Zadar - Šibenik - Split Seasonal Line Won't Begin Operations This Year
The catamaran belonging to the Šibenik-based company Envira d.o.o., which should have been connecting Zadar, Šibenik and Split since April the 1st, is set to remain firmly in the harbour, at least for this season.
As Morski writes on the 24th of January, 2019, and as the coastal shipping agency posted on January the 17th on its website, Envira d.o.o. stated that it was unfortunately unable to realise its initial intention to maintain a fast boat line without a public service obligation (implying seasonal lines) on the Split-Šibenik-Zadar route and vice-versa from April to October 2019.
As the competent state agency states, during this year, Envira d.o.o. has announced the continuation of preparatory actions for the acquisition of a vessel with the aim of realising a fast boat line connecting Zadar, Šibenik and Split, therefore covering three counties. The realisation of such preparations for this season at least, appears to be farfetched and has already been written off as a resounding no.
The plans were, and as far as we're aware still are, for the vessel to travel from Split to Šibenik and Zadar every single day from April the 1st to October the 31st. The catamaran would sail from Split to Šibenik at 09:00, at 10:35, continuing on to Zadar, where it would arrive at 12:40. It would then sail from Zadar to Šibenik at 17:30 and then from Šibenik to Split at 19:35, with an expected arrival time of 21:10.
According to the published price list, the longest route which is from Split to Zadar, will cost 158 kuna, while the route from Split to Šibenik and from Šibenik to Zadar will cost 110 kuna.
All this seems, at least for this season, to have well and truly fallen into the water (no pun intended), and it remains to be seen whether or not Envira will be able to provide an appropriate ship for such journeys by next year.
Follow our dedicated lifestyle page for more.
Flights to Croatia: ČSA and Croatia Airlines Reduce Seasonal Traffic
January 24, 2019 - The latest news from around Croatia’s airports, for new flights to Croatia with updates from Zagreb and Split.
Flights to Croatia: ČSA Czech Airlines reduces traffic to Zagreb
Czech national airline ČSA Czech Airlines, a member of the air alliance SkyTeam, will reduce traffic on its seasonal Zagreb-Prague route. In the summer of 2019, they will operate with one flight less than last year, AvioRadar reports.
In April, May, June, September, and October, the airline will run four flights per week. The arrivals from Prague to Zagreb will be in the evening hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and from Zagreb to Prague in the mornings on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, which is the same as last year. In July and August, this line will no longer operate every day.
It will, however, be strengthened in July and August with arrivals in Zagreb on Thursday and Saturday evenings, with a return to Prague on Friday and Sunday. The line from Prague to Zagreb on Tuesdays with a return from Zagreb to Prague on Wednesdays has been removed. This route will operate from March 31 to October 26, 2019, on the ATR-72 aircraft.
Flights to Croatia: Croatia Airlines reduces traffic on seasonal lines to Split and Zagreb
Croatia’s national carrier Croatia Airlines, a Star Alliance member, reduced the traffic on two seasonal lines for the 2019 summer. Namely, the Split-Belgrade route and the Zagreb-Saint Petersburg route will cut one flight per week, reports AvioRadar.
The Split-Belgrade line will remain in traffic twice a week, Mondays and Fridays, from May 13 to September 23, 2019, using the Bombardier Q400 aircraft. The Zagreb-Saint Petersburg line, which was boosted last year from two to three flights per week, is returning to traffic just two times a week this summer. This line will, therefore, operate on Thursdays and Sundays from April 21 to October 6, 2019, using the Airbus 319 aircraft.
Traffic has been reduced on the Zagreb-Saint Petersburg line to boost operations on the Zagreb-Dublin line.
In other news, British Airways will operate their new Airbus A320Neo aircraft and Airbus A321Neo aircraft on selected flights to Croatia this summer. Namely, the new aircraft will be used for the routes between Zagreb-London and Split-London.
