After filming the action scenes for The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard in Rovinj and Zagreb with colleagues Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds, Hollywood actress Salma Hayek returns to Croatia, and namely Split, to meet yet another Hollywood favorite - Owen Wilson.

Hayek and her new film crew will base in the southern Dalmatian city to film science-fiction film Bliss, directed by Mike Cahill. This is a project by Amazon Studios and Endgame Entertainment, whose filming has already started in Los Angeles. Owen Wilson, along with Selma, makes up the star-studded cast, reports Dalmacija Danas on July 19, 2019.

It is rumored that the celebrity actors will appear in scenes that will be filmed in the heart of Split. In Bliss, Salma will interpret the role of homeless woman, who will fundamentally change the life of a recently divorced Major Greg Gregory (Owen Wilson), whose life was ruined after his marriage fell apart. 

Isabel (Hayek) is convinced that the world we live in is not real and that it is just a simulation within an ideal world in which good fortune and prosperity rule. Greg is at first somewhat suspicious, but Isabel eventually gains hist rust with charisma, and he becomes increasingly convinced that the truths are sound in her theories.

Dalmacija Danas exclusively wrote that actor Owen Wilson arrived at Split Airport on Friday at 4 pm on a Lufthansa plane. 

Owen will stay in Split in the coming days to film a few scenes with Hayek in the very heart of Split - the Riva and Prokurative.

The Hollywood actor was spotted in several locations on Friday. While one fan snapped a photo with Wilson at a market in the center, Wilson also visited the famous Split restaurant Zrno Soli during the evening, where he enjoyed numerous delicacies of chef Stjepan Vukadin and was eager to photograph with staff and restaurant guests, reports Dalmatinski Portal.

“He ate fish and had no problem taking photographs with everyone; he reused nobody. The children enjoyed it and in the end, he praised the food and staff of the restaurant,” said Katarina Ševo from the Split restaurant.

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

July 19, 2019 - The new Split Airport terminal opened a few days ago. TCN's Pyatigorsk correspondent road tested it on a recent flight to Moscow. 

One of the many differences between running TCN today and the Total Hvar blog which started this project back in 2011 is access to stories.

Back then, nobody knew about the blog, and I had to physically attend every event to show that we were a credible media. I remember driving to cover the story of a kindergarten playground opening on Hvar and thinking that there must be another way. 

These days, TCN is a little better known, perhaps even more so this evening after my interview with leading portal Index was the number one news story of the day this morning. 

Because we are a bit bigger than when I started, have more than six readers, and cover the whole of Croatia, there are many stories to cover. Technology is our friend too, so it is now a lot easier to report on an event via a third party. With TCN's official financial support not looking rosy, this budget approach is a necessary strategy. 

It also means that a simple idea and a Facebook message to a friend can generate an article with relevant pictures. 

Let me give you an example. I have a really lovely Russian sister-in-law called Julia - all the family prefers her to me, including me - and she was so excited to hear that I was going to harvest lavender that she asked if there was a chance to come and experience it before she flew from Split to Moscow.

You are flying from Split to Moscow, I thought to myself? Hmmm. How about I sort the lavender harvest for you, and you take the pictures and send me your impressions of travelling through the new Split terminal, which opened a few days ago? A great idea, which worked for both parties, especially as Julia did all the work at the harvest and the airport (she is perhaps the best Russian lavender picker on Hvar ever). Here she is below with the lavender - now read on to hear what it was like travelling through the new Split Airport terminal. 

 I arrived at the airport around 6 pm which is quite a busy time of the week. The airport shuttle bus (34 kunas) dropped me next to the main entrance of the old terminal. As soon as I entered the building I was welcomed by a smiley airport girl, who was directing all departure passengers to the new terminal building from the entrance to your left. I have to say I was impressed how big the new building is! Two floors where on the first floor there are at least 20 check-in desks and all of them were open for all flights.

I have to say at the beginning line seemed long, but it was not even 10-15 minutes when I was checked in and finally with no heavy luggage. All gates are on level 2 of the new terminal. You can take the escalator or elevator to go up. On the first floor there is nothing yet, but as soon as you up on the second floor, you see a lot of things there.

