Time Out contributors

Parmi toutes les meilleures activités gratuites à Montréal, se rendre dans un des espaces verts (ou les plages !) est une étape essentielle à l’appréciation de cette ville—y compris les meilleurs jardins secrets de la ville. C'est là où les Montréalais aiment aller, peu importe le moment de l'année, mais surtout durant les mois chauds de l'été lorsque les parcs deviennent d'énormes centres culturels. On ne peut parler des parcs sans mentionner les tonnes de festivals et d'événements qui s’y déroulent, et c'est aussi là qu'on se fait bronzer avant de boire dans les meilleurs bars et bars sur des toits ou faire une promenade pour prolonger notre date après un des meilleurs restaurants (ou un des meilleurs nouveaux endroits où manger à petit prix).  RECOMMANDÉ : Le guide complet des meilleures choses à faire à MontréalLes meilleurs jardins à visiter à MontréalLes meilleures destinations pour la randonnée près de MontréalLes meilleures plages près de Montréal

Somehow, when it comes to accommodations, Berlin remains one of the most affordable European cities, with the average room price just over one hundred euro per night. Especially with advance booking, it’s possible to score a perfectly lovely and well-located hotel room below this average. While hugely popular nowadays, apartment sharing isn’t as cheap as it once was, and you could find yourself negotiating recycling laws with the neighbors in broken German. You might want to skip the party hostels, too—there’s plenty of that in places where you aren’t trying to sleep—and opt to recharge your batteries after a day of graffiti-gazing in a cheerful room of your very own at the very best cheap hotels in Berlin. What to do with all that extra cash? Plenty: eat traditional German foods at the best restaurants town, meet the locals at neighbourhood bars, tour the city’s top attractions properly and more. Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on top reviews and amenities to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.  

We all like the idea of summertime in Europe – long, lazy days in the Mediterranean sunshine, whiling away an evening people-watching in local bars – but the reality is often much less romantic, with overtourism, sky-high prices and heatwaves blighting many a Euro Summer fantasy. But it doesn’t have to be that way. To inspire your summer holiday plans this year, we asked writers across Europe to tell us about their favourite alternative summer trip ideas. From Croatia’s quieter island-hopping route to an Estonian spa break, here’s where to head for crowd-free bliss and unsung adventures right across the continent. You’re welcome. RECOMMENDED:🏝️ The best alternative Mediterranean beach breaks🗺️ Europe’s most underrated travel destinations

As a country of phenomenal natural beauty mixed with rich culture, it's no surprise Croatia has risen in popularity in recent years. And it's extremely good value for money; cheaper than your typical European weekend hotspots. To ensure you get the true, authentic Croatian experience on your trip, however, booking an Airbnb is a must. From 19th-century lighthouses to luxurious beachside villas, the country is home to some of Europe’s most stunning rentals, plenty of which are near incredible things to do in Croatia. So below we’ve rounded up our favourites of the best Croatian Airbnbs. Updated April 2024: Have we added two new beautiful properties to the list? You bet. Check out the fairytale villa with an outdoor cinema and a rental giving chalet vibes and panoramic views.  RECOMMENDED: The best Airbnbs in Dubrovnik Who makes the cut? While we might not stay in and review every Airbnb featured, we've based our list on our expert knowledge of the destination covered, editorial reviews, user reviews, amenities and in-depth research to find you the best stays. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

A cada passeio pela região, nota-se um novo negócio abrindo suas portas. O lado B de Botafogo, que antes era endereço de várias oficinas mecânicas, foi revitalizado e virou um dos maiores points da cidade. São muitos os bares e restaurantes que ficam apinhados de uma galera bem descolada depois do anoitecer. Não à toa, a principal rua, Arnaldo Quintela, foi escolhida como uma das mais cool do mundo pela Time Out, ostentando um honroso 8º lugar no ranking produzido por especialistas locais. A High Street de Melbourne, na Austrália, liderou o pódio, seguida pela Hollywood Road, em Hong Kong, e pela East Eleventh, em Austin. Veja abaixo outras vias que valem ser exploradas mundo afora.

