Lara Rasin

Advent festivals/Christmas markets are currently being held all across Croatia, with major holiday destinations including Zagreb (which was voted Europe's best Christmas market from 2016-2018, and third-best in 2019) Rijeka, Pula, and more. After being cancelled in 2020, markets are back in a scaled-down version in 2021 - but sparking the Christmas spirit nonetheless. Whether you're able to visit in person (lucky you!) or are quenching your Croatian wanderlust virtually, we're bringing you a Croatian Christmas market gallery to foster the holiday mood. Enjoy these festive photos of Advent markets dazzling across Croatia!

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.

Located on the northwest side of Krk island, Malinska is a pretty port town with a range of activities and sights to suit any and all holiday preferences. Malinska's harbour, formerly the island's main port for wood exports, is today filled with restaurants and bars that dot a wonderful – and fully walkable – waterfront. Surrounded by Kvarner bay and its beautiful beaches, Malinska features views of mighty Mount Učka and Cres island. This is a town where not only nature, but also art, breathe with full lungs. Read on for our pick of the top ten things to do and see while you’re in Malinska. 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.  RECOMMENDED: 20 great things to do in Rijeka

Many of Dubrovnik's amazing attractions are centred on the compact, fully walkable Old Town. Begin your Old Town sojourn with a stroll around its surrounding City Walls to get your bearings with an amazing view of the city and stupendously blue Adriatic sea. Continue your visit discovering the city's endless gems, from the Rector’s palace and Sponza palace to the Dominican monastery and Church of St. Blaise.  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.

Moon-like Pag is Croatia’s best-known party island, home to the Ibiza-like phenomenon of Zrće, a stretch of beach nightspots. The island is much more than just Zrće, however - it's full of rich history and cuisine just waiting to be discovered. The quieter Pag Town is the place to shop and sightsee in peace while discovering the island's rich history - including its production of three of Croatia's best delicacies: Pag cheese, Pag lamb and Pag salt. RECOMMENDED: where to eat, party and sleep on Pag Island. 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.

Brimming with high-quality restaurants, ancient architecture aplenty and one of the best stretches of Adriatic coast, Croatia’s main ferry port is a year-round city break destination. Time Out's local experts pick the best things to do in the stunning city of Split. RECOMMENDED: More great travel destinations in Croatia. 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.

Croatia has a rich and long-spanning history with manifold sights to prove it. Indeed, there could be an archaeological road trip for every fascinating era in Croatia, but this one is focused on a particularly epic time in the Mediterranean: Antiquity. Lara Rasin / Time Out Croatia / Made via Canva As Edgar Allen Poe romantically put it, "the glory that was Greece, and the grandeur that was Rome" left a significant mark on Croatia, along with much of Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa. Croatia is one of the unique lands that geographically sit between the centres of Greece and Rome and, as such, took on especially significant influences. The starting date of Greece and Rome's age of Antiquity is debated, but some place it around 800 BC during Homer's time, when the Illiad and Odyssey likely came about. Antiquity lasts through about 400-500 AD, finishing after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. This time period is one of the revolutionary eras that changed the world as we know it, leaving behind philosophies, literature, art, law, warfare, and more, whose immense influences are still prevalent today.  To put things into context, here's a (very-short-and-very-simplified) timeline of Croatia in the context of Classical Greece and Rome. We begin with the Bronze Age. 3000-1000 BC: The northeastern Mediterranean sees several early Indo-European-language-speaking civilizations rise and fall. In Croatia, this is the Vučedol Culture (3000-2500 BC); in Greece, the Minoan

Come summer, many tourists and locals flock to Croatia's coast, often leaving overlooked one of the country's most beautiful regions - Slavonia. We're here to recommend this vast eastern Croatian region, known as the Golden Granary of Croatia, as a can't-miss travel destination in its own right. Through this photo gallery, behold some of the breathtaking sights and things to do of Slavonia. Feel free to use it when creating your own travel itinerary! For your reference, here's a map of some of the main destinations mentioned in the gallery: Lara Rasin / Time Out Croatia / Made via Canva

Nestled between the salty Adriatic sea and the freshwater Vrana lake – a far cry from any urban hustle and throngs of tourists – Pakoštane is the spot for anyone seeking total relaxation on the Dalmatian coast. 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

Orebić sits on the southern coast of Croatia’s pretty Pelješac peninsula. It’s known as ‘the town of sailors and captains’, having thrived on the maritime industry throughout the centuries. ‘An old captain once said that the Orebić coastline is the most beautiful in the world. And you trust captains on Pelješac’ is how the local saying goes. Today, Orebić is one of the best towns to visit on the Dalmatian coast – read on to discover why, with our expert guide of things to do in the town. 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.

