February 22, 2022 -  After a long 12-year wait, Caribou returns to Zagreb for an impressive audio-visual concert at the Lauba House for People and Arts.

As anti-pandemic restrictions ease across Europe, Caribou can finally embark on their European tour and has added a Zagreb concert! As they put together a new audio-visual concept for the upcoming tour, which includes a 10-meter-wide LED screen and a 12-meter-wide stage, the Lauba House for People and Arts proved to be the best space to meet all required technical requirements. All those who were lucky enough to see Caribou at the SC Gallery back in 2008 know about the natural symbiosis of their unique audio-visual expression and gallery space, so it is to be expected that the combination of Caribou and Lauba will result in a stunning spectacle.

Thus, after a long 12-year wait, the Canadian genius and London-based Dan Snaith and his great four-member band Caribou will return to Zagreb. Fortunately for us, this 42-year-old doctor of mathematics appeared in KSET for the first time in 2004, shortly after the release of the great "Up in Flames" album when he danced with the Chicago Underground Trio, cementing his status in this city, apparently, for all time.

Changing the band's name to Caribou under the threat of a lawsuit by a certain Handsome Dick Manitoba did not hurt Dan at all because each of his new arrivals in Zagreb attracted more and more people, while with each new release, he disarmed critics by bringing his abstract fusion of electronics and indie pop on the annual lists of the best albums around the world.

Each album came with numerous professional awards, such as the prestigious Canadian Polaris Music Award and the Juno Awards.

With their last concert in Zagreb, Caribou promoted the album "Swim," which hinted at the significant commercial potential of this group and was further emphasized after Caribou's entire world tour in 2012 supporting Radiohead. It was therefore not surprising that two years later, with the release of the album "Our Love," they exploded and replaced 500-capacity clubs with halls that accommodate more than 3,000 people. They also reached the top at festivals and, in 2014, played at the Pula Arena as the main act of Dimensions festival.

Two years have passed since Caribou released their new album "Suddenly," which was praised by critics like its predecessors, and which will be presented to the Zagreb audience after several delays.

A limited number of tickets at a promotional price of 170 kuna can be purchased at Dirty Old Shop and Rockmark and online until February 28 or until stocks last. After that, the price will be 190 kuna, and 220 kuna at the entrance. 

Tickets purchased when they were initially released two years ago are valid for this concert and do not have to be replaced with new ones. Refunds are accepted until February 28. 

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

21 February 2022 - It’s never the wrong time to start planning the perfect getaway to the paradise that is Croatia. We decided to give you a hand in planning the perfect 10-day road trip from Zagreb to Dubrovnik (plus some bonus island time!) that showcases the best the country has to offer.

The best way to discover Croatia is by car, giving you the freedom to go off the beaten path and chart your own adventure around the country, all the way from Zagreb to Dubrovnik.

Before we jump into it, do be aware that most car rentals in Croatia are manual transmissions! Automatic cars are available for rent, though mostly by larger rental companies like Sixt, and are more expensive.

If you’re not a confident driver, no need to worry, there are plenty of private bus companies that run daily trips to most cities and tourist attractions during the high season (June - September). In larger cities such as Zagreb and Split, bus schedules are also available online. Transfers between major ports and the islands are also regularly serviced by ferries and catamarans.

Day 1: Zagreb

Welcome to Zagreb, the capital and largest city of Croatia! Nicknamed the city of museums, Zagreb is home to over a dozen award-winning museums such as the Archeological Museum, with over 450,000 artifacts and monuments.

The gorgeous buildings of Upper Town in Zagreb. Visit Zagreb/Facebook.

Cultural landmarks of the city include Ban Jelačić Square which has existed since the 17th century, the Zagreb Cathedral, or the magnificent Croatian National Theater whose unveiling ceremony was attended by Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Joseph I. So, make sure you squeeze in some time for a walking tour to absorb the sights of Zagreb’s Old Town.

