May 2, 2019 - After being closed for 20 years for renovation, the stage of the oldest public theatre in Europe is entertaining audiences again on Hvar, Croatia.

It is a remarkable island, best known for its sun, lavender, beaches and nightlife, but the island has much more to offer, with several attractions which often surprise. 

It is, for example, the island with the most UNESCO heritage in the world, the birthplace of the grandfather of dactyloscopy (that is fingerprinting to you and me), and the place where organised tourism began way back in 1868.

Oh yes, and it is also the home of the oldest public theatre in Europe, dating back to 1612.

That's right, a Dalmatian island was ahead of the likes of Paris and Vienna in providing a public theatre. To learn more of the fascinating story, check out the recent TCN interview with Mirjana Kolumbic, art historian professor, senior museum curator, and author of a book on the first 400 years of the Hvar theatre. 

And last night, finally, the theatre was open again, 

A packed audience was able to enjoy a range of Hvar culture, from theatre performances, to traditional dance and klapa music. 

The theatre itself is located on the top floor of the imposing Arsenal building, which guards the entrance to Hvar's majestic main square, the largest in Dalmatia at 4,500 m2. The Arsenal will also be reopening this year, as will the Palace Elisabeth, hvar hertiage hotel across the square, the first 5-star hotel on this premier Croatian island. 

The theatre will be open to the public, with ticket prices for visiting, combined with the Arsenal, recently announced by the local authorities. 

The theatre will be hosting its second performance tonight with a performance of Judita. Entrance is free, but all tickets have already been allocated.

A magnificent addition to the Hvar tourism offer, and the reopening of the theatre, Arsenal and luxury Palace Elisabeth are in line with Hvar's new direction towards luxury tourism, as outlined in a recent TCN interview with new Hvar Tourist Board director, Petar Razovic. 

To learn more about the island of Hvar, check out the Total Croatia Hvar in a Page guide.

To follow the latest news from Hvar, follow the dedicated TCN page.

The oldest public theatre in Europe is set to reopen after 20 years on May 1, 2019. Ahead of this culturally significant event, TCN caught up with the woman who knows more about the theatre than anyone else, Mirjana Kolumbic. In addition to being an art history professor and retired senior theatre curator in the Hvar Heritage Museum, Mirjana also wrote a detailed and thoroughly researched book on the Hvar theatre to mark its 400th anniversary in 2012.

Mirjana kindly agreed to talk in detail about the oldest public theatre - its past, present and hopes for the future.

1. People are often surprised to hear that the oldest public theatre in Europe back in 1612. How did it happen that Hvar had such a theatre before anyone else?

The golden age of the Hvar Commune was from the 15th to the 17th century. It was a consequence of Hvar’s excellent geopolitical position, given that it is located in the middle of the Adriatic Sea at the crossroads of sea and trade routes. Venice knew well how to take advantage of this fact, declaring Hvar the harbour where its fleet would spend winters. Along with well-developed agriculture and fisheries, the products of which were primarily exported, Hvar was the youngest, but also the wealthiest commune of Venice at that time on the Adriatic.

As a traffic harbour, Hvar was also a meeting point for travellers, traders and owners, and hence the crossroads of cultures. At the same time, Renaissance writers, poets and chroniclers, such as Hektorović, Lucić, Pribojević and many others, were highly educated people whose works greatly affected their environment, as well as Renaissance literature in general. Besides, the experience of the popular rebellion in the early 16th century left a trace in the social consciousness of citizens.

All this had an impact on the social awareness and sophistication of the entire population, which eventually resulted in the establishment of one of the oldest theatres and the first public theatre in Europe. Fortunately, Petar Semitecolo came to Hvar in 1611 as Prince Provveditore. He rebuilt the Arsenal, and in 1612 established a theatre. This Venetian was undoubtedly familiar with the experiences of the northern Italy theatres (Vicenza and Sabbioneta, where the first European theatres were created), which he used in Hvar.

The inscription IN THE SECOND YEAR OF PEACE 1612 marks his achievements in implementing the social and cultural agenda in honour of which he established this cultural institution for the benefit of all, regardless of their social status. This theatre is the first attempt at the democratisation of culture in Europe.

