November 24, 2019 - Brodosplit is building a technologically advanced polar expedition ship, contracted by American company Quark Expeditions, which will be called ‘Ultramarine’ and will be able to accommodate 200 passengers. 

Splitski Dnevnik reports that the construction was contracted with the American company Quark Expeditions, part of the Travelopia Group, which brings together a diverse range of world-class companies specializing in adventure travel, according to a statement from Brodosplit.

The 128-meter-long polar expedition vessel, which will be 21.5 meters wide and weigh 13,500 gross tons, will sail in 2020, and will be able to accommodate up to 200 passengers in spacious cabins and public areas, the Split shipyard added.

“Ultramarine will be an unprecedented operating base for polar adventures. A new ship in the hands of the most experienced expedition team will allow guests to go deeper into the polar regions than ever before, maintaining the same respect for nature, which has always been Quark Expeditions' guiding principle. In addition, it will allow guests to spend their days experiencing the off-ship adventures that made Quark Expeditions so popular. And once they return to the ship after a day spent on polar exploration, they will be able to rest and relax in a modern, contemporary, premium quality space,” the statement added.

The Ultramarine will be the new pride of Croatian shipbuilding and a definite leap forward for Brodosplit into the market of passenger ships up to 200 meters in length, where Croatian shipyards can compete as an indispensable European shipyard that builds very complex ships on which it generates profit and achieves high competitiveness, the Split shipyard conduced. 

You can see a new promotional video of the Ultramarine polar expedition ship below. 

Over the last seventy years, Brodosplit has delivered more than 450 ships with a total carrying capacity of over 10 million tonnes. Eighty percent of Brodosplit’s production goes to foreign customers. Many of these ships have received accolades from reputable international institutions, and in the last twenty years alone, ten boats from Split have been on the list of the best projects in their categories. The authority with which Brodosplit operates in international shipbuilding circles today and the trust that numerous clients give to its experts are the results of many years of successful work and a high-quality and wide product range.

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

November 23, 2019 - Split mayor Andro Krstulovic Opara praises the work done on rehabilitating the Karepovac landfill in Split over the last two years. 

On November 22, 2017, the rehabilitation of the infamous Karepovac landfill began. In the past two years, the former eyesore of Split has become a rehabilitated and landscaped area. After about one million cubic meters of old waste was moved and transformed in the first year of operation, in the second year, transport, hydro and electrical infrastructure was built, and a landfill cassette of about 70,000 square meters with slopes for one million cubic meters of new waste.

Mayor Andro Krstulovic Opara said of Facebook that he is satisfied with the work done so far.

“It was a time of temptation and challenge, as I announced on the first day of rehabilitation, November 22, 2017. Congratulations to the workers and the whole team involved in this project, especially since they didn't miss even the challenging moments that followed us from the beginning. It wasn't easy, but after more than five decades of carelessness, Split's shameful hill was repaired. Thanks to the citizens for their patience, especially those from Dračevac, Kila, Mejaši, Kamen-Šine, Sirobuja, and the neighboring Solin, as they can now raise their children in a healthy environment,” said the mayor, emphasizing that the fight for health and a clean environment is the first priority of the city government, which they will continue to work on. 

“I will only be completely satisfied and proud when we, together with Čistoća, lead the responsible disposal of our waste. We can and must do it better, for the benefit of Split and future generations,” Opara Krstulović concluded. 

Recall, the first phase of the Karepovac rehabilitation was completed in May 2018. The second phase of Karepovac’s rehabilitation envisages its greening, and the third and final phase foresees the sanitation of the area where the garbage will be disposed of in the future, and finally the closure of the landfill, assuming that all the waste is driven to Lećevica.

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

November 21, 2019 - Split craft brewery Barba has joined forces with Lodi, California's Idol Beer Works, to bring you a unique beer to drink while contributing to the fight against cancer. 

What do you get when Split’s first craft brewery teams up with friends in California? An epic beer for you to taste in honor of No Shave November. And yes, each beer you drink will have you doing good, too. 

