Author: marsovac

On the eastern slopes of the Samobor Highlands, twenty kilometers from Zagreb there is Samobor, a medieval town with a French flair. Samobor is the most popular excursion destination for Zagreb residents and hikers from all over Croatia and abroad, which once again impresses every visitor with its natural beauty, valuable heritage, carnival and the famous Samobor kremšnita.

We bring you 5 must-see places in Samobor, as well as the most famous Samobor specialties.

What to see in Samobor?

1. King Tomislav Square

Each building on the main Samobor square, the old town center is a protected cultural monument. The King Tomislav Square is also a well-known destination for enjoying delicious Samobor kremšnita and for the legend devoted to the well that is located in the center of the square: “Whoever drinks from the well always returns to Samobor!”

2. Samobor old crafts

Samobor is also known for its rich tradition of craftsmanship. Samobor is especially known for the Samobor crystal, which has been hand-sanded for more than 170 years as well as for production of licitars – heart-shaped cookies.

3. Samobor Fašnik

For over 190 years, the Samobor Fašnik has been a favorite carnival and entertainment manifestation in Croatia among tourists which is held every February. This carnival party came to life thanks to Joseph Kompare, who introduced sharp satire into folk customs since 1860.

4. Žumberak Nature Park – Samobor Highlands

The Žumberak Nature Park – Samobor Highlands surrounding the town of Samobor has been attracting numerous visitors for decades with natural beauty of forests, mountain peaks, streams, caves, and various attractions.

5. Anindol

Near Samobor town on the hill Tepec there is a beautiful Samobor promenade Anindol. A walk through Anindol leads to the most famous Samobor chapel – the Chapel of St. Ana from which you can take a central trail to reach the Old Town. The walls of the chapel were built around 1270 by supporters of the Czech king Otokar.

What to taste?

While drinking coffee in the charming atmosphere of pastry shops in the town center, do not forget to try the most famous dessert and gastronomic souvenir of Samobor – kremšnita. You will also be amazed by the aperitif Bermet and the meat enriched with Muštarda, a type of mustard with spices. In addition, try other Samobor specialties such as Rudarska greblica (the pie), Samobor salami and češnjovka (garlic sausage).

Visit www.destinationadriatic.com and find your ideal trip to Samobor!

Source: https://www.samobor.hr/visit, http://www.tzzz.hr/mjesta/samobor/

Big 7 Travel, a global portal dedicated to travel and lifestyle, has placed Advent in Zagreb on the third place of the best Christmas fairs in the world. Except for Zagreb were competing other fifty finalists.

Christkindlmarkt-Leavenworth in Washington, USA is in first place, while Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market in Birmingham, UK is in second place. After Zagreb, the Christmas Village Belvedere Palace in Vienna is in fourth place, while the fifth is Stellenbosch Slow Market in South Africa.

The Big 7 Travel portal, which has more than 2.5 million followers from more than 190 countries, explains: “Zagreb’s third place states that it is a beautiful place with a great atmosphere that deservedly bears the title of the most beautiful European Christmas fair”. The authors also point out that the whole city “is full of Christmas spirit” and rate high the street food offer, an outdoor ice rink in the city centre, children’s facilities, stalls with handmade products and the overall atmosphere of the city.

Source: http://www.infozagreb.hr/novosti

The photo is the property of the Zagreb Tourist Board archive, by Julien Duval

Grand Park Hotel Rovinj of Maistra hotel chain that was opened in April 2019, has become part of one of the world’s largest luxury hotel organizations, „The Leading Hotels of the World“ (LHW). Membership of this organization is provided only to the most prominent luxury hotels that continuously provide the highest standards of quality of accommodation, service, facilities and gourmet offer.

Today, LHW has more than 400 of the world’s most luxurious hotels, destinations and spas in over 80 countries worldwide. Among them is another Maistra’s hotel – Monte Mulini hotel, which became a member for its exclusivity in 2012.

With the opening of the Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, Adris Group completed the renovation of the Monte Mulini Zone, one of the most luxurious tourist areas in the Adriatic, comprising Monte Mulini hotel which is also a member of LHW, then the first Croatian design hotel Lone and recently refurbished hotel Eden.

The hotel construction project is a collaboration of Maistra, the local 3LHD architectural studio and the Milan studio Pierro Lissoni – Lissoni Architettura, one of the most respected and world-renowned Italian designers and architects, who define trends in world-class product design.

