July 9, 2020 - As borders open and tourism resumes, it's up to us to do our part to ensure a safe environment in the post-lockdown world. Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar is setting an example in Split. 

Croatia has imprinted their name amongst the list of countries that fought COVID-19 head-on and established measures early to protect and provide a secure state. Luckily, their work paid off, and citizens and visitors are able to roam and enjoy the solace of summer freely. 

However, the 'new normal' is well and truly here. As we regain our footing post-lockdown, we must all do our part to guarantee the most corona-free environment we can. One way to do that is by adhering to measures, whether it's keeping a social distance or wearing a mask. 

One admirable example comes from Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar in Split, whose encouraging words confirm that while Split and Croatia are safe to visit, we must all come together to make sure it stays this way. 

"Our safety is your safety!" What a wonderful message to send to the world from Split, Croatia. Remember, we are all in this together. 

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.

July 8, 2020 - The Split Tourist Board continues its #TogetherInSplit campaign with a new video.

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, the Split Tourist Board has sent an encouraging message to domestic and foreign tourists, but also to all those who participate in creating the Split tourist product, one of the most successful in Croatia. The new normal brings with it new rules of conduct, but also the contents that tourists seek after isolation.

"Following the trends in world tourism, it is clear that today's guests are looking for the opportunity to enjoy a vacation while respecting physical distance, and adherence to all hygienic and other epidemiological measures. Facilities that exclude large gatherings and enable experiences in nature are in demand," says Alijana Vuksic, adding that Split and its surroundings offer experiences adapted to this type of demand.

The concept of the new video, designed and realized in the small, creative team of the Split Tourist Board and the video production company FILMOFIL, led by Ante Gugic and Luka Rukavina, is also going in that direction. "This video is the result of the unity of the public and private sector, and we take this opportunity to thank all those who volunteered and showed unity in times of crisis, especially the Mestrovic Gallery, KUD Jedinstvo, Nextbike public bicycle system, travel agencies Given2Fly Adventures and Adriatic Melody, restaurant ZOI, klapa Susur, Marjan Pak and everyone who contributed to the successful realization of the video.

HNK Split actor Niksa Arcanin and young actress Dora Bogdanovic, who play a modern Emperor Diocletian and Empress Prisca, lead us through the video, and separate and explore the city from different perspectives due to different interests, discovering what the city created at the imperial palace has to offer. From the unique heritage of the old town, through walking or cycling through its streets, enjoying the beaches where there is enough space for the prescribed physical distance, Marjan views and outdoor activities just a step away from the city center. Sailing, kayaking, swimming, hiking, climbing, various sports, excursions and walks on Mosor, Kozjak, along the Zrnovnica river, and visits to museums and gastronomy ... all this is the wealth that Split can offer guests, as a complement to the heritage of which Split is most often recognized in the world, all just a step away from each other.

With an optimistic message about the reunion in Split, we present Split as a city that connects people, but especially as a city where centuries of heritage and modernity are connected, which reflects all civilizations that built it through 1700 years. Also, Split is a city where urbanity and nature are inseparable, which is connected to the whole world by the sea, and the views from Marjan and the surrounding hills are wider than all borders. With the video and the entire campaign, we say that the combination of all these dimensions makes Split truly unique, but also accessible for safe enjoyment of its beauties," concludes the Split Tourist Board.

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.

July 7, 2020 - The latest news from around Croatia’s airports for flights to Croatia with updates from Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, and Pula.

Croatian Aviation reports that as confirmed by SAS, due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and reduced demand, the company does not plan to launch numerous seasonal routes to Croatia from Scandinavia in this year's summer flight schedule.

In the summer flight schedule, Scandinavian Airlines operates from numerous airports in Scandinavia to Pula, Split and Dubrovnik, though the company decided against launching numerous lines to Croatia this time around.

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.

SAS already operates on several lines to Croatia, from Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm to Split, and from Copenhagen to Pula.

The company has no plans to launch flights to Dubrovnik in July, and it is almost certain that many other routes will also not be in this year's summer flight schedule.

Numerous lines to Split have been canceled

In the summer flight schedule, SAS operated from as many as 9 destinations to Split, while this year only 3 previously mentioned lines will be in traffic.