Evenings on Tkalčićeva Street, Zagreb. Visit Zagreb/Facebook.

Hungry? Head to Dolac market, Zagreb's main open-air farmers market to pick up some fresh, seasonal produce and souvenirs. You can also choose to end your day with a tasty meal and local wine from any of the excellent restaurants, bars, and cafes along Tkalčićeva Street.

Day 2: Rovinj

After a bustling day in Zagreb, the enchanting city of Rovinj is a splendid change of pace. Perfectly situated on the Istrian peninsula, the city boasts a rich heritage, from being settled by Venetian tribes, to becoming part of the Byzantine and Frankish Empires, all reflected in the diversity of the city’s architecture, art, and culture.

This stunning setting has been a popular film setting for movies such as "The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard". Rovinj Tourist Board/Facebook.

Stroll along the beautiful cobbled streets and narrow alleys of Rovinj Old Town and make your way towards St. Euphemia Cathedral. Along the way, you should pass by Grisia Street, lined with souvenir stalls and galleries with the most unique pieces to add to your collection.

The charming, picturesque streets of Rovinj's Old Town. Rovinj Tourist Board/Facebook.

If you have time to spare, take a day trip to Sveta Katarina, a small picturesque island that’s a mere 10-minute water taxi ride from the pier. Spend the afternoon taking a dip in the aquamarine waters of the bay, or hike on one of the numerous trails dotted around the island, or both!

Alternatively, sit back and relax on some of the most beautiful beaches in Istria such as Amarin, Borik, or Valdaliso Beach.

Day 3: Pula

Before leaving the Istrian Coast, make Pula the next stop on your road trip. Serving as the capital of Istria, Pula was the main military port for the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy at the height of its military glory. Today, remnants of these times are reflected in the city’s breathtaking landscape.

The Pula Arena frequently hosts concerts and festivals throughout the year. Pula Plus/Facebook.

The famous Pula Arena, one of the most well preserved Roman amphitheaters in the world, is a must-see! Another not to be missed landmark is the Temple of Augustus, a monument dedicated to the first Roman emperor in honor of his rule.

The unique shape of Fort Puna Christo. Pula Plus/Facebook.

Also check out the impressive Fort Punta Christo, which includes an underground section to explore and a well-stocked rooftop bar for refreshments after. You can also enjoy magnificent 360-degree views of Pula from the Venetian Fortress (Kaštel) which also houses the Historical and Maritime Museum of Istria.

Day 4: Plitvice National Park

Although Croatia boasts some of the best coastlines in the world, Plitvice Lakes National Park consistently appears in the top must-see places to visit in Croatia, and for good reason! This UNESCO World Heritage Site holds the title as the oldest and largest national park in Croatia, famous for its gorgeous turquoise lakes. Well worth the detour inland.

The main walkway of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Plitvice Lakes National Park/Facebook.

Be aware that the park can get very crowded during the season! To avoid this, just be prepared to visit early (7-8am), or better still, stop by during off-peak seasons where the park transforms into the perfect winter wonderland.

Plitvice Lakes National Park/Facebook.

Day 5: Zadar

After a day in the lush forests, take a scenic drive back to the Dalmatian coast and spend a day in the charming city of Zadar, the oldest continuously inhabited Croatian city. Today, cozy cafes and art galleries are seamlessly woven into remains from the times of Julius Caesar and Emperor Augustus.

Enjoy a relaxing stroll through Old Town and admire the historical architecture including the Church of St. Donatus, the Landward Gate, the Cathedral of St. Anastasia, and the Roman Forum.

Ruins in the Old Town of Zadar. Zadar Region/Facebook

Along the way, catch the famous Sea Organ, and a sunset so beautiful, it even captivated Alfred Hitchcock! Just after sunset, take in the light show at the Sun Salutation, an installation created by Nikola Bašić, the same artist who designed the sea organ.