Forget ‘saving money’ in 2024. You know what your New Year’s resolution should be? Get out more. Do more stuff. See more of the world. Life is short, after all – and 2024 promises a tonne of unmissable festivals, art, food and music. There are openings and re-openings. Brand-new train routes criss-crossing countries and continents. Whacky places to party. And even if the cossie livs does have you tightening the purse strings, there are plenty of free and affordable events on this list, too.  So get your booking fingers at the ready: your 2024 bucket list awaits. This is our definitive guide to the coolest new things to do in the world next year. See you out there!  RECOMMENDED:😎 The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🌃 The best European city breaks for 2024🖼️ The world’s best museums and galleries

Switzerland consistently finds its way into various annual lists ranking the happiest countries in the world. So, what is it about living here that makes everyone so happy? We’ve got an answer – 40 answers, to be precise, covering just some of the unique sights, stunning scenery, great things to do, fun events and special experiences from across the country. And while it’s not possible to do everything on our list quite yet, it shouldn’t be too long before things start to open up again, giving everyone the chance to experience all those amazing things they’ve been missing out on.

タイムアウト東京 > トラベル >2024年、世界のベストシティランキング50 誰もが認める大都市は、他の都市と何が違うのだろうか。ある人は、要するに、賑やかなエリア、手頃な値段の食べ物や飲み物、アートギャラリーや美術館からライブ音楽や演劇まで、さまざまな楽しみ方があることだと言うだろう。また、地元の人々の幸福感、緑豊かな場所が身近にあること、コミュニティーの活気などを強調する人もいるかもしれない。 タイムアウトでは、それら全てにさらに別の項目も加えて、毎年恒例となった調査を行い、世界中の都市生活者に地元での暮らし、仕事、遊びの「今」を尋ねた。現地の人々の意見と洞察、そして都市の専門家たちのグローバルネットワークのおかげで、2024年も世界最高の都市ランキングを作成することができた。 例年通り、このランキングの基礎となるのは、その都市を最もよく知る人々、つまり地元の人々に対する世界規模の調査だ。調査会社のPotentia Insightと協力しながら、我々は何千人もの都市住民を対象に、その都市の食、文化、ナイトライフの質と価格の手頃さについて調査を行った。 また、「そこにいることで幸せを感じるか」「美しい場所か」「社会的なつながりは作りやすいか」など、その土地をどう感じているのかも尋ねた。最終的に、何千もの回答が集まり、今この時点での、世界で最も素晴らしい都市の生活の現実について、ユニークも洞察を得ることができた。 海外旅行が2019年以来の最高水準まで回復すると予測されている今年は、都市への休暇旅行を計画している人も多いだろう。そこで我々は今回の2024年版の調査では、各都市におけるグローバルな魅力も加点することとし、調査参加者にいま住んでいる都市以外で最も住んでみたい都市を聞いた。また、世界各地を拠点とする、100人以上の旅慣れたタイムアウトのスタッフライターとエディターに、どの都市が今、特にエキサイティングな場所であるかも尋ねた。 さて、今年はどの都市が上位になったのか、見る準備はできただろうか？ さあ、出発だ。 関連記事『世界の文化的な都市ベスト20』『2024年に最もリーズナブルな海外旅行先は？』

Rome sells itself; we all know that. An unmissable attraction in Rome is about as unmissable as you are going to find, and this famous old city is packed with iconic spots that most cities would give their right arm for. Okay, cities don’t have arms, but you get the point. The Eternal City stands head and shoulders above most for historical and cultural might, and the best attractions in Rome are seriously impressive.You’d be forgiven for thinking Rome can’t possibly deliver on all its hype. Well, prepare yourself because it hits all the notes and then some. It has world-beating restaurants, fabulous bars, genre-defining galleries and all the history you could hope for. These are the most essential attractions in Rome, your ultimate Eternal City bucket list. This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Craving falafel, couscous or kebabs? The best Middle Eastern restaurants in New York have all that and more, offering Persian specialties, Lebanese classics and Arab cuisine. Options span from many of the best Astoria restaurants to midtown grills to some of the best Brooklyn restaurants—a meal at the acclaimed Tanoreen is one of the best things to do in Bay Ridge. Get your fill at the best Middle Eastern restaurants in NYC. RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in NYC

