December 19, 2020 - The numbers are in for November - and they aren't totally grim when considering Split winter tourism. 

Believe it or not, there is some turnover in tourism this year, reports Slobodna Dalmacija.

According to the eVisitor system, there were 4,323 arrivals, and 21,671 overnight stays in the Split area in November, which is about 23 percent of arrivals and 53 percent of overnight stays realized compared to November last year, says the Split Tourist Board.

However, there are no noticeable changes. Moreover, according to Martina Nimac Kalcina, president of the Family Tourism Association of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce, this crisis has taken us back ten to twenty years.

"Regardless of the COVID crisis, the occupancy of private accommodation has always been very low from November 1 to April 1, which is understandable given that seasonality is generally pronounced in the Republic of Croatia, and it is an accommodation that is exclusively reserved for families and small groups, who mostly base their summer trips during the school holidays.

However, in the last few years, this seasonality has extended, especially in cities and luxury facilities, and we have been on the best path to making some destinations year-round.

Nowhere is the situation good. In situations when we lack guests from air destinations, the northern Adriatic always passes better, because it is more accessible by car to neighboring countries. Some brave guests go on vacation to a destination from which they can easily and quickly return home," says Nimac Kalcina.

The low occupancy that we currently have in private accommodation is mostly made up of foreigners who are on a longer stay in the Republic of Croatia, mostly digital nomads and people transferred to working online due to COVID.

"Such guests feel safer and more comfortable staying with us in private accommodation by the sea than in the cities where they normally live. Given this, we welcome the amendments to the Aliens Act, which enter into force on January 1, 2021. The category of digital nomads is extremely facilitated for obtaining visas for up to a year.

Some renters have already informed me that their guests have encountered the problem of needing to extend their stay because their tourist visa, which is valid for 3 months, is expiring. They would like to extend their stay precisely because of COVID. From January next year, this will be possible by a much easier procedure," she announces.

Due to the epidemiological situation and the recommended measures, there isn't much reason to celebrate this year.

"Given that, I believe no one expects reservations. On the other hand, we have been leading socially isolated lives all this year and will be doing so for some time to come. I believe that all those who can afford to should organize a short trip for themselves and their children.

Private accommodation is ideal for these trips because they have no contact with other people, and they do not need to meet the host if they do not want to. A large number of owners have already organized the possibility of "self-check-in." Unfortunately, this is a small number of potential guests because the spending power has dropped," says Nimac Kalcina.

Prices of accommodation this season are lower. Luxury facilities mostly did not lower prices (emphasizing holiday homes), while smaller units, by city, had significantly lower prices, averaging about 25 percent. For next season, she predicts prices similar to 2020 with better occupancy.

Still, it looks like hotels will recover more slowly because there will still be fewer group trips and fewer business events, regardless of their prices.

There will also be a smaller number of guests from third countries who were hotel guests in large numbers, due to the reduced number of airlines. Camps, on the other hand, could have a good occupancy rate.

"This difficult situation will not lead to a significant reduction in private accommodation. So far, to my knowledge, there has been a reduction of some 6 to 15 percent, depending on the region.

I expect that another percentage of renters will decide to deregister their accommodation units, but I also expect a part of the new facilities to be categorized.

First of all, I am thinking of the many hosts who have invested in their facilities and planned to categorize them in the spring of 2020. However, because of the pandemic, they decided to postpone the categorization for next year. The profitability of apartments with a large number of beds, rooms, in cities ... is questionable," says Martina Nimac Kalcina. 

For the latest travel info, bookmark our main travel info article, which is updated daily. 

Read the Croatian Travel Update in your language - now available in 24 languages.

Join the Total Croatia Travel INFO Viber community.

December. 17, 2020 - The holidays may look a bit different this year, but that doesn't mean we can't find ways to enjoy the magic of the season safely. One way is with Split Advent to-go!

