Locals will tell you it is the most beautiful city in the world with the most beautiful women in the world, and it is hard to disagree watching the latest video shared by the Split Tourist Board on February 19, 2019. 

There is something about the city of Split which makes it endlessly attractive to me. 

The light.

As an island boy, catching the city in the early morning sunshine and the gorgeous stone of Diocletian's Palace and Sv. Duje's belltower was always the perfect welcome after a very early start. 

Sunsets were magical too, as I took my boat back to Hvar, and Split shone in different shades from different angles and at different times of the day. 

It truly is one of the most photogenic cities I have ever visited, blessed with the riches of its UNESCO World Heritage Site core, fabulous riva, and the lungs of the city, Marjan Hill, to name but three. 

In the age of YouTube channels and drones, there are many videos appearing about Split and its surroundings these days, but few are as nicely presented as the latest effort to hit the Internet - a great effort by Pablo Camacho. 

To get the latest from Split, visit our Total Split portal. 

“This is, apparently, a good story,” says Zvonko Kotarac proudly while looking at the selling capacity of his new hotel. “The interest is unbelievable, we are close to closing bookings for the peak season,” adds the Split entrepreneur. He is convinced that having a hotel that is 65 percent full year-round will certainly be achieved, reports Slobodna Dalmacija on February 18, 2019. 

The hotel above the Žnjan plateau is still under construction. When opened in May, which the investor does not doubt at all, it will be the largest operating hotel in Split.

With 600 beds available, it will significantly improve the tourist image of a city that cries for quality hotel facilities as opposed to plenty of beds in private accommodations. It will also change the image of Žnjan.

“It seems to us that this is the correct way of urbanizing this area,” says Kotarac.

The luxurious building will consist of two parts; the Amfora Resort is the main facility on nine floors with 207 accommodation units, 30 to 70 square meters in size, while the Amfora Resident will include 30 high class apartments between 40 to 100 square meters. The buildings will be connected by a walkway.

Unlike the latest trends in buildings with fully enclosed facades, as many as three-quarters of all rooms will have a balcony overlooking the coast, the sea and the central Dalmatian islands. The total investment is more than 26 million euro.

The main building and public spaces were designed by Emil Šverko, rooms created by designer Patricia Sabljić, and the restaurants and Sky bar by architect Ante Vrban. The residential part is authored by Neno Kezić.

The hotel will be called "Amfora" because Zvonko Kotarac owns a family collection of amphorae, one of the most complete in the area, which is greatly preserved and aged between 1800 and 2500 years. Thirty listed and conservation-protected amphorae will be permanently exhibited at the hotel. As a national cultural asset, it will be accessible to the public in the lobby of the hotel.

Amfora will offer a congress hall with 500 seats, a wellness center of 2000 square meters, four types of saunas with an open view, three swimming pools, two of which will have a sea view and one that will be a winter pool with a glass wall, and two restaurants and three bars next to the spectacular Sky Bar, in an area of 800 square meters for 500 guests at the top of the building.

Amfora will accommodate a very diverse clientele, from business people to families, mainly from the UK and Scandinavian countries. The hotel will boast 80 permanent staff and 40 seasonal workers. Interestingly, competitions for staff are still open.

The investment per room is at the level of the European average of about one hundred thousand euros. A lot of the accompanying content burdens the price but gives it quality. According to today's business parameters, the investment should be returned in ten years, and maybe a bit sooner. 

Kotarac is not a new player in the hotel business. You might already know him as the owner of the first five-star hotel in Split, "Atrium", which will be closed for two months due to complete reconstruction next January.

However, future hotel Amfora will be completely different. The Atrium, as a city hotel, has a large fluctuation of guests who stay for a day or two, while the Amfora will see guests staying for half a week to a week. The Amfora is expected to be even better annually. 

To read more about Split, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

February 18, 2019 - The 21st round of the Croatian First League featured the Adriatic Derby between Rijeka and Hajduk. 

