Often, when you’re choosing your vacation, you have to makes some sacrifices. If you pine for the peace of a secluded beach, then you might have to venture off the beaten track. Alternatively, if you’re looking for all the thrills and choices of a major seaside resort, then you maybe shouldn’t expect to find there your solitary spot in the sun. But, in Tisno and Murter, you need to make no compromise. You really can have it all.

The perfect island?

18km2 of beautiful coastline and see-through seas, connected to the mainland by a short road bridge, Murter is one of Croatia’s most accessible islands. With just four major settlements, the rest of its shoreline is given up to beaches, campsites, restaurants and bars. Sometimes, they’re sheltered in coves. Often, they have their own harbour, a welcoming invite to passing sailors. Every day you can choose a different bay, beach or restaurant here and not once be disappointed. All of the peace, relaxation and pristine nature of the perfect family vacation are at hand.

And yet, travel less than a kilometre from the Tisno road bridge and in a secluded cove, you’ll find one of the most famous party sites in Europe. Young people from across the globe come to join the fun at the summer-long season of dance music festivals in Tisno. By day, hundreds congregate on the beach or embark on big boat trips, serenaded by DJs wherever they go. At night, they dance beneath the stars at one of Europe’s greatest open-air nightclubs. When you’re away from the crowds, enjoying the calm of a quieter part of Murter, it’s often difficult to believe that, just around the corner, you can catch some of the world’s most famous DJs.

The island of Murter contains four main settlements. Let’s have a brief look at each, so you know exactly where you are.

Betina

Located in the northeastern corner of the island, Betina is a village rich in heritage, customs and tradition. In truth, it’s only a few hundred metres walk from the town of Murter, so there’s no excuse to miss it. Agriculture, fishing and boat building are among the traditional undertakings of residents. You can see this reflected today in the traditional taverns (konoba) around its harbour. Also, in a fascinating museum dedicated to their history of wooden boat building. Often, you’ll see the traditions of Betina spill out onto the streets, thanks to KUD Zora. As the oldest folklore society in the Šibenik region, they preserve the song, dance and costumes of this distinct corner of the island.

Jezera

Situated on the east of the island, the bay of Jezera is here the centre of everything. With berths for over 200 boats, it is a popular base for sailors and those on sailing holidays. Coming ashore, you can here visit three fascinating tiny churches. In another, Saint John of Trogir, you’ll find a local heritage exhibition. Perhaps best of all, the beautiful interior, wooden altar, belltower and garden of Parish of Our Lady of Health. Jezera also has some distinct local dishes, which you can try at several of its taverns.

Tisno

Compared to Murter’s other settlements, Tisno is distinct in several ways. Firstly, it’s the only Murter town that’s half on the island, half on the mainland. In fact, its bridge grants the sole road access to island Murter. Secondly, Tisno is the site of world-renowned music festivals. However, with two great campsites, many restaurants and town events that long predate summertime’s newcomers, there’s actually a lot more to the town.

Murter

The main settlement that’s fully on the island of Murter is also called Murter. If you’re heading to a music festival in Tisno, then this should be the number one place you also come and see. Why? Well, Murter is an escape from the English language and modern holiday trappings that will surround you during festival season. It’s a drop in gear to a relaxed pace. Stroll the stone-paved streets or walk along the harbour. Soak up the atmosphere of truly traditional Dalmatia. Afterwards, drop into one of the town’s great restaurants – Murter has some of the best on the island. If you’re lucky, then you might also catch some music or folklore on the streets.

Best things to do in Tisno and Murter

1) Hit the beach, swim in crystal clear seas

You’ll find lots of places in Croatia boasting of their beautiful, clean waters. Generally, that’s because it’s very true. In fact, Croatia’s Adriatic is such a draw for swimmers, sailors, watersports fans and visitors in general, that countless Italians from the opposite shore holiday here. However, truly there is something special about the beaches and waters of Tisno and Murter island. Beautiful coves, lined with shading pine forest close around turquoise, see-through seas. Countless idyllic scenes wait for you to discover them, enjoyable all day. Also, too, framed by epic sunsets.

Best beaches in Tisno

Both Jazina and Hostin campsites have arguably the best beaches in Tisno. In fact, during high season, the Hostin camp becomes the Garden Resort, host site to the music festivals.

Murter’s best beaches

You’ll find great beaches all over island Murter, in Betina, Jezera and around Murter itself. Try not to miss Slanica beach, a short walk from the centre of Murter. Also, Čigrađa beach, a little further south, is very special plus Kosirina beach and Podvrške beach too. In particular, these last three are notably more peaceful than others.

2) Savour the best Mediterranean food

Tisno and Murter don’t shout too loudly about their gastro offer. Certainly, many more will have heard of the Michelin-starred Pelegrini (in nearby Šibenik) than about any Murter restaurant. But, that’s changing. In fact, Murter itself now boasts one Michelin-recommended restaurant. On an island where tourism is integral to the local economy, competition is high. Subsequently, restaurants here try that much harder to get – and keep – your custom. If you love the freshest seafood platters and traditional Mediterranean cooking, then you’re in the right place. You can get recommendations for some of the best places to eat in our Tisno and Murter restaurant guide below.

3) Enjoy the nightlife and music festivals

Previously, the seaside town of Tisno was a quiet, idyllic, and a rather sleepy place. However, since several international music festivals set up camp in a secluded bay around the corner, Tisno has become an epicentre of clubbing and nightlife. Not only do the beach parties last all day, but also at night they inhabit one of Europe’s best open-air clubs. Indeed, so integral is the nightlife and festivals to the Tisno of today, you’ll find below a whole section dedicated to these assets.

4) Activities

Certainly, you’ll love relaxing on the beach and swimming in the seas in Tisno and Murter. But, if the sedentary lifestyle gets too much, there are lots of great ways to get active. You’ll find cycling one of the best ways to get to know Tisno and Murter. Go discover a beach you’ve not been to yet or even a completely different side of the island. At only 18 kilometres2, Murter is easily manageable by bike. Also, too, for those who like to walk or hike. But, surrounded by islands, one of the best things to do in Tisno and Murter is to go sailing or on a boat ride. You’ll find several marinas and harbours across the island. Simply have a walk around to check out what’s on offer. Or, see the local tourist board for recommended services.

Snorkeling and Diving on Murter

If you like snorkeling, then you’re going to fall in love with the wonderfully clear waters around Murter. You won’t be alone. In fact, there are several diving groups and tour operators here, for those who like to swim deeper. If you want to go diving on Murter, then contact Tramonto Diving here. However, one of the real prizes for divers visiting Tisno and Murter is exploring the nearby Kornati National Park. If you want to do that, then you must take a tour with an outfit sanctioned by the park. All authorized diving companies are listed here, Tramonto being one of them.

5) Discover some of Croatia’s best natural assets

If you’re holidaying in Tisno and Murter, then you’re very close to two National Parks and one Nature Park.

a) Boat trip to the Kornati islands

For those who like to sail, the Kornati islands a paradise. An archipelago of 140 islands, your view is never the same for more than a few minutes. To the south, one section is protected as Kornati National Park. And, to the north, you’ll find Telašćica Nature Park with its stunning topography of forests and lakes. If you want to know more about Kornati, then read here. And, if you want to charter a boat for a Kornati trip, then call Tisno Rent. Alternatively, ask at the harbour nearest to you, or at the local tourist board.

b) Take a day trip to the waterfalls of Krka

After travelling a long course down from the mountains, the rivers Cikola and Krka meet in Krka National Park. At this point, they cascade down a series of dramatic waterfalls as they rush to embrace. If you want to read more about Krka National Park, look here.

Garden Tisno Festival: Home of the best nightlife and Croatia music festivals

Over the last decade+, Croatia has become arguably the best place in Europe for summertime dance music festivals. Certainly, they’re not for everyone, because the music is very specific. But, to a distinct set of worldwide clubbers, Croatia has become an epicenter of their scene. In truth, several places in Croatia have previously vied for the title of summer music festival capital. But, with the move of Dimensions and Outlook festivals to the Garden Resort, there’s no longer any contention. Unquestionably, the summertime clubbing capital of Croatia is Tisno.

If you want to swim in a crystal-clear bay, soundtracked by DJs, then this is where you should head. By night, dance beneath the stars, surrounded by like-minded peers. Usually, events run through the entire peak season. In detail, here’s a rundown of what’s coming up.

Suncebeat

With a heritage that goes back over three decades, Suncebeat is a passionate festival of soul, disco and house music. DJs travel from all over the world to play here and they’ve hosted the Croatian debuts of some very big names; Masters At Work, Roy Ayers, Mr Fingers (Larry Heard). Its audience, who are slightly more mature than at other events, are extremely friendly. They love nothing better than coming here.

Next event: 21 – 29 July 2021

Suncebeat website here

Outlook Origins

A festival built around soundsystem and DJ culture, with a soundtrack of urban music. Specifically, drum n’ bass, reggae, dubstep, hip hop and modern electronica sometimes crossing through all these.

Next event: 29 July – 3 August 2021

Outlook Origins website here

Defected Croatia

A truly international audience comes here for Defected. They’re attracted by the reputation of the biggest independent house music label in the world. Accordingly, the soundtrack is 100% house music.

Next event: 05 – 10 August 2021

Defected Croatia website here

Dekmantel Selectors

The smaller, sister event to the famous Dekmantel festival in Amsterdam, this one sees the team hit the beach. They do so accompanied by a carefully selected group of lesser-known, but absolutely top-rate DJs. Generally, their collective musical palette is extremely wide and you can hear many styles here. Namely, soul, reggae, house, jazz, disco and techno.

Next event: 26 – 30 August 2021

Dekmantel Selectors website here

Dimensions

Something of a partner event to Outlook, it’s run by the same team. However, the music is very different, Dimensions’ soundtrack arguably being more linear. Specifically, you’ll hear techno, underground house, disco, reggae and DJs playing across the board.

Next event: 2 – 6 September 2021

Dimensions website here

Love International

Markedly, the crowd who come here fall in love with the event and many return every time. Subsequently, you may find it difficult to get tickets for this one. Significantly, the crowd is open and very friendly. Also, it includes perhaps the most visible gay contingent of all events here. Music ranges from loved-up disco and house to reggae, hip hop and techno.

Next event: 13 – 19 July 2022

Love international website here

Barbarellas nightclub in Pirovac

Unquestionably, one of the best open-air nightclubs in Europe, Barbarellas in Pirovac is unmissable. Certainly, this is because it’s usually full of high-spirited British clubbers who’ve waited all year to come. Usually, some of the most famous (and best) DJs on the contemporary circuit visit here each summer. Although, the music is often very specific. Namely, underground house music, some techno and disco, depending on the event.

If you haven’t bought a festival ticket, then no worries. You can still go, just like many locals do. Simply go to the club and buy a ticket on the door. Although, single entry tickets may be limited, so go as soon as it opens.

Murter accommodation: Tisno apartments, Tisno hotels, Tisno villas

Accommodation on Murter island and in Tisno

Without a doubt, the main industry on island Murter is tourism. Accordingly, you’ll find bountiful accommodation options all across the island. Both budget and top-rate hotel stays are available. Therefore, to check the options, look at the booking platform options below.

Booking.com

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Tisno hotels

If you’re completely averse to self-catering, then Tisno has several hotel options. Specifically, 4-star Hotel Tisno and 4-star Hotel Borovik, the largest and oldest hotel on the island. Although, if it weren’t for strict Croatian classifications, Villa Nina might also be described as a hotel.

Tisno villas

Both a private pool and gym/games room come as part of the offer at Villa Mirta. In detail, there are five modern apartments within this villa complex. Therefore, you might share facilities, such as the barbeque. But, the friendly hosts will help you work it out.

Tisno apartments

If you’re looking for an affordable option with friendly hosts, then try Guesthouse Mila. Not only do you get sea views, but the apartments are all spacious, clean and well maintained. But, the real USP here is the hosts, an incredibly welcoming family from Slavonia, east Croatia. It’s around 10 minutes walk from the centre of Tisno, 30 minutes walk from the music festival site.

A lovely oasis of (almost) perfect tranquility, you’ll find a small pool in the delightful courtyard here. Lots of greenery offers shade from the morning sun. If you’re wondering why the tranquility is only almost perfect at Dvor Maraca, then look above. Yes, that church has a bell that sounds regularly, including early in the morning. Although, you will attune to this. Moreover, some actually don’t mind it.

Beautifully furnished, modern, luxury apartments in a quiet street, very close to the music festival site. You’ll enjoy hanging out on the 5M terrace, not least because of the property’s lovely garden.

Where to eat: Restaurants in Tisno

Tisno restaurants: Good for dinner

Generally, the food you’ll eat in Tisno restaurants ranges from standard to good. Certainly, it’s unusual to be served a bad meal here. Because, simply, so many restaurants are competing for your visit and reputation goes a long way. Therefore, it’s perhaps best you take the following recommendations simply as highlights. For all of the following, you should book in advance during peak season.

Tereza

Without a doubt, the most highly rated meat restaurant in town is Tereza. If your priority is the best possible food and wine above having a sea view, then this is for you. Both seafood and meat dishes are good and also you’ll find the courtyard setting pleasant.

Prova restaurant

Over 20+ years, Prova restaurant has earned a reputation for the best seafood in town. If you want to impress your seafood-loving date, then this is the place for you. Both sea views and a wonderful ambiance are part of this great gastro experience. Also, the restaurant has one of the biggest wine and champagne lists on the island.

Tisno restaurants: Good for both lunch and dinner

Carmen

Not only is Carmen the closest restaurant to the music festival site, but also it’s a brilliant choice. Arguably, chef Slaven is the best in town. Moreover, the whole family pitch in, with Slaven’s wife a great hostess and son, Ivan, the best waiter. Perfect seafood, salads and steaks, served right on the water’s edge. A wonderful, unforgettable experience, especially for groups of friends.

