March 15, 2023 - Life in Dalmatia is amazing. The pace of life, the polako, the pomalo, the laganini.

Over the years, I became fixated with the wise elders of Jelsa, as they gathered each evening on the white bench under the Mayor's office to discuss the weighty matters of the day.

I can't explain it but I became a little bit obsessed, and all I wanted was an invitation to sit with them on the bench, an honour that is never bestowed upon foreigners, I was assured.

And then one day, after 13 years...

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What is it like to live in Croatia? An expat for 20 years, you can follow my series, 20 Ways Croatia Changed Me in 20 Years, starting at the beginning - Business and Dalmatia.

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March 9, 2023 - Dalmatian lamb has received the European protected designation of origin, which means that the name of the product is entered in the register of protected designations of origin and protected designations of geographical origin and is protected in the territory of the entire European Union, the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture reported on Wednesday.

As 24Sata writes, the procedure for the protection of the name was initiated by the Association of Sheep and Goat Breeders of Dalmatia, which submitted a request to the Ministry of Agriculture for the protection of the designation of origin under the name Dalmatian lamb.

Dalmatian lamb is the meat of lambs of the original Croatian breed of sheep, the Dalmatian Pramenka, which are lambed, reared, and slaughtered exclusively in Dalmatia. For the production of "Dalmatian lamb," lambs are slaughtered at 70 to 130 days old when they reach a body weight of 15 to 28 kilograms. It is named after the breeding area of the Dalmatian lamb, Dalmatia, but the name Dalmatia itself comes from the Illyrian word for sheep, dalma, or delma. 

"Especially valued 'Dalmatian lamb', produced on the islands, coast, and karst areas of the Dalmatian Zagora, is characterized by a delicate muscle structure without pronounced marbling, white subcutaneous and internal fat deposits. Compared to other types of lamb, the 'Dalmatian lamb' meat contains significantly less fat. Consumers recognize and especially appreciate Dalmatian lamb, primarily because of its soft and juicy muscle tissue and its aroma and taste without a pronounced mutton smell," the Ministry of Agriculture explains.

The Republic of Croatia now has 40 agricultural and food products whose name is registered in the European Union as a protected designation of origin or a protected designation of geographical origin.

The EU mark of the protected designation of origin or the protected designation of geographical origin on the packaging guarantees the consumer the purchase of an authentic product.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated Lifestyle section.

February 1, 2023 - Did you know that a number of Dalmatians of a certain age were born in the Sinai Desert in Egypt? The curious story of Dalmatians in El Shatt.

It is one of the strangest - and most fascinating - tales of my time in Dalmatia. A number of people on Hvar who were born in the desert in Egypt.

And not just Hvar, but from the wider Dalmatian region. The unreal story of El Shatt in the Sinai desert. 

Learn more in the latest episode from the Paul Bradbury Croatia Expert channel.

As one of the few people to write about El Shatt in English over the years, I have had some rather unusual and fascinating correspondence on the subject. This included an email from the son of a British soldier and Yugoslav woman who had found love in the desert. the only one that I can find now is this rather fascinating article from the grandson of a British soldier, with some rather cool correspondence dating back 80 years. Read more in El Shatt: British Soldier Grandson Looking for George Makiedo Descendents.

With thanks (and watch for the full story) to the Croatian State Archives for this amazing documentary, below.

Were you in El Shatt or have relatives who were there or were born there? It could make for an interesting mini-series on TCN, so if you have an interesting story to tell from this unusual period in Croatian history, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Subject El Shatt. 

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What is it like to live in Croatia? An expat for 20 years, you can follow my series, 20 Ways Croatia Changed Me in 20 Years, starting at the beginning - Business and Dalmatia.

Follow Paul Bradbury on LinkedIn.

Subscribe to the Paul Bradbury Croatia & Balkan Expert YouTube channel.

Croatia, a Survival Kit for Foreigners is now available on Amazon in paperback and on Kindle.

October 31, 2022 - After their visit to the cemeteries for the All Saints' Day, the people in Dalmatia can go straight to the beach and the sea this year, enjoying the warm weather.