You might already know a thing or two about Barba, Split’s first craft brewery. And if you haven’t heard about them, chances are, you’ve probably tasted their beer. A brewery that believes in brewing beer that challenges the concept of what is good, while using the best ingredients and most talented and creative minds around the world, Barba produces a quality craft that presents a serious alternative to the standard glass of wine or champagne when indulging in a gourmet meal. 

Thus, no one should be surprised that for Barba’s latest mission, they’ve collaborated with a Californian brewery to bring you the best for No Shave November as a way to raise awareness and money to fight cancer. 

Namely, Barba has teamed up with Idol Beer Works from Lodi, California (a San Joaquin County town which you may know better by a Credence Clearwater Revival song), to produce the Misno Pivo, an Irish cream Red Ale with a little smoked malt and English yeast as a twist to give it notes of dried fruit. 

Not only are you lucky enough to try this unique craft on Friday at the Flag Pub in Split, but all proceeds from Misno Pivo sales will be directed to the fight against cancer and the oncology department at KBC Split!

Head to The Flag Pub on Friday, November 22, at 6 pm to drink really good beer while doing good for the cancer patients of Split. It's a win-win. 

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

November 21, 2019 - Why should you visit Split this winter? A closer look. 

When thinking about Split, we’re relatively sure you imagine the summertime, as the word is almost synonymous with a holiday in the hot sun. But those of us who have been lucky enough to experience Split in the wintertime will tell you that this Dalmatian hotspot is worth visiting any time of the year. 

While the sea may be too cold to swim and you shouldn’t count on getting tanned, Split in the winter is magic. And we’re here to tell you why. 

Advent celebrations

One of the more obvious reasons Split lights up in the wintertime is thanks to  Advent, a festive holiday celebration held for all of December that can get any grinch into the Christmas spirit. Split is known as one of the more unique Advent celebrations - or where Christmas meets the coast. The seaside city transforms into a winter wonderland, where locals and visitors can imbibe in warm mulled-wine, steamy sausages, and cultural concerts and events. This year’s Advent will even feature an ice skating rink at Dardin park in the heart of the city, while the party at Perivoj should not be skipped. 

Winter menus

One of the best things about winter is the food - and the fact that you can enjoy it all since no one will see you in a swimsuit anytime soon. One thing Split can boast is a thriving restaurant scene with creative brains behind them who use the changing seasons to craft unique menus for their faithful patrons to taste. This is no different in the winter, where you’ll find hearty winter menus on display at many of the restaurants in the center. Better yet, many restaurants choose to honor the locals in the offseason with promotional menu prices - from 3 courses to 8! 

Winter concert schedule 

While the summer may be known for its party, the winter in Split is when the real fun happens - and that’s mostly thanks to a packed winter concert schedule. Many venues that close for the summer reopen in the winter to give the locals a place to let loose in the offseason. Some of Croatia’s biggest pop stars, singers, and rock groups will take the stage in Split throughout the season in a more intimate setting than you can imagine at a summer festival. From Severina to Pshihomodo Pop, this winter in Split will be anything but dull. 

No crowds

Another apparent reason Split is enjoyable in the winter is the lack of crowds. While the empty alleyways may be eerie to some, for the locals, they are a dream. Tour groups no longer pack into the center like sardines in a can, and we are given a chance to walk peacefully around the city to admire the ancient history around us. You’ll also find that you can breathe visiting museums or many of Split’s famous attractions, which promises even better photos for you to take home in the end. 

The weather

There is one fundamental rule you should follow in Split - and that is never to forget your sunglasses no matter the time or the weather. But whoever coined this golden rule was certainly onto something, and that’s because the weather in Split often calls for the sun. It doesn't matter that it is winter, the forecast in Split could call for sunshine, and the cafes on the Riva could be as packed as a hot summer day. 

If you’re thinking about visiting Split this winter, let Solo Transfers lead you there! Offering professional, reliable, and stress-free services at a friendly price, you won’t want to travel any other way. You can find out more information on their website. 