The hotel is located opposite the old town of Rovinj, overlooking the Church of St. Euphemia and the Island of St. Catherine. Guests can enjoy views from one of the 209 units on six floors, as well as a wide selection of restaurants and bars including the signature Cap Aureo restaurant, Albaro Wellness & Spa center of 3800 square meters and the Lungomare Plaza promenade with many shops, restaurants and bars.

Another recognition of the quality of the Grand Park Hotel Rovinj is a recently won nomination „Hotel Investment of the Year“ during „The Days of Croatian Tourism“ and that it has been included in the list of the best 2019 city hotels published by the prestigious Wallpaper magazine.

Due to the current situation caused by the corona virus, all hoteliers found themselves in a difficult situation. Unable to provide accommodation services, Montenegro Hotel Regent Porto Montenegro 5 * came up with the idea of entertaining people while in isolation in their homes. The “Montenegro Cooks at home” project offers people the ability to cook not only the uncomplicated but delicious local specialties of a 5 star hotel on their own! All recipes are posted on the hotel website and rewards are shared on week and month basis for the most active ones! An interesting idea how to attract positive reactions from people when they cannot visit the hotel in person.

Pasta with wild asparagus and parmesan (4 persons)

Ingredients:

Pasta 700g

Wild asparagus 400g

Eggs 6 pcs.

Parmesan cheese 250g

Garlic 3 pcs.

Preparation:

 Pour water into two separate pots, season with salt and wait for the water to boil. Meanwhile, gently whisk two whole eggs and four egg yolks in a bowl, add finely grated Parmesan and mix. Once the water has boiled, add the pasta to one pot and the washed asparagus to the other.

Cook the asparagus for a maximum of one minute in the boiling water, then cool immediately under cold water. Cut the cooled asparagus into smaller pieces. On a heated frying pan, fry the cubed garlic, add the chopped asparagus and sauté briefly.

Cook the pasta two minutes shorter than the recommended time, drain some of the liquid and keep the rest to prepare the sauce. Continue cooking the pasta over a medium heat, add the mixture of eggs and Parmesan cheese and stir constantly to keep the sauce f rom thickening. Finally, add the sautéed asparagus with garlic and stir.

To serve: Serve with a couple of parmesan slices.

The well-being and safety of our passengers, employees and community has always been our top priority. We are committed to ensure you peace of mind by improving health and safety standards during our travels. We follow the instructions of the Croatian Ministry of Tourism, the World Health Organization and other competent government agencies on a daily basis, and we have started to apply several rules and precautions for your safety on our tours. Through the project Safe stay in Croatia protocols for business and customer service have been developed in all areas of tourism and coneccted with tourism.

We have been awarded with “Safe stay in Croatia” label, which provides assurance for our guests that we have met national and international health and hygiene standards.

In our offices  

General rules for clients:
– Recommended communication by phone, e-mail or video call
– Mandatory wearing of a protective mask in the office (clients are advised to wear protective masks in the agency’s premises in accordance with the current recommendations of the Croatian Institute of Public Health).
– Disinfection of hands at the entrance to the agency (dispensers of disinfectants are installed at the entrance).
– Maintaining the prescribed physical distance for the maximum number of people in the agency office (when entering the agency you will find instructions with the recommended maximum number of people and a recommendation to maintain physical distance in accordance with the current guidelines of the Croatian Institute of Public Health, except for members of the same family or group).

Our staff
Our team is ready to help you with any questions related to the safety of your trip. They will be happy to inform you of the latest terms and conditions and help you with the booking process. Our support team is at your service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist you for any emergency. All of our employees, including guides, drivers, travel representatives, have undergone the necessary training about healthy and safe traveling.

New Booking Conditions and Modifications of Reservations
Our new Terms and Conditions give you added flexibility when canceling or modifying reservations. We recommend that you take out a Covid-covered insurance policy prior to travel. Full general terms and conditions can be found here https://www.atlantis-travel.hr/uvjeti_koristenja?lang=en

During travel
During your tour, your guide and driver will strive to maintain high hygiene standards for the group, making sure that necessary protocols are followed. Our guests are also required to take care of themselves and other members of the group. All of our guests are expected to follow their guide’s advice for the benefit of all during the trip: washing their hands regularly, observing physical distancing rules, and wearing protective masks as needed. Check the World Health Organization website (www.who.int) for guidelines and regulations for your country of visit. If you feel unwell, please notify your guide or tourist representative immediately.

