October 28, 2018 - Where are the best restaurants in Croatia? The 2018 Days of Croatian Tourism conference on Hvar nominated the top three, with a foreign cuisine included for the first time. 

Among the many people I met, discussions I heard and awards I witnessed during Days of Croatian Tourism on Hvar this week, one announcement stood out for me, and it was in many ways the biggest surprise of the entire event. It was an announcement which probably nobody else paid attention to, and it came in the best restaurants in Croatia section. 

For among the three nominated three best restaurants in Croatia, for the first time a restaurant with foreign cuisine was nominated among the top three in the country - Taj Mahal in Dubrovnik, which specialises in Bosnian cuisine. 

Foreign restaurants and Croatia always make for interesting discussions in the TCN comments. I remember when we were the first to report on the opening of a Japanese restaurant in Split (hurrah, I thought to myself), the overwhelming local sentiment was negative. Why come to Dalmatia to eat foreign food when Dalmatian food is the best in the world? Tourists want to enjoy countless food. There is no need to have foreign food, so many people told me, when in Dalmatia, they should eat Dalmatian food. 

It was a curious argument, but one which is very well embedded here. By that logic, I would have to fly to Tokyo for sushi, Mumbai for a curry and Rome for a pizza. When I wrote an article almost four years ago now, asking Is Split Finally Becoming an International City? (how quickly times change, itis incredibly international compared to 4 years ago), celebrating a halal Turkish restaurant as part of that international trend, the 'we should only have Dalmatian food' brigade was out in force. 

And yet, here we are, with the second best restaurant in all Croatia at the showcase tourism event of the year - a foreign cuisine. 

And while some might argue that Bosnian cuisine is essentially Croatian, I beg to differ, but I know better than to get drawn deeper into those regional discussions after 16 years here. It is a small step of recognition for the excellent foreign cuisines which are becoming more established in the Croatian gourmet tourism scene. This is not a threat to the excellent local fare, but it complements it, giving the tourist an essential thing required in a quality destination - choice. 

So who are the best restaurants in Croatia? In descending order, and introduced by their own websites:

Best Restaurants in Croatia: 3 - Brasserie Adriatic in Rovinj

Relax in an ambiance ensuring high quality upon every visit at the foot of the old town of Rovinj in Croatia, not far from the sea, in the heart of the hustle and bustle of the town.Relax in an ambiance ensuring high quality upon every visit at the foot of the old town of Rovinj in Croatia, not far from the sea, in the heart of the hustle and bustle of the town.

Let the exceptionally kind and experienced hosts take care of you, and enjoy the French culinary magic, a blend of traditional and modern cuisine complemented by carefully selected wines.
Brasserie Adriatic menu changes depending on the part of the day. You can enjoy a hearty breakfast in the morning, a light, delicious lunch afterwards or simply wait for dinner and enjoy a beautiful sunset in the company of your dearest ones while savoring a magical wine & dine experience. Learn more about Brasserie Adriatic.

Best Restaurants in Croatia: 2 - Taj Mahal in Dubrovnik

We opened our doors for the first time in 2004. Back then our only advertisement was the comforting and inviting smell spreading from our grill and stove in the Old Town restaurant’s tiny kitchen were we first started sharing our cooking traditions.We opened our doors for the first time in 2004. Back then our only advertisement was the comforting and inviting smell spreading from our grill and stove in the Old Town restaurant’s tiny kitchen were we first started sharing our cooking traditions.People came and told their friends. And the homely atmosphere and our filling dishes have been popular with both locals and tourists ever since.

Taj Mahal’s sister restaurant opened in 2013 in Hotel Lero. With it, we finally got the space and freedom to present our guests what the Bosnian cuisine is really about. The moment you step in, you are transported into another world. Sevdah music and traditional Bosnian home cuisine, stories we love to share with you and special selection of sweets and liquors in an ambient that blends the modern comfort with staple features of the Bosnian architecture-all of this becomes part of your experience.  Learn more about Taj Mahal Dubrovnik.

Best Restaurants in Croatia: 1 - Sveti Nikola in Porec 

Set on the seafront of this popular tourist town if the weather's not warm enough to people-watch on the terrace, then head up to the first floor for a delightful view out to the island of Sveti Nikola. The menu focuses on traditional Croatian and Italian dishes, with plenty of fresh fish as well as meat. (courtesy of the Michelin Guide). Learn more about Sveti Nikola in Porec.

To learn more about Days of Croatian Tourism on Hvar, click here.

What are the Croatia travel experiences Americans are looking for in Croatia? A new survey reveals all.

One of the highlights of this week's Days of Croatian Tourism on Hvar, which finished on October 25, 2018, was a presentation from Al Merschen of Myriad Marketing, on the results of a detailed survey of wealthy American tourists and their potential interest in visiting Croatia. Among the various results of the survey which were covered in Merschen's presentation (an overview of which you can read here), he revealed the top 11 things Americans want to experience when visiting Croatia. In descending order... 