The Landward Gate, Zadar. Zadar Region/Facebook

If you have some time in between, head to Pag Island to try some of the famous Paski Cheese or to Nin, home to Queen’s Beach, the longest sandy beach in Croatia. Other gorgeous beaches along the coast of Zadar include Kolovare and Borik.

Award-winning sheep's cheese from Pag Island. Pag Tourist Board/Facebook.

Day 6: Split

Welcome to Split, the largest city in Dalmatia, and second-largest in all of Croatia. The city was founded as the Greek colony of Aspálathos between the 3rd and 2nd century BC.

It was later where Diocletian's Palace was built for the Roman emperor in AD 305. The palace also houses the Peristil, or the main square, another great place to enjoy some coffee and people-watch in addition to the Riva promenade.

Enjoy a drink inside the walls of the Diocletian's Palace, Split. Visit Split/Facebook

While exploring the Old Town, stop by the Green Market, the largest farmer’s market in Split, to pick up some fresh, organic produce. Turn the corner and it is difficult to miss the 8.5-meter statue of Gregory of Nin, sculpted by world-renowned artist Ivan Meštrović. Rubbing the statue’s toe is said to bring good luck, so much so that it has been worn smooth by visitors over the years.

You can also squeeze in a light hike up Marjan Hill, also known as the “lungs of Split”. Its summit is an ideal place for a picnic, offering marvelous views of the harbor and neighboring islands.

The crystal clear waters of Bačvice beach. Visit Split/Facebook

Fancy another beach day? Bačvice beach is a popular hangout spot in the center of Split. Relax at one of the many cafe bars and watch the locals play picigin, a traditional ball game. Rumor has it this beach is also where the sport originates from.

Day 7: Krka/Omiš/Trogir

Don't be too quick to leave Split. From here, there are several options for day tours to surrounding attractions.

Some of the most stunning waterfalls in Croatia can be found at Krka National Park. Krka Nationa Park/Facebook

For nature lovers, Krka National Park is another national park about an hour’s drive from Split. Spend a day walking along well-maintained trails that wind along some of the most stunning waterfalls in the country. Again, make sure you get there early to avoid the crowds!

Try white water rafting in Omiš. Tourist Board Omiš/Facebook

For those craving more action, head to the picturesque town of Omiš which offers one of the most dramatic scenes on the coast. The city is nestled in a canyon surrounded by gray, craggy mountains, contrasting the peacock blue waters where the Cetina River meets the Adriatic Sea. Omiš offers white water rafting, free climbing, ziplining, abseiling, and canyoning, amongst other activities for visitors seeking a bit of a thrill on their vacation.

Just one of the many well-preserved remains scattered around Trogir's Old Town. Visit Trogir/Facebook

For the history buff, head to Trogir which has the best-preserved Romanesque-Gothic complex in all of Central Europe. Take a walk around the Old Town, surrounded by walls comprising a series of dwellings and palaces from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods.

Day 8: Hvar

With over 1,000 islands, it wouldn’t be a complete trip to Croatia without doing some island hopping. From Split, take the 1-hour ferry ride over to Hvar. Its beauty and vibrant nightlife have made it a regular vacation spot for the likes of celebrities such as George Clooney and Beyonce.

Hvar is one of the longest and sunniest islands in Croatia. Hvar Tourist Board/Facebook

Start by wandering around St. Stephen’s Square, the largest square in Croatia and don’t miss the Cathedral of St. Stephen and the Hvar public theater. For the best view, climb to the top of the Španjola Fortress to get an unobstructed view overlooking Hvar Town and nearby Pakleni Islands. You can even rent a small boat (no license required) to explore these islands on your own!

The view from the top of the Španjola Fortress is unparalleled on the island. Hvar Tourist Board/Facebook

Once you’ve taken in all these sights, enjoy another relaxing beach day at one of the many pristine beaches such as Malo Zaraće, Dubovica, or Pokonji Dol.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for another day trip, book a tour with one of the local travel agencies to the Blue Caves on Biševo and marvel at its clear, iridescent blue waters.

