November the 2nd, 2021 - Here is a definitive and current list of all Zagreb coronavirus vaccination points across the city, as well as any appropriate remarks and instructions related to them.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, since February the 25th, 2020, when the first case of a person infected with the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, was recorded in the Republic of Croatia, according to the latest data, over 460,000 people have been infected.

You can get vaccinated against coronavirus in all counties across Croatia, but if you live in or are soon going to be here in Zagreb, here's a list of Zagreb coronavirus vaccination points currently in operation. Since each location may have different vaccination conditions and dates, we advise you to visit their official website(s), while general information can always be found here.

Vaccination can be carried out following a public invitation without the need for a referral from a doctor or the like, as has been and continues to be the case at the Zagreb Fair, (Zagrebacki Velesajam) but it's important that you check the conditions for your desired location as they can change and in most cases it is necessary to come with a scheduled appointment or announcement.

More information for all Zagreb coronavirus vaccination points can be found here.

Please note that for the above two links, you may need to use automatic translation via Google to read the content if you don't speak Croatian. Some of koronavirus.hr's content has been translated and made available in English already, but not all of it.

Central Zagreb
Vaccination can be sought at Zagreb Health Centres at the following addresses:

Runjaninova 4

Avenija Veceslava Holjevca 22

Marticeva 63 a

Lucko 2a

Kauzlaricev prilaz 7

Zagreb East (Istok)
Vaccination can be sought at the following Zagreb (East) Health Centres at the following addresses:

Hirceva 1

Grizanska 4

Ivanicgradska 38

Ninska 10

Zagreb West (Zapad)
Vaccination can be sought at the following Zagreb (West) Health Centres at the following addresses:

Prilaz Baruna Filipovica 11

Nova Cesta 85 a

Park stara Tresnjevka 3

Precko 2

Anina 96

Vrabecak 4

Matije Ilirika Vlacica 2

Albaharijeva 4

Hrvoje Macanovica 2 a

Vaccination can be sought at the Dr. Andrija Stampar Teaching Institute for Public Health at

Mirogojska cesta 16

Mass vaccination points in the City of Zagreb

Dom Sportova - Trg Kresimira Cosica 11

The sports hall at Lucijana Vranjina High School - Trg hrvatskih pavlina 1

Jelkovec Technical High School - Vladimira Strahuljaka 1, 10 360, Sesvete

Zagreb Fair (Zagrebacki Velesajam) - Avenija Dubrovnik 15 (Pavilion 9)

You can find more about the dates at the Zagreb Fair by clicking here.

For all you need to know about coronavirus specific to Croatia, make sure to bookmark our dedicated section and select your preferred language.

November the 2nd, 2021 - The epidemiological controls in Croatian shopping centres, cafes and bars have been ramped up as infections climb and hospitals begin to face the same situation they did last year.

As Poslovni Dnevnik writes, despite the daily number of new cases of coronavirus infection approaching the five thousand mark, there are no vaccinations being carried out until Tuesday under the explanation that the interest is still weak, so mass vaccination points aren't going to be in operation on weekends. At the same time, there is now an intensified monitoring of the implementation of epidemiological measures in force.

Donna Diana Prcic from RTL has found out how many fines and warnings have been issued since Monday across Croatian shopping centres, bars and cafes.

"The inspectors came to visit us once and everything we were doing was in accordance with the provisions, our tables were separated from each other, people were wearing their masks when indoors and so far there have been no problems," said Ivan Udovic, the owner of a restaurant in Pula.

The epidemiological controls carried out by inspectors don't appear to bother residents or tourists visiting various cities and controls have also been stepped up here in the capital. One of the Croatian shopping centres was recently paid a visit by inspectors.

“We went through everything point by point for four hours. They were interested in when the ventilation system in the centre was last cleaned. They were interested in whether all entrances have mandatory notices on the doors about the obligatory wearing of masks, whether we have disinfectants at each entrance, whether employees wear masks, how the covid police service is organised and so on,'' said Marko Zupa, the communications manager of the shopping centre in question.

Just this week, the police had more work on their hands...

The Croatian police had to warn 147 individuals about not wearing masks, almost five times more than was the case last week. They also issued multiple fines, seven of them to be precise, and five others last week. Regarding violations of the decisions enforced by the Civil Protection Directorate, there were 7304 inspections and 16 violations were recorded. Civil Protection inspectors are also out in the field, and of the 1702 inspections they carried out, nine irregularities were found.

