The Jewels of Hvar Town: A Guide to the Paklinski, Pakleni Islands
September 12, 2020 - Have you ever visited Paradise? Take a tour with a closer look at the Pakleni Islands which lie invitingly in front of Hvar Town.
The debates start with the name. Is it Paklinski or can you call them the Pakleni Islands?
Do they translate as Hellish Islands (in which case, I wonder what real Hell looks like...) or do they take their name from the archaic word 'paklina', which means 'tar' and refers to the pine resin which was used to coat ships?
And the biggest debate of them all - which is the best of the Pakleni Islands?
As if Hvar Town did not have enough of its own - a stunning Venetian town, the oldest public theatre in Europe, the birthplace of organised tourism in Europe, the imposing Spanish Fortress, and a whole host of treasures in its alleys and main square, Croatia's most famous island town is also blessed with 16 magical islands located in front of its impressive elite waterfront, waiting for visitors to discover. The Pakleni Islands are a natural extension of the town itself and an essential part of any Hvar visit. Several are easily accessible to regular and affordable water taxis. But while some of the 16 Pakleni Islands are bigger than others, they more or less look the same. Are they? Absolutely not!
Here's a closer look at one of the most idyllic parts of the Adriatic Sea - which island will be your first choice on your next visit?
Sveti Klement (Palmizana)
The combined area of the 16 islands is 7.16 km2, most of which (5.27 km2) is located on the biggest island of them all, Sveti Klement. Also known as Veli Otok (Big Island) and Palmizana by some, Sveti Klement is the most popular destination, with plenty of diverse - and unusual - attractions on offer.
It was here in a southern bay called Vinogradisce (but more commonly referred to as Palmizana) where tourism began back in 1906, when local landowner Eugen Meneghello opened his villa to tourists. More than 100 years later, the Meneghello name has become synonymous with high-quality Hvar tourism, a relaxed shelter from the paparazzi for many A-list celebrities, as well as one of the most interesting places to visit on the Adriatic. Today, Dagmar Meneghello continues the tourism tradition started by her grandfather-in-law, and she has dedicated more than half a century of life to build one of the Adriatic's most inspiring places. In addition to her Meneghellos restaurant and luxury accommodation, and nearby Toto's run by her son Djenko, the Meneghello complex is a place of high culture, which its own art gallery, rich cultural programme, even an arboretum. A natural paradise where turtles and peacocks room.
Vinogradisce is a spectacular bay and the best place to head to for restaurant choice. From fashionable Zori's in the centre - one of Hvar's top wedding locations - to more rustic fare among the impressive olive trees at Bacchus, to Laganini - cocktail bar turned top fish restaurant under the innovative culinary creations of Hrvoje Zirojevic. So good in fact, that U2's Bono shared his appreciation of a 10-course extravaganza on the official U2 page before returning the following year.
Tourism actually began on Sveti Klement almost 2,000 years before, as one can discover on a visit to Vlaka (Vloka, say the locals) on the island's northern shore, also accessible by regular water taxi in season. For here, in this tiny hamlet with the only full-time Pakleni resident, one can find the remains of a Roman villa rustica, as well as a bay which still has some of the healing mud which made it so attractive. It is also home to Dioniz,a slow-food rustic experience which many locals will tell you is the best in the area. Wine lover? Meet the lowest vineyard in Croatia, just 1m above sea level, which was until recently the grape source for the popular Andro Tomic Sveti Klement white wine.
Sveti Klement is also a haven for sailors, being home to the main ACI marina for Hvar (there is another in Vrboska). The marina is the connecting point for the water taxis to the restaurants on the southern side, a very pleasant 200 metre walk through the pine trees until you are presented with your choice of paths to each of the five restaurants.
