May 21, 2023 - A decade after its first edition, one of the best promotional events in Croatia kicks off in Istria - Nikola Tesla EV Rally 2023. 

If I was looking for a symbol to promote the very best image of Croatia, I don't think I could come up with something better than the Nikola Tesla EV Rally, an annual event which celebrated 10 years when it kicked off in Rovinj yesterday. 

This year's event, the longest ever at 10 days, will take in the delights of Istria, the Kvarner and Dalmatian coasts, in a 5-star tour of the very best that Croatian has to offer. The participants, predominantly Tesla drivers from all over the world, congregate each year to sample the best of Croatian luxury accommodation and gourmet experiences, interspersed with tourism sightseeing and speed tests at Vrsar Airport. 

Imagine the symbolism. In modern Croatian, the birthplace of Nikola Tesla in Smiljan, the electric ca revolution is celebrated, while showcasing the finest nature, lifestyle, gastronomy and authentic experiences. I can think of no finer event to present the best of Croatia.

It is an event that has seen the likes of Elon Musk's mother, Maye Musk, take part (can you imagine the mother of Mr Modern Telsa driving a Tesla around the land of the birthplace of Nikola Tesla - and almost nobody noticed...), as well as the owner of the first-ever Rimac Concept_One driving his $1 million car all over Croatia on the rally route. 

This year's event kicked off as usual in Istria, with the Teslas, accompanied by an electric vehicle from the local administration in Fazana, lining up on the waterfront to be inspected by curious passers-by, before heading off inland for Day 1 of the driving in the rally. 

Beautiful Rovinj was a stunning setting, as you can see from the drone sho above, only to be followed by the first stop.  

Vodnjan and its timeless and narrow streets proved to be an excellent first stop, accompanies by a walking tour of the town, which included a visit to the famous mummies in a nearby church.  

Vodnjan from the air - it has recently become famous for something else - home to the first-ever Croatian unicorn, the IT company, Infobip. 

One of the things I like most about the rally (I have attended parts of it 3-4 times over the las few years), is how organisers Tina and Igor Kolovat manage each year to bring some of the best culinary experiences into the program, and there is always a surprise, even for those of us who know Croatia quite well. And that surprise on the first day was undoubtedly Prsutana Bursic in Vodnjan.  

I have visited many prsut producers during my time in Croatia, but none quite like this one. Apart from the delicious (and smokeless - only the wind is used in the production) prsut, I had never been to a prsut producer who has invested so much into make the prsut tasting experience a family occasion. Kids play areas! Awesome stuff. 

But not as awesome as this gem of a find below, and something which I have never come across before.  

Pancetta chips. This was pork scratchings on steroids, absolutely stunning, and the perfect snack with a cold beer. It is the brainchild of the wife of the producer, who came up with it during lockdown. Just one of a range of excellent products on offer. Definitely a hidden gem worth checking out next time you are in Istria.  

From there, to more familiar territory and the Bruno Trapan wine and lunch experience. Trapan is one of Istria's best-known and most innovative winemakers, and his Trapan Station is an excellent culinary experience and introduction to the world of Istrian gastronomy.  While Mrs Trapan toiled away in the kitchen to produce an excellent lunch for the guests, Bruno was front of house, making sure everything worked like clockwork, while simultaneously presenting six of his outstanding wines. A fine example of a family business with a passion for excellence creating a stunning first impression to the international arrivals. 

Having been seduced by the prsut, wine and food of Istria, next stop on the rally was to one of my favourite stories in all Croatia, and arguably the leading olive oil producer in the country.  In 1997, a teenage boy planted 100 olive trees in memory of his late father and grandfather. His elder brother supported him in his project. Today, Chiavalon olive oil is acclaimed as one of the best in the world. 

Elder brother Tedi Chiavalon was on hand to welcome the rally participants to the new Chaivalon facility just outside Vodnjan. His presentation about extra virgin olive oil was one of the most educational gourmet presentations I have heard in Croatia, giving a step by step guide about how to spot the real and the fake extra virgin olive oil. It was also a presentation with not a hint of a sales pitch, but so impressed was his audience, that the Chiavalon shop till was ringing for some time as participants lined up to get their slice of Istrian liquid gold. 

