Two weeks ago, now former Split mayor Željko Kerum was caught on camera with a slice of pršut (Dalmatian smoked ham) on his forehead, causing media-mockery and the invention of a new trend; pršuting. 

Pršuting is the art of plastering a slice of pršut on your forehead, capturing the moment on camera, and uploading it on the Pršuting group page for the world to see.

The world has seen odd trends around the world; first it was planking where you lie face down with hands on your sides in the most unusual locations, then it was the Harlem shake, a ridiculous 80’s dance sketch that you upload to YouTube.

The point of Pršuting is to get the most ridiculous pictures of “pršut on forehead,” whether it be on your dogs head or in an odd location, and the Pršuting page have happily received photoshop’ed images of pršut on the foreheads of Darth Vader, Queen Elizabeth II, Mona Lisa and so on.

Since the launch of the Pršuting page just two weeks ago, they already have 53,000 likes.

Pršuting Party @ Imperium

Keeping up with the Pršuting trend, Imperium will be hosting a weekend of Balkan hits where every bottle ordered comes with a pršut and cheese platter…it’s up to you whether you will participate in Pršuting and have a photo-session with the Dalmatian delicacy on your forehead or if you just want to nibble on its savory bite.

When: Friday 24^th and Saturday 25^th May, 2013

What: DJ Colu with Balkan Hits

Offer: Complimentary pršut and cheese platter with every bottle ordered; Happy hour from 23-midnight with two bottles for the price of one.

Imperium (+385 (0)91 433 8555; www.imperium.hr; Gat Svetog Duje (ferry terminal building)

“Južina?” my boss asked me when my productivity level was low. He was referring to the southeastern jugo wind (scirocco) that is known to make Dalmatians grumpy, slow and depressed. My boss forgave me because of a particular wind blowing past my window!

Jugo wind is a strong southeastern wind that blows onto the Adriatic shores from the Sahara desert of Africa. The Jugo is a low pressure, warm wind, not as strong as the villainous Bura, but causes high and choppy waves with cloudy showering skies.

I cannot tell you the scientific background for this wind mood manipulation phenomenon but supposedly it’s to do with an imbalance of ions in the air causing low pressure in our brains. Nonetheless, jugo is blamed for everything; from low productivity, headaches, mental breakdowns, and a broken leg.

If you are having a bad day, a local will justify it with, “To ti je jugo” (It’s the jugo wind) or you will hear elderly complain about back pain and blaming the jugo wind for it.

In the old Republic of Dubrovnik, no laws were passed while jugo was blowing as it was believed to tamper in ones judgment. Additionally, criminals at this time have been pardoned for even murder if they committed their crime during jugo. Sadly, but true in some institutions, mentally impaired patients are tied up during jugo to protect themselves and others should they have a meltdown.

If you find yourself and others in an oddly depressed mood, then “the answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.”

A few years ago there were no hostel in town but now there is a wealth of hostel accommodation in the city popping up every season. Please see below list of preferred hostels and budget accomodation in Split and click read more for further information.

Split Hostel Group

(Narodni Trg 8; +385 (0)21 342 787 / Kruziceva 5, +385 (0)21 355 156; www.splithostel.com)

Run by two Aussie Croat women, this pair brought the first hostel to Split in 2006. Creatively named Booze & Snooze, this hostel is just that; a meeting point for travellers who are in for some fun between discoveries. The group’s brand-new outpost hostel bares another creative name with a similar definition; Fiesta Siesta. Also located in the old town in a heritage listed Dalmatian house, it sits above Charlie’s Bar, a backpacker’s hangout also founded by the group…read more.

Goli+Bosi Design Hostel

(Morpurgova poljana 2; +385 (0)21 510 999;www.gollybossy.com)

Goli+Bosi certainly does not exude the traditional hostel vibe; it has a quirky attitude and an ultra hip décor. Goli+Bosi, meaning naked and barefoot in Croatian doesn’t target your usual budget traveller as dorm prices match that of private accommodation but if you are into collective holidays, this is your place.

Tchaikovsky Hostel

(Ulica Petra Iliča Čajkovskog 4; +385 (0)21 317 124;www.tchaikovskyhostel.com)

Owned and operated by a German born Croat, there is certainly German order in this place, and positively so. Named after the street this hostel is located on in the Špinut neighborhood behind the National Theatre of Split, this spic and span hotel has four dorms named after Tchaikovsky’s famous compositions…read more.

Beach Hostel

(Viška 9; +385(0)98 9450 998;www.facebook.com/BeachHostelSplit)

For an old school backpacker vibe, Beach Hostel just 100m from Bačvice beach is just the joint for you. This place is run by a Norwegian lady named Ladybird who dropped her high-flying corporate career to take a chill pill and devote her time to art, writing, and hanging out with hipster youth…read more.

Silver Central

(Kralja Tomislava 1; +385 (0)21 490 805;  www.silvercentralhostel.com // Hrvojeva 6; +385 (0)21 322 857;  www.silvergatehostel.com)

Silver Central Hostel is located right off Marmontova, the city’s main shopping street, meters from all the action. This boutique four-dorm hostel is housed in an upstairs apartment featuring beach woods, bright yellow walls and an underwater themed dorm puts you right into the Adriatic mood. Their second hostel, Silver Gate offers yet another colorful set-up to brighten you stay…read more.