To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
Vandals Strike at Historic Split Vestibule (PHOTO)
January 23, 2019 - The people of Split woke up to a rather unpleasant sight this morning, which many citizens are still trying to understand. The historic Split Vestibule inside Diocletian's Palace fell victim to graffiti vandalism.
Split Pjaca: A Construction Site Today to Shine Again Tomorrow
The numerous conservation and restoration works in the Split Pjaca, as well as the initiatives of private owners on objects in the area, testifies to the fact that the famous square will shine again, reports Slobodna Dalmacija on January 22, 2019.
While we know that Pjaca is still one of the central squares in the city today, it has transformed into one big construction site. Fortunately, its presence today hopefully guarantees a better future.
Most of the work is carried out under the supervision of the Ministry of Culture, i.e., the Conservation Department in Split. Works are taking place on the old town hall, the hotel "Central" is seeing a renovation, and it is expected that the City and the private owner of the "Morpurgo" bookstore will reach an agreement so that the cultural good will open its doors again.
Furthermore, the Nakić house, whose ground floor has long been a bookstore, is to be renovated, and one shop inside the Pjaca has already returned its exterior to its appearance at the beginning of the last century.
From the 13th century, the Pjaca was the center of the city; the pulse of life in the city. The houses of the nobility and the communal palace gave the square a representative look, and before the Venetian restoration of the square in the 15th century, which demolished the church of Sv. Lovre, the square was enlarged to the north.
The buildings of the Papalić palace, the homes of Marulić and Karepić and the other residences of old Split families, gave a vibrant new look to the early Renaissance square, although it was half the size of the area today.
In the southeastern part, there was a block of houses that, several centuries later, were redeemed and cleaned by members of the noble Capogrosso family. On the ground floor of these houses were shops, some of which were renovated in the 19th century to cafe “Seleban”, after "Troccoli".
Between the two wars, the “Central" hotel was built in the Pjaca - and after many years of neglect, its renovation began last autumn, which was preceded by extensive research and technical documentation. After the completion of the works, expected in the summer of 2021, the hotel will be restored to its old, but completely refurbished appearance.
In the middle of the 19th century, the northwest part of the Pjaca was demolished, where there was a monumental section of the Venetian Rector's Palace with a theater. The square was extended to the west from the Pavlovć Palace, today the Hotel Judita, to the Nakić house, which was erected at the end of 1900 according to the project of archaeologist Špiro Nakić.
“Only the town hall remains from the Rector's Palace complex, which was restored in a detached building according to historicist designs from the end of the 19th century,” explains Dr. Radoslav Bužančić, Head of the Conservation Department of the Ministry of Culture.
“Its modern renovation is under preparation, technical documentation has been completed and a thorough remodel of the city's exhibition palace is about to begin. The City Hall gallery will receive better working conditions, lifts for disabled people, and completely restored spaces without columns and interior enclosures that have excessively burdened the exhibition space.
The rotation of the business premises of the former famous bookstore Morpurgo, which became a symbol of Split's people, is also under preparation. After the reconstruction is completed, this area will continue being a bookshop, the same as in the western part of the square, in the Nakić house, which will also be completely renovated. On the ground floor, where there was the 'Miroslav Krleža' bookshop, apart from shopping facilities, one bookstore will continue to operate,” says Bužančić.
Vlasta Marčić, an architect who is working with a large team of experts on renovating the Central hotel, admits that the Pjaca area, as well as the hotels owned by Anka Kerum, is extraordinarily complicated and demanding because the historical layers cannot be avoided.
Namely, the hotel itself has evident architectural and stylistic traces that lead to the late antiquity in the far past, through the Renaissance until the transition to the 19th and 20th centuries. Therefore, after many years of battles with papers, permits, utility problems, and conservation requirements, they’ll also need some luck.
Translated from Slobodna Dalmacija.
To read more about Split, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
Split Parking: Nine Garages and 2,200 Spaces Coming to City?
January 22, 2019 - Marko Bartulić, director of the company Split Parking, answered questions for Dalmacija Danas about how the Split Parking handles the many inquiries submitted to them by citizens, and what the plans are for parking in Split moving forward.