With the current government restrictions in force, which have closed restaurants, bars, and cafes until further notice, it's been challenging to enjoy Split Advent as we know it. However, these difficult times have forced catering facilities to get creative, and festive food and drink pick-up points outside our usually popular Split restaurant locations seems to be the way forward. 

Over the last week, a handful of Split restaurants have announced pick-up points, dressed up in Christmas decorations, where you can indulge in to-go versions of your favorite Advent fare, mulled wine, hot gin, and restaurant classics, all while admiring the twinkling lights around the city. 

Terminal F

Start at the top of the Riva at Terminal. F, whose food offer includes everything from homemade sausages, creamy taquitos, and meaty sandwiches to churros, cannolis, and fritule. If you're thirsty, there is mulled wine, hot gin, and Somersby apple punch, in addition to a selection of rakija shooters. 

Dujkin Dvor 

At the end of the Riva and on your way to the West Coast is Dujkin Dvor, where you can find fritters, sausages, cod, mulled wine, coffee, rum punch, and tea. And you can also drop off your letters to Santa!

Chops Grill

Because everyone's favorite steakhouse in Split couldn't hold out, either. Make your way up Marmontova and turn left at Chops Grill for coconut hot gin, Jager Meister Scharf punch, or Christmas gin tonic. But that's not all - there is a selection of bites, from hot dogs to savory croissants, cod, sausages, and eggburgers!

Articok

Just around the corner from Chops is Articok, with an extensive menu at their restaurant pick-up point. From a selection of soups to goulash, rabbit gnocchi, tripe, ravioli, cod, and cannoli, this is only part of what Articok has to offer!

Corto Maltese

With coffee-to-go from 9 am and mulled wine, hot gin, tea, beer, lasagna, gnocchi, cod, risotto, and more from the afternoon, Corto Maltese's pick-up point is up and running for all your to-go needs!

Bokeria Kitchen & Wine (Jingles)

One of Split's most popular restaurants has promised to bring the holiday spirit to the city with a festive pick-up point outside their famous location. Available on Wolt, too, Bokeria has prepared caesar salad, beef tartare, fish tacos, burgers, black risotto, and, of course, bakalar, wine, and more!

Bon Vivant

Feel like street-food-style pierogies? Hot pelinkovac (made from four types of Pelinkovac, homemade tangerine marmalade, ginger, apple, citrus, and spices)? Beetroot soup? Bolognese? Or fresh juices? Look no further, as you can have it all at Bon Vivant!

Pick-up points are a great way to safely enjoy the culinary pearls of Split while admiring the twinkling lights of Advent. 

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

December 16, 2020 – Even though it was first supposed to take place in April this year, and then at the end of June, the 22nd Croatia Boat Show will finally be held from 7 to April 11 next year in Split!

As Turizam24 reports, the Croatia Boat Show should take place from April 7 to 11 next year. The organizer of the nautical fair, Vicenco Blagaić, published the news on his Facebook profile. In the published post, in addition to the fair's date, it also says the location – the West Coast and the Riva in Split.

The Croatia Boat Show was supposed to take place from April 22 to 26 this year but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic until the end of June. However, at the request of exhibitors, it was not held even then. Thus, the 22nd Croatia Boat Show edition will take place in April next year.

Split will once again host a fair that brings together the most important names of the Croatian and world nautical elite. Nautical tourism ports, shipbuilders, ship equipment manufacturers, charter companies, caterers, and many other representatives of the tourism and economic sector will gather on the West Coast to present their products and services attractively.

Exhibitors will have the opportunity to present new yachts, sailboats, and other pleasure boats and other products from the maritime world, such as marine engines and electronics, yacht equipment, fishing equipment, and other activities related to the nautical sector.

The Croatia Boat Show used to be one of the ten most important nautical fairs in the world. It has always been a meeting place for business partners from all branches of the nautical industry and an ideal model for presenting activities and products to a wide range of visitors and clients.