Diners are an iconic part of New York City’s history. Beloved by regulars and tourists alike, the very best diners in NYC are where old New York meets new culinary traditions. While NYC is known for some of the best fine dining in the world, you just can’t beat a hot cup of coffee poured into a white mug in a greasy spoon. These 21 diners are slinging sandwiches, burgers and egg creams that are more than just a meal; they’re a view into the past and future of NYC.   RECOMMENDED: Full guide to the best restaurants in NYC

Face it—everything is expensive in NYC. So after you take care of rent, bills and all your other expenses, how are you going to maintain your fashion game? Finding out where to shop for cheap clothes in New York City isn't just a want, it's a need. In a city known for high-end boutiques and world-class fashion labels, you can still find affordable clothing in NYC while avoiding fast-fashion at the plethora of shops offering inexpensive but well-made attire in all styles. Between many vintage and thrift stores, sample sales and outlet stores, you can find clothes that are sure to fit your budget and look great, too.  RECOMMENDED: Full guide to shopping in NYC

KIIS FM’s annual holiday behemoth’s lineup reads like a roll call of the station’s playlist: Olivia Rodrigo, Sabrina Carpenter, Niall Horan, Miguel, Flo Rida, AJR, (G)I-DLE and P1Harmony will all take over the Forum this holiday season. The best seats will cost you a boatload, so look out for news of a free pre-show that usually precedes the main event.

Free from the robot clutches of the Transformers franchise and his last, direct-to-Netflix thriller 6 Underground, Michael Bay returns where he belongs: a car chase in Los Angeles surrounded by muscled, sweaty men.  War veteran Will Sharp (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II), in dire need of cash to pay for his wife’s unspecified surgery, asks his career criminal adoptive brother Danny (Jake Gyllenhaal) for help as a last recourse. Abdul-Mateen II is the more grounded of the two while Gyllenhaal is giving us crazy-eyes. What’s supposed to be an easy job gets really messy, really quickly, and the two brothers find themselves in a LA-wide police chase with an injured cop in the back of the ambulance they’ve hijacked. If he dies, their sentences will be much more severe. The steely EMT Cam (Eliza Gonzalez) rounds off this unhinged scenario, a relatively sane counterweight to the odd-couple brothers as she tries to keep the cop alive.  Ambulance is a remake of a 2005 Danish film of the same name, but pimped up à la Bay. Something is always happening, very loudly, and everyone is concerned with looking very cool while it happens. Most of the action happens inside the titular ambulance, and credit to Bay for making it feel as cramped and frenetic as the story demands through sweaty close-ups and lunatic banter. His camera goes from trembling close-ups to swooping helicopter shots of his beloved LA at dizzying speed. Something is always happening, very loudly, and everyone is concerned with loo

The Who—that is, Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey, some other musicians and two very prominent ghosts—come to town on their “The Who Hits Back!” tour. See them in Anaheim at the Honda Center or at the Hollywood Bowl.

If you’re making a list and checking it twice, consider this annual shopping event for unique kitchen, pantry and tabletop finds, plus all sorts of foodie goodies. Hosts a bazaar most days in the downstairs basement event space, and on select evenings you’ll find visits from Santa (Dec 3, 10, 17, 24) or concerts (Dec 16, 23).

