn and remember: nearly everything was built in the 15th century, destroyed in the 17thcentury, and rebuilt in the 18th century. You will see Roman forums, like the one in Zadar and palaces like Diocletians Palace in Split, and, of course, small churches and historic ruins in almost every town you visit.
Diane Newcomer, The News Star, 22nd November 2014
The article: Croatia, rich in culture, history, friendly folks
A toaster, a stiletto, an empty box of gourmet popcorn, Bob Dylan’s book Tarantula, an axe, a wedding dress and a stuffed caterpillar toy with its limbs torn apart could seem like a strange assortment. But they are not part of a collection of junk items in an old attic; they are ruins of real, or supposed, love on display in the Museum of Broken Relationships in Zagreb, Croatia.
Deepti Patwardhan, The Indian Express, 16th November 2014
The article: Heartbreak Hotel: A museum in Zagreb displays tokens of failed relationships
Hello! magazine selects Dubrovnik as one of its 10 winter destinations for the perfect weekend away
Hello!, 5th November 2014
In 2004, my husband Lief, our two children, and I spent a week touring around Istria, Croatia, with a focused agenda. We were in the market for one of the old white stone houses you find across this peninsula. To that end, Kaitlin, 15, Jackson, 5, Lief, and I, in one car, followed our property agent, in her own car, from one stone farmhouse to another, up and down the narrow winding roads of these mountainsides, through the medieval villages, and past the ever-present fields of olive trees, grape vines, and sunflowers.
Kathleen Peddicord, Huffington Post, 3rd November 2014
The article: Retire To Istria, Croatia, For The Best Of The Old World
Some useful tips on Croatia included in this piece on How to InterRail on a student budget
Philip Bowne, The Guardian, 31st October 2014
Croatia can lay claim to nearly 80 islands in the Adriatic Sea, along with hundreds more islets. In fact someone has even counted up the number of rocks. For the record there are, apparently, 642. Although spending time on an uninhabited islet has appeal to some, most travellers to the Croatian islands are looking for a few more home comforts. Hvar, which is easily accessible from Split on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, is considered the most fashionable; a small Adriatic playground for the rich and sometimes famous. It’s also one of the most beautiful of the islands – and one of the most aromatic.
Jill Worrall, Stuff.co.nz, 30th October 2014
The article: Calm sailing into fair Hvar
As the plane circled in over Istria, small little islands dotted around the sparkling aquamarine seas, evoking dreams of a lazy sunfilled holiday but it is the region’s kitchens and wineries that are luring in tourists.
Louise Hogan, Independent.ie, 28th October 2014
The article: James Joyce hated the place – but for a novel holiday try gorgeous Istria
I see them for the first time almost as soon as I begin wandering around the city — bright, shiny, plump, deep red hearts. They are everywhere in multiple sizes, hanging on strings, decorated with white trimmings and delectable. I quickly realize why Zagreb — Croatia’s capital — is called the city with a million hearts.
Anita Rao-Kashi, The Economic Times, 26h October 2014
The article: Croatia’s capital Zagreb: The city with a million hearts
“How long could you survive in Croatia?” I’d seen these words and a picture of Bear Grylls spray-painted onto a wall in downtown Zagreb the day I’d arrived. Now, as I paddle against a howling headwind that flings spray into my face halfway through an 11-day sea kayaking trip through the northern Adriatic, they’re haunting me.
Louise Southerden, Illawarra Mercury, 26th October 2014
The article: Kayaking holiday in Croatia: Paddle in paradise
The city [of Dubrovnik] is well matched to its alter ego as King’s Landing, the capital of Westeros. Its fortified battlements, great gates, drawbridges, baroque buildings and medieval monuments appear to have leapt straight from the pages of George R.R. Martin’s novels; no more so than at dusk when swallows wheel and Gothic shadows loom in the tightly wadded streets.
Teresa Machan, The Daily Telegraph, 14th October 2014
The article: Game of Thrones season five: Dubrovnik walking tour [Link no longer works]
Located on Korcula, one of 1185 islands in Croatia and reputedly the birthplace of Marco Polo, the tiny seaside village of Rasisce is a rare gem on which to stumble in bustling peak season southern Europe.
Greg Stolz, The Daily Telegraph (Australia), 9th October 2014
The article: Where to find Europe’s top island holiday spot – without the tourists
BBC News takes a look at Croatia and the EU – what difference has a year made?
Guy De Launey, BBC News, 29th September 2014
Herald Scotland provides a guide to getting the most out of your holiday to Croatia – Destinations: Croatia
Herald Scotland, 29th September 2014
The road I’m cycling down just turned into a river. When the deluge begins, I’m nearing the end of my 19-kilometre ride from Hvar Town to Stari Grad on the glitzy Croatian island of Hvar. In about two minutes flat, I’m drenched. Passing cars throw tidal waves in my direction, but I’m so wet I don’t even care. More sensible people cower in bus shelters and gawk at the drenched girl whizzing by.