The company does not plan to launch lines from Tromso, Harstad, Alesund, Trondheim, Bergen, Stavanger, Kristiansand, Aarhus and Gothenburg to Split this year. However, from most of the mentioned destinations, it is possible to travel with one transfer via Copenhagen, Oslo or Stockholm, also with SAS.

Lines from Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm to Dubrovnik are also not on sale and will most likely not be available this year.

Pula Airport and SAS

Pula has been connected to Bergen, Oslo, Stavanger, Gothenburg and Copenhagen in previous summer seasons, but SAS operates only on the line from Copenhagen to Pula and does not plan to launch other lines this summer.

Zadar - a newly planned destination

This summer, the company planned to introduce the Copenhagen - Zadar route and thus add another Croatian airport to its destination network. The flights were originally planned twice a week, but have been completely withdrawn from sale for this year.

July 6, 2020 - The latest news from around Croatia’s airports for flights to Croatia with updates from Split, Dubrovnik and Pula.

Croatian Aviation reports that the British leisure airline, Jet2, is introducing numerous routes from the UK to Dubrovnik, Split and Pula.

Following the decision to lift the mandatory 14-day self-isolation upon arrival in the UK from Croatia, the company has confirmed the launch of its seasonal lines by which many British tourists come on holiday to Croatia.

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.

From mid-July, Jet2 will launch as many as 12 direct lines from Great Britain to Dubrovnik, Split and Pula. Certain routes have been canceled, while the number of weekly flights has been reduced for all routes.

Lines to Dubrovnik

the Birmingham - Dubrovnik line is introduced, once a week, on Saturdays, from July 18,

the London - Dubrovnik line is introduced, once a week, on Saturdays, from July 18,

the Manchester - Dubrovnik line is introduced, 3 times a week (Thu, Sat, Sun), from July 16,

the Newcastle - Dubrovnik line is introduced, once a week, on Sundays, from 19 July.

Lines to Split

the Birmingham - Split line is introduced, twice a week (Wed, Sun), from July 15,

the East Midlands - Split line is introduced, once a week, on Sundays, from July 19,

the Leeds - Split line is introduced, once a week, on Saturdays, from July 18,

the London - Split line is introduced, once a week, on Sundays, from July 19,

the Manchester - Split line is introduced, twice a week (Tue, Sat), from July 18.

Lines to Pula

the Birmingham - Pula line is introduced, once a week, on Sundays, from July 19,

the Leeds - Pula line is introduced, once a week, on Sundays, from July 19,

the Manchester - Pula line is introduced, twice a week (Thu, Sun), from July 19.

B737-800 aircraft with a capacity of 189 seats in the fleet of this carrier has been announced on the routes.

July 5, 2020 - The latest news from around Croatia’s airports for flights to Croatia with updates from Split and Dubrovnik.

Croatian Aviation reports that Spanish low-cost airline Vueling has announced the start of traffic to two destinations in Croatia - Split and Dubrovnik.

This well-known low-budget company operates from four Croatian airports: Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar and Zagreb, and will launch lines to the Croatian coast next week.

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.

The Rome - Split line is being reintroduced, from July 7, twice a week (Tuesdays and Saturdays). Already in the second week, the line should operate as many as four times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays). A320 aircraft have been announced on the route.

The Rome - Dubrovnik line is reintroduced, from July 15, three times a week (Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays). An increase in traffic on this line is expected from the beginning of August.

The Barcelona - Dubrovnik line is being reintroduced, from July 13, three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays), and on this route, an increase in the number of weekly flights is expected from August.

The Rome-Zadar route is currently not on sale, while all flights on the Barcelona - Zagreb route have been canceled until the beginning of August.

July 5, 2020 - Another shipment of new Promet Split buses, a total of 10 articulated Mercedes Citaro, is on its way from Germany, through Dugopolje, to the public transport garage in Kopilica. Their arrival is expected this weekend.

"In addition to these ten vehicles, eight new "solo" buses will arrive next week from the Czech factory that operates within the company "Iveco". The purchase of these 18 buses was realized through the European ITU mechanism, and it is worth around HRK 45 million, of which the non-refundable funds make up two-thirds of the investment, i.e., HRK 30 million. In the second part of July, all these vehicles will be put into service," Miroslav Delic, director of Promet, said for Slobodna Dalmacija.