The first thing is the security check, and again the line was there but I did not even feel it since about 6 desks were open at the time. You would probably think that the airport was half empty, and I will say that it was full of people. 

The next step was the passport control (with no lines at all), after which you find yourself next to the huge duty-free shop with all you need including sweet memories from Croatia like Domačica and not only that! I am traveling quite a lot and have to say that the new Split Terminal has a lot of available seats in the waiting area which you will not find in every airport. 

So, if you want to relax, you can wait and even charge your phone near your seat (outlet is not next to each seat thought), read a book and have a nice sandwich with kava from one of two cafes. If you have any questions, the information desk is there for you. For families traveling the babies there is baby care. Boarding started right on time and finished fast, and the bus took us to the plane. The tide took no more than 2 minutes. 

To sum up, I have to say the new terminal looks amazing, spacious and with a lot of potential to have more services to offer.

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

July 19, 2019 - After three historic days at the new location of Park Mladeži in Split, the Ultra Europe festival sailed to the Dalmatian islands. Brač, Hvar and Vis fulfilled the many expectations of the festival-goers who, apart from mega spectacle at the Split football stadium, feel that this Croatian version of the world's most famous festivals is unique to the international music industry.

Record figures, which welcomed the millionth visitor at the new location, marked the seventh year of Ultra. And although the festival just ended on the islands, the organizers announced the 8th edition next year at Park Mladeži, which will be held from 10 to 12 July, 2020. 

The first contingent of early bird tickets for 139 euros has already been released. VIP ticket sales have also already begun, which begin at 369 euros for the 3-day festival. There is also a group offer, which grants you the sixth ticket free after five are purchased. All ticket information is available on the official website of www.ultraeurope.com. 

The Destination Ultra adventure went off to the island of Brač on Monday at one of the most beautiful outdoor clubs in the Mediterranean, 585 Club. On Tuesday, the festival moved to the sunniest Croatian island - Hvar. At 1 pm, the music program began in front of the cascading pools of the Amfora Grand Beach Resort, led by Sigma, Jax Jones and Martin Solveig. The party continued at Carpe Diem Beach Club with a fantastic underground program. 

The last station of this year's Ultra Europe adventure was Vis island, where the RESISTANCE Closing Party was held in an intimate and exclusive atmosphere. The 200-year-old fort Fort George, better known as Fortica, presented house and dance rhythms to one thousand visitors to close out the 7th edition. 

Tickets for the 8th edition of the Ultra Europe Festival can be purchased on the official website. All other information about the festival can be found on the official Facebook page, the Twitter profile, the Instagram profile, and through the iTunes application.

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

The Croatian National Theater Split ballet ensemble will open the ’Ballet Evenings on Sustipan’ as part of the dance program of the 65th Split Summer festival.

Two performances will be held at the famous Sustipan park, on July 18 and 21 beginning at 21:30. The program includes fragments from some of the most beautiful ballets: La Sylphide, Taras Bulba, Gusar and Coppélia, reports Dalmatinski Portal on July 18, 2019.

The ballet ‘La Sylphide’, set to the music of Norwegian composer Hermann Severin Løvenskiold, has been performed with the choreography of Danish choreographer Augusta Bournonville since 1836. Danish choreographer Karina Elver created a spectacular copy of the Danish ballet school’s version, one that is carefully kept within the borders of the country and thought of as a valuable part of their cultural heritage, and transferred the dance to the HNK Split ballet. 

The dreamlike story of La Sylphide takes place in Scotland where the main character falls in love with an ethereal forest creature before his wedding. He breaks off the engagement by surrendering to the world of nymphs and witches. 

The romantic ballet Gusar (Le Corsaire) was composed by Adolphe Adam in 1856 according to the Lord Byron poem of the same name. It is a romantic tale of pirates, slaves, love and oriental intrigue and is a ballet that takes place in three acts. Gusar comes to Split led by Latvian choreographer Aivars Leimanis.

The ballet evenings will end with the great Wedding Waltz from the second act of the comic ballet Coppélia by French composer Léa Delibesa, known as one of the most accomplished classical ballets which comes to Split choreographed by Aivars Leimanis. Based on two stories by E.T.A Hoffmann, it is a vibrant ballet performance full of dance travesties and musical exoticism, and even numerous folklore dances. 