Emma Gilchrist, Calgary Herald, 26th September 2014
The article: Cycling Croatia’s Glitzy Party Island Hvar
In honour of this being made on the BBC’s Great British Bake Off, The Daily Telegraph prints a recipe for povitica/potica: Great British Bake Off recipe: how to make povitica
Paul Clements, The Daily Telegraph, 24th September 2014
The first time we see Dubrovnik, it’s at dusk on a warm, still evening. As we file over a drawbridge and through Pile, the main entrance to the Old Town, we immediately step back in time. The high city walls surround us and ahead we can see the Lovrijenac and Bokar forts. A medieval group are playing what look like ancient mandolins and flutes. The effect is spellbinding. We think we’ve travelled back centuries – no wonder they film Game Of Thrones here. It couldn’t be more atmospheric.
Justine Holman, Daily Express, 20th September 2014
The article: Step back in time and explore the location of Game Of Thrones: Discover Dubrovnik
The New York Times checks out the history of the maraschino cherry, which originally of course came from…Croatia! Who Made That Maraschino Cherry?
Melanie Rehak, The New York Times, 19th September 2014
I don’t know how many in our group of 23 cyclists were religious, but I’m certain we were all thanking the heavens when we took a short break outside a tiny church in a tiny town on the Adriatic coast. We were halfway through our first ride of a weeklong trip through Croatia’s north and central Dalmatia regions. The day’s distance, just shy of 50 km, wasn’t notable. But we had just completed our first major climb of the week, several hundred metres on an incline of 12.5 per cent.
Maryam Siddiqi, Canadian Cycling Magazine, 19th September 2014
The article: Croatia’s Dalmatian coast by bike and boat
This year, we set our sights on Croatia, the Holy Sepulchre of all-over tans. Our pilgrimage—which took us from Rab Island, where Europe’s bare-all trend first flourished, to Koversada, the Continent’s largest naturist resort—elicited the usual familial unease when we shared our plans.
Tristan Rutherford, The Atlantic, 17th September 2014
The article: Where Nudism Took Off
Bar More in Dubrovnik is on the list of CNN Travel’s 6 of the world’s best subterranean bars
Rob Crossan, CNN, 15th September 2014
Just like the coat of the region’s namesake dog, the coast of Dalmatia is spotted — with countless tiny islands. Most are uninhabited, but one little isle in the Zadar Archipelago recently become a hot destination for honeymooners and other lovestruck couples, thanks to a fortunate geographic accident. The so-called “Lover’s Island” isn’t the heart of Europe, but it’s certainly Europe’s most heart-shaped getaway.
Ken Jennings, Huffington Post, 11th September 2014
The article: The World’s Most Adorable Island
For at least a decade I have been bombarded with proclamations from friends and strangers that Croatia is the most beautiful place in the world. Having travelled a fair portion of the planet in my 28 years, I denied that anywhere could match Rome, my favourite city. But at last I decided to put it to the test – and found myself sitting at Gatwick Airport, arms tightly folded, marinaded in a light scepticism.
Jameela Jamil, Daily Mail, 8th September 2014
The article: No sign of Brangelina, but plenty of glamour! Radio 1’s Jameela Jamil reveals why she’s fallen in love with Croatia (except for the angry sea urchins)
A great collection of 21 Breathtaking Fairytale Photos Of Croatia
Ailbhe Malone, Buzzfeed, 3rd September 2014
Prehistoric experts in Croatia claim to have found what they say is the world’s oldest Aga. The 6,500-year-old oven was unearthed in a ancient home during an archeological dig at a Neolithic site in Bapska, a village in eastern Croatia, which experts say is one of the most important in Europe.
Daily Mail, 26th August 2014
The article: Unearthed in Croatia, the Stone Age Aga: Archaeologists discover 6,500-year-old oven that provided cooked food, heating and hot water like modern day version
Way back in 1964, the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock declared that Zadar had the most beautiful sunset in the world, more beautiful than the one in Key West in Florida, applauded at every evening. The locals of the tiny Croatian town on the Adriatic Coast took him seriously. They framed and put up his words by the waterfront and went on to celebrate the beauty of the shores by putting up a sound and light show. The Sea Organ and the Sun Salutation, the unique creation of architect Nikola Basic is the latest crowd puller to the town of Zadar.
Tanushree Podder, Pune Mirror, 17th August 2014
The article: Travel: Music of the sea [Link no longer works]
Warning: This beach will make you want to hop on a plane to Croatia ASAP. The search for the perfect beach is never-ending, from a white sand paradise in Australia to an epic strip of sand in Greece, yet somehow each find is better than the last. Brela is another one of those insanely gorgeous, impossibly perfect places.