Day 9: Korčula

After the buzz of Hvar, take the ferry to the tranquil town of Vela Luka on the island of Korčula, the birthplace of famed explorer Marco Polo and home to some of the best Croatian wines.

From Vela Luka, take a scenic drive towards the town of Korčula, also known as “little Dubrovnik”. Along the way, stop by the numerous family-run vineyards that welcome visitors for wine and cheese tastings.

Grk is a white wine variety grown almost exclusively on Korčula, other white wines such as Pošip and Rukatac are also premier Croatian wines, often served on celebratory occasions. For fans of red wine, do grab a bottle or 2 of Plavac Mali.

Vineyards of Korčula island. Visit Korčula/Facebook

In Korčula, walk off the afternoon’s indulgences exploring the streets of the Old Town with its architectural influences by the Venetian Renaissance, before capping off the night with a meal and more wine at any of its superb restaurants.

Korčula town. Visit Korčula/Facebook

Day 10: Dubrovnik

There’s no better way to end the trip than with Dubrovnik. And yes, there is no shortage of Game of Thrones tours to indulge your senses, but there is so much more to this medieval city than where Cersei Lannister did her walk of shame.

The beautiful Saint Blaise's Church in Dubrovnik was built during the 10th century. Dubrovnik Tourist Board/Facebook

Talk a walk along the city walls and through Stradun, Dubrovnik’s main street. From here, you can also catch Onofrio’s Large Fountain that used to supply Dubrovnik with fresh water during the Middle Ages and other impressive structures including the Clock Tower, Saint Blaise's Church, Saint Ignatius Church, Cathedral of the Assumption, and the Franciscan Monastery.

The view from beyond the walls of Dubrovnik looking upon Fort Lovrijenac. Dubrovnik Tourist Board/Facebook

Watch the sunsets and reminisce on your amazing road trip through the country at one of the cliff bars along the city walls, before capping it all off with an exquisite meal at one of the many Michelin-starred or recommended restaurants Dubrovnik has to offer.

Nothing like a luscious meal to top off a fantastic experience road-tripping in Croatia. Dubrovnik Tourist Board/Facebook

And that’s all folks, you’ve done it! Croatia in 10 days! Bear in mind, this is merely the appetizer of what Croatia has to offer. Customize this guide to better suit your tastes and pace and remember, don’t hesitate to ask the locals in order to unlock the best secrets each location has to offer.

For more on travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

February 21, 2022 - Zagreb has been named the 4th child-friendly city in Europe this year according to a new study of 50 cities released by OVO Network. 

The top child-friendly cities for holidays in Europe have been revealed by OVO Network data. The Croatian capital of Zagreb thus ranks fourth place overall for the best city breaks with kids in 2022, according to this new study of 50 cities released by OVO Network. 

The data shows that Zagreb has some of the safest streets, cheapest transport, and the highest number of kid-friendly attractions in Europe. 

There are 292 kid-friendly attractions per capita (1,000,000 residents and tourists) in Zagreb which makes it the fifth-highest in the study, behind just Lisbon, Athens, Dublin, and Edinburgh. 

The Croatian capital also has some of the best access to museums in Europe with the seventh most when normalised with per capita numbers. There are 183 per 1,000,000 people - top trumping cities like London, Berlin, and Paris. 

Croatia’s Zagreb is the very best city in Europe for exploring neighbouring towns and cities. Transport cost is the cheapest in Europe with a one-way ticket costing the equivalent of €0.53 - way under the continental average of €2.13. 

Zagreb has the third safest streets in the study, with a low crime index of 21, according to Numbeo. Munich, Prague, Helsinki, and Copenhagen also rank towards the top for safety. Birmingham, Marseille, and Naples rank at the opposite end of the scale with crime index ratings between 58 and 60.