“The citizens have a lot of objections, and most of them have inquiries for Split Parking. I believe that citizens often interfere with the powers of Split Parking and the authority of the traffic police. On Monday night at the council meeting, we saw that much of what the citizens complain about is not within the jurisdiction of Split Parking. Of course, when it comes up, it can be interpreted as a kind of 'ping-pong'. However, I cannot make decisions that are not in my jurisdiction because we are only implementing the decisions of the City Council. We could not change that. What we can do is propose, and that is why we are holding these forums for districts. At the forums, we talk to citizens about coming up with solutions that we will propose to city authorities who will then submit proposals to the City Council.”
There have been several different proposals to solve the parking problem for the inhabitants of Split's old city core, and it seems that most councilors would support the idea of free parking for tenants. Would that be a big hit on the Split Parking budget?
“We do not know the numbers at all. They've mentioned 1000 tenants of the old city core and 200 vehicles. I do not think any decision of the City Council can jeopardize the stability of Split Parking, but we must also consider the following: Split Parking is exclusively funding nine garages with 2,200 parking spaces. The total investment is 80 million kuna.”
What could Bartulić tell us about the garages?
“There will an architectural contest, and if not published today, it will be released this week. After that comes the conceptual solution, and then we will announce a tender.”
When do you expect the first garage to be implemented?
“The nine garages would be built in parallel. The construction sites will not open at the same time, and I do not know which company can do it. They will surely be built according to the priorities, where the fastest building permit can be obtained, where it is the ‘cleanest’. I believe that existing garages are probably the most likely to be expanded.”
How many parking spaces does Split currently have?
“According to HAK data, Split has 92,000 registered vehicles. So, we are not talking about Solin, Kaštela and Podstrana, but only about Split. When we estimate that Split has 22,000 legal parking spots, then you see the problem. This will not be solved overnight or by building a garage, but with smart solutions.”
To read more about Split, follow TCN's dedicated page.
(VIDEO) Split Shames Drivers Who Use Parking Spaces for Disabled Drivers
The employees of the Split Parking company have launched a new initiative as part of the "Do you want to exchange parking spots” campaign, warning citizens not to use parking spots reserved for persons with disabilities. In the past days, they have produced a hidden-camera-style video, catching offenders who were improperly parked, reports Večernji List on January 22, 2019.
The goal was to shame drivers, and the culmination is the moment when a young man in a wheelchair approaches them and asks them why they took his parking spot. How the drivers reacted can be seen in the video. Some remained speechless, while others apologised.
“It is clear that people feel uncomfortable and I believe they have learned a lesson with this warning, but also that everyone else watching the video will realise that it is not OK to stop at parking spots for disabled drivers even for a minute if they are not eligible for them. Let this be another serious warning to us all,” said Marko Bartulić, director of Split Parking.
Finding a parking spot is a daily challenge for disabled drivers because some citizens deliberately violate their rights and thus make it difficult for them to do basic activities. “It is inevitable that some citizens will learn this in a harder way, but our aim is not to punish them, but raise awareness among citizens that they should stop doing that, because that is the only way to make a real breakthrough,” concluded Bartulić.
The authorities remove about 1,600 illegally parked vehicles from parking spaces reserved for disabled drivers each year, but the real figure is much higher because not all violators are caught.
The campaign has produced good results, and shifts are visible, but there is still a lot to be done. Split Parking says the campaign will go on. Split has been joined by numerous other towns in Croatia, such as Solin, Dubrovnik, Vrgorac, Ploče, Kaštela, Trogir, Varaždin, which are now also part of the initiative.
More news about Split can be found in our special section.
Translated from Večernji List.
Bagatin Clinic is Open for Business in Split!
January 21, 2019 - We’re starting the new year with some big news - and we think you’ll like it. Remember when we announced that the best dermatology clinic in Europe and leading medical tourism ambassadors the Bagatin Clinic would soon be opening their doors in the heart of Dalmatia? Well, today is the big day, and the Bagatin Clinic has realized one of their biggest projects - they are now open for business in the Dalmatian Capital of Split!
