July 10, 2022 - Feeling a little warm in the city? Head to the hills this week for the first Zagreb Mountain Summer Film Festival.

One of the cool things I have come across since following Zagreb tourism is how a little innovation and thinking out of the box can produce some quite exceptional tourism experiences at little additional cost. A good example of this would be the Zagreb County Tourist Board initiative, Via Vino, last October, when the county's wineries combined open cellars with art, music, culture, and film. One very cool event was the screening of the new James Bond movie outdoors in a vineyard, sitting on straw bales under blankets, eating roast chestnuts washed down with the local young Portugiesac wine. 

An unforgettable experience. 

And film is the main topic of the next cool little event to come from nowhere, the inaugural Zagreb Mountain Film Festival, which kicks off this Wednesday, July 13, with 5 nights of music, film, culture, and fun, fun, fun. 

Where else can you get a mountainside pop up Museum of Illusions, for example? Or one of the popular digital nomad we{dn}esdays meetups with Digital Nomad Association Croatia?

This unique film festival is all taking place in the beautiful surroundings of Nature Park Medvednica, on the meadow in front of Snow Queen Hotel (Aparthotel Snjezna Kraljica) in the woods. The progamme is on the flyer above, or for more information, check out the Facebook event page. 

You can get there via the new Sljeme cable car, bus number 140 from Mihaljevac, or take a Bolt or Uber. You are advised to bring your own blanket and a jacket or sweater, as the air can get a little fresh in the evening. 

Zagreb Mountain Summer Film Festival is organised by Urban Entertainment and the Zagreb Tourist Board. 

Looking to learn more about the Croatian capital? Check out the comprehensive Total Croatia Zagreb in a Page guide. 

July 9, 2022 - Dinamo beat Hajduk 4:1 on penalties to win the SuperSport Superkup on Saturday in Zagreb. 

Dinamo and Hajduk opened the new season of Croatian football, fighting for the first trophy of the season - the SuperSport Superkup.

Around two and a half thousand Hajduk fans visited Maksimir for the first derby of the season, many of them on the 'Bili Vlak', or organized train transport that left this morning from Split. Around 17,000 spectators were expected at the match in total. 

Dinamo was said to have a slight advantage tonight playing at home, though we must remember that last season, Hajduk beat Dinamo twice, one match ended in a draw, while Dinamo celebrated in the last derby of the season. 

Dinamo has won six Superkups, Hajduk is close behind with five, while Rijeka has one. However, from 1995 to 2001, the Superkup was not played because Dinamo won the championship and the Cup, for the same reasons it was not played in 2008 and 2009, 2011 and 2012, as well as from 2015 to 2018, when they dominated again.

Lineups

Dinamo (4-3-3): Livaković - Moharrami, Lauritsen, Perić, Ljubičić - Ademi, Mišić, Ivanušec - Špikić, Petković, Drmić

Hajduk (4-3-3): L. Kalinić - Mikanović, Borevković, Simić, Melnjak - Vuković, Grgić, Krovinović - Livaja, N. Kalinić, Biuk

Match Report

Dinamo was more offensive in the first 5 minutes of the match before Livaja, Biuk, and Kalinić picked things up for Hajduk in the next few attacks. The closest call of the match so far was in the 10th minute when Livaja hit the net near post. 

Petković was dangerous for Dinamo in the 22nd minute with a brilliant Lovre Kalinić save for Hajduk to keep it 0:0. Mikanović hit the crossbar for Hajduk in the 30th minute. 

Petković took a dangerous free kick in the 37th minute which was shot over the goal. The first half ended 0:0. 

Hajduk was the first to be dangerous in the second half. Livaja shot powerfully from 18 meters but it went far to the right post. A minute later, Ademi shot from the edge of the penalty area which Kalinić deflected into the corner. Two minutes later, Ivanušec shot over the goal.

Biuk went up the right wing and tangled with Moharrami. Hajduk looked for a penalty, but the referee remained silent.

Biuk came off for Sahiti in the 58th minute. Kalinić continued to be outstanding in goal, with another superman save to keep Dinamo from scoring. What a match so far. 