Hotel Dujam

(Velebitska 27;  +385 (0) 21 538 025;www.hoteldujam.com)

For affordable yet comfortable hotel accommodation, venture 20 minutes on foot from the city center and stay at two-starred Hotel Dujam located in a residential neighborhood. The hotel has 33 little rooms with simple interiors. Hotel Dujam also houses the rather soulless but affordable “L” hostel…read more.

Although more and more luxe accommodation is popping up in the city, there are still affordable stays available as most hotels in Split are still in the mid-range category. Please see below a list of preferred mid-range hotels in Split and click read more for further information.

Hotel Park****

(Hatzeov Perivoj 3; +385(0)21 406 400; www.hotelpark-split.hr)

Hotel Park is the flagship hotel of Split; opened in 1921, it is the oldest hotel in the city with over 90 years of tradition under its belt. It has 57 small rooms, many of which have sea vistas over the ever-popular Bacvice beach where it is located….read more.

Best Western Art Hotel****

(Ulica Slobode 41; +385 (0)21 302 302; www.arthotel.hr)

Situated 1.5km north of the city center and only a 15-minute walk to Diocletian’s Palace, this business hotel has 36 rooms and unlike its name suggests, there are not so many artsy features in the hotel, if any…read more.

Hotel Slavija ***

(Buvinina 2; +385 (0)21 323 840; www.hotelslavija.com)

The newly renovated Hotel Slavija has been around since the early 20th century so their experience in hospitality certainly dates back. The hotel is housed in a Renaissance-Baroque palace and sits above Diocletian’s ancient Roman baths from the 4th century…read more.

Hotel More***

(Šetalište Pape Ivana Pavla II 27; +385 (0) 21 462 112; www.hotelmore.hr)

More, meaning sea in Croatia, is a small eight room family-run hotel situated on the first row to the sea on Žnjan beach…read more.

Hotel Bellevue***

(Bana Jospipa Jelačića 2; +385(0)21 345-644; www.hotel-bellevue-split.hr)

Located right next to the stunning red neo-Renaissance arches of the imposing Prokurative with open views to Riva’s seafront promenade, Hotel Bellevue is a Split institution although the interiors are a little chintzy…read more.

There are only a few five star hotels in Split however, within the historical core of the city hides swanky boutique hotels where you will be breathing city life without compromising on the comfort of deluxe accommodation. Please see below a list of preferred upscale hotel and serviced accommodation and click read more for further information.

Hotel Marmont****

(Zadarska 13; +385 (0)21 308 060; www.marmonthotel.com)

Hotel Marmont is a chique boutique hotel tucked away in the heart of the old city. It has 21

spacious and contemporary rooms and a 200m2 penthouse suite … read more.

Vestibul Palace Hotel****

(Iza Vestibula 4; +385 (0)21 329 329; www.vestibulpalace.com)

Vestibul Palace is the pioneer of luxury boutique accommodation in Split and they couldn’t

have chosen a more charming location, just past Vestibul by the the emperor’s living quarters…read more.

Hotel Atrium*****

(Domovinskog rata 49a; +385 (0)21 200 000; www.hotel-atrium.hr)

Hotel Atrium is the only five-starred hotel in the city within walking distance to the town

center. The 124-room hotel also housed a spa and deluxe casino…read more.

Le Meridien Lav *****

(Grljevacka 2A, 21312 Podstrana; +385 (0)21 500 500; www.lemeridienlavsplit.com)

This five-star deluxe seafront hotel complex is the flagship upscale hotel in the region. It is

located in Podstrana, 8km east of Split along the coastal road and boats 365 rooms, a marina, spa and more…read more.

Hotel Luxe ****

(A. Kralja Zvonimira 6; +385 (0)21 314 444; www.hotelluxesplit.com)

The ruins of a 100-year-old factory caught the eye of a local business couple that completely transformed this dying structure into one of the swankiest lifestyle hotels in the city which have become reputable for the service levels… read more.

Hotel Split****

(Strožanačka 20, 21312 Podstrana; +385 (0)21 420 420; www.hotel-split.hr)

The new and swank Hotel Split is nestled at the edge of the water in Podstrana, just 8km

from Split. This modern boutique hotel is “green” and has a certificate of energy efficiency…read more.

Radisson BLU Resort Split****

(Put Trstenika 19; + 385 (0)21 303 030; www.radissonblu.com/resort-split)

This modern resort is a 4-star paradise nestled above the Trstenik beach, just 4 kilometers east of the city center…read more

Hotel President ****

(Starčevićeva 1; +385 (0)21 305 222; www.hotelpresident.hr)

Located in the center, this four-star hotel sits on the corner of a neo-Renaissance inspired structure, boasting 63 spacious rooms and 10 luxe residential suites decorated in the early naughties with English-inspired estate interiors…read more 

(A. Kralja Zvonimira 6; +385 (0)21 314 444; www.hotelluxesplit.com)

The ruins of a 100-year-old factory caught the eye of a local business couple that completely transformed this dying structure into one of the swankiest lifestyle hotels in the city. The innovative restoration of the space resulted in a 30-room design marvel with trendy furniture, hip wall deco, and warm fabrics, mostly accented in violets and white.