Namely, from Monday, January 21, 2019, the Bagatin Clinic’s arms are open to a new clientele. The people of Dalmatia now have the chance to embrace the famed clinic’s business tradition and culture they have nurtured for years, and delight in their knowledge, skills, and innovations at a new location in the Dioklecijan Hotel & Residence, within the Split House of Health.
Bagatin’s superior 5-star service will shine in departments specializing in dentistry, cosmetology and aesthetic dermatology. Their status as the best dermatological clinic in Europe in 2018 ensures the best possible approach, the expertise of their staff and state-of-the-art technological equipment for all skin changes, but also in erasing signs of aging with the help of the best anti-aging treatments, with an emphasis on injectables.
The Bagatin Clinic prides themselves in boasting nothing but the highest quality of service together with state-of-the-art technology which is implemented in all treatments and procedures. You can find the latest technology in their dental offices with specific treatments available within the Laser center. The Bagatin surgical department will begin by offering smaller surgical procedures and examinations, though they will soon expand their range of our services.
Meet the Bagatin Split team:
Doctor Zlatko Kljajić is a specialist in otorhinolaryngology, a subspecialist in audiology and an expert in different methods of facial rejuvenation. In the last few years, he has continued his education in the field of aesthetic medicine, too. Kljajić is the author of several published scientific papers in both Croatian and international magazines, and he has recently received a quality acknowledgment for 2018 according to the portal najdoktor.com. With his expertise and irresistible charm, he perfectly complements the Bagatin team.
Doctor of dental medicine, Nastja Asanović, is an expert for aesthetic and functional solutions in prosthetics. After obtaining her postgraduate specialist degree in the field of dental implantology, she received further training by attending various symposiums and congresses. In her work, special attention is devoted to the individual approach to each patient in her desire to give them a perfect smile.
Matea Jakić is a certified cosmetologist for body and facial treatments. Through numerous education programs, she has gained certificates in the fields of cosmetology, derma-cosmetics and non-invasive medical methods and has completed the Reviderm Academy which focuses on a comprehensive approach to facial skin care. She is most looking forward to everyday communication with the patients and the results achieved to the satisfaction of each patient.
Katarina Kalebić is the Head of the Bagatin Clinic in Split. Kalebić boasts a Master’s Degree in Economics and vast experience in working with foreign investors. She has participated in establishing and managing a renowned dental clinic where she perfected her leadership and organizational skills.
Karmen Radić will be the first friendly face to greet you at the Bagatin Clinic. Karmen’s warm welcome will ensure the most enjoyable experience at the Clinic - and we promise her smile and reliability will make each of your appointments seamless.
The Bagatin Clinic strives for continuous education, professional training and investment in their growth and development, which places their team of doctors and medical staff among the very best. Better yet, Bagatin's reputation of providing the best medical care received its latest endorsement last month when 11 of their doctors were declared the best in 2018 by the portal najdoktor.com.
Chosen by the patients themselves, Bagatin’s best includes:
Dermatologists:
Jolanda Kanižaj-Rajković, dr.med. and Snježana Kramarić, dr.med.
Surgeon:
Josip Lovrić, dr.med., surgeon
Maxillofacial surgeon:
Tomica Bagatin, dr.med., plastic surgeon of head and neck
Oral surgeon:
Krešimir Doblanović dr.med.dent.
Otorhinolaryngologist:
Zlatko Kljajić, dr.med.
Plastic surgeon:
Dinko Bagatin, dr.med., plastic and reconstructive surgeon
Dentist:
Ivan Sertić, dr.med.dent., Marin Radić, dr.med.dent te Majda Plišić, dr.med.dent
Specialist in dental prosthetics:
Mirna Munitić, dr.med.dent
“We are especially pleased with the recognition coming from our patients. Only then you can be sure you are doing the best you can and that someone recognizes your efforts. All of my colleagues and I always strive to provide our patients with the best possible care and dedicate them our undivided attention before, during and after their stay at the Clinic. This acknowledgment is an additional motive for the future and for keeping the gold standard we have set,” said Tomica Bagatin.