General rules for clients
 – wearing protective masks indoors
 – hand disinfection
 – physical distance
 – limited number of people in the group in the room
 – use of receivers with headphones to ensure sufficient physical distance between guide and guest (if possible)
 – compliance with epidemiological measures at loacilities
 – strict adherence to the rules of conduct in protected areas

Transport
During trips, transfers and excursions we use all the additional precautions that are prescribed by local laws and regulations. We are delighted to be one of the first to receive a safe tourism certificate from the Croatian Ministry of Tourism that meets the necessary criteria in terms of hygiene, social distancing, the welfare of employees and passengers in compliance with the protocol:
– disinfection of a vehicle (bus, minibus, passenger car) before and after each transportation
– measurement of the driver’s body temperature before leaving and keeping record  
– wearing a protective mask in the vehicle (driver and passengers)
– disinfectant dispenser at entrance in vehicle

Hotels, Restaurants
Choose restaurants with outdoor terraces and private seating where possible. Reduce contact with people.
We enjoy meals only in restaurants, cafes or hotels that consistently meet our standards of health, cleanliness and service. Disinfection / hand washing required before meals. Following local health and social distancing rules (e.g. table spacing, seating). When eating outside, choose restaurants with open spaces, gardens and separate seating where possible and reduce human contact.

Leisure
Countless additional activities are available at your destination, giving you the flexibility and freedom to choose the one you like. You will still generally have the same opportunities, but some entertainment may not be available or may be limited due to local health and safety regulations, depending on the country. Comply with local laws, regulations regarding health, safety and social distancing.

End of Trip
For tours, including airport transfers, we only use vehicles that are regularly thoroughly cleaned, ventilated and disinfected after each passenger. A transfer will pick you up from your hotel and take you to a specific location at the airport. Our representative will be well aware of the latest safety and health regulations in transport. Let your guide know if you feel unwell at the end of the tour for medical assistance if needed, or call 113. Even if you feel unwell after returning from your trip, please let our staff know by email or phone.

Let’s go on our tours safely and responsibly!

NEW PROMOTOR OF THE TOURIST OFFER OF ZAGREB REGION

Zagreb region is recognized for its innovative solutions, the most recent of which is the humanoid robot called Victoria, which is introduced on the ground floor of the passenger terminal of Franjo Tudjman Airport in Velika Gorica. Victoria provides guests with a virtual 360-degree walking tour  through Zagreb region, more specifically through its natural beauty and cultural sights. Through panoramic photography, it gives an insight into the tourist places of the city and its region, gastronomic destinations, cycling routes and many other useful information.

Victoria is the “new assistant” of Zagreb Tourist Board, on whose initiative a humanoid robot pilot project has been launched as one of the most exciting technological advances in the tourism industry in recent years.

Mayor of Zagreb region, Stjepan Kozic said that Zagreb region has been positioned over the years as an excursion destination that provides a strong counterbalance to the pace of „accelerated“ Zagreb. “By presenting this humanoid robot, we would like to show in an innovative way what we are doing in the development of tourism, what our aims are and how to improve the development of continental tourism. Croatia can acquire the complete status of tourist destination only when it strengthens continental tourism,” concluded Kozic, adding that Victoria is one of the examples of the transformation of Zagreb region into a so-called. „smart region“.

Source: https://poslovni-savjetnik.com/pauza/humanoidni-robot-viktorija-novi-je-promotor-turisticke-ponude-zagrebacke-zupanije

Private museums in Zagreb are more and more popular bussines. Croatian capital experienced sort of „boom“ of this institutions. Not so long ago, The museum of torture was opened in Radić street, The museum of illusions near Britanac, and already familiar to tourists, Museum of broken relationships on Upper town.

The Museum of Torture

TORTUREUM offers an insight into its unique collection of various instruments of torture and execution that have been employed since the ancient times to the present day. The Museum vividly depicts the notion of violence throughout history, with over 70 full-scale instruments of torture, which even the thought of chilled people to the bone.

The visitors will be able to see, touch and try exhibits such as the full-scale replica of the 1792 guillotine with the 1889 Berger mechanism; pendulum – a swinging blade that descends lower and lower with each sweep; rack – one of the oldest instruments of torture;iron maiden, which is considered as the most brutal medieval instrument of torture; scold’s bridle, an instrument used to punish women accused of scolding and gossiping, as well as many other instruments that were used to humiliate, torture, injure or execute the victim.