For more on coronavirus specific to Croatia, make sure to bookmark our dedicated section and select your preferred language.

November the 2nd, 2021 - The wildly popular Biokovo Skywalk hasn't long been open, but since it has been, it has become a top attraction for all those paying visits to Makarska and the surrounding Central Dalmatian areas. Though perhaps not for those who aren't fond of heights and are prone to a bit of vertigo, the Biokovo Skywalk has definitely been a hit in this otherwise truly stunning part of the country dominated by rugged mountains and dramatic scenery.

The attraction, which is a fantastic addition to the beautiful Biokovo Nature Park (NP Biokovo) also provides spectacular panoramic views of the area, as well as what lies far beneath your feet, has now officially closed itself off from public visits until the 1st of April next year. 

As Morski writes, the much loved Biokovo Nature Park and the Biokovo Skywalk in the Ravna Vlaska area have been officially closed to visitors as of yesterday as the winter break begins. Dalmatia, while calm, hot and very stable during the warm summer months during which the vast majority of foreign visitors descend on the Croatian coast, is known for its temperamental, unpredictable and sometimes dangerous weather and conditions during autumn and winter, and this is one of the main reasons that this attraction must be closed.

The Biokovo Skywalk will once again be open and made available to visitors from April the 1st next year.

They stated from Biokovo Nature Park that access to the lookout will be protected in a technical manner, and visitors will be prevented from accessing the glass surface of the skywalk area itself. However, it will still be possible to drive along the Biokovo road towards the highest peak of all, which offers jawdropping views - Sveti Jure.

It's worth mentioning that the recently held Days of Croatian Tourism in Zupa Dubrovacka (the Parish of Dubrovnik) the Biokovo Nature Park Public Institution won the annual “Anton Stifanic” award in the “company, institution or association” category for its exceptional contribution to tourism in 2020.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated lifestyle section.

November the 2nd, 2021 - The planned Pula construction work ban for the summer season might well go ahead. Whether or not the idea will throw a spanner in the works for some plans is one thing, but it's safe to say that the vast majority of people will be more than satisfied when imagining a summer without the sound of drills and hammers.

As Morski writes, Pula's City Administration has opened a public consultation on the draft proposal of the decision on the temporary ban on the execution of works for the summer season of 2022. The move would put a complete stop to all Pula construction work throughout the warm period of the year, with just a few exceptions.

According to the draft decision, earthworks and construction of all types of buildings except public and social buildings intended for activities in the field of education, science, culture, sport, health and social care, the work of state bodies and organisations will be temporarily banned. Also on the ''exception list'' would be the organisation of local and regional self-government units, legal entities which hold public authority and associations of citizens and religious communities, local portal Glas Istre (The Voice of Istria) reports.

All Pula construction work apart from the aforementioned exceptions to the rule would be banned from June the 20th all the way to September the 15th, 2022, as well as on all Sundays, during festive periods, and on public holidays.

However, the proposed ban, at least as it currently stands, doesn't apply to construction taking place in the interest of the Republic of Croatia, nor does it apply to the removal of illegal buildings, or works taking place in the year in which the decision comes into force, should it do so.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated politics section.

Fancy a visit to Pula yourself, construction work or not? Have a look at our Pula in a Page section in numerous languages and fully updated for 2021.

November 2, 2021 - The Croatia handball European Championship prep began on Monday in Poreč. The European Champs will be held in January 2022.

For the first time since the summer, the Croatia men's senior national handball team gathered in Zagreb. After quickly socializing with the media and testing, the national team traveled to Poreč where they will stay and train for the next seven days. As part of these preparations, which are actually the beginning of preparations for next year's European Championship in Slovakia and Hungary, a friendly match will be played against Slovenia, on November 6 at 18:00 in Novigrad / Cittanova.

The match will be broadcast live on Croatian Television's Second Program.

Of the 19 invited players, 18 responded to coach Hrvoje Horvat. The only ones who could not play are Luka Cindrić, who has not yet fully recovered from a shoulder injury he suffered in mid-September in the Champions League, and Fran Mileta, who was seriously injured in a Europa League match. Vlado Matanović was called up instead.