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

November 19, 2019 - Everyone’s favorite Riva restaurant is pulling out all the stops this winter to ensure your bellies stay warm all season long. Introducing the Brasserie on 7 winter menu. 

While it may be known as a spring and summer hotspot where sunglass clad locals sip specialty coffee and sweeten up with homemade cakes, winter at Brasserie on 7 is the best seat in the house for Advent in Split. 

This sunshine oasis transforms into a cozy winter wonderland for the chilly season ahead - and their new seasonal menu will have you warmed up in no time. 

For starters, dig into an open face bruschetta with creamy pesto, zucchini, roasted peppers and aubergine, or keep it light with the bonito confit, fixed with mesclun greens, pickled onion, salsa verde and a rice vinegar dressing. The vegans in the group even have their say with the . bulgur, baby spinach and quinoa bowl dressed with pickled mushrooms and a radish and leek dressing. 

Take the chill off with a creamy butternut squash soup topped with roasted chestnut and toasted almonds, the traditional Dalmatian pasta with truffles and pancetta, or the seafood risotto with scampi bisque, razor clams, prawns, semi-dried tomatoes and parmesan. 

For the mains, enjoy a decadent sea bass filet with cauliflower, kohlrabi, and romanesco, or keep it hearty with the chicken breast and sweet potato and parmesan gratin, pork filet wrapped in pancetta, or the braised beef short rib burger. 

Brasserie on 7 even has a festive Advent menu for you to enjoy this winter, boasting braised beef cheeks (with potato and parsnip puree and tempura onion rings), codfish and shrimps with saffron rouille and potatoes, or the duck leg confit with sweet potato, duck rillette praline, and butternut squash. 

And don’t forget, every Sunday in November and December, Brasserie on 7 is offering 3-course menus at promotional prices. Lunch is held from 12:00 do 15:00, and you can follow their Facebook page for more details. 

Hungry yet? We know. Check out the full menu at Brasserie on 7’s website or visit them in Split today! 

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

November 17, 2019 - A look at Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar's 2019/20 winter menu. 

We have finally reached that special time of year when our favorite Split establishments warm us up with what’s in store for winter. And we’re confident that the chilly season ahead will be anything but bleak thanks to what Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar is preparing for its faithful patrons. 

Serving Split since 2013, Zinfandel has no time to disappoint their foodie fans, and their new winter offer confirms just that. 

Whether you’re into a glass of wine and light bites or a hot and hearty main course, Zinfandel has got you covered this season.

Beginning with the bar menu, which is anything but basic, Zindanfel is busting out tempura sardines, mini burgers with caramelized onion and crispy pancetta, foie gras and hummus share platters, or hand-cut potatoes with pancetta. 

For starters, enjoy a rich tableside steak tartare or foie gras terrine, or dig into the house-made spaghetti with burnt butter, truffles and semi-fried tomatoes, the agnolotti with skuta cheese and burnt fig, or the ravioli topped with apricot cream, beetroot and grilled prawns. No appetizer list in Split would be complete without a creamy risotto, which Zinfandel offers with grana Padano and balsamic. 

For those looking to keep things light, the cauliflower soup, Dalmatian style mussels, or vegan salad with beetroot, bulgar and smoked tofu will do. You can always choose Zindandel’s cheese and charcuterie platters, too. 

The stars of the show are in the main courses of the menu, where you’ll find a rump steak with potatoes, pancetta, and bearnaise sauce, duck breast with a sour cherry demiglace, or a pork fillet wrapped in pancetta. The lamb shank is slow-cooked with potato mash and fava beans, the Hama fish baked with zucchini, leeks, carrot and posip, while the skuta-stuffed squid is decorated with semi-dried tomatoes and hummus. 

To complete your meal, satisfy your sweet tooth with a warm pumpkin cake, sticky date pudding, Sissy pancakes, or kadaif cannoli. 

You can explore the entire Zinfandel winter menu on their website here and try it in Split today!  

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

November 16, 2019 - An initiative has been launched to name the newly renovated and record-breaking Split Airport after great Croatian innovator Faust Vrancic, the father of the first functional parachute.