In September last year, for the first time in the last ten years, Promet's fleet was significantly rejuvenated with 34 buses worth around HRK 93 million, of which part of the investment of around HRK 64 million was co-financed from European funds.

"With last year's new buses and these 18 that are coming to us, we come to the number of 52 vehicles that we will rotate on all our city and suburban lines.

Once all the buses are put into service, we will take out the same number of old vehicles that we have scrapped and are in our garage. This is another indicator of how we are working on rejuvenating the fleet. When these buses are delivered, the average age of our company's fleet will be seven years, and for comparison, last year it was 14 years," said director Delic.

But by all accounts, Promet won’t stop at this. According to the head of the public transport company, they have been working on studies for several dozen buses for months.

"There are four types of buses. We are working on it and we hope that funds will be opened at the end of July so that we can apply for a new procurement," Delic concluded.

The City of Split writes: "From Germany, a new contingent of Promet buses set off for Split - 10 articulated Citaro Mercedes. They should arrive in Split during Saturday evening or early Sunday morning, and after the procedure and registration, they will be available to the citizens of Split. Over the next few days, 8 new Iveco solo buses will arrive.

The purchase of these 18 buses was realized through the ITU mechanism, and it is worth around HRK 45 million, of which the grant is HRK 30 million.

It should be reminded that in September last year, for the first time, Promet's fleet was significantly rejuvenated with 34 buses worth around HRK 93 million, of which a part of around HRK 64 million was co-financed from EU funds.

A total of 52 new buses lowered the average age of Promet's vehicle fleet to only 4 years, and their purchase provided the citizens of Split with a more comfortable ride through the city streets.

Citizens, take care of the common property of all of us!"

The rejuvenation of the vehicle fleet should be only a part of improving the image of public transport in Split and in the vicinity of the city, because a number of other elements are missing in order for Split to reach the communal standard of Zagreb or Rijeka. More modern stations, timetables, online ticket purchases and a host of other facilities must be imperative for development and work in the sector.

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

July 4, 2020 -  Tourists are coming back to Split, as the Airport anticipates around 10,000 passengers this weekend. 

Split Airport is recording its first major traffic since the corona crisis. This weekend, 100 planes and more than 10 thousand passengers are expected in Resnik, Dalmatinski Portal has learned from Mate Melvan, the head of the Reception and Dispatch Service.

"The figures show that the heart of the season has begun. It will, of course, be different than we are used to. We expect 20-25 percent less traffic in July compared to the same month last year," says Melvan.

Currently, 26 airlines with 38 direct destinations fly to Split. Just for comparison, on the first weekend in July last year, 50,000 passengers passed through Resnik.

The entire previous month, Split Airport had 26 thousand passengers, and in the first half of the year, there were 108 thousand passengers. This is as much as 90 percent less traffic than in the first half of 2019, which is not surprising because in April, there were only six passengers, and in May - 2,770.

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.

July 4, 2020 - The first ten child seats in Croatia were set up on public bicycles in Split, where records Nextbike records have been broken for months. These are the first child seats installed on public bikes in Croatia, intending to enable parents to enjoy a safe ride with their little ones. The use of the seats is free of charge.

The news was reported by Goran Grgurinovic from the Public Relations Department of Split Parking, the city company responsible for the public bicycle system. The child seats have all the approvals and are designed to transport children from 9 to 72 months, and weigh from 9 to a maximum of 22 kilograms, reports Slobodna Dalmacija. 

A quick start guide will be posted on each child seat, and instructions will also be available on the Split Parking website. The system is very simple and intuitive, and within the application when renting a bike, it is possible to choose one with a child seat.

"The most important thing is to fasten the seat belts in the child seat carefully and not to leave the child unattended at any time, and to provide the children with helmets when riding in the seats. Safety is our number one priority," said Ante Gustin, CEO of Nexbike.

Split Parking said that they are extremely satisfied because they started this project with Nextbike and, in a short time, provided the initial number of child seats and satisfied inquiries from users. If the need arises, with the new bikes planned, an additional number of seats will be procured.