Marinkovac (Stipanska)
(Photo credit Romulic & Stojcic)
The second biggest island also suffers from something of an identity crisis, with perhaps the majority of its visitors not even knowing the island's name. That is because the island of Marinkovac is better known for some of the Adriatic's most high-profile nightlife, which takes place in the bay of Stipanska, home of Carpe Diem Beach. Carpe Diem, which has been one of the main brands of Hvar since its arrival 20 years ago, operates a bar on the Hvar riva, as well as a popular beach club by day and one of the Adriatic's hottest nightspots after dark.
And yet... Head to the other side of the island by water taxi to idyllic bays such as Zdrilca and Mlini, and experience a tranquillity and slow-paced Dalmatian lifestyle and excellent local cuisine in top restaurants such as Tri Grede and Patak.
Jerolim
Much smaller, as well as one of the closest by water taxi, is the island of Jerolim, a naturist and chill paradise. Such a paradise, in fact, that it was named by CNN as the world's number one naturist beach back in 2011. The island is not just for naturists, however, but for those who just want to chill. It also has a reputation for being gay-friendly. One of the most relaxing spots on the Pakleni Islands is at Mare's Place, on the other side of the island. From the water taxi, head to the left of the restaurant there and walk through the woods for less than 100 metres - the thinnest point of the island. Here is magical Kordovon Bay, sometime photoshoot location for the likes of Vogue Magazine, but always overseen by wonderful hostess Mare. One of my personal favourite spots in Dalmatia.
Galesnik
The closest island to Hvar Town is Galesnik, a divine spot which also has a most romantic story about donkeys. As with all but one of the Pakleni Islands, Galesnik is uninhabited by humans, but until a few years ago, it had rather a famous resident - a donkey named Mercedes. Although I never actually met Mercedes, she starred on the cover of my book, Lavender, Dormice and a Donkey Named Mercedes - An Expat Decade on Hvar. For years, Mercedes was the only permanent resident of Galesnik, and she was partial to the odd rakija from the local restaurant. But life was very solitary until one day about 6 years ago, an Englishman decided to answer his girlfriend's concern that donkeys are not meant to live alone by buying a male donkey companion and transporting it to Galesnik for a new life with Mercedes. All was well for a short while, but the new company seemed to wear out poor Mercedes, and she is sadly no more.
Donkeys aside, Galesnik has an excellent eco-ethno restaurant in the low-level stone building facing the town - one of the very best views, especially when combined with the excellent food. The building has previously been used as an arsenal and quarantine station, and its latest use is definitely an upgrade. To book the restaurant and arrange transport to Galesnik, ask at the Port Authority on the riva close to where the catamaran comes in.
Pokonii Dol
While most tourists head to the Pakleni Islands for their beach time, there is an exception - the easternmost island of them all, Pokonji Dol. One of the most photographed things on Hvar due to its picturesque lighthouse in the middle of the small islet, the island lies in front of one of Hvar Town's most popular beach spots, a bay of the same name. The lighthouse, built in 1872, has played an important role in guiding shipping through the islands since its construction, but it was powerless to stop a luxury yacht which ran aground a couple of metres from the beach a few years ago. Take a look.
(Photo credit Romulic & Stojcic)
There are 16 islands in all, and we have covered the five most important ones above. It would not be correct to reveal all the secrets, as then there would be nothing to discover. The Pakleni Islands are a sailing and kayaking paradise if the water-taxi or speedboat transfer option is not for you. Nice little tours such as the half-day sailing and kayaking sunset tours.
Some people call them the Hellish Islands. I can't think of many better versions of Paradise.
(Photo credit Romulic & Stojcic)
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Luxury Hotel Rooms in Dubrovnik for 50 Euros in October? Let's Go!
Friday 11 September 2020 - As part of the national campaign Tjedan Odmora Vrijedan (Holiday-worthy week) there will be Luxury Hotel Rooms in Dubrovnik for 50 Euros in October. We're signed up! But will others follow?
Luxury Hotel Rooms in Dubrovnik for 50 Euros in October? Idemo (let's go)! In an interview given to dnevnik.hr, assistant mayor of Dubrovnik Jelka Tepšić has confirmed that many businesses in and around Dubrovnik are prepared to sign up to the national Tjedan Odmora Vrijedan (Holiday-worthy week) initiative.