Brošćica

Very much the traditional Dalmatian tavern, right down to the red and white checked tablecloths. Both affordable and of a great standard, you’ll find return visits to Brošćica very easy indeed.

Cheap eats: Lunch in Tisno

Being that Tisno earns most of its income in summer, you’ll find cheap eats difficult to discover. Of course, unless you count the bakery. But, in Srdelica, Tisno has the perfect fast food option. Not only are meal prices very affordable, but the standard is very good. Both extremely informal and very quick, here you can grab fresh, cheap seafood in a matter of minutes. Little more than a hole in the wall, with tables and chairs set outside, find them on the Murter island side. In detail, they’re near Brošćica on the D121 road. If you’re a seafood fan, then you’ll love the sardines, whitebait (papaline) and squid (lignje).

Where to eat: Murter Restaurants

In the same fashion, you’ll find Murter restaurants also of a generally good standard. Also, your choice of meal on Murter is often best dictated by how you choose to spend your day. If you’ve found your perfect spot on the beach, then is it really worth driving across the island for lunch? Or, will the local pizza and platter place suffice?

However, if you’re something of a gastronaut, certainly there are some dinner options not to miss. Not only is advance booking advisable for these, but also – in peak season – it’s essential.

Restaurant Tic Tac

Sat right on the water of Murter’s marina, you’ll struggle to find a prettier setting for dinner than Tic Tac. In summer, book ahead to secure a table on the water. Although, the interior is actually decorated delightfully – a real flavour of Dalmatia! Don’t miss their inventive cold starters. Specifically, octopus served with sir iz mišine; tuna with mint; swordfish with capers. If you want to try a traditional brodetto, then there are few better places. Not only do they make one with monkfish, but also one with squid. Both are delicious! Also, oven-baked squid with potatoes and a black polenta with prawns. In particular, families and groups of friends will never forget this restaurant experience. Creating lasting memories for 50 years on this location, Tic Tac is a treat you simply do not want to miss.

Konoba Boba

While called a ‘konoba’ (an informal Dalmatian tavern), you’ll not find anything informal about the food at Boba. Set back from the sea, with a lovely courtyard setting, you’ll remember this meal as a highlight. Not only are the food and wine options exemplary, but also this is Murter’s only Michelin-recommended eatery. Accordingly, you’ll be letting yourself down if you don’t wear a shirt for this experience.

Where to drink

As has been noted, you’re not short on restaurant options anywhere in Tisno and Murter. If you’re having a meal, then most will let you linger for as long as you want, enjoying your drinks. Therefore, if you find a restaurant where you like the view, settle in, enjoy the sunset and the rest of the night.

In fact, if you’re visiting out of season, or at a quieter time of day, some restaurants are happy for you to just order coffee or beer. But, you can’t do this in a busy restaurant, at lunch or dinner, in peak season. Luckily, you’re not short of bars in Tisno and Murter either. Again, just find one you like and settle in.

In particular, special mention must go to Ninkasi Beer Bar in Tisno. If you’re looking for a place to try Croatia’s best craft beer, then this is for you. Moreover, they do take-outs of draught craft ale, so you can take some back to your place. Find them at Velika Rudina 12, 22242 Tisno.

Murter and Tisno Weather

If you’re visiting Tisno and Murter in summer or early autumn, then you’re guaranteed sunshine. The climate is typically Mediterranean – warm and temperate. Generally, rain falls most during November, April and the winter months. However, you’ll occasionally get strong, but very brief rainfall or a storm in summer. Don’t worry, it won’t stick around and everything will soon be dry. Both July and August are the warmest and sunniest months. But, you’ll find it warm and sunny here through September and early October. If you want to see the weather in Tisno and Murter today, then look below. Also included is a weather forecast for Tisno and Murter for the next few days.

Where is Murter? Where is Tisno? Map

The island of Murter is just off the mainland of Croatia, about midway up the country’s main coastal stretch. Specifically, it is in Šibenik-Knin County in northern Dalmatia. By comparison, Tisno is actually a town and municipality, half on the mainland, half on Murter. If you’re travelling to Murter by road, then you must first pass through Tisno. Because the town’s short bridge is the only road connection to Murter. In detail, GPS coordinates for Tisno are 43.7975° N, 15.6421° E.

Where is the Garden Tisno festival site? Festival entrance

However, if you want the Garden Tisno festival site, then look for it on the left, just before you reach the town. Both the camping area and stages are visible before the entrance, so you won’t miss it. In detail, GPS coordinates for Garden Tisno festival site entrance are 43.8017° N, 15.6555° E.

How to get to Tisno and Murter and get around

Flights to Tisno, Murter and Tisno nearest airport

You’ll find Tisno and Murter easy to reach from several major airports in Croatia. In fact, Tisno and Murter are near equidistant between Zadar airport and Split airport. At a distance of 75km, Zadar airport is the nearest airport to Tisno and Murter. Generally, the journey time takes less than one hour. However, the much larger Split airport is just 88km from Tisno and Murter. By comparison, this journey time takes just over one hour. If it looks like a long way from Zagreb airport to Tisno and Murter, then don’t worry. At around three hours travelling time, this 340km distance passes very quickly by car or bus (a bit longer). If you want to know more about these airports, then check Split here, Zadar here and Zagreb here.

Road, by car

From the south

If you’re travelling from Split, then the quickest route to Tisno and Murter is to take the A1 motorway. Turn off the motorway at the Pirovac junction and follow the signs for Tisno and Murter. You’ll find the journey takes around one hour ten minutes. If you want to avoid the motorway tolls, then, again, head towards the A1. But, in Prgomet, take a left, following signs for Prapatnica. At the end of the road, turn right onto the D58 and take the road to Šibenik. Thereafter, get onto the Jadranska Magistrala to Tisno and Murter.

If you’re travelling from anywhere west of Split, south of Murter, then simply take the Jadranska Magistrala. Specifically, this includes journeys from Rogoznica, Primošten and Šibenik.

Looking for a fast, reliable and trouble-free transfer to or from Murter and Tisno? Contact TC transfer partner Adriatic Transfers for your one-stop solution.

From the north

If you’re travelling from Zadar to Tisno and Murter, then, again, you have the choice of motorway or Magistrala. However, in this case, the time saved is negligible. Therefore, unless you’ve specifically heard about excess traffic on the Magistrala, take that route. But, if you’re travelling from Zagreb, take the A1 motorway. Again, turn off the motorway at the Pirovac junction and follow the signs for Tisno and Murter.

Bus to Tisno and Murter

Travelling intercity by bus in Croatia is a fast, popular and reliable option. Indeed, you can easily reach Tisno by bus from anywhere in Croatia. Specifically, you’ll find direct buses from Zadar, Split and Zagreb to Tisno. If you want to ensure your bus takes you direct to the centre of Tisno, then check when you’re buying your ticket. Otherwise, you’ll be dropped at the bus stop called Tisno Magistrala.

Bus to Tisno Magistrala

Certainly, the greater number of buses between Split/Šibenik and Zadar go very close to Tisno and Murter, but do not drop down to leave you in the centre. Instead, they will drop you on the Jadranska Magistrala (Adriatic Highway) by Tisno restaurants Kapela and Marin. Specifically, this bus stop is called Tisno Magistrala (some locals call it ‘Kapela’). If it looks on your GPS like you’re still quite a way from Tisno, then that’s correct. Certainly, it’s quite the walk. But, don’t worry.

Walk a few metres down the road heading south, towards Tisno and stand on the right-hand side. Wait here for a local bus (slim chances). Or, better still, stick out your thumb and flag down a passing car. Sometimes, you’ll find hitchhiking is not easy in Croatia. However, all residents of Tisno and Murter are very aware of this significant intercity bus stop at this quite desolate-looking place. Accordingly, many passing residents will stop, pick you up and helpfully take you to Tisno. Certainly, from experience, it’s never known for anyone to remain stranded for long here during daylight hours. But, you must have the courage and gumption to stick your thumb out and request a ride.

If you want to learn more about travelling through Croatia by bus, then look here.

Getting around Tisno and Murter: Taxi, Boat, Public transport

Generally, public transport on Murter ranges from negligible to non-existent. As a result, you have limited choices for travelling across the island. If you want to explore or find an alternate beach, then a bicycle is a great daytime option. But, if you want to travel from Tisno to Murter for a fancy dinner, taxi or boat taxi may be better choices.

Murter and Tisno taxi

Long aware of the thousands of festival goers in summertime Tisno, taxi drivers make a beeline here. There’s good money to be made in this couple of months. Fares are well above what locals pay for the same distance. By all means, see if your Uber picks anything up (Bolt is a similar app option here). But, be aware you won’t be the only one trying and they’ll be swamped. If you have to take a taxi, then following a few simple rules will benefit. Firstly, ask and agree a price with the driver before you even get in the car. Secondly, be aware of how much your money is worth. Only a prize doughnut agrees a fare price without knowing how much a kuna is actually worth.

Boat taxi

If you want to avoid the generally grumpy experience of a taxi, then boat taxi is a good option. Not only are there set prices for boat taxis, but you’ll arrive in style. You’ll find several pick-up points around Tisno. Specifically, transfers to the festival site, Murter for dinner or Barbarellas club in Pirovac are popular options. If choosing the latter two, then be aware it’s quite the distance. Also, the boat goes very fast across the cooling sea, so you may find the ride chilly. Therefore, you might want to wear a hoodie for your boat taxi ride. But, be aware you’ll be stuck with it for hours afterward if you do.

If you want to book a boat taxi during Tisno summer music festival season, then call Tisno Rent. Telephone: +385 95 853 1000.

More information

Tisno Tourist Board (Visit Tisno)

Address: Istočna Gomilica 1a 22240 Tisno, Šibenik-Knin County, Croatia
Email: info@tz-tisno.hr
Telephone: +385 (0) 22 438 604
Website: tz-tisno.hr/en/home/
Facebook: facebook.com/Visit-Tisno-200977150029901/

Murter-Kornati Tourist Board

Address: Rudina bb, 22243 Murter, Šibenik-Knin County, Croatia
Email: info@tzo-murter.hr
Telephone: +385 (0) 22 434 995
Website: tzo-murter.hr/en/home/
Facebook: facebook.com/Murter-Kornati-Tourist-Board-141014382642915/

Jezera Tourist Board (Visit Jezera)

Address: Put Zaratića 3, 22242 Jezera, Šibenik-Knin County, Croatia
Email: info@tzjezera.hr
Telephone: +385 (0) 22 439 120
Website: tzjezera.hr/index.php/en/
Facebook: facebook.com/visitjezera/

Betina Tourist Board (Visit Betina)

Address: Dolac 2a, 22243 Betina, Šibenik-Knin County, Croatia
Email: info@tz-betina.hr
Telephone: +385 (0) 22 436 523
Website: tz-betina.hr/en/
Facebook: facebook.com/turistickazajednica.mjestabetina/

If you want to see the latest news about Tisno, Murter, Croatia music festivals or Šibenik-Knin County, then check out Total Croatia News.

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https://total-croatia-news.com/destinations/dubrovnik-76/ https://total-croatia-news.com/destinations/dubrovnik-76/#respond Sun, 23 May 2021 10:51:44 +0000 https://total-croatia-news.com/?p=1840 The Pearl of the Adriatic for some, King’s Landing for others, walled city Dubrovnik is UNESCO World Heritage Site perfection for all. Travel, food, accommodation, sights & things to do tips. Dubrovnik in a Page is sponsored by Sun Gardens Dubrovnik. Ragusa, Pearl of the Adriatic, King’s Landing – welcome to Dubrovnik! Dubrovnik Croatia weather ... Read more

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]]> The Pearl of the Adriatic for some, King’s Landing for others, walled city Dubrovnik is UNESCO World Heritage Site perfection for all. Travel, food, accommodation, sights & things to do tips.

Dubrovnik in a Page is sponsored by Sun Gardens Dubrovnik.

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• Dubrovnik Croatia weather
• When to visit
• How to get to Dubrovnik
• How to get around Dubrovnik
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Ragusa, Pearl of the Adriatic, King’s Landing – Welcome to Dubrovnik!

“Those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik,” said George Bernard Shaw. He then went on to give Dubrovnik one of its most famous names – the Pearl of the Adriatic.

And what a pearl she is! Founded in the 7th century as Ragusa, Dubrovnik has a rich and colourful history. The city’s independence and reputation for trade lies at the core of its proud history. The Dubrovnik Republic of Ragusa was founded in 1358 and continued until 1808. This longevity was made possible by expertly balancing interests of bigger powers surrounding the city, especially the Ottoman and Venetian Empire. It abolished slavery several hundred years before the birth of the United States. Some even claim that Dubrovnik was the first state to recognise the United States back in 1776.

UNESCO and Game of Thrones

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979, the city came under siege in 1991 in the Homeland War. During this time, many of its famous orange-roof buildings were destroyed. Thankfully, the damage has been repaired. Dubrovnik is now enjoying a huge tourism boom.

Already popular, the city’s international profile got a huge boost in recent years with the filming of hit HBO series Games of Thrones. In fact, some GoT fans visit ‘King’s Landing’ without realising Dubrovnik is a famous town of culture and heritage in its own right. Tour guides sometimes answer if the walls disappear in winter. (You can check out that and other unusual tourist questions).

Ah, the walls! A million people walk the ancient outer walls of Old Town each year. Markedly, they remain as impregnable as they are impressive. Culture, history, tradition, adventure, food, wine, activities and fun – you’ll find it all in Dubrovnik. Let’s begin!

Is Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?

The city is known for its perfectly preserved medieval centre. Its amazing history is visible on every corner. Legends and stories of old await curious visitors within the imposing ramparts. However, the story of Dubrovnik as a destination only starts there. Cafés and restaurants are often located in beautiful areas and provide great wine and dine experiences. Local cuisine is largely influenced by typical Mediterranean mix of refreshing locally sourced vegetables, meats and delicious seafood.