Croatia handball squad:

1. IVAN PEŠIĆ – HC MESHKOV BREST
2. KRISTIAN PILIPOVIĆ – KADETTEN SCHAFFHAUSEN
3. MATEJ MANDIĆ – RK PPD ZAGREB
4. DAVID MANDIĆ – RK PPD ZAGREB
5. LOVRO MIHIĆ – ORLEN WISLA PLOCK
6. IVAN ČUPIĆ – RK PPD ZAGREB
7. LEON ŠUŠNJA – ORLEN WISLA PLOCK
8. MARIN ŠIPIĆ – RK PPD ZAGREB
9. VERON NAČINOVIĆ – MONTPELLIER HB
10. IVAN MARTINOVIĆ – TSV HANNOVER – BURGDORF
11. LUKA ŠEBETIĆ – HC MOTOR
12. DOMAGOJ PAVLOVIĆ – MT MELSUNGEN
13. ANTE GADŽA – HC VARDAR 1961
14. DOMAGOJ DUVNJAK – THW KIEL
15. HALIL JAGANJAC – RK NEXE
16. ZVONIMIR SRNA – RK PPD ZAGREB
17. TIN LUČIN – ORLEN WISLA PLOCK
18. VLADO MATANOVIĆ – PPD ZAGREB

Reserves:

1. FILIP VISTOROP – RK PPD ZAGREB
2. LUKA LOVRE KLARICA – RK PPD ZAGREB
3. MORENO CAR – RK NEXE
4. NIKOLA GRAHOVAC – RK PPD ZAGREB
5. KREŠIMIR KOZINA – FRISCH AUF GOPPINGEN
6. BORNA MANCI MIČEVIĆ – RK NEXE
7. MARIN JELINIĆ – RK NEXE
8. ANTE KUDUZ – HC VARDAR 1961

Coaching staff:

1. HRVOJE HORVAT, COACH
2. IVANO BALIĆ, TRAINER
3. NINOSLAV PAVELIĆ, GOALIE TRAINER
4. MILJENKO RAK, CONDITIONING TRAINER
5. DANIJEL BRAJKOVIĆ, CONDITIONING TRAINER
6. GORAN KRUŠELJ, PHYSIOTHERAPIST
7. MATIJA RAJNOVIĆ, PHYSIOTHERAPIST
8. SILVIA JURATOVAC, MT THERAPY
9. KREŠIMIR ROTIM, DOCTOR
10. TOMISLAV KUKIN, DOCTOR
11. IVICA UDOVIČIĆ, DIRECTIOR OF NATIONAL SELECTION
12. IGOR VORI, SPORTS DIRECTOR OF THE MALE TEAM
13. IVICA MARAŠ, SPOKESPERSON & TEAM MANAGER
14. ZDRAVKO MIRILOVIĆ, TECHNICAL
    Source: HRS
15. To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE. 

November 1, 2021 - The Jelsa bench is probably the most famous in all Dalmatia, very much on the digital nomad trail, but sadly a shadow of what it once was. 

A Dalmatian friend in luxury tourism once described the moment he understood his market and the opportunity completely. 

In an olive grove and an olive oil tasting and lunch for wealthy New York clients, one of them marvelled at the fresh lemons on a nearby tree.

"Do you think I might pick one of those lemons," he asked my friend after he noticed my friend watching him. A lemon was plucked from the tree.

"You know," said the rich New Yorker at the end of the week, "the highlight of this excellent trip was picking that lemon. Living in New York, I just never had the experience of picking a lemon from a tree before."

Simple pleasures, taken for granted by locals, which cost nothing. Croatia, your safe, authentic lifestyle destination. 

I feel the same way about the (now) famous Jelsa bench. 

The original Google, the island Wikipedia, call them what you will, but the local male elders of a certain age, and at a certain time of day, would convene on the bench each day to put the world to rights. And not just in Jelsa, but most Dalmatian towns and villages. 

It was an authentic way of life, and one which was admired by many tourists. Life on the bench, a symbol of Croatia, your safe, authentic lifestyle destination. 

After only 13 years living on Hvar, the unthinkable happened - an invitation from the village elders to sit with them on the bench! This was kind of a big deal, and many locals were shocked that I had received the invitation so soon after my arrival in Jelsa. For 13 years is the blink of an eye in bench years. 