2. The theatre has been in existence for over 400 years. What was the Golden Era of Hvar's theatre, and why?

The first “golden era” of the Hvar theatre is 1612, the year of its early establishment and the fact that it has survived and operated for more than 400 years in such a small urban environment, isolated on an island and mostly far away from centres of power and high-culture content.

But the real golden age of the Hvar theatre is the 19th century after the Theatre Association was founded in 1803, which built up the interior as it exists even today and led the theatrical programmes. After 1921, the Theatre Association ceased operations and came under the administration of the municipality, but that did not end its activities entirely. In the 19th century, during the carnival period, which was also the primary theatre season, the theatre would have over 30 performances.

Various musical events were held, comedies and dramas were played, king’s birthdays were celebrated, “kavalkinas” were held, quadrille and “kontradansas” were performed. In 1838, the full opera Norma was played in the theatre. Hvar hosted many local and international music, drama and other amateur and professional companies from Hvar and from other parts of Dalmatia, as well as from Italy.

3. You wrote a magnificent book on the history of the theatre to mark the 400th anniversary back in 2012. Tell us about the research involved, and what new things did you learn?

When I participated in the founding convention of Perspectiv, a non-governmental organisation of the old European theatres, in Vicenza in 2003, held under the auspices of the EU, I realised that Europe did not know almost anything about the Hvar theatre and that the little available information was incorrect. Then I realised that it was necessary to write something and translate it so that it would be presented abroad. Therefore I started researching archives, books, funds, and everything related to the theatre.

Perspeciv allowed me to give a lecture about the Hvar theatre at a convention in England and defend my thesis about its survival as the first municipal theatre in Europe. I also got introduced to different old theatres in Italy, England, the Czech Republic and Austria, which is an invaluable experience. Later, as the manager of the Adriatic Old Theatre Route, which included South-Eastern Europe, I had an opportunity to visit and discover theatres in Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Serbia.

I have used all these invaluable experiences in my book, and I am now working on the second edition. During the research for the book, I managed to consolidate all archive finds, books, artefacts, photographs, drawings and the like in the Museum of Hvar Heritage, creating the Theatre Fund with over 2,500 units. I have learned a lot about theatres.

4. The theatre will reopen on May 1 after being closed for 20 years for renovation. How important an occasion will this be for cultural life on Hvar, and Croatia in general?

The opening of the theatre after an almost 20-year break, which is also the longest period in its history during which it was out of use, means a lot for Hvar, Croatia, but also theatre history in general. Returning to life a great facility such as Arsenal and the theatre is certainly a significant contribution to culture and the monumental heritage. Hvar is still linked with theatre and stage events, as evidenced by the Hvar Summer and other cultural events that happen throughout the year on Hvar.

The Hvar Theatre will hopefully host many cultural events, but also enable us to host high-quality stage programs from Croatia and abroad. The theatre itself should keep its modest technical inventory and be used for small-stage stage performances based on heritage texts. More demanding plays, requiring more technical support, should take place on the ground floor of Arsenal, but I currently do not believe that it has been adequately equipped for this.

5. How do you see the theatre working after opening, in terms of numbers of performances, visiting theatre groups?

The Hvar Theatre and the Arsenal in which it is located are monuments of national importance for the Republic of Croatia, which has its place among the historical theatres of Europe and the history of arsenals of the Mediterranean. Therefore, they must first be treated as cultural monuments. The theatre, in my opinion, should also be equipped as a museum facility where rare artefacts, essential documents and objects will be exhibited to the audience, which will give visitors an insight into its history and significance. Therefore, group visits, attendance and all other events should be “calibrated" corresponding to the theatre’s capacity and age. Technically-demanding activities and visits should not be allowed.

6. You obviously know the theatre very well. What are your favourite details and why?

For me, the theatre is a small cultural jewel. It is one of the smallest theatres I have seen. Its charm is in the closeness of the stage and the audience. Our theatre has a humane interaction and closeness between spectators and actors. Still, the most precious element for me is the wall painting on the stage wall from 1819, which I helped discover under a newer painting during the restoration process in 1988, and we later processed it.

7. The theatre opening coincides with the Arsenal reopening as well as the first 5-star luxury heritage hotel on the site where organised tourism began in Europe. Are we seeing the start of a new cultural renaissance on Hvar, do you think?