Summer nights are alive with the bustle of both tourists and locals, with night life much richer than in the off-season months. The city and the surrounding area simply screams for exploration. Beautiful beaches and hidden bays provide perfect places to enjoy as a couple, a group of friends or a family. Activities on offer include hiking, sea kayaking, scuba diving and many more. Tours and excursions will take around some of the most beautiful areas of Croatian south while you explore the local history, food, wine or arts & crafts.

As a destination it can be more expensive than many other Croatian seaside cities and towns. But, Dubrovnik is more than just another city by the sea. It is a place to visit, get to know and then fall in love with. Besides, well informed travellers (which you will be after you finish reading this page) will find plenty of ways of not paying premium prices in Dubrovnik if they don’t want to do so. If all this sounds good, then for you, Dubrovnik is well worth visiting.

Is Dubrovnik Expensive Really? Myth and Reality

Dubrovnik has a reputation for being expensive. Certainly, it can be. However, so can any prime location tourist destination in the world. Some locals on this subject;

“Compared to the same locations in Madrid, Paris or Barcelona, we are not expensive,” said one. Markedly, locals don’t compare themselves with the rest of Croatia. Instead, they compare against other top international destinations.

“I hear very many people talk about how expensive things are here, which always surprised me,” says another. “Yes, there are a handful (okay, maybe more than a handful) of overpriced places. But, you get that anywhere. If you’re willing to venture further than Stradun for your meal, you’ll discover how cheap good food and drinks are. Dining in Dubrovnik doesn’t begin and end with high-end fine dining in restaurants. Find out more about budget dining options later in the text.

More on the expensive Dubrovnik debate.

How Many Days do You Need in Dubrovnik?

Answer to this question will always be very individual. Average stay in Dubrovnik is less than 3 days. This is a very short period to spend in this city if your interests go beyond just exploring the main sights of the historical centre. After three days of exploration and tours, you will most likely become well acquainted with the main areas of Dubrovnik. You will then want to either relax and enjoy your favourite parts of the city, or explore further out into Dubrovnik-Neretva County.

When planning your first trip to Dubrovnik, have a vision of your perfect holiday. If it includes seeing as many places in Croatia as possible, then you can fit a quick visit to Dubrovnik in a single weekend or a long weekend. You want to experience the city and local lifestyle? Book at least 5-7 days in Dubrovnik and plan out a few activities to explore the surrounding areas as well.

Is Dubrovnik Safe?

It is hard to imagine a safer place than Dubrovnik. Violent crime rate is extremely low and with only 42000 inhabitants, it is very easy to notice any suspicious behaviours. Pick pockets pretty much don’t exist among the local population, but during summer season there are rare incidents of minor thefts. International terrorism was never a problem in Dubrovnik.

Traffic can be quite busy and Croatians love fast driving, so do keep this in mind when visiting. City’s crosswalks are numerous and well-marked. Most drivers will respect them. If you are renting scooters or motorcycles beware of the fact locals regularly split lanes and are quite skilful on two wheels. Local car drivers will expect you to be as quick and as skillfull when they see you riding a scooter.

When it comes to natural disasters, Dubrovnik is an earthquake prone area. It had seen several big quakes in its history, but the real danger of earthquake related injuries or death is extremely low. Other than that, forest fires sometimes plague the surrounding area. They are a problem all around the Mediterranean region.

There is very little in the way of dangerous wildlife around. The sea is full of fish, but there are no dangerous types of sharks in the waters around the cities. Venomous snakes are rare and only found in natural areas away from the city, on karst terrain. Black widow spider is the only venomous spider in the area, but its sightings are very rare and incidents of it biting humans almost non-existent.

Is Dubrovnik Pet Friendly?

Dubrovnik is getting to be more and more pet friendly. In not so distant past it would be very unusual to see pets accepted by bars or restaurants, but this is changing. Hospitality businesses do majority of their work on the outdoor terraces. So, they will usually not have a problem with guests coming in with pets. Dogs are getting to be more popular as apartment pets than ever before in Dubrovnik and this is having a positive impact on the way local business owners view dogs as well. Cats, on the other hand, have been ruling the city streets for centuries and they don’t seem to be going anywhere.

When booking accommodation, make sure to inquire about whether they accept pets before you confirm your stay. Many apartment owners will allow them. When it comes to hotels, they vary with regards to their policies. Some will accept pets only in certain units, some will not and some have no restrictions.

Situation on the beaches and public transportation is a different matter. Pets can go on Dubrovnik public buses, but they must be in a carrier of some sort. Their heads can’t be exposed to prevent possible biting when the bus gets crowded. Dogs on a leash cen’t go on buses unless they are service dogs. Many people will protest dogs swimming on the beach alongside their children and ask the owners to remove the animal or keep it on the leash. There is only one dog beach in the city and it is in Lapad area (map below). It is not great. But it is adjacent to a nice beach area with plenty of walking paths and cafés.  

Dubrovnik Croatia weather

Dubrovnik, Croatia

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When is the Best Time to Visit Dubrovnik?

When to visit a destination depends a lot on what you are looking to do. Also, it is true that your Dubrovnik experience will be very different depending on what time of the year you visit. The city’s rapid rise in popularity means it is absolutely packed in peak season. So much so that the city introduced special counters to monitor how many people are entering the historical centre.

If crowds are not your thing, avoid July and August. Undeniably, May and early June, late September and October are much more pleasant in terms of numbers. And there’s the added bonus of a more temperate climate.

Local authorities have worked hard in recent years to extend the season, both with additional flights and more events. And well they might – the city in winter is gorgeous. Although, at this time, most tourist businesses are taking a break. Restaurant tables, chairs and awnings disappear. As a result, the city reverts back to its original stone. Behold, authentic Dubrovnik.

Another top tip to see Dubrovnik at its finest is the first week of February. Because that’s when locals celebrate their beloved patron saint, St. Blaise. Endearingly, it’s a centuries-old tradition. People are crowding the streets. But, this time, they’re locals. Finally, the city is again theirs and they joyfully immerse themselves in their customs and heritage. Truly it is quite the event. Read firsthand experiences from a couple of years ago.

Dubrovnik Shopping & Downloads: Souvenirs, Apps, Food items, Traditional Beverages…

What is a holiday without some shopping? It doesn’t have to be much: a few trinkets and souvenirs here and there, a nice piece of art for your home, or a bottle of local wine. All this and much more is available for you in many of Dubrovnik’s shops and souvenir shops.

Popular and Traditional Souvenirs

Dubrovnik souvenirs will often have images of the city or patron saint, St. Blaise on them. While many are made elsewhere, there are still interesting local souvenirs to choose from.

The most popular souvenir ornament of Dubrovnik area is without a doubt Konavle Embroidery. This countryside region of Konavle gave us a very popular embroidered ornament used traditionally in the region’s traditional costumes. Today it is applied on many of the local souvenirs and is very popular. Learn more about it in our Cavtat & Konavle page.

Franciscan Monastery at the beginning of Stradun is famous for housing a 14^th century pharmacy. The pharmacy still works and still produces its own creams and ointments made following centuries- old recipes. It is no wonder many tourists flock to the pharmacy to buy some of their popular products like cream of roses or Aqua Lavandulae.

Much like the rest of Croatian south, Dubrovnik is an area where Lavander was used for centuries in variety of way. Lavander pouches used traditionally in wardrobes to ward off moths are today made with interesting designs to sell as souvenirs.

Soaps made of locally source herbs and olive oil are going to be interesting for all looking for local cosmetics.

Local Jewellery

Dubrovnik has been renowned for its jewellery throughout its long history. Many goldsmiths and silversmiths had their shops within the walls. Aside from gold and silver, a very important precious material used in local jewellery was red Mediterranean coral. Most popular Dubrovnik piece of jewellery is known as Dubrovnik Button. It is a silver or gold (traditionally gold-plated silver) formed through special techniques into an ornamental sphere. It is most commonly carried on a long silver chain around the neck.

Food and Beverage Items

Some of the most popular souvenirs in Dubrovnik are food items. Candied orange peels known as arancini are probably the most common of sights in local souvenir stores. Sour oranges or wild oranges, as they are known locally, are also used to produce delicious marmalades and jams. Sugared almonds are also very popular as are sun dried figs.

Olive oil is a quintessential household item in Dubrovnik area. You will find some amazing olive oil in local shops, often in small, airplane-safe packaging.

Liqueurs and spirits are another things you will never be too far away from in Dubrovnik. The most basic form of these is rakija or lozovaca (grappa). Rakija is a strong, colourless spirit made from grapes. When infused with local herbs it creates travarica. If you add sugar and selected fruits or herbs to rakija and do another fermentation you will end up with a liqueur. These are lower in alcohol than rakija or travarica and often a bit sweet. Most popular are walnut, cherry or carob liqueurs, but there are many to choose from. If you get your hands on a good quality rose petal liqueur known as rozulin – buy it.

Dubrovnik wine scene deserves a separate chapter. Let’s just say that the centuries of winemaking tradition and a great number of local varieties have made south of Croatia into a wine lover’s dream destination. Don’t miss out on local wine while here.

New Dubrovnik Souvenirs

There are many interesting and creative souvenir items coming out every year in Dubrovnik, so it pays to shop around. One of the items that captured our attention is Dubrovnik Chocolate Elbow.

Dubrovnik Elbow was a traditional unit of measure in Dubrovnik Republic. It is the length of distance between the hand and elbow of the popular Orlando whose statue adorns Luza Square. This unit of measure was used to measure all the goods coming into the city. As the goods would be measure in order to buy and sell them, it was important for the measurement to be precise. This is why a length of Dubrovnik Elbow stays to this day carved into the top stair of Orlando’s Column. People coming out of Sponza Palace – the most important commerce building of Dubrovnik’s past – were able to measure the goods they have bought to make sure they got a fair deal.

Local creativity revived this ancient length of measure by designing chocolate packaging with the image of Orlando’s Column. It’s a wonderfully interesting souvenir and quite a bit of chocolate, seeing how Dubrovnik Elbow is 51,2cm in length.

Recommended Stores

There are many shops in Dubrovnik catering to tourists. These are some of our favourites.

Life According to Kawa is a lifestyle shop loved by travellers and locals alike. Find it across the street from Ploce Gate. With a large collection of Croatian designed souvenirs, clothes, accessories, furniture, art and food & beverage items, you are guaranteed to find something you need.

Clara Stones is an amazing coral jewellery store and workshop. It offers a wide range of top quality coral pieces ranging from simple everyday jewellery to luxurious statement pieces with a price to match. Clara Stones is one jewellery stop you shouldn’t miss while in Dubrovnik.

Terra Croatica is a gift shop that’s very well equipped with a number of food items, a selection of Croatian wine, some household items, soaps and plenty more. It’s carefully picked inventory will leave you browsing for a while.

Dubrovnik House is located across from the Dominican Monastery and offers quite a selection of traditional souvenirs as well as some paintings and art pieces.

Medusa is located on Prijeko Street and offers a variety of authentic products with a very interesting selection of natural cosmetics. It is a friendly store with more options that one might think possible in its small, but charming space.

Uje is a store franchise that can be found along Croatian coast. It gets its name from olive oil and it will have the best selection of olive oils in the city. They have three locations within Dubrovnik’s Old Town with the main one being on Stradun.

Dubrovnik Apps

There are a few Dubrovnik apps you might enjoy. For making your way around town, you might find Dubrovnik Parking app to be suite helpful. As mentioned before taxi companies like Cammeo, Eko Taxi or Plavi Taxi have their own apps you can use to engage their services. Dubrovnik Airport app is very useful when planning or tracking your flights to and from the city. National ferry company Jadrolinija has its own app that can be used to plan out your island adventure.

Not all of Dubrovnik apps are serious, there is a recently released My Dubrovnik game app in which you take on a role of mayor of Dubrovnik. It is a management game that might be just what you need to kill time during your flight back home.

For more information

You can visit the official Dubrovnik Tourist Board website here.

For the latest news from the Pearl of the Adriatic, check out the dedicated TCN page.

The post Dubrovnik in a Page 2022: Tours, GoT, Beyond the Walls appeared first on Total Croatia.

]]> https://total-croatia-news.com/destinations/dubrovnik-76/feed/ 0 https://total-croatia-news.com/destinations/jelsa-3/ https://total-croatia-news.com/destinations/jelsa-3/#respond Sat, 15 May 2021 14:14:04 +0000 https://total-croatia-news.com/?p=1725 Less glamorous than its glitzy neighbour, Hvar Town, Jelsa is a slice of safe, authentic lifestyle heaven on Croatia’s premier island. With wine and beach treasures galore. Welcome to Jelsa, family beach heaven and wine capital of Dalmatia! How to get to Jelsa and get around Hvar 5 things not to miss Where to stay? ... Read more

The post Jelsa in a Page: Hvar Wine, Beach, Bench, Lifestyle Heaven appeared first on Total Croatia.

]]> Less glamorous than its glitzy neighbour, Hvar Town, Jelsa is a slice of safe, authentic lifestyle heaven on Croatia’s premier island. With wine and beach treasures galore.

• Welcome to Jelsa, family beach heaven and wine capital of Dalmatia!
• How to get to Jelsa and get around Hvar
• 5 things not to miss
• Where to stay?
• Where to eat & drink?
• Top 5 day trips from Jelsa
• Beaches in Jelsa
• 5 things you didn’t know about Jelsa
• Active Jelsa, a sporting paradise
• The winemakers of Jelsa and surrounding area
• Jelsa for children, a safe lifestyle destination
• ‘Za Krizen’ and why Easter is a great time to visit
• Jelsa Bench Tourism
• Weather on Hvar
• Buying property in Jelsa
• Jelsa webcams
• More information

Welcome to Jelsa, family beach heaven and wine capital of Dalmatia!