Lisa Miller, Huffington Post, 16th August 2014
The article: Brela Is The Secret European Beach Retreat You’ve Been Dreaming About
I emerged as we were pulling into the beautiful harbor at Vis. Calm blue waters, cream-colored stone buildings with terra cotta roof tiles, a proud church steeple in the middle, green hills in the background. I felt much better. The house we checked into, Villa Serena, consisted of three floors of overstuffed sofas, shabby chic country décor in soft pastels, and a balcony overlooking the harbor. Exactly, in other words, what a beach house should be. It was time for a swim. We walked 100 yards to the edge of the harbor, waded in, and splashed away an hour.
Pavia Rosati, Forbes, 16th August 2014
The article: Conquer The Croatian Islands By Boat
Our first official day began with a guided tour of ancient Pula. Of particular interest is the magnificently preserved amphitheatre, and the locals are very proud of James Joyce, who chose to live there for over two years. We stopped off for lunch at Beccaccia – set in rolling green countryside less than a kilometre from the centre of Fazana. Here guests can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool and traditional Istrian cuisine. It’s always a good sign when locals are the regular patrons.
Gerry McLoughlin, The Cork News, 14th August 2014
The article: A Foodie Tour of Croatia
A stunning set of images: The Adriatic’s Titanic, The Baron Gautsch, Turns 100
The Daily Beast, 13th August 2014
Still something of a secret to the world at large, Istria, Croatia, still plays host to a certain 1950s Riviera mood, a backdrop that’s sure to be embellished by an impressive set of new five-star hotels.
Josh Sims, Billionaire, 11th August 2014
The article: Luxury Travel in Istria, Croatia: Riviera Revival
We were spending the day driving around the Istrian interior, and there would be plenty more sudden stops like this one. Because at every turn, this corner of Croatia had another surprise up its sleeve. In Groznjan it was the café set up on the medieval honey-coloured battlements with views that stretched for miles. In Vizinada it was the crumbling Venetian square. And in Livade it was a giant truffle.
Helen Ochyra, Daily Express, 9th August 2014
The article: Medieval ruins, gastronomic delicacies and crystal clear sea: Discover Istria
From Ibiza to Croatia, European beach clubs: The Big Six
Nancy Hughes, The Independent, 9th August 2014
Nautika in Dubrovnik is one of The Telegraph’s Incredible Outdoor Restaurants
The Daily Telegraph, August 2014
Croatia is included on 10Best’s Readers’ Poll of the Best Wine Regions to Visit
10Best, August 2014
After two days of museum hopping in cloudy Zagreb, I set out to explore Istria’s coast. A smooth, three-hour drive takes me to the bright hills of the Istrian peninsula. I check into the sprawling Park Plaza Histria resort in Pula and take in the views of the quaint bay, sailboats and rocky beaches from my balcony at sunset. I’m enjoying this restful moment before I head out to Outlook, an independent music festival that takes over the city for four days, headlined by big-name acts such as Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def), Pharoahe Monch, Jay Electronica and Grandmaster Flash.
Shirine Saad, The National, 31st July 2014
The article: A different outlook on Croatia’s Istrian coast [Link no longer works]
Twenty-two years ago, Dubrovnik was under constant attack from land and sea, during the Yugoslavian war. Today this ancient walled city is also subject to a daily siege. Not from hostile Serbian artillery, of course, but from hordes of eager tourists. On busy days, several thousand passengers spill out of their cruise ships.
Christopher Middleton, Daily Mail, 30th July 2014
The article: The angel of the Adriatic: Exploring the real Dubrovnik (far beyond the cruise terminal)
The time between touchdown at Dubrovnik in Croatia and the first drink on our hotel room balcony clocked in at just under half an hour. Below us was the Adriatic, with the twinkling lights of the fairytale medieval city across the bay. The trick is not to stay in Dubrovnik at all but Cavtat (pronounced tsavtat), a beautiful little town that sits just ten miles down the coast.
Andy Lea, Daily Star, 27th July 2014
The article: Lose yourself in the fantasy setting of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast
The Balkan Peninsula’s new megatrail is as much about imbibing culture as it is about bagging peaks. In his first dispatch from the trail, the author embarks on a 1,250-mile journey across six countries.
Alex Crevar, Outside, 21st July 2014
The article: A Balkan Journey: Slovenia to Croatia
The ancient Roman province of Dalmatia stretched along the Adriatic from what is now Croatia south into Montenegro. Today cruise ships and chartered boats ply the shoreline, dropping anchor in secluded coves or docking alongside old cities to allow visitors to go ashore and explore.
Katherine Rodeghier, Daily Herald, 20th July 2014
The article: Hidden gems of the Dalmatian Coast: Stunning scenery, rich culture make these Adriatic ports worth a stop
If Dubrovnik is the pearl of the Adriatic, then Zadar is surely the plum. Not only does it have more history than its famous sister city to the south – it’s much older, founded 3,000 years ago – but Zadar also seems to be bursting with fresh flavours, new ideas and a youthful vigour.