The campaign, conceived by the Croatian Ministry of Tourism, has set aside a week – well, actually just over – in which they are encouraging all within the tourism sector to offer a 50% discount. Covering two weekends, from Friday 16 October to Sunday 25th October, the offer should see some luxury hotel rooms, fabulous meals, and transport carriers offering premium products at half the price. If they sign up.
Luxury hotel rooms in Dubrovnik for 50 Euros in October sounds like a good deal. And it is. During a typical October, visitors are still enjoying the sunny streets of the Old City in Dubrovnik. A luxury hotel at that time would usually cost €200 per night. Because of this year's extraordinary circumstances, those rates are currently €113 per night. Dnevnik.hr, therefore, estimates luxury hotel rooms in Dubrovnik for 50 Euros in October.
View of the islet Lokrum from Dubrovnik © visitdubrovnik.hr
Dubrovnik is a special case within Croatian tourism. In recent years it has benefitted from its ability to extend its season beyond that which other Croatian destinations can. This is due to its world-famous attributes and excellent marketing. However, being a city linked mostly by charter flights and large cruise ships, it has suffered greater this year than destinations traditionally visited by road users. It's understandable that they would want to optimistically join the initiative.
Some in the tourism sector seem less keen on the initiative. They regard October as too late in the season for such a scheme. Their pessimism may be justified. It has been a much more difficult month to promote for places other than the special case of Dubrovnik – the sea is beginning to see a drop in temperature and in continental regions, the early mornings and evenings in October may necessitate a hoodie and long pants.
But, that's not to say that such destinations couldn't benefit from attracting, in particular, domestic visitors during the initiative week. That is if such homegrown tourists have any holidays remaining. Only time will tell just how widespread the industry will embrace the initiative, and just how beneficial it will be.
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One Minute Ludbreg: Inside the Miracle Chapel at Batthyany Palace
September 11, 2020 - Continuing our tour of Croatia's miracle town in the TCN One Minute Ludbreg series, a visit to the Batthyany Palace chapel where the Eucharistic Miracle of Ludbreg took place in 1411.
One of the most fascinating things about travelling around Croatia is discovering what lies behind the doors of buildings. I first started to notice this in Diocletian's Palace many years ago. So many seemingly similar and innocuous-looking doors, which were actually guarding secrets to historical treasures, stunning buildings and unique attractions. Never has the phrase 'never judge a book by its cover' been so true.
Over the years, I have lost count of the number of times I have passed through a door in Croatia and literally had my breath taking away by what I saw on the other side.
It happened to me also in the town of Ludbreg on my first tour with the local tourist board back in 2016. The walk around the three buildings which comprise the town's most impressive attraction - Batthyany Palace - was very pleasant, and the buildings themselves were magnificent, but I had no concept of the magic that awaited me inside when we entered the Church of the Holy Cross, which was the former private chapel of Count Batthyany.
The frescoes which adorned the walls and ceiling were stunning, but that was only the start of the story. For here, it was explained to me, was the place where something rather special happened way back in 1411 - the Eucharistic Miracle of Ludbreg, which remains today as the only miracle in all Croatia that has been officially certified by the Vatican after a Papal Bull issued by Pope Leo X in 1513 (a copy of which you can see in the small museum at the back of the church). Learn more about this most picturesque chapel in Batthyany Palace in our latest episode of One Minute Ludbreg below, and to learn more of the story of the miracle, check out the TCN article here.
The One Minute Ludbreg video series is a project in paid partnership with the Ludbreg Tourist Board.
To learn more about Ludbreg beyond its stereotype as the centre of the world, read Marc Rowlands' Ludbreg, the Croatian Road Less Travelled.
