February 6, 2023 - Registrations are now open for this year's sixth edition of the most attractive Croatian trail race, Life on Mars Trail. The island of Pag attracts an increasing number of outdoor enthusiasts to this race every year due to its incredible scenery and excellent organization.

As Turističke Priče writes, this famous island trail, described as incredibly beautiful by runners, was officially opened in 2019, and it remains relevant and visited throughout the year.

In Novalja, in the area of Metajna and on the trail itself, you will find the most beautiful beaches on the island of Pag: Ručica, Beriknica, Slana and Seline, whose cosmic beauty impresses absolutely everyone. You can find marked trails and coordinates here.

This year's race will take place on March 25, and all information about the race, conditions and registration can be found here. If you're ready, though, you can register for the sixth Life on Mars by clicking on this link.

The Life on Mars trail is held in three categories:

- the CHALLENGER with a length of 24 kilometers following the trail concept, which means that the trail is marked by hiking and trail paths. There is no trail starting from 3.5km to 5.5km of the route, but the area is passable, and in one place, as always, it is necessary to go through the sea for about 50 meters, with its level reaching up to the hips. All those who do not want to get wet, can opt to go back from KT 4 to KT 3 and continue along the trail. This option is about 500m longer. There are no refreshment stations, and water is available from the Malin spring at the 15^th kilometer. ž

- the ACTIVE category of 15 kilometers also follows the trail concept. The course is marked and follows hiking and trail paths and passes 50 meters through the sea and along a water source towards the end of the race.

- LIGHT is the final category, with a length of 7 kilometers follows a marked path with hiking and trail paths.

Google recognized the Life on Mars trail

The popularity of the Life on Mars trail is confirmed by Google, which puts Novalja and this trail in the fifth place for the search term Life on Mars, despite the world-famous song by David Bowie.

This trail owes its attractiveness to the incredible and unique landscape shaped by the bura, and the photos shared by the runners are the best advertisement for the island of Pag and its outdoor offer. Thanks to the Life on Mars trail, Pag has become an unmissable outdoor destination. You can find the complete outdoor offer of Pag on the Pag outdoor web platform.

There is life on the "Mars of Pag" every day and in all seasons! Run to the beats of David Bowie on a trail which they say captures you at the first step and creates an adrenaline addiction to which you return again and again.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated Lifestyle section.

October 21, 2022 - Bikademy, an innovative cycling tourism product, opened a new Study - Novalja, in the northern part of the island of Pag.

Pag is called Moon island for a reason. Its eastern part resembles the surface of the moon, with its landscape stripped by the northern wind Bura. Using the moon as a leitmotif, Bikademy launched the "Cycling on the Moon" campaign, emphasizing that we don't have to travel far to find unique experiences.

Bikademy functions like an academy whose users are called Bikademy Students. To become a Bikademy Student, you need to download and register on the free Bikademy application. The application offers Studies that represent a specific region or city. Inside each Study, there is a list of Exams, locations within the Study, to which you need to cycle and check in via the application. The course is completed by checking in at each exam, after which Bikademy rewards students with gifts from their sponsor, Giant Croatia.

The Novalja study consists of seven exams: the charming town of Lun, the popular Novalja and Zrće beaches, Novaljsko Polje, the incredible Svetojanj fortress, Ručica beach, and Žigljen.

The campaign started with the publication of this video.

Krešimir Herceg, the owner of Bikademy, points out that the bicycle is the ideal means of exploring the destination because it is slow enough to experience the surroundings and fast enough to cover longer distances, which is perfect for exploring the northern part of Pag.

As a product, Bikademy complements the Pag Outdoor project, which brands the destination through outdoor tourism. "With synergy and connection, Novalja forms a new image. In addition to being a party destination, it is also becoming an ideal destination for active tourism, which is evident from the continuous growth in the number of active tourists," added the director of the Tourist Board of the city of Novalja, Marina Šćiran Rizner.

As Bikademy adds, a bicycle is all you need to visit the moon.

The opening of this Study was made possible by the Novalja Tourist Board, PPD, and Enna Grupa, and the rewards, as always, are provided by Giant Hrvatska.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated Travel section.

September the 27th, 2022 - The Association of Pag cheese producers are seeking VAT reductions on cheese and milk products from the government, given the fact that Croatia has placed particularly high VAT rates on cheese compared to many EU member states.

As Morski writes, in Italy, this rate stands at 4%, in France 5.5%, in Germany 7%, while in this country, VAT on cheese is a whopping 25%. That is why Pag cheese producers and small dairy farms have sent a request to the Croatian Government in which they're asking for a reduction in what they consider to be too high value-added tax rates. If that happens, the consumption of cheese would increase, and its price for the end consumer would also be lower.

Without tax relief, the business outlook for cheesemakers doesn't look great.