You know it’s summer in L.A. when the live outdoor music starts swelling all over the city, including at MacArthur Park’s Levitt Pavilion. The Westlake concert series returns this summer with free shows every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Expect a genre-spanning mix of local acts that range from cumbia to ska to EDM. Check out the full season lineup below. Courtesy Levitt Pavilion

Throughout the summer, Lower East Side hidden gem Sesh Comedy is hosting a BYOB summer pop-up. Each ticket comes with an alcoholic drink of choice, while BYOB is still encouraged. Each night hosts two shows that run for 75 minutes each, and features comedians from Comedy Central, HBO, Colbert, Netflix, Amazon, and more. Lineups change weekly, so be sure to check out @seshcomedy on Instagram for weekly show details!

Immersive art exhibit Arcadia Earth has reopened after being closed due to the pandemic, and it looks better than ever! The exhibit aims to inspire visitors artistically and ethically, as it uses 15 rooms to spotlight the environmental challenges that our planet is facing (such as overfishing, food waste, and climate change). This exhibit will not only leave visitors in awe, but it will help support Oceanic Global, an organization devoted to raising awareness around our aquatic ecosystems. In addition, a tree will also be planted for every ticket sold, making it a perfect gift for your eco-conscious friends!

Hudson River Park is currently displaying a new public art exhibition, displaying works by graduates from NYC SALT, an arts nonprofit photography program that gives students the opportunity to develop both their artistic and career skills in the field. The exhibition focuses on the diverse and dynamic communities throughout the city that the SALT alumni call home, and features 22 works displayed on 7-by-9 foot panels along the park.

Looking for some hilarious free fun this summer? Every Tuesday night at Pete’s Candy Store in Williamsburg, the “The Biggest Little Venue in NYC”, comedy fans can gather for a free show at 7pm! The lineups change weekly and can be found on the show’s Instagram and Facebook pages. For the safety of both the performers and the audience, proof of full vaccination is required for attendance. A full-service bar will be available with drinks and snacks for purchase throughout the show. 

Em maedos da década de 
80, Tommaso Buscetta, um importante membro da Cosa Nostra, a máfia da Sicília, tornou-se num dos primeiros arrependidos da história desta organização, fornecendo informações ao juiz anti-máfia Giovanni Falcone. Alguns anos mais tarde, a sua delação levaria à prisão de Totò Riina, o líder
 da Cosa Nostra, desferindo um sério golpe na organização, e conduziria até o antigo primeiro-ministro Giulio Andreotti à barra do tribunal (seria ilibado). Há em Itália uma longa tradição de “filmes de máfia”
(e de séries e telefilmes), sejam mais policiais e de acção, sejam mais documentais ou políticos. O Traidor, de Marco Bellochio, que conta a história de Buscetta, essencialmente a partir da altura em que passou a colaborar com as autoridades, é uma contribuição maior para este acervo. Bellochio apresenta-nos um Buscetta membro da Cosa Nostra “à antiga”. Isto é, antes que o tráfico de droga tenha substituído o de tabaco como a mais lucrativa actividade da organização, levando o monstruoso Riina
ao poder, desencadeando uma guerra no meio do crime siciliano e fazendo tábua rasa dos valores que a orientavam (nunca matar mulheres ou crianças, por exemplo). A certa altura, Buscetta 
(o magnificamente sóbrio Pierfrancesco Favino, que já vimos em Romanzo Criminale ou em Suburra), diz a Falcone ser um desses “homens de honra” dos tempos pré-tráfico de droga 
e massacres indiscriminados. Ao que este responde estar farto do “mito da máfia nobre e honrada”. Bellochio não min

Editor's note: the event is cancelled until further notice. The Wings for Life World Run is a charity running competition that's been held on the first weekend of May since 2014. Zadar is the only Wings for Life World Run race whose route extends along the sea, taking in the beautiful Adriatic coastline as well as much of the pretty city of Zadar. It is the third-largest in the world by the number of participants. In terms of the population of Croatia, it is the largest race of its kind in the country, as well as the race with the highest number of student entrants. In 2019, there were 9000 participants from more than 25 countries.RECOMMENDED: More great sports events in Croatia where you can join in

