Destination Update: New flight routes to Pula, Croatia’s first waterpark in Istria and couples-only hotel in Dubrovnik
Jet2 expands regional routes to Croatia
Jet2 has announced new weekly flights between Edinburgh and Pula and increased the number of flights from Manchester to Pula starting from May 2014. The picturesque Istrian town will soon be a quick weekend gateway for travellers from Scotland and the North West of England at just over two hours flight away. Jet2holiday customers can also book ATOL-protected holiday packages to Croatia. Located on the Istrian peninsula, Pula is renowned for its impressive Roman amphitheatre and inviting crystal clear waters, perfect for a relaxing beach holiday or cultural break. For more information, please see here.
Additional flights to Dubrovnik from Norwegian Air and BA
British Airways and Norwegian Air are increasing the number of departures between London Gatwick and Dubrovnik, the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’. UK travellers will be able to take in the iconic sights of Dubrovnik’s mighty walls, its delicious Ston oysters and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the old town with BA’s flights taking just two hours and 35 minutes. For more information, please visit here and here.
New 2014 flights from Scotland to Split with easyJet
From summer 2014, Scottish travellers will be able to experience the charming city of Split with the impressive Diocletian’s Palace thanks to direct flights from Glasgow airport. Taking just over two hours, Split is an affordable and a quick city break for Scots seeking a cultural weekend away. For more information on Split, please visit here or see here for more information on flights.
Croatia’s first waterpark to open in Summer 2014
Due to open in June 2014, the unique Istralandia water park is set to welcome even more family travellers to the heart-shaped region of Istria. Covering an area of more than 81,000 m2, the waterpark boasts 20 different slides and a large artificial wave pool – perfect for those wanting to brush up on their surfing skills or float on the many inflatable doughnuts. Adults can enjoy the hydromassage pool complete with waterfalls and beds, while kids will love the ‘Tartufon’ attraction, a replica of the world’s largest truffle in the Mirna valley, with its water eruptions, fog machines and fountains. For more information, please see here.
First couples-only hotel in Dubrovnik
Koločep Island, the smallest of the three inhabited Elaphiti islands off the coast of Dubrovnik, is set to gain its own couples-only hotel in 2014 – the first in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Karisma Hotels Adriatic will invest nearly nine million Euros into converting the existing property into the perfect child-free zone for loved-up couples looking for tranquillity and beautiful sunsets. Getting to the island is easy with a regular ferry services available from Dubrovnik’s Port of Gruz. For more information, please see here.
New luxury adults-only hotel on the island of Brač
Villa Dalmatina is a luxury four-star hotel located near Croatia’s most famous beach, Zlatni Rat, on the island of Brač. Specifically designed for those travelling without children, the modern hotel boasts 11 attractively furnished apartments featuring large walk-in bathrooms, terraces with spectacular sea views, a heated outdoor pool and exceptional hospitality for a romantic Adriatic break to remember. For more information, please see here.
First five-star hotel opens in Opatija
The stunning Bevanda hotel in Opatija is the first five star hotel in the Kvarner Region and offers ten sumptuous rooms with terraces overlooking the Croatian Adriatic. Situated directly on the beach, each room is named after a famous celebrity that has stayed in Opatija in the past, including Albert Einstein and Giacomo Puccini. The hotel has a gourmet restaurant and boasts a selection of over 600 wines and champagnes and a cigar and cognac lounge bar. For more information, or to book your stay, please see here
Sea turtle rescue centre opens in Mali, Lošinj
The Adriatic Sea off the coast of Croatia is home to the endangered Loggerhead turtle. The Sea Turtle Rescue Centre in Mali, financed by the European Union and IPA Adriatic Cross-border Cooperation Programme, provides vital rehabilitation and care for injured sea turtles. The centre is part of the Sea Science Centre and visitors can enjoy learning about the species, how human activities have affected them and how they can help protect the turtles. The rescue centre hosts a number of recovery pools and release events, so that visitors can see their return to the wild for themselves. For more information, please see here or here.
Mushroom museum opens in Zagreb
Zagreb has become one of the few cities in the world to have a museum exclusively dedicated to mushrooms. The museum, which opened over the summer in the capital’s central square, Ban Josip Jelačić, plays host to around five thousand exhibits and also features an education centre. The importance of conservation is highlighted through a number of workshops, lectures and excursions and is suitable for all ages. Visitors can learn everything about the diverse fungi kingdom, including how to identify the edible species from the poisonous ones. For more information, please see here.
Enjoy camping this winter in Porto Sole, Istria
Outdoor enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that the Porto Sole campsite in Istria is now open all year-round. With its fantastic range of sports facilities, sheltered bay, guided tours and on-site workshops, Porto Sole is fast becoming a popular family-friendly resort. Winter guests will now benefit from a complimentary massage and free internet use during their stay, as well as the chance to take in various local events happening in and around the nearby town of Vrsar, including the Santa Clause House in Kaštelir and Livade’s Truffle Days. The campsite comprises of 221 pitches with electricity and water, a swimming pool and a wellness and fitness centre. For more information, please see here.