''The Association of Pag Cheese Producers, together with the Association of Croatian Small Dairies, has decided to initiate a request to reduce VAT on cheese and dairy products. Croatia has the highest VAT rate on cheese and dairy products of all EU member states. Just for comparison, in Slovenia, the VAT rate is 9.5%, in Italy and Spain it is 4%, in Ireland the VAT rate is 0%,'' said Martina Pernar Skunca, president of the Pag Cheese Producers Association.

''We propose a VAT rate of 0-5%, so we also accept 5% as a kind of normal VAT rate for dairy products,'' said Sime Gligora, the director of the Gligora cheese factory.

''What's illogical is that the VAT on milk is 5% and the state subsidises milk production and encourages it, while on the other hand, the VAT on cheese and dairy products is so high,'' added Pernar Skunca.

I'm tired of the barren bureaucracy, of all of these piles of paper. Most of this could be reduced, simplified, arranged to be simpler, to be easier. A big problem is created by VAT, which takes most of the income for itself. It's clear to all of us that the state also has to live on something and those institutions that are also at our service, don't get us wrong, but I think that this industry should be protected not only on the island of Pag, but across the whole of Croatia because it's now on the verge of extinction,'' said Sime Pernjak, the co-owner of a cheese factory.

This summer's drought has also left unfavourable consequences. The sheep which graze Pag did not find enough food, so the livestock had to be supplemented, and compared to last year, the costs have doubled.

''From the very start when it comes to livestock, feed prices rose. Fodder rose because artificial fertiliser rose. Fertilizer prices have risen due to energy costs. And therefore the price of milk has also shot up. So, the price of milk is 50% higher than it was last year. Energy prices went up, electricity is three times more expensive, gas is twice as expensive, and the costs of packaging, cardboard, foils all went up,'' said Gligora.

It can't get any worse, Pag cheese producers have warned, aware that they cannot replace the increase in input costs with a higher price of cheese.

''The big thing is that we buy milk with 5% VAT, and the output VAT is 25%. The maths here is crystal clear,'' said Pernjak.

''By reducing the VAT rate on cheese and dairy products, our products would be more competitive on the market, their consumption would increase, and this would be good for everyone because there would be a greater inflow into the state coffers. So we believe that in these difficult conditions on the market and in this situation when everything has become more expensive - both raw materials and energy products - that it is really necessary to reduce VAT because it is the highest in all of Europe. As for Pag cheese, it is a premium product, and the point is that dairy farmers on the island of Pag don't live only on Pag cheese. We also have goats, we buy significant quantities of cow's milk from Croatia and goat's milk which also comes from Croatia. The price of hard cheeses has increased. We've minimally increased our prices. All hard cheeses are more expensive products and you simply have to make a compromise so as not to lose customers. Up to a certain point you can suffer at the expense of your own margins, but then there comes a point where you can't do that. If the dairies aren't operating well, who will pay the farmers for milk but the dairies?'' added Pernar Skunca.

''We bring in milk from Lika, Zagorje, Slavonia, Istria...'' noted Pernjak.

''What is very important is that we're the biggest purchasers of cow's, goat's and sheep's milk and, unlike other dairies, we produce the most products that have this high VAT,'' added Pernar Skunca. That's why only with a lower VAT rate can we overcome this never-worse time for cheesemakers, they explained from the Association of Pag Cheese Producers - now they are already worried about their jobs but also the preservation of the centuries-old tradition of cheesemaking on the island, writes HRT.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated business section.

August 7, 2022 - Having recently visited the island of Pag, as one of my summer stops, I discovered an old tradition that can be seen throughout all the nooks and crannies of Pag town – a quiet and historic destination worth visiting! All things lace can be found around the small town, whether it be on the town’s streets, tourist shops, or inside Pag’s Lace Gallery.

Lacemaking, a cherished tradition in Croatia known as ‘teg’, has been recorded throughout the Mediterranean in the mid-fifteenth century – when small rural communities left a cultural heritage to be passed down generations. The renowned folk-art form has seen patience and skill from women unlike anything else, as their hard-working hands are well acquainted with the delicate lace we now see on the streets of Pag.

Photo: Ailin Khassen

Such beauty requiring an ordinary mending needle and thread, as well as a backing – which is usually a hard stuffed pillow – is created by intangible designs; known to have been handed down from generation to generation. However, it is very likely to find each lace maker adds her own personal touch to her special lacework.

The lace, having been seen as a design on clerical vestments and national costumes (specifically the blouses and headgear, called ‘pokravica’), has now become known as a stand-alone item. Most commonly, it is utilised as a decorative item, such as an adornment on furniture; an embellishment framed and mounted on walls; a detail sewn onto articles of apparel, and hems of curtains and tablecloths.