A superb opening day, rounded off with dinner at Hotel Eden in Rovinj, and then to bed in preparation for Day 2 - highlights of which include visits to Groznjan and Buzet, as well as speed racing of Teslas at the private Vrsar Airport. After that, the rally will head south to Split, while also visiting Peljesac, the Imotski Lakes, Sibenik, Krka National Park, Crikvenica and Trogir. You can see the itinerary here, and follow the rally on Facebook.  

April 16,2023 - The quietest rally in the world is back! The Nikola Tesla EV Rally 2023 will kick off from Rovinj and take in the top sites of the Adriatic, but oh so quietly. Check out the full programme.  

Imagine a rally where the mother of Mr Modern Tesla, Elon Musk, drove a Tesla around a country where the original Nikola Tesla was born (Tesla was born in Smiljan, in what is modern-day Croatia), as Maye Musk did back in 2015.

Imagine a rally around Croatia where the first-ever buyer of the Rimac Concept One took place in his new $1 million toy. You can read my interview with Paul Runge about the whole experience here.

Imagine a rally where Mate Rimac rocks up and takes part in the speed trials in his own hypercar.

There is no need to imagine. One of the coolest - and certainly the quietest - rallies in Croatia is back as one of the highlights of the Croatian tourism calendar in May. This year's edition will see a stream of Tesla and other electric vehicles on a luxury 10-day rally through the best spots of the Adriatic coast, starting from Hotel Lone in Rovinj and ending at Iadera Falkensteiner Punta Skala in Zadar. 

Having done a large part of the rally a few years ago, I can confirm that - at least in my opinion - it is one of the top things happening in Croatian tourism. So much so in fact that I included it in my 10 things that Croatia does better than anywhere else video (see below).

This year's programme in full:

"NIKOLA TESLA EV RALLY CROATIA 2023"

DAY 1: 19.05.2023. Rovinj – hotel Lone (Address: Luje Adamovića 31, 52210 Rovinj)

• 18.30 h meeting in “Night Club” conference room in hotel Lone, gathering and official introduction of team, route and schedule
• 19.30h Dinner

 DAY 2: 20.05.2023. Rovinj city center - Vodnjan

• 11.00 h start from hotel Lone, arrival in the city center of Rovinj – Welcome and official start announcement by Mayor of Rovinj
• Visit to Vodnjan
• Chiavalon oil factory
• Wine tasting and lunch in local winery
• Hotel

 DAY 3: 21.05.2023 Vrsar Airport – Grožnjan – Buzet

• 10.30h start from Lone hotel to a private airport for the sport part of the program
• Lunch
• Visit to Grožnjan and Buzet

DAY 4: 22.05.2023. Hotel Lone – Opatija - Split

• 09.00 h Start from hotel Lone
• Charging stop in Senj 
• Charging stop in Zadar 
• Arrival hotel Le Meridien Lav (Address: Grljevacka 2A, Podstrana, 21312, Split

DAY 5: 23.05.2023.

• 09.00h Start from hotel Le Meridien Lav – drive to Island Pelješac
• Drive over Peljšac bridge
• Lunch on Pelješac
• Visit to Red and Blue Lakes in Imotski. Red Lake is known for its numerous caves and remarkably high cliffs, reaching over 241 metres above normal water level and continuing below the water level. The total explored depth of this sinkhole is approximately 530 metres with a volume of roughly 25–30 million cubic meters, thus it is the third largestsinkhole in the world.
• Dinner

DAY 6:24.05.2023 Split–Trogir-Zadar

• 10.00 h start from the hotel Le Meridien Lav
• Visit and lunch Trogir
• Arrival and dinner Iadera Falkensteiner Hotel &Spa Iadera (Addres: Resort Punta Skala, 23231, Petrčane)

 DAY 7: 25.05.2023. Sea and surprise day

• Time to relax and enjoy!