The Ballet Evenings at Sustipan will be followed by guest performances of the Italian Equilibro Dinamico Dance Company, who will perform ‘Confini desumani’, and the IN Xie Xin Dance Company from China who will visit Split as part of their first European tour.

You can find the full Split Summer program here. 

To read more about lifestyle in. Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

The highly anticipated Summer Colors of Split returns to the Riva until September 26, 2019. 

You can find the full program courtesy of the Split Tourist Board below. 

15.7. Ponedjeljak / Monday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00h / 09.00pm Zabavna grupa Providenca / band Providenca 

16.7. Utorak / Tuesday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 17.00h / 05.00pm Dan zajedništva, ponosa i sreće / Day of Unity, Pride and Joy 

17.7. Srijeda / Wednesday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00h / 09.00pm Proslava Ilindena - (Makedonija) / Ilinden celebration - (Macedonia ) 

18.7. Četvrtak / Thursday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00h / 09.00pm Cjelovečernji koncert kulturno umjetničkog društva Jedinstvo / Cultural art association evening concert 

19.7. Petak / Friday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00h / 09.00pm Zabavna grupa Strings / band Strings 

20.7. Subota / Saturday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00h / 09.00pm Sahte Raki Blues Bend / Sahte Raki Blues Band 

21.7. Nedjelja / Sunday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00h / 09.00pm Zabavna grupa Afterfire / band Afterfire 

22.7. Ponedjeljak / Monday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00h / 09.00pm Mediteranski folklor / Mediterranean folklore 

23.7. Utorak / Tuesday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00h / 09.00pm Cjelovečernji koncert kulturno umjetničkog društva Filip Dević / Cultural art association evening concert 

24.7. Srijeda / Wednesday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00h / 09.00pm Cjelovečernji koncert klapa ženska klapa Kolura, Daniela i muška klapa Šufit / Whole evening acapella concert, female a cappella Kolura, Daniela and male a cappella Šufit 

25.7. Četvrtak / Thursday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00h / 09.00pm Cjelovečernji koncert kulturno umjetničkog društva / Brodosplit Cultural art association evening concert 

26.7. Petak / Friday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 20.30h / 09.30pm Večer posvećena hrvatskom guslaru Mili Krajini / Evening dedicated to Croatian fiddle player Mile Krajina ( Mažoretkinje Grada Splita, KUD Brodosplit, klapa Sinj, KUD Dević i KUD Jedinstvo, Mažoretkinje Grada Sinja, etno glazba ) ( Majorettes of the City of Split, Cultural artistic association 'Brodosplit', Majorettes of the City of Sinj, ethno music ) 

27.7. Subota / Saturday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00h / 09.00pm Zabavna grupa Flores Acoustic / band Flores Acoustic 

28.7. Nedjelja / Sunday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00h / 09.00pm Zabavna grupa Bravo bend / band Bravo bend 

29.7. Ponedjeljak / Monday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00h / 09.00pm Zabavna grupa Jazz bend, Jadran Dučić, Black coffee / Jazz bend, Jadran Dučić, Black coffee 

30.7. Utorak / Tuesday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00h / 09.00pm Cjelovečernji koncert kulturno umjetničkog društva Jedinstvo / Culturall art association evening concert 

31.7. Srijeda / Wednesday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00h / 09.00pm JAZZ WORLD ORCHESTRA 

1.8. Četvrtak / Thursday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00h / 09.00pm Cjelovečernji koncert kulturno umjetničkog društva Filip Dević / Cultural art association evening concert 

2.8. Petak / Friday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00h / 09.00pm Zabavna grupa POP ART /band POP ART 

3.8. Subota / Saturday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00h / 09.00pm Zabavna grupa POP ROCK CABARET / band POP ROCK CABARET 

4.8. Nedjelja / Sunday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00h / 09.00pm Zabavna grupa 058/ band 058 

5.8. Ponedjeljak / Monday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00h / 09.00pm Dan pobjede i domovinske zahvalnosti / Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day Mažoretkinje Grada Splita / Majorettes of the City of Split 

6.8. Utorak / Tuesday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00h / 09.00pm Zabavna grupa ABBAZIA / band ABBAZIA 