Other Main Findings:

• Prague is named as the best place for a child-friendly city break with the best access to water parks, amusement parks, and museums per 1,000,000 tourists and residents. 
• Helsinki and Copenhagen make up the top three with sunny Zagreb and not-so-sunny Edinburgh also featuring in the top five. 
• If a road trip is on the cards for 2022, OVO Network recommends Valencia and Seville as points A & B on the route with top 10 ratings for both. 
• Zurich and Munich were named the safest place for child-friendly holidays in 2022, based on crime index data.
• If exploring areas within a city and its surrounding areas is your thing, Zagreb and Bucharest are the top two cities with the cheapest transport links.
  
  You can see the full study here. 
  
  For more, make sure to check out our dedicated lifestyle section. 

ZAGREB, 19 Feb 2022 - The police in the City of Zagreb reported on Friday that one more ATM machine was blown up in the early hours of Friday in a wider area of the capital city.

According to the police reports, the accident that happened at Brezovička Cesta Road, south Zagreb, and this was the 10th cash machine explosion robbery since the start of this year, while in the whole of 2021, there were 29 such criminal offences.

The law enforcement authorities reported that of those 10 cash machine explosion robberies so far this year, three cases have been solved.

February 18, 2022 - The latest flight news to Croatia as British Airways Zagreb flights return at the end of the month, and new Norwegian low-cost passenger airline Flyr announced its second route to Zadar. 

British national airline British Airways will resume regular flights between London (Heathrow Airport) and Zagreb from the last day of February, reports Croatian Aviation.

Namely, as of February 28, British Airways has announced it will resume traffic between Zagreb and London. Since the beginning of the pandemic, this airline has very often changed its schedule to Zagreb, continuously canceling a number of flights.

The last time this happened was at the very end of 2021, and now, after less than two months, the airline will resume traffic to the Croatian capital.

Croatia Airlines, which currently operates between the two cities four times a week, and Ryanair, which has reduced the number of flights from seven to five in the first two months of this year, have maintained regular operations on this line.

British Airways planned to return to Zagreb at the beginning of February, but not long after all flights were canceled until February 28. After that, five flights a week were announced for March, and then all flights were canceled on Fridays. Thus, there should be four flights a week in traffic next month, every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Unlike the line between London and Zagreb, where there were significant reductions in last year's summer flight schedule, British Airways did not have such problems with flights to the coast (Dubrovnik, Split, and Pula), so larger reductions of announced flights to the coast are not expected in the upcoming summer season.

Before the outbreak of the pandemic, in the summer of 2019, British Airways had a very high demand on the line between Zagreb and London, prices were often quite high and there were as many as 13 flights a week run by the British carrier. 

Furthermore, Croatian Aviation reports that the new Norwegian airline Flyr will introduce another new route to Zadar Airport this summer.

After announcing a regular seasonal line between Zadar and Oslo, Flyr will operate between Zadar and Bergen once a week from June 11, every Saturday. The route has been announced until mid-August, i.e., August 13, and the flights are already on sale on the airline's official website.

This carrier has six B737-800 aircraft in the fleet with a capacity of up to 189 seats. Along with Zadar, Flyr will release tickets on another new line to Croatia on February 22 this year. Namely, Croatian Aviation reveals that in the upcoming summer flight schedule, Flyr will operate on a regular route between Oslo and Dubrovnik. 

For more on flights to Croatia and other travel announcements, make sure to check out our dedicated travel section.

ZAGREB, 17 Feb 2022 - Croatia will be able to use money from the European Solidarity Fund for earthquake relief until June 2023, which is one year longer than the initial 18 months, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, said after they met in Brussels on Thursday.

The commission will approve the use of EUSF for earthquake reconstruction in Zagreb until June 2023, which has been adjusted to the period for the use of the allocation because of the earthquake in Banovina and progressive damage caused, Plenković tweeted on Thursday.