Livaja had a chance in front of Dinamo's goal in the 62nd minute which Lauritsen managed to clear. Drmić missed directly in front of Hajduk's goal in the 66th minute. 

Kalinić was having the match of his life - saving yet another close call from Dinamo a minute later. Nikola Kalinić came out for Mlakar in the 70th minute. 

Ademi was dangerous dribbling into the penalty area which Kalinić ultimately stopped. Ademi was subbed off for Baturina in the 77th minute.

A Dinamo corner in the 82nd minute put Kalinić to work again and Sipic headed towards the goal. It was 0:0 with 5 minutes left.  

Livaja shot near post in the 84th minute before Dinamo attacked again. Menalo was subbed on for Spikic in the 87th minute. 

Orsic was one-on-one with Kalinić which he too managed to save. It was 0:0 in the 90th minute with four minutes of stoppage time added before penalties would decide the winner.  

Penalties

Bruno Petković was up first to score for Dinamo - 1:0.

Livaja scored for Hajduk - 1:1.

Orsic scored for Dinamo - 2:1. 

Mlakar shanked over the goal to keep Dinamo ahead 2:1. 

Ljubicic scored for Dinamo - 3:1. 

Vukovic's penalty was saved by Livakovic for 3:1. 

Ivanusec scored for Dinamo (4:1) and the SuperSport Superkup title in 2022. 

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

The eighth edition of the business conference MEETING G2 - "DiWine
Summer" was held in Zagreb

About a hundred guests from 16 countries of the world, top winemakers in
two panels, in total

ZAGREB, July 9, 2022 - Traditional and famous MEETING G2 conference,
which connects business people from Croatia and Croatian diaspora, was
held in Zagreb this year under the name "DiWine Summer". Almost a
hundred guests from 16 countries from all over the world gathered in the
hall of the Croatian Heritage Foundation, as the host and partner of the
Conference. Two attractive wine panels and a total of 15 top panelists
and speakers made this conference interesting and attractive. The whole
commendable and useful conference was accompanied by a few glasses of
local wine and enriched by the promotion of excellent Croatian wines,
and ended with a festive dinner, which was graced by the Zaprešić
Boys.

At the very beginning, the president of the MG2 Association Antun
Krešimir Buterin and the director of Matica Mijo Marić greeted those
present, and the special speaker was the guest from Australia, Luke
Jurcevic. Among other things, this successful entrepreneur and president
of the Western Australian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce spoke about
connecting Australian and New Zealand winemakers of Croatian origin, and
one of them - Dennis Yagmich - sent a video message to the participants
from his winery "Yagmich Estate".

The highlight of the meeting was the part called "Who's who in G2",
which is already a well-known part of this Conference, during which all
those gathered briefly introduce themselves to each other, in order to
get to know each other more easily and enable faster business
networking. This year it was led by the former president of MG2, Josip
Hrgetić, and the first to say a few words about himself was the
ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the Republic of Croatia, Dr.
Josef Markus Wuketich, a Croat from Gradišće. This was followed by two
extraordinary panels moderated by the editor of the wine magazine
"Vinum.In" Dijana Grgić, with occasional refreshments with a glass of
sparkling wine.

The first panel entitled "Croatia on the wine map of the world" was
attended by famous and award-winning Croatian winemakers Mateja Žužić
from Winery "Jagunić", Boris Vuglec from Vuglec Breg, Mladen Papak from
"Vina Papak Ilok" and Janko Kezele, representative of "Vina Kezele" ",
while Juraj Sladić from Winery "Testament" responded via video message.