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Croatian Motorways Satisfied With 2020 Tourist Season Despite Woes
As Novac/Marijan Brala writes on the 10th of September, 2020, Croatian Motorways (HAC) saw 30 million vehicles in the first eight months of 2020, or 29 percent less than in the same period last year, and 1.5 billion kuna in toll fees or 31 percent less when compared to this time in 2019 were collected. As such, there is a sense of satisfaction with the shaky 2020 tourist season which managed to mitigate minuses caused by the pandemic.
"At the very beginning of the outbreak of the coronavirus epidemic in Croatia, HAC prepared a Crisis Business Plan according to the guidelines of the Ministry of State Property, which included a 35 percent reduction in toll revenues. Now, after eight months, the situation is somewhat better than that plan," they commented from HAC.
They also revealed that the largest decrease in traffic and revenue in the first eight months of this year compared to last year was recorded on the A7 Rupa-Rijeka motorway, down by 46 percent, and then by 33.6 percent on the A1 Bosiljevo-Split-Ploce motorway and from 33 percent on the highway A3 (Bregana-Zagreb-Lipovac).
The 2020 tourist season mitigated the minuses
Noting that due to the epidemic they adopted a number of measures that directly helped the economy, including the decision to not go with summer/seasonal increase in toll prices of 10 percent, HAC stated that this measure saved citizens and the economy about 33 million kuna.
"At the beginning of the 2020 tourist season in June, traffic on motorways was slightly behind last year's, by 35 percent, but in the summer season it did increase and the differences decreased. Given that last year was a record in all segments of tourism, it's difficult is to compare the numbers this year and the current situation, but in the end, we're satisfied with the 2020 tourist season, which proved that the decisive factor in choosing a holiday destination is its availability within a few hours, which is possible with modern and safe motorways in Croatia,'' they stated from HAC.
Investments are going according to plan
Despite the dire business situation caused by the ongoing epidemic, investments are going according to plan and they haven't stopped. The investments which are planned for this year are in the amount of almost 401 million kuna.
"Of these total planned investments, 196.1 million kuna is planned for construction, and almost 205 million kuna for extraordinary maintenance activities. So far, slightly more than 219.1 million kuna has been realised," they stated from HAC, adding that until the end of this year, there are still investments worth almost 182 million kuna going ahead as initially planned.
The projects in the plan are the corridor V.c - Beli Manastir-Osijek, the Novi Vinodolski bypass, asphalt rehabilitation on the A4 Zagreb-Gorixan highway and the Ranzirni kolodvor/station viaduct.
By the end of the year, the merger of ARZ with HAC will be completed
According to the plan, the process of merging ARZ (the company Autocesta Rijeka-Zagreb) with HAC is underway, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year or more specifically by December the 31st, according to the decision of the Croatian Government from May the 21st this year.
"All necessary activities are being carried out in this merger process, which is a continuation of reform and restructuring in order to achieve additional cost optimisation. Namely, further efficiency improvements are possible in regard to overhead costs, because HAC and ARZ have numerous activities that overlap significantly. These are also related to the operating costs in joint administrative functions, which would be reduced to 15 million kuna per year in the next two years,'' they emphasised from HAC.
In addition, they concluded, the merger creates the proper preconditions for more rational financial management and greater potential for investment in maintenance and construction, and the unification of state-owned motorway management should facilitate the introduction of a new toll collection system and bring savings in public procurement procedures.
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Mate Rimac Discusses Croatian Economic Situation, Porsche, Infinum...
Croatia is attracting more foreign investments despite the economic woes caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic which has taken the world by storm. Mate Rimac, Croatia's most beloved entrepreneur has discussed the Croatian economic situation, the Croatian company Infinum, Porsche's latest dip into the waters of business in Croatia and more.
As Novac/Bernard Ivezic writes on the 10th of September, 2020, the question is whether or not the Croatian economic situation, at least in regard to high-tech, is turning into the type that can be found in the famous Silicon Valley. if you were to ask Mate Rimac, the founder and director of Rimac Automobil, then this is exactly the case.