7.8. Srijeda / Wednesday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00h / 09.00pm Cjelovečernji koncert klapa ženska klapa Neverin i muška klapa Iskon Whole evening acapellas concert, female a cappella Neverin and male a cappella Iskon 

8.8. Četvrtak / Thursday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00h / 09.00pm Oliver tribute, Argentina iseljenici, orkestar / Tribute to Oliver Dragojević, immigrants of Argentina, orchestra 

9.8. Petak / Friday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00 / 09.00pm Zabavna grupa ADRIATIC / band ADRIATIC 

10.8. Subota / Saturday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00 / 09.00pm KUD Brodosplit / Cultural artistic association 'Brodosplit' 

11.8. Nedjelja / Sunday Riva / Promenade - Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00 / 09.00pm Zabavna grupa BYE BYE / band BYE BYE 

12.8. Ponedjeljak / Monday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00 / 09.00pm Zabavna grupa DISCO MAGIC / band DISCO MAGIC 

13.8. Utorak / Tuesday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00 / 09.00pm KUD Jedinstvo / Cultural artistic association 'Jedinstvo' 

14.8. Srijeda / Wednesday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 21.00 / 09.00pm Muška klapa Friži i ženska klapa Štorija / Male acapella 'Friži' and female acapella 'Štorija' 

15.8. Četvrtak / Thursday VELIKA GOSPA / THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY 

16.8. Petak / Friday 20.30 / 08.30pm Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda Vikend KLASIKE, kvartet Spalato / Weekend of classical music, quartet 'Spalato' 

17.8. Subota / Saturday 20.30 / 08.30pm Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda Vikend KLASIKE, MUSIC FOREVER, Stefan Kokoškov Weekend of classical music, MUSIC FOREVER, Stefan Kokoškov 

18.8. Nedjelja / Sunday 

19.8. Ponedjeljak / Monday 20.30 / 08.30pm Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda Zabavni bend 'Ribari' (Trogir) / band 'Ribari' (from Trogir)

20.8. Utorak / Tuesday 20.30 / 08.30pm Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda KUD Brodosplit / Cultural artistic association 'Brodosplit' 

21.8. Srijeda / Wednesday 20.30 / 08.30pm Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda Muška klapa Kontra i ženska klapa Ventula / Male a cappella 'Kontra' and female a cappella 'Ventula' 

22.8. Četvrtak / Thursday 20.30 / 08.30pm Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda KUD Filip Dević / Cultural artistic association 'Filip Dević' 

23.8. Petak / Friday 20.30 / 08.30pm Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda Zabavna grupa PINK PANTER / band PINK PANTER 

24.8. Subota / Saturday 20.30 / 08.30pm Riva / Pormenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda Zabavni bend OLDTIMERI / Entertaining band OLDTIMERI „Cili svit u Split“ / „The whole world in Split“ 

25.8. Nedjelja / Sunday 20.30 / 08.30pm Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda POLJSKA – MAŽORETKINJE iz Poljske (Grad ŽEŠOV - prijatelj gradu Splitu) POLAND – MAJORETTES from Poland (The city of ŽEŠOV – a friend of the city of Split) 

26.8. Ponedjeljak / Monday 20.30 / 08.30pm Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda Cili svit u Split – MAĐARI / The whole world in Split – HUNGARIANS 

27.8. Utorak / Tuesday 20.30 / 08.30pm Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda Cili svit u Split – POLJSKA – KUD Ožarov Mazowjteski (Varšava) The whole world in Split – POLAND – cultural artistic association Ožarov Mazowjteski (Warsaw)

28.8. Srijeda / Wednesday 20.30 / 08.30pm Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda Cili svit u Split – Crna Gora The whole world in Split – Monte Negro 29.8. Četvrtak / Thursday 20.30 / 08.30pm Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda Cili svit u Split – Crna Gora / The whole world in Split – Montenegro 

30.8. Petak / Friday 31.8. Subota / Saturday 20.30 / 08.30pm 'ROMANSA POD ZVIZDAMA' – Večer ljubavi – Kokoškov i Mejić 'ROMANCE UNDER THE STARS' – A night of love – Kokoškov and Mejić 