Papak pointed out that domestic winemakers have excellent wines, but we
have a problem with quantity, and that's why we need an association. As
an excellent example of association, Kezele mentioned the Moslavina
variety Škrlet, which had been neglected for years, and all of them
were promoted independently. "We connected about 10 years ago, sales are
now twice as high, and Škrlet is more and more popular", boasted Kezele
and welcomed the recent changes to the Wine Law, which divided Croatia
into only four regions, which will facilitate foreign promotion. Vuglec
and Žužić added that our autochthonous varieties especially have a
bright future, and that tourists coming to Croatia want to taste that
autochthonousness. "Our varieties are wonderful, and there is no reason
why the world should not recognize them," added Žužić. Sladić said
in a video message that our winemakers will never win the match of
volume and low prices, but that they must focus on premium wines and
quality. "We need to take the best, and from our autochthonous varieties
produce modern drinkable wines understandable to the world market". All
the panelists agreed that Croatia is practically still an unknown
country on the wine map of the world, and that as a tourist country, it
must be able to explain to guests "that wine is part of our identity and
culture, that we are a country of good wines and that each of our guests
must try them". Croatia is making serious strides in winemaking, they
concluded and said: "winemakers make Croatia better".

In accordance with the long-standing practice of Meeting G2, at whose
conferences business people from Croatia and the world always gather,
the second panel "Croatian winemakers in the world" gathered Croatian
winemakers and wine experts from abroad. Mate Klikovits from the Mate
Winery, as a Croat from Austria, and Bruno Alexander Gantenbrink, a
German, owner of the Slavonian company Auric Barrels, which produces
wine barrels from Slavonian oak, took part in the panel live in the
hall. Three speakers joined the panel live, digitally with the help of
Zoom: Ivo Jeramaz - head winemaker of the famous California winery
"Grgich Hills" of our expatriate Miljenko Grgich, Mirena Bagur - owner
of the American company "Croatian Premium Wine Imports" from Boston,
which has been importing for several years Croatian wines in the USA,
and Saša Muradori who does the same in Canada through his company
"Croatia Unpacked".

Jeramaz says that he is happy that the Croats continued to grow
autochthonous varieties. "We cannot compete with Chile and Australia in
the production of well-known varieties. The greatest treasure of wine
Croatia is autochthonousness", said the head winemaker of the famous
winery Grgich from Napa Valley. Bagur is satisfied with the increase in
the quality of Croatian wines, and the price-quality ratio is getting
better. However, he believes that we still need to work on marketing and
branding because Croatia is "unfortunately not yet perceived as a wine
destination" in the world. Muradori from Canada also called on the
association of winemakers and branding of wine regions, while Jeramaz
suggested that American sommeliers should be invited to Croatia, because
he is sure that they will "fall in love with our wines". Gantenbrink, as
the owner of the Našić company "Auric Barrels", asserted that
Slavonian forests, especially oak, are perhaps the best in Europe and
that this can also help in the complete branding of Croatian wines. "Be
unique, unique, unique," Gantenbrink told the winemakers.

Wine writer and journalist Željko Garmaz also sent a pre-recorded video
message to the gathering, who, interestingly, is not a supporter of the
thesis that our wines must be exported. "First of all, they should be of
top quality, which they prove year after year, and they must be a lure
that will make tourists come to Croatia even more", Garmaz believes.

Two wine panels weren't all, though! "In vino veritas" is the title of
the closing speech of the advisor to the Croatian Minister of
Agriculture and distinguished professor from the Faculty of Agriculture,
Ivo Grgić, who compared winemaking and viticulture to marriage - it is
necessary to give a lot, in order to get a lot. "Croatia has the best
country with the best people, and let's try to cover domestic demand
with wines first, in order to reduce imports. Winemakers should be
ambassadors of Croatia and all that is beautiful. Tourists are looking
less and less for sun and sea, and more and more for food and wine,"
concluded prof. Grgić. Something completely different for the end of
the Conference, which left a deep impression on everyone gathered was an
inspiring story full of emotions and positive patriotism that brought
tears to the part of the audience. It was told by a man who, with a
Scots friend, became the first Croat to row across the Atlantic, and in
the process not only defeated the ocean, but also himself, storms and
other adversities on a months-long journey, equipped only with oars and
a seven-meter boat! Croatian veteran and retired officer of the Croatian
Army, Werner Ilić, told his incredible life story that began in
Germany, continued in the USA, and has continued in Croatia since the
first day of the Homeland War.