Photo: Romulic & Stojcic

This painstaking work became renowned and diversified due to the admiration it got many years ago. In 1937, Pag’s lacework has received the gold plaque for high-quality handcraft at the World Exhibition in Paris – aiding in the demand it has seen over the years. Moreover, it is known that Empress Maria Theresa kept a lacemaker from Pag at the court in Vienna. To add, in 2009, these tiny works of art have been registered in the list of intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO – along with the lace in the island of Hvar and the town of Lepoglava!

Therefore, this precious lacemaking tradition is widespread and cherished by many in Croatia. To protect this handiwork, the Town of Pag, with the State Intellectual Property Office, has decided to implement the act of signing a license agreement when wanting to commercialise or use the lace of Pag for souvenirs, and clothing and other items. “With this act, we pay tribute to Pag lace and choose who will use it and in what way,” the director of the Pag Tourist Board, Vesna Karavanić, told HRT.

Photo: Ailin Khassen

With the word of beauty and preciseness of the lace of Pag being carried far, it is no surprise that tourists end up purchasing a piece of handiwork in one of the gift shops in the town of Pag. Additionally, it is a true pleasure to visit the Benedictine nuns of the Monastery of Santa Margherita – who keep the lace craft tradition in Pag as strong as it is. A collection of over a hundred exhibits, which have been collected and preserved for over 150 years, can be found in the Monastery as well. So, do not miss the opportunity to stop in the town of Pag to encounter the renowned lace that is as delicate as a snowflake, but durable enough to withstand laundering! 

For more on travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

May 15, 2022 - Team Unruly, in collaboration with Pollen, is bringing a unique four-day island takeover to Croatia for the first time ever, fusing the best in Jamaican, African, and UK music, led by the King of Dancehall Popcaan. Introducing the Unruly Culture Splash Weekender!

International star Popcaan who is signed to OVO is recognizable for hits such as  ‘Only Man She Want’ and ‘Family,’ and collaborations such as ‘Twist & Turn’ with Drake, PartyNextDoor, and Jamie XX’s ‘I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times)’.

Join Popcaan and the Unruly team for a jam-packed four-day feast of Caribbean culture, the first travel getaway of its kind in Europe.  At Culture Splash, expect huge headline performances with a lineup like no other curated by Unruly’s very own Popcaan, bringing together sound-system culture from across the globe and its community, highlighting creativity, wellness, and music, food, dance, and vibes with lots of surprises in-store.

Taking place on the beautiful island of Pag in Croatia, Zrće beach is one of the best party beaches in the world, with clubs lining the shoreline on the Adriatic Sea. Croatia is known for bringing the biggest and best music experiences to their country, and this one is no different. Set on a stunning beach that has become known to be among the best party locations in the world, this is the place to be this Summer.

A stellar itinerary and additional events await across the 4 days, with parties running all day and night including a themed pool party, brunch, BBQs, and a boat party. Need to chill out? There are spa and make-up treatments available to get you rejuvenated and prepared to party until sunrise. Want to realign? Join our dance class. Want to experience more of what the Island of Pag has to offer? Add on a once-in-a-lifetime excursion.

Whether you are on a budget or looking for luxury, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Culture Splash Weekender.

About Pollen Boilerplate

Pollen is a leading travel company building, curating, and delivering the best experiences for members all over the world. Members enjoy these experiences together with the people they love, creating stronger relationships and unforgettable memories. Customers who travel with Pollen immerse themselves in multi-day itineraries that combine live entertainment, parties, and relaxation time in more than 50 popular destinations. Members can discover and book these experiences exclusively on https://pollen.co/uk and the Pollen app. Pollen has already launched bespoke travel experiences with megastars like Justin Bieber, J Balvin, 50 Cent, and Duran Duran.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated lifestyle section.

April 8, 2022 - After the overwhelming success of the debut last year, Amnesia is heading back to Zrće Beach on Pag Island from Sunday, May 30 to Thursday, June 2, 2022.

The world-famous club will raise the bar as it brings an authentic Ibiza experience to the hedonistic Zrće Beach with a multi-stage event and an international line-up of DJ talent from across the house and techno spectrum as well as boat parties, after-parties, and plenty of day time water sports, and high octane activities plus onsite Glamping.

The 2022 edition kicks off with a hell of a warm-up party on May 29, on a very special off-location in Zadar at the Monument of Sun, just an hour away from Zrće beach. It is a historic location that symbolizes the Sun while the solar plates absorb solar energy in the daytime and are transformed into unusual light effects at night, with the ocean on three sides and a sure-to-be stunning sunset as the backdrop to the beats. Headlining will be Patrick Topping, Lauren Lo Sung, Marco Faraone, and Pablo Panda.

Following on from the Zadar Warm-up event, the party heads to Zrce Beach, and hosting the special parties across the four days on Zrće Beach are world-renowned brands including Amnesia Presents, the club's own colorful and international Pyramid brand, plus the gender-inclusive party He.She.They., the edgy straight-through crew Do Not Sleep and legendary local party and festival outfit BSH.