Mate Rimac told Jutarnji list that he is delighted that Infinum and Porsche have realised a joint venture in Croatia, their planned R&D centre for software development for the automotive industry, in which they will invest 10 million euros and employ 100 experts in three years.
"I often talk to the management of Porsche about how to increase their presence in Croatia. Infinum is an extremely high-quality company with a leadership that plays in the world's first league and I'm very glad that the initial idea of connecting Infinum and Porsche bore fruit," said Rimac.
Tomislav Car, co-founder and director of Infinum, the largest Croatian manufacturer of mobile applications, praised Mate Rimac on Tuesday, because their investment was made because of him.
"Thanks to Mate Rimac's company, Porsche has recognised Croatia as a good opportunity to invest in high-tech R&D projects," Car emphasised.
Rimac emphasised that the Silicon Valley is such a good place for business precisely because people help each other out. He recalled the time when Porsche invested in a Croatian technology company a couple of years ago, it sounded unreal. Could the Croatian economic situation ever provide for such an atmosphere? One can hope.
"This is Porsche's second significant investment in Croatia, but it certainly isn't the last. I hope that together with other technology companies in Croatia we'll manage to create a strong ecosystem that will grow exponentially by supporting each other," concluded Mate Rimac.
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VIDEO: Komiza Firefighters Carry Disabled People to Watch Sunset
September the 11th, 2020 - In a sea of bad news and economic concerns as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, life has become a bit depressing and each and every positive, uplifting headline is one to cherish. One such story is that of some Komiza firefighters carrying two disabled people up the side of a mountain to a viewpoint so that they could watch the sunset.
Croatian firefighters are usually busy with dealing with forest fires caused by the extreme heat mixing with the dry Dalmatian bush, or unfortunately by arsonists at this time of year, but that doesn't stop them from taking some time out to help those in need to fulfil their wishes. Komiza firefighters have caused a wave of positivity and appreciation as they trudged up to Hum carrying a girl with cerabal palsy with them so she could see the sun go down. But she wasn't the only one...
As Poslovni Dnevnik writes on the 10th of September, 2020, honourable members of the Voluntary Fire Brigade of Komiza from the beautiful Dalmatian island of Vis delighted the Croatian public after taking a girl with cerebral palsy up to Hum so she could enjoy the sunset.
"Today, we responded to the initiative of our member Nadja Ramic to enable a person with cerebral palsy to enjoy the most beautiful sunset - the one from Hum. Since the last 50 metres leading up to the viewpoint are in a very bad condition, our members helped to carrt the person to the viewpoint,'' they Komiza firefighters stated.
The moment they were carrying Doris to the Hum viewpoint, they noticed another person with a disability. It was no less than the Croatian travel writer Slaven Skrobot who also wanted to watch the stunning sunset from the same place, so the Komiza firefighters helped him as well.
"At that moment, there was another person with a disability nearby, whom we also brought to the viewpoint," said the selfless members of DVD Komiza on their official Facebook page.
Watch the video below:
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SeneCura: Austrian Company Enters Croatian Care Sector
As Poslovni Dnevnik/Suzana Varosanec writes on the 10th of September, 2020, the Vienna-based company SeneCura, with more than 20 years of experience in the field of care for the elderly in Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland, entered the Croatian market with the acquisition of the Severovic Home for the Elderly and the Infirm.
This is the first foreign takeover in this particular market niche - realised with the purchase of Severovic d.o.o., the previous owners of which were Zoran and Gordana Severovic. On top of that, this is also the first arrival of a large inter-governmental group in Croatia. Since back 2015, this Austrian company has been operating as part of the French group of care institutions called ORPEA, which, with 1,014 care institutions and health care institutions in 22 countries belongs to a group of leading companies in this activity internationally.
Within the group, SeneCura as a competence centre is responsible for the area of Central and Eastern Europe. The key guideline for expanding the business and increasing the number of homes is to ensure the best quality of care. The decision to integrate Dom Severovic was made deliberately at the Group level as part of a strategy for further business development and expansion into new markets.