Von der Leyen tweeted a similar message

“Glad to meet Andrej Plenkovic today. We discussed reconstruction work supported by the EU after the Zagreb and Petrinja earthquakes. Given the exceptional circumstances, the Commission will look favorably at the request to align deadlines for absorption of EUSF funds to June 2023," tweeted von der Leyen.

Croatia was granted €68.37 million for earthquake relief which according to the provisions of the European Union Solidarity Fund can be absorbed until June this year but that has now been extended for another year after Plenković met with von der Leyen.

We appreciate that the Commission has taken into account the specific situation Croatia was faced with after the two devastating earthquakes that struck this area while we were simultaneously dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, which is a force majeure, Plenković added.

For more, check out our politics section.

February 16, 2022 - Sting at Arena Zagreb has been postponed until autumn this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The official date should be announced soon. 

Due to the current restrictions caused by the pandemic, Sting's concert at Zagreb Arena, which was supposed to take place this spring, has been postponed until autumn. Sting was scheduled to perform at the Arena Zagreb on March 21, as part of his acclaimed My Songs tour, where he performs his favorite songs, written during the 17-time Grammy winner's glorious career, both with The Police and as a solo artist. The new concert date will be announced soon, and all tickets purchased so far will be valid for the new concert date. Furthermore, a refund for everyone unable to attend the concert in autumn will be possible up to 30 days after announcing the new date.

Hailed as a “masterful performance from start to finish,” the concert “takes fans on a musical journey through time,” with hits like “Fields of Gold,” “Shape of My Heart,” “Roxanne,” and “Demolition Man” and makes one an unforgettable event. Fans can also expect the songs "Englishman In New York,” “ Every Breath You Take,” “Message In A Bottle,” and many of Sting’s other big hits.

On tour, Sting will be accompanied by an electric rock ensemble that includes Dominic Miller on guitar, Josh Freese on drums, Rufus Miller on guitar, Kevon Webster on keyboards, Shane Sager on accordion, and Melissa Musique and Gene Noble as backing vocals. In addition, a special guest and frontman for Sting will be his son, musician Joe Sumner.

Late last year, Sting released the acclaimed album The Bridge, which presents different stages and styles from his unrivaled career and draws inspiration from rock n 'roll, jazz, classical music, and folk. Written and recorded during the pandemic, this new collection of poems reveals Sting’s reflections on personal loss, separation, lockdown, and extraordinary social and political turmoil.

Apart from the Zagreb concert, all European shows that were to take place from March 7 to 21, 2022, have been postponed.

OLD DATE: CITY: LOCATION: NEW DATE:
05-March 2022 Riga, LV Arena 24-Sept. 2022
07-March 2022 Tampere, FI Tampere Deck Arena 20-Sept. 2022
09-March 2022 Kaunas, LT Zalgirio Arena 25-Sept. 2022
13-March 2022 Kosice, SK Steel Arena 28-Sept. 2022
15-March 2022 Cluj-Napoca, RO Sala Polivalenta 30-Sept. 2022
16-March 2022 Budapest, HU Budapest Arena To Be Confirmed *
17-March 2022 Debrecen, HU Fonix Arena 29-Sept. 2022
19-March 2022 Sarajevo, BA Zetra Olympic Hall To Be Confirmed *
21-March 2022 Zagreb, HR Arena Zagreb To Be Confirmed *

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

February 15, 2022 - The best Zagreb County Gault & Millau chefs were presented today at Korak Winery to promote the first "2022 Gault & Millau Zagreb and surroundings" guide.

The promotion of the first "2022 Gault & Millau Zagreb and surroundings" gastro guide organized by the Zagreb County Tourist Board was held today at the Korak Winery. Gault & Millau encourages sustainable tourism, i.e., that small food and wine producers and restaurants remain dedicated to the food and dishes of their region. Zagreb County has a rich tradition in gastronomy because it has several products with a mark of origin. Although it is the destiny of every good dish to disappear soon after being prepared, these dishes have the status of a cultural asset precisely because of carefully preserved recipes and a skill passed down from generation to generation as part of a unique local heritage.