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.

One of the Istrian peninsula’s many gems is the delightful coastal town of Umag. The town’s rich history, dating back to Roman times, is revealed in its amazing architecture and cultural heritage. Umag also offers top-notch Mediterranean cuisine, gorgeous beaches and sports activities galore – it’s especially known for the annual Croatia Open Umag, the country’s oldest and most famous tennis tournament. 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.

TORI Street Food sits away from the hubbub of Zagreb's centre, about 12 kilometres west of the city's main Ban Josip Jelačić Square. What the restaurant lacks in available seating area it more than makes up for with delicious Asian fusion fare - which you can order to go, as well! If you do manage to nab a spot onsite (either at the small indoor bar or among a handful of tables outside), cool wall art - including neat framed prints and neon signs - awaits. As for the menu, expect a delicious range of veggie, meat, and seafood appetizers and entrees. We recommend the to-die-for Lobster Bun (two bao buns with lobster surimi salad, tobikko, sesame, and cucumbers) to get you started. Follow it up by Tantanmen Ramen (packed with chicken, pork belly, bamboo shoots, pak choi and more goodies) or the tasty, vegetarian-friendly Pad Thai.

Crna Svinja sits in the idyllic Slavonian countryside among fields of gold (read: grains and sunflowers), just 15 kilometres from the centre of Osijek. The restaurant is part of country club Terra Negra - an ode to the fertile black soil of northeastern Croatia.  Which brings us to the menu. "The fertile Slavonian soil, as a synonym for food, and Slavonia, as a place of good life and unique flavours, are our love and inspiration," reads Terra Negra's website. To make your experience extra-authentic, choose from the restaurant's "BLACK SLAVONIAN PIG DISHES" (the region is known for its sought-after crna svinja - black pig). We recommend Baby ribeye of black Slavonian pig, complete with white bean cream enriched with pumpkin seed oil (also a classic for the area) and fried onions and corn flour roasted potatoes. Wash it down with one of the local wines from the restaurant's extensive offering. Enjoy your meal in Crna Svinja's chic building, among green fields dotted with fitting decor such as old-school tractors.

Covered in rolling hills and olive groves, and strewn with vineyards, central Istria is a fairytale. Restaurant Markus in Labin embodies the soul of this Croatian region. With an elegant indoor seating area and wooden decor, along with a beautiful outdoor patio in the surrounding garden, Markus offers a dreamy ambiance no matter where you choose to sit. If you don't mind the 5-minute drive out of Labin's centre (via roads draped with tree arches), a tasty menu served by kind and knowledgeable staff members awaits, too. We recommend the mouthwatering gnocchi with wild game - or a quintessential Istrian dish cooked to perfection by the chefs at Markus: truffle pasta.

Opened in late May of 2021, NOSH is located on a stone-building-surrounded plaza in the very heart of Rijeka's historic old city. The restaurant-bar sits just 300 metres from the buzzing city seafront and 100 metres from the Old Roman Arch, which was used from the second half of the 3rd century AD to the beginning of the 5th century AD. The restaurant shines not only for its location but for its menu, which is studded with over 10 tasty brunch options. Along with a vegan and vegetarian offering, you'll find oven-baked eggs served with salad and sourdough bread, French toast, and tuna tartar with wasabi cream. Also on the menu are various tapas and a nice cocktail selection (the perfect pairs for an evening outing), plus delicious desserts. We recommend the Whitney or the Madison (among many menu items bearing a New York-inspired name) - panna cotta and cheesecake, respectively, with fresh fruit on top. As for atmosphere, expect a mostly 20- and 30-something local crowd (for now - until visitors get a wind of it!) dressed to impress. Music and laughter ring out across the restaurant's patio - the best seating area - which is dotted with greenery and modern decor. But if a bit of an upscale (you'll get a few weird looks if you show up in sweats), youthful vibe isn't your thing - maybe skip out on NOSH for now. This is a good spot for a fun date night (or brunch) or outing with your friend group - and it's photogenic to boot.