Imagine a charming town set around a pretty marina on the sunniest island in Europe, the wine capital of Dalmatia, in close proximity to fabulous family beaches, an activity destination with the most chilled lifestyle pjaca. And all on Croatia’s premier island. Sounds like Paradise? It is – Welcome to Jelsa!

How to get to Jelsa and get around Hvar

Plane

Although there is a small air strip on Hvar, it can only accommodate small planes up to 6 passengers. The main airport that serves Jelsa is Split, from where a bus or private transfer will take you to Split harbour and a ferry or catamaran to the island. You can learn more about Split Airport and the transfer process here.

Others choose to fly into Dubrovnik Airport and then drive to Drvenik and take the ferry to the east of Hvar at Sucuraj. If you are flying into Dubrovnik and without car, it may make sense to go from Dubrovnik to Split and then connect to Hvar by boat, as the connections are better, and you arrive directly to destinations and a waiting bus network for onward travel. Other local airport options are Zadar (good for Ryanair connections) and Brac Airport on the island above Hvar (transfer to Bol and you can take the catamaran from Bol to Jelsa).

Boat

Almost everyone arrives on Hvar by boat. There are two ferry terminals on the island. The main connection to Split is the 2-hour ferry from Stari Grad, 8km from Jelsa, and connected by bus for each crossing. There is also another smaller ferry at Sucuraj, a stunning 1-hour drive through eastern Hvar (but not for the nervous driver in parts).

By far the most convenient way to arrive, however, is by daily catamaran from Split via Bol. The boat leaves Jelsa at 06:00 daily (Sunday departures can vary, according to season) and returning from Split at 16:00 or 16:30. The journey time is about 100 minutes, and the afternoon crossing connects well with many flights arriving, so you can be on the main square enjoying a celebratory drink just a few hours after your plane touches down in Split.

There are also regular catamarans from Split to Hvar Town, as well as connections to Korcula and Dubrovnik. For more information about taking the ferry and catamaran to Hvar, check out the TC Croatian ferry guide.

Please be aware that the catamaran does not go always in bad weather. A good thing to know is that if the catamaran is not berthed in the harbour overnight, it will almost certainly not be there in the morning. If you have an early flight, your best option is therefore to take the 05:30 ferry from Stari Grad. There is a connecting bus from Jelsa leaving around 04:35. You can always call Jadrolinija at +385-21-338333 to ask (they speak English). You can buy tickets online or at the kiosk by the boat.

Road

If you are driving to catch the Stari Grad ferry, head to the Split harbour (Trajekna Luka). You are advised to get there a few hours in advance in peak season, as things do get very busy. Please note that a ticket boat online does NOT guarantee a car entry to the ferry. It is strictly first come, first served. You can learn more about driving in Croatia here.

Looking for a fast, reliable and trouble-free transfer to or from Jelsa? Contact TC transfer partner Adriatic Transfers for your one-stop solution.

Getting around Hvar – bus, car & scooter.

The bus service between the ferry and the main towns is pretty good. It takes about 20 minutes to the ferry, and less than one hour to Hvar Town, including stops.

Above is the bus timetable at time of writing. Annoyingly, the new bus timetables are still updated in PDF, but you can call the number or email the address for the latest times. I will try and keep this updated, however.

Driving around Hvar is a very relaxed experience, and you will come across several old cars which would perhaps not pass a technical inspection elsewhere, but are used by locals to go the fields. You can rent a car in Jelsa, and it often makes sense to consider car rental on the island, rather than the cost and waiting of bringing one on the ferry.

A very popular way to get around, however, is by scooter rental, and the island’s main road gets busier with tourist scooters from mid-June. There is essentially one main road from east to west, connecting Sucuraj to Hvar, with the choice to take the quick new option from Stari Grad, or the old road less travelled, which is one of the most beautiful drives in Europe, at least in my opinion.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2jKK6bYVCI

There is one driving experience you should not miss out on, however, especially if you like a little adrenaline action. The Pitve tunnel is perhaps Europe’s last undiscovered film set, complete with its own wine cellar. It is quite an experiences, as you can learn in the video above.

Parking in Jelsa

There is plenty of parking in Jelsa. The main parking is soon after you enter the town on the left after the bus station and post office. It is paid parking at 8 kuna per hour. There is also other parking available in different parts of the town, the biggest of which is as you enter, next to the bus stop.

5 things not to miss

Wine

Welcome to wine country! I can’t think of another town which has a bigger claim to the title of Wine Capital of Dalmatia. Apart from having a tradition of grapes dating back 2,400 years, if not longer, Jelsa has traditionally been an important exporter of wine through the centuries, certainly until the devastating arrival of phylloxera in the 19th century.

Back then, there were 5,700 hectares of vineyards under cultivation. This compares to just 280 hectares today, but what is lacking in quantity is more than made up with in quality. We will examine just how much quality with a closer look athte winemakers below.

If you are into trying new wines, you have some to the right island. Hvar has several indigenous varieties which only grow on the island. For the whites, check out Bogdanusa (literally a ‘gift from God’) and Prc, while Darnekusa is a local Hvar red. But the most popular red is Plavac Mali, an offshoot of Zinfandel. Some of the most powerful Plavac Malis in existence come from the southern slopes of Hvar.

Za Krizen

I have never experienced anything quite like the Thursday night before Easter in Jelsa, and it remains my favourite time to be there. For more than 500 years without interruption, 6 simultaneous processions take place through the night, as a cross bearer leads his acolytes and hundreds of pilgrims on each of the six processions in Jelsa, Pitve, Vrisnik, Svirce, Vrbanj and Vrboska, on a 22 km procession of prayer, meditation and chanting through the night. Each procession passes through the other 5 villages and their churches, before returning to the starting spot. In the case of Jelsa, the exhausted cross bearer runs the last few metres before kneeling before the awaiting priest and handing over the cross. You can see the spectacular end to the 2020 procession in the video below. the procession has been intangible UNESCO heritage since 2009.

The pandemic seriously affected the 2020 procession. So much so, in fact, that I was the only person on the main square when it started. It was a privilege to document an extraordinary night for the many who could not be there. Read more in Jelsa Za Krizen, Croatia Not Wuhan & Cabin Fever Perspectives.

Humac and Grapceva Splija

The eco-ethno village of Humac is one of the most extraordinary places on the island. A 6 km walk east of Jelsa (or 10 minutes by car), the abandoned shepherd’s village is the best example of an eco-ethno village in Dalmatia. And it is coming to life. There is an outstanding retaurant of the same name, Konoba Humac, and some of the gorgeous stone houses have been renovated to offer idyllic if extremely rustic accommodation.

The Humac Eco-Ethno Festival even started a few years ago, and you can get a flavour from the video above.

And don’t miss a visit to the stunning Neolithic cave of Grapceva Splija. There are tours from Konoba Humac, but check with the Jelsa Tourist Board for exact details.

Making Gamulin chocolate

A superb recent addition to Jelsa tourism is Gamulin Chocolates, blending the herbs of Hvar with natural chocolate goodness. In their own words:

If you ever find yourself on the island of Hvar, come and visit us in our chocolate boutique on the Jelsa waterfront. That’s where the magic happens: finest chocolate is enriched with a variety of fruits and herbs with which the island abounds, capturing the fragrant Mediterranean smells and tastes so you can take them home with you.

“In addition to finest handmade chocolate, at our shop you can also enjoy artisan ice cream enriched with pieces of our chocolates, as well as other sweet delicacies made by island women according to the recipes of our grandmothers.”

A great souvenir, and there are even fun workshops where you can make your own. Check it out at Gamulin Chocolates.

Pjaca, Croatia’s best ice cream, Croatia’s best lifestyle

Jelsa is known for its ice cream, ever since three brothers from Macedonia arrived in the town, back in 1963. Don’t miss it! And ice cream is part of the daily ritual of life on the main square, a delightfully relaxed and compact slice of Dalmatian heaven where I spent more than a good chunk of my post-formative years.

Where to stay

Panorama Penthouse Jelsa, or life with my punica

The best place to stay in Jelsa? Perhaps I am a little biased becuase it is owned and run by my wife, but I think Penthouse Panorama Jelsa is hard to beat. And still with some availability on Airbnb.

Another great option with fantastic prices to match (starting at 45 euro a night) is Apartmani Milicic just below, run by the legendica that is my punica (mother-in-law). For all enquiries, contact cromads@cromads.com

There are more than 300 private accommodation options in Jelsa, and you can check them out here.

Hotel Hvar Jelsa all-inclusives and other hotel options

The main hotel company in Jelsa is owned by Hungarians. Sadly, there has been little investment in the hotels since they were inhabited for years by refugees from the Homeland War in the 1990s. As a result, Hotel Hvar and Fontana Resort are only 3 and 2-star accommodation. This does mean, however, that prices are much cheaper than other hotels on the island. Both have prime locations right on the water, and if you check the last-minute deals for Hotel Fontana and Hotel Hvar Jelsa all-inclusives, the prices can be very friendly indeed. You can check out the best accommodation deals here:

Booking.com

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Camping in Jelsa

Jelsa is extremely well-served with camping options, and there are three campsites on the water to choose from. Camp Mina is the closest to the catamaran (turn left as you get off the boat and you are 300 metres away). Further around the bay is Camp Holiday, followed by Camp Grebisce.

Where to eat & drink

Me and Mrs Jones

It is more than a decade since Josipa and Jurica opened their first restaurant, with the rather unusual name, Me and Mrs Jones. Since they took the Jelsa dining scene by storm in 2009, they have moved across the harbour to the best spot in the town. Moor your boat in front of the restaurant, then while away an afternoon looking dreamily over to the old town across the water.

Artichoke

Artichoke was a fantastic 2015 addition to the Jelsa gourmet scene. Fine dining and Jelsa do not have a big tradition, but Artichoke is one of the few restaurants on the island to have guests from Hvar Town coming to investigate (along with Jones). The first place on Hvar to offer a wide selection of wines by the glass.

Pizzeria Jelsa

In addition to fabulous ice cream, some say the pizzas at Pizzeria Jelsa are the best on the island. the location is superb (the pink building on the entrance to the square), the service excellent and – I am reliably informed – the waiters are extremely handsome.

Nono

Head into the old town at the back of the main square and continue past the church. As you reach the back of the old town, a wonderful traditional Dalmatian konoba awaits, with an authentic Dalmatian menu using local produce to match the authentic setting.

Murvica

Pansion and Restaurant Murvica is a Jelsa institution. One of the most hard-working couples on the island, German Angelika and local boy Djordan have now brought their two sons into the business. In addition to the excellent pansion and restaurant, Murvica also was the first to offer Robinson accommodation in Humac. Don’t miss the olive oil, a regular medal winner.

Taula

A very quaint addition appeared on the scene a few years ago, on the corner of the harbour on the new side. Taula is cosy but quality, with a few twists on traditional Dalmatian fare. The rabbit is outstanding.

Step Up

There re plenty of places to chill with a coffee or something stronger. Best terrace with a view arguably goes to Step Up, above Artichoke on the main riva. They also serve tapas with drinks, a perfect combination to watch the world go by, as well as magnificent views out to sea and Biokovo Mountain.

Mojito

For total chill, however, it is hard to beat Mojito. Located on the water across from the old town, Mojito is relaxed by day, in the groove by night. Their list of mojitos is endless, and they even produced the first island cocktail made 100% from Hvar ingredients. Jelsa’s liveliest place by night.

Cafe Splendid

I think I have spent more time at Cafe Splendid than any other establishment in my life. For years, it was my de facto office, first for my real estate business, and then later for Total Hvar and then TCN. Its combination of main square location, outstanding cherry strudel and endless cold ones made it the natural choice. The small expat community usually gathers for coffee from 11 to 13 each day if you are looking for company.

Tarantela

Across the square from Splendid is Tarantela, where the cool kids hang out. Both are fabulous places for parents, who can watch their kids run around and play in safety on one of the safest and most relaxed places on the planet.

Top 5 day trips from Jelsa

Hvar Town and the Pakleni Islands

Less than an hour by bus and half an hour by car, Hvar Town is close enough for a day trip, but far away enough not to be bothered by the crowds and more vibrant nightlife. Learn more about Hvar Town in the TC Hvar in a Page guide.

Stari Grad and Vrboska

My favourite walk in Jelsa is along the coast to ‘Little Venice’ the divine Vrboska, surely one of Dalmatian’s most picturesque spots. Check out that walk above, and here are 25 things to know about Vrboska.

Vrboska is actually at one end of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Stari Grad Plain. If you are with bike or car (or have lots of energy on foot), continue on to Stari Grad, Hvar’s oldest town which was settled by the Greeks in 385 BC. There is lots to see and do, as you can see in the video below, and in this list of 25 things to know.

Through the Pitve Tunnel to Zavala beach heaven

As great as Jelsa’s beaches are, many locals swear by the beaches on the south side, in particular Zavala and Ivan Dolac. The water is always slightly warmer, they claim. This could perhaps be something to do with swimming after sampling the excellent wines of the south side, perhaps. In any case, a trip through that Pitve tunnel and the south side is highly recommended. Do make the effort to go to Sveta Nedelja – not only for the gorgeous wines of Zlatan Otok and the stunning cliffs, but also for the very quaint old village.

Bol and Zlatni Rat

Although the Jelsa catamaran to Split leaves for Bol at 06:00, there are other more sociable options for a day trip to the popular Brac destination. Daily tourist boats go between the two. They usually leave at around 09:00 and 10:00, returning at arounf 18:00. Ticket prices are about 80 kuna return, and the trip takes an hour.

