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The best things to do in Lovran
Named after lovorov list, the Croatian translation of 'bay leaf' (which can be find growing all over the area), Lovran is the oldest settlement of Liburnia, an ancient region on the northern Adriatic coast. Located on the easternmost edge of the Istrian peninsula, Lovran is close to Opatija with which it’s connected by the lovely Lungomare coastal promenade. With lavish vegetation and surrounding views of the breathtaking Kvarner Bay, Lovran has been a sought-after tourist destination since the turn of the 19th century; which is evident from the eye-candy villas that date back to the time. Today, Lovran is a health tourism hotspot with rich history and traditions – plus, it tends to be less expensive than neighbouring Opatija. There is truly something for everyone in this town. Read on for our pick of the top 10 things to do in Lovran. Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. You can also find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world, or take a look at our list of the 50 best things to do in the world right now.
New Year's Eve: Taking us into 2021 are optimism and hope
The tumultuous year of 2020 is wrapping up. The world has collectively struggled with a pandemic for months. Croatia was hit by two terrible earthquakes, one of which came at the tail end of 2020, on December 29. But the strength of love and human solidarity shine through, amid the tragedies. Community support following the recent earthquake, for example, is unparalleled. So in the upcoming year, we have no choice but to focus on the good, help each other when we can, and never to forget those we have lost. Let's head into 2021 with not only optimism and hope - but the drive to take initiative and make it a great year, too. Happy days are on the horizon.
PHOTOS/VIDEOS: Tear-jerking solidarity shown with earthquake-hit areas in Croatia
This topic is difficult to write about, not only because of the gravity of the situation - but because the outpouring of support is so extensive and far-flung, it's hard to determine where to begin. Croatians have a famously uncanny ability of rallying together during hard times. When their fellow citizens are in need, lines that usually divide societies are, in large part, erased. Walks of life, political differences, past grievances... All differences are set aside to make room for support, assistance, empathy, and care. The response following the 6.2-magnitude earthquake of December 29 is one of the most mighty examples of community spirit, we'd venture so far as to say, of all time. One of Time Out Croatia's FB readers summed it up in a comment: "I visit Croatia regularly and the patriotism, community spirit and love of country is something that has to be seen to be believed." Here are just a few of the many reasons why. Civilians and experts alike rush to the scene from all corners of Croatia From football fans and professional chefs to alpine climbers and construction workers, civilians from across Croatia travel (some of them all night) to earthquake-destructed Sisak-Moslavina County. They join streams of experts which include the Croatian Army and the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service, to help in any way they can. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jutarnji.hr (@jutarnji.hr) Professional chefs cook for earthquake victims Members of Croatia's sports scene give assistance Dejan Lovren offers up his hotel as he joins Chelsea star Kovacic in bid to help earthquake victims in Croatia https://t.co/AxzI1yFhdR — The Sun - Chelsea (@SunChelsea) December 30, 2020 Climbers, speleologists and alpinists help where they can Help, money, and material donations flood in from Croats at home and abroad Across Croatia, dozens, if not hundreds, of charity funds and help centres were organised and running within 24 hours of the natural disaster. Diaspora communities, from the Association of Croatian American Professionals Foundation and the Croatian Fraternal Union of America to individual-initiated funds from Canada to Australia, were quick to set up donations. They've already raised hundreds of thousands of euros. Shelter aplenty, from luxury hotels such as Valamar and houses to apartments and mobile homes, is being offered to those