Destination Update:
Croatia still popular with UK & Ireland visitors
UK holidaymakers to Croatia have increased by 10 per cent between January-June 2014 compared to the same period last year. This year has also seen a massive 17 per cent rise in Irish visitors to Croatia against the same period in 2013. In total, 140,519 Brits holidayed in Croatia while 14,184 Irish visited the destination between January-June 2014. Identified as key tourism markets at the start of 2014, these figures suggest that the Adriatic gem is on track to see a fourth consecutive year of growth and cement its position as one of the top short-haul destinations for UK & Ireland travellers. For more information on what to see and do in Croatia, please see www.croatia.hr.
Croatia’s first Ice Bar opens in Dubrovnik
Last month Croatia welcomed Onofrio’s Ice Bar, the only one of its kind in Croatia. This new edition to the Dubrovnik bar scene will be open all-year round and is located next to Onofrio’s Fountain to allow tourists and locals to ‘chill’ out in the height of summer. Local sculptor, Ivo Jasic, was commissioned to sculpt the landmarks of the city for visitors to enjoy as they enter the bar. Thick waterproof jackets are given to visitors to keep them warm while chilled drinks keep them refreshed. Check out the Ice bar by visiting their Facebook page here.
New 4 Star hotel opens in Split
Split’s new four star hotel, Cornaro, opened on the 23 June and is ideal for both leisure and business travellers. The modern hotel boasts 34 beautifully appointed rooms and two suites which retain a strong sense of the building’s historical heritage. Designed by a local architect team, Atelier Šverko & Šverko, the hotel is ideally located in the heart of the ancient city, meaning guests can easily explore Diocletian’s Palace, soak up the vibrant café culture on the Riva Promenade by day or check out Split’s growing nightlife scene. For more information, please see here.
Istria’s new waterpark is now open
Situated just north of Porec, Istralandia Aquapark opened on 21 June 2014 and is the perfect day out for families hoping to stay cool in the hot Croatian sun. The park offers beautiful views of the Adriatic coast, 20 slides and three pools suitable for all ages and abilities. The park boasts the highest slide in Croatia, the Free Fall, and the largest whirlpool in the Mediterranean, as well as a variety of bars, restaurants, live entertainment, volleyball and badminton facilities to keep kids and adults happy all day long. For more information, please see here.
Zagreb’s secret courtyards & gardens now open to the public
Running from 18 – 27 July, the unique closed courtyards belonging to the state or families in Zagreb’s Upper Town, will open their gates to visitors for the first time. The programme called ‘Each courtyard has its story’ will describe the history behind each courtyard and secret garden and drinks, snacks and live music will also be on offer. From the beautiful courtyard of the Balbi Palace and the fascinating garden of the State Archive to the inner courtyard of a renowned Croatian sculptor, tourists and locals alike will be able to enjoy a different side of the capital this summer. For more information please see here.
Events & Festivals:
1 July – 31 August: Ugljan Island Cultural Summer, Zadar
The island of Ugljan is buzzing throughout the summer months and will appeal to visitors who want to delve deep into local Croatian culture. Events will be held in a different location every day, meaning visitors will be able to explore the island fully while taking in everything from Poetry Evenings to Boat Processions. Ugljan is part of the Zadar archipelago and boasts lush Mediterranean vegetation, including olive and fig trees, as well as the stunning sandy beach of Muline bay. For more information please see here.
5 July – 15 August: Musical Evenings in St. Donatus, Zadar
The Church of St Donatus is the most prominent cultural feature in Zadar. During July and August, the church is home to the Musical Evenings festival where medieval, renaissance and baroque concerts are held. The acoustics and magnificence of the church provide an emotive experience – you are encouraged to close your eyes, breathe deeply and surrender to the music. For more information please see here.
10 July – 25 August: 65th Dubrovnik Summer Festival, Dubrovnik
This festival is the oldest and most famous of all Croatian festivals and has been running since 1956. The festival involves incredible classical music and world-class theatre performances in renaissance venues such as the Minčeta Fortress and the Rector’s Palace. Over 2,000 artists are expected to turn the Old City with its magnificent City Walls into a stage and this year’s highlights include Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and the David Gazarov Trio. For seven weeks, visitors to the Pearl of the Adriatic, will be able to combine a ballet performance on the city’s streets with day trips to the nearby Elaphiti islands or a trip to Mount Srd on the cable car. For more information please see here.
25 – 27 July: Rab Fiesta, Kvarner
Rab Fiesta runs from the 25-27July, during the holidays of St. Jacob, St. Ana and St. Christopher. As a celebration in honour of King Ludwig the Great, visitors to Rab can expect to be taken back in time to its medieval past to see competitions of chivalry including The Rab Crossbow Tournament, where knights compete for the award. Medieval dress, musicians and flag bearers all contribute to the distinct atmosphere of the town and everyone is welcome to join in the procession through the streets. For more information please see here.
3 August: Sinjska Alka Chivalric Tournament, Split
To celebrate the victory by the people of Cetinska Krajina over the Turkish army in 1715, each year ‘warriors’ participate in a game on the battle’s anniversary. To this day, traditional locations are used to hold the authentic game ‘tilting at the ring’, attempting to hit the target with a spear whilst riding a horse at full gallop. The winner is entitled to the honours of his heroic ancestors. As the festival celebrates one of the most defining moments in Croatian history, it holds a special place for history lovers. For more information please see here.
9 August: Night of St. Lawrence, Rovinj
This date in August marks The Feast of St Lawrence and also commemorates the trails of comets that streaked across the sky, known as ‘the tears of St Lawrence’. All the lighting on the Rovinj water front is turned off to allow locals and visitors to enjoy the stars to their fullest. Candlelit restaurants and live music make this the most romantic night in Croatia! For more information please see here.
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For further press information, please contact:
Helen Batte / Jasmin Othman / Tim Thackray
Rooster PR
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 seven 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.
