Keeping on top of things and putting the environment first isn't always easy in the time in which we currently live, but a beach cleanup is a more than excellent way to start. In Croatia, such seabed and beach cleanup actions take place quite regularly up and down the coast, with the most emphasis being placed on the pre and post season.

During this somewhat turbulent time of year, it's typical for unstable weather conditions and strong winds and currents to wreak havoc to some degree or another, often bringing in unwanted rubbish from other parts of the coast, sometimes even dragging up piles of waste on currents from Albania to Dubrovnik.

Plastic pollution is an increasingly dangerous threat to the world's seas and oceans, and while various laws continue to be passed to either ban or at least limit the use of ''throw away'' plastic products, the issue remains a pressing one. A well organised beach cleanup is an excellent way to combat the problem.

As Morski writes on the 1st of November, 2018, beautiful Mljet has experienced a proverbial reincarnation this year, as 32 volunteers participated in a program to clean up as many as fifteen bays and coves on Mljet, which is otherwise one of the country's most breathtaking national parks, located not too far from Dubrovnik.

This year's volunteer program, developed by JUNP Mljet and the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Energy through the EU Integration Project Natura 2000, was successfully completed, with 71 volunteers participating in all of the four volunteer programs.

For the first time, NP Mljet welcomed international volunteers from Lithuania, Australia, America, and neighbouring Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina to help clean up the national park's many bays and coves. Over 400 plastic bags, sewage, glass and various other types of waste was successfully removed from Mljet's shoreline.

Want to keep up with more news about how the environment is taken care of in Croatia and how you might be able to help? Make sure to follow Total Eco Croatia.

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.

October 28, 2018 - A weekly roundup of the latest news about flights to Croatia.

Flights to Croatia - Cork to Dubrovnik Direct

Great news for tourists (and Croatian diaspora) in southern Ireland, as Aer Lingus has announced the first scheduled direct flight from Cork to Croatia. The new Cork to Dubrovnik route will commence on May 4 and fly twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The Cork route is the second Aer Lingus connection to Dubrovnik, with Dublin's direct link to the Pearl of the Adriatic already well-established. Aer Lingus has also announced its summer schedule for Split and Pula, with the Split route strengthened for 2019.  

Flights to Croatia - Less Winter Flights to Dubrovnik, More Summer Connections from USA Anticipated

Dubrovnik's attempts to become a 12-month destination have received a minor setback, with several major carriers announced a reduced service to southern Dalmatia. These include Emirates, FlyDubai, Turkish Airlines and British Airways. There is some better news on increased interest in additional direct flights from the United States, however. The first direct connection between the United States and Dubrovnik for 28 years will begin from Philadelphia on June 7, when American Airlines will touch down. IT is anticipated to be the first of a number of connections, according to Romana Vlasic, Director of the Dubrovnik Tourist Board:

"After 28 years we will finally have direct flights from the US again, with American Airlines announcing services from Philadelphia. This pilot project from American Airlines will grow over the coming years to include more American cities as well as new airlines". She added, "Through our representative office in New York we have made contact with the airline and the travel company that represents them. We have already arranged joint marketing opportunities and cooperation. We are only too happy to help fill these flights and make sure that this new link is successful." Read the full story on ExYuAviation. 

Flights to Croatia - Split Airport Breaks the 3 Million Barrier

The rise and rise of Split Airport continues, with yet one more record broken this week, as the airport handled 3 million passengers for the first time in one year, a 10% increase on a record 2017. The new terminal is scheduled to open in July, 2019, which will help take off the pressure a little. Read the full story about the rise of Split Airport. 

Flights to Croatia - Volotea Opens 2019 Sales

Low-cost carrier Volotea has significantly increased its operations to Croatia in recent years, principally to Dubrovnik and Split from multiple destinations in France and Italy. Sales for the 2019 season are now available. Check out the routes via Avioradar. 

Flights to Croatia - JAL to Codeshare with Zagreb

"Japan Airlines (JAL) will be adding its designator code and flight numbers onto British Airways' service between London Heathrow and Zagreb starting next week. Both airlines are members of the Oneworld alliance. Japan Airlines passengers can now book flights to Zagreb via the carrier's website. British Airways will maintain five to seven weekly services between London and the Croatian capital this winter season, depending on the month." Read the full story on ExYuAviation. 

Keep up with the latest news about flights to Croatia with the dedicated TCN tag.

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. 

What secrets does the Municipality of Ston hide underground?

ZAGREB, October 25, 2018 - A project of the Regional Development and EU Funds Ministry and the European Investment Bank, designed to help develop investment platforms for smart islands and cities, was presented in Dubrovnik on Thursday.

Reborn in my own city, and it took me just one hour...

The most famous figures in Split-Dalmatia County gathered to discuss sustainable tourism development in cities with a historic core on Tuesday in Split. 

Are even more flights between Dubrovnik and the US be on the horizon?

October 21, 2018 - Continuing our look back at Croatia as it once through online videos, a look at three gems of Croatian tourism before the crowds - Plitvice Lakes, Dubrovnik and Split.