Tourists and locals alike are mad about Mad Duck for good reason. This modern restaurant has delicious pizzas (choose from classics like the Margherita to funky options like the spicy Hells Bells) made in a brick oven on demand. If you're feeling something less cheesy, Mad Duck also has some of the best burgers on the coast. We highly recommend the Smokey Bacon Burger, which, like the others, comes with fries. The customer service is great to boot, and you can (salivate as you) watch your food being prepared right in front of you. You'll leave full and happy - from stomach to soul. It doesn't hurt that the eatery's price-to-value ratio is also excellent, either. The restaurant's ambience and location are additional bonuses. Its cool decor and terrace (which has received outdoor seating awards) for lovers of alfresco dining are nestled between the sun-bleached stone streets of Nin. Mad Duck is also just a two-minute walk away from the Museum of Nin Antiquities, one of the pretty city's main attractions. One con is that there is no indoor seating space - which is fine if you're taking a slice to go or you (good choice!) opt for a seat on the pretty patio. But if it happens to be raining, you might be out of luck... Though it's still worth grabbing some Mad Duck grub to go and running to the nearest roofed area you can find.

Located on the southern Dalmatian Island that was purportedly home to Odysseus for seven years, Herc is aptly named for another legendary Greek hero. All this contributes to the konoba's (an old Croatian word today referring to restaurants) uniquely Mediterranean atmosphere. Herc sits beneath pine tree groves right on the coast of Mljet Island - and within one of Croatia's eight national parks. You can go for a dip in the sun-illuminated Adriatic Sea before or after your meal (or both) and watch as sailboats pull up to the adjacent dock. A plethora of Mediterranean meals await, including grilled veggies and meat - but seafood is fittingly in the spotlight at this konoba. Pržene lignje (fried calamari) are always a good option, but the dish does come with an underwhelming side of french fries (the portion is big, though!) Ask to have them swapped out, if you wish, for some traditional blitva - Swiss chard with olive oil and potatoes. Either way, we recommend starting with a seafood platter (expect mouthwatering local cheeses, anchovies, sardines, and stuffed cherry tomatoes). All this while a cricket-led symphony featuring the sea waves' light splashes ring out around the outdoor patio (where you should definitely grab a seat, if available!) On-the-pricy-side Herc could be a touch less expensive for the food-quality-to-price ratio, but the beautiful surroundings paired with the overall tasty eats make it worthwhile.

Though their settings are different, Bread Club's two locations have two things in common. One, their baked goods are some of the best in Zagreb - and for a city with bakeries on every corner, that's saying something. Two, they're highly sought after, and it's not uncommon to see a line going out the door at either Bread Club! Bread Club's variety of baked goods - there are both sweet and salty options aplenty - and bread will please just about every palate. Those with a sweet tooth can choose from all sorts of pastries like cruffins with vanilla, cinnamon, and peanut butter filling, across some of the tastiest, chewiest chocolate chip cookies you'll find in Croatia, to to-die-for almond croissants. On the salty side, you can try the likes of classic or innovative square pizza slices (from ham-and-mushroom to zucchini-and-almond-shavings toppings), artisan sausage rolls, and a unique, flaky take on a classic Croatian cheese and dough dish - štrukli. Then there's Bread Club's bread, of course. This is sourdough heaven - somehow, the bakery has achieved the perfect crusty-crunch-to-chewy-inside ratio. Then there are specialty loaves like the mouthwatering "Rye Royal" - fantastic rye bread peppered with an assortment of seeds. The flagship Bread Club location is nestled between a string of cafes and the Trešnjevka market, 10 minutes southwest from Zagreb's main square by car. This smaller spot has no seating - here, it's order and go! All the better though: you can make a mini c

It’s not all tartufi and vino on this postcard-pretty peninsula. Here are some of Istria’s unexpected aspects we bet you didn’t know. Istria’s environment rivals Eden Istria sits on the 45th parallel, meaning it’s exactly on the halfway point of the northern hemisphere, directly between the Equator and the North Pole. As such, it’s often referred to as having the perfect climate, an ideal balance between the four seasons. Istria is well-balanced when it comes to topography, too – its endless vineyard-dotted hills have earned the peninsula the epithet of the Croatian Tuscany. But Istria is also known for its coast, all 537 kilometres of it, complemented by an equally dazzling mountainous northern region. The Ćićarija and Učka ranges stretch into Slovenia, Učka’s highest peak on this side of the border being Vojak at 1,396 metres. © Porečki DelfinPoreč Istria’s diverse days of yore The first mention of Istria and its inhabiting Histrian tribe who gave the peninsula its name were first recorded by Ancient Greek historians in the sixth century BC. Since then, Istria’s history has been diverse. Poreč, for example, saw Roman rule around the second century BC, when its strategic natural harbour was made into a military fort. Centuries later in the 1200s, the Venetian Republic swept in, ruling for over 500 years. During the mid-19th century, Poreč, along with the rest of the Istrian peninsula, became part of the Austrian Empire. The peninsula’s rich history can also be explored in