DAY 8: 26.05.2023. Šibenik – NP Krka - Skradin

• 10.00h Drive to city of Šibenik and National park Krka
• Ante Šupuk and engineer Vjekoslav Meischner, Šibenik had electrical lighting before many European cities, including Vienna, Budapest, Rome, London and others.
• Lunch

• Visit to Old town Šibenik Sv.Mihovil fortress. The Medieval St. Mihovil Fortress was erected on a sixty meters high and steep rocky hill that dominates the surrounding waters. Under its walls, Šibenik evolved - the oldest native Croatian town on the Adriatic. Barone Fortress was built in 1646 on Vidakuša, the 80 meter-high hill above the city. Along with the other three fortresses in Šibenik, it represents a unique defence system that resisted the enemies of the city for centuries. Today, it has an exceptional monumental value recognized across Europe.
• 20.00h Dinner

DAY 9: 27.05.2023 Zadar

• 11.00h start
• 11.45–12.30h sport part of the program
• Official ceremony in the center of Zadar, welcome by Mayor of Zadar (lunch)
• Lunch and visit to old town Zadar

DAY 10: 28.05.2023. Iadera Falkensteiner Petrčane - FINISH

• 11.00h check out

• Charging on route between hotels will be on SuC in different groups and in hotels will be organized directly on hotel power plants with our equipment, our charging crew will set up cables and assist with connecting and make sure everyone is charged for the next day activities. All SuConour route have CCS for Model 3 charging.
• First day 19.05.2023. on our “introduction meeting” all details regarding route, charging and schedule will be presented and every team will receive official “road book” which contains“ all you need to know” info.

February 15, 2023 - It is a small country which consistently overachieves in many different ways. 10 things Croatia does better than anywhere else.

Croatia.

A tiny country of less than 4 million people.

But a country which punches above its weight on the global stage on SO many levels.

Having lived here for 20 years, I am constantly astounded about how much this small country has achieved in so many areas of life. Here are 10 things that - at least in my opinion - Croatia does better than any other country in the world.

Do you agree? Are there any other things? Answers in the comments below the video, please.

You can read the original article, 10 Things Croatia Does Better Than Anywhere Else on Total Croatia here.

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What is it like to live in Croatia? An expat for 20 years, you can follow my series, 20 Ways Croatia Changed Me in 20 Years, starting at the beginning - Business and Dalmatia.

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June 7, 2022 - The Nikola Tesla EV Rally 2022 is underway, showcasing luxury tourism and Croatia's green credentials for the 9th year. 

Did you hear about the time Elon Musk's mum took part in a electric car race driving a Tesla? Not many have (That Time Elon Musk's Mum Maye Came on the Nikola Tesla EV Rally in Croatia).

(Maye Musk with event organisers Igor and Tina Kolovrat)

Or that time when a Jadrolinija ferry was 100% occupied by electric cars, an image which was shared on social media by Musk's Tesla company?

Or the time that Croatia's own electric car genius, Mate Rimac, took part in speed tests on the same rally in his Concept_One?

One of the very best events in Croatia is underway for a ninth year, the Nikola Tesla EV Rally 2022, which kicked off in Istria, and which will be making its way down the coast to Zadar over the next week. More than 60 electric vehicles, predominantly Teslas, will be taking part in the quietest race in the world.

An excellent week of 5-star hotels, excellent Croatian gastronomy and culture are being enjoyed by a very international field, as well as speed skill exams for competitors to pit their skills against each other. 

A key component of the rally each year is connecting with the public who are interested in learning more about the electric car revolution. The programme of this year's rally is below, with local tourist boards able to inform you on exact arrival times and locations. 

05.06. START Rovinj
06.06. Rovinj (Riva – Obala Maršala Tita) – PROGRAM:
– 11.00 gathering/arrival of vehicles
– 11.30 – 12.00 h official start announcement by Mayor of Rovinj, Mr. Marko Paliaga
07-08.06. Rovinj – Vrsar – Svetvinčenat – Kringa- Tinjan – Pazin – Lupoglav – Hum – Opatija – Zadar
09.06. Šibenik – PROGRAM:
– 13.30 . 16.30 h exhibition of vehicles on Riva (Obala dr.Franje Tuđmana)
10.06. Zadar – PROGRAM: Parking of Višnjik Sport Center (open for public, visitors are welcome)
– 11.00 h gathering
– 11.15 – 13.30 h „Speed skill exam“
– 13.45 h Award ceremony
11.06. FINISH Zadar

Here is how the rally looks in the video below. To follow the latest, check out the Nikola Tesla EV Rally 2022 Facebook page.