Suzanne Morphet, The Globe and Mail, 18th July 2014
The article: Is this the most awesome city on the Adriatic coast?
Coastal Istria has long been a holiday destination, with the Roman amphitheatre of Pula a major attraction, and the town of Rovinj offering cool sophistication. The countryside inland is relatively new to tourism but its forested rolling hills, topped with fortified villages, like Motovun, is startlingly attractive.
Rupert Parker, Huffington Post, 16th July 2014
The article: Planet Appetite: A Taste of Istria, Croatia
Rovinj is on this CNN list for the Best Romantic Summer Getaways
Emma Sloley, CNN Travel, 16th July 2014
Conde Nast Traveller India recommends that you visit Hvar as one of the Best Islands in Europe
Laura Griffith-Jones, Conde Nast Traveller India, 15th July 2014
Renowned for its enchanting architecture, translucent azure waters and dazzling sunshine, it’s little wonder that Dubrovnik has been a top Mediterranean tourist destination for several centuries. At the southernmost tip of Croatia on the Adriatic coast – now a UNESCO world heritage site – it has won the heart of everyone from Byron to Beckham.
Victoria Ferran, Huffington Post, 14th July 2014
The article: 48 Hours in Dubrovnik
To those who have been to Croatia, the mere mention of the ‘C’ word is enough to invoke dewy-eyed affection and wails of nostalgia. Many have long known that Croatia – only three hours away from Dublin by plane – is a divine marriage of Mediterranean influence and exotic Balkan charm.
Tanya Sweeney, Independent.ie, 13th July 2014
The article: Croatia: Keep calm and carry on up Istria’s coastline
Some of the most die-hard football (soccer) fans come from Split – this article follows them: Croatian Soccer’s Pyromania
Matt Negrin, New Yorker, 11th June 2014
A useful story of visiting a Croatian hospital as a foreign national: Blood tests, x-rays, ultrasound within 40 minutes of getting to hospital – in Croatia
David McWilliams, Independent.ie, 9th July 2014
Dubrovnik is one of these Eight Great Places to Watch The Sunset
Kathleen Peddicord, Huffington Post, 2nd July 2014
As well as black truffles, which can be harvested year round, the more unusual white truffle can be found on higher ground in Istria between September and January, and sells for up to €10,000 per kilo. The start of the white truffle season is celebrated each year in nearby Buzet, the self-declared “City of Truffles” where the Festival of Subotina is held. The celebration involves a giant omelette containing two thousand eggs and 10kg of truffles which is cooked in the main square on the second Saturday in September.
Cal Flyn, The Independent, 15th June 2014
The article: Croatia: Hunt out an authentic flavour
Dubrovnik truly is an architectural masterpiece – even the children let out a small gasp when they first set eyes on it. The city has been an important port from the 13th Century onwards. It was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1667, and it was shelled repeatedly during the Balkan wars in the 1990s, but is now the focus of a major restoration programme co-ordinated by Unesco.
Dan Hipgrave, Daily Mail, 15th June 2014
The article: Dotty about Dalmatia: Croatia’s fabulous coastline and rich heritage make it one of Europe’s hottest destinations
Split, Croatia – Palm trees, radiant sunlight and a wine-dark sea: This is where Odysseus might have taken Penelope for a getaway weekend and simply… stayed. The spectacular stretch of the Adriatic coast facing Venice has drawn visitors since it was founded as Illyria in 350 B.C.. Signing the guestbook:Roman emperors, Byzantine pirates, Venetian merchants and Napoleon.
Christine H. O’Toole, Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 14th June 2014
The article: History enhances Croatian coast’s beauty
The narrow street below is quiet. On one side are the high walls of a church, and on the other, the walls reach right up to the city walls where we are, with lamps set into the walls. Just one or two people pass along the limestone paving stones, but in “Game of Thrones” it was the set for a bustling market scene, with carts, goats, horses, dogs, and peasants selling everything from fresh fish to fruit, as the characters Tyrion and Bronn walked and plotted.
Yvonne Gordon, The Boston Globe, 14th June 2014
The article: ‘Game of Thrones’ fans can scout these locations
Ahead of the World Cup, The Guardian printed a reader’s recipe for cevapi
The Guardian, 7th June 2014
Alfred Hitchcock said of Zadar – the stunning Croatian city on the edge of the Adriatic – that it had “the most beautiful sunset in the world”. He wasn’t wrong. The view across the sea at sunset in Dalmatia is amazing and worthy of the praise. So too is the diversity of the Croatian landscape around Zadar – it is so rich and varied that I pack more into four days than I usually do in week-long stay elsewhere in the world.
Louise Daniel, Plymouth Herald, 7th June 2014
The article: Falling for Croatia
This is Iloki Podr[i]um, one of Croatia’s oldest wineries, where the still-used cellars were dug straight into the hillside above the Danube in the 17th century, each lined on either side with oak barrels as far as the eye can see.