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

December 13, 2020 - The third Split Gastroadvent Sunday honored news portal journalists at Chops Grill, focusing on how the Mediterranean diet can help you recover the senses damaged by COVID-19. 

The loss of taste and smell from COVID-19 is particularly pronounced. Although it is not uncommon for upper respiratory tract infections to affect our senses of smell and taste, it is precisely a symptom of COVID-19,  which attracts a great deal of attention. The average prevalence of odor loss is about 41%, while taste loss is about 38%.

It is known that people recognize four tastes: salty, sweet, sour, and bitter. In the middle of 2000, the fifth sense was confirmed, which Japanese scientists named umami - a pleasant taste. Science confirms that umami produces sodium glutamate, and it is found naturally in fish.

Loss of taste and smell is certainly uncomfortable, and to activate the olfactory nerves, most experts recommend "smell training." Even better, the Mediterranean diet contributes to the recovery of the senses damaged by viral infections.

Fish products are a good source of zinc (Zn), a micronutrient of great importance that has a beneficial effect on the metabolism of macronutrients and carbohydrates and protein synthesis. The role of Zn in the protection of cells from oxidative stress and the normal function of the immune system is significant. It is imperative to consume enough fish, oysters, crabs, tuna, and shellfish.

As 2020 marks the jubilee 10th anniversary of recognizing the Mediterranean diet, this year's theme pays great attention to the sea. The Mediterranean Sea boasts about 2.5 million km² and connects all countries of the original Mediterranean diet.

Following this theme, this year's Gastroadvent wreath is also dedicated to the sea and its preservation. The seafoam wreath symbolically and literally simulates the sea world and is created from discarded trash and plastic. The Mediterranean diet theme inspired prominent sculptor Nives Čičin Šain to send a message artistically: “Let's preserve our sea and the life in it that feeds many with its beauty."

As this Advent Sunday was held at Chops Grill Steak & Seafood, chef Ivan Nikolić, prepared simple and quick 'to-go' dishes to adapt to Croatia's current epidemiological measures. Namely, the menu items presented today included a croissant with scrambled eggs & salmon, Grana Padano, and scallions, a croissant with scrambled eggs & bacon, rocket, Grana Padano and a special sauce, and an egg burger with sriracha mayo, scallions, and cheese, which are all available for locals to pick up at Chops' 'to-go' window and enjoy while walking around the city until 3 pm every day. 

Chops also prepared monkfish in shrimp sauce with macaroni. 

The fish of the Adriatic Sea was presented by partner Gastro Ribarnica Brač, which makes fish more accessible through regular campaigns, and with its professionalism, guarantee safety, availability, and originality. The Amare brand, which focuses on "love from the sea," combines hand-cleaned meat of Adriatic shrimp, which is synonymous with quality and an indispensable food for restaurants and households, as well as marinated shrimp, marinated anchovies, and salted anchovies. Their novelty is the first burgers made of Adriatic shrimp and scampi, which have achieved notable success on the market. On the wings of this success, the idea for a burger made of Adriatic fish was created, more precisely, of four types of white fish and two types of bluefish.

Along with domestic fish during the holiday season, at Centaurus d.o.o., you can get an excellent "Premium" cod (Bakalar).

Ecology and competence in gastronomy and tourism are the future projects of the Split School of Tourism and Hospitality. Under the leadership of director Ivo Bilić, the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management Split has been appointed the Regional Center of Competence in Tourism in the summer of 2018.

The regional center of competence in the tourism and hospitality sector is the name of a long-term project of the Tourist Catering School Split and partners.

The idea of creating a Regional Competence Center (hereinafter: RCC) arose as a need to improve human resources in tourism, and this school has been in development for about 10 years. Seven years ago, a model of the center was presented at the Ministry of Tourism, originally as an idea for the development of quality schools in tourism. The initial model was for Split-Dalmatia County with about 15 schools (mostly in Croatia) that educate for at least one of the occupations in the tourism and hospitality sector (there are about 100 schools in Croatia). The main goal was (and remains) that students have better exit competencies upon completion of education and uniform in all schools. The important role of the RCC is to connect with the local community, and it will be manifested through two goals:

1) Projects with kindergartens and primary schools in creating habits among young people and encouraging reflection on tourism, and on the other hand as promoting our professions,

2) Participation in local (regional) events, creating habits among the population about the benefits and importance of caring for the guest-tourist. 