The museum of illusions

Welcome to our fascinating world of illusions. Thrilled yet bewildered you will enter a world that will blow your mind but also give you an opportunity to learn all sorts of things… come and visit us! It is sure to be an amazing and unimaginable experience because whatever you see, especially here in the Museum of Illusions, is not what it appears to be. 

Are you ready for an adventure? We offer an in intriguing, visual, sensual and educational experience. It’s a social and entertaining tour into the world of illusions which has delighted all generations. It’s a perfect place for new experiences and fun with friends and family and it’s unique in this part of Europe. Not only is it a place for children who adore coming, but also a place for parents, couples, grandmothers and grandfathers.

The museum of broken relationships

The Museum of Broken Relationships grew from a traveling exhibition revolving around the concept of failed relationships and their ruins. Unlike ‘destructive’ self-help instructions for recovery from failed loves, the Museum offers a chance to overcome an emotional collapse through creation: by contributing to the Museum’s collection.

Whatever the motivation for donating personal belongings – be it sheer exhibitionism, therapeutic relief, or simple curiosity – people embraced the idea of exhibiting their love legacy as a sort of a ritual, a solemn ceremony.  Our societies oblige us with our marriages, funerals, and even graduation farewells, but deny us any formal recognition of the demise of a relationship, despite its strong emotional effect.  In the words of Roland Barthes in A Lover’s Discourse: “Every passion, ultimately, has its spectator… (there is) no amorous oblation without a final theater.”

Beaches of Crikvenica Riviera are most beautiful and most special on Adriatic coast. We bring you a brief overview of these beautiful and award-winning beaches…

Gradska plaža (City`s beach)

Destination: Crikvenica

Beach type: beach with Blue flag, sandy/smooth pebble beach

Recomended for: Families with small kids, party and fun, sport

Famous beach of Crikvenica. Since 1998, it has a “Blue Flag”. Adapted for people with special needs (has a ramp for lowering persons into the sea). Admission is charged from 8.00 to 17.00 hours, then becomes a promenade and an amusement park for children and adults. The beach offers various water sports: water skiing, para-sailing, pedal boats, beach volleyball, table tennis, animation in the sea, and rental equipment. The beach has plenty of cafe bars, restaurants, sports and children’s playgrounds, there is a water slide and souvenir shops and small shops with fresh products (fruit, pastries, bakery products). Hotel Esplanade is located across the beach.

Beach Crni molo

Destination: Crikvenica

Beach type: sandy beach, beach with smooth peeble

Recomended for: Families with small kids, for fun and sport

Beach Crni Molo is located in centre of Crikvenica and is one of most known beaches of whole Riviera Crikvenica. Beach Crni molo offers many sports activities: from beach volleyball, mini golf, water skiing, etc .. On the beach there are showers and the beach is surrounded by pine trees. On Crni molo beach you can rent parasols and deck chairs. On the beach Crni molo there are restaurants, bars and hotels. Crni molo is especially suitable for families with small children.

Beach Kačjak

Destination: Dramalj,Crikvenica

Beach type: paved beach, rocky beach

Recomended for: families with small kids, for fun and sport

Kačjak is located on a peninsula in Dramalj, Crikvenica Riviera. Parts of beach are gravel and you can rent chairs and umbrellas. On the beach Kačjak there are several bars and restaurants.

The beach has lifeguards and the beach is especially suitable for families with young children. Near the beach Kačjak, you can play tennis, badminton, table tennis, mini golf and many other sports.

Omorika beach

Destination: Omorika, Crikvenica

Beach type: beach with smooth peeble, paved beach

Recomended for: families with small kids, for fun and sport

Omorika beach is located on a peninsula Dramalj. Omorika is pebble beach, partly paved. Omorika Beach is especially suitable for families with children, here you can rent chairs and umbrellas. Beach is surrounded by pine trees. There are tennis court near Omorika, same as sand courts for volleyball and you can also play picigin. There are bars and restaurants on te beach.

Beach Klenovica

Destination: Novi Vinodolski, Klenovica

Beach type: beach with smooth peeble, pebble beach

Recomended for: families with small kids

Beach Klenovica is peeble and rocky beach. Also in August, the beach is not too crowded. On the beach Klenovica, there are bars and restaurants. The beach is located at Camp Klenovica. Here you can rent pedal boats and ships.