without a home Citizens wait hours upon end in lines to donate blood to the injured Donated materials and equipment are being collected all over the country Warehouses in the affected area fill up at express speeds View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hrvatski Crveni kriz (@hrvatski_crveni_kriz) Cities across Croatia opt out of New Year celebrations and send money to those in need instead Croatia is forgoing New Year programs and sending funds to Sisak-Moslavina County instead. Counties, cities, towns, and villages, big and small, are jumping in with monetary donations. Zagreb County immediately allocates 5,5 million kn (about €730,000). Samobor immediately allocates 500,000 kn (about €66,200). Opatija immediately allocates 300,000 kn (about €40,000). Istria County, Đakovo, and Rijeka immediately allocate 200,000 kn (about €27,000) each. Dubrovnik, Split, Šibenik, and Zadar immediately allocate 150,000 kn (about €20,000) each. These are the first cities to announce they're skipping the fireworks in favour of donations. Osijek, Imotski, Vinkovci, Trilj, Solin, Vodice, Vrbovec, and Metković immediately allocate 100,000 kn (about €13,500) each. Gospič immediately allocates 80,000 kn (about €10,500). Kastav immediately allocates 75,000 kn (about €10,000). Trogir, Valpovo, Supetar, and Vrbovec immediately allocate 70,000 kn (about €9,300) each. Makarska, Požega, Lipik, Kutjevo, Pakrac, Pleternica, Zabok, Novi Vinodolski, Bjelovar, Zlatar, Donja Stubica, Cres, Krk, Mali Lošinj, and Rab immediately allocate 50,000 kn (about €7,000) each. Ivanec immediately allocates 25,000 kn (about €3,300). Skradin immediately allocates 15,000 kn (about €2,000). Along with monetary help, countless cities and areas also send equipment, materials, and personnel for assistance. In addition to the amount above, cities (especially major ones) have already pledged to, or will likely pledge to, give further amounts in the days and weeks to come. An overwhelming surge of non-Croatian help, too Support from countries outside of Croatia has been overwhelming. Albania, which was struck by a 6.4-magnitude earthquake in 2019, after which Croatia sent help, will donate €250,000. Serbia will be sending €1 million. The European Union pledged monetary and material support. Immediate assistance was offered by Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden and Turkey. These 13 countries supplied much-needed housing containers, tents, sleeping bags, beds, and electrical heaters. Other organisations, such as UNICEF and the International Medical Corps, are sending help, too. Voluntary fire brigades from Austria have come to the aid of the victims. A Slovenian construction company sends truckloads of equipment across the border For ways you can help, check here.
Earthquake donation information from the Croatian Red Cross
DONATION INFORMATION FOR THE 6.2-MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE THAT ROCKED CENTRAL CROATIA TODAY, FROM THE CROATIAN RED CROSS (translated from the Red Cross' official website here) Monetary donations You can donate funds to help people affected by the earthquake in Petrinja and Sisak to the following account: Bank: Privredna banka Zagreb d.d. IBAN: HR6923400091511555516 Call number: 770 For payments from abroad - SWIFT CODE: PBZGHR2X You can also pay by mobile banking via the barcode at the link above. Donations of material humanitarian aid Legal entities can contact the Croatian Red Cross at the e-mail address: donacije@hck.hr. Citizens can contact their nearest Red Cross. Check here for location information. The full list of stations by counties is on the right side of the page, with phone numbers and emails. Lists of needed materials are below. FOOD PACKAGE 1. Flour - type 550 (glatko) 1kg 2. Oil - Vegetable or sunflower 1lit 3. Rice 1kg 4. Sugar 1kg 5. Salt - Table, ground 1kg 6. Pasta - Macaroni or spaghetti 7. Soup - In a bag 8. Fish - Canned 9. Meat - Canned 10. Sweet spread - Marmalade, chocolate, etc. 11. Milk - Long-lasting 1lit 12. Bread - Toast and similar 13. Water - Packaging: 0,5, 1, 1,5, 5 lit 14. Fruit - Dried 15. Nuts - Walnut, almond, hazelnut and similar HYGIENE PACKAGE 1. Soap - For hands 2. Shampoo - For hair 3. Toothpaste 4. Toothbrush 5. Razor - Disposable 6. Tissues - Dry 7. Wipes - Wet 8. Toilet paper - In rolls 9. Hygienic pads 10. Q-tips INDIVIDUAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 1. Medical mask 2. Protective suit 3. Gloves 4. Glasses or eye protection 5. Apron 6. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (antiseptic, antibacterial) 7. Alcohol-based wipes 8. Disinfectants for cleaning