This year's Gastroadvent also features Mediterranean Food - MD.net, a project funded by the European program Interreg Mediterranean, worth 3.7 million EUR, and implemented by the Public Institution RERA S.D. for the coordination and development of Split-Dalmatia County. The project involves 14 project partners from 9 countries in the Mediterranean, aiming to popularize the Mediterranean diet. The main goal of the project is to strengthen research in this area following the UNESCO Convention on Mediterranean Nutrition, to raise the quality of food and life in 9 project partner countries, as well as promote the Mediterranean diet, which is recognized as the gold standard of proper nutrition, as well as its far-reaching beneficial effects on health.

This time, the "Braća Radić“ school from Kaštel Štafilić presented 100% raw natural energy bars, made of broad beans, dried figs, grapes, carob, almonds, lemon, dates, and olive oil. The vegan energy bars are gluten-free and are made without any added sugar or preservatives. They are high in energy, soluble fibers and micronutrients, and plant proteins! 

All products presented at Gastroadvent will be evaluated, and the best will go to international competition in Seville, Spain next year.

Per epidemiological measures, all to-go food items were individually packed by Chops for us to enjoy at home.

We were even given Probiotic packets by M.E.V. Feller to stay healthy! 

Split Gastroadvent is held every Advent Sunday at a new location, honoring a different group of journalists. 

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

December 11, 2020 - Have you explored what Split Advent has to offer online?

In 2020, marked by physical distance, it is more important than ever to emphasize the deep connection between people. This is exactly one of the main messages from Split Advent through many activities for all citizens, most of which, this year, are carried out online. By participating in the interactive content of Split Advent under the slogan 'Love unites us,' citizens can win numerous awards while also helping social groups in need.

1. Brighten up Christmas for the children from the Maestral home with favorite Advent memories

In the Advent time of giving and love, the people of Split, like all people of goodwill, have the opportunity to help the groups most in need. As part of Split Advent, a charity competition, 'Embrace the Heart' was launched. By publishing your favorite Christmas memories in the form of a photo, video, or text, citizens can bring a touch of Christmas magic to those who need it most. The person with the most beautiful announcement will symbolically hand over a donation of HRK 5,000.00, in cooperation with the Split Tourist Board, which provided the funds, to the Maestral Children's Home.

Citizens can respond to the action until December 23 on the Split Tourist Board's social networks and show the fundamental values ​​of Christmas because, in moments when we are physically distant, love and care for others are needed more than ever. Christmas memories can be posted in the form of a 'post' on their own profiles with the obligatory hashtags #LoveNasSpaja and #ZagrliSrcem.  The post must also be set to "public" to be visible. Another way to participate in the humanitarian competition is to post memories in the comments below one of the posts of the competition on the Facebook and Instagram profile of the Split Tourist Board, also with the accompanying hashtags #LjubavNasSpaja and #ZagrliSrcem.

2. Share holiday-themed photos and win the family lunch at Pauza!

Split Advent this year, in cooperation with the local online food ordering service 'Pauza,' decided to reward as many as three lucky people with the delivery of an Advent lunch or dinner. Each round of the competition wins a gift voucher worth HRK 250.00 at Pauza, which can provide a meal for the whole family.

This competition invites all interested parties to publish photos with a holiday theme. The most creative ones, according to the jury, will win prizes. The entire competition takes place in three thematic parts, from 7 to 13 December, 14 to 20 December, and 23 to 30 December.