Situated just seconds away from Trg Ban Jelačić, Zagreb's central square, a stay at Pod Zidom Rooms places you truly in the heart of the city. An accommodation offer by the same team who run the Michelin-recommended Pod Zidom Bistro & Wine Bar which lies beneath, though these four, well-appointed rooms have no reception of their own, checking in downstairs couldn't be easier. The building's shared and unremarkable concrete stairwell gives way to an exquisitely-designed central corridor which grants access to each room. Three overlook the calm and largely pedestrian street outside and two have balconies. The uber-tasteful design runs throughout, from the beautiful modern bathrooms to the sleek bedrooms which each come with a king-size bed, perfectly positioned flat-screen TV (with complimentary Netflix), generous minibar and coffee and tea service, free broadband WiFi and a portable router so you can take the connection everywhere you go, comfortable work desk and central heating/air conditioning. Breakfast is taken downstairs at one of the most talked-about restaurants in the country. Indeed, aside from business travellers and couples on a city break, the rooms are frequently booked by gastronauts drawn to Zagreb because of the international reputation held by Pod Zidom's modern Croatian cuisine. The restaurant also has one of the best wine lists in the country.

Easter is a time of great tradition in Croatia, and nowhere more so than in Podravina, the area around Koprivnica near the Hungarian border. There, four masters of naïve art have long been painting huge eggs, to be sent around the world. The art project Pisanice od srca, ‘Writings from the Heart’, has been a part of the holiday season for the last 15 years. This year, two of their creations will be heading to the Volkswagen headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany, where they will be put on display for business clients and visitors to the museum. Each Easter egg bears the motif of the city it goes to, woven into the layers of colours and shapes created by each painter. “We need three to four days for the Easter egg to be finished, painted and dried,” explains one of the quartet, Zlatko Štrfiček. The other eggs he and his team have created will centrepiece the main square in Koprivnica, Zrinski trg, until April 8. Paula Bosančić

Croatia’s unique track of Donji Kraljevec is the subject of the first show in a major docu-series on speedway being released this week. Twist the Throttle allows fans to get up close and personal to the riders, tracks and stories that make this sport so popular. And no story can be as personal as Donji Kraljevec, outside Goričan, a roar away from the Hungarian border. The hallowed track, constructed from the ground up by top Yugoslav rider Zvonimir Pavlic, has a long history associated with the motorsport.  Three-time Speedway World Champion, Tai Woffinden, for example, has been racing at Croatia’s first track at Goričan since his early twenties, his opponents including the son of the family who own the 305-metre loop. They built racer Jurica Pavlic a track in his backyard, every racing kid’s dream, catapulting him to success as 2007 Individual European Champion. Jurica went on to ride in the Polish Ekstraliga, the world’s pre-eminent speedway league.  The first part of Twist the Throttle, released on Wednesday, March 20, shows how Croatia is woven into the story of speedway racing. The series culminates with episode five, with “55,000 people in Poland where the sport is the biggest,” according to one rider. FIM Speedway, Goričan Reopened in 2022, Donji Kraljevec has again become the home of Croatian speedway, with fans flying into Zagreb and making their way to the unique track at Goričan. This year’s meet takes place on April 27, Round One of the 30th anniversar

A perfect combination of modernity and tradition, Croatia’s second-largest city Split is a perfect spot to experience the Dalmatian way of living. There are many reasons why we fell in love with the vibrant city of Split. From the beautiful architecture that dates back to Roman times to panoramic views from Marjan Hill, Split has it all. Moreover, it’s a great base for memorable day trips to nearby towns and islands. Here are our top five reasons why we love visiting Split. We’re sure you will love it, too! Lucija Vukusic 1.Split’s historical charm Split is a town with a rich history. Just a stroll around the Old Town will reveal a great number of treasures. The Riva promenade is a must-visit and the best starting point for your exploration. From there, you can witness the grandeur of Diocletian’s Palace, the summer residence of Roman Emperor Diocletian. Zhivko DimitrovDiocletian's Palace & Peristil Visit the Peristil, the historic square where you will see the Cathedral of St Dominus, an ancient Egyptian sphinx and maybe even meet some Roman soldiers. Wander the Old Town’s labyrinthine alleys, see all the famous statues and marvel at the amazing ancient architecture. All these attractions are within walking distance of each other and they are to be explored by foot. You’ll only need one afternoon for Old Town sightseeing. VIP Holiday BookerAppetisers in a Split restaurant 2.Gourmet dining in Split Its coastal location and Mediterranean climate influence the culinary de