"Today, we are grateful to our caterers who, thanks to their dedicated work, are included in the guide, and these yellow chef's caps are a guarantee of proven quality for tourists. Zagreb County is also home to the black truffle, which excellent chefs use and compose with our indigenous cuisine. Food and culture are deeply ingrained in the national identity of Zagreb County. Even the simplest dishes cooked by our grandmothers are real gastronomic specialties because they are prepared from authentic ingredients from family farms. This unique story "from the field to the table" is significant," said the Zagreb County Tourist Board director, Ivana Alilović. She added that they are incredibly proud to have participated in preparing the world gastronomic guide Gault & Millau Croatia in cooperation with the Zagreb Tourist Board to present a part of the authentic gastronomic scene. "I thank Gaul & Millau for believing in the strength and quality of our County's gastronomy."

Zagreb County and the City of Zagreb are top gastro destinations with great wealth. The quality of the food is exceptional, so the idea of expanding the next guide to include family farms and wineries in addition to restaurants will be considered.

"The gastronomic scene of Zagreb and its surroundings has developed especially in recent years, and the city has received many new restaurants with a rich and diverse offer. Certainly, some of them deserve a place in the guide, but they could not be included in this year's print edition due to the limited number. However, they will be presented on the GM website, where the guide's content for the whole of Croatia is available, and it records 2.5 million users and 6 million views a year. The printed edition of Gault & Millau Croatia 2022 for Croatia will be published on April 5. Therefore, the special edition for Zagreb and its surroundings is a real announcement of what awaits us then," said Ingrid Badurina Danielsson, Gault & Millau director for Croatia.

As part of the promotion, awards were given to the best chefs in Zagreb County.

Restaurant Trajbar Team with chef Vlasta Šander won 13 points and two toques. The following were evaluated with 13.5 points and two toques: Restaurant Mon Ami with chef Goran Marko Beus, Restaurant Karlo with chef Karlo Navoj and Restaurant Gabreku with chef Ana Perić. The most significant recognition as the highest-rated restaurant with 16 points and three toques went to Restaurant Korak and chef Bernard Korak.

"Our restaurant nurtures tradition and cuisine not only as an offer but also as a culture of living and creating unique stories and combining our rich heritage and knowledge results in authentic gastronomic experiences recognized by Gault & Millau. This recognition is a great incentive to our work and effort. We have made a big step forward since last year, and I hope that we will continue to do so," said chef Bernard Korak.

After five years in Croatia, Gault & Millau has published its first specialized edition for Zagreb and its surroundings, which is also the announcement of Gault & Millau Croatia 2022, which will be released in early April. The City of Zagreb and Zagreb County thus received their edition of this prestigious gastronomic guide. In addition, for the first time in history, a bilingual (Croatian-English) edition of the guide was published, translated by Morana Zibar. The guide contains reviews and photos of 100 restaurants, taverns, snack bars, POP bars, and pastry shops in Zagreb and the surrounding area. This wide range of catering listings is based on GM's motto, "luxury is in quality, not price."

Gault & Millau is a French restaurant guide founded by two critics, Henri Gault and Christian Millau, in 1965. Gault & Millau rates on a scale of 1 to 20, with 20 being the highest. Points are awarded based on the quality of the food, along with comments on the restaurant's service, price, or atmosphere. Based on this rating, high-ranking restaurants can display one to four toques.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

February 14, 2022 - The Croatia water polo team gathered at the Aristos Hotel in Zagreb on Sunday to begin preparations for the 2nd round of the 2022 World League in Zagreb. Croatia and Russia will face off in Group D on Tuesday, February 15. 

The list of 17 players has not changed, except for minor modifications.