"Such child seats are already used in many European cities and I am glad that in Split, parents have the opportunity to be the first in Croatia to enjoy a safe ride with their children and on public bicycles. The safety of our youngest needs to come first for all of us, so I urge all adults and parents to behave responsibly and follow the instructions for use so that they can enjoy the ride carefreely," said Marko Bartulic, director of Split Parking.

The use of bicycles equipped with child seats is the same as for ordinary bicycles. When planning a ride without a child, users are asked to choose a regular bicycle so that bicycles with child seats are available for parents with children.

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

July 3, 2020 - What would a Split summer be without cool cocktails, live music, and lounge bar vibes? Paradiso Bar has it all. 

Temperatures are rising in Split, and yet another Dalmatian summer is well and truly on its way. And without the usual seasonal crowds in the city center (yet), we're able to enjoy some of Split's best charms almost to ourselves.

One of Split's best-kept secrets is Paradiso Bar, a sleek and sexy cocktail bar sandwiched between the famous Marmontova shopping street and celebrity steakhouse Chops Grill. Whether it's your summer sanctuary or your winter wonderland, Paradiso is tried and true in everything they do. 

With the summer season kicking off, Paradiso has spiced up its weekend evenings with live music to accompany their selection of signature cocktails, many of which are created using fresh-squeezed juices to help keep you cool in the Split heat. Whether you choose a tangy Paloma or want to keep things classy with an Espresso Martini, the cocktail masters at Paradiso can satisfy any palate, and at promotional prices, ranging from 48-52 kuna!

But those tempting cocktails aren't the only reason you should head to Paradiso this weekend.

Aligned with the summer theme, it's only appropriate that Paradiso is calling in Sunny Day Band to play for you this Saturday, July 4. This popular band combines a mix of saxophone, acoustic guitar and female vocals and performs a repertoire of music styles from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Forgetting your dancing shoes would be a big mistake.

And if, by chance, you plan on coming with a group of friends this weekend and don't want to fuss over the cocktail list -  yes, Paradiso has bottle service, too. Beginning at 480 kuna, you can grab a bottle and four mixers of your choice. Keep in mind that prices vary, and bottle service can hit 720 kuna depending on the label you choose. 

The Paradiso fun starts this Saturday at 9 pm. Table reservations can be made by calling 091 365 0000. 

Keep up with Paradiso Bar on their Facebook page

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

July 2, 2020 - The semifinal round of the Croatian Water Polo Championships kicked off on Wednesday in Dubrovnik and Zagreb. Jug met Solaris, while Mladost met Jadran. 

Dubrovnik's Jug AO and Zagreb's Mladost achieved victories in the first matches of the semifinals of the Croatian Championship on Wednesday, July 1, 2020.

The famous Dubrovnik side topped Solaris Sibenik 17-6 at the Gruz swimming pool, while Mladost was better than Jadran Split 13-12 at the Mladost outdoor swimming pool along the Sava.

Interestingly, Solaris took a 2-0 lead, but Jug equalized to 2-2 by the end of the first quarter, and then won the second and third quarters 10-2. The Dubrovnik side was convincing in the last period with 5-2, for the final score of 17-6.

Jug AO was led to victory by Obradovic, who scored six goals, and Fatovic, who scored three goals. Solaris, on the other hand, had six players who scored one goal each. The second match of this semifinal meeting will be played on Friday, July 3, in Sibenik.

In the second semifinal match on Wednesday, Jadran met Mladost in Zagreb. 

Mladost led 4-0 lead, and at the beginning of the last quarter, they were up by five goals (10-5). However, a rocky ending gave the Zagreb club a narrow victory. Jadran managed a score of 7-3 in the last quarter, threatening Mladost's secure celebration.

Mladost was led to victory by Cuk, who scored four goals, while Harkov scored three goals, and Milos and Bukic scored two goals each. Setka was the best for Jadran with four goals, and Krapic followed with three goals to be the most efficient among the visiting team.

The second semifinal match is on Saturday in Split.

Recall, two victories are needed in the semifinal round to secure a spot in the final. Thus, a third semifinal game is theoretically possible.

Source: HRT

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