''The very good quality of business at Dom Severovic convinced us that this purchase was an excellent opportunity for SeneCura to enter the Croatian market. We also believe that our many years of experience in establishing and managing health care facilities is a good basis for introducing a successful concept to new markets, including that of Croatia,'' explained Kellner.
The business will be developed under a new name: "SeneCura home for the elderly and infirm, Novaki Bistranski", which lies a mere 15 minutes north of Zagreb, and has a capacity of 148 beds. Director Tatjana Vlacic Vujicic will be in charge of taking care of the quality of the operation of the home for the elderly, and all current employees will keep their jobs. The director of SeneCura homes for the elderly in Carinthia, Austria, Jasna Krijan, who herself comes from Croatia, will also make sure that all of the standards and quality rules are in line with the standards of the wider SeneCura and the ORPEA group.
“The integration of Dom Severovic into the SeneCura Group takes place first in the direction of getting acquainted with internal work processes, and then in the direction of adjusting to the standards of the SeneCura Group, which will also be harmonised with the prescribed national norms. According to our experience so far, the story of each home we integrate into our Group is different and an individual approach to integration is needed,'' said Krijan.
Entering the Croatian market is a logical continuation of the development of the SeneCura Group's business in the region, given that Croatia is recording the same trends of continuous growth in the share of the elderly population as other countries in Europe and the world. According to the European Statistical Office, the Republic of Croatia has 262 thousand citizens aged 65 to 69, 190 thousand aged 70 to 74 and 385 thousand older than 75. Such data clearly indicates the increased need for quality care for the elderly, in which SeneCura is one of the market leaders in the private sector, not only in the field of care and nursing, but also in the field of innovation.
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Mate Pavic Wins US Open Doubles Title against Nikola Mektic!
September 10, 2020 - In the first-ever US Open doubles final that featured two Croatian players, Mate Pavic wins the title against Nikola Mektic.
On the opposite sides of the court on Thursday evening was Nikola Mektic and Dutchman Wesley Koolhof, against Mate Pavic and Bruno Soares. Mektic and Koolhof were the 8th-seed of the tournament, while Pavic and Soares were 5th.
In the final match at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, Pavic and Soares were more successful, beating Nikola Mektic and Koolhof 7:5, 6:3.
It took just 47 minutes for Pavic and Soares to win the first set. The duo won 7:5, and with a break in the sixth game of the second set, they came close to the title.
Pavic has so far played in the men's doubles finals in all three remaining Grand Slam tournaments. He won the Australian Open in 2018, while losing the Wimbledon final in 2017 and Roland Garros in 2018. Each time his partner was Austrian Oliver Marach.
?? Mate Pavic & ?? Bruno Soares win their first #USOpen doubles title as a team! pic.twitter.com/vzrgm7F6tG
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2020
In addition, Pavic has two titles in the mixed doubles. In 2016, he won the US Open with German Laura Siegemund, and in 2018 the Australian Open with Canadian Gabriela Dabrowski with whom he lost the Roland Garros final in 2018 and 2019.
That ? feeling.
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2020
Mate Pavic & Bruno Soares are your 2020 US Open men's doubles champions!@BrunoSoares82 | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/fosN2rEiMP
For Mektic, this was his first men's doubles final at a Grand Slam tournament. His biggest success so far has been the Roland Garros semifinals in 2018, when he played with Austrian Alexander Peya.
Earlier this year, Mektic won the Australian Open title in the mixed doubles competition with Czech Barbora Krejcikova, while two years ago, he played the finals of the mixed doubles in New York with Polish partner Alicia Rosolska.
First trophy raise of the tournament and it feels so good. ?@BrunoSoares82 | #USOpen pic.twitter.com/AEl8MWiQIz
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2020
This is the first Croatian title at the US Open in men's doubles since the legendary Nikola Pilic 50 years ago.