The third, and largest, earthquake of the year leaves Croatia shaken
Today's 6.2-magnitude earthquake is the second to hit central Croatia in the span of 30 hours. It was felt across Croatia and in the surrounding countries. Yesterday, December 28, a 5.1-magnitude earthquake (and following aftershocks, some of which were over 4 on the Richter Scale) rocked the same area. Felt #earthquake (#potres) M3.1 strikes 17 km W of #Sisak (#Croatia) 55 min ago. Please report to: https://t.co/hF22FaEDug pic.twitter.com/rfNo7GBxUN — EMSC (@LastQuake) December 29, 2020 Reports state that 12-year-old girl passed away as a result of today's earthquake. Material damages are extensive. We send sincere condolences to the families and communities affected in Petrinja, Sisak, Glina, and across Croatia. The Euro-Mediterranean Seismological Centre offered residents their own condolences and advice via Twitter: @petrinja @croatia Do not forget about yourself. You are experiencing a stressful and demanding time: verify the people around you, reassure them, and take care of yourself too 💕 — EMSC (@LastQuake) December 29, 2020 @petrinja @croatia If you have children, stay with them, reassure them. They may feel confused, anxious, powerless, as you may feel right now. #Earthquakes are scary and stressful. If you can, be comforting for the people around you 💕 — EMSC (@LastQuake) December 29, 2020 #petrinja #croatia Stay safe during the next few hours: you may still feel #aftershocks, but they become less frequent with time 👉 Aftershocks are "normal": the crust is trying to re-adjust itself after the major #earthquake. Take care of yourself and the ones around you 💕 — EMSC (@LastQuake) December 29, 2020
The best of Croatia
The 51 best things to do in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is a one-town tourist industry on its own, with endless things to do all year round. As stunning as the clear blue sea around it, the former centre of the independent Republic of Ragusa invites superlatives and attracts the lion's share of Croatia's visitors. Read on for our insider's guide to the best things to do in Dubrovnik. RECOMMENDED: More great things to do in Dubrovnik. Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. You can also find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world, or take a look at our list of the 50 best things to do in the world right now.
Eye candy
In pictures: Top 34 photos of Christmastime across Croatia, 2020 edition
This year, the holiday season is different. Croatia's cities are usually overrun with locals and tourists eager to munch on traditional sausages, sip mulled wine - or rakija - and enjoy seasonal concerts. Though the crowds are missing and events are canceled, Croatia's holiday and community spirit remains. Its cities are still lit up with festive lights and beautiful decorations, which lend an air of the usual holiday cheer to an unusual holiday season. Enjoy this gallery showing Christmastime across Croatia - from a sun-drenched, holiday-decorated Dubrovnik to a stolen kiss in Zagreb's illuminated Zrinjevac Park.
PHOTO GALLERY: Cruise Croatia through 10 fantastic photos
Many countries still have travel restrictions in place, so, Cruise Croatia is providing travellers with 10 photos of the most dazzling Croatian locations - to keep stir it up the wanderlust when travel is safe again. Take in hidden areas of Croatia, from sea-surrounded saltwater lakes in Mljet National Park to the world's smallest - and probably most charming - town Hum, with a population of 30. When things get back to normal, fully satiate your wanderlust with a small ship cruise throughout the Croatian coast with Cruise Croatia.
In pictures: Top 42 photos of Croatia's terrific nature trails
From forest-blanketed mountains in the verdant Gorski Kotar region to islands as beautiful as they are historic, Croatia is chock-full of nature trails waiting to be traversed. Discover the best treks and routes in the country through our gallery of the top 42 photos of Croatia's terrific trails.