Bristol Post, 6th June 2014
The article: Travel to Croatia: It’s all a matter of taste
There’s a couple of Croatian entries in The Telegraph’s guide to Europe’s best hidden beaches: Secret Seaside
The Daily Telegraph, 6th June 2014
Fittingly for the coastal town of Zadar, I realised that its townspeople appreciate the elements. As you walk along the seafront you can hear slow, melodic sounds – as if a whale or a large cruise liner were off somewhere in the distance. Beneath your feet, a sea organ makes these sounds. Designed by local architect Nikola Bašić, it takes the natural tidal energy of the sea and turns it into off-beat, leisurely music.
Rob Grant, Manchester Evening News, 6th June 2014
The article: An arty and active adventure in coastal Croatia
Croatia is one of The 14 Places You Should Visit in 2014, according to the Business Insider
Jennifer Polland, Business Insider, 4th June 2014
The Plitvice Lakes National Park is – of course – one of The 35 Most Amazing National Parks on Earth
Huffington Post, 4th June 2014
Most visitors to Dalmatia head straight for the islands, but the Makarska Rivijera on the mainland coast, between Split and Dubrovnik, is home to some of the country’s loveliest stretches of beach. Running from Brela in the north to Gradac in the south, the riviera is 38 miles long and centres on Makarska.
Jane Foster, Daily Telegraph, 3rd June 2014
The article: Makarska, Croatia: Secret Seaside
For much of the past two decades, Spain’s Balearic island of Ibiza has been the summer capital of electronic music events in Europe, but in the past five years it has been usurped by an unlikely contender: Croatia.
Adam Wright, South China Morning Post, 1st June 2014
The article: Ibiza losing summer music festivals crowd to Croatia
It was perhaps the ideal introduction to Dubrovnik. I walked past the statue of Saint Blaise and through the grand stone arch of the Pila gate and entered the old walled city. And standing there before me was a group of a few dozen men idling around the large, domed 15th-century Onofrio fountain. The sight of them gave me a start, for they were variously dressed in doublets and hose, heavy tunics and floppy hats, and the brown robes of Franciscan monks. Their fashions were as old as the fountain around which they lingered.
Davin O’Dwyer, Washington Post, 29th May 2014
The article: In Dubrovnik, Croatia, fantasy and reality seem to live side by side
A cutesy article (or rather, listicle) from the Huffington Post on 13 Reasons Why You’re Winning At Life If You’re In Croatia
Kate Auletta, Huffington Post, 29th May 2014
I may have been driving a 50cc scooter rather than a gadget-enhanced Aston Martin but it was the theme tune to the 007 films that raced to mind as I rounded the corner of the spectacularly scenic road that winds its way through the northern extremity of the Croatian island of Vis. The reason? There across a glistening stretch of crystal-clear water was a sleek but slightly stark concrete opening built into the rocks that for years served as the entry and exit point for the submarines of the Yugoslav navy.
Adrian Bridge, Daily Telegraph, 20th May 2014
The article: Vis, Croatia: an island fit for a Bond villain
The stampede to Croatia takes place every summer but one island has been curiously overlooked: Losinj. This gently undulating pineforested beauty, measuring 20 miles long by two wide is in the northern Adriatic, just south of the Istrian peninsular. Without any celebrated cultural icons to boast about, Losinj may not compete with the likes of Dubrovnik or Split.
Rory Ross, Daily Mail, 18th May 2014
The article: Croatia’s best-kept secret: The tiny island of Losinj is big on wellness, secluded beaches and tranquil fishing villages
Dubrovnik’s cable car is on the list of the World’s Coolest Tram Rides
Huffington Post, 16th May 2014
Zagreb’s Museum of Broken Relationships is included in this guide: Europe’s oddball museums broaden perspectives
Rick Steves, Chicago Tribune, 13th May 2014
Ours, the 85-foot Eleganza, spends her time navigating the 3,625 miles of Croatia’s rugged coastline and the 1,185 islands, islets and reefs sprinkled along it. Marko, Eleganza’s skipper and owner, might query my use of the possessive pronoun but the delicious sense of ownership, albeit only for a few days, is surely one of the best parts of chartering a boat with family or friends.
Gabriella Le Breton, Daily Telegraph, 12th May 2014
The article: Croatia by gulet: a gentle cruise around the Dalmatian coast
Slow-paced Zagreb is an easy place in which to commence our Balkan rail adventure. It’s early summer and many locals have shut up shop, decamping to Adriatic beaches and leaving behind a pleasant, out-of-season vibe that ripples through the city. In the Old Town – filled with pretty cupola-topped buildings and cherry blossom – we pass hours in cafés, sipping ice-cold Croatian wine.