Against all odds in the middle of the pandemic, the debut takeover in summer 2021 was the most hedonistic party the beach had ever seen. It was arranged in just four weeks and saw world-class DJs providing almost non-stop parties across the bay's famous sun-kissed, open-air venues. It was a real industry meet-up with people involved in all aspects of the scene coming together for some seriously good times.

Now in 2022 these four unmissable days and nights of partying with the Amnesia Ibiza family with up close and personal DJ sets with the festival headliners, as well as legendary afterparties that start after the main stage events and run until well past midday the day after. For those who like to be active in the daytime, there is a non-stop mix of water sports to try, ziplines to fly down, and a comfortable on-site glamping accommodation that allows you to relax and recover in style before you go again.

This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the ionic Amnesia Ibiza atmosphere in a truly picturesque spot. You do not want to miss this one, so get your ticket and accommodation packages now at https://www.festicket.com/eventgenius/1446161/shop/32902

DAY BREAKDOWNS

Sunday, May 29th

WARM-UP EVENT Monument to the Sun
Taking place in ZADAR

PATRICK TOPPING

MARCO FARAONE

LAUREN LO SUNG

PABLO PANDA

—------------------------

Monday, May 30th

PYRAMID

ILARIO ALICANTE

RICHY AHMED

MASON COLLECTIVE

DEA TOSH & PABLO PANDA

AMNESIA PRESENTS

MATHAME

AGENTS OF TIME

SPACEMOTION

ALDO MORRO

ROYS RAVE AFTER PARTY

JAMIE ROY & FRIENDS

—------------------------

Tuesday, May 31st

HE SHE THEY 

SKREAM

HORSE MEAT DISCO

JENNIFER CARDINI

SYREETA

TOM BUG

Daytime Pool Party

HORSE MEAT DISCO & FRIENDS

—------------------------

Wednesday, June 1st

AMNESIA PRESENTS

ENZO SIRAGUSA

ANOTR

SIDNEY CHARLES

MONY

PYRAMID

SAM PAGANINI

MARCO FARAONE

HECTOR OAKS

LUCA DONZELLI

IMOGEN

Thursday, June 2nd

PYRAMID 

DJ TENNIS 

GERD JANSON

JIMI JULES

MAR-T

ELENA MIKAC

DO NOT SLEEP

EAST END DUBS

CHRIS STUSSY

FLEUR SHORE

MARCEL b2b MARIN BIOCIC

Tickets and accommodation on sale now at: https://www.festicket.com/eventgenius/1446161/shop/32902/

For more, check out our lifestyle section. 

March 19, 2022 - Palm Tree Crew has announced a new destination experience at Zrce Beach on Pag! Taking place from August 27-September 1, Palm Tree Music Festival: Croatia Edition is a follow-up to the sold-out Cabo edition that took place between Palm Tree Crew last year in Mexico. The series is now expanding to unique new locations in far-reaching corners across the globe.

Palm Tree Music Festival: Croatia Edition will include pool parties, open-air venue takeovers, a huge international lineup, a variety of accommodation packages that include hotels and catamarans, and exclusive cultural Add On experiences.

Beyond a headlining performance from Kygo, guests can witness phase one sets from beloved South African-Swiss DJ and producer Nora En Pure, multi-platinum and award-winning artist Sam Feldt, Dutch future house pioneer Don Diablo, fellow Dutch favorite Oliver Heldens, Canadian electronic musician Frank Walker, and German house producer Felix Jaehn. Additional highlights include Yotto, Melé, The Stickmen Project, Arielle Free, Forester, Melé, Jonas Blue, and more, plus more to be announced.

Zrce Beach is located on the picturesque Adriatic island of Pag and is known for being one of Europe’s finest party destinations. Palm Tree Music Festival: Croatia Edition will be taking over the famed complex of venues that sprawl along this unmissable coastline, which promises paradisiacal weather and views. Legendary venues on the island include Papaya and Aquarius, which are home to some of the most famed festivals and events in Europe. Their open-air structures allow revelers to watch the sunrise from the comfort of the dancefloor in a destination location.

Guests also have the ability to purchase additional Add On items that will include a variety of unforgettable journeys and experiences. This will include trips to iconic locations like Plitviče Lakes National Park, the largest national park in Croatia which features terraced lakes plus waterfalls, and Olive Gardens of Lun with its 80,000 olive trees. Other Add On for guests to choose from include a Zrmanja River Canoe Safari and a boat party.

Packages for this experience include a variety of hotels, hostels, apartments, and catamarans for guests to choose from, each featuring its own unique style of accommodation. This includes options located on the beachfront and a variety of amenities based on guest selection like outdoor pools, balconies, kitchenettes, exclusive access to pool parties, modern furniture and decorations, air conditioning, full-service check-in, WIFI, sun decks, and much more.

Guests can also choose to stay on a catamaran as well. All accommodation packages include a free shuttle bus pass for the island of Pag, saving customers money and time getting around.