The eighth MG2 conference called "DiWine Summer" was an evening that
will be remembered for a long time. It brought new business
collaborations and friendships, and for some, as longtime friends and
guests testified, it will probably be a business turning point in their
lives! Namely, many experienced their successful turning point precisely
at one of the earlier meetings of MEETING G2.

The conference ended with a gala dinner, which in a mini wine lottery -
thanks to the donation of Mate Klikovits and Luke Jurcevic - delighted a
dozen lucky winners with premium wines from Austria and Australia.
During the dinner there were tastings of wines thanks to our generous
panelists. The participants were entertained by the instrumental group
Robostrop & the CEO, and they were also greeted by members of the
globally popular Zaprešić Boysi group. Saša Pleše and songwriter
Marko Novosel told live the details of the cooperation with the
Association Meeting G2 and the global initiative One Croatia - during
the making of the video for their latest hit - the song "Jedna domovina"
dedicated to the Croatian diaspora. At the end of the evening, the
organizers of Meeting G2 did not hide their enthusiasm for another
successful business conference.

Follow us for more, via the newsletter and our website
https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.meeting-g2.com&source=gmail&ust=1657356157959000&usg=AOvVaw1OI2sPNQDfxqB_5s2fL4kj">www.meeting-g2.com [4], where you can find a photo gallery of the event.
We will publish stories and thoughts from the conference, introduce our
panelists and guests. And recordings of the conference is coming soon
for everyone who missed it!

July 8, 2022 - Hajduk and Dinamo will meet in the SuperSport Superkup match at Maksimir Stadium at 20:00 on Saturday.

At the first official press conference this season, Hajduk coach Valdas Dambrauskas and striker Nikola Kalinić gave their views on the upcoming match and answered numerous questions.

The Hajduk coach first reflected on the recent preparations in which four games were played against strong rivals:

"We are satisfied with our preparations; we have fulfilled the set goals and played matches against solid rivals. Therefore, in the pre-season, I don't worry about results, we are focused on progress, and I am sure the team will be at the right level soon. We also brought in a new player during the preparations; he played in a strong league, he plays in the style we want to play, and he is fast and will get in shape in a few games.

The season is just starting, the game will undoubtedly be challenging for both teams, and I think derbies are rarely attractive. Both teams will try to limit each other, and I think a moment of individual quality will decide the game. We have prepared well for this match, and we want to prove to everyone that we are ready," said the coach of Hajduk.

Asked about the expectations for the next season and the importance of support from the stands, striker Nikola Kalinić said:

"We play for the biggest Croatian club, and we have to fight for every trophy. Last year we won the Cup and were second; we are expected to be in a higher position this season. There are many games ahead of us; others have the same goals, and we can only promise the fans that we will do our best. Our fans are the best in the country and show it at every game. There will certainly be a lot of them in Zagreb, and I hope that we will repay them on the field, and in the end, we will all celebrate together," concluded Kalinić.

Dinamo Zagreb is also ready and presented their new jersey before the Superkup against Hajduk. Arijan Ademi, Josip Drmić, Luka Ivanušec, and Dario Špikić appeared in front of the press on Friday. 

"We went through a lot of difficult preparations, worked hard, and are satisfied with how it all ended. We hope to be successful in the new season," said captain Ademi and revealed the expectations for the new season.

"It's just the beginning of the season, and it's hard to predict how the championship will end. Anyway, we'll do our best not to make it so dramatic. I hope we will be good and win the championship."

Ademi spoke about Dinamo's new additions - forward Josip Drmić and midfielder Robert Ljubičić.

"Both are excellent. We already saw last season what kind of player Drmić is, a real 'killer.' Ljubičić already showed us that he is a great player. They will be reinforcements for sure", concluded Ademi.

Drmić had a very good last season in Rijeka. He was the club's top scorer, but the expectations are even higher at Dinamo. 

"It's hard to say what awaits us against Hajduk; I hope it will be a good match. The derby is already at the start; it will show where we are and what form we are. I'm looking forward to the match; we'll be ready," said Drmić.