It is not uncommon to have dolphins perform for you along the way. And while the iconic Zlatni Rat beach is the top draw, there is a lot more to check out while there, as we discovered in Bol Beyond Zlatni Rat: A Phenomenal Brac Family Destination.

A Hvar wine tour

Did I mention that Jelsa was the wine capital of Dalmatia? Hvar’s winemakers come together in the summer to put on some great events, where you can taste local wines in idyllic settings to great music. Here is an example of such an event in Stari Grad a few years ago (with English subtitles). You can organise your own tastings at Bastijana (Andro Tomic), Ivo Dubokovic, and Teo Huljic – more info on all three below).

Alternatively, book a tour with the best on the island, Hvar Wine Tours.

Beaches in Jelsa

Jelsa is known for its fantastic beaches, including some rare ones with a sandy base, which is popular with families with small children. The majority are pebbly or rocky, and the lack of sand contributes to the clear water. More info on Jelsa beaches in a TCN article I wrote previously.

5 things you didn’t know about Jelsa

The first seaplane in modern European aviation history landed in Jelsa

On August 27, 2014, the first scheduled seaplane flight in modern European aviation history took off from Resnik near Split Airport. Some 15 minutes later, the European Coastal Airlines Twin Otter landed outside Jelsa harbour and taxied in.

Stunning 15-minute flights to first Split Airport and then downtown Split were game changers for island living. Sadly it was not to be for too long, as ECA filed for bankrupcy soon after being grounded by the Croatian Civil Aviation Authority in 2016.

The first digital nomad permit on a Croatian island was issued to an American in Jelsa

Another first of a very different kind some 7 years later, as American Jessica Romano became only the second person (and the first on a Croatian island) to get the new digital nomad permit. Together with her partner Thibaud, they fully integrated into Jelsa society and thoroughly enjoyed the winter. A great example of the all-round benefits of digital noamds and Croatian communities. Check out their featured story on national television above, as well as this in-depth interview on their experience.

The first discotheque in all former Yugoslavia was in Jelsa

The year is 1964, and Jelsa was quite the party place as a disco called Amfora opened in Jelsa. Indeed, in the 1980s, there were no less than 4 nightclubs in Jelsa, which was much more of a party destination than Hvar Town.

Watch out ladies, Jelsa has its very own superhero – meet Lavanderman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_uXjWdJDVk

And where else can you find your very own superhero, driving a white Vespa and wearing a lavender leotard and yellow cape. Meet Jelsa’s very own Lavanderman. Want to kow more? Seek out the art gallery Dalmacijaland in the old town and meet Lavanderman creator, Toni, who runs one of Dalmatian’s most intriguing galleries, Dalmacijaland.

Meet the Jelsa chapel which has been blessed by a Pope

Not even every local knows that there is a chapel in Jelsa which has been blessed by a Pope. Learn more in the The Secrets of Jelsa: Inside the Most Interesting House on Hvar.

Active Jelsa, a sporting paradise

Jelsa Rowing Club

Jelsa is a centre of sporting excellence. I was constantly surprised at the quality of sporting opportunity on offer for local kids. From one of the best chess teams in the country, to certainly one of the best rowing clubs. Jelsa Rowing Club is in the centre, inside the boathouse by the catamaran, and Jerko does an outstanding job with Jelsa’s youngest athletes (and wannabe athletes).

Forska Liga island football championship

Did you know that the island of Hvar has its own football league? A population of less than 11,000 has a league of 10 teams, and Jelsa is one of them. Jelsa actually has quite a good footballing tradition, and Hajduk Split used to come and train in winter here. And in one of the more unusual sporting events I attended, Iran and Croatia played a futsal international friendly in the Jelsa sports hall.

Hvar Adventure Park

From stag dos to paintballing for kids, the Adventure Park Hvar Jelsa is great fun for all the family, just behind Hotel Fontana in the trees.

Scuba diving

Most of the scuba diving on the island starts in Hvar Town, but there is also the opportunity in Jelsa. Check out more with Black Pearl.

Cycling

A lot of effort has been put into developing Hvar as a cycling destination in recent years. As a result, there is now a bike map of the island which is available at te tourist board. Isladn-hopping cycling tours are on the rise, and Jelsa is an increasingly popular destination.

Rock climbing

Looking for a more adrenaline-filled view of the Adriatic? The Jelsa area has some of the best rock climbing in Dalmatia, with gorgeous views to match. Head east to the sheer cliffs of Vela Stiniva, or check out the challenges awaiting at the cliffs of Sveta Nedelja on the south side.

The winemakers of Jelsa and surrounding area

Andro Tomic, Ivo Dubrovnic, Teo Huljic, Jelsa wine’s star trio

When I bought my first house in Jelsa in 2002, a very friendly French-speaking gentleman with a Santa beard welcomed me with a bottle of rose, telling me that he was my next-door neighbour. It was many years until I realised that not only was Jelsa the wine capital of Dalmatia, but my neighbour was one of its most famous sons – Andro Tomic. A decade later, I was blogging for Andro as he presented his famous prosek dessert wine to the European Parliament in the ‘prosecco v prosek’ case as Croatia was entering the EU in 2013.

The Tomic tasting experience is quite the thing. The Bastijana winery next to Hotel Hvar, looks like any ordinary winery from the outside. Enter inside, however, and one of the great tasting rooms of Croatia lies before you. A Romanesque basement reminiscent of Diocletian’s Palace (togas optional) is certainly one of the grander tasting experiences.

Much less stated, but with many more candles, Ivo Dubokovic has assembled a football team of outstanding wines, some of which are among the most highly prized on the restaurant tables of Zagreb and beyond. His candlelit tastings among the barrels of the wine cellar in his family home are exquisite. Even more so when accompanied by the flavoured olive oils he also produces.

Teo Huljic is one of the most interesting winemakers in Croatia in my opinion. Passionate about the island and its wine heritage, he is nonetheless not afraid to experiment with international varieties. On the one hand, he is working to preserve local varieties such as Mekuja and Palaruza, while on the other hand, he is introducing Chardonnay to Hvar and blending it with local indigenous varieties. For the ultimate slow food, authentic food and wine experience, visit Konoba Huljic in the old town ad enjoy Teo’s food and wine combo on his delightfully uneven stone tables as lemons from the trees above land on the table.

Hvar grapes, London hands: British Master of Wine, Jo Ahearne

In 2014, a new winemaker joined the island producers, the first Master of Wine to produce wine in Croatia. Jo Ahearne MW got to work with Hvar’s local indigenous grape varieties to produce a stunning collection of red, white and rose. These wines can be found as far away as Kyoto and Melbourne. Or you can try them for yourself in her winery in Vrisnik, just 2km from Jelsa.

Svirce heartland – Organic Plavac Mali gold to 3-star Michelin wine

What makes Jelsa the wine capital for me is not just the winemakers in the town, but also the quality in the neighbouring villages. Svirce is just 2km from Jelsa, and it is home to the Svirce Cooperative, whose powerful reds repeatedly win international awards. The flagship Ivan Dolac Barrique was the first certified organic Plavac Mali in Croatia, and it has won organic gold at Bio Fach Mundi in Germany on three occasions.

Also located in Svirce, but now with gorgeous tasting room on the canal in Vrboksa, is Vina Caric. Ivo Caric is the first Hvar winemaker to have a wine served in a 3-star Michelin restaurant, with his Ploski Plovac Barrique in Amsterdam.

Through the Tunnel to the Golden Island – Zlatan Otok

Perhaps Hvar’s most famous winemaker, however, is Zlatan Otok in Sveta Nedelja. The steep slope vineyards on the south side are the perfect setting for Plavac Mali grapes. The Zlatan Grand Cru is one of Croatia’s most highly-prized and highly-awarded bottles.

Jelsa for children, a safe lifestyle destination

It just is.

I am no doubt biased, as this is where my kids grew up, but I genuinely don’t think there is a better way to start life. My kids were swimming at the age of 3 in the Adriatic, at one with nature in Grandpa’s field about the same age, and far away from the commercial and safety traps of the modern era.

‘Za Krizen’ and why Easter is a great time to visit

As mentioned above, the Za Krizen procession is one of the highlights of the Jelsa calendar. It is regarded as a huge honour to carry the cross. Parents enlist their children at birth to get on the waiting list. The next available slot at time of writing is 2051. This excellent report with English subtitles from Hvar TV explains the whole process and culture.

But the procession is just one part of the Easter experience. For here is one of the most important religious celebrations of the year. It typically takes place before the season has started, and so seems to be almost like an awakening of the island. Add to that the fact that extended family return to Hvar for the festivities, and you have a huge occasion of joy. Hugely recommended.

Jelsa Bench Tourism

What can I say? I am a little obsessed with the concept of The Bench in Dalmatia. A male bastion where no alcohol is ever consumed, everyone seems to have their place and hierarchy.

Known as the ‘Island Wikipedia’ or ‘Dalmatian Google’, the fonts of knowledge on The Bench are legendary. It is considered a very high honour to be invited to sit on The Bench, and it was something I secretly yearned for for years. And then, one day, after just 13 years, the unthinkable happened – my invitation to sit on The Bench.

The cult of The Bench took off, and tourists were actually coming to the town to take selfies on The Bench.

Sadly, The Bench was removed in the name of progress. We hope it will be restored to its rightful position soon.

Weather on Hvar

February 4, 2012. Yes, sometimes it does snow…But not often.

For the latest Jelsa weather forecast, click here or:

JELSA Hvar island

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Buying property in Jelsa

The 2004 property boom is a distant memory, but people are still buying property in Jelsa. One of the best places to try is local island specialist, Balustrade Estates. You can learn more about the property buying process on the TC Property in Croatia page.

Jelsa webcams

You can now keep track of life in Jelsa 24/7 thanks to the webcams of Enjoy Jelsa. The Enjoy Jelsa team have also started livestreaming Za Krizen each year, with two cameras on the main square and main church. For the rest of the year, there are three cameras – one of the main square, one overlooking the harbour and old town, and one from the old town overlooking the harbour.

More information

You can get more information about Jelsa on the official tourist board website. Although I have been very critical of the Jelsa Tourist Board in the past (and with good reason), the new website is a huge improvement on how things were not so long ago.

Jelsa Tourist Board
Trg Tome Gamulina 1
21465 Jelsa
Tel: +385 (0)21 761 017
info@tzjelsa.hr
Official tourist board website.

To follow the latest news from Jelsa, check out the dedicated TCN page.

The post Jelsa in a Page: Hvar Wine, Beach, Bench, Lifestyle Heaven appeared first on Total Croatia.

]]> https://total-croatia-news.com/destinations/jelsa-3/feed/ 0 https://total-croatia-news.com/destinations/makarska-8/ https://total-croatia-news.com/destinations/makarska-8/#respond Tue, 04 May 2021 12:09:00 +0000 https://total-croatia-news.com/?p=1527 Main city of the Makarska riviera, a vibrant and atmospheric town, blessed with beautiful beaches, irresistible gastronomy and lots of fun things to do. Welcome to Makarska Croatia! What to do in Makarska? 5 best things to do in Makarska Where to eat? Where to drink and dine informally? Where to stay in Makarska Top ... Read more

The post Makarska in a Page: Beaches, Hotels, What to do, Weather, Real Estate appeared first on Total Croatia.

]]> Main city of the Makarska riviera, a vibrant and atmospheric town, blessed with beautiful beaches, irresistible gastronomy and lots of fun things to do.

• Welcome to Makarska Croatia!
• What to do in Makarska? 5 best things to do in Makarska
• Where to eat?
• Where to drink and dine informally?
• Where to stay in Makarska
• Top day trips
• Where is Makarska in Croatia? Makarska Map
• Makarska Weather
• Makarska real estate: Property for sale in Makarska
• How to get to Makarska and get around

Welcome to Makarska Croatia!

There’s archaeological evidence that Makarska in Croatia has been inhabited continuously since 6000 BC. The settlement on the small peninsula of Sveti Petar was founded around 2500 BC. Subsequently, it evolved into the Phoenician colony of Mukron around 1200 BC. Today, it is one of two incredible viewpoints on either side of Makarska port harbour. From there, you can watch boats sail towards islands on the near horizon. Turning from the Adriatic, your eyes are filled by the breathtaking Biokovo mountain, rising immediately behind the town.

This one view sums up Makarska pretty well. Because, here, you find a town of contrasts. From brilliant beaches down by the sea, to epic views from the mountains, Makarska’s varied offer is tantalizing. Surrounded by nature, the town has every modern luxury and contemporary offer you want from a holiday. Indeed, with nightclubs, watersports, events and other activities, it’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular and vibrant destinations in Dalmatia.

On Makarska beaches, you’ll find many thrilled young people, happy families and satisfied couples. In the town’s restaurants, a similarly varied mix of people. Not to mention the Makarska food offer being incredibly diverse. Above all, Makarska is a town that balances its best assets well. While preserving its nature, heritage and best traditions, it also beckons visitors with an array of contemporary choices. Who could say no to this city of limitless choices?

What to do in Makarska? The 5 best things to do in Makarska

1) Enjoy brilliant Makarska beaches and coastline

Ramova beach

Above Biloševac neighbourhood, Ramova beach is the most northerly of Makarska beaches. As such, you can often find quieter spots here. To the north, some visit areas dedicated to naturist bathing. Additionally, a section where you can take your dog. Both beach bars and fast food service the beach. In particular, these beach bars are good for watching the sunsets.

Cvitačka beach

Below Ramova, Cvitačka beach shares a food option where it meets its neighbour to the north. Down from there, a thin line of pines just back from the beach offer shade. Not only can you rent jet skis here, but also there’s a nice beach bar. Find it in the thicker grouping of pines, at the most southerly point.

Biloševac beach

You’ve two sharply contrasting sections to choose from on Biloševac beach. If you want the shade of pines and a more refined beach bar, then go north. To the southern end, there’s much less shade available.