'The Wonton Don,' also known as 'Donnie,' is a fan-favourite media personality in the United States, known for his current role as foreign correspondent with industry titan Barstool Sports. A US-based digital media company, Barstool Sports covers sports- and pop culture-related topics through a characteristically irreverent and comedic lens. Every day, Barstool's fans (who number in the millions) are entertained by myriad blogs, vlogs, podcasts, and other online content - the majority of which are focused on the United States. But Barstool went a bit more international when Donnie started working for the company in 2016. At the time, Donnie was living and making content in China, establishing a name for himself as a vlogger. Thousands tuned in to his entertaining YouTube videos, which presented his droll antics (from working various odd jobs to playing in - and being on the winning team of - the Chinese version of the Super Bowl) while showcasing Chinese culture along the way. From the beginning, he's provided viewers with a unique mix of laughter and learning, which keeps them engaged video after video. Since joining Barstool, Donnie has expanded his content well beyond China. His journies have taken him across five continents, and he's put out popular travel shows on (among other places) Zimbabwe, Tajikistan, Colombia, and most recently - the Balkans. Photo courtesy of The Wonton Don / Barstool Sports / Photographer: Alex GreenbergDonnie having "one of the coolest dining e

Winter solstice has just passed in Croatia, meaning the days will slowly but surely be getting longer... But that winter will still stretch on for some time. After months of working through cold weather, gloomy fog, and seemingly ever-present rain or snow, we'll all be seeking a way to unwind - and warm up.  Enter Gulet cruises. Gulet offers personal assistance to provide you with the floating home (read: luxury yacht) of your dreams, plus fabulous extras like onboard service and offshore excursions. Plan a cruise with Gulet so that you can weather this winter knowing that sun-soaked days of sailing down Croatia's stunning coast await. Below, we're highlighting five - of many - reasons why a sailing getaway in Croatia is the perfect way to spend your 2022 summer holidays. Nature, nature, nature Over 1000 islands are scattered along Croatia's shores, waiting to be explored. And there's something for everyone on the islands. Photo courtesy of Gulet Hvar and Brač (located near the coasts of Split and Makarska), for example, offer buzzing nightlife scenes - regularly frequented by international celebrities - while also featuring abundant natural oases to relax in. Think hiking and biking trails that weave through olive groves, and pristine beaches with warm, azure waters. Multiple Croatian islands also double as national parks: the beautiful Brijuni Islands, off the coast of Istria; the rocky Kornati Islands near Zadar; and the marvellous Mljet, one of Croatia's southernmost is

Tis the season of rolling fog, seemingly smoke-covered grey skies, and long chilly nights in Croatia… Though Halloween is behind us, nature continues to set the perfect scene for horror film watching season. Indeed, being scared is fun (science says so!), and it's made even better when the world around us seems to match our favourite hair-raising film plots. Maybe it's easier, too, when we can blame the bumps in the night on a typical November draft. Then again, horror films can be enjoyed all year long, especially when they're good. The type of good that goes beyond solely visually striking scenes and temporary emotions. The type of good that engages and makes you feel – and keeps you thinking, even weeks after watching. Such a thrilling (through and through) experience can be found in The Accursed, an independent film by women-led production gang, Almost Normal Productions. If there was ever a trio to "make films for women to channel their inner badass" (the studio's slogan), it's Elizabeta Vidovic, Kathryn Michelle, and Izabela Vidovic. The three women behind Almost Normal Productions are equal parts talented, full of life, intelligent, kind, passionate, and – badass, of course. Time Out Croatia caught up with Elizabeta, Kathryn, and Izabela to get the lowdown on their upcoming film – one that we're very excited for. At the Los Angeles-based Almost Normal Productions, we're told, "we all wear all the hats!" Elizabeta, Kathryn, and Izabela each write, produce, and direct, b