Doctor Dinko Bagatin added: “What is most important for us is the feeling of long-term trust we share with our patients, and this acknowledgment is precisely an indicator of that. I am particularly pleased that this tradition continues for several years now and we certainly plan to keep this continuity. Congratulations to all of my colleagues on this acknowledgment and I thank our dear patients from the bottom of my heart!”
The new Bagatin Clinic is located within the Dioklecijan Hotel & Residence, a luxurious hotel with a rooftop pool and a spectacular panoramic view of the city, sea and the islands. Located at Kranjčevićeva 45/1 in Split’s Gripe district, the new Clinic is just a 15-minute walk from the city center, Diocletian’s Palace and attractive beaches. The Hotel & Residence has 52 comfortable and spacious rooms with balconies where Bagatin’s clients and patients can stay while visiting Split.
If you’re interested in booking a treatment in the new Split location, you can contact Bagatin via e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., phone +385 1 4610 225, or via the chat on www.poliklinikabagatin.hr.
Or, visit the new Bagatin Clinic from today, January 21st!
Croatian Small Shipbuilding Days Reveal Upgraded 11th Edition
Croatian Small Shipbuilding Days celebrated ten years in 2018 - and going into another decade, the favorite event has some new plans in the works.
Split to Dubrovnik: Your Road Trip Itinerary
January 19, 2019 - To no one’s surprise, traveling from Split to Dubrovnik may be the most frequented route for tourists coming to Croatia - and specifically Dalmatia. While there are more than a few options on hand when going from one coastal town to the other, depending on whether you choose the bus, plane, boat, or car, you’ll get from the Dalmatian capital to the Pearl of the Adriatic anywhere between 1-6 hours, give or take.
Though if our opinion had any influence on your choice, we’d suggest you take a drive down the coast - and this is primarily because of the roadside charms you’ll find along the way.
Here’s how we think your road trip itinerary should look from Split to Dubrovnik.
Split to Omiš
Your first stop after leaving Split should be in Omiš, which is less than an hour away (though you should potentially factor in seasonal traffic). Omiš is known as the town where the Cetina River meets the Adriatic - and it’s also known for its history of pirates and klapa singing. Omiš also boasts many attractions, such as fortresses from the 13th (Mirabella) and 15th-century (Fortica), a precious old town, a 10th-century church, and perhaps best of all to keep your road-trip-hunger curbed - Soparnik, a Swiss chard savory pie that has been declared as intangible cultural heritage of Croatia by the Croatian Ministry of Culture.
From Omiš to the Makarska Riviera
Your next stop on the road trip should be, well, literally anywhere on the Makarska Riviera. While the town of Makarska marks the center of the Riviera and is perhaps the most famous for its Franciscan Monastery, unique museums, and churches, there are other stops you absolutely shouldn’t miss. Take one of Croatia’s best beaches, Brela, for example, or the town of Tučepi, which is known for having one of the longest beaches in Croatia. Or if you have more time to kill, don’t miss out on visiting Biokovo Nature Park!
From Makarska to Neum in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Did you know that you have to pass through Bosnia and Herzegovina on the road to Dubrovnik? Just an hour and a half away from Makarska is the town of Neum in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which is the country’s only access to the Adriatic Sea. A seaside resort town, Neum offers a variety of food, drink, and tobacco products at much lower prices than in Croatia - and if you’re hungry, make sure you try a mixed grill (and specifically čevapi) or a burek!
PS: Don't forget your passport!
From Neum to Ston
Just about a half hour away from Neum is the town of Ston, known for its oyster farming, salt works, and wall that is known as Europe’s equivalent to the Great Wall of China. Ston is a small town with just a few restaurants, but trying the oysters are a must - as is tasting the Ston risotto, which can be found at Kapetanova Kuća (Captain’s House), which was also named one of Croatia’s 100 best restaurants. And if you feel like you need to work off all the food from the trip, take a hike up the 3 kilometer Ston wall, which was built in the 14th century.