1.9. Nedjelja / Sunday 2.9. Ponedjeljak / Monday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda 'ROMANSA POD ZVIZDAMA' – Večer ljubavi – Kokoškov i Mejić 'ROMANCE UNDER THE STARS' – A night of love – Kokoškov and Mejić 

3.9. Utorak / Tuesday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda KUD Jedinstvo / Cultural artistic association 'Jedinstvo' 

4.9. Srijeda / Wednesday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda Muška klapa Sinj i mješovita klapa Mirakul / Male acapella 'Sinj' and mixed acapella 'Mirakul' 

5.9. Četvrtak / Thursday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda KUD / Cultural artistic association 

6.9. Petak / Friday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda „Dalmacija u mom oku“ Jonny Gitara i Neno Papić 

7.9. Subota / Saturday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda „Dalmacija u mom oku“ Jonny Gitara i Neno Papić 

8.9. Nedjelja / Sunday 

9.9. Ponedjeljak / Monday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda Zabavna grupa ŠIBENIK – PRIMOŠTEN / Entertaining band ŠIBENIK – PRIMOŠTEN 

10.9. Utorak / Tuesday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda KUD Brodosplit / Cultural artistic association 'Brodosplit' 

11.9. Srijeda / Wednesday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda Muška klapa Ježinac i ženska klapa Marjan / Male acapella 'Ježinac' and female acapella 'Marjan' 

12.9. Četvrtak / Thursday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda KUD Jedinstvo / Cultural artistic association 'Jedinstvo' 

13.9. Petak / Friday 

14.9. Subota / Saturday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda Zabavna grupa WESTASTE, country glazba / Entertaining band WESTASTE, country music 

15.9. Nedjelja / Sunday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda Pop - fusion band LUSHA 

16.9. Ponedjeljak / Monday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda Zabavna grupa PINK PANTER ili MORE MORE / Entertaining band PINK PANTER or MORE MORE 

17.9. Utorak / Tuesday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda KUD / Cultural artistic association 

18.9. Srijeda / Wednesday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda Muška klapa Šufit i ženska klapa Kolura / Male acapella 'Šufit' and female a cappella 'Kolura' 

19.9. Četvrtak / Thursday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda KUD / Cultural artistic association

20.9. Petak / Friday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda Rock grupa ŠETAČI / Rock band 'ŠETAČI' 

21.9. Subota / Saturday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda VIS COVER 

22.9. Nedjelja / Sunday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda Zabavna grupa AZIL / Entertaining band 'AZIL' 

23.9. Ponedjeljak / Monday 

24.9. Utorak / Tuesday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda KUD / Cultural artistic association 

25.9. Srijeda / Wednesday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda Muška klapa Iskon i ženska klapa Neverin / Male acapella 'Iskon' and female a cappella 'Neverin' 

26.9. Četvrtak / Thursday Riva / Promenade – Obala hrv. narodnog preporoda KUD / Cultural artistic association

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

Tuesday, July 16, 2019, is one year since the Croatia national team returned from Russia as World Cup finalists. The Split Tourist Board wants you to help them commemorate the first anniversary of the greatest hero’s welcome in the history of the country. 

On Monday, Croatia remembered one year since that historic World Cup final in Russia against France. Today, cities around the country will come together for the ‘Day of Unity, Pride, and Happiness’ as a way to remember a time when Croatia came together unlike ever before - to welcome the Croatia national team on July 16, 2018, after their outstanding World Cup campaign.

July 16th is remembered as a day when the hearts of all Croats were full with a sense of unity, pride and joy. Thus, at the initiative of coach Zlatko Dalić’s "Organizers Without Borders", the City of Split and the Split Tourist Board, you are invited to relive July 16, 2018.

“Put on your checkered jerseys and come to the Split Riva on Tuesday, July 16 from 17:00 to 23:00 where there will be a program in honor of our Vatreni. Special surprises await visitors in the most original checkered jerseys and Croatia fan gear,” said the Split Tourist Board. 

You can find the program of events below:

5 pm - a custom musical program- a retrospective of summer 2018 by DJ Joke

6 pm to 7:30 pm - Boston City Singers

7:45 pm to 8:30 pm - special fan music program by DJ Joke

8:30 pm to 9:00 pm - projection of the Croatia national team welcome in Split

9:05 pm to 11 pm - an entire concert by the group Best, all music adapted to the fan atmosphere 

This is your chance to join the Split Tourist Board in remembering the magnificent success of the World Cup in Russia.