Visitar las principales atracciones turísticas de una ciudad está muy bien, pero solo cuando nos desviamos por un callejón perdido o tropezamos por una avenida arbolada podemos conocer el verdadero carácter de cada ciudad. Las calles son el corazón de la vida urbana; es donde las comunidades se reúnen, donde los pequeños comercios se convierten en protagonistas y donde los ciudadanos salen, pasan el rato y se divierten. Dicho esto, ¿cuáles son las mejores calles del mundo que vale la pena conocer y pasear por ellas? Para encontrar la respuesta, nuestro equipo global de editores y colaboradores aportó (e hizoun estudio) de la calle más bonita de su ciudad y, de ahí, creamos un ranking definitivo de las mejores avenidas, vías, callejuelas y bulevares del planeta. En primer lugar encontramos High Street, en Melbourne, Australia. Esta vía atraviesa los ultramodernos suburbios de Northcote, Thornbury y Prestons, y lo que la hace destacar son sus empresas locales y únicas. Desde Casa Nata, donde vienen auténticos pasteles portugueses, hasta Northside Wines, donde se puede degustar el vino local, pasando también por tiendas vintage y un cine independiente, esta calle está llena de vida. En segunda posición está una de las calles más antiguas de Hong Kong: el Hollywood Road, una bulliciosa vía que data de 1844 y que, según la leyenda, recibió ese nombre por los arbustos de acebo que antiguamente la bordeaban. Actualmente, ha cambiado, pero en esta calle hay de todo: el templo Man Mo,

Visitar les principals atraccions turístiques està molt bé, però només quan ens desviem per un carreró perdut o ensopeguem per una avinguda arbrada podem conèixer el veritable caràcter de cada ciutat. Els carrers són el cor de la vida urbana; són on les comunitats es reuneixen, on els petits comerços es converteixen en protagonistes i on els ciutadans surten, passen l’estona i es diverteixen. Dit això, quins són els millors carrers del món que val la pena conèixer i passejar-hi? Per trobar la resposta, el nostre equip global d’editors i col·laboradors va aportar (i fer un estudi) del carrer més vibrant de la seva ciutat i, d’aquí, vam crear un rànquing definitiu de les millors avingudes, vies, carrerons i bulevards del planeta. En el primer lloc trobem High Street, a Melbourne, Austràlia. Aquesta via travessa els ultramoderns suburbis de Northcote, Thornbury i Prestons, i el que la fa destacar són les empreses locals i úniques que acull. Des de Casa Nata, on venen autèntics pastissos portuguesos, fins a Northside Wines, on es pot tastar el vi local, passant també per botigues vintage i un cinema independent, aquest carrer està ple de vida.  En segona posició hi ha un dels carrers més antics de Hong Kong: el Hollywood Road, una bulliciosa via que data del 1844 i que, segons la llegenda, va rebre aquest nom pels arbusts de grèvol que antigament la vorejaven. Actualment, ha canviat, però en aquest carrer hi ha de tot: el temple Man Mo, centres culturals, restaurants, bars i molt

