Your ultimate guide to Croatia
Discover Croatia's best things to do, attractions, restaurants, bars and nightlife
18th Zagreb Film Festival goes virtual
Given the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, to keep guests and crews safe, Zagreb Film Festival (ZFF) is going digital this year. The 18th edition of the festival will be held on Kino Europa's website and Croatian film platforms. On the new festival's new script, the Zagreb Film Festival director, Boris T. Matić says: "Preparing for the festival, we wrote a couple of scenarios for ourselves, which we, like an unhappy director, changed, amended, and modified in accordance with new circumstances, rearranging the festival in different combinations between onlineand offline versions, and all of it so we, as true lovers of film art, could show the films where they belong – on the big screen. "Following the developments and being witness to a difficult situation in which our healthcare system is, we made the decision that we do not want, in any circumstances, to jeopardize the health of our audience and festival crew. We’ve faced a number of challenges from the start. This one might be our biggest yet. "But I firmly believe that we’ll celebrate film as it deserves – with authors there, physically close to each other, talking and partying." Festival dates will remain as planned: from November 8 to 15. Showings from the main program, which includes the feature and short competitions, the Together Again program, the Great 5, and Festivals in the Spotlight, will air on Kino Europa. Checkers, the competition for Croatian short films, will be shown on Croatian Film. Stay tuned for the release of ZFF'S full film schedule, which will be announced in early November.
PHOTOS AND VIDEOS: Split celebrates beloved football club's 70th birthday
Torcida, Split's beloved football club, turned 70 years old on October 27, 2020. Its birthday part is still ongoing 24 hours later. The club's birthday night was marked by an epic show of fireworks and torches. Today, locals covered the city in orange and purple-coloured smoke, continuing the spectacle. See it for yourself! The night celebration Ivo Cagalj/PIXSELL Miroslav Lelas/PIXSELL Miroslav Lelas/PIXSELL Milan Sabic/PIXSELL The day celebration Ivo Cagalj/PIXSELL Ivo Cagalj/PIXSELL Miroslav Lelas/PIXSELL Miroslav Lelas/PIXSELL
Dubrovnik's latest international film production: "Oslo"
Joining "The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent" with Tiffany Haddish and Nicolas Cage is "Oslo". The two big-picture movies have both filmed scenes in Dubrovnik this fall. "Oslo" is an HBO-led film directed by Janusz Kaminski. Kaminski has won two Oscars for his work as director of photography in "Saving Private Ryan" (1998) and "Schindler’s List" (1993). For "Oslo", Dubrovnik is playing the part of Jerusalem. Grgo Jelavic/PIXSELL Grgo Jelavic/PIXSELL Grgo Jelavic/PIXSELL This film presents the story of Norwegian humanitarians who attempt to establish a peace initiative between Palestine and Isreal. It takes place in the early 90s. Andrew Scott, known for playing Moriarty in BBC series Sherlock, is acting in "Oslo". Grgo Jelavic/PIXSELL Film buffs can expect the movie to be released mid-2021.
Ashley Colburn presents the first country song about Croatia
California native Ashley Colburn is a globetrotter and award-winning video creator. "WOW Croatia!", Ashley's first travel show, won an Emmy in 2010 along with Croatia’s Golden Pen Award for Best U.S. Media. She received her next Emmy in 2012 for "Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu". Ashley also happens to be Head of Video here at Time Out Croatia. Though Ashley has travelled all over the world, Croatia holds a special place in her heart. Her latest travel video doubles as the first country song dedicated to Croatia - and produced in Nashville. Check out the video, sure to spur some serious Croatian wanderlust, here!
Check out the Zagreb Film Festival's "The Great 5" program
Zagreb Film Festival (ZFF) always delights with its The Great 5 program. This segment presents fantastic new films from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. These are Europe's largest filmmaking countries, together creating more than 50% of the continent's movies. Undine German director Christian Petzold has presented intimate stories set in dark periods of German history to Zagreb Film Festival, through Phoenix in 2015 and Transit in 2019. With Undine, part of The Great 5 this year, Petzold presents a dark, modern fairy tale based off mermaid mythology as presented by Hans Christian Andersen, Disney, and Neil Jordan. The film, starring Paula Beer, premiered at Berlinale and took home the FIPRESCI Award. A Silber Bear was also awarded Beer for best actress. Madre Spanish director Rodrigo Sorogoyen's latest film is Madre. Sorogoyen aired at ZFF 2019 with The Realm and at ZFF 2017 with May God Save Us. Madre is a sequel to the director's 2017 same-name short film, which was nominated for an Academy Award. Marta Nieto stars as Elena, a Spanish woman whose son is missing. Nieto won Best Actress for the film at the Horizonti Festival in Venice in 2019. The Best Years Italian director Gabriele Muccino is best known for his Hollywood films Seven pounds (2008) and The Pursuit of Happyness (2006), both starring Will Smith. This year's The Great 5 will include Muccino's latest work, The Best Years. The film follows a group of friends, and their friendships, loves, hopes, and dreams - over the course of 40 years.
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
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.
In pictures: 42 photos of Croatia's marvelous mountains and canyons
The landscape of Croatia is every nature lover's dream. It changes from mountain ranges along the coast across endless flatland fields to canyons carved from the winding rivers - and much more in between. Take an online trek with our gallery of Croatia's marvelous mountains and canyons.
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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.