The 21st round of the Croatia First League was played from February 15 to 17, 2019. While the most exciting part was the Adriatic Derby between Rijeka and Hajduk, the weekend did exhibit some surprises - like Osijek struggling to get past Istra, or Lokomotiva drawing with the last-placed team. 

Without further ado, here is our Croatian First League 21st round recap. 

Lokomotiva v. Rudeš (0:0)

Lokomotiva and Rudeš met at Kranjčevićeva street stadium to open the 21st round on February 15, 2019. 

It was a rather slow game which saw no goals and no real excitement. In front of 324 fans, Lokomotiva and Rudeš drew 0:0. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 4th place with 35 points, while Rudeš is in last with 4. 

Rijeka v. Hajduk (0:0)

Rijeka and Hajduk met for the highly anticipated Adriatic Derby on Saturday, February 16, 2019, at Rujevica stadium in front of 6,527 fans. 

While Rijeka was the favorite to win, Hajduk continued with their winning mentality and made it anything but easy for Rijeka. A Hajduk goal was called back in the first half, and the game ended in a goalless draw. 

Rijeka is currently in 3rd place with 38 points, while Hajduk is in 6th with 30. 

Gorica v. Inter Zaprešić (2:2)

Gorica and Inter met in front of 1,629 fans at Radnik stadium on Saturday, February 16, 2019. 

Inter was the first to take the lead with two goals in the first six minutes by Serderov and Rak. Gorica’s Lovrić came back with one in the 11th minute for 1:2, Zwolinski missed a penalty in the 47th, and Suk came back to equalize in the 84th for 2:2.

Gorica is currently in 5th place with 31 points, while Inter is in 8th with 18. 

Osijek v. Istra 1961 (1:0)

Osijek and Istra met on Sunday, February 18, 2019, at City Garden stadium in front of 2,252 fans. 

It was another mostly unexciting game between Osijek and Istra, which saw no goals in the first half. It wasn’t until the 68th minute that Abazaj scored for a 1:0 Osijek win. 

Osijek is currently in 2nd place with 40 points, while Istra is in 9th with 16. 

Dinamo v. Slaven Belupo (3:0)

Dinamo and Belupo closed out the 21st round of the Croatian First League at Maksimir on Sunday, February 17, 2019, in front of 2,383 fans. 

While the first half went without goals, Dinamo managed three in the second - by Hajrović in the 67th, Orsić in the 78th, and Musa in the 88th. Dinamo won 3:0. 

Dinamo is currently in 1st place with 54 points, while Belupo is in 7th with 21. 

You can check out next week's games here. 

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

The martial art form called jiu-jitsu has had an intense presence in Split since the beginning of 2000 when JJK Uragan, under the leadership of former fighter and trainer Hrvoje Znaor, hit the first foundations of national and international success, reports Dalmacija Danas on February 16, 2019. 

Conquering the first medals at official Croatian competitions (thanks to Pave Hazdovac and Hrvoje Znaor), followed by medals at international tournaments such as the European and World Budo Games, and finally at the European and World Championships, primarily under the auspices of the international Genshinkan Federation based in Russia (St. Petersburg), the city of Split is positioned as an inevitable martial arts destination.

On the wings of significant sporting events and organizing competitions from year to year, the city of Split and JJK Uragan (who this year is celebrating its 15th anniversary) hosted the European and World Cups and championships (Genshinkan World Cup, Combat Jiu-Jitsu World Cup) which each time saw hundreds of athletes from over 20 countries around the world.

Over the last six years, the world's greatest legends of the martial arts scene have visited Split, including Ernesto Hoost, Peter Aerts, Ray Sef, Semmy Schilt, Dan Inosanto, Thom Harincck, Don “The Dragon” Wilson, Bill Wallace and many other international martial legends, with Croatian warriors such as Damir Škao, Branko Cikatić, Vojislav Vujević, Vjekoslav Šafranić, Goran Borovac, Slaven Planinić, Marko Žaje and more. 