The opening of the Arsenal and the theatre, with whose final appearance I am not entirely satisfied, is a significant event because it returns to Hvar two significant monuments and necessary facilities for cultural performances. The opening of the Palace Hotel, now Palace Elisabeth, is another crucial element in returning to Hvar a facility that represents a significant part of the town’s urban life and is alive in its urban memory.

The revival of the Hvar centre with the important facilities we are discussing will return to the town the necessary culture and tourism content. I do not know whether it will contribute to raising the tourist bar to a higher level, although I would really want that to happen. But, this is a topic for another discussion with someone who knows more about it.

Many thanks to Mirjana, and also to the Go Hvar blog for some of the pictures, as well as two fascinating documents on the restoration process, which you can see on the Go Hvar site here and here. 

To learn more about Hvar, check out the Total Croatia Hvar in a Page guide.

April 27, 2019 - This week's Property of the Week takes us to the island of Hvar, where a stone house complex dream is waiting to be fulfilled. 

A stone ruin on an idyllic Adriatic island - it was the ultimate dream for SO many foreigners when I had a real estate business on Hvar 15 years ago. 

And if there is anyone out there who still has that dream... 

Meet the latest Property of the Week from our friends at Trgostan. In their own words: 

A beautiful stone houses complex on the north-west side of the island of Hvar, in a beautiful, preserved and quiet area, consisted of 5 stone houses of app 270 sqm gross, on app 1.000 sqm land plot, in need of complete reconstruction, with an idea project for a four bedroom stone villa, facing south, car access app 15 meters from the property, few minutes drive from all amenities, clean title. An extra plot of 198 sqm for parking is price included, located app 400 meters from the complex.

Price is 128,000 euro. For more information and to book a viewing, see the original listing on the Trgostan website.

April 25, 2019 - Hvar's adrenaline credentials continue to grow. No sooner has the ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Series finished than Mountain Madness is upon us.

Hvar used to be such a peaceful island... 

Lazy days at the beach, even lazier days drinking coffee in the cafes of its picturesque cafes. 

And then something happened. 

Don't worry, those award-winning beaches are still there, and nothing truly beats a little people watching on the 'pjaca', but there has been a new addition to the tourism sector in recent years - adrenaline tourism. 

Hvar is of course an adventure playgrouns, with fabulous conditions for cycling, sailing, kayaking, climbing, hiking and more. But there has also been a subtle change of emphasis in its shoulder seasons, as more adrenaline races and activities are added to the calendar. 

Earlier this month, for example, there was the third edition of the ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Series, and you can check out the fabulous official video above. 

Caught your breath after that one? Hvar Town is the place to be once more this Saturday, with the return of Mountain Madness. There is still time to register, and full details below. Another fun and healthy addition to what some believe is the nicest time of year to visit the island. 

Mountain Madness Croatia is a race designed to test strength, endurance, but also to challenge skills, speed, and ability to overcome various obstacles on a 7km long trail, regardless of weather conditions. The race is suitable for fit participants of all ages and also for dogs! At the finish line there will be an after party with great prizes for everyone to win.

Register here for the MOUNTAIN MADNESS HVAR powered by RUN CROATIA! The race is held on April 27th 2019 (Saturday) in the city of Hvar with the start at 10.30 am!

OBSTACLE RACE: MOUNTAIN MADNESS HVAR (7km)

Race organizers: RUN CROATIA, MOUNTAIN MADNESS CROATIA, SUNČANI HVAR HOTELS

Location: City of Hvar, Island Hvar

Start time: 27.04.2019 at 10.30 am (Saturday)

Start – Finish: Hvar main square

Registration: until on the race day

Information: Mobile +385 91 443 0007, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Length: 7 kilometers

Time limit: 2 hrs 30 min

Track profile: asphalt, dirt road, single trail track

To learn more about the island, check out the Total Croatia Hvar in a Page guide, or follow the latest island news on TCN. 

April 25, 2019 - Great news for Croatia's luxury tourism sector, as a Dubrovnik helicopter service begins operations next week. Speedy transfers to Hvar, Montenegro and panorama flights are soon to be available.

There have been several attempts over the years, but none has quite succeeded but is that about to change with the launch of a new Dubrovnik helicopter service from May 1.

The Robinson R66, which has a capacity for pilot, four passengers and luggage, will be based at Dubrovnik Airport from next week, and available for transfers and panorama flights. 