The first part of the competition is already public and highlights favorite Christmas clothes, with preference given to Christmas sweaters. Remembering, writing the hashtag #LjubavNasSpaja is mandatory, and the post must be set to 'public' option. Be sure to tag the Split Tourist Board (Visit Split), too!

3. Box of beautiful wishes by Croatian Lottery

Another prize campaign started on December 8, titled 'Box of beautiful wishes.' In cooperation with the Croatian Lottery, Split Advent will reward those who write the most beautiful Christmas messages and thus remind themselves and their fellow citizens of the true spirit of the holidays. Boxes of good wishes are located on Gajo Bulat Square near the big Christmas tree and the Riva, opposite the Advent stage. With their messages, all citizens and visitors to Split will prove that love is an emotion that allows us to overcome all challenges placed before us.

By writing sincere Christmas wishes and putting them in mailboxes, participants enter the competition for one of three main prizes - a Samsung Galaxy S10e 128GB dual SIM, a Samsung Galaxy R800 smartwatch, or a Samsung Galaxy Tab S4 T830 64GB tablet, or one of three consolation gifts package. Below the written wish, you must write your name and surname, mobile phone number, and e-mail so that the winners can be contacted. You must be over the age of 18 to participate, and it is possible to participate several times with different wishes.

The winning wishes will be drawn at random on Wednesday, December 30, and published on social networks and the Split Tourist Board website.

4. Virtual 'Cima ljubavi' that connects sailors and their loved ones during Advent

In cooperation with the Blue Cage, a Facebook group that brings together many sailors and lovers of the sea and ships, Split Advent organized a virtual action with the symbolic name 'Cima ljubavi.' As part of this action, Split sailors are invited to send videos to their hometown with messages of what they would do if they were at home with their families at that time, instead of away.

The action is carried out on the Split Tourist Board's social networks and the Facebook page Modri ​​kavez. Sailors can send their video materials (lasting 30 seconds to a minute) to e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and the inboxes of the Facebook pages Modri ​​kavez or Visit Split. The collected video materials of the seafarers will be published on the mentioned Facebook pages every Friday until the beginning of January. 

Apart from the numerous open competitions, follow the Facebook and Instagram profiles of Split Advent to get new information about programs, live broadcasts, and new opportunities to win interesting and useful prizes every day. 

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

December 10, 2020 – Why did the chicken cross the road? Well, to go to the dućan (store) with his owner, of course! Residents bewildered to see one man taking his pet chicken shopping in the city streets of Split.

Understanding Croatia is often like looking through a kaleidoscope – the closer you look, the more it shifts in and out of the focus of comprehension. Nowhere is that more true than in the seaside city of Split.

Visitors are not the only ones to see this. Split's inhabitants know it too. Despite its reputation for the unorthodox, happenings in Split are still capable of raising the eyebrows of those who live there. And, that was certainly the case a couple of days ago, when residents of the Gripe neighbourhood were bewildered to see one man going shopping accompanied by his pet chicken. Their casual walk to the shops, which sees the pet chicken being led on the kind of leash you'd more usually find on a dog, was captured on video. It is one of the more curious chick flicks TCN has seen this year.

Gripe in Split is a family neighbourhood, known for its sporting facilities and the old fortifications which lie on the hill after which it is named. Even in times of social distancing, it's not uncommon to find neighbours milling around, chatting to each other on a weekend morning. Their idle gossip was given egg-stra fuel on Saturday when the man and his pet chicken made their remarkable hen-trance.

As the weather across Croatia turns colder, this is the traditional time for pigs to be turned into the sausages and bacon that will last through the winter. The chickens and turkeys are safe for now, although only for another week or so. Perhaps this timing egg-splains the walking of the pet chicken? Maybe the owner didn't want to let the prize bird out of his sight so close to Christmas? Or perhaps, given that a camera seems to have been at the ready to film their exploits, the walking of the pet chicken was just a welcome moment of tomfoolery? Whichever it may be, the footage does have an endearing quality. Poultry in motion, if you will.