Ratac beach

Another beach with two sections, Ratac is a lively and popular spot. Actually, it’s almost an extension of the town beach in its vibe. Except, there’s a small harbour separating them. If you want to try parasailing, then here’s a place to look.

Town beach Makarska

Stretching in a curve from just north of the city centre, Makarska city beach is an epic treat. Along the promenade running just behind, you’re spoilt for choice with restaurant options. Whether you want to hit the beach in the morning or go in the afternoon, it’s a great choice. Although, being such a great beach means it’s popular and often busy. If you’re looking for peaceful seclusion, then there are better options.

Osejava Forest Park

Important to realize, most of Makarska’s beachfront lies to the town’s north. Thereafter, its 4km run is interrupted by the town centre and port. Additionally, the coastline south of the town is raised, a rockface that drops sharply to the sea. On top of these cliffs begins a 2km stretch of trees and grassland. Not only does this run all the way to Tučepi, but also the first section is a glorious park.

No sooner do you enter Osejava Forest Park, than the characteristic scent of pines greets you. At this point, the sounds of the city fall away. Above all, it’s peaceful and calm, only cicadas, birds and waves interrupting the silence. Following gravel paths through nature, you’re gifted incredible sea views between the trees. If you want to enjoy the sunset without distractions, then head here. Also, these are the paths to take if looking for more secluded Makarska beaches.

Nugal beach

These days, Nugal beach is not the secret it once was. Previously, this beach was cherished mostly by locals. But, word got out and now visitors come too. Compared to Makarska’s main beaches, it retains peaceful seclusion. Both naturists and regular bathers enjoy this beach. Not only do surrounding cliffs make this beach unique, but also underground, freshwater springs. In effect, they keep the sea here refreshingly cool.

Solarić beach

Not only must you clamber over rocks to reach Solarić, but also the beach itself is all rock. Furthermore, there’s no easy, appointed entry into the sea here. However, the difficult nature of the beach means very few people come here. If that’s the level of seclusion you seek, then try here. But, bring something comfy to sit on and don’t bring the kids. There are better beaches for them and grandma.

Kraljev Gaj beach

If your priority is ultra-clear waters and an intimate beach, then head here. Kraljev Gaj beach is very small and secluded – you’ll need to walk to get there. Also, it’s popular with naturists.

2) Biokovo Nature Park

Biokovo mountain is inescapable. In fact, at 36 kilometers in length, it dominates the skyline of Makarska Riviera. In particular, as a backdrop for peaceful morning coffee on the terrace, the view is simply jaw-dropping. Furthermore, Biokovo mountain is right on your doorstep in Makarska.

The whole mountain area – almost 200  km² – is a Nature Park. While walking and hiking, you can sometimes see the rare flora and fauna living here. Or on a guided tour. Although, you can visit the summit by car if you don’t fancy the walk. If you want to find out more about the park, then visit our detailed guide.

3) Wild water sports and activities: Snorkeling, parasailing, jet ski, paragliding + more

Parasail over the sea next to mountains

Not only is it thrilling to fly over the crystal-clear Adriatic, but also Biokovo makes it breathtaking. With over 20 years of experience to their name, speak to Sport Sea Centar Antares aka Parasailing Makarska about this activity. Find them at Put cvitačke 2a, Makarska.

Race across the sea at high speeds on a jet ski

Speed across the waves on a thrilling jet ski. Not only can you find jetskimakarska.com on Cvitačka beach, but also by the harbour.

Go diving – beginners and experienced

You don’t have to be an expert to explore the deep near Makarska. With many years of experience, More sub Makarska – PADI dive resort teach children and adults. (Kresimirova 43). Therefore, they’re used to catering for both beginners and the more experienced. Moreover, they’ll open up for group bookings out of season, if you first call. Butterfly Watersports and Diving at Kraj 83 in Tučepi also do courses, snorkeling and day trips by boat.

Explore Makarska Riviera by kayak, canoe or stand up paddleboard

You’ll have great fun exploring the shoreline between Makarska and Tučepi. Not only will you pass hidden coves, but also small, difficult-to-reach beaches. In fact, just north of Tučepi, the first three beaches you reach are either difficult to reach or inaccessible other than by boat. Go find them (and remember your sunscreen)! Again, speak to Butterfly Watersports and Diving at Kraj 83 in Tučepi about this. Also, Slap tourist agency at Penšići 16, Slime 21255 Zadvarje. Not only do they do canoe and kayaks, but also rafting on the Cetina river. Additionally, Makarska tourism agency Prominens will help with all the above activities, plus boat trips and accommodation.

Paraglide from epic mountains

Biokovo paragliding airfield is operated by paragliding club ‘Edel’ from Makarska. Find them at Obala kralja Tomislava 27, Makarska. Or call on +385 (0)98 732 110, or speak to the Nature Park into centre in Makarska.

4) Boat trips: Island hopping, sailing, fishing

Not only is Makarska the largest harbour between Split and Dubrovnik, but also it’s a ferry port. Correspondingly, the amount of boat activities you can do is large.

Unforgettable island hopping by boat tour

If you just want to pop over to Brac island, then, sure, catch the ferry or catamaran. However, you can make a day of it by taking a boat tour. If you want to take in 2 or 3 islands in a day, then take this option. Furthermore, tailoring your tour to suit your interests is easy with this option. If you’re a wine buff, then you can take in islands vineyards and tasting sessions. On the other hand, spend the day swimming near secluded beaches. Afterward, visit hand-picked island restaurants. If you want to find out more, then Darmar at Maslinarska 13 Makarska are good for this.

Riviera sailing

Balanced against the town’s motor boats, visitors know less of sailing in Makarska. However, what a way to travel once you discover it! If you want to sail Makarska and the riviera, then Sailing club Bura are good for this. Find them at Obala k. Tomislava 21, Makarska. Also, the same glorious conditions mean you can windsurf in Makarska well here. If you want to do that, speak with Windsurfing club Jedro.

Fishing

For the most part, it takes a special kind of enthusiast to spend the day fishing. If that’s you, then you’re in the right place. Not only are seas here good for fishing from land, but also you can go for bigger catch. In order to do that, head out on a boat trip. Again, speak to Darmar about this.

5) Discover hidden heritage and culture

Kotišina Botanical Garden

When Dr. Fr. Jure Radić designed this space he didn’t really have in mind a traditional botanical garden. Instead, he envisaged a protected area of local nature.

Within the relatively small 16.5 hectares, you’ll find many rare plants of the region. Furthermore, they live in a specifically constructed microcosm of Dalmatia. In detail, there are around 300 wild plant species here. Typically, they’re of the Mediterranean and Dalmatia’s Dinaric Alps. Notably, some of the herbs here have been used locally in traditional medicines.

In detail, find Kotišina Botanical Garden in the Biokovo foothills, above the village Kotišina. You’ll travel less than 2 km east of Makarska centre to get there.

Statues and monuments

Whether you’re a fan of statues or not, you’ll probably find something interesting in the city’s lot. Of note, a miniature shrine based on Lourdes, a sea anchor with a terrible tale, a monument to Napoleon and St. Peter.

Kotišina kaštel

Balanced against the rising cliffs, Kotišina castle has been here since the middle of the 17th century. In detail, it’s a multi-storey building with an irregular floor plan and two rooms. Certainly, it’s an intruiging visit and you get a great view from there.

Waterfalls of Makarska

Both Kotišina and Nugal waterfalls are seasonal. Accordingly, you’ll have to visit Makarska out-of season to see them.

Where to eat? Makarska restaurants

At this time, you’ve never had a better choice of where to eat in Makarska. Whether you want fast food, traditional food or something special, there’s something for you. Both by the sea, inside Makarska centre and up into the hills there are great restaurants. Of course, we can’t hope to cover them all. Therefore, here is a selection of some of the best restaurants in Makarska.

Selection of restaurants in Makarska

By the sea

At the present time, Bounty restaurant & steakhouse is the only place in town that’s sat right on the beach. Therefore, you really can’t miss it. Specifically, it’s on the lower end of Makarska town beach. Not only do they have the famous steaks, but also burgers, cocktails and fine wines.

Away from the shore

Without a doubt, if you ask an informed local to recommend restaurants, Jež will be mentioned. Not only have they a great reputation for seafood, but also for presentation. Enjoy fine dining with frills, but with the Mediterranean at its heart.

Markedly, what Kap Uja does best is authentic, seasonal cooking. But, to a very high standard. Similarly, the very good Arta Larga by Gastro Diva also does seasonal food, somewhere between traditional and elaborate.

Generally, you’ll find all Makarska’s restaurants to the north of the port harbour. But, Tempera Streetfood is one to the south. Not only is its location unique, but also its vibe. If you want an informal dining experience with great contemporary food, then try here. By comparison, Konoba Kalalarga is a splendid, traditional Dalmatian tavern. Not only do they do great seafood, but also brilliant meats and light lunches, locally called ‘marenda’.

Worth travelling to

Konoba Panorama is up in the hills behind nearby Baška Voda. Its huge terrace holds epic views. Specifically, it’s authentic Dalmatian food that’s the specialty here. Look and maybe book the day before, if you want to try pasticada or peka (do!)

In nearby Tučepi, you’ll find the only Michelin-recommended restaurant on Makarska Riviera. Moreover, the style, panache and presentation of the Mediterranean reimagined at Jeny can leave you breathless. By comparison, the nearby Konoba Ranch (Ranč) is more informal. However, food is great and its location in the middle of an olive tree garden gives a truly special ambiance.

Where to drink and dine informally?

Fancy cocktails and super, fancy finger food and informal dining at Špina bar. Similarly, Kala also do superior snacks, fast food and drinks.

Where to stay? Makarska hotels, all inclusive, resorts, villas, airbnb, camping

Important to realize, Makarska Riviera is one of Croatia’s premium destinations when it comes to accommodation offer. In fact, this stretch of coastline has more top-rated hotels than almost anywhere else on the mainland. Indeed, like here, neighbours Baška Voda, Tučepi and Brela have similar luxury and all inclusive deals Makarska has. However, that’s not the full story. Both luxury villas and budget price accommodation in Makarska are available. Specifically, in regards to the latter, you’ll find hostel options here and can even camp Makarska. Because the Makarska Riviera is open to and welcoming of everyone.

Hotels in Makarska

If you want a Makarska hotel with a 4-star rating, then there are several. Not only does Valamar have Meteor Hotel here, but also there’s the Hotel Mirjam. Additionally, Hotel Osejava to the east of the harbour entrance. If you want details of more top hotels and all inclusive Makarska stays, then see Total Croatia guides to other places on Makarska Riviera. Both Baška Voda and Tučepi are right next to Makarska and Brela is very close too.

Villas, apartments, airbnb

There are too many great options to detail all. But check the usual online booking options and review sites for details. Certainly, read more than the first couple of reviews. And, check out exactly where the place is.

Camping in Makarska

There’s a large area devoted to camping, just north of Ratac in Makarska. Furthermore, it offers the full range. Not only are there and places for the camper, but also spots to pitch your tent. Furthermore, Poseidon Mobile Home Resort rents upmarket mobile homes which share a pool.

You’ve got two campsite options in nearby Baška Voda. In the first place and closest to town there’s Baško Polje. Notably, it has lots of little wooden camping huts, nestled in the shade of a pine forest next to the beach. After that, and a little further south, Camping Krvavica has a brilliant terrace, garden and other facilities for guests. Both tents and vans/campers are accommodated at Krvavica. Moreover, both these campsites are fantastic. Also, there’s a great glamping option just south of Tucepi.

Top day trips

If day trips are definitely in your holiday plans, then you could not have picked a better place. Not only is Makarska extremely well connected by road and motorway, but also it has its own port. Furthermore, the Omiš Riviera and its captivating capital are literally just a few minutes up the coast. So too, a fascinating part of the Dalmatian hinterland.

Island visits: Makarska to Brač ferry

With the famous islands of Brač and Hvar constantly tempting you from across the water, it’d be a shame not to give in. Certainly, you can take local boat trips for the route Makarska Jelsa on Hvar island. But, a super cheap option is the walk-on ferries and catamarans from Makarska. They run very regularly and offer an inexpensive choice for route Makarska Brač.

Timetables and tickets: Makarska to Brač, Makarska to Dubrovnik by boat

Krilo have a fast boat service that runs between Split, Brač, Makarska, Korčula, Mljet and Dubrovnik. See the timetable and buy tickets here. On the Jadrolinija ferry you can take your car from Makarska to Brač. Timetable and tickets are here.

Special food, zipline, white water rafting on Cetina river and the atmospheric Old Town of Omiš

Without a doubt, Omiš Old Town is incredibly beautiful. Moreover, it has a wonderful nighttime ambiance. Particularly in summer, when diners and drinkers fill the alleys and little squares. Additionally, it has white water rafting on the Cetina river and Croatia’s most spectacular zipline. As a matter of fact, if you only do one mainland day trip on your Makarska holiday, and if you don’t want to travel too far, go here. Read everything you need to know about Omiš in our guide.

Visit the UNESCO Diocletian’s Palace in Split

Around 85 km north up the coast is Croatia’s second city. Subsequently, Makarska Split is a super easy journey to make. And, everyone should walk around Split Diocletian’s Palace once in their life. In fact, it’s the perfect big city for a day trip. Because there’s so much to do and see. Furthermore, the route Makarska Split is easy by car or bus. Specifically, it takes about an hour to travel from Makarska to Split by car. Find out more in our guide to the city of Split.

By car, by bus or hop on a boat from Makarska to Dubrovnik

How far is Makarska from Dubrovnik? The distance from Makarska to Dubrovnik is a not inconsiderable 150 kilometres. However, is it really so far to miss out on that visit you always dreamed of? In detail, it’s only two and a half hours by car. Additionally, it’s very doable by Makarska Dubrovnik bus. Furthermore, Krilo have a fast boat service that runs between Split, Brač, Makarska, Korčula, Mljet and Dubrovnik. Subsequently, you can travel from Makarska to Dubrovnik by boat. See the timetable and buy tickets here.