To explore Croatia by sea is to reveal its true secrets. Croatia has it all – the range of sailing options, the spectacular scenery, the unspoiled bays, the myriad islands and, most importantly, clear, calm and clean waters around them. Europe’s finest sailing playground is affordable, relatively safe (at sea and on shore) and contains a diversity of destinations for all kinds of visitors. Novice sailors can charter a boat with a qualified skipper, potter around the islands, and find out as much, or as little, about sailing as they'd like. Those who are serious about learning to sail, or improving their skills, can take a course at one of the sailing schools. Sailors of varying abilities, wanting the security and bonhomie of a group, can join a flotilla holiday. If your party includes someone with a skipper’s ticket there’s a multitude of charter options, with yachts and motorboats, while high rollers can take a fully crewed luxury yacht, classic or contemporary, and cruise the party hotspots. © Nature Park TelaščicaTelaščica on Kornati Where to go It’s surprising how much you can see in a week. The diverse appeal of Croatia’s 2,000 islands, islets and reefs, together with the varied mainland ports and anchorages, will leave you wanting to come back for more. In the north, the Istrian peninsula and Kvarner Bay have a high concentration of marinas and a more cosmopolitan feel than Dalmatia, due to the pervasive Italian influence. If gastronomy and culture are important, this

A recent arrival at the Croatian History Museum in Zagreb, a unique travelogue from a century ago records the adventures of Josip Franjo Mikulec from Zagorje. Nicknamed Joža Putnik, this agricultural worker decided to travel the world and meet as many interesting people as possible. His impecunious odyssey took him nearly 30 years, during which time he met personalities such as Mussolini, Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla, whose signatures feature inside. Neva Zganec/PIXSELL His scrapbook never left his side. By the end, it weighed 25kg and filled 1,244 pages. After Joža’s death in Genoa in 1933, the book passed into the hands of the Mikulec family, from the village of Krušljev Selo near Oroslavje. They later sought for it to be bought for posterity by the Croatian State. Recently, the Croatian History Museum managed to raise the funds to purchase it. Staff now hope to digitise it so that the public may peruse its fascinating pages. The story is further complicated by the fact that Joža travelled the world twice, selling his first journal and diary in America. These are now in the hands of a private collector, and there are moves afoot to negotiate a price and bring both back home to Croatia to complete Joža’s legacy. In Oroslavje, meanwhile, local mayor Viktor Šimunić is launching an initiative to open a promenade in Joža’s name and memory. Paula Bosančić/PIXSELL

The historic seat of the noble Pejačević family, set between Osijek and Kutjevo in Našice, Slavonia, will soon reopen its doors after its major conversion to a five-floor museum and wine bar. Pejačević Palace was built in 1812 for the dynasty that produced two Croatian bans or viceroys, and Croatia’s first female composer, Dora Pejačević, whose mortal remains lie in the crypt of the family chapel here following her death after giving birth in 1923. The grand property is still referred to the Big Palace to distinguish it from the little one, also belonging to the Pejačević family in the same grounds. After World War II, it passed into state hands but the interior remained richly furnished, its art collection intact. Davor Javorovic/PIXSELL In 2015, the City of Našice settled legalties with the heirs of the Pejačević family to became the property owners, and initiated the procedure for its protection and restoration. Receiving financing of more than €11 million from the EU Regional Development Fund, the City was able to raise the €13.3 million necessary to carry out the conversion of the palace to a museum. A permanent exhibition will focus on the Pejačević heritage, particularly the life and work of Dora, and the property will also serve as the headquarters for various cultural institutions. Activities can take place on all five floors, from a large multifunctional hall of 100-seat capacity, to the basement earmarked as a wine bar. Paula Bosančić/PIXSELL