December 8, 2020 - A beautiful humanitarian gesture by Stari Plac pancake house, which will send pancakes to Split Hospital's hardworking infectious diseases department every week. 

Stari Plac pancake house launched a humanitarian action on Monday in which they will send pancakes to the infectious diseases department staff of KBC Križine in Split every week. On Monday, the Stari Plac team prepared more than twenty portions of these popular pancakes and delivered them still warm to the KBC staff.

"Today, we were diligent, and we prepared and sent more than 20 portions of our best pancakes to KBC Križine. We will do this every week from today to thank our brave doctors, nurses, and technicians for everything they do for the sick. We invite other catering facilities to do the same. These days, nothing is the same, except love. Love is always the same," Stari Plac wrote on their Facebook page.

"It is a cruel time, and one should think more of others, especially those who are currently sacrificing their time and health for the benefit of others. We can’t do much for our medical staff, but we can make them happy with pancakes. In fact, what is better than a hot pancake in one hard day?" Stari Plac added.

"We invite all restaurants from Split to join us in this gesture and for them to do the same. We need to get something positive out of the hardship that has befallen us and make others happy. There is no hardship that can be stronger than togetherness and love," they said.

The head nurse of the Respiratory Intensive Care Center Split, Mihaela Pfiefer, also spoke about the gesture:

"The Respiratory Intensive Care Center Split, which cares for patients with the SARS CoV-2 virus, is located in 3 locations. The Department of Infectious Diseases, Infectious Diseases for COVID-19 and Respiratory Syndromes at the Firule site, and the Department of Infectious Diseases within the Križine hospital. We are grateful from the bottom of our hearts, and if anyone joins your action, we will refer you to these other two locations. The quantity is not important to us. Thank you once again from the bottom of my heart," said Pfiefer.

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

December 6, 2020 - Split Gastroadvent continued on the second Advent Sunday in the foyer of HNK Split, this time honoring radio journalists and highlighting Croatian fish products high in zinc. 

Split Gastroadvent is a unique event that fuses nutrition, gastronomy, and tourism. With several years of dedicated work on gathering knowledge and skills, it reaches everyone and all parts of the world, through the image, pen, and voice of dedicated journalists, who bring light to Split in this unusual year as well.

As 2020 marks the jubilee 10th anniversary of recognizing the Mediterranean diet, this year's theme pays great attention to the sea. The Mediterranean Sea boasts an area of about 2.5 million km² and connects all countries of the original Mediterranean diet.

Following this theme, this year's Gastroadvent wreath is also dedicated to the sea and its preservation. The seafoam wreath symbolically and literally simulates the sea world and is created from discarded trash and plastic. The Mediterranean diet theme inspired prominent sculptor Nives Čičin Šain to send a message in an artistic way: “Let's preserve our sea and the life in it that feeds many with its beauty."

During this Advent month, Gastroadvent pays special attention to fish and fish products. Such meals supply the body with important nutrients. Fish products are a good source of zinc (Zn,) a micronutrient of great importance, which has a beneficial effect on the metabolism of macronutrients and carbohydrates and protein synthesis. It plays a significant role in protecting cells from oxidative stress as well as for the normal functioning of the immune system. It is especially important to consume enough fish, oysters, oysters, crabs, tuna, shellfish.

The Croatian Chamber of Commerce has been advocating for years to encourage the representation of fish on menus. For ten years now, the Croatian Chamber of Commerce has implemented the project "Croatian Fish - Eat its Worth." The project aims to increase consumption of local fish products and build and raise the culture of fish consumption in Croatia, all by raising consumer awareness of the importance and investment in sustainable fisheries, the high nutritional and health value of food originating from locally regulated catches or farming, and the importance of the product they consume from a food safety system of well-known, high standards. This project is of special importance, which was emphasized by President Jozo Tomaš, and confirmed by the cooperation with Gastroadvent in Split.