Where is Makarska in Croatia? Makarska map

Both centrally located and the main town of Makarska Riviera, Makarska is in Dalmatia, Croatia. It faces the island of Brač and Hvar island is visible behind Brač. Specifically, it is in modern-day Split-Dalmatia county. In detail, its Makarska GPS coordinates with respect to latitude and longitude are 43.2938° N, 17.0215° E. And the Makarska zip code is 21300 Makarska (postal code).

Makarska weather: Today and weather Makarska next 7 days

Like all of coastal Dalmatia, Makarska has a classic Mediterranean climate, with long, hot summers. Indeed, many days of sunshine can be all but guaranteed here. What’s more, you can usually wear shorts and a t-shirt from April until November. Wondering about weather Makarska May? Pondering the weather Makarska October? Point often overlooked is that summers are extended here. Indeed, it’s warm enough in the sea to swim from some time in May right the way to October. Here’s how the weather in Makarska looks today and the Makarska weather forecast for the rest of the week.

Makarska real estate: Property for sale in Makarska

If you’ve fallen in love with Makarska, then we don’t blame you. But, if that love extends to you wanting to buy a house in Makarska, where to look? Actually, there are many realtors in Makarska. However, buying a home in Makarska is a recognised desire. Therefore, you’ll doubtless find properties and plots on the books of estate agents in Split.

How to get to Makarska and get around

Flights to Makarska, nearest airport to Makarska

The nearest airport to Makarska is Brač island. Although, that route obviously requires a boat journey to reach the mainland. But, Makarska to Brač ferry will get you there in no time. However, for flights to Croatia region central Dalmatia, the most popular airport is Split. In detail, the distance from Split airport to Makarska is around 100 km. Moreover, it takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to get there by car. Also, you can make the trip between the two very easily by bus. For all you need to know about Split airport look here.

Looking for a fast, reliable and trouble-free transfer to or from Makarska? Contact TC transfer partner Adriatic Transfers for your one-stop solution.

Makarska to Dubrovnik airport

Around twice the distance to Split airport from Makarska is Dubrovnik airport. Subsequently, it really shouldn’t take three times longer to get there (around 3 hours – no guarantees!). But, currently, it does. However, the Pelješac Bridge is nearing completion. Indeed, as much as an hour could soon be cut from the travelling time. Great! Read more about Dubrovnik airport here.

Road, by car

Makarska is a very short drive off the main motorway from Zagreb. Specifically, the motorway turn off you’re looking for is Zagvozd. In detail, from there, drop down to Baška Voda, then down a few of minutes to Makarska. However, if you’re coming from Split, you can take the coastal road, which is pretty. Out of season, this might be a good idea. And the journey time is similar to going via the motorway.

However, the tourist season is a different story. Plans are in place to upgrade the road infrastructure around the bottleneck of Omiš. But, until those works are completed, the motorway route will save you time.

Similarly, you have the coastal route option coming from Dubrovnik and the south. But, the motorway will be quicker, taking less than two and a half hours.

Boat

Krilo have a fast boat service that runs between Split, Brač, Makarska, Korčula, Mljet and Dubrovnik. If you want to see timetables and buy tickets, then look here. On the Jadrolinija ferry you can take a car from Brač to Makarska. If you want to check timetables and tickets, then look here.

Makarska bus: Local and intercity

Travelling intercity by bus in Croatia is a fast, popular and reliable option. Indeed, you can easily reach Makarska by bus from anywhere in Croatia. Furthermore, Makarska has a major bus station. In detail, every bus between Split and Dubrovnik stops here. If you want to learn more about travelling through Croatia by bus, then look here.

Also, local buses can take you up and down the Makarska Riviera, into parts of the foothills or even into the hinterland.

More information

If you want more info, then find Makarska tourist board here: makarska-info.hr.

To follow the latest news from Makarska, check out Total Croatia News.

The author and Total Croatia would like to express thanks to the following for their help in compiling this guide. Vice Rudan, Sanja Glavina and Matko Buljan of Makarska Tourist Board. Also, Ivana Bozicevic-Tandara of My Home Adriona and Matea Saric of Prominens Makarska.

The post Makarska in a Page: Beaches, Hotels, What to do, Weather, Real Estate appeared first on Total Croatia.

]]> https://total-croatia-news.com/destinations/makarska-8/feed/ 0 https://total-croatia-news.com/destinations/elaphiti-islands/ https://total-croatia-news.com/destinations/elaphiti-islands/#respond Wed, 28 Apr 2021 13:27:43 +0000 https://total-croatia-news.com/?p=1615 What would an old Mediterranean island paradise look like? The lush green of pine-dominated forests separated by the deep blue waters by jagged rocks? Feeling of serenity and experience of true leisure? Maybe a dash of adventure with the natural environment beckoning physical activity? Fresh seafood, virgin olive oil and great wine? The answer is: ... Read more

The post Elaphiti Islands in a Page 2022 – Koločep, Lopud, Šipan appeared first on Total Croatia.

]]> What would an old Mediterranean island paradise look like? The lush green of pine-dominated forests separated by the deep blue waters by jagged rocks? Feeling of serenity and experience of true leisure? Maybe a dash of adventure with the natural environment beckoning physical activity? Fresh seafood, virgin olive oil and great wine? The answer is: “all of the above” and it can be found a stone’s throw away from Dubrovnik, on Elaphfiti islands.

• Welcome!
• How to get to Elaphiti islands and get around
• 5 things not to miss
• Where to stay?
• Where to eat?
• Top 5 day trips from Elaphiti islands
• 5 things you didn’t know about Elaphiti islands

Welcome!

There are actually more islands in the Elaphites than most people know. They are a part of the Dubrovnik archipelago and they consist of 8 islands and 5 islets. Only three of them, Kolocep (locally known as Kalamota), Lopud and Sipan, are inhabited and have tourism amenities. The islands are mostly covered in sub-tropical flora and are on top of the dolomitic limestone surface. This means mainly jagged rocks shaped through the influence of the sea over time. Consequently, they provide amazing opportunities for cliff diving, snorkelling or scuba diving.

How to get to Elaphiti Islands and get Around

Plane

None of the Elaphiti Islands has any airports available for direct flights. The closest airport servicing Elaphiti islands is Dubrovnik International Airport Cilipi (DBV), located around 20km (12,4 miles) away from the city. D8 Adriatic Highway connects Dubrovnik with the airport.

Road

When it comes to Elaphiti islands, the road will take you as far as Dubrovnik. From there, your best choice is to take the regular Jadrolinija ferry. Read more about the ferry in our “boat” section.

If you are travelling to Dubrovnik by road from the direction of Zagreb, Split or Rijeka, the fastest route will see you taking the A1 Motorway from Zagreb (Zadar, Sibenik or Split) to Ploce where the A1 ends. Once in Ploce you will switch to D8 Adriatic Highway which will take you down to Dubrovnik.

If you have made other arrangements to transfer to the Elaphiti Island of your choice from some other point along the coast (e.g., Lafodia Hotel was known to offer transfers from Brsecine village), know that D8 travels along the coast and goes through the majority of these villages and towns on its way to Dubrovnik.

The regular local bus line runs only on Sipan island between Sipanska Luka and Sudurad. The bus runs several times per day following times aligned with ferry arrivals and local school hours. You can find the timetable on Libertas Public Transportation Company’s website.

Boat

National ferry company Jadrolinija connects Dubrovnik to all the inhabited Elaphiti Islands. In fact, they run a regular line from Dubrovnik going to all three of them (Line No. 807) several times a day throughout the year. Check out their website for the timetable and ticket prices:

807 Dubrovnik – Koločep – Lopud – Suđurađ (Šipan)

There is also a regular ferry line (No. 831) going to Lopud and Sipan from Dubrovnik. However, this one is a car ferry. Still, it does not disembark vehicles on Lopud, only passengers.

831 Dubrovnik – Lopud -Suđurađ (Šipan)

High speed catamaran operated by G&V line connects Dubrovnik with Mljet Island via Sipanska Luka on Island of Sipan. This is their timetable and pricing info.

There are smaller local companies that run to some of the islands like Europa ship that connects Dubrovnik to Kolocep. Some of these come and go seemingly every summer, so it’s always a good idea to inquire locally if there are any brand new operators.

5 things not to Miss on Elaphiti Islands

1) Beaches and Swimming

Whichever island of the Elaphiti archipelago you choose as your base, it will reward you with some spectacular swimming spots. While the majority of the coastline is rocky, which might put some people off, there are plenty of pebbly and some sandy beaches as well to choose from. Don’t discount rugged, rocky coastline, though. Over time it has formed into amazing secluded bays, caves, cliff diving and sunbathing spots.

Blue Cave on Kolocep Island

One must-visit point on Kolocep is Blue Cave. It’s a small cave on the southwestern part of the island accessible by boat. Its name comes from the blue shade of the waters inside. You enter the cave by swimming or diving. It is wide enough to enter without difficulty, but the opening of it is only barely showing from the outside. It is an extremely popular stop for chartered boats and worth visiting for the ride to it as well.

Sunj Beach on Lopud Island

There are quite a few popular beaches in the Dubrovnik area. Some are popular with locals, some with tourists, but none is universally as loved as Sunj Beach on Lopud Island. Sunj is located on the south-eastern end of the Island, facing Dubrovnik. Notably, it is Elaphiti’s most popular port of call for private and chartered boats. You can get to it on foot from Lopud village by following one of the marked footpaths through the woods. It bears the name of Czech writer and politician Viktor Dyk who was in love with Lopud. The path also features a monument built in his honour in 1936. Sunj Beach has some beach amenities available like a bar, restaurant and lounge chairs. It is indeed the most spacious sandy beach of Elaphiti and it will remain everybody’s favourite for quite some time.

Hidden bays of Sipan

Sipan, with its two picturesque large villages of Sudurad and Sipanska Luka, offers plenty of options for leisure and fun beach activities. However, experienced Sipan lovers know the island is home to many hidden beaches and tiny bays best accessed by boat. Whether you are kayaking or chartering a boat, make sure to inquire about some of them, or better yet, surprise yourselves by discovering them yourself. You will not be disappointed.

2) Hike to the Lighthouse on Kolocep

Hiking on Kolocep is a must. Island’s western side is covered in pine forest going straight to the edge of tall cliffs hiding small bays below. Hiking and walking around this area is perfect for recharging your batteries and getting in touch with nature. Speaking of nature, there are no dangerous animals or venomous snakes on the island, so the only real danger one might face is taking on a bit more hiking than planned.

It is hard to agree on the best hiking path, but a good one would be the path from Gornje Celo village over to Placet and then to the lighthouse, ending up back in the village, at the beach. Placet is an amazing place where cliffs descend dramatically into the sea. It is a lovely swimming spot. Stairs down to the sea are sometimes off-limits when dead trees get knocked down off the cliff during a storm. Following the hiking path through the woods, you eventually end up at the Kolocep lighthouse. The stairs down to the lighthouse were badly damaged, but it is still fairly easy to get down. The lighthouse stands on a small cliff offering great views of Dubrovnik and the island of Daksa. Below the lighthouse is a natural pool carved in the rocks. Obviously, it is a perfect swimming spot.

3) Hike across Sipan to Velji Vrh

Sipan Island is also a great walking, hiking or trekking destination. The island houses 39 old churches as well as 42 medieval residences of varying degrees of upkeep. The most magnificent of aristocratic residences on Sipan Island is Vice Stjepovic-Skocibuha Summer Residence in Sudurad. Aside from examples of old architecture, hiking across Sipan means walking through olive orchards and shrubs of Mediterranean aromatic herbs. The highest peak of Sipan is Velji Vrh at 243 metres above sea level. Hiking up to it is not too strenuous, but you should bring water and sunscreen along. From there you will have a great view over the island and the surrounding archipelago.

4) Discover Lopud’s Historical Centre

Lopud Village on the island bearing the same name is one of the most beautiful urban centres of 15^th and 16^th century Dubrovnik area. Historical stone houses, charming streets and storefronts offer plenty to explore as you wander around.

The fortified complex of the Franciscan Monastery built in the late 15^th and early 16^th century dominates the entrance to the bay. The monastery features a 30m (98 feet) tall bell tower as well as a defensive fortress dating to 1592. The bay of Lopud is also home to a few beautiful former homes and summer residences of the local aristocracy. One open for the public and well worth your time is the Dordic-Mayneri Summer Residence. Summer residence’s botanical garden is a thing of beauty and a must-see for any visitors of the island. Ruins of once imposing Rector’s Palace are also visible in the centre of the village. There are also several churches and chapels waiting to be caught by your mobile phone’s camera lens. In fact, it would be difficult to find a house in Lopud not worth stopping by and admiring.

Sutvrac Fort

Behind the village is a hiking path that will lead you to the top of St. Simeon Hill overlooking the island. There, at the most spectacular of viewpoints, you will find Sutvrac Fort, built in 1563. This imposing structure was meant to act as a shelter for up to a few thousand people in case of attacks on Lopud. It is a must-see spot for all those fit enough to hike for an hour up a rocky, steep terrain of Lopud island. With this in mind, pay a visit, just make sure you bring water, sunscreen and most of all – your camera.

5) Your Black Horizon Art Pavillion on Lopud

One thing you might not expect to find among the olive and cypress trees of Lopud is an exhibit from 2005 Venice Art Biennale. Be that as it may, David Adjaye and Olafur Eliasson created a piece called Your Black Horizon for the biennale originally on the island of St. Lazzaro. The two are an architect and a contemporary artist and their work reflects this interdisciplinary approach. The piece is a wooden structure playing with the light and shadow in its narrow corridor. The interior is black with a small sliver of light changing as it emulates the changes in sunlight through the day. It is a beautiful piece and a remarkably interesting concept that makes one reflect on one’s own concept of light, darkness and the horizon.