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HNS Discusses Returning Spectators to Stadiums, Possible from 5th Round of HNL
September 10, 2020 - Big football news today, as HNS discusses returning spectators to stadiums in the Croatian league.
24 Sata reports that about two months after the Croatian Football Federation decided that spectators could not visit stadiums "to minimize the risk of spreading the coronavirus at matches" and bring last season's competition to a successful end, fans should fill the stands of HNL stadiums soon.
"We have a working group that will propose the return of spectators to the stands, one third as allowed with the prior approval of the County Civil Protection Headquarters and, of course, with compliance with all epidemiological measures," said HNS Executive Director Marijan Kustic.
Unfortunately, there will be no fans for the biggest Croatian derby between Hajduk and Dinamo, which will be played on Saturday at Poljud. However, spectators should be allowed again, starting from the fifth round.
It should be reminded that in the 29th round of the HNL last season, HNS allowed spectators before the last round, when coronavirus cases were growing in Croatia. The last round, however, was played without fans.
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Croatia's Digital Nomad Visa: A Progress Report
September 10, 2020 - First the announcement, then the hard work - an update on progress of Croatia's digital nomad visa initiative.
An inspiring day in Zagreb today, as TCN took part in the 2nd Poduzetnicki Mindset (Entrepreneurial Mindset) conference, which took virtually and was broadcast from Kaptol Cinema in Zagreb.
I was joined by Dutch entrepreneur Jan de Jong, as we interviewed each other on our foreign entrepreneurial journeys during our combined 30+ years of living in Croatia. It was a chance to interview Jan on the progress of the Croatian digital nomad visa initiative, which seems to be moving forward smoothly, if his latest LinkedIn updates are anything to go by.
Today I took part in a hands-on operational meeting - led by State Secretary at the Ministry of Interior - Terezija Gras & head of border control - Zoran Ničeno.
The meeting also included representatives from the Ministries of Interior, Finance, Labor & Croatian health insurance institute.
Step by step, brick by brick - Croatia is paving the road to start welcoming digital nomads.
Yes, I agree - this task is only done when it is done, but to all the sceptics out there I just want to say that personally I only see great progress.
Above all, I see a strong will and desire from all ministries involved to make this happen.
Next up is an in-depth session with Ministry of Finance, after which we will re-group again with all other ministries. During that meeting we will then solely talk about solutions.
The question will not be "can Croatia do this?" but "how can Croatia do this?"
Are you believing in Croatia's digital nomad visa as much as I do?
To all digital nomads out there - feel free to start day-dreaming about your Mediterranean home office.
Follow me on #LinkedIn. New updates following soon!
#livingthecroatiandream #croatia #digitalnomads #entrepreneurship #wfh
What if we can turn Croatia into a year-round tourism destination - where digital nomads can spark long-term sustainable tourism in Croatia...
Minister Nikolina Brnjac is having a lot on her plate these days. As the responsible minister of 20% of Croatia's GDP - which has been hit hard as a result of Covid-19 - she is a big supporter of the digital nomad visa!
While we are working on the complete legal framework to start welcoming digital nomads with some other ministries - the Ministry of Tourism will start dedicating resources on how to promote Croatia's digital nomad visa abroad.
At the same time, we shall have a close look at what exactly we as a country need to provide to give digital nomads that stay in Croatia an unforgettable Mediterranean experience.
Thank you so much Minister Nikolina Brnjac for receiving me and for sharing with me your enthusiasm about our initiative to start welcoming digital nomads to Croatia.
Croatia - full of life...and hopefully soon - full of digital nomads
Follow me on #LinkedIn
#LivingTheCroatianDream #Entrepreneurship #Croatia #WFH #DigitalNomads
During our chat at the Entrepreneurial Mindset conference today, I asked Jan if he could give us a fuller update on progress with the visa. Meetings with high-level officials from no less than 5 ministries, in addition to the Prime Minister endorsement, is certainly encouraging. Rather than stealing Jan's thunder, you can hear his progress update in the conference video below. Our 25-minute session starts at 4:04:00.