Landgeist reported, based on Numbeo statistics, that Croatia was found to be the second-safest European country for solo night strolls. Europe's countries were ranked according to data on how safe people in different countries feel walking alone at night. Croatia received a score of 77.4, coming in second to Slovenia, which collected 78.4 points. Croatia and Slovenia were the only countries to amass more than 75 points. In third place, behind Croatia, was Switzerland with 74.2 points, followed by Iceland (73.6 points) and the Czech Republic (71.7). The lowest-scoring countries in Europe were Moldova (41.3), France (40.3), and Belarus (32.3). Check out the full map below. How safe do people in #Europe feel to walk alone on the streets at night?Full article: https://t.co/Gq65wRDnDS#maps #GIS #dataviz #GeoSpatial #Spatial pic.twitter.com/RKphfjH8kY — Landgeist Maps (@landgeist) November 26, 2021

Calling all travellers and lovers of low-budget flights: Ryanair is offering new connections between Zagreb and a number of exciting European destinations! Next year, the offer is set to be expanded even further, with new routes planned from Rijeka as well. Nine routes, carried out via A320-type aircraft (from the Laude fleet), are underway from Zagreb. Here they are: Malaga (Spain), from December 1, 2021, twice a week, Wednesdays and Saturdays Dublin (Ireland), from December 2, 2021, three times a week, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays Manchester (UK), from December 2, 2021, twice a week, Thursdays and Sundays Basel (Switzerland), from December 3, 2021, twice a week, Mondays and Fridays Eindhoven (Netherlands), from December 3, 2021, twice a week, Mondays and Fridays Paphos (Cyprus), from December 3, 2021, twice a week, Mondays and Fridays Thessaloniki (Greece), from December 3, 2021, twice a week, Mondays and Fridays Malta (Malta), from December 4, 2021, twice a week, Tuesdays and Saturdays Naples (Italy), from December 17, 2021, twice a week, Mondays and Thursdays The Irish airline has also announced new routes for the 2022 summer season via Rijeka as well as Zagreb. In 2022, Ryanair plans to fly between Zagreb and: Bratislava (Slovakia), from March 27 to October 26, 2022, twice a week, Wednesdays and Sundays Corfu (Greece), from June 4 to September 27, 2022, twice a week, Tuesdays and Saturdays Also next year, Ryanair plans to connect Rijeka with: Stockholm Arlanda (S

COVID cases in Croatia have been steadily falling since November (for the official statistics, head here). In general, everyday life across the country remains relatively normal. Cities are hosting Advent festivals, restaurants and bars remain open, and there are plenty of museum exhibitions and concerts to choose from. A number of measures are currently in place and are summarised below. Read the latest official measures here or inquire with the Croatian authorities directly for more information. Crossing the border into Croatia There is currently a ban on entry for foreigners from "Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Congo." Croatian citizens arriving from these areas will have to undergo a 14-day quarantine and mandatory COVID testing. These entry regulations are in place through December 15, 2021. Passengers travelling from elsewhere are required to show an EU digital COVID pass, proof of vaccination or recovery, or a negative test. More information on border crossings from Croatia's Ministry of the Interior can be found in English here. When in Croatia Visiting cafes, restaurants, and cultural spaces such as museums is allowed both indoors and outdoors. Public gatherings indoors with 50+ people are allowed if attendees have COVID passes. Masks and distancing are still required. Public gatherings outdoors with 100+ people are allowed if attendees have COVID passes. Exceptions can only be made with approval from the Croatian Public Institute of Health. Except for wed

Zagreb is hosting works by the contemporary American artist for an exhibition dubbed "Gloria: Croatian Female Artists Salute Kiki Smith." "Croatian female artists salute Kiki Smith" The National Museum of Modern Art (Croatian: Nacionalni muzej moderne umjetnosti; abbr. NMNU) notes of the show: "The Croatian public will have the first-ever opportunity to view, in their national museum institutions, twenty-one works by the internationally renowned American artist Kiki Smith. Thanks to inventive and unencumbered technical procedures Smith has promoted through her multidisciplinary practice during the 1980s, she managed to singlehandedly change the canons in which human body and corporeality in general were traditionally presented. This is especially true of the motif of a woman and what has generally been considered the field of female creativity in art, such as motifs related to dreams, dream visions, the magical, conjuring and intuitive relationship towards reality, and nature in particular. Kiki Smith's works at the NMMU are presented alongside the works of fourteen Croatian female artists from the museum collection, created over a period of one hundred years, which we find resonant and congruous with Kiki Smith's work. It is an exhibition set-up that connects two art scenes and cultures, USA and Croatia, in time and space. The well-known Croatian female artists will introduce this international art star, practically unknown in Croatia outside the art scene, to the local publ

Croatia is one of the three best countries in the category "Best Short-Haul Destination" for 2021 - as chosen readers of National Geographic Traveller UK. Italy was declared the best short-haul destination. Along with Croatia, Greece was the other finalist.  Screenshot National Geographic Traveller UK The award category is part of National Geographic Traveller's annual Reader Awards 2021. The awards culminate in a list of the best destinations, tour operators, airlines, and experiences, according to Nat Geo readers. Prestigious National Geographic Traveller is one of the world's most famous brands, known for award-winning journalism, expeditions, science, and education.