June 2, 2021 - On May 23, the Nikola Tesla EV Rally started in Istria, and after eight days, ten cities, five national and natural parks and a lot of adrenaline, the quietest rally in the world concluded in Zagreb.

As reported by hrturizam.hr today, the race next to the National and University Library in Zagreb ended the eighth edition of the most beautiful and quietest rally in the world "Nikola Tesla EV Rally Croatia 2021".

The rally, which is a kind of tourist-technological promotion of Croatia, started on May 23 in Istria, and during eight days 1251 kilometers were driven on routes from Rovinj, Opatija through Zadar, Smiljan to Zagreb, the host city that has supported the project since 2014.

Teams from all over Europe cruised the panoramic roads through six counties, visited ten cities and five national parks, and nature parks. Participants enjoyed a dose of adrenaline through races at two locations and a superb eno-gastro experience at each stop location.

Nikola Tesla EV Rally Official Facebook (Photo: Dinko Samardzic)

"Nikola Tesla EV Rally Croatia" is a unique project that combines e-mobility and tourism, creating a new "niche" in the premium tourist offer. It promotes the use of electric vehicles, as well as the natural beauty of Croatia and green technology.

Gathered at all stopping locations, they could see various e-vehicles such as all Tesla models, Škoda Enyaq IV, WV ID-3, e-Twingo, Opel Mokka, e-Smart, and Jaguar I-Pace, a vehicle sponsored by the British Embassy in Zagreb, whose representatives actively participated in the rally by driving the section Zadar - MC Nikola Tesla - Plitvice - Zagreb.

Nikola Tesla EV Rally Official Facebook (Photo: Dinko Samardzic)

The end of the event was marked by a solemn ceremony of announcing the winners and handing over the trophies, which were presented to the winners by the Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Andrew Stuart Dalgleish. The first three places were won by Franz Maier from Germany, Manuel Strohmeier from Austria, and Elisa (Alexander) Goldberg from Germany.

From year to year, with the support of partners such as the Fund for Environmental Protection and Energy Efficiency (EPEEF), this event promotes awareness of e-mobility, the importance of obtaining energy from renewable sources, and Croatia as an "e-mobility friendly" tourist destination. 97% of participants have never been to Croatia and the rally is actually their first contact with Croatia, after which almost everyone announced their return in private.

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To learn more about sport in Croatia, CLICK HERE. 

One of the finest Croatian tourism promotion events takes place once again on May 12, 2019 - Nikola Tesla EV Rally, the quietest rally in the world. 

It is an event in his homeland that would have made Nikola Tesla proud. An event whose past participants have included the mother of Mr Modern Day Tesla, Maye Musk, the new king of electric supercars, Mate Rimac, and the first buyer of the Rimac Concept One. An event which takes place in a country of staggering natural beauty, 10% of which is given over to national and nature parks. It is an event in his homeland that would have made Nikola Tesla proud. An event whose past participants have included the mother of Mr Modern Day Tesla, Maye Musk, the new king of electric supercars, Mate Rimac, and the first buyer of the Rimac Concept One. An event which takes place in a country of staggering natural beauty, 10% of which is given over to national and nature parks. 

Welcome to the Nikola Tesla EV Rally in Croatia, officially the quietest rally in the world.

Now in its 6th year, this unique rally comprises a luxury tour of the finest sights, nature, hotels and gourmet experiences that Croatia has to offer. An 8-day luxury electric vehicle rally over 1,500 km taking in Croatia's fabled coastline and islands, 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 4 national parks, 3 Game of Thrones filming locations, and the birthplace of Nikola Tesla himself in Smiljan. 