Dramalj beach

Destination: Dramalj, Crikvenica

Beach type: sandy beach, beach with smooth peeble

Recomended for: families with small kids, for fun and sport

Beach Dramalj is located 3 km from Crikvenica, in Dramalj. Dramalj beach is pebbly and sandy beach, surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation. Beach Dramalj is particularly suitable for families with small children, but also for sports fans. Nearby are the bay suitable for nudists.

Beach Žurkovo

Destination: Kostrena, Žurkovo

Beach type: beach with Blue flag, beach with peeble, pebble beach

Recomended for: families with small kids, for fun and sport, party

Beach Žurkovo located in the immediate vicinity of the town Rijeka, near Kostrena. Žurkovo beach is pebble beach with a few rocks. There is also a diving center where you can rent all the sports equipment. On the beach Žurkovo there are several restaurants and bars. Beaches stretch along the promenade where you can take a walk.

Beach Rokan

Destination: Selce

Beach type: sandy beach, paved beach

Recomended for: families with small kids, for fun and sport

Rokan Beach is especially suitable for families with children. On the beach Rokan is blue flag that symbolizes the purity of the sea. On the beach Rokan you can rent umbrellas and deck chairs. On the beach, there are several restaurants and bars. Also nearby are tennis courts, mini golf course and a large water slide for children.

Beach Poli mora

Destination: Selce

Beach type: sandy beach, beach with smooth peeble

Recomended for: families with small kids, for fun and sport

Beach Poli mora is located in the immediate vicinity of Crikvenica, and is suitable for small children. Beach Poli mora is equipped with showers, toilets and changing rooms. On the beach you can play tennis, beach volleyball, acquavolley and other water sports. On the beach Poli mora are several restaurants and bars. Beach Poli mora is awarded with a Blue Flag for cleanliness of the sea.