"I'm not thinking about the goal; the most important thing is that we win and present ourselves well in the new shirt. If I manage to score, it will be great."

Bruno Petković will be his biggest competitor for that position. 

"Bruno is a top player and top quality. He is one of the best players on our team. I think we can present ourselves well as a tandem. We complement each other well, each has his qualities, and we can make a good mix. The coach will decide whether we will play together, but we will certainly do our best."

Drmić is aware of the pressure at Dinamo and the high expectations.

"I always say that I work best under pressure. So it is important that teammates help, and then we will handle it well in the future and be successful if we work together," concluded Drmić.

After several months of problems with his abdominal wall, Luka Ivanušec is fully ready for the new season. He commented on the speculation that he could leave Dinamo in the summer transfer window.

"At the moment, I am focused only on Dinamo, and there are always stories and interests. I'm preparing for the season as if I'm staying at Dinamo, and then we'll see what happens."

Dario Špikić said that Dinamo had prepared well for the new season.

"We are ready for Hajduk; I believe in victory," said Špikić.

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

July 4, 2022 - The latest flight news to Croatia as Iberia Croatia flights are boosted from Madrid to Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik, running daily by the end of the month! 

Spanish airline and OneWorld alliance member Iberia has increased the number of flights to Croatian airports this month, reports Croatian Aviation. 

Compared to June, Iberia offers a greater number of weekly operations to three Croatian airports from its main hub in Madrid this month. Namely, Iberia will increase the number of operations to Split and Dubrovnik at the end of July, and for now, daily flights to these two cities have been announced in August.

Between Madrid and Zagreb, Iberia plans to operate a total of 14 return flights in July, and flights are available three times a week, on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. From July 30, flights are available daily until the end of August.

Between Split and Madrid, Iberia currently operates on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and from the end of July, an increase in weekly operations has been announced on this line as well, from the existing 3 to a total of 7 flights per week (daily)! 

Unlike Split and Zagreb, Iberia already operates daily to Dubrovnik Airport, and 7 flights per week are planned until the end of July. Since the beginning of August, the Spanish airline has offered two daily flights on this route (14 per week), but there is still a possibility of reducing the announced number of flights on this route for August. 

In total, 58 return flights are available on Iberia's routes between Madrid, Dubrovnik, Split, and Zagreb in July, mostly with A320 aircraft, which in the fleet of this carrier have a capacity of between 136 and 171 seats. In July alone, more than 18,000 seats are available on the mentioned lines! 

Before the global pandemic, Iberia operated in the winter months to Dubrovnik and Zagreb, but after the end of the lockdown in Europe, the lines operated as seasonal. 

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

July 3, 2022 - Zagreb's nomad credentials are enhanced once more, as the NomadList 2022 survey names the Croatian capital as the fastest-growing remote work hub in Europe over the last 5 years. 

Good things are happening in Zagreb, a city which is changing immensely and becoming seriously cool. 

I used to think that Zagreb was a pretty dull place (and 15 years ago, it certainly was less interesting than today), but the last decade has seen the Croatian capital transformed into one of the truly fab places under the radar in European tourism. But that discovery has started.

Having lived here for a year now, it has become probably my favourite place I have ever lived in the 10 countries I have called home on my travels over the years. The safety and the lifestyle are all that they have always been, but an increasingly cosmopolitan feel to th city, both in gastronomy and residents has given the city an extra something. It is a city that continues to surprise visitors, including digital nomads, whose expectations are normally exceeded by a visit to the city. As the self-proclaimed King of Digital Nomads, Israeli Dean Kuchel, commented after a week here last year: "Zagreb has everything one might need for digital nomads, except one thing - more digital nomads."

Those nomads are coming, and one of the most positive findings from this week's NomadList 2022 survey is how well Zagreb is evolving. Named in the top 5 most-liked cities globally in the survey, Zagreb is showing its nomad growth in other ways, being among the fastest-growing remote work hubs in the last five years in the world, and the fastest in all Europe.  

A large part of that growth came last year, the same year as the inaugural (and award-winning) Zagreb Digital Nomad Week. The 2022 edition of ZDNW will take place later this year - follow the official website for details. 