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.

Brodosplit presented the Flying Clipper - a unique sailboat designed according to the 1911 model - which is also the largest sailboat in the world. 

Meet the Flying Clipper, the largest sailboat in the world which will enter the Guinness Book of World Records. It is the first sailboat with built-in "Safe return to port" security standards and meets all the requirements for the US Coast Guard and US Public Health Service. The Flying Clipper is the only sailboat in the world that has received the highest possible class for noise and vibration, reports Dnevnik.hr and Splitski Dnevnik on July 15, 2019. 

The boat is 162 meters long and 18.5 meters wide, with a load of 2000 tons, has five masts and boasts a total of 6,347 square meters. On five decks, the Flying Clipper can accommodate up to 450 people. It has 224 cabins, of which 150 are luxury cabins for 300 passengers and 74 cabins for 150 crew members.

On Monday, the Flying Clipper embarked on its first tour to Hvar thanks to the organizers of the Ultra Europe Festival, who even have plans to continue cooperating with Brodosplit.

"Ultra is an international story, a manifestation that has developed in Split for the past seven years. Likewise, the Flying Clipper is an international story and we are proud to be able to work with them. Our engagement with the shipyard started four years ago when our workers helped them set up scaffolds. This cooperation is proof that Ultra is the driver of development for the City of Split and together with Brodosplit, we want to build the future here. In our new home, Park Mladeži is another connection with Brodosplit where we have beautiful views from the Resistance stage of the Brodosplit Shipyard,” said Joe Bašić, the organizer of the Ultra Europe festival.

Bašić concluded by saying that this was the best Ultra so far and that he is sure that next year will be even better.

Over the next four days, the Flying Clipper will sail the organizers of Ultra Europe, dozens of foreign journalists and party leaders to visit the festival events on the islands of Brač, Hvar and Vis.

Recall, a 70 million euro contract between Brodosplit and Star Clippers owner Mikhail Krafft has recently been terminated because both sides claimed that it had been violated: Krafft had exceeded the deadlines and the Split shipyard failed to meet the conditions for completion. The dispute is still moving towards arbitration, but, according to unofficial information, negotiations over a possible compromise are also in parallel.

Thus, during that time, the ship is officially owned by the Split shipyard and will sail under the flag under which it was built - Malta.

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

As a model after many tourist destinations around the world, Promet Split has decided to offer one-day and three-day tickets on its bus lines for all passengers, reports Dalmacija Danas on July 14, 2019.

And the prices are affordable, too. Namely, passengers can now buy a one-day ticket for the first zone for 30 kuna and a three-day ticket for 75 kuna. For all other zones, a one-day ticket will cost 60 kuna, and a three-day ticket 150 kuna. These tickets just began distribution, and as Director of Promet Miroslav Delić says, they are already very much in demand. 

"We often receive questions about them, especially in the season, so we decided to make it easier and better for our guests and citizens, but also increase the company's revenues,” he explains. The tickets will become a permanent offer on Promet, because they are intended not only for tourists but for citizens as well.

Is Promet planning to develop new tickets into a separate brand, modeled on the Dubrovnik Card, which offers bus tickets with free sightseeing and tourist attractions?

“Of course, this is just the beginning and we want to make our services more accessible for our passengers. We have so far printed the sights on our tickets in the areas where we provide our service to promote our cities and municipalities. And in this way, we give tourists an idea of what they can visit. In time, we hope to allow our passengers tickets to tourist attractions, museums and the like.”

The long-announced e-ticketing system should finally be realized. 

“We're in the process of preparing for a tender. It's a new, fully-automated information system that would be installed on all buses and bus stops, and through it, there are different systems of use from contactless cards to all other payment methods. We expect the system to be in operation in the spring of next year.”

Will such a system enable buying tickets online, for example?

“Yes, and just the e-ticketing system should solve those crowds that are created at the ticket offices. This system is an ideal solution. There will be the possibility to use different types of payments and charges.”

Another idea is integrated passenger transport, primarily from the Split Airport to the Split Ferry Port. When can we expect this to happen?