Wine and FoodGastronomy Regions
From north to south and from east to west, from the shores of the Adriatic in Dalmatia to the valleys of Slavonia, each region of Croatia has its own special culinary personality that will surprise you. From proto-Slavic essences mixed with Hungarian, Viennese and Turkish influences in the meats, desserts and vegetable dishes of the continental regions, to the Greek, Roman and Illyrian Mediterranean flavors of the fish delicacies and wines of the coastal region… Let your taste travel across centuries of tradition and relish every moment.
Central CroatiaA region known for the traditional Podravina cow’s milk cheese, the salami, Kremšnita (custard cake) and bermet liqueur from Samobor and the Graševina and Pinot Blanc wines. Amaze yourself with the intense flavours of traditional dishes from Zagorje like the buckwheat mash Hajdina kaša, the Kukurzna zlevka corn cake or typical turkey with mlinci pasta.
City of ZagrebThe Austro-Hungarian heritage is felt in every bite of the food in Zagreb, such as Grenadir Marša tasty pasta with onions and cheese, Kajzeršmarn, an original dessert with caramelized pancakes, pasta with cabbage (krpice sa zeljem) or turkey with pasta slivers. You should not miss the cheese puff pastries, the fresh cream and cheese, the doughnuts and honey and pepper biscuits… Simply delightful! And, of course, while in Zagreb you can always try the very best of the famous Croatian wines.
Dalmatia – DubrovnikSavour the oysters and mussels of Ston, the finest shellfish in the Adriatic, the eel and frog stew from the Neretva valley with some of the best wines from the south, such as Dingač and Postup from Pelješac and Pošip and Grk from Korčula, not to mention Dubrovnik’s malvasia from Konavle. And if you are looking for something sweet, simply indulge yourself with pastries like Rožata, Kotonjata or Mantala cakes. 
Dalmatia – SplitSplit is home to the famous Dalmatinska Pašticada or Dalmatian stew, but also to a delicious river crab stew, savoury cakes such as the aromatic Viška, Forska and Komiška pogača and the famous luganige sausages as well as the Arambašići from Sinj, small cabbage rolls filled with beef and pork. On the island of Hvar you will find renowned wines like Vugava and Plančić and also Smutice, red wine mixed either with sheep’s or goat’s milk.
Dalmatia – ŠibenikCheese ripened in a lamb skin sack and the Drniš prosciutto, washed down with a glass of Babić red wine from Primošten are just the beginning of a festival of flavours in Šibenik. Sardines, fresh tuna, the kumbasice sausages from Skradin, the famous Soparnik, a delicious pastry filled with a mixture of olives, figs and olive oil, or the desserts made with dry figs, jujube and almonds will delight your senses.
Dalmatia – ZadarIt is impossible to talk about gastronomy and enology in Zadar without mentioning the world famous Maraschino cherry liqueur. However, this is not the only flavour of the region that will win you over: just try the cheese from Pag, the most highly-prized cheese in Croatia, soaked with flavours of Mediterranean plants. You should also try the brodet, fish and crab stew, the grilled fish salted with the famous Pag and Nin salt or the Ninski šokol, dried pork neck soaked in the red wine of Benkovac.
IstriaContinental and Mediterranean cuisine come together in Istria: fish, crabs, seafood, maneštra od bobići (the famous minestrone with sweet corn), pasta with fabulous local truffles, game sauce, goulash, pork loin and sausages, wild asparagus omelette, cheese… Start with an aperitif of mistletoe, rue or honey schnapps, enjoy your meal and make room for a sweet dessert ending with kroštule, krafi or fritule fried dough pastries.
KvarnerYou will not find such large and tasty shrimps in the whole Adriatic Sea as those from Kvarner. That being said, the tender lamb with sheep cheese is the most famous product from the region. The renowned Vrbnička Žlahtina white wine from Vrbnik,Trojšćina wine from the island of Susak, the chestnuts from Lovran and the exquisite Rab cake are waiting for you. When are you coming? 
Lika – KarlovacIn addition to the well-known Lika potatoes, which have a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI), you’ll enjoy traditional lamb cooked under the embers in an iron bell, the slices of dried game, the Škripavac cheese or the distinctive Velebit honey. The plum and pear schnapps and berry liqueur are also highly appreciated locally, so are the fruits of the forest of blueberry and raspberries.
SlavoniaSlavonia tastes like tradition, like the shepherd’s bean stew Grah Čobanac, fish stew soup with hot red pepper Fiš Paprikaš, ham, Kulen sausage and Kulenova Seka sausage, salenjaci made in a traditional way from pork fat, savijača pastries filled with apples and walnuts or tasty Poderane Gaće, literally meaning “ripped underpants”, a funny name for a dish that will definitely put you in a good mood. Tasty flavours that combine perfectly with its quality wines such as Iločki Traminac, Kutjevački Riesling and Graševina.

Croatian Specialties
Explore the diversity of Croatian cuisine and discover its wonderful specialties. Aperitifs such as the world famous Maraschino of Zadar, starters such as cheese from Pag, ham and kulenova seka of Slavonia, oysters and mussels from Ston, delicious grilled fish, salted anchovies, delicacies such as eels and frogs from the Neretva Valley, turkey with mlinci, pašticada from Split, and desserts like puddings, Kotonjata, kroštule or fritule are among the many dishes in an unforgettable menu that will conquer your senses.
Wine Roads
Throughout the year, but especially during the autumn harvest time, the wine roads in Croatia are filled with people looking to enjoy and celebrate local festivals, such as San Martin. Take part in the christening of must (new wine), or simply explore the beautiful vineyards like the ones in Motovun in Istria, Kutjevo in Slavonia or Međimurje in Central Croatia and enjoy a unique experience.
Olive Oil
One of the icons of the Mediterranean culture, olive oil has been a fundamental ingredient of Croatian cuisine for centuries and one of the most important products of our country. Discover its great gastronomic value and healing properties by visiting the regions where it is produced: Istria, Kvarner and Dalmatia.Tasting
Enjoy Croatian cuisine at the many food festivals and tastings held throughout the year. Follow the wine routes through the beautiful vineyards of Slavonia, Dalmatia and Central Croatia. Savor delicious white truffles from Istria. Try the famous sheep’s milk cheese from the island of Pag and sweeten your days with honey from the island of Hvar.