Caroline Eden, Metro, 6th May 2014
The article: Take a romantic rail trip through the Balkans and get your love life on track
We had not initially included Plitvice in our plans, but in reading about Croatia’s wonders beyond the famous shoreline, we decided not to overlook this lauded park. As we drove, the country’s splendors quietly unfolded before us, with miles and miles of pine-covered mountains flanking the highways, vast meadows, bucolic country lanes and verdant hillsides sprouting Alpine-style houses.
Alison Shore, LA Times, 4th May 2014
The article: Croatia, where water park meets World Heritage Site
I have written guidebooks for many years, so it has long been a necessity to find out as much about a place as possible before I visit. It’s also basic common sense – travel is more rewarding when you know something of your destination. Not so in Istria, a peninsula in northern Croatia, hard by Italy and Slovenia, where for once I embarked on a walking holiday with friends without the first idea of the land, the language, the people, the food, the culture, or even the currency.
Tim Jepson, Daily Telegraph, 28th April 2014
The article: Croatia walking tour: ignorance is bliss in the hills of Istria
Before 1991, I had barely heard of Croatia and Bosnia. Torn apart by war from 1991 to 1995, the countries came into the American consciousness in an abrupt manner — yet another tragic story that seemed so far removed from life here. After the war ended, those countries just drifted away for a couple of decades, left to rebuild their severely damaged cities.
Jeanette Darnauer, Aspen Times, 27th April 2014
The article: Croatia and Bosnia: A world of enchantment, discovery
A couple of Croatia’s festival’s are included in The Telegraph’s Music festivals 2014: guide to the best in Britain and Europe
Natalie Paris, Daily Telegraph, 19th April 2014
Donning a tin hat for a night out seems extreme but it’s a direct order from the captain. I’m certainly glad of it when the shots start flying. The barman smacks another full tequila glass against the helmet, causing my skull to reverberate, cartoon-style. Above me, a bevy of French girls dancing on the bar shriek: ‘Down eeeeeeeet.’ Welcome to Hvar, the St Tropez of the Adriatic, where the young, rich and beautiful come to party – and where our yacht pulled up a few hours earlier.
Metro, 16th April 2014
The article: Party your way around the Dalmatian coast aboard a yacht that won’t bust your budget
Rovinj tops the list for Where to go on holiday 2014: These are the top 10 destinations that everyone will be talking about this summer
Adam Withnall, The Independent, 13th April 2014
My seagoing experience was limited to occasionally shopping at Old Navy, but the race was taking place off the stunning Croatian coast (now so familiar to watchers of “Game of Thrones”), so I fibbed and said that I could batten hatches, trim hedges, and do whatever else it was that sailing journalists apparently do.
Lance Gould, Huffington Post, 10th April 2014
The article: Finding Rock and Roll Nirvana. Or at Least One of Their Dads.
A glorious photo album from CNN on Croatia’s 20 most beautiful places
CNN.com, April 2014
Osijek itself is a modestly-sized city (pop 114,000), picturesquely positioned on the river Drava. Attractions include a fortified centre (the Tvrda…) dating back to the 18th century, the splendidly neo-Gothic Church of St Peter and St Paul and the grand Europska Avenija, along which can be seen some excellent examples of the Art Nouveau architecture popular in this part of the world in the late 19th century and a slightly unnerving statue entitled Soldier in the Throes of Death.
Adrian Bridge, Daily Telegraph, 2nd April 2014
The article: Osijek, Croatia: gateway to Slavonia
If asked to name the countries that made up the former Yugoslavia, most Americans would be hard-pressed to answer. But if they could, Croatia would likely top the list. With 1,118 miles of stunning coastline, more than 1,000 islands and regular visits from cruise ships to the pristine walled city of Dubrovnik, Croatia is an increasingly well-known travel destination for adventurers with a love of history, culture and dramatic scenery. Now, it’s also becoming known for its high-quality wines.
Jeff Jenssen, Wine Enthusiast, April 2014
The article: Croatian Wine on the Rise
Huffington Post looks at The 10 Most Beautiful Places in Croatia
Huffington Post, 31st March 2014
While much of historic Split is dedicated to tourism, ordinary life co-exists with the stream of visitors. We looked through the windows of a bank where sleek modern office furniture covered with computers rested on marble floors installed 1700 years earlier. The assistants in an upmarket shoe boutique clacked their way over another section of Roman pavement.
Jill Worrall, The Timaru Herald, 31st March 2014
The article: A place by the sea
A guide to buying property in Dubrovnik: Property in Dubrovnik: The Lowdown
Liz Rowlinson, Country Life, 23rd March 2014
Holidaymakers and celebrities flock there but on Saga’s most intimate ship, you can leave the crowds behind and see the delights of Dalmatia that big cruise ships can’t reach.