This is a very rare occurrence in Dalmatia, with temperatures this high, both air and sea temperature. There are always those extremely brave and persistent individuals who swim year-round, but this year it's something else, Slobodna Dalmacija writes.

And it seems that the current warm weather is to continue well into November. These days, the sea temperature is 19° to 21° C along the coast, which is warm enough for a pleasant swim. Slavko Radilović, PhD, a forecaster of the State Hydrometeorological Institute in Split, says that the air temperatures of 24° to 25° degrees are here to stay for the upcoming days. 

People from the islands tell Slobodna reporters how they're picking their olives and going for a swim in the sea afterwords, which is something they've never experienced before. The forecaster Radilović confirms that the extreme situation is probably the result of global warming, which prolongs the period of relatively high temperatures all the way to September and October, so these weather conditions of the last few days are not strange either. The sea temperature goes up to 22 degrees because there is no wind, and as air temperatures get to 26 degrees, the sea can't even cool down. The high-pressure field has been creating frequent fogs in the last ten days, both in continental Croatia and in some regions by the sea, such as around Zadar.

The upcoming two days will not see any wind, and when there is no wind, there is nothing to bring cold air. When the northern wind, so-called bura appears, it will bring some cold air from the continent, only then will the sea cool down. However, the forecast is that before that happens, the southern wind will bring rain to the region. Looking more broadly, he says that this October fits perfectly into the ten-year period of global warming.

September the 26th, 2022 - Peljesac Bridge might have taken all of the limelight away from, well, just about everything else for a while, but there will soon be another Croatian bridge in town.

As Morski writes, by the end of this year, Croatian Roads (Hrvatske ceste) will announce a tender for the technical and design solution of the new bridge over Kastela Bay, which will connect Split and Kastela and at the same time represent the fastest connection of the second largest city in the country with a highway, this state-owned company confirmed for tportal.

This facility is part of a wider project called ''New entrance to Split/Novi ulaz u Split'', and it includes the construction of a new road from the Vucevica intersection on the highway, through the Kozjak tunnel and over the two-lane road to Kastela, then over the aforementioned bridge into Split and then finally to the ferry port. It is worth several billion kuna and four years ago it was included in the list of strategic projects of the Republic of Croatia.

It was announced that the part from Vucevica to Kastela will be financed by Croatian Roads from its own resources, including the tunneling through Kozjak, and for that part of the investment, the public procurement procedure for the execution of the works for this new Croatian bridge has already been initiated. The documentation for the bridge itself will be prepared for financing from European Union (EU) funds.

While it won't take anywhere near as long as Peljesac Bridge did to come to fruition, the completion of the entire project for this new Croatian bridge in Central Dalmatia is not expected before the year 2027.

In addition to the traffic connection of the congested Split agglomeration, the ''New entrance to Split'' project should result in a welcome a twenty-kilometre shorter journey between this city and the City of Zagreb, and finally enable Kastela to have a direct connection with the highway. In addition, it will bring a new road access to Split itself, a city located on a peninsula, which has been dependent on two roads on its eastern part for many decades now.

Apart from the confirmation of the tender for the new bridge, Croatian Roads did not want to provide any additional information on this topic.

Across the wider Split area, Croatian Roads currently implementing several projects worth several billion kuna, but despite the announcements, physical works haven't yet started in most of them. It is precisely in this area that the two busiest points in all of Croatia are located, the intersections of Solin and Stobrec, which are used by about 60,000 vehicles on a daily basis, while the ferry port with five million passengers a year is almost impossible to access during the hot summer months.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated business section.

August 2, 2022 – Don’t fancy the crowds of Split or Dubrovnik? Finding accommodation on the islands has become a bit complicated? Don’t worry, we’ll sort you out with an underdog, Biograd na Moru.

The national media are beaming with pride reporting record overnight stays, music festivals are back in full force, and the motorways are finally paying off again. Croatian tourism is where we all hoped it would be. In fact, we’re running out of space with the most popular destinations including the famous cities, Istrian villages, and the islands of Dalmatia. It’s time to start looking for alternatives. We tried telling you to go see Lika and Gorski Kotar, Slavonija and Baranja, but we do understand the desire to stay close to the sea. This is why today we will share a little gem that has got it all. Welcome to Biograd na Moru, famous among Croatians and Czechs, but still waiting to be fully discovered.