For more information about the experience, including payment plans, package upgrades, and FAQs, visit Pollen’s website to stay up-to-date with the latest in the lineup, pricing, and news.

Headlining Performance
Kygo

Lineup (A-Z)
Arielle Free
Don Diablo
Felix Jaehn
Forester
Frank Walker
Jonas Blue
LP Giobbi
Melé
Nikki Chong
Nora En Pure
Oliver Heldens
Sam Feldt
Secondcity
The Stickmen Project
Yotto

About Palm Tree Music Festival
Palm Tree Music Festival is a one-of-a-kind festival experience, bringing the dream of the tropics to lush locations around the world. Curated by Kygo’s Palm Tree Crew, these experiences capture the unmatched feeling of summer in paradise, with majestic beach vibes, unmissable sets by global icons, curated food & drink offerings, unique brand activations, and exclusive VIP experiences. To date, Palm Tree Music Festival has come to the Hamptons and Cabo San Lucas with the goals of expanding across the globe.

About Palm Tree Crew
Founded in 2020 by Kygo, Myles Shear, and Austin Criden, Palm Tree Crew Holdings (“PTCH”) is a diversified holding company that owns and operates a consumer brand, global live events business, and investment arm, all within one unified ecosystem.

Through Palm Tree Festivals, PTC produces immersive experiences that bring together business builders, entrepreneurs, investors, and all lovers of the PTC lifestyle. PTC Brand creates unique products that capture the PTC way of life, promoting happiness and community. PTC Investments is PTC’s investment arm and is highly active in the venture and growth community. PTC Investments provides capital to early-stage business builders across the consumer and technology industries in addition to its crypto strategy focused on web3 and the creator economy.

About Pollen
Pollen is a technology company building, curating, and delivering the best experiences for members all over the world. Members enjoy these experiences together with the people they love, creating stronger relationships and unforgettable memories. Members immerse themselves in multi-day itineraries that combine live entertainment, parties, and relaxation time in more than 50 popular destinations. Members can discover and book these experiences exclusively on pollen.co and the Pollen app. Pollen has already launched experiences with megastars like J Balvin, Diplo, Justin Bieber, and Ozuna.

For more, check out our lifestyle section 

ZAGREB, 2 Feb 2022 - The exhibition about Slana on the island of Pag, the venue of the first concentration camp in the Independent State of Croatia (NDH) which operated between June to August 1941, will be opened in the Salon Galić gallery in Split on Thursday.

The authors of the exhibition titled "Slana – Radikalni krajobraz" ("Slana – the Radical Landscape”), are Davor Konjikušić, Nika Petković and Goran Andlar.

The project was launched in 2016 to conduct interdisciplinary research, while findings from this research served as the basis for the 3D rendering of the camp. The Slana concentration camp was located in the central part of the island of Pag, in a deep bay overlooking Mount Velebit. According to some sources, an estimated 8,000 people were held under inhumane conditions in the open bay during the summer of 1941

The project by Konjikušić, Petković and Andlar has been supported by the Serb National Council (SNV), while the exhibition has been organized with the assistance of Croatia's office for human rights and ethnic minorities' rights. 

The exhibition runs from 3-21 February.

For more, check out our dedicated lifestyle section.

January 26, 2022 – Following one cancelled year and a hesitant 2021, Croatian Music Festivals in 2022 look to return to normal operations. Even before the end of January 2022, two favourite events in Tisno, Dalmatia – Defected Croatia and Dekmantel Selectors – have this week sold out all tickets!

For a whole new generation of young dreamers and visitors, Croatia is on their annual wish list because of its music festivals. Set by pristine waters and beaches, in the guaranteed sunshine of a Dalmatian summer, photos of Croatia's music festivals have travelled across the world and brought international acclaim.

In 2020, all of these music festivals (except veteran domestic events at Martinska, Šibenik) were cancelled. Even in 2021, neither full confidence nor the full schedule had returned – Ultra Europe (Split) and Love International (Tisno) remained absent.

However, if early indications are anything to go by, trust in the summertime spectaculars seems to have completely returned for Croatian Music festivals in 2022. In fact, even before the end of January 2022, two favourite events in Tisno, Dalmatia – Defected Croatia and Dekmantel Selectors – have this week announced they've sold out.

News revealed exclusively to Total Croatia News informs that the rest of the summer music festivals held at The Garden Resort, Tisno are not far behind - almost all are within sight of completely selling out all tickets.

How the lineup looks for Croatian Music Festivals in 2022 and where to buy tickets

Croatian Music Festivals in 2022: Love International, Tisno

In every corner of the country, you can find Croatian Music festivals in 2022. Some of these might have traditional folk music and dance, others might offer favourite local rock and pop acts who mostly sing in Croatian.

But, for international visitors looking for Croatian Music Festivals in 2022, there are an identifiable number of festival locations and events. By and large, these are the events that young people travel to Croatia specifically to attend.