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up," said Pablo Picasso. This predicament is one that Zagreb-based artist Maya Beus has overcome with flair. An art lover from a young age, Maya has been creating and drawing her whole life. She crafted her passion into a profession over ten years ago and hasn't looked back. In that time, she has accumulated an impressive client list that includes the likes of Oscar de la Renta, St. Regis Hotels, and LVMH. Maya BeusMaya on location for St. Regis We chatted with Maya about everything from her artistic journey - which is one of pure perseverance, talent, and hard work - to her go-to spots in Zagreb, her favourite paintings and creators, and more. Immerse yourself in the life of an artist in Zagreb, and read on for Maya's firsthand account of building a creative career in Croatia's capital city. On becoming an artist Could you explain your path to becoming a professional artist? I was always drawing as a kid. In the 80s, Croatia had travelling book salesmen. That's where my parents got a trilogy of books on the history of art. The third one covered everything from the Renaissance to the Modern Age - and that was my favourite book ever. As a child, I would open it and just stare. I grew up with it. My dad tells me when I was very, very little that I also liked Picasso, but I don't quite remember that phase [laughing]. Art was always around me. My dad painted a little bit, and my mom used to draw. She

USA Today published an article titled 15 must-try spirits, liqueurs and canned cocktails (as seen at Bar Convent Brooklyn 2021) on November 16. The text came out following the prestigious Bar Convent food and beverage conference, which Croatian beverage company Badel 1862 was part of. Badel 1862 manufactures "Antique Pelinkovac," a brand of pelinkovac. It was this drink that left an impression on USA Today, which then noted: "Though not quite as pervasive in the United States as Scotch whisky or Italian amaro, pelinkovac is a particularly intriguing liqueur that's certainly worth sampling. While this wormwood-heavy concoction is enjoyed all throughout the Balkans, Antique offers a distinctly Croatian spin on the spirit, first created back in 1862 by Franjo Pokorny to aid in digestion. Antique performs beautifully in a cocktail, but for best results, enjoy the spirit with nothing more than an ice cube and a slice of orange." Pelinkovac is a herbal liqueur that has been touted for its medicinal benefits - and simply consumed for pleasure - in Croatia for ages. The most prominent flavour in this bitter drink is wormwood (pelin in Croatian). USA Today might like it with orange, but for an exceptionally flavourful experience we recommend you try it with a dash of lemon juice. When in Croatia, just ask your waiter for a štrukani pelin (š is pronounced sh), and they'll know what to do. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Antique Pelinkovac (@antiquepelink

In a press release, the Zagreb Film Festival announces: "Outstanding recent films from the five largest European cinematographies, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, are once again the focus of the side program The Great 5, which Zagreb Film Festival organizes in cooperation with the Network of European Union National Institutes for Culture in Croatia (EUNIC). The British one-shot film, Boiling Point directed by Philip Barantini, easily pulls viewers into a frenzied evening of a prestigious restaurant and its staff. Andy’s (Stephen Graham — The Irishman, Snatch) day has just started, and he’s already behind with work. As the chef at a popular London restaurant, he’s used to the relentless pace, stress, and unexpected situations, but it’s the last Friday before Christmas and the busiest night of the year… Actress Vinette Robinson won special mention in Karlovy Vary. Zagreb Film Festival"Boiling Point" French cinematography is represented with the uplifting social drama with notes of magic realism, Gagarine, which ZFF presents in collaboration with the French Institute in Croatia. The debut film by directorial duo Fanny Liatard and Jérémy Trouilh, which premiered at the Cannes Festival, is a nostalgic homage to the Utopian parisian housing project Cité Gagarine. 16-year-old dreamer Yuri has lived all his life in the brick complex on the outskirts of Paris. He dreams of becoming an astronaut. When local authorities decide to demolish the building, Yuri and