The little town of some 6000 residents is located only 30 km south of Zadar and about 50 km north of Šibenik, or 130 km from Split. It is nestled between two bays and overlooks the most indented part of the Adriatic coast. Surrounded by national parks and nature parks, it boasts plenty of tourist and recreational facilities but keeps a calm, homely atmosphere even in the height of summer. Get to know this charming little place through our top list of activities in Biograd na Moru. Here are some of our favourites that we suggest you try this summer:

Beach Hop

Whether you are the type to go for an early morning run and swim, like to chill all day or go late night dipping, you will find a spot that suits your needs. With the most famous ones being Bošana, Dražica, and Soline, Biograd offers a variety of terrain and conditions on its beaches. They range from pebbles and rocks, an open swimming pool for training, to a sandy beach perfect for the little ones. There is plenty of space both in the sun and in the shade. For perfect comfort, we suggest renting a lounge and/or an umbrella. As for sustenance and entertainment, you can find pretty much anything there. The little stands include everything from bakeries, fast food and ice cream to fresh fruit and salads. As for the little ones, there are water slides, aqua parks, playgrounds and attractions such as VR.

Early morning at the beaches of Biograd. Photos by Author

Chase Sunsets

Thanks to the neighbouring islands being so dense and so close to Biograd, a sunset will look different depending on where you stand. If you plan it just right, you could have it so that you can still see the sun nesting between the islands from one point when it’s not visible from another point just a few hundred metres down. Whether you want to see it reflecting in the sea, disappearing behind Pašman, or glistening through the trees, one thing is always true – every sunset is more beautiful than the previous.

Photos by Author

Count the Islands

The big ones, the one with the lighthouse, the heart-shaped island… Ugljan, Pašman, Dugi Otok, Sv. Katarina, and Galešnjak can all be seen from Biograd or places nearby. Hop on a ferry and visit some of them, or try counting and naming them while having your afternoon swim, we promise it’s fun both ways!

Galešnjak Island, photo by PIXSELL (Filip Brala)

Eat and Drink

With pubs and restaurants densely populating the entire stretch of the beach, as well as the city centre, we challenge you to stay hungry or thirsty in Biograd! Start with brunch at the beach, have your afternoon iced coffee in the shade of one of the beach bars, go about your evening enjoying some fresh local seafood followed by Italian-inspired gelato, and of course, round it all up with a cocktail or two right by the sea. If you prefer cooking at home, get up early to catch the local fishermen coming back from their nightly catch and buy some of the best fish directly from them, or visit the local market for more fresh produce. As for edible souvenirs, you can never go wrong with some dried figs and olive oil which are produced in something like every other house. If you notice fruit or olives in backyards, try knocking on their doors and finding out if you can buy some to take home. Chances are, it won’t take more than a few knocks to declare mission success.

Photos by Author

Get Some Movement In

After you’ve eaten and fed your entire family, never go swimming! Embrace the healthy Dalmatian ways and chill in the shade for a bit until it all settles down. Only after a little nap under the pines will you be ready to move. The 4 km stretch by the sea should be enough for recreational joggers, and if you get up early you will be rewarded by the sun rising above the pines in the most charming of ways. If you prefer running long distances or cycling, we suggest heading out of Biograd, and following the Adriatic Highway towards Zadar for some truly breathtaking views. With most of it being covered with cycling paths, it is suitable for all kinds of activity. It will take you through a few charming little villages, but its true beauty lies in the fact that for the most part, it passes right by the sea and provides perfect little private swimming spots.

Photo by Adventure Park Biograd

Go on an Adventure

If swimming, running or cycling doesn’t cut it for you, and you need a little bit of adrenaline to spice up your day, try one of the activities at the beach, in the forests, or nearby. Our favourite beach activities include parasailing and jet skiing, followed by renting a SUP and exploring the bays. If you’re looking to entertain the whole family, you can also rent a paddle boat and try sliding down into the open sea. Needless to say, always make sure the weather conditions are right and listen to the advice of experts to stay safe! For those who aren’t afraid of heights, check out Adventure Park Biograd and test your climbing, hanging and ziplining skills, or head out for a day of rides in Fun Park Mirnovec.