New horse riding arena in Đakovo opens
The State Stud Farm in Đakovo has opened a new horse riding arena offering a number of activities for visitors including training and dressage. State Stud Farm was founded in 1506, making it one of the oldest horse farms in Europe, and representing the long tradition of horse breeding in the area. In addition to riding activities, the farm also breeds horses and is renowned for producing horses which rank highly in competitions. Located in Slavonia, Đakovo is home to the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, one of the most famous landmarks of the region. For more information, please see here.
Zadar Tourist Board launches Secret Zadar app
The Secret Zadar app allows visitors to quickly explore and discover Zadar’s rich and vibrant history on their smartphones. Its aim is to connect modern technology with the hidden history of the coastal city. Each story is accompanied by a historical photograph, which can be shared among friends or posted via social media sites. This educational app is ideal for tourists wishing to learn more about the Zadar Sphinx, Alfred Hitchcock’s visit in 1964 and the doomed bridge while on the go. For more information or to download the app to your iPhone or iPad, please see here.
Croatia pulls in the celebrities in 2013
This year has seen top sporting celebrities, royals, pop stars and tech powerhouses gracing Croatia’s stunning coastline and historic cities. In particular, tennis fans saw British Wimbledon champion Andy Murray in action in Umag, who was also watched by special guest, the Duchess of Gloucester. Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates enjoyed a family holiday in Dubrovnik, where he took a boat trip to Croatia’s greenest island Mljet. Croatia has also been blessed with great live music in 2013 with Bryan Ferry, Mark Knopfler and Robbie Williams all taking to the stage in Dubrovnik and Zagreb.
Tourism Awards
Camping Zaton wins award for best family-friendly campsite
For the seventh time running, Zaton holiday resort has been awarded the title of the Best Family Campsite by the German ADAC camping guide. With its idyllic seaside setting and at only 15km from the lively town of Zadar, Camping Zaton is proud to be the only Croatian and one of only 14 European campsites to be awarded the special tribute by ADAC. Please visit here for more information on Zaton holiday resort or to book your next family camping holiday in Croatia, please see here.
Lošinj recognised for its commitment to sustainable development
The island of Lošinj received the prestigious Skål International Sustainable Development in Tourism Award on 29 September 2013. The island is an example of how tourism development can prosper while respecting the principles of sustainable development. For more information on the award please see here and visit here for more information on what to see and do in Lošinj.
Gold Eco Award 2013 goes to Lanterna Campsite
The Lanterna campsite in the ancient Roman town of Poreč has won the Gold Eco Award, presented by Eurocamp and Keycamp. Awards are given to campsites that have shown significant environmental progress. Sustainable indicators include reducing pollution, preserving natural resources and applying the highest standards of environmental protection. For more information, please see here.
Events and Festivals
1 December – 1 January 2014: Advent in Zagreb
Spend the run up to Christmas in Croatia’s capital and enjoy a rich programme of live music, theatre and dances from 6pm every day for a city break to remember. Expect festive stalls bursting with traditional Croatian delicacies and crafts located on Zagreb’s main square and streets, as well as in the nearby romantic Zrinjevac Park. For more information, please see here.
13 December – 06 January 2014: Dubrovnik Christmas Market
In December, Dubrovnik will enchant visitors with its magical Christmas lights, decorations and popular market. Dubrovnik’s Christmas Fair at Sponza Palace is guaranteed to get visitors into the Christmas spirit with its packed programme of carol singing, dances and diverse variety of arts and craft stalls, as well as sweet local delicacies, including candied almonds, deep fried biscuits and doughnuts. For more reasons to spend the festive season in Dubrovnik, please see here.
13 December – 10 January 2014: Čazma Christmas Story, Central Croatia
To celebrate Christmas, a 67-year old former telecommunications engineer decks his country estate in the village of Grabovnica in Central Croatia, with over 1 million glittering lights. The Christmas light tradition began 11 years ago, and now the Salaj family house and garden attracts visitors and locals alike for its colourful, sparkling Christmas scene, with its light shaped stable, manger, Santa Claus and reindeers. For more information on this charming Croatian Christmas story, please see here.
-Ends-
For further press information please contact:
Helen Batte / Jasmin Othman / Tim Thackray
T: +44 (0)20 3440 8927
E: [email protected]
About Croatia
Croatia; the Mediterranean as it once was, offers 1,244 islands strung along its stunning Adriatic coast, boasts 16 UNESCO Heritage Sites and eight national parks as well as an excellent tourism infrastructure. From the café culture of its historic cities to the rugged landscapes of continental Croatia, with a packed calendar of festivals and events and a host of home-grown gastronomic delights, Croatia is the ideal holiday destination.
For more information visit www.croatia.hr or call on (0)20 3440 8930.