Sitting on Split’s main street leading down to the harbor front and Riva promenade, the building’s grey façade doesn’t reveal much however; you are sold as soon as you realize that this city hotel provides the best vantage point to the harbor and the islands with most rooms provide uncompromising sea views through panoramic windows.

Hotel Luxe has certainly brought something fresh to the hotel scene of Split, having developed a reputation for its top-notch service and attention to detail, and providing swanky facilities to match. The hotel has a swanky Cigar Lounge, lobby lounge, wellness center, and a restaurant with breakfast (even to-go) and local-Asian fusion business brunches. 

The new and swank Hotel Split is nestled at the edge of the water in Podstrana, just 8km from Split. This modern boutique hotel is “green” and has a certificate of energy efficiency meaning they are predominantly powered by solar energy, they practise recycling, use LED lighting, and encourage guests to save energy where possible without compromising the comfort of their stay. 

The hotel’s 40 rooms all have unobstructed sea views and offer Nordic-inspired interiors with light wooden tones matched with colorful feature walls. Hotel Split has a smashing rooftop pool deck where you can soak up the sun as you glare over the shimmering Adriatic before descending to the pebble beach for dip in the sea. On the rooftop and ground floor, Chef Vice cooks up modern Mediterranean fare in the Vagabundo Restaurant & Bar. 

A: Strožanačka 20, 21312 Podstrana

T: +385 (0)21 420 420

W: www.hotel-split.hr

Goli+Bosi certainly does not exude the traditional hostel vibe; it has a quirky attitude and an ultra hip décor. Unlike most hostels, this is no apartment conversion; this is a hostel the size of a mini hotel smack bang in the old town. Über modern interiors of white and yellow is the theme throughout, with hints of black in the public areas. The smart dorms have maps and directions of the floor to make you stay more easy to navigate, and the ship-like bunks allows for maximum privacy as you catch a quick nap between all the city discoveries and parties. Apart from funky rooms, there are lots of nooks to hand out in and be entertained.

Goli+Bosi, meaning naked and barefoot in Croatian doesn’t target your usual budget traveller as dorm prices match that of private accommodation but if you are into collective holidays, this is your place.

Another fun play on words, the in-house restaurant is named De Belly, perhaps referring to ‘the belly,’ or stomach however, when pronounced, debeli means ‘fat’ in Croatian; quite a suitable name for an eatery. De Belli serves up affordable daily dishes, pizzas and an a la carte menu that spans the continent with traditional delights suited for the hungry traveller or any other by passer. Seating is available on the square and during summer-time, a DJ spins his tunes, gathering quite the crowd.

Goli+Bosi

Morpurgova poljana 2

21000, Split, Hrvatska

+385(0)21 510 999

www.http://www.gollybossy.com/&oi=miw&sa=X&ct=miw_link&cd=1&cad=homepage,cid:2922896235526436827&ei=BBkuUfS4G4bc8QPOjoGoCQ&s=ANYYN7lbJ8LPmCgRoZx2epn3KwXSElLefg">gollybossy.com‎

Owned and operated by a German born Croat, there is certainly German order in this place, and positively so. Named after the street this hostel is located on in the Špinut neighborhood behind the National Theatre of Split, this spic and span hotel has four dorms named after Tchaikovsky’s famous compositions; Sleeping Beauty Room, The Nutcracker Room, Swan Lake Room, and the Marche Slave Room. Every bunk is custom-built with integrated shelving, cupboards, sockets, towel racks and curtains allowing for some personal space. Wi-Fi is of course available throughout and the little common area has TV and a handy tea kitchen where milk, cereals and swanky espresso capsules for Nespresso are available to guests.

Tchaikovsky Hostel

Ulica Petra Iliča Čajkovskog 4, Split

T: +385 (0)21 317 12

W: www.tchaikovskyhostel.com

If you are looking for an old school backpacker vibe, Beach Hostel near Bačvice beach is just the joint for you. Located in a residential area just 100m from Split’s most popular beach, this place is run by a Norwegian lady named Ladybird who dropped her high-flying corporate career to take a chill pill and devote her time to art, writing, and hanging out with hipster youth. She gives this place soul and becomes a real mother figure to guests…she even gives them a genuine hug when they check out.

The place is truly ‘no-frills’ with metal army-like bunks, random wall murals, in-room fans, and eclectic furniture and fittings. The hostel has a washing machine and a kitchenette with free coffee and teas for guests. There is also a cute terrace where the walls are decorated with messages and art made by guests; a guitar always stands ready and Ladybird likes to hang with the crowd for a chat.

The owners of the hostel also operate the Karaka Pub & Pizzeria on the beach nearby so this becomes a popular hangout for hostel guests.

Beach Hostel

Viška 9, Split

M:+385(0)98 9450 998

Visit them on Facebook