I had perhaps been a little obsessive about the Jelsa bench over the years, monitoring its incredible versatility and international appeal. 

Czech models used the bench occupants as background models in their Hvar photo shoots.

Australian bloggers travelled to Jelsa to take selfies on the hallowed bench. 

Bands jetted in from California to play live concerts on the bench. 

Others travelled on holiday from Sydney, and then took the ferry to Hvar for the sole purpose of sitting on the Jelsa bench. 

My most creative moments came when I sat alone on the bench, harnessing the aura of the collective IQ of its regulars.

And then one day, the bench was tossed aside in the name of progress. A concession was given to a company to open a restaurant in the Gradska Kavana behind the bench, and the outside space the bench had sat on for generations was given to the restaurant as part of its outside space. It was a concession which led the mayor to announce he was suing me in a public meeting in Vrboska, as you can see above. I am still waiting for the promised lawsuit some three years later.

But the Jelsa Bench in exile continued to make the news, featuring as the lead story in the national media about The Jelsa Phenomenon, showcasing the influential people who hailed from Jelsa. These included the current Prime Minister, Health Minister, and Head of the Supreme Court. But the lead photo in the newspaper? The academic colossus of the bench in exile. 

An American digital nomad friend arrived in Jelsa last night. Among many other things, he confessed to being a little intrigued by the Jelsa bench, promising to find out the latest, as well as sending back a selfie. 

And what a disappointment, as what passes as the Jelsa bench these days is just a shadow of its former self, as well as being located now on the road. 

The weather-beaten bench on the road is a far cry from its previous majestic position looking out to sea. That previous majestic position is now occupied by th restaurant  

A fence has been erected, with the bench very much on the outside on the street below. 

The Jelsa bench in exile will have to adapt, but it is a shadow of its former glory. 

To learn more about Jelsa tourism beyond the bench, visit the TC Jelsa in a Page guide.

ZAGREB, 1 Nov 2021 - Climate change must become the main political topic, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković said at a UN conference on climate change in Glasgow on Monday.

The two-week COP26 conference brought together 120 state leaders expected to agree on new initiatives on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and slowing down the temperature increase.

"This must become one of our main political topics," Plenković said, adding that Croatia "is not a problem" because it has the fourth-lowest harmful gas emissions per capita in Europe.

"The problem is the big countries whose industry, traffic, and agriculture contribute a lot to carbon dioxide emissions," said Plenković, who will address the conference on Tuesday.

He said he saw the conference as a way to raise awareness of climate change, notably among the young population which "deserves a future" such as the one older generations had.

Plenković said the current political generation had the responsibility to take a step forward when it came to climate change and that the leaders who came to Glasgow were aware of the climate emergency. 

"It's something that's here, before us," he said, adding that politicians "didn't come to walk around Glasgow but to make a contribution."

He said it was "a pity" that representatives of China and Russia were not present, adding that "they have their policies" on attending international conferences in times of COVID-19.

On the fringes of the conference, Plenković met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

For more on politics, follow TCN's dedicated page.

ZAGREB, 1 Nov 2021 - The Croatian National Tourist Board (HTZ) is presenting Croatian tourism at the World Travel Market in London in person from 1 to 3 November and online on the 8th and the 9th, the HTZ said on Monday.

On the first day of the event, HTZ director Kristjan Staničić met with representatives of easyJet, TUI, SAGA, Jet2.com & Jet2Holidays, Globetrotter TV, National Geographic, and Wanderlust.

Staničić said Jet2.com and TUI brought the largest number of British tourists to Croatia and that Jet2.com's "announcements for next year are excellent."

"For next year our partners are announcing a rise in demand for Croatia and more flights," he added.

EasyJet's development manager Richard Owen said the company planned to introduce new flights to Croatia next year, including to Rijeka and Osijek for the first time.

Frank Broersen of TUI said this year there was a 16% increase in bookings for Croatia from 2019 and that they were confident the negotiations with Croatian partners that were underway would result in an increase in TUI capacity to Croatia.

Jet2.com & Jet2Holidays officials also announced upping capacity to Croatia.

This year to date Croatia has registered more than 230,000 arrivals and about 1.2 million overnights from the UK, up by 83% and 77% on the year, respectively.

For more news about Croatia, click here.