11. Croatia Travel Experience - Olive Oil Factories

They say a fish in Dalmatia swims three times in its life - firstly in the sea, then in olive oil during preparation, and finally in excellent Dalmatian wine. It is one way to enjoy three of the main attractions of life in Dalmatia. Croatian olive oil is EXCELLENT, among the best in the world, and it is little surprise that it is on the list of American desired experiences in Croatia. The next step to aid that process would be to build an online resource to facilitate tourism interest in olive oil.  

10. Croatia Travel Experience - Zagreb Christmas

A lesson for all in tourism worldwide - how to create a new product in a successful tourism country, far away from its main attractions - the coast and in summer - and within just a few years become the 10th most sought-after experience. Advent in Zagreb has been voted the best Christmas marketplace for three years in a row. A wonderful time to visit Croatia. Here is the TCN guide to Advent in Zagreb 2017.  

9. Croatia Travel Experience - Korcula Island

The birthplace of Marco Polo and also the 2018 Best Destination in Croatia, according to the annual Vecernji List Tourist Patrol. Thinking of visiting? Here are 25 things to know about Korcula. 

8. Croatia Travel Experience - Hvar Island

And if you are looking to combine as many of these Croatia travel experiences as possible, you are in luck - the island of Hvar is just a short catamaran journey from Korcula. Hvar, which is celebrating 150 years of organised tourism in Europe this year, is also home to the most island sun in Europe, the oldest public theatre in Europe, and the most UNESCO heritage of any island in the world. Here are 25 things to know about Hvar.  

7. Croatia Travel Experience - Game of Thrones Sites

Croatia is popular for so many reasons these days, but there has been a real surge of interest in recent years from the hit HBO series Games of Thrones, which was filmed in various locations in Croatia. Learn more about the top 5 Game of Thrones tours in Croatia. 

6. Croatia Travel Experience - Art Museums

Did you know that Zagreb has more museums per square kilometre than any city in the world? Allegedly, and many of which are art museums. Good news for our American guests, as Art Museums features high on the list of desired things to do. 

5. Croatia Travel Experience - Wineries and Vineyards

What to say? Croatian wine is fantastic! With more than 130 indigenous varieties, including the original Zinfandel, Croatian wine is so good TCN built an entire website to celebrate it. Learn all about Croatian wine on the TCN Total Croatia Wine website. 

4. Croatia Travel Experience - The Blue Cave

The Blue Cave on Bisevo - one of the great natural tourist attractions in Croatia. Located close to the island of Vis, the Blue Cave tour has become insanely popular in recent years. Here are some things you need to know if you are planning a visit to the Blue Cave. 

3. Croatia Travel Experience - National Parks

More than 10% of Croatia is covered by national parks and nature parks. Visit them, they are amazing. UNESCO World Heritage Site Plitvice Lakes, above, is magnificent in different ways all four seasons of the year. 

2. Croatia Travel Experience - The Old Walls of Dubrovnik

With more than a million people a year now walking the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the old walls of Dubrovnik, the walls were popular enough. Then came Game of Thrones and Kings Landing - no wonder the walls of Dubrovnik are almost at the top of the list. There is plenty more to do in Dubrovnik once you have finished a stroll around the walls - 25 things to know about Dubrovnik. 

(Photo credit Igor Tomjenlovic)

1. Croatia Travel Experience - The Dalmatian Coast

 And, with such a high quality of places to visit and things to experience, what could possibly be the most desirable experience for American tourists in Croatia? Why, heaven of course - the Dalmatian coast. 

To learn more about Al Menschen's presentation on American tourism interest in Croatia, click here. 

Next year, Slavonia will host two major tourism events, including Days of Croatian Tourism. 

Zagreb among the awards again.

October 25, 2018 - The movers and shakers (and one fat foreign blogger) from the Croatian tourism industry descended on the island of Hvar for this year's Days of Croatian Tourism gathering. Some thoughts on visiting the sunshine island in late October with up to 2,000 other delegates. 

Hvar in the shoulder months of the tourist season has always been one of the jewels of tourism in Croatia. Come in peak season, and one may found the crowds and heat a little oppressive. Come in winter and there is little open as the locals take a well-earned rest. But from Easter to June, September to October, this most picturesque of destinations - a destination which truly has it all - shines, aided a little by that endless sunshine. October is such a good month to visit - there are a number of key events in the tourism calendar, as Hvar Town has worked to extend the season, and with much less tourists around and locals able to breathe after the stress of peak season, the town has a relaxed calm and can be explored at leisure.  

But how would Hvar cope with the influx of up to 2,000 visitors for the 2018 Days of Croatian Tourism, the most important tourism industry gathering in the country, and one which this year was hosted by Hvar Town, which was celebrating 150 years of organised tourism in Europe?