Thus, this year, in late July, the city of Split and JJK Uragan, under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar Kitarović, and under the auspices of the International Genshinkan Federation, will be the proud host of the Jujitsu World Cup, where over 300 contestants from all over the world are expected to arrive. The highlight of the entire event will be the donor gala dinner "Angels Night" for the Anđeli Association, where special prizes will be given to new laureates in several categories. 

This is an excellent example of how sport knows no boundaries and how great fighters and good people show their heart in helping those who need it most.

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

Could Split's Spaladium Arena transform into a Hollywood film studio?

Due to its incredible acoustics, the Vestibule in Split, which was once known as the residential entrance of Diocletian’s Palace, saw the performances of many klapa groups over the last decade. But could one of Split’s favorite attractions soon be gone?

Dalmacija Danas reports on February 15, 2019, that as is informally known, klapa, or a capella singing, will no longer be sung in the Split Vestibule. Of course, this is not a general ban on vocals in the Vestibule, but of the commercial klapa performances that have become a tradition over the last ten years.

Over past decade, several klapa groups have cemented their right to sing and sell their CDs inside the Vestibule, though it seems that this lucrative practice will come to an end.

“Six years ago, with the aim of expanding the program and opening the possibilities for promotion of other klapa groups, Iskon and Šufit were joined by four more groups: Porat, Šušur, Ježinac and Vestibul, and since 2014, Cambi Split joined as the seventh klapa. The criterion for new klapas to join was quality and entertaining character, and at the same time loyalty and good communication with our institution,” explained the Split Tourist Board’s head of city events, Aida Jukić, when asked about the criteria for obtaining the right to perform in the Vestibule back in 2015. 

Dalmacija Danas also approached the Split Tourist Board for comments on Friday regarding the news. 

“The City of Split carries the public spaces and, aiming to regulate the use of the public city areas better, changes will occur, which also affects the performances of klapa groups in the Vestibule. By the Decision and the Rules on the Use of Public Areas, the City of Split will define which locations will be released for use, to whom, and when,” said the Split Tourist Board. 

We’ll be updating this story as we know more. Stay tuned. 

To read more about Split, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

February 14, 2019 - Fantastic news for tourists to Dalmatia this summer with the announcement of a new catamaran service from Split Airport to Split.

Yet more great news for connectivity for the city of Split as it prepares for yet another bumper tourist season. 

With the new airport terminal set to open on schedule in July (read the latest progress report here) and the dual carriageway to the city finally opened, a new transport option which is sure to prove VERY popular - a 15-minute catamaran ride from a bay in Resnik, some 500 metres from the airport, into the heart of downtown Split. 

Central Dalmatia Tourist Board director announced the new service, which will run from May to October, with 8 trips a day, increasing to 10 daily in peak season. These will take place every 90 minutes, with the last one at 21:30 - great news for those on late flights and hoping to make the last ferry to Brac, for example. 

The catamaran will have capacity for 145 passengers and tickets will cost 100 kuna per person (to put it into cost perspective, the bus is currently 30 kuna and can take up to an hour, a taxi 250 to 300 kuna). Kids under 7 will be free.

Resnik is no stranger to providing quick transfers. It was the base of the ill-fated seaplane operation of European Coastal Airlines, which briefly transported passengers to places like Jelsa on Hvar in 15 minutes (and occasionally to downtown Split in 4 minutes). Let's hope the new service lasts a little longer... 

The rise in popularity of Split Airport has put a strain on the infrastructure in recent years, but the new terminal, road and now catamaran service should provide a fitting, trouble-free first impression that this quality destination deserves. 

Want to learn more about Split? Here are 25 things to know. 

For more on this story, here is the original from Slobodna Dalmacija.

February 14, 2019 - Your guide to Valentine's Day in Split.