Looking to get to gorgeous Hvar with the minimum of fuss, for example? Just one hour in the air flying over the spectacular southern Dalmatian coast and islands. 

The new Dubrovnik helicopter service is also an excellent opportunity for a little sightseeing with style. And if you are a photographer looking for the very best shots and angles, Dubrovnik and the rest of the coast look pretty amazing from the passenger seat of a helicopter.  

The operating company will be working under a German AOC, which means it has the flexibility to land anywhere in Croatia if they can find agreement from a private landowner. This was a huge problem a few years ago for the Swiss company who tried to build a business based on Hvar, as they were only allowed to land at airports.  

As the helicopter will be based in Dubrovnik, pricing will be reflected accordingly, so it will be cheaper to fly from Dubrovnik to Hvar, for example, than from Split to Hvar, as the helicopter would have to come from Dubrovnik. 

I would envisage that popular routes will be from Dubrovnik to Hvar, Dubrovnik to Korcula, Dubrovnik to Sun Gardens, and transfers to Montenegro, where luxury resorts such as Porto Montenegro, Lustica Bay and Portonovi are attracting the clientele happy to pay for a solution to avoid the main border crossing and summer traffic.  

More details on the service coming soon, but if you are looking for more information about the service, or to book, please contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

For more information about Dubrovnik Airport, check out the Total Croatia guide. 

April 24, 2019 - The oldest public theatre in Europe is set to reopen after renovation on May 1. Hvar authorities have announced ticket prices to visit this, and other heritage jewels for season 2019. 

A big night for Croatian culture next week, as the oldest public theatre in Europe, on the island of Hvar, reopens its doors after almost 20 years of renovation.

Opened in 1612, the theatre lies on the top floor of the imposing Arsenal building, which guards the entrance to the main square. 

The official opening will be on May 1, with three theatre performances planned for the first three days. 

The Arsenal itself is also set to reopen this year after extensive renovation and upgrading. Apart from being a historic building, the Arsenal is also an impressive event location, from exhibitions and conferences, to themed dinners and concerts. 

The Hvar authorities yesterday announced the 2019 ticket prices to visit these two newly-opened treasures. Ticket prices to include both facilities will be priced at 50 kuna including VAT (US$8.50). Children under the age of 7 have free entrance, with 50% discounts between 7 and 16. Groups of ten will receive a 10% discount with free entrance for the guide. 

The Arsenal and theatre are not the only magnificent heritage buildings to visit in Hvar Town, of course. Visitors who make the effort to climb the steps to the Spanish Fortress are rewarded with some of the best views in all Croatia. 

Ticket prices are also 50 kuna to visit the fortress, which is also pretty cool inside. If you want to combine all three attractions, you can do so for 80 kuna. 

And if that is not enough heritage for you, why not then relax with a drink at the new Hotel Palace Elisabeth, Hvar's first luxury 5-star hotel which is opposite the oldest public theatre in Europe. And it has quite a story as well, being on the location where organised tourism in Europe began back in 1868. 

To learn more about this magical island, check out the Total Croatia Hvar in a Page. 

To follow the latest news from Hvar, follow the dedicated TCN page. 

April 24, 2019 - A new direction for one of Croatia's top destinations, Hvar Town? A wide-ranging interview with Hvar Tourist Board director, Petar Razovic.  

It is the destination which truly has everything. I had never even heard of the island of Hvar 48 hours before I arrived on the island and bought a house there. But it turned out to be the best decision of my life. And the more I looked around this spectacular Dalmatian jewel, the more I was blown away. The oldest organised tourism in Europe, the oldest public theatre in Europe, the most UNESCO heritage of any island in the world, the sunniest island in Europe. The list went on and on. 

One of the most attractive aspects of life in Hvar Town was (and is) its egalitarianism. Here was a destination which literally had everything, and tourists would mingle easily, be they celebrities, backpackers or superyacht owners.  There has been a strain on that coexistence in recent years, as the party tourism aspect has expanded, and the town was in danger of becoming better known for its partying than its rich cultural heritage. 

While there is still much to do, it seems that the winds of change are coming once more to this historic town, with the town's chiefs working to steer it back along with the path of more elite tourism. 