“We currently have tickets with HŽ (Croatian Transport) that can be used for the first zone in the city of Split and the metro, and all our users who demonstrate their ticket can use the metro. We will try this season, but it does not depend on us but on the design of the train station in Kaštel Stari to integrate it, and at the same time make it the fastest transport from the airport to the ferry port.

In that case, the passengers would arrive from the new terminal of the airport to the train station in Kaštel Stari and further to the Split Ferry Port by train. The total scheduled travel time would be 35 minutes, which is by far the fastest form of transportation. To realize this project, we have to fulfill several prerequisites - one was opening the new passenger terminal of the airport, and the other is related to certain refinements at the Kaštel Stari railway station, so it is up to HŽ.”

How much would passengers pay for this service?

“We are planning for a price of 25 kuna, which would be cheaper than the current bus fare between the airport and the city ferry port. We have already prepared a contract with HŽ in that direction.”

Is Promet in conversation with Split Parking about another type of integrated transport?

“We are looking to provide citizens and guests with easy and convenient transportation around the city, so we have spoken with Split Parking about the possibility of combining a parking ticket and bus ride. In this way, citizens and guests would have the opportunity to park outside the city center and avoid crowds, and continue by bus.”

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

July 14, 2019 - As the number of digital nomads rises globally, some are choosing to spend some of their time in Croatia. A new TCN series meeting international digital nomads calling Croatia their temporary home. Meet Christi Lyn Rice from Florida.

As recently featured on TCN, the world is projected to have a billion digital nomads by 2035, people from all over the world doing all manner of jobs and business with one thing in common - a flexible, mobile workplace connected to the Internet. If even a fracture of that number becomes a reality, the economic opportunity for countries which can attract these wealth-generating individuals has the potential to dwarf Croatia's current tourism revenues. And there are few countries better placed than Croatia to take advantage. Safe, beautiful, great gourmet scene, top tourist destination, English widely spoken, well connected to other destinations, and a superb lifestyle. 

In order to look at the issue in more detail, we have decided to look at some of the digital nomads who have Croatia in their lifestyle plan, and to find out why Croatia, what Croatia offers, and what are the things that countries should be looking out for to take advantage of this economic opportunity. I am very grateful to Tanja Polegubic from Split's waterfront co-working space, Saltwater in Split (see location below) for her help in connecting me to various digital nomads using her space. 

Our next digital nomad in Croatia is Christi Lyn Rice, who spent time in Split away from her native Florida.

You are one of a growing number of digital nomads. Tell us briefly who you are and what you do.

I am the Grants Manager for the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In this role I help secure private and public funding for general operations, capital projects and programming, which includes the largest free arts-in-education program in the United States. While most of the year I work out of our office in Fort Lauderdale and very much still consider that my home, I’m very fortunate that my organization has allowed me the opportunity to work remotely full-time during the summers – which in turn has given me the freedom to live in and experience some amazing places!

Working from your laptop rather than in an office seems like the dream lifestyle. What are the main pros and cons?

In addition to the flexibility to travel almost anywhere, I love working in a co-working space environment, where every day brings something new and I have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world in a wide variety of industries. Being surrounded by like-minded creative, innovative and self-motivated professionals is inspiring and helps me think outside of the box when it comes to my own work. I also find I’m more productive when working on my own schedule and can maintain better focus on projects when I have fewer meetings, events, phone calls and emails in real-time, given the 5- to 6-hour time difference. Living abroad in general has been an invaluable learning experience and really helped shape my perspective on what is and isn’t important in life.

As far as the challenges go, you have to be very self-motivated. It can be difficult trying to balance a full workload with the desire to explore an exciting new city, learn about a new culture and meet new people, while at the same time also trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle and not burn yourself out. Meaningful friendships can also be a challenge – meeting people while traveling is easy, but you have to get pretty good at saying goodbye. The biggest con for me, personally, is missing my dog, Lucy (although she is in great hands while I’m gone – thanks, Mom!)

Laptop living gives you the freedom to travel and choose your place to live. Where are the global hot spots currently for digital nomads?

In addition to Split, I have lived in Lisbon, Barcelona and most recently Medellín, Colombia, all of which are definitely hot spots for digital nomads right now. Next up this summer are Tenerife, Budapest and then…?