Starting at luxury Novi Spa and Hotels Resort in Novi Vinodolski, the rally will be based at Sun Gardens Dubrovnik, before heading north to Sibenik, then inland to Smiljan, Plitvice Lakes and finishing in Zagreb. 

The electric vehicle revolution is taking off in Croatia, largely due to the efforts of the rally organisers, and full charging options are catered for. As just one part of its contribution to sustainable tourism, the Nikola Tesla EV Rally is the only rally in the world which leaves infrastructure for e-vehicles behind. This includes a charging station donated at the birthplace of Tesla in Smiljan.

The rally attracts a truly international field each year, with many from Austria, Belgium, Germany, Finland, Switzerland and Norway, as well as further afield from Canada and South Africa.

Last year's rally saw the remarkable sight of 50 Teslas alone on a ferry at one time. The rally is not a race as such (although there are 3 speed races included), more a leisurely drive admiring one of the truly more glorious natural paradises in the world. 

If you are interested in seeing the magic of the country which gave the world Nikola Telsa in a manner in which he would surely have approved, learn more about the Nikola Tesla EV Rally on the official website, and check out the 2019 itinerary below.

"NIKOLA TESLA EV RALLY CROATIA 2019"

12.05.2019. START Novi Vinodolski (hotel Novi Spa Hotels & Resort)

• 19.00 h conference room: gathering and official introduction of team, route and schedule
• 20.30 h Dinner
• 22.00 h Welcome drink with the view, our DJ will play some good music ….

13.05.2019. Novi Vinodolski – Klis - Dubrovnik

• Famous TV Show “Game of Thrones” was filmed on 2 locations in Croatia – Fortress Klis in Dugopolje and Dubrovnik. Lunch in Fortress Klis is not allowed for public so you will have a unique opportunity to experience lunch in medieval fortress overlooking the city of Split.
• 20.00 h arrival at Sun Gardens Dubrovnik hotel
• 20.30 h dinner at the hotel
• 22.00 h briefing in conference room (presentation of route and activities for the following day

14.05.2019. Dubrovnik Old Town – Lokrum island

• After relaxing morning and lunch in Sun Gardens hotel our first stop will be visiting fortress Srđ built in time of Dubrovnik Republic which was an aristocratic maritime republic centered in the city of Dubrovnik that carried that name from 1358 until 1808. One of the most spectacular views in Croatia overlooking city of Dubrovnik.
• One more location we must visit is Island of Lokrum which was first mentioned in 1023. in connection with the funding of Benedictine abbey and monastery where peacocks roam free.
• Walk in the Old City up Stradun
• 20.00 h Dinner in Taj Mahal
• 22.00 h 22.00 h briefing in conference room (presentation of route and activities for the following day)

15.05.2019. Dubrovnik – Cavtat

• 11.30 h „Skill exam”-Port Gruž

• Lunch in konoba Vinica
• Visit to Cavtat (Birth house one of the most famous Croatian painters, Vlaho Bukovac and Meštrović Pavilion)
• 20.00 h Dinner
• 22.00 h briefing in conference room (presentation of route and activities for the following day)

16.05.2019. Dubrovnik – Ston - Šibenik

• 08.00 h Start from Sun Gardens

• Visit to Ston, salt factory where the tradition od harvesting salt has been passed on for over 400 years and since then salt is produced in the same way with only the assistance of the sun, sea and wind. Also, you will see the walls of Ston that were built in 1333, a massive architecture and construction feat originally 7000-meters long (22 965 ft.), they consist of several parts; the Ston city walls, the Mali Ston city walls and the Big wall with its three forts. Its forts and towers are strengthened by 10 round and 31 square flanking towers and 6 semi-circular bastions

• Visit to Red and Blue Lake in Imotski. Red Lake is known for its numerous caves and remarkably high cliffs, reaching over 241 metres above normal water level and continuing below the water level. The total explored depth of this sinkhole is approximately 530 metres with a volume of roughly 25–30 million cubic meters, thus it is the third largest sinkhole in the world.
• 20.00 h Amadria park hotel Jure
• Dinner
• 22.00 h briefing in conference room (presentation of route and activities for the following day)