Last week, I visited Hvar Town, and it was a pleasure to meet the new tourist board director, Petar Razovic. Petar kindly agreed to an interview to showcase his vision of the destinaton, as well as outline what concrete steps are being taken. 

1. You have been in the job for about one year now. How is it going? How is the reality different from your perception before you took the job?

On 5 March 2019, I marked one year as director of the Hvar Town Tourist Board. I spent six months preparing and presenting my operational programme to the Hvar Town Tourism Council, so I knew the situation in Hvar tourism. The main problem I first encountered was that guests were experiencing and seeing the town of Hvar as a party destination. It was that experience and image of Hvar to the world which we had to start to change immediately.

2. Hvar is a destination which is dear to so many people, and its direction has come under media attention in recent years. Share your vision of Hvar the destination.

My vision of Hvar as a destination is that it must be recognised throughout the tourist year as a place where art, culture, nature, sports and social life for all generations magically meet.

The town of Hvar must restore its old glory and again become the most desirable luxury destination on the Adriatic.

3. Bringing change always takes time, but can you tell us a little about what you have achieved so far and what you expect to change in 2019?

In the coming years, Hvar will experience significant changes as we have started two projects for the development of sustainable, more responsible and higher quality tourism, involving private rental owners, agencies, hoteliers, caterers, retail businesses and wellness workers.

The first is the IQM destination Hvar (Integral Quality Management) – systematic promotion and implementation of quality management at the destination, and the other is the CROSTO (Croatian Sustainable Tourism Observatory) – a project for measuring and monitoring the sustainability of tourism.

Also, by conducting surveys of Croatian and international guests, we will get the results we will use to develop the destination further.

4. Hvar as a party destination, coexisting with its more elite and cultural tourism, has caused tensions in recent years. I hear that plans are in place to bring more control to this. Can you elaborate?

At the end of last year, members of the Hvar Town Council agreed with the owners of the nightclubs in Hvar the organisational rules for their operation. In the town centre, loud music will be allowed until midnight, and after that, the parties will move to the club on Pakleni Islands until 5.00 am or to a disco club. 

There will also be changes in the schedule of transfers by boats to Pakleni Islands. They will start at midnight. Communal officers and security guards will take care of the behaviour of young people during late nights.

5. 2019 sees the reopening of the oldest public theatre in Europe in Hvar Town, which is excellent news. Tell us more about that and how and when people can visit the theatre. How often will plays be performed?

After 20 years of restoration, we will open the oldest public theatre in Europe on 1 May. In the tourist sense, this will provide us with the most valuable cultural treasure in the town of Hvar. For this tourist season, it is planned that the theatre will be open for tourist visits throughout the day, with the possibility of expert guides being engaged.

Performances themselves are planned as part of the 58th Hvar Summer.

6. 2019 also sees the opening of the first 5-star hotel on the island, as Palace Elisabeth, heritage Hvar hotel opens its doors this summer. How important is this for the development of Hvar tourism?

The opening of the first 5-star hotel in Hvar – Palace Elisabeth – is the most important event for further development of luxury tourism in the town of Hvar. With its opening, Hvar will be placed on the world's 5-star tourist destination map, and I believe that in the coming years the profile of guests coming to Hvar will be drastically changed. The whole destination will have to make an additional effort and invest financial resources to keep up with the further development of the tourist activities.

The promotion of the town of Hvar will be richer for one more perfect postcard, a joint photo of Fortica and the new 5-star Palace Elisabeth Hotel.

7. You have been working hard to improve connectivity to the town, and with some success with more catamarans planned. Tell us more.

Until two years ago, Hvar was connected with a maximum of 4 catamaran lines during the season. For this tourist year, we have already confirmed 15 catamaran lines that will stop at Hvar, with the possible increase of that number.

Due to the construction of the new airport in Kaštela, we have connected Resnik and the town of Hvar with catamarans, which will facilitate the transfer of guests coming to Split and then to Hvar by plane. Due to the introduction of the Philadelphia-Dubrovnik flights, there has been a 75% increase in the catamaran traffic on the Dubrovnik-Hvar route, so three new lines have been introduced for this year compared to the last year.

Last year, an extension of the Hvar waterfront was built, so it now provides much better operational capacities. Two catamarans can dock at the same time, reducing the crowding in the port. 