The initiative was launched by Vecernji List, which has received praise and approval.

HRTurizam writes that airports are a window to the outside and the first place tourists touch our soil. Thus, naming Split Airport after Faust Vrancic isn’t a bad idea, after all, primarily to promote, position, and brand Croatia internationally. Also, since 2012, the Faust Vrancic Memorial Center has been opened on the island of Prvic, with a contemporary exhibition of multimedia and interactive content aimed at promoting the character and work of Faust Vrancic.

Faust Vrancic, a native of Sibenik, is one of the greatest Croatian inventors of all time, and his most famous invention is undoubtedly the parachute.

His Dictionary of the five most respected European languages - Latin, Italian, German, Dalmatian and Hungarian - is the first Croatian and the first Hungarian dictionary in history. It was published in Venice in 1595 and is considered the basis of Croatian lexicography.

In his collection of Machinae Novae or New Machine inventions, Faust, on 49 large-format copper cutters, describes 56 different devices and technical structures. In addition to his most famous invention - the parachute, two groups of projects - bridges and mills - are also prominent. Three of Faust’s bridges are inventions of great importance because they are the first ideas to appear in technical literature: the Bronze bridge- the first idea of a metal bridge in the history of technology, a Bridge with one rope – the forerunner of modern cable car and the Iron bridge – the first idea of chain suspension bridge in history.

Famous Split musician Petar Graso is delighted with the idea.

“It is a good initiative, I would like to choose from several names, but it is a great idea for us to remember the more important Croats once again,” said Graso.

Vecernji List also asked Dino Radja, one of the best basketball players in Croatia’s history.

“There were no objections to the name ‘Split Airport’, but as soon as a personal name is given, there will certainly be many different opinions in Split, even though Faust Vrancic is a world-renowned inventor,” said the famous Split basketball player and member of the Basketball Hall of Fame. 

The initiative to rename Split Airport after the great Faust Vrancic is an opportunity and a step forward to finally begin to use Croatia’s potential globally through promotion and branding, which are the basis for various other stories. 

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

November 15, 2019 - 'Tis the season at Break Time! 

While we still have a good month and a half before Christmas hits, it’s never too early to get ahead on your holiday shopping. Thus, with their faithful customers in mind, Break Time has added three new collections to their selection of nautical jewelry just in time for you to accessorize the whole family at Christmas. 

Namely, all three collections feature the original Yacht Club anchor, explicitly designed for Break Time by the brilliant design team of Attila Kim and Bogdan Ciocodeica.

The limited-edition version of the Yacht Club by Break Time® 4cm anchor bracelet is an absolute innovation in the world of nautical jewelry.

What makes it so unique is that you’ll find a screw at the top of the anchor so that the rope and the top can be separated from the body of the anchor. This means that Break Time fans can now buy just one anchor and add as many different ropes as they desire (with over 25 available). By alternating the ropes, you can enjoy an entirely new bracelet for every outfit or special occasion!

Customers can also choose between the big Yacht Club bracelet (at 4 cm) as the perfect gift for your man, or the mini Yacht Club (2 cm), which is adored by women and children as a delicate and ideal gift this Christmas.

All Yacht Club by Break Time® original bracelets are handmade in Split using stainless steel anchors that are fully waterproof and fit any wrist (yes, they are 100% customizable). The anchor can be personalized with the engraving of your choice, and during Advent, engraving will be completely free - online and in stores!

The new Break Time collections are available online here, and from December 1st, customers in Croatia will be able to find them in the Break Time stores at Ilica 14 in Zagreb and Zadarska 1 in Split.

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

November 15, 2019 - We here at Total Croatia News have showered Divota Apartment Hotel with praise since the very beginning, and it’s not hard to see why. A traveler favorite and top choice on TripAdvisor over the years, Divota truly is one of Split’s brightest sparks. 

However, this integrated boutique hotel is using its success to turn a new leaf in 2020 with the introduction of Tibetan wellness practices, many of which will be new experiences to the Dalmatian capital. 