In pictures: Top 42 photos of where to go stargazing in Croatia
Croatia is rife with perfect places for all your stargazing day dreams, from a designated Dark Sky area just outside of Zagreb to countless Milky Way-lit spots on the coast - and much more. Explore these space-ial area with out gallery of the top 42 photos of where to go stargazing in Croatia.
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Sail Croatia, the best way to see the country in summer
From Michelin-recommended restaurants and internationally famous music festivals to some of the world's best-preserved Roman architecture, secret coves and idyllic beaches, Croatia has endless options for a summer holiday. But, with so much to choose from, how can you make sure you catch the very best of what Croatia has to offer? Croatia sailing holidays are one of the very best ways to take it all in. Sailing in Croatia allows you to tailor your holiday to be the once-in-a-lifetime experience you always wanted, allowing you to take in everything and for each day to hold a different, unforgettable experience. As Croatia's largest charter yacht company, Gulet Expert is one of the Mediterranean's best experts in this type of holiday. Here are just some of the reasons why a sailing holiday is the best option for experiencing Croatia.
Croatia villa holidays with Villsy
A land of over 1000 islands and almost six thousand kilometres of pristine coastline, Croatia villa holidays are often the very best way to experience and explore this beautiful country. And with over 1000 properties scattered all across the country, Villsy are one of the best choices for Croatia villa holidays. Whether it's the preserved, historic architecture of Pula, quiet coves and beaches reachable only by boat, epic national parks, world-famous music festivals in Dalmatia or bustling cities like Split and Dubrovnik, Croatia is a country with countless offers for the visitor. Choosing to spend your nights in one of Villsy's luxury villas will allow you the freedom to explore whichever part of Croatia appeals to you and your fellow travellers, whether they be family members, business colleagues, friends or just that special someone. Here are five destinations with distinctly different offers, each of which can be explored while on Croatia villa holidays with Villsy.
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The incredible monuments of Bjelovar-Bilogora county
Bjelovar-Bilogora county is steeped in history, reflected in its attractive Habsburg buildings, its Austro-Hungarian spas and its post-war memorials. These three monuments provide distinctly different architectural value, which anyone visiting Zagreb, central Croatia or Slavonia should see. This article is sponsored by the Bjelovar Bilogora county TB and The Croatian National Tourism Board: 'Croatia Full of Life'.
Croatia's 'island of vitality' opens itself to restorative weekends aimed at men
Losinj Hotels & Villas' award-winning Hotel Bellevue is launching a restorative weekend getaway aimed at men. The five-star hotel is the brand's principle wellness resort and holds the famous Bellevue Spa Clinic, which was just renovated in 2018. Located in Čikat Bay, the complex will play host the men's health and wellness weekend between October 4 and 6. In addition to the usual wellness treatments available from Bellevue Spa Clinic, the weekend offers a specially constructed calendar of event and activities specially designed to interest, destress and relax a male clientele. There will be a welcome dinner at the hotel's fusion restaurant Matsunoki, which combines Japanese and Mediterranean foods. On the weekend's second day, attendees will be offered the chance to experience some of the natural beauty of the island with a selection of outdoor activities including FootNet, SUP, kayaking and much more in the natural embrace of the island. Lunch will be served by the waterside and will be comprised of local wines and Mediterranean specialities. In the afternoon, guests will take their pick of treatments at the Bellevue Spa before that evening's seafood-based dinner at the hotel's sister property, the nearby Boutique Hotel Alhambra which will have a theatrical cabaret theme and will be followed by cognac and cigars at Villa Augusta. On Sunday, a hiking tour around Čikat Bay concludes the weekend. The two-night Gentlemen's Getaway Weekend starts from EUR 351.00 per person (a
Osijek on a plate