The fish of the Adriatic Sea was presented by partner Gastro Ribarnica Brač, which makes fish more accessible through regular campaigns, and with its professionalism guarantees safety, availability, and originality. The Amare brand, which focuses on "love from the sea", combines hand-cleaned meat of Adriatic shrimp, which is synonymous with quality and an indispensable food for restaurants and households, as well as marinated shrimp, marinated anchovies, and salted anchovies. Their novelty is the first burgers made of Adriatic shrimp and scampi, which have achieved notable success on the market. On the wings of this success, the idea for a burger made of Adriatic fish was created, more precisely of four types of white fish and two types of bluefish.

Ecology and competence in gastronomy and tourism are the future projects of the Split School of Tourism and Hospitality. Under the leadership of director Ivo Bilić, the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management Split has been appointed the Regional Center of Competence in Tourism in the summer of 2018.

The regional center of competence in the tourism and hospitality sector is the name of a long-term project of the Tourist Catering School Split and partners.

The idea of creating a Regional Competence Center (hereinafter: RCC) arose as a need to improve human resources in tourism, and this school has been in development for about 10 years. Seven years ago, a model of the center was presented at the Ministry of Tourism, originally as an idea for the development of quality schools in tourism. The initial model was for Split-Dalmatia County with about 15 schools (mostly in Croatia) that educate for at least one of the occupations in the tourism and hospitality sector (there are about 100 schools in Croatia), and the main goal was (and remains) that students have better exit competencies upon completion of education and that they are uniform in all schools. The important role of the RCC is to connect with the local community, and it will be manifested through two goals:

1) Projects with kindergartens and primary schools in creating habits among young people and encouraging reflection on tourism, and on the other hand as promoting our professions,

2) Participation in local (regional) events, creating habits among the population about the benefits and importance of caring for the guest-tourist. 

This year's Gastroadvent also features Mediterranean Food - MD.net, a project funded by the European program Interreg Mediterranean, worth 3.7 million EUR, and implemented by the Public Institution RERA S.D. for the coordination and development of Split-Dalmatia County. The project involves 14 project partners from 9 countries in the Mediterranean, which is aimed at popularizing the Mediterranean diet. The main goal of the project is to strengthen research in this area in accordance with the UNESCO Convention on Mediterranean Nutrition, to raise the quality of food and life in 9 project partner countries, as well as promote the Mediterranean diet, which is recognized as the gold standard of proper nutrition, as well as its far-reaching beneficial effects on health.

This time, tomato šalša with varenik, an aromatic nectar from Plavac mail grapes, was presented by the "Brac" high school in Supetar. An evaluation of all products will be organized in order to declare the best, which will go to an international presentation in Seville (Spain) next year.

Split Gastroadvent is held every Advent Sunday at a new location! 

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

December 6, 2020 - City Center One Split is making the lives easier for many citizens who don't have time to get to their local green market (or pazar) in the early morning. Introducing City Pazar! 

Namely, Slobodna Dalmacija reports that City Pazar is an indoor market located at the western entrance of City Center One Split, on the ground floor of the center. City Pazar is the first permanent market in the shopping center that is supplied with fresh, quality, and selected groceries daily. 

City Pazar is located next to the Interspar and has working hours from 9 am to 9 pm, the same as the center. And in a truly diverse offer, customers will be able to find, among other things, milk and dairy products, meat and cured meat products, fish and various seafood, bakery products and desserts, fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, and other delicacies.

Friday was the official opening.

City Center One Split pays exceptional attention to hygiene and adherence to all measures of the Civil Protection Headquarters daily. Distance has been set at which customers can stand in line, special security guards make sure that everyone is wearing a mask and that the flow of people is maintained, and there are several special stations with hand sanitizer. Larger shops are located on the edge of the market, while the central square is reserved for family farms. 

City Center One Split explained that their wish was to bring everything related to food in one place; that once a customer comes to the mall, especially at that western entrance, they can’t go home without finding something for themselves.