John Honeywell, Daily Mirror, 23rd March 2014
The article: Croatia cruise: There are 101 reasons why you’ll love visiting the Dalmatian coast
An article on the Croatian cherry liquer, Maraschino: On Delicious Maraschino (The Adriatic Liqueur, Not The Freaky Garnish)
Shaun Layton, Scout Magazine, 20th March 2014
Buzzfeed lists 11 Reasons Why You Should Visit Croatia Immediately
Lara Parker, Buzzfeed, 18th March 2014
Dubrovnik was one of Huffington Post’s Top 10 European Cities at Spring
Huffington Post, 15th March 2014
A look at the filming locations for Game of Thrones, including Dubrovnik: Set-Jetting in Croatia & Iceland
BOE Magazine, 13th March 2014
The “Dalmatian islands” are one of AOL Travel’s top Honeymoon destinations in Europe: the pick of the best
Amelia Amin, AOL Travel, 12th March 2014
For Croatia, making sure the five children on the tiny island of Susak get good schooling is not only a civic responsibility, it’s a way of ensuring the viability of its sparsely populated Adriatic islands.
Lajla Veselica, Phys.org, 14th March 2014
The article: Croatian island children connect with online learning
Croatia is on Huffington Post’s European Hotlist 2014
Anisha Shah, Huffington Post, 12th March 2014
What do you get when you cross the well-known Zinfandel with an obscure, ancient Eastern European grape variety? Plavac Mali, progeny of these two varieties and Croatia’s most widely planted red grape.
Courtney Schiessel, The Daily Meal, 11th March 2014
The article: Plavac Mali, Zinfandel’s Long-Lost Croatian Relative
I first went to Hvar in Croatia two years ago. On that trip there were five of us and we stayed in a hostel, which was great. But last summer we were lucky enough to stay in the Amfora, the island’s most luxurious hotel, which made for a totally different experience. I love Croatia. After my first visit I knew that I had to return as soon as I could. Everything about the place is extraordinary.
Jamie Roberts, Daily Mail, 9th March 2014
The article: Captivating Croatia: How Hvar won the heart of Welsh rugby star Jamie Roberts
A quick snapshot of Osijek: Travel tips: holidays in Croatia and this week’s best breaks at home and away
Joanne O’Conner, The Guardian, 9th March 2014
The New York Times looks at Housing Hunting in … Croatia
Alison Gregor, The New York Times, 5th March 2014
Flying in along Croatia’s Dalmatian coastline offers a tantalizing preview of the sprawl of islands below, where I would soon be sailing, cycling and swimming on a week-long island-hopping mini-cruise.
Richard Powell, Huffington Post, 5th March 2014
The article: An Adriatic Island Adventure, by Sail or Cycle
Most of us have heard about Dubrovnik’s charms, but Zadar in the western corner of Croatia has pretty beaches, sunshine and medieval history on its doorstep. Even better, there are fewer tourists. It’s a two-hour flight from the UK, and travel in June — when we are here — and you’ll avoid the Germans and Austrians who have been parking themselves on the sunbeds for years. We are spending a week based in the lively city and on the island of Pag, from which the crumbly local sheep’s cheese takes its name. Zadar, home to around 70,000 people, is a joy to explore, with pedestrianised streets that seem made for strolling.
Diana Riley, Daily Mail, 5th March 2014
The article: Coasting along in Croatia: Combining island hopping with the lively city of Zadar
A look at a particular Croatian ritual: Enough to scare away a phantom? Sheepskin-wearing bell ringers ward off evil spirits in terrifying village parade
Daily Mail, 2nd March 2014
Business Insider recommends visiting Dubrovnik as one of the 100 Trips Everyone Should Take In Their Lifetime
Megan Willett, Julie Zeveloff & Jennifer Polland, Business Insider, 27th February 2014
Istria is one of The best wine regions for winter and spring travel according to USA Today
Danae Mercer, USA Today, 25th February 2014
The Adriatic coast of Croatia – and particularly the 140-mile stretch of Dalmatia – is a water world of beauty. Pastel houses sit in picture-perfect fishing villages, harbourside cafés teem with elegant holidaymakers and deep-green waters lap the edges of sugar-shored islands.
Metro, 24th February 2014
The article: Travel to Croatia and experience the beguiling water world of the Adriatic coast
Korcula is one of Huffington Post’s Europe’s Lesser Known Seaside Escapes
Huffington Post, 24th February 2014
Buzzfeed’s list of 19 Truly Charming Places To See Before You Die include Split
Rachel Zarrell, Buzzfeed, 19th February 2014
Sound travels a long way on water, so we could hear them coming. Until that point, the only sound was the screams and splashes of those brave enough to leap off a cavernous Soviet submarine bunker into the clear Croatian water. The faint beat of music gets louder and louder, reaching a crescendo of Eurotrash dance-pop as the offending boat rounds the coastline into the bay. The catamaran circles endlessly in the middle of all the moored yachts with speakers, smoke machines and confetti cannons all blaring.