Divota has been using energy work in their spa and their general company culture for the last few years, which has now become a springboard for their newest offer.

As a result, Divota will lead guests to live a more holistic life. 

Thus, in 2020, Divota is turning to meditation and yoga, following the lineage of the Tibetan master Tulku Lobsang Rinpoche, who introduced Tibetan healing yoga and many more techniques from the Buddhist Vajrayana tradition, to Europe. 

Divota owner Andrea Wassmer gave us a closer look.

"This year, we are opening a yoga garden, meditation center, and the Divota bistro healthy corner.

We will offer our own retreats, Lu Jong retreats and invite masters and other teachers to hold retreats with us, such as Shai Tubali, who will conduct an Easter retreat in the spring and return in September to hold one focusing on the seven chakra personality types," said Wassmer. 

Namely, Shai Tubali has been an international speaker, author and spiritual teacher since 2000, and is considered one of Europe's leading experts and innovators in the field of chakras and the subtle system.

For Easter this year, Shai Tubali will hold a silence & anti-aging health retreat about the healing powers of springtime at Divota Apartment Hotel in Split. 

Divota will also host Tibetan Healing Yoga classes in the new Yoga Garden from April 14, 2020. They will run daily from 06:30-07:30.

But that's not all.

In March, monks from Bhutan and Nepal will visit Divota to build a stupa, or a commemorative monument that is a symbol of enlightenment and is associated with loving-kindness and compassion. They will return in July to create a sand mandala, known as a sign of impermanence.

"We also look forward to having our teacher Tulku Lobsang Rinpoche visit in July for three workshops: Lu Jong - balancing the five elements, Tsa Lung - the energy body, and Tummo - our wisdom fire,” concluded Wassmer. 

Divota Apartment Hotel is an unmatched integrated boutique hotel located in the heart of Split that has added a spark to the Varos neighborhood since it first opened its doors. 

Formed by 13 stone houses sprinkled around this historic Split suburb, Divota boasts cozy rooms, studio apartments, and an authentic Dalmatian villa, while its breakfast room, spa, and concierge are just some its perks. 

A pioneer in harmonizing the Mediterranean authenticity of the area with a contemporary and stylish twist, Divota operates with high hotel standards, allows guests a full range of services, and promises a powerhouse of professionals to ensure your stay is decorated with all of the right elements. 

To make sure you never miss a Divota beat, be sure to follow them on Facebook and check out their rooms, studio apartments, and villa here.

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

November 14, 2019 - Chops Grill is spicing up this winter in Split with the return of the three-course Chopsylicious menu. 

Winter weather doesn’t have to be so dull, that is, if you take advantage of what Split’s best steakhouse is offering this year. That’s right, Chops Grill is here to make this winter weather worthwhile with the return of the Chopsylicious three-course menu!

This November and December, head to Chops Grill to customize your very own three-course menu, ranging from a heavenly selection of Chops' creative creations. 

To begin, you can choose from one of three carefully selected appetizers, including Vichyssoise soup, made of leek, potato, and a parmesan ice cream, the octopus in carob sauce, fixed with a chickpea cream and pork belly confit, or the steak tartare. 

The main courses will warm you up with a creamy mushroom and truffle fettuccine pasta or glazed pork ribs with mashed potatoes and blue cheese dressing, or you can pick a page out of Chops' beef bible and choose from selection of meaty entrees like beef, vegetable and plum skewers, grilled rump steak stuffed with cheese and bacon, or beef wellington, served with mashed potatoes, beef juice, and black truffles. If you’re keen on sticking to Chops' steaks, you can try the t-bone served with baked potato wedges. 

And to top it all off, satisfy your sweet tooth with a cold mini mascarpone pumpkin cake, chocolate flan, or mango, pear, cheese, and almond fantasy. 

The Chopsylicious menu won’t break the bank either, and you can see the prices reflected based on the entree you choose.

Get after the Chopsylicious menu now! 

Reservations and inquiries can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., via the official Facebook page, or by telephone at +385 91 365 0000

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