From Ston to Dubrovnik
The light at the end of the tunnel, Dubrovnik, is located less than an hour away from Ston, though one more stop could interest you. Precisely, the Trsteno Arboretum is known as the oldest arboretum in this part of the world - and it was also used as a filming location in the third and fourth seasons of Game of Thrones.
But the best part? If you don’t feel like making the drive but wish to see all the charms along the way, Solo Transfers is here to save the day. One of Croatia’s most trusted private transfers companies, Solo Transfers will take you door-to-door, and everywhere you wish in between on your Croatian adventure.
For more information on bookings, visit the Solo Transfers website.
To learn more about Split and Dubrovnik, follow TCN's travel section.
Temporary Kopilica Bus Station in Split Gets One Bid for Three Times the Price
The new temporary bus station for Split, which will be located in the Kopilica area of the city, could cost almost three times more than the City estimated - and the question is whether it will really be a temporary solution after all.
Although the estimated value of the works is 5 million kuna, the City of Split received only one offer for the project, reports Slobodna Dalmacija on January 18, 2019.
Namely, only "Cestar" d.o.o. came out to play, and with an offer of almost three times more than the estimated cost - 13,587,055 kuna.
The City received the single offer on Friday, though the procedure is far from over, as they must fully examine whether Cestar's offer is complete and satisfactory to the needs of the new station.
While we are not entirely sure why only one offer was presented for this highly anticipated project, it could have something to do with the short deadline for completion (3 months).
In addition to the short timeframe, the City, as far as we have been able to see, was not exactly meticulous as a contracting authority in the public procurement procedure.
Works in Kopilica were expected to happen by mid-February, following contract signing between the City and the ‘selected contractor’, and the deadline for appeal of any dissatisfied tenderers. In accordance with the foreseen three-month duration of construction, the new bus station and the four surrounding locations envisioned to accommodate cars and tourist buses would be arranged by the summer in the wider area of the existing railway station, which would be in line with the announcement that part of the East Coast traffic would be moved to Kopilica for the upcoming season.
According to the documentation produced by the company "Geoprojekt", between Hercegovačka Street and the railway tracks, there are plans to construct 18 covered parking platforms for buses. The largest part, with room for 10 buses, would be located closest to the tracks, the central "island" would boast five more places, and the remaining three would be next to the main road.
The existing access road facing the Public Fire Department complex would be significantly expanded and receive an appropriate sidewalk, but as far as project design is concerned, there was no envisaged expansion of Hercegovačka Street, which for decades has narrowed the entry to that part of the city.
An integral part of the overall project is arranging four surrounding parking lots for a total of 147 cars, seven taxi cabs and 51 tourist buses, with “Split Parking" as the official investor. The first location is the existing parking zone at the main building of the train station where a total of 21 spaces will be marked for passenger cars, including two for disabled parking, seven for taxi drivers and three for tourist buses.
The next parking lot would be somewhat to the east of the future station, near the intersection that leads from Hercegovačka street to the wider area of the station for the technical inspection of vehicles. There would be 46 spaces available to drivers (two for people with disabilities), and there would be a one-way street leading to the parking lot from the railway station along the railway line to the east, while Hercegovačka would only be the exit. In the immediate neighborhood, an even larger car park is planned with 80 spaces (four for people with disabilities).
On the northern side of the entire Kopilica station complex, the city administration intends to accommodate tourist buses, which, as well as for all other mentioned locations, they have signed a five-year lease agreement with the company "HŽ Infrastruktura". In front of the warehouse and the neglected tracks, there are large asphalted areas approaching Kopilica Street, which, until recently, linked the business and commercial zone in Stinice with the North Port.
If the City of Split accepts Cestar’s 13.5 million kuna offer, should so much money be invested in a ‘temporary’ solution? Or should the Kopilica station become a permanent "temporary" solution in the end?
To read more about Split, follow TCN's dedicated page.