Ultra Europe in Split: 8 July 2022 – 10 July 2022

Croatian Music Festivals in 2022: Ultra Europe in Split

A 3-day event in Split with the world's top EDM DJs, incredible stage design and production with a definite wow factor. DJs confirmed so far include Adam Beyer, Afrojack, Alesso, Armin van Buuren, Joseph Capriati, Martin Garrix, Nina Kraviz, Oliver Heldens, Richie Hawtin, Tiësto, Timmy Trumpet and Vini Vici.

This 8th Ultra Europe in Split will - for the first time - be followed by an extension of the party on several Croatian islands. The main festival takes place at Youth Park in Split from 8 July 2022 – 10 July 2022.

On 11 July 2022, Ultra Brač will visit Brač island's 585 Club. On 12 July 2022, there will be an afternoon beach party on the Pakleni islands, near Hvar island. Later that day, a nighttime event Resistance Hvar will take place at Carpe Diem Beach Club, Hvar island.

The Resistance Closing Party Vis is the last event and will take place on 13 July at the old Fort George (Fortica) on Vis island.

Tickets for Ultra Europe in Split can be purchased here. Up-to-date line-up details and entry requirements for Ultra Europe in Split can be seen here.

The Garden, Tisno 2022

Croatian Music Festivals in 2022: Defected Croatia at The Garden Resort, Tisno

With the relatively recent addition of Defected Croatia, Outlook Origins and Dimensions to the 10+ year reputation of the Garden Resort roster, this festival site can now truly claim to be the epicentre of underground electronic dance music in Croatia.

Across its summer-long run, some of the world's best underground DJs visit this place, its beach and boat parties, plus the incredible open-air Barbarellas nightclub in nearby Pirovac. Each event lasts several days and is limited to between 5000 – 7000 people.

Up-to-date details of entry requirements for The Garden Resort, Tisno 2022 can be seen here. Here's the calendar of events for The Garden, Tisno in summer 2022...

Love International: 13 July 2022 – 19 July 2022

Croatian Music Festivals in 2022: Love International

With a renowned reputation as one of the most welcoming and easy-going of all Croatia's festivals, the adored Love International returns after two years in 2022. It has been much missed. House, disco, techno and Balearic music in the main will this year come from the likes of Ben UFO, Craig Richards, Eliza Rose, Shanti Celeste, Saoirse, Moxie, Horse Meat Disco, Antal, Hunee, Palms Trax and Midland.

Tickets for Love International 2022 can be purchased here. Up-to-date line-up details for Love International 2022 can be seen here.

Suncebeat: 21 July 2022 – 28 July 2022

Croatian Music Festivals in 2022: Suncebeat in Tisno

The longest-running festival associated with The Garden resort, Suncebeat traces its love affair with Croatia back to Petrcane, near Zadar, over 12 years ago. Actually, Suncebeat's heritage is even older – it's a spin-off event of the UK's 30+-year-old Southport Weekender. It, therefore, draws a slightly older crowd of house, disco and soul music aficionados.

The first wave of artists released for this 13th Suncebeat includes The Blessed Madonna, Kerri Chandler, Kenny Dope, Dave Lee ZR, Dam Swindle, Miguel Migs, Mark Farina, Horse Meat Disco, Natasha Diggs, Mike Dunn, John Morales, DJ Spen, DJ Spinna, Sadar Bahar, Terry Hunter, Children Of Zeus (live), Lukas Setto (Live), Djeff, Dan Shake, Ash Lauryn, Hyenah, Marina Trench, Lakuti, Elkka, Rich Medina, Boo Williams, Mafalda and CinCity.

Tickets for Suncebeat 2022 can be purchased here. Up-to-date line-up details for Suncebeat 2022 can be seen here.

Outlook Origins: 28 July 2022 – 8 August 2022

Croatian Music Festivals in 2022: Outlook Origins in Tisno

A scaled-down version of the original Outlook, which used to take place in Pula. The event earned a reputation as being one of the most significant annual events for UK bass music and its soundsystem culture – covering music styles like reggae, dub, grime, drum n' bass, garage, dubstep, jungle, hip hop and more.

Line-up to be announced.

Tickets for Outlook Origins 2022 can be purchased here. Up-to-date line-up details for Outlook Origins 2022 can be seen here.

Defected Croatia: 4 August 2022 – 9 August 2022

Croatian Music Festivals in 2022: Defected Croatia

Days and nights filled with sunshine, smiles and house music from one of the most successful independent house music record labels in the world. The 2022 line-up includes Moodymann, Carl Craig, Danny Tenaglia, Bob Sinclar, Honey Dijon, Jayda G, KiNK, A-Trak, Boys Noize, Heller & Farley, Kenny Dope, Mark Farina and Spen

International tickets for Defected Croatia 2022 have sold out. The last few remaining domestic (ex-Yu) tickets for Defected Croatia 2022 can be purchased here. Up-to-date line-up details for Defected Croatia 2022 can be seen here.