I had never been to Days of Croatian Tourism before, and I have always been curious about the event. I had assumed it was mostly about self-congratulatory back-slapping, which is why I avoided it. But I was curious to see how Hvar would showcase itself, and so I applied for my press accreditation. And while the element of self-congratulation was strong, it was outweighed by the networking opportunities and insights into the Croatian tourism industry. TCN will be taking an in-depth look at Days of Croatian Tourism issues beyond the bright lights and awards in the coming days. 

"But Hvar really is beautiful," remarked my Croatian colleague as he settled into his first coffer of the day at Hotel Adriana's newly revamped ground floor bar. 

I like visiting Hvar with Croatians from the mainland. While I have my perspective as a foreigner who lived there for 13 years, 

I love the ground floor of Hotel Adriana. While most people rave about the views fromTop Bar (which ARE fantastic), the ground floor is the best living room in the town, superb for people watching and total chilling. I once stayed at the hotel, and the buffet breakfast experience remains one of my favourite things to do in the town. Open from 07:00 to 11:00, the outdoor terrace is so close to the water that you can hear the waves lapping against the harbour wall. It is a superb place to unobtrusively observe the relaxed pace of life, and to watch the town waking up - the fishing boats, the early catamarans, the kayakers, the speedboat transfers and the super yachts. Each has its own pace and agenda. Different world existing in perfect fjaka harmony.  

Hvar has a wealth of historic buildings, which have sadly not been put to the best use in recent years. The Austrian entrepreneur who created Hula Hula and took it to the top 50 beach bars in the world (in the days when Hula Hula was truly amazing) tried to get the local authorities to give him a concession to take the Arsenal, Veneranda and the Spanish Fortress under concession to build up Hvar as a premier European destination of culture, with high end events. HIs vision didn't get very far, but it good to see some of these venues are being used more creatively these days. And what fantastic locations they are. The first discussion panels took place in the Arsenal, on the corner of the main square. Above, the oldest public theatre in Europe, dating back to 1612, below, Roman ruins excavated a year ago. And the  Arsenal itself - a magnificent welcome to Hvar. 

Outside for a glimpse of those divine Hvar sunsets.  

And then up to Veneranda for the awards ceremony. Seven years ago, Veneranda was the thumping nightclub where a certain young British prince fell into the nightclub swimming pool. The nightclub is no more, and these days Veneranda hosts a range of cultural events - a welcome upgrade in quality.  

We will be covering the awards in a separate article, but the event is being followed today by the Croatian Government holding a special session, with a focus on development of the islands. Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic was at last night's awards, and was on hand to present the award of best destination to Zagreb to Mayor Milan Bandic (captions for the above photo, courtesy of Hvar Tourist Board, more than welcome). 

The conference over, the Arsenal was reorganised to host dinner, with food prepared by Suncani Hvar Hotels.  

My favourite Nikola Tesla quote aside, there was plenty of interest in Hotel Amfora, which offers the premier conferencing facilities on Hvar. We will be looking at some of the content and lessons learned from some of the panels in subsequent articles.  

Among the most thought-provoking was a presentation from Joska Stella, Director of the Central Dalmatia Tourist Board, on a feasibility study on how to manage the surge in tourism numbers. The conclusions and findings were fascinating. More soon.  

Hvar continued to shine, and the final evening highlight after dinner was a spellbinding concert by Klapa Intrade from Zadar on the main square. Although I quite like klapa on occasion, I had never heard anything like these guys - they were sensational. I felt a little self-conscious taking my beer onto the main square, having written extensively about the fines promised by Hvar Mayor Riki Novak for drinking in the street, but I was in good company. It was a truly fine evening with plenty of crowd engagement. 

48 hours in Hvar Town in October, and I had fallen in love with it. Again. Visit Hvar in October - it is a truly delightful experience. 

Special mention to Suncani Hvar Hotels for the conferencing and catering facilities, as well the accommodation for many of the delegates, of course. A strong hotel chain working in tandem with the tourism authorities is a powerful combination, and the future of shoulder season Hvar looks very bright indeed. To learn more about Suncani, click here. 

Follow all the news about Days of Croatian Tourism on the dedicated TCN page.

The two-day Days of Croatian Tourism event traditionally marks the end of the main season.

An incredible achievement for the inland Dalmatia region!

Martinis Marchi was awarded at the Days of Croatian Tourism currently taking place on Hvar. 

An important date on Hvar next week for Croatia's tourism industry, as the 2018 Days of Croatian Tourism conference kicks off on October 24, 2018. The full programme. 

September 22, 2018 - Another high-profile event for Hvar Town as it celebrates 150 years of organised tourism in Europe, with this year's Days of Croatian Tourism taking place there on October 24 and 25.