Photo by PIXSELL (Dino Stanin)

Discover Vransko Jezero

Tired of the beach, had too much ice cream, or maybe the sea is too salty? Head out to Lake Vrana, a nature park just a short drive from Biograd, which is also the largest lake in Croatia. With an area of 30.2 km², it makes up its own ecosystem, with interesting flora and fauna. It is filled with brackish water and is home to many species of fish and birds. The area of the park also encompasses a few localities dating as far back as the 9^th century. Even if you’re only out for a day of birdwatching and walking, there is plenty to see. If you’re looking for a more active visit, try renting a bicycle or a kayak, or hike to one of the viewpoints to see the Kornati National Park from above.

Photos by PIXSELL (Hrvoje Jelavic and Dusko Jaramaz)

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

July 11, 2022 - Manuel Neuer's Dalmatia holiday continued in Dubrovnik, where the famous footballer was spotted wearing a Hajduk goalkeeper jersey with an Ožujsko in hand at a famous Elaphiti islands restaurant. 

Last week, famous German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer decided to start his pre-season preparations before rejoining his club and embarked on the adventure of a lifetime, cycling from Germany to Croatia.

"My kind of pre-season before pre-season! Nice guys and a bike ride to Croatia! Let‘s goooo!" Neuer captioned his Instagram post last Thursday. 

Manuel Neuer has never hidden his love for Croatia, which has become his go-to holiday home. After all, he is visiting the country for the third summer in a row! Neuer seems to be spending most of this time in Dalmatia, which he has visited several times. You may recall when he cycled from Dubrovnik to Omiš one summer, singing hits by Marko Perković Thompson and treating locals to drinks at a cafe along the way. 

Neuer's Dalmatian journey has continued in Dubrovnik, where he also stayed one month ago. On Sunday, BOWA, a famous restaurant for boaters located in Vrbova Bay on Šipan Island near Dubrovnik, published a photo of Neuer wearing a Hajduk goalkeeper jersey with a local Ožujsko beer in hand.

"Welcome to the family," BOWA shared as the caption, with Neuer looking as relaxed as ever on a luxury speedboat. 

The German footballer is certainly enjoying his time in Croatia as he recharges his batteries ahead of new challenges with Bayern Munich and the German national team.

Manuel Neuer is one of the world's most legendary goalkeepers and the captain of both Bayern Munich and the national team of Germany. The 36-year-old was named the best goalkeeper of the decade from 2011 to 2020 by IFFHS and won the 2014 FIFA World Cup with Germany and the Golden Glove award for being the best goalkeeper in the tournament. Neuer has played for Bayern Munich since 2011. 

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

July 1, 2022 - “A sublime state in which a human aspires for nothing” may seem like a luxury afforded by the privileged, but Croatians in Dalmatia wholeheartedly conclude that the pleasure derived from il dolce far niente – famously known from the ‘Eat Pray Love’ book-to-film adaptation – can be found everywhere from remote farms and vineyards to crowded touristic sites! A look at 'fjaka' in Croatia. 

Photo: Romulic & Stojcic

Fjaka is known to be embraced by many during the appearance of the great summer heat, as the mind, soul, and body slow down exceptionally during the oppressive temperatures. Therefore, the Mediterranean sun is known to have brought the term “fjaka” to life – marking the renowned origin of Croatia's national and cultural heritage.

Split, the largest and most beloved city in Dalmatia, is known to be the hub for fjaka and the amount of energy it saps away from the body. Situated on a peninsula in the Adriatic Sea, the vibrant port city is home to many phrases, one of them being “Ajme, judi, ufatila me fjaka!” (“Alas, my friends, jaka has caught me!”). And although many appreciate this state of mind, others may not feel so open to it.

Photo: Romulic & Stojcic

In comparison to the lifestyle seen in metropolitan areas, which is driven by busy schedules and the uncomfortable feeling of unproductive afternoons spent basking in the sun, the culture that is ingrained in the Croatian psyche can be viewed as ‘lazy’. However, it should be argued that it is quite the opposite! The philosophy that is adopted by Croats allows them to know how to enjoy themselves and ultimately not get burnt out from the regular, strenuous working days that many of us face.