And, although the data is the same, Zagreb is also featured in the top growing remote work hubs with affordable real estate which foreigners can buy. Something for nomads who fall in love with the city and looking for an investment to consider.  

According to the NomadList data, which is extrapolated from real-time data from their users, the trends for Zagreb are looking very healthy indeed (this data is taken from their own registered users). 

Looking for somewhere to work when you come to Zagreb? Check out the TCN guide to Zagreb co-working spaces.

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

Learn more about this magnificent city in the Total Croatia Zagreb in a Page guide. 

July 3, 2022 - The NomadList 2022 State of Digital Nomads report is out - and there is lots of good news for Croatia.

It is hard to imagine that a little over 2 years ago, the term 'digital nomad' was almost unheard of in Croatia. An open letter to the Prime Minister from a Dutch entrepreneur in Split asking for a digital nomad visa changed all that, setting in motion a chain of events where the term 'digitalni nomadi' is now a widely recognised term in the Croatian language by the majority of the population. 

And the nomads are coming... and liking what they see. Award-winning events such as the Dubrovnik Digital Nomads-in-Residence programme and Zagreb Digital Nomad Week have helped to put Croatia on the remote work map, and Croatia is now featuring regularly in the top places to enjoy the remote work revolution. 

Getting accurate data about how many digital nomads there are, where they travel to, and what their preferences are, has been a challenge, however, as such data is not captured by traditional data collection methods. One of the most respected sources of data, collected in real time from actual registered nomads, comes from one of the leading websites catering to the digital nomad community - NomadList. 

Last year, NomadList released a major survey about the digital nomad lifestyle, extrapolating data from their members, and there was plenty of good news for Croatia. As TCN reported at the time, Croatia was placed second as the most liked country for nomads behind Japan, while Zagreb made it to the top 5 most-liked cities in the world (and the first in Europe).  You can read more analysis of last year's survey here.

The NomadList 2022 survey has just been released, and there is LOTS of good news for Croatia, as well as evidence that the remote work revolution is spreading around the country. In addition to Croatia being named as the most-liked country in Europe again (and globally number 2 behind Japan), no less than five Croatian destinations make it into one of the top 10 lists in the survey - Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar, and Hvar. 

An explanation about the data for the NomadList 2022 survey from the website itself:

In this report, we try to figure out who these people are, what work do they do, and how they spend their life based on data from tens of thousands of Nomad List members. In this report, we try to figure out who these people are, what work do they do, and how they spend their life based on data from tens of thousands of Nomad List members. This page is built LIVE with data pulled straight from the database every day, so it's always up-to-date. Conclusions you can derive from this are always limited and merely indicative but possibly interesting. Nomad List is a paid membership community, which means there's a selection bias as people who do not or cannot pay are not in the dataset. On the other hand, free digital nomad communities, like on Facebook, require no commitment to join, therefore it's not clear if these people are merely aspirational or active nomads or not. On Nomad List we can confirm they are active based on their travel logs.

You can see the full report here. 

I won't pretend I fully understand the criteria behind what defines attractive men and women, but I include it as it shows that other destinations such as Hvar are now being discovered. There is a real buzz about Croatia at the moment, and several destinations are now joining the remote work revolution, and I would fully expect several more Croatian destinations to be part of the 2023 survey. 

One interesting list was that of Croatia's inclusion at number 5 in the destinations where female nomads go more than male nomads, a nod I think to the fact that Croatia is a very safe country in general, with many female travellers commenting on how safe it feels to travel around. 

Perhaps the most satisfying find of all, however, is the rise of Zagreb, Europe's fastest-growing remote work hub in the last 5 years, and the fourth fastest in the world. With much of that growth coming last year and coinciding with the inaugural Zagreb Digital Nomad Week, it is hoped that this year's ZDNW in October will continue that trend. 

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

July 1, 2022 - The latest flight news to Croatia as Air France Croatia flights are significantly boosted this month to Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik airports. 