The Serbia Water Polo Federation (VSS) and the Serbian clubs sent a letter to the Regional League Management Board in which they stress that they do not want to play in Split and within 200 kilometers of Split until the end of the season due to safety reasons.

February 13, 2019 - Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso and Steve Angello! Three of the most famous names in the electronic music world. You might have guessed the members of Swedish House Mafia would be visiting Split based on the mysterious posters plastered around the city, though today we can finally announce that the news is true - Swedish House Mafia has been confirmed as a headliner of Ultra Europe 2019! This is the strongest musical name and the most significant enhancement in the history of the festival, and since they are only the first performer announced so far this year, it can be said with certainty that the seventh edition will be one for the books. 

Split is preparing for a historical moment and a day that will be hard to repeat. This is confirmed by numerous fan comments that did not stop on social networks from Thursday when mysterious posters appeared around Split and Zagreb. The army of faithful Swedish House Mafia fans has been waiting for their return for years, and Split will be among the first few cities to see the DJ trio’s comeback. This is a great acknowledgment to Croatia, but also to the local organizers of the ULTRA Europe festival, who are especially delighted to treat their visitors with this kind of musical delicacy.

"We are honored that the group that marked not only the electronic music scene but the entire modern music history will come to Croatia. We have entered a really special society that will witness the return of this musical phenomenon in the world, and I believe that all those who love them and who are familiar with their draw and the magnitude of their return will be with us in Split. There are those moments in life that you just cannot miss, and we’ll wait for dawn at Poljud with the spectacular return performance of Swedish House Mafia,” said Joe Bašić, director of MPG Live, the local organizer of the ULTRA Europe festival which will take place this year from July 11 to 18 in Split, Brač, Hvar and Vis.

Swedish House Mafia has been called the new rock stars of today by Rolling Stone, which can be seen by the incredible figures of albums sold, sold out arenas, and a series of hits that ranked first in the world charts - and they even have two documentaries about their lives and careers! This trio has easily conquered fans around the world, and whenever they come together behind a DJ deck, they create unique energy and magic that is difficult to beat. 

Swedish House Mafia has popularized electronic music and introduced it to the big door of mainstream music. However, in 2013, at the height of their glory, they announced that they would no longer perform together, resulting in one of the hardest-hitting days to the electronic music scene. But, after a break of more than five years, at the end of October 2018, they officially confirmed their comeback tour and announced the release of new songs and an album, to the enthusiasm of their millions of fans around the world. 

"We felt it was time! The feeling of butterflies in our stomachs came back, and we felt excited again, and besides, our many fans were so patient and believed in our return, which is really impressive. We feel that we need to return to them for all the strong support they have given us over the years, and we feel that we owe it to ourselves,” the group said in an official announcement, adding that they would launch a new music chapter in their native Sweden. 

Their last tour, "One Last Tour", was held in 2012, featuring 52 cities and more than a million tickets sold. The last official performance was in March 2013 at the Ultra Music Festival in Miami, where they also reunited for the first time last year for the 20th anniversary celebration of the festival, which has been awarded the best festival in the world for three years in a row. Their biggest hit, "Do not You Worry Child," recorded more than 340 million streams on Spotify and over half a billion views on YouTube. You might also know Greyhound, One, Miami 2 Ibiza, Reload and Save The World, which you'll be able to hear at the biggest Split festival stage this summer.

Croatian fans will also be pleased to hear that a limited number of regional tickets will be issued on March 1, for a price of 799 kuna, which will include entrance to all three festival days at Poljud, and will be provided through Ticketshop.

All other news about the ULTRA Europe festival can be found on the official Facebook page of the festival, the Twitter profile, the Instagram profile and through the iTunes application. You can find information about ULTRA Worldwide at www.umfworldwide.com and about RESISTANCE at www.resistancemusic.com.

To read more about Split, follow TCN's dedicated page.