Jared Savage, The New Zealand Herald, 18th February 2014
The article: Croatia’s crystal coastline
And yet, for all its dreams of transforming into a glitzy yachtsman’s paradise, Croatia remains a place rooted to the past — “the Mediterranean as it once was,” to quote the tourist board. By sea, that dual nature shines through. As Robert, the manager of the yacht I was on, put it, “on a boat, you get the best picture of Croatia. One night you’re dancing in some fancy shmancy harbor town, and the next morning, you’re in a fishing village — the real Croatia.”
Marc Mewshaw, The Boston Globe, 15th February 2014
The article: Kicking back on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast
The “Istrian Peninsula” is included in National Geographic’s list of Top 10 Valentine’s Day Retreats
National Geographic, February 2014
Jerolim, near Hvar, has one of the The 7 Most Secret Nude Beaches In Europe
Suzy Strutner, Huffington Post, 1st February 2014
You would think that a restaurant in a garage on the outskirts of Zagreb, Croatia’s hyper-urban capital, can only be daunting or alluring. Magalinska Klet bistro is alluring, worth the train ride and a 20-minute walk into the working-class neighborhood of Tresnjevka.
Molly Kravitz, The Boston Globe, 28th January 2014
The article: Garage on outskirts of Zagreb is worth train ride
Dubrovnik is one of the 50 Incredible Travel Destinations to Consider for 2014
Huffington Post, 27th January 2014
The Croatian capital is not short of historic buildings, ancient churches and well-stocked art museums, but the Museum of Broken Relationships, now with a permanent location in an elegant palace in the baroque Upper Town, has swiftly become one of the city’s most popular attractions.
Peter Neville-Hadley, Toronto Sun, 26th January 2014
The article: Croatia museum a real heart breaker
A great selection of Croatia: Reader’s Tips – well worth a read!
Daily Telegraph, 26th January 2014
Croatia is now definitely “in”, with some 400,000 arrivals from the UK in 2013, up 25 per cent on 2012. The newest member of the EU, all but forgotten for almost a decade following the war (1991–1995) that saw the break-up of Yugoslavia, is firmly back on the summer destinations map. And with its stunning coastline, unspoilt nature (including eight national parks) and beautifully-preserved centuries-old harbour towns, it offers a less commercial take on the sun, sea and sand holidays you would expect in Greece or Spain. So where exactly should you head for?
Jane Foster, Daily Telegraph, January 2014
The article: Croatia summer holidays guide: 2014
A nice selection of scenes of Zagreb – in images and video – in 22 Photos That Show Why The Capitals Of Serbia And Croatia Are Europe’s Hottest New Destinations
La Carmina, Business Insider, 21st January 2014
I stop to catch my breath, turn around and – wow. It’s a perfect view. In the foreground, the dark green tufts of the treetops; above them the steely blue of the Adriatic and the blinding blue of a cloudless sky. This is Lokrum, a tiny island off the coast of Dubrovnik that can be reached by a 15-minute ferry ride, and we seem to have it all to ourselves. Well, apart from the peacocks that live here.
Helen Ochyra, Daily Express, 18th January 2014
The article: Cocktails at the beach, nature reserves and ancient walls: Best things to do in Dubrovnik
Varazdin is named as one of the 52 Places to Go in 2014 in the New York Times’ excellent list
The New York Times, 11th January 2014
I am cursing myself for having forgotten my street map for the city of Pula, on the Istrian peninsula in Northern Croatia. But I’m determined to find the Roman amphitheatre I’ve read so much about. My three children follow me surprisingly patiently despite the 36C heat. Nearing the port we turn a corner where, towering above a line of nondescript street buildings, sits probably the most impressive – and well-preserved – ancient structure I have seen in years.
Catherine Eade, Daily Mail, 7th January 2014
The article: Belly laughs, sunset swims and finding Tito’s hideaway on a family trip to Croatia
One bar in the former Yugoslavia has the distinct honor of straddling a disputed border. Enjoy a beer in two different countries…just don’t let the guards catch you crossing the line.
Jeff Campagna, The Daily Beast, 6th January 2014
The article: Half of This Bar Is in Slovenia, the Other Half Is in Croatia
So when you’re cruising the Croatian coast with the windows down, and the traditional local folk music blaring, the last thing you want to see is a dark black cloud obscuring the horizon. As it turned out, our driving experience in Croatia happened to coincide with a series of severe thunderstorms.
Richard Beech, Daily Mirror, 3rd January 2014
The article: Driving cars on the Croatian coast – a great way to escape Three Lions mediocrity
While I was gone, Zagreb lived through war, then welcomed peace. But my relationship with it never turned peaceful. Having left my parents and oldest friends behind, I returned at least once a year. Sometimes I stayed a few weeks. Typically, toward the end of week two, I’d begin to feel a tightness in my chest, the skies would start closing in around me, the facades would appear even grayer, the streets — even on a sun-splashed day with packed sidewalk cafes — dull.
Anja Mutic, Washington Post, 2nd January 2014
The article: Learning to love Zagreb, Croatia, the city she grew up in