We are planning to improve the signalling in the Hvar port as soon as possible (by setting up a display with all catamaran lines), and some changes have already been made in the Split port in cooperation with the Split Port Authority.

8. I must ask you about the famous signs threatening fines for people improperly dressed and drinking in public places in the centre. The story went around the world. How effective has the campaign been, and what is the official advice for tourists coming to Hvar?

The signs with rules of behaviour and dressing in public areas were often photographed and shared on social networks and were featured in the global media, so they did attract some media attention. They will remain for this summer as well and serve as a guide to how to behave and dress in a town that has a 150-year-long tourist tradition. I do not advocate punishing the guests but prefer them to be educated. If needed, the town does have communal officers who will be able to issue fines as a final measure after a warning.

Last year, the Tourist Board distributed official t-shirts as part of a campaign in which we dressed people in swimsuits, and this produced excellent results since the guests also received a memento of their stay in Hvar.

9. Hvar is a town of great culture, and the Hvar Cultural Summer has been taking place for over 50 years. Many tourists may not be so aware of it. Tell us about some of the fantastic locations where performances are held, and what is in store for this year's cultural summer?

This year, we will organise the 58th Hvar Summer which will be held at several locations in the town of Hvar.

After 20 years, we will have performances in the theatre and Arsenal, and we will continue with Veneranda, the mansion of Hanibal Lucić and the Franciscan monastery. Many events that will be held in these areas will open these valuable cultural and historical monuments to guests and revitalise them after the winter period.

I am particularly pleased that we will realise international cooperation through the visit of the Lviv Theater from Ukraine, on 30 June at Veneranda.

10. One of the great debates here is whether the island of Hvar should be promoted as one destination, or Hvar Town as its own destination. What is your view?

By the end of this year, the Hvar Island DMO should be established that will have as its task a joint promotion of Hvar island in tourism markets. Given that I have been involved in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism on the drafting of all documents since the very beginning, my opinion is that it is necessary to promote the island of Hvar as a single destination jointly, because only together can we offer guests the complete atmosphere and all the beauties that Hvar has to offer.

The entire Hvar island has 6 UNESCO monuments of intangible cultural heritage that every guest wants to see, and only one of them can be seen in the town of Hvar (the Hvar lace in the Benedictine monastery). This example shows why we should promote the island of Hvar as a unique tourist brand.

Also, the development of cycling paths and cycling tourism must be done for the whole island of Hvar.

What we will leave for the Hvar town are significant events that raise the quality of the Hvar town tourism (OTILLO, Bahrain Merida Camp), as well as promotions in the British and American markets, since guests from these markets mostly come to the Hvar town.

 11. And finally, your favourite places on Hvar, and why?

You have left the toughest question for the end. The father’s side of my family comes from a small town of Vrbanj, located in the middle of the island, while the mother's family is from Vrboska, a place that was created as a port of Vrbanj, and is known to guests as "Little Venice". I like Stari Grad due to its fantastic history and great significance for the formation of the island of Hvar, Jelsa attracts me since last year I was a cross-bearer as part of its 550-year-old “Za Križen” tradition which is UNESCO protected, and I adore the town of Hvar because it is the place where I have achieved my professional success as the director of the Hvar Town Tourist Board.

Yet, on this perfect island, there is a place I would not exchange for anything. It is a small cove on the northern side of the island where I learned to enjoy excellent fish and wine, sun and sea. Once you jump into the sea there, you feel connected with the whole world and all the guests who have come or will come to visit the town of Hvar on the island of Hvar.

Want to learn more about Hvar? Check out the Total Croatia guide, Hvar in a Page.

One of the fasting growing water activities in Croatia in recent years has been sea kayaking, and Hvar is arguably the top destination for sea kayaking on the Adriatic. 

I remember talking to one of the founders of AndAdventure back in 2005, and how the locals on the benches and in the cafes watched these crazy young enthusiasts running around in the early morning putting their kayaks into the water.

How times have changed! Rough Guides included sea kayaking in its 17 unmissable things in Croatia a couple of years ago, and the Hvar sea kayaking story has gone from strength since then. 

It is not perhaps an activity that everyone considers when they come for a beach holiday, but sea kayaking is growing in popularity. With a range of tours, from island hopping to the half-day Pakleni Islands sunset tour (a truly fabulous way to experience Paradise), there is something for everyone. 