You chose Croatia and specifically Split - why?

Split was the perfect home base for the month I spent in Croatia. It offers a unique balance of nature, nightlife, culture and great weather, is fairly compact and walkable and already has several established workspaces such as Saltwater Split (which was great not only for maintaining my  productivity but for finding a sense of community.) I can’t think of many places where I would have the opportunity to work in a setting as unique as Diocletian’s Palace, go for a hike in a park as beautiful as Marjan or a swim at the beach and then enjoy great restaurants and nightlife, all in the same day. I was also lucky enough to be in Split during the 2018 World Cup, which was such an unforgettable experience and a special introduction to the spirit of Croatia. At the same time, Split was conveniently located so that I could easily travel to Dubrovnik, Hvar Island, Plitviče Lakes and others parts of Croatia on the weekends, and I was able to see a lot of amazingly beautiful places in a short amount of time.

What are the most important things a destination should offer to be most compatible for the digital nomad lifestyle, apart from that all-important good WiFi?

Affordable short-term housing, walkability and/or great public transportation, arts and culture, high-quality co-working spaces and a creative, entrepreneurial community that is welcoming to foreigners. High prevalence of English-speakers is also a plus.

What are the competitive advantages that Croatia has to attract more digital nomads?

In addition to its location, which makes it easy to travel to from the rest of Europe, I think Croatia’s amazing natural resources are some of its most competitive advantages in attracting both digital nomads and regular tourists – it truly is one of the most beautiful countries I have experienced. I hope that as the country continues to develop and attract tourists it also continues to make preservation of those natural resources a priority. Croatia is also currently a very affordable place to live for foreigners, which will always be one of the top priorities of a digital nomad.

Anything else you want to add.

Being a “digital nomad” doesn’t have to be as difficult, expensive or intimidating as many people think. Throughout my travels I have met people of all different backgrounds, careers, ages, relationship statuses, etc., who identified living and working abroad as a personal goal for various reasons and were able to step out of their comfort zones to achieve it.

To learn more about Croatia for the digital nomad, check out the Total Croatia Digital Nomad guide. 

Are you a digital nomad in Croatia who would like to be featured in this series? Please contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

July 14, 2019 - The second day of Ultra Europe was enjoyed by Croatian politicians and tourism representatives, and no major incidents were reported! 

Justin Oh, Kryoman, Lost Kings, DJ Snake, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, No Redemption, Afrojack and Alesso all graced the main festival stage at Ultra Europe on Saturday night, which was breathtaking in its presence, production and special effects. The rivers of festival goers flowed for hours, with the first queues already lined up at 7 pm when the organizers opened the main entrance. 

The largest international event in Croatia has seen great support from the local tourist boards, the tourism sector and the Government of Croatia. Thus, the mayor of Split, Andro Krstulović Opara, and Joe Bašić, on behalf of the Ultra organization, was proud to welcome guests from Zagreb to show them precisely what Ultra is all about. Namely, Zagreb mayor Milan Bandić, director of the Croatian Tourist Board, Kristjan Staničić, director of the Zagreb Tourist Board, Martina Bienenfeld, State Secretary Tonči Glavina, and Alijana Vukušić, Split Tourist Board director experienced first hand why the festival is king. Recall, Ultra will also mark a million visitors to date in Split. 

Even better news is that the second day of the festival saw the fewest medical interventions ever. Namely, at the end of the night, four festival goers were taken to the hospital. 

Furthermore, before, during, and after the second day, no significant negative security events were reported, relating to disturbing public order and peace to a greater extent, injuring festival goers or damaging property. Eight property crimes were reported, mostly theft, according to the Split-Dalmatia County Police Department.

“A total of 112 persons, Croatian and foreign nationals, were arrested, mainly because of the violation of the Drug Abuse Act. The criminal investigation of three people is ongoing with the criminal offense of unauthorized production and trafficking of drugs,” said Antonela Lolić, the spokesperson of the Split-Dalmatia County Police Department. 

Tonight, Axwell, Steve Angello, Sebastian Ingrosso and the highly anticipated performance of Swedish House Mafia will help close out another prosperous Ultra Europe. 

You can read more about the festival here. 

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.