There is nothing that this part of the mall does not offer, from fresh cheeses, dried meat products, various honey products, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a daily offer of fresh meat and fish, to various delicacies and bakery products.

Thus, the city's traditional market experience has been giving a modern makeover to accommodate many of the citizen's fast-paced lifestyles.

What can be found at the City Pazar?

1. Prerada

The oldest bakery whose offer is impossible to resist.

2. Veronika Delicatessen

The rich taste of dairy products.

3. Gastro Ribarnica Brač

Fresh offer from the sea every day.

4. Meat industry Šakić

Top-quality fresh meat.

5. Mr. Green

Fruits, vegetables & health products.

6. La Delta - Cakes and cookies

The most famous confectionery in Split.

7. Dujmex

Delicacies from the Imotski region right on your plate.

8. OPG Anđelić

The freshest offer of citrus and other fruits.

9. OPG Križan 

The sweetest offer in town.

10. OPG Mijatović

Proven good homemade cured meat delicacies.

11. OPG Šarić

Poljica soparnik!

12. Dražin fish

An imaginative blend of salted fish and homemade ingredients.

13. Kastela Souvenirs Association

Unique objects created with the soul of Dalmatia.

14. Zdrawo Slastice

Sweet snacks that break down all stereotypes.

15. Kupilek

Blackberry wine, jam, and other products for a sweeter day.

16. Healthy and Quality Frutarija

Fresh fruits and fruit juices for a better day.

More information can be found HERE

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

December 5, 2020 - Split Advent 2020 continues this weekend with Riva concerts and a visit from Saint Nicholas.

UPDATE: SATURDAY'S RIVA PROGRAM POSTPONED 

As part of the second Split Advent weekend under the slogan "Love unites us", on Saturday, December 5, 2020, and Sunday, December 6, 2020, a commemorative Advent program will be held on the Riva from 11:00 to 13:00.

Saturday's Advent program consists of performances by the men's klapa "Ježinac", police klapa "Sveti Mihovil", a duet of Edi Šegota and Mislav Biočina accompanied by the "Cambi" band, while saxophonist Mladen Baučić Baucho and Trio Baucho will entertain all passers-by on the Riva on Sunday. On the same day, December 6, the arrival of Saint Nicholas and Santa Claus awaits, who will greet the children at noon and distribute gifts, respecting all epidemiological measures. 

Don't forget, for Saint Nicholas Day, a creative competition has been announced for the smallest artists in the Split area, in which ten of Saint Nicholas' favorite drawings will receive gift packages to their address.

"The drawings can be published by parents on the Split Tourist Board Facebook. After random selection, parents will then submit their address to the Tourist Board. The drawings are collected until Sunday, so don't waste time and submit your artwork for comment here today," said the Split Tourist Board.

"Saint Nicholas has always cared for other people, especially the youngest, and today he is known as a saint who gives to good children. As a bishop, he lived near the village with many children who had no toys. Diligent children cleaned their boots every night to wear them shiny again the next day. As Saint Nicholas was very skilled with wood, he began to make wooden toys to give to children on his name day, hoping to bring a little more joy. When Saint Nicholas grew old, and he could no longer make toys as before, his parents continued his tradition and started putting whatever they had in the house in children's boots, such as candy, nuts, or fruit, wrapped beautifully. Such a custom has continued to this day," they concluded. 

In 2020, more than ever, the primordial connection between people is important, which is the guiding thought of this year's Advent in Split under the slogan "Love unites us". From November 28 to January 6, Split will become a source of new hope, relying on the love that unites each person with their loved ones, even when, during a pandemic, they are deprived of intimacy and embrace. The entire event, therefore, will be held in accordance with the measures of the National Civil Protection Headquarters, such as the mandatory wearing of protective masks and keeping a physical distance.

Follow the entire program of this year's Split Advent via the Facebook and Instagram profiles of the Split Tourist Board, where the latest information and interesting competitions are published every day.

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