When we talk about tasting in Croatia, there are certain dishes that you should not miss:
ProsciuttoPašticana, Dalmatian stew from Split areaMaraschinoKulen – a spicy, flavoured sausageŠtrukli – fresh cottage cheese dishBlack risottoMarinated anchoviesGrilled fishFish paprikash – fish stew with hot red pepperFritule – a deep-fried pastry

On the list of top 10 swimming pools in Croatia are:

Mladost pools

Adress: Jarunska 5, Zagreb

Telephone: 01/3658-553

Daily ticket price: 25 kunas for adults and 20 kunas for kids

Family ticket: 70 kunas (on weekends: 100 kunas)

Working hours: 12.00 – 19.00 h (on weekends and  feast: 10.00 – 20.00 h)

Number of pools: 4

Mladost pools are  located in the Sports Park Mladost, and have open and closed spaces. The outer and inner part have one Olympic swimming pool and one small pool for swimming courses. In its offer, except the swimming pool, they have a gym, sauna and various cafes.  

The smallest crowd in the pools are immediately during the opening, and later there is an increasing number of people. The water is flowing, and every day is filtered, the water quality control is performed several times a week by Department of Public Health.

Winter swimming pool Mladost

Adress: Trg Krešimira Ćosića 10

Telephone: 01/3092-572

Daily ticket price: 20 kunas for adults and 15 kunas for kids

Family ticket: 50 kunas

Working hours: 06.00 – 19.00 h (Saturday:  09.00 – 19.00 h, Sunday: 08.00- 10.00 h; 14.00- 19.00 h)

Number of pools: 2

Despite its name, Winter swimming pool Mladost is open during the summer. It offers an Olympic pool with five ski jump and grandstand with 800 seats and a small swimming pool, and all pools are divided into swimming stripes. During the summer, there are playgrounds for beach volleyball, mini basketball court and gym, and they offer two programs of swimming for adults.

The water is changed only during the outage, and swimming pools and water are being cleaned once or twice a week. The crowd is relatively high because of the need to select the dates when swimming stripes are not filled.

Svetice pool

Adress: Svetice bb, Zagreb

Telephone: 01/6421 442

Daily ticket price: 20 kunas for adults and 15 kunas for kids (on weekends: 25/20)

Family ticket: No

Working hours: 06.00 – 22.00 h (Saturday: 11.00 – 22.00 h; Sunday:08.00 – 22.00 h)

Number of pools: 3

The newest pool in Zagreb attracts more and more people, which is why the crowds are common. It is not crowded in the morning, biggest crowds are on weekends and especially on feasts. In case of huge crowd, cashiers will stop selling tickets until the number of swimmers decreases. Svetice pool offers 3 pools: olympic, small pool for swimming courses and pool for warm up. They also offers jacuzzi, and a small pool with cold water.

In addition to the wellness center guests have at their disposal a wealth of sporting activities such as beach volleyball, football, badminton and table tennis, and for children there is a playground. Pools are filtered on daily basis.

Aquapark Adamovec

Adress: Dragutina Domjanića 39, Bjelovar

Telephone: 01/2043 014

Daily ticket price: 60 kunas for adults and 40 kunas for kids (on weekends: 70/50 kunas)

Family ticket: 170 kunas (on weekends: 200 kunas)

Working hours: 08.00 – 20.00 h

Number of pools: 5

In a closed Aquapark Adamovec are recreational pool with massages and geysers, pool beach and swimming pool with waterfalls and massage. Outdoors is a large recreation pool with a wild river, artificial islands and a jacuzzi and a children’s pool.

They offer a wellness center, two restaurants, one of them is self-service and two bars. In addition to all this there is a swimming school. At least crowds are during the week, while most crowds are during the weekend. The water is filtered every night, when the pool comes from 10 to 20 per cent completely new water.

Vodeni planet – Terme Tuhelj d.o.o.

Adress: Ljudevita Gaja 4, Tuheljske Toplice

Telephone: 049/203 000

Daily ticket price: 65 kunas for adults and 35 kunas for kids (on weekends: 75/45 kunas)

Family tickets: 175 kunas (on weekends: 205 kunas)

Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00 h

Number of pools: 8

The outdoor bathing Water Planet includes a wave pool, children’s pool with four water slides and water cannons, a pool for children with water toys and relaxation swimming pool with geysers, water towers and underwater massage. At the outdoor pools is still a five lanes for lowering the pools and lazy river. Indoor pool system contains a swimming pool half the size of an Olympic swimming pool, children’s pool and a therapeutic pool for therapy with light and sound.

During the week, until 11 hours there is no crowds, and on the weekends, there is a lot more visitors. New pools have a new system that every night in 22 hours filters water through the night until 6 in the morning, which completely cleans the pool.