Fresh pasta from Istria, served with generous shavings of truffle, sumptuous seafood accompanied by zesty wedges of lemon and the traditional green chard; Croatia's cuisine has become one of the more famous facets of a holiday on the country's coast. And deservedly so. Locally-sourced flavours and ingredients are nearly always found alongside summertime coastal dishes although, with an ever-expanding gastro scene, some of Croatia's top chefs are now looking to employ adventurous techniques which allow them to experiment with such time-honoured dishes. However, Croatia's gastronomical offer extends much further than the seasonal menus of the seaside. And, after turning their attentions to the famous coastal platters of Istria and Dalmatia, the next area ripe for culinary rediscovery must surely be Slavonia. Čobanac © Maja Danica PečanićThe county of Osijek Baranja, located in the far east of Croatia and at the heart of the flatlands known as the Pannonian Basin, is Croatia's great unknown gastronomic star. Here, as in Istria and Dalmatia, flavours and components are selected from nearby, creating a menu in which ingredients complement each other naturally. But, the difference here is the wealth of ingredients on offer. Dalmatia is characterised by its crystal clear Adriatic, glorious sunsets and the spectacular backdrop of the Dinaric Alps. The rock which lies beneath accounts for much of what you'll see there, from the shingle beaches to the mountain ranges. But, it won't
Lošinj's Hotel Bellevue celebrates art and beauty at an exclusive pop-up exhibition
Lošinj Hotels & Villas has announced an exciting new pop-up exhibition at the five-star Hotel Bellevue, a collaboration with leading galleries and curators Josip Konta Art Studio, Galerija Libar Gallery and Patrizio Contemporary Gallery. This autumn season, from September 28 to October 5 2019, guests at the luxurious hotel can experience the rejuvenating 'Art & Beauty' package which offers exclusive access to a curated collection by iconic artists including pop-art icon Andy Warhol and a visit to the Croatian Apoxyomenos, one of the world's best-preserved ancient Greek statues - plus art-inspired treatments at the Bellevue Spa Clinic. Launching on September 28 with an opening reception, the gallery open daily from 10am until 6pm for one week and offers guests the opportunity to meet with prominent curator Goran Margeta and international art dealer and historian Dr. Marco Antonio Patrizio. The pop-up exhibition is the collaboration between academic sculptor and painter Josip Konta, one of the most prominent names of the contemporary Croatian art scene; Croatian art gallery Galerija Libar and art advisor and collector Dr Marco Antonio Patrizio. Visitors can see works from domestic and international artists Julie Knifer, Getulio Alviani, Piero Gilardi, Arnaldo Pomodoro, Bernard Aubertin, Giorgio de Chirico, Andy Warhol, Edo Murtic, Ivan Picelj and many more. The hotel's award-winning Bellevue Spa Clinic will also feature a dedicated menu of pampering treatments inspired by fam
Croatia's best cities
20 great things to do in Pula
Istria’s historic main city of Pula is symbolised by its Roman amphitheatre, scene of a surprisingly wide range of outdoor events every summer. Festivals of film and electronic music, and concerts by everyone from Elton John to José Carreras, fill the 2,000-year-old arena, with its near intact walled ring. Roman remains also form Pula’s city centre, dominated by a hilltop Venetian fortress. With docks rather than beaches nearby, many head south for out-of-town seaside fun in Verudela and Medulin. RECOMMENDED: more great things to do in Pula. Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere. You can also find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world, or take a look at our list of the 50 best things to do in the world right now.
What's happening in Zagreb
Popular destinations in Croatia
Croatia's best bars and restaurants
The best Dubrovnik restaurants
Dubrovnik restaurants are beginning to offer the culinary quality and variety that should be expected of such a luxury destination. And dining in Dubrovnik needn't cost an arm and a leg: many places offers simple, wholesome dishes at wallet-friendly prices.
The best Zagreb bars
People in Croatia's capital city always give themselves time to linger and socialise over drinks. Whatever the time of year, new Zagreb bars are always raising and lowering their banners across the city centre and beyond, while traditional landmarks stay firm. Time Out's experts discover the best places to sip across town.