17.05.2019. Zadar – Šibenik – Skradin – NP Krka

• 11.00 “Skill exam”
• Lunch in restaurant Skala in Skradin
• Visit to NP Krka 7^th largest national park in Croatia and home of the hydro plant that was open in 1895, just two days after Tesla’s hydroelectric plant on Niagara Falls. At the same time, 11 km of power lines to transmit electricity and a city lighting network were built, the first complete electricity system in Croatia. Thanks to Šibenik Mayor Ante Šupuk and engineer Vjekoslav Meischner, Šibenik had electrical lighting before many European cities, including Vienna, Budapest, Rome, London and others.
• Visit to Old town Šibenik Sv.Mihovil and Barone fortress. The Medieval St. Mihovil Fortress was erected on a sixty meters high and steep rocky hill that dominates the surrounding waters. Under its walls, Šibenik evolved - the oldest native Croatian town on the Adriatic. Barone Fortress was built in 1646 on Vidakuša, the 80 meter-high hill above the city. Along with the other three fortresses in Šibenik, it represents a unique defence system which resisted the enemies of the city for centuries. Today, it has an exceptional monumental value recognized across Europe.
• 20.00 h Dinner
• 22.00 h briefing in conference room (presentation of route and activities for the following day)

18.05.2019. Šibenik - MC Nikola Tesla-Plitvička Jezera - Zagreb

• 11.30 h Visit to Smiljan – MC Nikola Tesla (birthplace of Nikola Tesla)
• Croatia, the one and only Homeland of Nikola Tesla! Nikola Tesla was an inventor, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer and futurist who is best known for his contributions to the design of the modern alternating current (AC) electricity supply system.He was born 10 July 1856. In Croatia (former Austria-Hungarian Empire) and spent his childhood in his birthplace, small village Smiljan near Gospić
• Visit and lunch at NP Plitvička Jezera. Plitvice Lakes is the oldest and largest national park in the Republic of Croatia. With its exceptional natural beauty, this area has always attracted nature lovers, and already on 8 April 1949, it was proclaimed Croatia’s first national park. The process of tufa formation, which results in the building of the tufa, or travertine, barriers and resulted in the creation of the lakes, is the outstanding universal value, for which the Plitvice Lakes were internationally recognized on 26 October 1979 with their inscription onto the UNESCO World Heritage List.

• 20.00 h Zagreb- arrival on Ban Jelačić square (main city square).
• The city of Zagreb, capital of Croatia is a cultural, scientific, economic, political and administrative center of the Republic of Croatia. The streets and monuments proudly testify to its thousands of years of history. A mixture of Austro-Hungarian and modern architecture, Zagreb has culture, arts, music, gastronomy and most important of all … vision of the future. Only city in Croatia with fast charging stations in front of Municipality

• 21.00 h Amadria Park hotel Capital Zagreb/Heritage hotel - dinner
• 22.30 h briefing in conference room (presentation of route and activities for the following day)
• *Vehicles will be parked and charged overnight at the main square under security protection (hotel is located 100 m by walking distance from the main Square)

19.05.2019. Zagreb- FINISH

• 11.00 h Start from Ban Jelačić square
• Carousel arround the city, visit to Meštrović Pavilion- HDLU
• 12.30 h „Speed race“

Award and celebration ceremony

Lunch- FINISH!

See you in 2020.

Nikola Tesla EV Rally Team!

October 11, 2018 - The itinerary for the 2019 Nikola Tesla EV Rally in Croatia has been announced. 

The 5th Nikola Tesla EV Rally came to an end in some style on the streets of Zagreb on June 10, 2018. 

June 10, 2018 - The 2018 Nikola Tesla EV Rally reaches Zagreb, as Minister for the Environment and Energy Tomislav Coric joins the rally at the birthplace of Nikola Tesla. 

June 8, 2018 - Testing the electric vehicle infrastructure of Croatia's islands, the Nikola Tesla EV Rally heads south from Losinj to Zadar.