French national airline Air France will significantly increase the number of weekly operations to Croatian airports in July from its main hub in Paris, Charles de Gaulle Airport, reports Croatian Aviation. 

In the first 10 days of July, Air France significantly increases the number of weekly flights to three Croatian airports. A second daily flight to Zagreb is being introduced, traffic to Split is being restored, and the number of weekly operations to Dubrovnik is increasing.

Second daily flight to Zagreb
Throughout the year, Air France operates daily between Paris and Zagreb in the afternoon hours. Until now, HOP operated on the route with E90 aircraft, and from July 9, Air France aircraft will also operate on this route, namely A318, A 319, and A320.

Additionally, from the same date, a second daily flight to Zagreb will be introduced, which will operate every day, except Saturdays, in the morning hours. Only Air France aircraft, A319, and A320, were announced on this line in July.

From the mentioned date, Zagreb will have three daily flights from and to Paris, and one daily flight on this route is operated by Croatia Airlines, on which Air France has code-share cooperation with the Croatian national airline.

Return to Split Airport
Air France is returning to Split Airport at the beginning of July. Six flights a week have been announced, every day except Saturdays. HOP with E90 aircraft will operate on the route for Air France. 

Croatia Airlines also operates on this route with A319 aircraft, as well as low-cost airlines such as easyJet.

More operations to Dubrovnik
The French airline has operated to Dubrovnik Airport for some time. The first flight of this season took place on May 1, but from July 10 the number of flights will increase from two to a total of seven flights per week. In addition to A319 and A320 aircraft, A321 aircraft, which in the Air France fleet have a capacity of 212 seats, will also frequently fly to Dubrovnik.

Additionally, Air France will introduce a second daily flight between Dubrovnik and Paris, on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, so it will operate between the two cities 11 times a week. In addition to Air France, Croatia Airlines and British easyJet operate on this route.

In total, from the beginning of July, Air France will operate between Paris and the three mentioned Croatian airports more than 30 times a week, which exceeds the figures from the record summer season of 2019, especially in terms of the capacity offered.

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

June 28, 2022 - KISS - one of the most successful rock and roll bands in the history of music will play at Arena Zagreb on July 9, 2022, as part of their "End of the Road" tour!

After an epic and well-documented 45-year-long career, which launched an era of big rock and roll concert shows, KISS began their last tour in 2019.

Known for their masks and unique costumes that have become their trademark, detailed scenery, and special effects, KISS has proved why they are considered the creators of the best rock and roll shows over the years. Members of The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, who have released 44 and sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, are dedicating this tour to the millions of KISS fans who have supported them for more than 40 years. KISS is one of the most successful American bands of all time, with more than 30 gold records, the most of any American artist. In addition, they have performed at the Olympics, the Super Bowl, and American Idol, among others.

Starchild (Paul Stanley), Demon (Gene Simmons), Catman (Eric Singer), and Spaceman (Tommy Thayer) arrive in Zagreb with 16 trucks and six buses of equipment and people for their well-known pyrotechnic show, additional firefighters will even be hired, and the audience will be entertained on stage for more than two hours. In addition, audiences will hear timeless hits such as “I Was Made For Lovin’ You,” “Rock and Roll All Nite,” “Detroit Rock City,” and "Lick It Up.”

Their world tour in 2019 was their biggest tour in their career - more tickets were sought, and the interest was so great that additional concerts were scheduled. Unfortunately, many shows across Europe in 2020 could not be held and had to be postponed. And among them was a completely new date - a concert in the Zagreb Arena on July 9, also their first concert in Croatia.

"Everything we have built and achieved over the past four decades would never have happened without the millions of people around the world who have filled clubs, arenas, and stadiums. This will be the ultimate celebration for those who have already seen and listened to us and the last chance for those who have not. So, KISS Army, we are saying goodbye on the last tour with our biggest show so far - we will go out the same way we entered - without apology and without stopping," said KISS announcing the "End Of the Road" tour.

The young and rising band Dirty Honey will perform as the opener for this epic rock and roll show at the Arena. Dirty Honey nurtures sexy, nasty, melodic rock and roll and hard rock sound with a touch of 70s blues that will warm the audience for the legendary KISS quartet.