While naturally, it is impossible to be doing Fjaka all the time, we should all consider allowing it to wash over us like the peaceful Mediterranean breeze once in a while. Grow to appreciate the slower Dalmatian pace and the relaxed attitude to taking things one day at a time!

For more, check out our lifestyle section.

June 26, 2022 - Summer has just arrived and in what could be called the first year back to normal since the pandemic began, and the country is preparing for a big wave of tourism in the next two months. But have you thought about September as the ideal time to visit the Croatian Adriatic coast? Here are three reasons you should. 

Ferries everywhere, parties along the coast, film and music festivals, Instagrammable landscapes, and much more. There is no better time to visit the Croatian Adriatic coast than in the height of summer... or is there?

It is not a secret that many seek to anticipate the high season, or wait a bit for it to pass. Before the pandemic began, months like May, June, September, or October attracted many tourists from abroad and there was no shortage of flights arriving at Croatian airports. Unfortunately, the situation in recent years has forced many to focus their efforts on July and August, due to the uncertainty caused by travel restrictions in Europe.

However, it is almost impossible to deny that the situation seems to have finally reversed. After two difficult years, travel restrictions to Croatia are almost non-existent. Although the current Russian invasion of Ukraine has also generated a great deal of uncertainty for companies linked to tourism, as well as for tourists themselves, the Ukrainian resistance and the progressive retreat of the Russian invasion seem to offer a more positive outlook.

If you don't feel like visiting the Croatian Adriatic coast in the high season or you're still not sure when to book your tickets and accommodation, here are three reasons why you should consider September as a good month to travel to Croatia.

Fewer crowds

It is not an accident, nor a miscalculation. Not a single space to lie on the beach, you have to wait to walk through the narrow streets in the old towns, no tables available at restaurants, sold-out tickets for ferries... July and August are crowded months all over the Croatian Adriatic coast, and for many, this is not very pleasant. In September, however, you will notice how the beaches begin to empty and the number of tourists in the coastal cities and on the islands begins to decline week after week.

Many returning to work, young people preparing to go back to university, and the little ones are back at school... the holidays are over! And this is where yours begin, without crowds. 

Photo: Mario Romulić

Hot, but not too hot

By the time this article was written, weather forecasts anticipate temperatures above 33 degrees for the last week of June. Although there is a heat wave that will hit much of the region, temperatures between July and August on the coast average between 29 and 32 degrees, and do not drop below 24 degrees at night. This may not be so bad for some, such as those who come from cold or sea-less countries, as they can take full advantage of the freshness of the Adriatic Sea.

However, there are others who can feel really hit by the strong heat, and it is totally valid to avoid places with very high temperatures, as it can be even dangerous. In September, the weather is still very pleasant to take a dip in the sea and there is even no need to bundle up at night, because during the day the maximum temperature averages between 25 and 26 degrees, while at night it can drop to 18 degrees. And not only is it good to go to the beach without fear of burning, but September is also a good month to visit the National Parks without a crushing sun to stop you.

Photo: Mario Romulić

Budget-friendly

Perhaps the first two can be reasons that one can anticipate, but when it comes to prices between July and August, things can be very unnerving. Landlords raising their prices at the last minute, taxi drivers charging fortunes from here to there, or tickets to certain places of interest at an exorbitant cost, visiting Croatia in the high season can give one goosebumps when it's time to do the maths. Some say it's fair, others say it's scandalous, but the truth is that many will raise their eyebrows after seeing the prices of accommodation, ferry tickets, or the taxi meter.

You can already see the prices in September, and the difference is noticeable almost immediately. While they are not as low as in April or October, when you consider that there will be fewer crowds and the weather will still be spectacular, prices in September are surely a bargain.

Photo: Mario Romulić

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

June 21, 2022 - Is Zadar one of the most underrated cities and regions in Croatia? Like many other cities and towns along the Adriatic coast, you tend to think that you have seen everything in two or three days. Think twice.