A new series of aerial photographs taken by PIXSELL’s S Šime Zelić has revived the mystery of a ship that sank near the lighthouse at Veli Rat exactly 40 years ago. The Italian cargo ship Michelle, which was carrying fertiliser, ran aground in a storm in May 1983 just off the north-western cape of Dugi Otok, a two-hour ferry journey from Zadar. According to testimony from the lighthouse keeper at the time, the savvy sailors took advantage of the conditions and deliberately diverted the ship into the shallows to claim insurance money for the ageing vessel. If they did, it was a rash move, for local residents of Veli Rat had to come to the rescue of the ailing crew. Sime Zelic/PIXSELL While the Italians unloaded the cargo from the stranded ship and left it at the mercy of the sea, the event proved a turning point. After the Michelle disaster, a law was passed to force ship owners to retrieve their own wrecks from the sea. Nevertheless, the Michelle stayed where she was, exposed for four decades to the waves and the weather. The hull remains surprisingly well preserved, the portholes of the lower deck still visible, as well as the mast – as photos show from recent aerial footage. Only one question still hangs over from 1983: who will come and take away Michelle – and who will pay for it?

Kitesurfers come from all over Europe to the Neretva Delta, where the river empties out in the Adriatic at Komin. Here, the Maestral wind blows late afternoons in summer over the long sandy shores lining this spit of land in central Dalmatia, creating the perfect conditions to kitesurf. It was here that Lovre Šuman and a few local enthusiasts set up the Komin Kiteboarding club a decade or so ago. Now Germans, Austrians and Hungarians head this way from the end of May to the end of September. The club also offers tuition for anyone over the age of 12 who wishes to learn: “This sport is specific because it is accessible to everyone and can be learned in just three days with professional assistance,” says Lovre Šuman. “It is more about technique and practice. We spend hours in the sea working on it. Anyone can find their level and those who try fall in love with the sport.” “I was taught by a man from Slovenia who is now 70 and still kitesurfs. There are a lot of people over middle age who want to try it because it is not physically demanding. This one of the most favourable winds in this part of Europe for this sport because it is constant, it blows almost every day and is very good for learning the basics.” Komin Kiteboarding Club

Husband and wife Davor and Zrinka Derković Ivčić have left their busy lives in Zagreb to take care of exotic birds in the unspoilt surroundings of Slavonia. Becoming familiar with colourful birdlife while on holiday in Tenerife, visiting the island’s Loro Park, the pair decided to set up their own parrot breeding farm, buying their first bird from Kokolo farm in Križevci. As their birds were more and more numerous, space in their Zagreb flat became smaller and smaller. They decided to sell it and buy a house in order to provide their menagerie with a more comfortable home. That’s when they moved to Samatovci near Osijek in Slavonia. They acquired a site of three hectares and set up their own company, ‘Only Exotic’. “We often used to rent a house in Slavonia to escape from the hustle and bustle of Zagreb. We would enjoy peace, animals and local food. In addition, we believe that the Osijek-Baranja County encourages the work of young entrepreneurs,” they told Pixsell’s Paula Bosančić. Davor Javorovic/PIXSELL In addition to taking care of their birds, Davor and Zrinka are also turning to rural tourism. In their house in Samatovci, they plan to provide guests with accommodation, homemade Slavonian food and massage treatments. They aim to open a family hotel for pets with a personalised approach, where guests can spend time with their pets or leave them in care. Davor and Zrinka would love to share their knowledge with others and plan to make presentations and hold education abo

A beach strewn with rubbish in a hidden cove at Štinjan near Pula has been transformed into an idyllic seaside attraction thanks to the tireless work of a local bar owner and his wife. In 2016, Mario Krekman and his wife were walking their dog when they came across a beach that had been used as a rubbish dump for years. Instead of ignoring it, the couple contacted the local council, which carried out a minimal clean-up. Then Mario decided to take matters into his own hands. He and his wife designed an eco-friendly bar ideal for the surroundings, a minimalist oasis for relaxation. They presented the idea to the council and got the go-ahead. Over six months, they transformed the beach completely, making furniture and the interior from the wood they found there and in the surrounding forests. They also repurposed old waste, coming up with a name and motto for their new initiative: the Lost Bay beach bar, under the watchwords No Plastic Is Fantastic. Music shows, art exhibitions and various other cultural happenings now bring plenty of visitors to this once neglected slice of coast north-west of Pula. For more details, see here.  Paula Bosančić