Vodeni park – Hotel Terme Jezerčica

Adress: Toplička cesta 80, Donja Stubica

Telephone: 049/200 600

Daily ticket price: 55 kunas for adults and 40 kunas for kids (on weekends: 70/50 kunas)

Family ticket: 150 kunas (on weekends: 180 kunas)

Working hours: 07.00 – 21.00 h

Number of pools: 8

In the outer part of the park there is a large swimming pool, three water slides and massage cannons and children’s pool with slides. Out, on fresh air, guests can enjoy the beach volleyball and table tennis, and for the youngest there is a children’s playground. Outdoors there are two bars.

Indoor water park includes a swimming pool with geysers, a children’s pool with slides, recreational swimming pool with the effect of artificial rain, baby pool and swimming pool. As for the crowd, there is no specific rules, but most guests mostly gathers for the weekend. The water in the pools is changed once a week. In the indoor pool water flow, with continuous filter.

Aquapark Sveti Martin

Adress: Izvorska 3, Sveti Martin na Muri

Telephone: 040/371 111

Daily ticket price: 57 kunas for adults and 40 kunas for kids (on weekends: 67/57 kunas)

Family ticket: 146 kunas (on weekends: 176 kunas)

Working hours: 08.00 – 20.00 h

Number of pools: 3

Although it has only three swimming pools, aquapark compensates its offer. It is the largest recreational pool with lanes for swimming, but most of the attention attracts pool with slides on which are still numerous water attractions like rafting slides, body slides, Black Hole and Kamikaze. The pool is located and aquabar, but there are two whirlpools on artificial islands. For children there is a wading pool with a sandy beach. You can even play beach volleyball, and guests can refresh on a number of points that offer food and drink.

The smallest crowd was on Monday, and the water does not change, but is constantly filtered using advanced purification system.

AquaPark Solaris

Adress: Hoteli Solaris 86, Šibenik

Telephone: 022/361-001

Daily ticket price: 100 kunas for adults and 70 kunas for kids under 6 y/o

Family ticket: No

Working hours: 09h-20h

Number of pools: 3

Waterpark is a theme water park, which is mainly intended for children, but adults can enjoy its water-activities. The pools are equipped with all possible water attractions but also have slides, sprinklers and waterfalls, but the main attractions are lazy river that takes you by the pool and a big barrel which from 13.5 meters every few minutes shake water on swimmers.

There are also Jacuzzi for those who want to relax, beside it, there is a children’s zone and zone for adults where they can play games or billiard. There is even fast food bar and shop in offer. The crowd depends on the interest of the guests, as swimming pools users use the hotel as well as other citizens, but the crowd varies from a full basin to acceptable numbers. The water is filtered every day.

Istralandia

Adress: Brtonigla, Istra

Telephone: 052/866 900

Daily ticket price: 160 kunas for adults and 130 for kids

Family ticket: 490 kunas

Working hours: 10.00 – 19.00 h

Number of pools: 3

Istralandia in its offer has three pools – pool with waves, hydromassage pool and children’s swimming pool. But main attraction of water park are its slides, 12 of them, and they vary from kid slide and family slides to those for real adrenalin.   

From sport, in offer is volleyball and football on sand,  and for refreshments there are six restaurants where you can drink juice, eat lunch or enjoy the many delicacies.

Withal, in the Park is organized entertainment for children and adults such as courses of dance, games and aqua aerobics.

To 10 July, there will be a small crowd, but after that was expected and more than a thousand visitors a day. The water is continuously filtered, and the purity of the water is tested once a week.

Termalni vodeni park Aquae Balissae

Adress: Frana Kršinića 17, Daruvar

Telephone: 043/ 440 044

Daily ticket price: 55 kunas for adults and 40 kunas for kids

Family ticket: 125 kunas

Working hours: 08.00 – 21.30 h

Number of pools: 5

They have two pools on open field, kids pool, calm river 200m long and two slides. The pool is rich with hospitality facilities such as restaurants, caffes, pool bar and fast food restaurants. In the indoor part of the building is a swimming pool with four swimming lanes, a children’s pool, caves, water slide and whirlpool, which are rich in water attractions such as dorsal massage, geysers, streams and water showers, and guests are offered the services of the wellness center.

On weekends is always a crowd, but at least the crowds are in the morning and a few hours before closing. The water is filtered every day and is tested once a month, the Croatian Institute for Public Health.