Dekmantel Selectors: 25 August 2022 – 30 August 2022

Croatian Music Festivals in 2022: Dekmantel Selectors

A deliberately intimate and scaled-down sister event to the mammoth underground European festival Dekmantel. With a line-up that you could well describe as the DJs' DJs of choice, this year the underground selections come from the likes of Hunee, Daniele Baldelli, Kode9, Shanti Celeste, John Talabot, FAUZIA, Eris Drew, Identified Patient, Vladimir Ivkovic & Young Marco, Carista.

International tickets for Dekmantel Selectors 2022 have sold out. Up-to-date line-up details for Dekmantel Selectors 2022 can be seen here.

Dimensions: 1 September 2022 – 5 September 2022

Croatian Music Festivals in 2022: Dimensions

Techno, electro, drum n' bass, house, hip hop, reggae and bass music on this 10th anniversary year come from the likes of Helena Hauff b2b DJ Stingray 313, Raresh, Blawan, Mala, Caliber, DVS1, Marcellus Pittmann, Tama Sumo, Peach, Saoirse, Laurine, Francesco Del Garda, Soichi Terada, Sherelle, Eris Drew & Octa Octa, Sonja Moonear, D. Tiffany & Rosa Terenzi, Gene On Earth b2b The Ghost, DJ Storm, Batu.

Tickets for Dimensions 2022 can be purchased here. Up-to-date line-up details for Dimensions 2022 can be seen here.

Šibenik Music Festivals 2022 – Martinska, Seasplash and Project Vojarna

Martinska

Located on a perfectly secluded seaside peninsula, just outside the city of Šibenik, the Martinska venue hosts a summer-long run of intimate music festivals within fantastic natural surroundings. Events range from punk music and live concerts to more modern electronic styles. Most famous internationally is the reggae and dub event Seasplash Festival which celebrates its 20th birthday between July 14th - 17th 2022.

Project Vojarna

Just over half a decade old, Project Vojarna is a dance music event born from the collaboration of Šibenik electronic music enthusiasts. In its current standing, the main event is a 10-hour open-air rave held at a former military barracks just outside Šibenik. Each year the event grows in fame and stature. This year's event will take place on 23 July.

Up-to-date line-up details, links for tickets and entry requirements for all events at Martinska, Šibenik can be seen here.

Up-to-date line-up details, links for tickets and entry requirements for Project Vojarna, Šibenik events can be seen here.

InMusic Festival Zagreb: 20 June 2022 – 23 June 2022

InMusic Festival, Zagreb

The largest and most prestigious event for rock music and alternative in Croatia, InMusic has certainly put the country – and Zagreb – firmly on the international rock festival map. Taking place around Zagreb's Lake Jarun, the festival site welcomes campers from all over Europe for its four-day run.

2022's incredible line-up includes The Killers, Kasabian, Deftones, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Royal Blood, White Lies, Gogol Bordello, IDLES, Amadou & Mariam, Sleaford Mods, Fontaines D.C. Hinds, The Comet Is Coming, Dry Cleaning, Tamikrest and Nick Mason.

Tickets for InMusic Zagreb 2022 can be purchased here. Up-to-date line-up details and entry requirements for InMusic Zagreb 2022 can be seen here.

Solardo Presents Higher Dubrovnik

After two years of unforgettable sell out shows in Dubrovnik, mighty Manchester duo Solardo aim for a hat trick in 2022. In conjunction with Pollen Presents, Solardo announce their largest festival to date from September 23-27th: The pair curate their biggest ever line up with international tastemakers, showcasing some of the world's top house and techno talent, a testament to the Manchester duo’s musical depth. The first wave of names include Marco Carola, FJAAK, Nicole Moudaber, Mall Grab, Maya Jane Coles, Vintage Culture, Nic Fanciulli, Lee Foss and many more. After multiple sell out shows at WHP, Circus Liverpool & London, Higher is now set to grow into a multi venue event across this historic city

Lineup: Solardo, Marco Carola, Mall Grab, FJAAK, Nicole Moudaber, Maya Jane Coles, Vintage Culture, Nic Fanciulli, Lee Foss + more

Tickets: https://pollen.co/x/solardo-dubrovnik-2022-1

Date: 23rd - 27th September

Location: Dubrovnik, Croatia

BSH Island

BSH Island is one of the jewels in the Croatian festival crown and has been leading the way in the local scene in recent years. Its first edition in 2020 brought something new to the region, and the follow up in 2021 made a mark on the international stage and now it returns to Island of Pag for the bigger than ever third edition. This follows two much talked about festivals on Zrce Beach - BSH Island, which included a legendary party in the breathtaking 17th century Fortress overlooking the sea hosted by Amnesia Ibiza, and the epic Amnesia takeover Croatia festival. It was a truly unique experience that offered something completely fresh away from the clubs on Zrce beach, and when you add in the fact that accommodation came in the form of a beautiful yacht docked at Noa Beach Club, it's no wonder BSH Island has made such a special impact. 