As part of the upcoming tour, KISS will offer its fans a VIP experience and special benefits for tickets purchased in advance. The VIP experience can be taking photos with band members, access to an exclusive salon, a voucher to buy merchandise products, and socializing with band members.

Tickets for this rock spectacle can be purchased on Eventim.

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

June 28, 2022 - The latest flight news as Croatia flight cancelations in July from Eurowings, Austrian, Lufthansa, and easyJet have been announced. 

Eurowings, Lufthansa, and Austrian Airlines have canceled a total of 55 return flights to Croatian airports announced in July this year, all to ensure regular operations due to a lack of staff within the airlines and at the airports to which they operate, reports Croatian Aviation. 

The three mentioned Lufthansa Group carriers canceled 55 return flights to Zagreb, Rijeka, Pula, Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik.

Lufthansa has reduced the number of flights on only one route to Croatia, between Zagreb and Munich, so in July, it will operate 6 instead of 7 times a week on this route, for a total of 28 return flights.

Low-cost airline Eurowings reduces traffic on 10 international routes to six Croatian airports:

Cologne - Rijeka, instead of 13, announced 9 flights (canceled 4),

Cologne - Zadar, instead of 13, announced 9 flights (canceled 4),

Cologne - Zagreb, instead of 26, 14 flights announced (12 canceled),

Cologne - Dubrovnik, suspended line, last flight performed on June 12,

Dusseldorf - Rijeka, instead of 14, 11 flights announced (3 canceled),

Dusseldorf - Zagreb, instead of 13, 9 flights announced (4 canceled),

Stuttgart - Pula, instead of 7, 6 flights announced (1 canceled),

Stuttgart - Rijeka, instead of 9, 6 flights announced (3 canceled),

Stuttgart - Split, instead of 41, 38 flights announced (3 canceled),

Stuttgart - Zagreb, instead of 23, announced 14 flights (canceled 9),

In July, Austrian Airlines continues to operate daily to Adriatic airports, Zadar, Split, and Dubrovnik, but significantly reduces the number of flights to Zagreb airport. 

Instead of 53 scheduled return flights in July, Austrian has canceled 9 and now plans 44 flights on this route for July.

The Lufthansa Group is no exception among carriers. Companies and airports were not ready for high demand this summer, resulting in a shortage of workforce in all segments of air transport, from a lack of flight and cabin staff to the crew at airports (check-in, loading, and unloading of luggage, general reception and departure of passengers and aircraft). There are also standard problems with the workforce in air traffic control, which is why aircraft in the summer months rarely take off (and land) according to the planned flight schedule.

Given that the number of monthly flights by the Lufthansa Group to Croatian airports is relatively large, 55 canceled flights to Croatia in July is not a huge number, especially if this will relieve the pressure on the previously mentioned stakeholders and enable some normalization of air traffic in the peak season. 

Furthermore, Croatian Aviation reports that British low-cost airline easyJet canceled 15 return flights previously announced to three Croatian airports - Pula, Rijeka, and Split. The airline also cites major operational problems at airports in London (Gatwick) and Paris (Charles de Gaulle).

On the route from London (Gatwick) to Pula, easyJet offered 27 return flights in July until Sunday, but three flights were canceled, and 24 are now available for booking.

There were supposed to be 13 return flights between Paris and Pula in July, but easyJet canceled four return flights, and only nine are now available.

easyJet has the largest number of summer flights to Split Airport, to which only six flights are currently canceled. Namely, between Gatwick and Split, 95 return flights are planned in July (previously 99), while between Paris and Split, 38 return flights are now available (previously 40).

easyJet continuously cancels flights on the new route between Rijeka and London, originally announced twice a week. The airline also cut the weekly operations in July and canceled announced flights on Tuesdays, leaving only flights on Saturdays on sale. For now, only flights on July 5 and 12 have been canceled, but the carrier has not yet revised the flight schedule for the second half of July, so further reductions may happen. 

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