Where to Stay on Elaphiti Islands

Options abound when it comes to Elaphiti Islands accommodation. There is something for every budget and everyone’s idea of a perfect holiday. Just keep in mind that with around 2600 sunshine hours per year, you are likely to spend little time indoors and plenty of time out and about, enjoying the best island life has to offer.

Kolocep Hotels

When it comes to Kolocep hotels, your choices come down to two candidates. Newly renovated Kalamota Beach House is in the bay of Gornje Celo and TUI Blue Kalamota Island Resort in Donje Celo. Both hotels are right by the water and the beach. Kalamota Beach House offers a more intimate feel being smaller of the two, while TUI Blue Kalamota Island Resort features more amenities and is located in a larger of the two villages.

Kolocep Apartments

Being the smallest of the three inhabited Elaphiti Islands, Kolocep has the most limited choice when it comes to private accommodation. Don’t let that discourage you, though. Kolocep features lovely settlements and houses that are a few steps away from the beach or a hiking path. For those wishing to get the best out of the island private accommodation, it pays to book well in advance to get the biggest choice.

Lopud Hotels

Lopud hotels are also two and you can find them in Lopud Village. They are both close to the sea but are vastly different in their design and feel. Hotel Glavovic is a 3-star property and is a recently revived historical hotel originally opened in 1927. On the other hand, 4-star Lafodia Sea Resort is quite a different story. It is a big, modern, and stylishly designed property featuring plenty of amenities and amazing sea views.

Lopud Villas with Pools and Apartments

Private accommodation on Lopud is a bit more numerous than that of Kolocep, but it’s the upscale private accommodation where this island shines. Self-catering houses and villas with pools on Lopud represent great options for guests wanting both privacy and luxury. This island has traditionally appealed to those looking to relax in style. Furthermore, things haven’t changed much.

Sipan Hotels

Hotels on Sipan Island are Hotel Bozica in Sudurad and Hotel Sipan in Sipanska Luka. Hotel Bozica is a 4-star property, highly rated and situated in a beautiful location in the bay of Sudurad. Consequently, it overlooks the bay and surrounding islands. It is built in a typical Mediterranean style fitting in nicely with the local houses. At the same time, Hotel Sipan is in the middle of Sipanska Luka bay and is a great choice for those wishing to be centrally located with easy access to great restaurants, bars and beaches.

Sipan Apartments

Although not particularly rich in private accommodation, you will have a good choice of apartments and homestays on Sipan if you book early enough. Its two main villages offer everything you need for an idyllic stay in self-catering accommodation.

Where to Eat on Elaphiti Islands

The Elaphiti Islands are located on the very south of Croatia. This means they have a certain reputation to uphold when it comes to delicious local food, especially seafood. Fresh fish is always the right choice, although locals also love their octopus, calamari or prawn dishes. Boiled leafy greens, like Swiss chard, cabbage or spinach, and potatoes are the most popular sides for seafood dishes. Olive oil is always an important addition along with garlic and parsley. This trio is an absolute must when you are eating fish grilled over an open flame on what is locally known as “gradele”.

Whenever possible, you should try the local wine. Even if you haven’t planned on trying Croatian wine, there will rarely be anything else on restaurants’ wine lists. This is because Croatia is an Old World winemaking country with a huge diversity of wine varieties and styles. When it comes to the Elaphiti Islands, they were all known for grapes and wine throughout their history. Unfortunately, the times have changed in this respect and now there is no more wine production on Kolocep. Lopud and Sipan are doing a bit better in this respect.

Kolocep Restaurants

Even though Kolocep Island is quite small, there are a few nice restaurants in both Gornje Celo and Donje Celo villages. In fact, Vila Ruza (Rose) in Donje Celo is hailed as one of the nicest restaurants in the Dubrovnik area. Its setting and beautiful terrace are reasons enough to visit. When you add to that great food and service you quickly understand why Villa Ruza is one place attracting guests from Dubrovnik year after year. In Gronje Celo, restaurant G Chelo belonging to Kalamota Beach House Hotel is a recent addition to the island’s dining scene. It features a lovely seating area and an imaginative menu. On the other side of the bay, Konoba Skerac is the local’s favourite.

Lopud Restaurants

The majority of Lopud Island’s dining spots are in Lopud Village with some dining options also on Sunj Beach. You will find great choices in the historical Lopud with restaurants Dubrovnik and Obala worthy of a special mention. Hotel Lafodia is also a place where you can find great cuisine. Their La Baja Bar & Grill is a cool option for enjoying a bite to eat or a refreshing drink next to the beach. This restaurant is known for featuring live entertainment in the evenings as well. Many of Lopud restaurants have terraces with amazing views over the bay and will not let you forget what a gorgeous place you are spending your vacation.

Sipan Restaurants

Sipan Island has been gaining local acclaim as a very serious dining destination, especially when it comes to fresh fish. It helps that chartered boats and Three Island Cruises (Elaphiti Island Tour from Dubrovnik) stop for lunch on Sipan. Olive oil of Sipan is really good, so make sure you are getting quality local stuff when you sit down to eat. Places like Kod Marka or Tauris have long lists of satisfied customers singing them praises. A recent addition, Bowa, is nothing less than spectacular. It is a restaurant in a secluded bay. It is accessible mainly by boat and it features seating on the wooden pontoons over the water. The owner is an avid big game fisherman and the resulting food is fresh, delicious and above all – local.

Top 5 Day Trips from Elaphiti Islands

Day trips from the Elaphiti Islands might be a bit less straightforward to book than those from some bigger destinations. Since you will be staying in small villages, there is going to be a few tours companies and individuals offering tours. On the other hand, the local population is usually very approachable and many of them will be able to point you in the direction of someone offering boat transfers, sea kayaking tours or bicycles for rent.

Dubrovnik Tour from Elaphiti Islands

As is usually the case when setting up lists of top day trips from areas close to Dubrovnik, the tour to this ancient city sits at the very top. If you have missed Dubrovnik before your Elaphiti Islands holiday make sure to visit it. Guests have traditionally been doing the opposite: staying in Dubrovnik and visiting Elaphiti Island for a day. With Dubrovnik getting busier and busier during peak season and Elaphiti offering more options and higher quality when it comes to accommodation and dining, it comes as no surprise the trend is beginning to change, In the near future, Elaphiti Islands might become a welcomed alternative for enjoying holidays in Dubrovnik area.

Dubrovnik is an incredible place. Its historical centre, the Old Town is well preserved and begs exploration. Restaurants and bars are numerous and diverse and there are plenty of places to shop for local souvenirs or products. When visiting Dubrovnik you will want to visit the Old Town and perhaps walk the City Walls. City Walls of Dubrovnik encircle the historical district and are a true gem of medieval architecture. Doing a historical tour, be it a regularly scheduled group tour or a tour with a private guide is always a great idea. Aside from historical tours, you can enjoy a number of themed tours in the city from movie and TV filming locations tours (Game of Thrones and Star Wars: The Last Jedi are just two of the titles filmed partially in Dubrovnik), food tours, wine tastings, pub crawls, ghost story tours, and many more.

Dubrovnik is way too serious of a destination to miss while staying so close to it, so make sure you don’t miss it.

Boat Charter or Renting a Boat

Staying on an island is one thing, but seeing it from a boat is a completely different experience. Boat charter is a great option for those wishing to explore either the mainland villages of the Dubrovnik area (like Zaton, Brsecine or Orasac) or the other Elaphiti Islands. Even if you are simply exploring the island you are staying on, a boat will allow you to travel to areas you might not be able or willing to access on foot, like Kolocep’s Blue Cave.

For those with boating licenses, there are options of chartering boats or sailing boats without skippers, especially in Dubrovnik. The number of these boats is limited and some companies only do this type of arrangement on a week-long basis. If you are planning to charter a boat without a skipper, make sure to do so ahead of time to give yourself the best chance of getting the type of boat you were hoping for.

Hop over to the Neighbouring Island

If you are staying on any of the Elaphiti Islands, know that the other two are also well worth visiting and experiencing. With regular ferry lines or boat transfers, you can hop over to the neighbouring island. Mljet is a great option for this and houses one of the most popular Croatian national parks. The island is a perfect getaway spot for those wishing to explore nature, bathe in the warm waters of the national park, or visit a larger island with more amenities. Mljet is connected with Sipanska Luka on Sipan Island via G&V Line high-speed catamaran, but mostly all of these trips will include you arranging your own transportation.

Peljesac Peninsula, Trsteno Botanical Garden

If you arrange a transfer from Lopud or Sipan over to Brsecine on the mainland, or from Kolocep over to Zaton, you can organise a private tour to pick you up there and take you to Peljesac Peninsula. Peljesac is one of Croatia’s most renowned wine regions. The town of Ston on Peljesac is a must-visit place. This beautifully renovated historical town with one of the longest defensive walls in Europe also houses a 14th-century sea salt extraction complex that is still in operation. Neighboring Mali Ston is renowned for oysters and mussels production and is a great destination for foodies.

Trsteno Arboretum is a former garden of aristocratic family Gozze-Gucetic. It is open for visits every day and features a large collections of trees and plants from all corners of the world, all arranged around a renaissance garden. This garden was one of the filming location for famous TV series Game of Thrones.

5 Things You didn’t Know about Elaphiti Islands

Where does the Elaphiti Name Come From?

The Elaphiti Islands, known as Elafiti locally, are islands with a long history of human settlements and activity. In fact, their name is most likely derived from the Greek word ἔλαφος, meaning “dear“ (animal). The oldest recorded mention of this name come from Roman historian Gaius Plinius Secundus Maior in the 1^st century AD. While no traces of ancient dear has been found on the Elaphiti Islands, the name might have been metaphoric in nature.  

Lopud was a Serious Maritime Power

Although known simply as “Isola di Mezzo” or “The Middle Island” for much of its history, Lopud was a very important place at one point. 15^th and 16^th century are described in history books as the “Golden Age” of Dubrovnik. For a reason. The city lived through its most glorious and prosperous times in the span of those two hundred years. The city was a centre of the Dubrovnik Republic which was a big merchant force in the Mediterranean. The Elaphiti Islands were a part of the Republic and contributed to its success. Lopud island became an important centre. In 1457 it boasted 4000 inhabitants at the time, compared to around 150 year-round residents on record today. Lopud Island was also the homeport for around 80 merchant ships and known for its skilful seafarers and captains.

Kolocep Island – a Medieval Treasure Trove of Coral

Red Mediterranean coral is the only precious material found naturally in the Dubrovnik area. The Dubrovnik Republic in its heyday became known for high-quality jewellery produced by its skilled goldsmiths and silversmith. Islanders of Kolocep quickly caught on and developed special techniques of extracting coral from the depths of the Adriatic and even the Aegean Sea. They would sell the expensive material to Dubrovnik jewellery makers and made a good living doing so. Today, Mediterranean Red Coral is still a highly coveted material because harvesting it is safer for the environment than for some other types of coral around the world.

Sipan Island – Olive Paradise

You already know that Sipan Island is known for olive oil production, but what you might not have known is that this island was recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the place with more olive trees per capita than anywhere else in the world. It just goes to show how important these natural symbols of the Mediterranean climate are to the local population. Olive trees are one landmark you will never be too far away from on any of the Elaphiti Islands, especially Sipan.

Other Elaphiti Islands

The islands of Kolocep, Lopud and Sipan might be the only permanently settled Elaphiti Islands, but they are not the only islands of the archipelago. Discounting various reefs and smaller islets, the Elaphiti archipelago consists of 13 islands and islets: Daksa, Kolocep, Sveti Andrija (St. Andrew), Lopud, Ruda, Sipan, Misnjak, Jakljan, Kosmec, Golec, Crkvina, Tajan and Olipa.

Daksa is closest to Dubrovnik and seems to welcome all those sailing into the city’s main harbour. It might be a tiny island, but its history is very turbulent and at times quite dark. This is probably the reason it was never sold, although it was offered for sale. Daksa holds a lovely lighthouse today and is a wonderful spot for swimming for those who can get to it.

Sveti Andrija Island is also home to a lighthouse, but this one is one of the biggest and second oldest in Croatia. It is 69 metres tall and was built in 1873. Sveti Andrija was under the control of the Benedictine monks who came to the island in the 13^th century from Monte Casino. Being an important strategic location and quite far away from Dubrovnik (almost 7 nautical miles), the island was a dangerous place to live on throughout history because of the constant threat of pirate attacks.

Ruda is a small island between Lopud and Sipan. In the past, it was owned by Dubrovnik noble family Valija whose members sold it to another aristocratic family, Kaboga. Kabogas built their summer residence on the island in 1435. Today the residence is unfortunately in ruins. Ruda had its share of turbulent history as well, having housed a French defensive fortress at one point and then falling under English rule in the early 19^th century. Today it does not have any functioning buildings and it mainly used as a nice spot for boating, fishing or scuba diving.

More Information

The Elaphiti Islands are managed through Dubrovnik’s Tourism Board. Small travel agents on individual islands are also a good source of travel and related local information. Two main Dubrovnik information centres are as follows:

Tourist Information Centre PILE (Historical Centre)

Address: Brsalje 5, 20000 Dubrovnik
Tel: +385 20 312011
E-mail: ured.pile@tzdubrovnik.hr
Working hours: every day  8 am –6pm

Tourist Information Centre: GRUZ (main harbour area)

Address: Obala Pape Ivana Pavla 1
Tel: +385 20 417 983
E-mail: tic.gruz@tzdubrovnik.hr
Working hours:
Monday to Friday 8:00am – 3.00pm
Saturday – 8.00am-1.00pmSunday and Holiday – Closed

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