"Goalkeeper Marko Bijač will join on the day of the match. Ivan Krapić will not compete in the match after an injury in the previous round of the World League, though he is with the team and training normally, just like Konstantin Kharkov, who does not have the right to play yet. Ante Vukičević and Loren Fatović have just come out of isolation due to coronavirus, but they are also at the preparations," said coach Ivica Tucak.

The Croatia-Russia match is scheduled for Tuesday, February 15 at 6 pm at the Mladost swimming pool in Zagreb, and can be watched live on the FINA YouTube channel. Croatia trained in the late afternoon-evening period on Sunday, two training sessions are planned for Monday, and another relaxing one on Tuesday morning before the match. 

Croatia is in the European Group D of the World League. In the first round, Croatia beat Greece 12:11 away, and with a victory against Russia, it would confirm its placement in the final European tournament of the World League, which will be held in Budapest from April 28 to 30, 2022.

Croatia lineup

GOALKEEPERS

Marko Bijač (Olympiacos)

Ivan Marcelić (Jadran)

Toni Popadić (Jug Adroatic osiguranje)

CENTERS

Josip Vrlić (Radnički)

Ivan Krapić (Noisy-le-Sec)

Lovro Paparić (Vouliagmeni)

ATTACKERS

Luka Bukić (Jadran)

Ante Vukičević (Marseille)

Loren Fatović (Jug Adriatic osiguranje)

Franko Lazić (Mladost)

Ivan Domagoj Zović (Szolnok)

Andrija Bašić (Palermo)

DEFENDERS

Hrvoje Benić (Jug Adriatic osiguranje)

Marko Žuvela (Jug Adriatic osiguranje)

Rino Burić (Jadran)

Kristijan Milaković (Szolnok)

Matias Biljaka (Mladost)

COACHING STAFF

Coach - Ivica Tucak

Cssistant coach - Zoran Bajić, Jure Marelja, Frano Vićan and Igor Pezelj

Conditioning trainer - Pero Kuterovac

Physiotherapist - Damir Luketić

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

February 13, 2022 - Another milestone of cohesion in Croatia's digital nomad journey, as DNA Croatia announces the first We{dn}esdays Digital Nomads Croatia nationwide drinks events. 

After 19 years living in a country famed for its bureaucracy and infighting among interest groups, I am finding the Croatian digital nomad story to be beyond refreshing. So much cohesion and positive energy from talented and motivated stakeholders, who are gelling and forming a focused and cohesive roadmap to develop this new sector and opportunity for the country. 

At the heart of everything (at least it seems to me) is the energy of the Digital Nomad Association Croatia - the first of its kind in the world, if I am not mistaken - which is coordinating, connecting, advocating and promoting the sector with vision and energy. 

The recent Digital Nomad Reflection Day was the first time all the key stakeholders got to know each other and find out what others are doing in the sector. Four hours on Zoom flew by, and it was one of the best brainstorming sessions I have been part of in my time in Croatia. Read more in Cohesion, Unity & Planning at Croatian Digital Nomad Reflection Day 2022.

The latest landmark on the journey is DNA Croatia's announcement of we{dn}esdays, drinks for digital nomads and friends this Wednesday (16th) from 19:00 in bars in several cities all over the country: Swanky Monkey in Zagreb, The Daltonist in Split, Mama's in Dubrovnik, Beach Bar Bamboo in Zadar, and Rakhia Bar in Rijeka. A chance to meet other nomads, or find out more about the lifestyle if you are interested in becoming one or getting into the nomad tourism sector. There will be special drinks discounts for those coming. 

This is the first such event, and it will be repeated. All welcome. I will be raising a glass at Swanky Monkey, which is something I have been known to do there on occasion. So all welcome and please join. 

In other news, DNA Croatia has also launched its new Facebook page, which will be powered by the community. You can follow it here. 

For more news and features on digital nomads in Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.