The And Adventure team have almost 15 years of kayaking experience. Safety and sensibility are at the core of everything they do. 

But so too is exploring off the beaten path, taking you to those hidden covers and magical bays that only local knowledge can find. 

The And Adventure team last night pronounced the 2019 Hvar Sea Kayaking season open! So why not take a look at Hvar from a very different angle this summer? To learn more, check out the And Adventure website. 

Think you can predict the ending of GoT? Let the Unforgettable Croatia agency know!

If one thing has put Croatia on the map more than anything else for film and TV buffs, its the hit Game of Thrones series which has taken the world by storm, leading to countless visits to the many Croatian filming sites, particularly those in Dalmatia's southernmost city of Dubrovnik, which plays Kings Landing in the series, as well as Split.

While the Game of Thrones hysteria has been met with both positive and negative conclusions from residents of popular cities like Dubrovnik and Split, there is no doubt that economically speaking, Croatia has benefited beyond belief.

As Lider writes on the 19th of April, 2019, the British-American agency Unforgettable Croatia has announced a competition in which the task is to guess the ending of the wildly popular Game of Thrones (GoT) series and the reward for the one who manages to decifer the unfolding of the series' events will be rewarded with a trip to no less than GoT heaven - Croatia. So far, more than 5,000 people have sent Unforgettable Croatia their thoughts about who will take the throne at the end of the hit series.

The winner will be awarded a tourist-style tour of the various locations where the popular series was filmed across Croatia, more specifically Dalmatia, including Split, Klis, Hvar, Vis and Dubrovnik. Game of Thrones took off like few could have ever imagined, and the promotion that brought to Croatia was and remains unquantifiable. The first episode of the final season alone, which broadcast on Sunday attracted a record 11.8 million viewers.

Graham Carter, the owner of the British-American Unforgettable Croatia agency which launched the this GoT inspired competition, had his business in mind, which would further flourish by increasing the overall interest in travelling to Croatia. Every year, this agency brings about 5,000 passengers travel to Croatia, and they're hoping to increase that figure to 6,500 next year, as Carter revealed for Večernji list. Carter is currently residing in Split, where he is trying to establish a Croatian office for his the Unforgettable Croatia agency.

The winner of Unforgettable Croatia's competition will be offered half-board accommodation for a seven-day trip for two to Croatia, a tour of the Game of Thrones sites accompanied by a professional guide, and a visit to Hvar and Vis by sea. But there is, of course, a catch - the winner will not win the airplane tickets for travel, and they'll need to foot the bill for that themselves. 

GoT fan? Have your say! Click here.

Make sure to follow our dedicated lifestyle page for much more.

 April 20, 2019 - One of Croatia's most important religious traditions, the UNESCO-inscribed 'Za Krizen' processions on Hvar, took place once more through the night of Maundy Thursday/Good Friday. A video snapshot of all 6 processions. 

As previously reported on TCN, an altogether different face of the sunny tourist island of Hvar was on display during the night of Maundy Thursday, as thousands of Catholic worshippers took part in the overnight 22-kilometre processions of 'Za Krizen' (Behind the Cross), which took place simultaneously from Jelsa, Pitve, Vrisnik, Svirce, Vrbanj and Vrboska. 

The processions, following a barefoot cross bearer and his acolytes, through a circular route of prayer and contemplation through the other five settlements, are a tradition dating back almost 500 years. They have taken place every year without fail, including during wars, Communism and even in the Sinai Desert in the El Shatt refugee camp in 1944-5. 

TCN spent the night on the main square in Jelsa, capturing the action from 20:00 until the spectacular climax, as exhausted Jelsa cross bearer ran the final steps, as per tradition, to return the ancient cross to the awaiting priest at 07:15 on Goof Friday. 

Below, some video footage from the start and end of the Jelsa procession, as well as every other procession as they entered Jelsa's main square. 

The Jelsa procession departs.

The first of six processions which will pass through Jelsa's main square. Timeline - 22:15.

The arrival of Vrboska at 23:50.

The arrival of Vrbanj at 01:00.

The arrival of Svirce at 02:15.

The arrival of Vrisnik at 03:30.

The arrival of Pitve at 05:10.

The return of Jelsa at 07:15.