Facebook is a wonderful world where you can go from being a tourist to a travel guide without any education. You go from asking for recommendations to becoming an authorized voice in the tourism field. It wouldn't bother me if it were the case of people discovering the magic of a little-known and little-explored place, highlighting what a place has to offer that perhaps others were unaware of. But I find it interesting when a user (whose identity I will keep anonymous) says in a Facebook group that Zadar is a destination to stay for no more than 2 days.

I'll pretend I didn't read that, and instead try to answer this other user as concisely as I can:

Unfortunately, many Croatian cities are stereotyped and reduced to one or two points of interest. Dubrovnik is its walls and the filming location of Game of Thrones. Split is Diocletian's Palace. Pula is the Roman amphitheater. While none of this is bad, it is true that for many people who stick to their travel itineraries they can come in and say they've seen it all. I don't mean to change their mindset, but although word of mouth can be beneficial, it can also be dangerous if the ''first mouth'' isn't exactly right.

I can say now I've been on both sides. Almost exactly two years ago, my parents were visiting me in Rijeka, where I had just finished my semester of studies. The plan was to give me a lift to our home in Split, and we rented a car in Rijeka. Although it is possible to make the trip to Split on the same day, we decided that we would sleep one night on the way. We chose Zadar. The apartment we rented was in the very heart of Zadar's old town, and we were at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. It was a very minimalist trip, and we barely got to know some of the main points of interest around the old town: the sea organ, the Greeting to the Sun, the Roman forum, the church of St. Donatus, and I think that was it.

I wish I could say that the pandemic was a legitimate justification for not exploring more (the infamous tennis tournament organized by Novak Djoković was taking place at that time), but I'm sure that at some point before we resumed the trip to Split we said: ''Ok. We've seen it all''.

Fate brought me back to Zadar two years later, and how wrong I was. I hadn't seen anything.

I have to mention that what you probably already know about Zadar is definitely worth discovering. Watching a sunset from the sea organ and the Greetings to the Sun is not something to be underestimated under any circumstances. In the same way, the history that accompanies the old town through its churches, the Roman forum, the convents, and the city gates deserve all your attention, since we are talking about one of the most important cities in Croatia in terms of history.

If you're not sure what else is there to see, it doesn't hurt to go to a tourist office or ask a local for recommendations. It's different when the person giving you recommendations on places to see or things to do was actually born there. It's already personal. In most cases, they will want to leave a great impression of their hometown and also recommend things that one would not usually see. You must also remember that Croatia is not a country with isolated cities, but that it stands out a lot for its regions as a whole. Administratively speaking, yes, it is true that some cities are better positioned such as Pula, Rijeka, Zadar, Sibenik, Split, or Dubrovnik. But you would be surprised if you knew how much you can find beyond the Roman ruins and beaches in these cities.

Zadar is its Sea Organ, its Roman Forum, the Greetings to the Sun, the Church of St. Donatus, its Franciscan Monastery, and its Old Town.

But Zadar is also the historical city of Nin and its healing mud beaches. (Image: Nin Tourist Board)

Zadar is the largest lake in Croatia, the Vrana, and its surroundings. (Image: Pakoštane Tourist Board)

Zadar is the royal city of Biograd na Moru. (Image: Biograd na Moru Tourist Board)

Zadar is the Ottoman residence of Maškovića Han. (Image: maskovicahan.hr)

Zadar is the jawdropping views from Vidikovac Kamenjak. (Photo: Jose Alfonso Cussianovich)

Zadar is sailing through the archipelagos of Kornati and Telašćica. (Photo: Mario Romulic)

Zadar is reconnecting with the nature of Paklenica. (Photo: Jose Alfonso Cussianovich)

Zadar is hiking in North Velebit National Park. (Image: North Velebit NP)

Zadar is tasting internationally recognized wines like those from Fiolić Winery. (Photo: Jose Alfonso Cussianovich)

Zadar is trying the famous Pag cheese. (Image: Pag Tourist Board)

Zadar is all that, and much more. In the end, I think the lesson is to dare to look for something different than what we usually see in pamphlets, on TripAdvisor, or in the comments section of a Facebook group.

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