Lineup: Archie Hamilton, Ben Sterling, Blackchild, Dennis Cruz, Paco Osuna, wAFF + more

Tickets: https://www.noa-zrce.com/en/events/bsh-island-2022

Date: 29th June - 3rd July

Location: Noa Beach Club, Zrce Beach, Croatia

Zrće beach on Pag island

Croatian Music Festivals in 2022: Hideout Festival, Zrce beach, Pag island

The summer-long run of parties on Zrće beach on Pag island continued last year. Although, in 2022 you should expect a return to pre-pandemic levels of attendance and hedonism. Along with that, the bigger named DJs will likely be returning in force during 2022.

Croatian Music Festivals in 2022: Hideout Festival

Taking place from Sunday 3rd July - Thursday 7th July, Hideout Festival 2022 is representative of this return to form. DJs like Andy C, Jamie Jones, Eats Everything, Camelphat, Jayda G, Hot Since 82, Sam Divine, Solardo, Shy FX, Richy Ahmed, Sonny Fodera, Skream, Gorgon City, Mike Skinner, Paul Woolford, John Summit, Alan Fitzpatrick, Darius Syrossian, DJ Seinfeld, Maya Jane Coles, Denis Sulta and Chelina Manuhutu will play house, techno, drum n' bass and UK bass music sounds to a crowd of 13, 000+

The sixth edition of Sonus Festival (here) takes place at Zrce between 20 August and 26 August 2022 with DJs like Adriatique, Âme, Amelie Lens, Andrea Oliva, Ben Klock, Chris Liebing, Dax J, Dixon, Hot Since 82, I Hate Models, Jamie Jones, Joseph Capriati, KiNK [live], Loco Dice, Maceo Plex, Monika Kruse, Pan-Pot, Patrick Topping, Ricardo Villa, lobos B2B Zip, Richie Hawtin, Richy Ahmed, Rødhåd, Seth Troxler, Sonja Moonear, Stephan Bodzin [live], Sven Väth, Black Coffee, Carl Cox, Denis Sulta, Desiree

Information about events in the summer season on Zrće beach, Pag island can be seen here.

Tickets for Hideout Festival, Zrće beach, Pag island can be bought here

October 7, 2021 - The last time a Mediterranean monk seal was seen in Croatian waters was in 2011, near Proboj. In the past, the species was hunted vilely, and therefore its small population and the rarity of its sighting. Ten years later, fishermen have once again seen one swimming in the waters of Pag.

A Mediterranean monk seal was spotted in the waters of the island of Pag, writes Morski.hr. According to the information of several fishermen, the Mediterranean monk seal was seen in the Pag Gate at the junction of the Pag Bay and the Velebit Channel, and in the area of ​​Punta sv. Nicholas.

As Radio Pag reminds us, the Mediterranean monk seal on the island of Pag was researched more than 30 years ago by prof.dr.sc. Hrvoje Gomerčić from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Zagreb, who stated in his paper on this research that two Mediterranean monk seals had a habitat near the Pag Bridge.

During the research, Professor Gomerčić stated that as early as the beginning of the 1990s, this pair of Mediterranean monk seals were no longer seen in their habitat. The Mediterranean monk seal was seen again on Pag in 2008 near Dinjiška, and in 2011 near Proboj, and now ten years later it has been seen in the waters of Pag.

It is assumed that these are Mediterranean monk seals that came to Pag from another area, but there are also opinions that they may live permanently in the waters of Pag. The answer to this question, however, should be given by experts.

The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) lives on reefs, in caves and grottoes, in isolated and hard-to-reach rocky areas. There is enough of all this on the shores of the island of Pag and that is why scientists believe that Pag is an ideal area for the life of the Mediterranean monk seal.

Although it was a resident of the Adriatic, it is known that in 1964 the last specimen of the Mediterranean monk seal that lived in the Croatian part of the Adriatic was killed. This species was exterminated in the Adriatic mainly by fishermen and fishing tools, so it did not exist for decades. It reappeared in the early 2000s, and the last one seen in the northern Adriatic, in 2014, died of old age. Since then, there have been no members of its species in the Croatian sea, just as there were none before it.

The Mediterranean monk seal is protected by the Nature Protection Act, and according to the Ordinance on the amount of compensation for damage caused by illegal actions on protected animal species, the fine for killing a Mediterranean monk seal is 100,000 kuna. The Mediterranean monk seal is one of the most endangered marine mammals and probably the rarest seal in the world.

Source: Jutarnji List

For more information about the Mediterranean monk seal, check its profile at the Blue World Institute website.

For more, make sure to check out our lifestyle section.