Croatia Travel Blog

Croatia’s controversial ban on Sunday shopping is now in effect (as of January 1). Perceived as a concession to Croatia’s powerful Roman Catholic Church, the law bans stores from opening on Sundays except for  bakeries, newsstands, flowershops, and stores located in hospitals, gas stations, and bus and train stations. Shopping over the Christmas holidays and the summer season is also allowed under the law.

The law was passed in July 2008 over the bitter objections of retailers who warn that implementing the law could lead to 7000 lost jobs at a time when the Croatian economy can ill afford such a blow. A large retailers association has appealed the law.

See more on shopping in Croatia.

Posted under Croatia Travel & Life in Croatia

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The long-awaited extension of the motorway from Split to Dubrovnik is . . . not yet completed but a new segment just opened. Just this week, Prime Minister Ivo Sanader opened 40 kilometres of the new road that now extends as far south as  Ravca which is just a short drive from the ferry port at Drvenik. This will make it easier to access Hvar Island via the Drvenik-Sucuraj ferry for those coming from Makarska, Baska Voda or Brela.

So when will the next segment be opened? Stay tuned.

Read more about driving in Croatia.

Posted under Croatia Travel & Driving in Croatia

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Within a few days of each other, Jadrolinija, Croatia’s national ferry company and Croatian Railways announced the immediate ban on smoking in all public areas.

Jadrolinija had previously confined smokers to the bar-lounge area but now only the outside deck is available for smoking.

Croatian Railways had also had limits on smoking areas but now there will be no smoking anywhere, including the restaurant area. Plus fines for defying the ban can reach 1000 kuna, a hefty price to pay for indulging your nicotine habit.

The two transport companies acted several months in advance of a new Croatian law banning smoking in all public indoor spaces.

See more about smoking in Croatia.

Posted under Croatia Ferries & Croatia Train Travel & Croatia Travel & Life in Croatia

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Noting the ever-increasing popularity of Dubrovnik as a holiday destination, Easyjet announced today that if will operate four flights a week from May 2009. The low-cost carrier will operate flights on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from London Gatwick to Dubrovnik Airport. Plus, one-way fares including taxes and charges will start at £29.99. It’s safe to say that seats at that price will sell out quickly so it’s wise to book early. See more about:

• Flights to Dubrovnik
• Dubrovnik Guide
• Flights to Croatia

Posted under Croatia Flights News & Dubrovnik

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For a holiday that combines drifting in through Croatian islands and getting in shape, nothing beats a cycling cruise. The good thing about Croatia’s islands is that there are flat parts and more mountainous parts so there are cycling routes for all levels of physical fitness.

I just came across a wonderful article that recounts a seven-day cycling cruise that began and ended in Split. Along the way, the small group visited Brac Island, Hvar, Korcula and the Peljesac peninsula. Cycling along country trails, through pine forests, vineyards and lavender fields was easy enough but the fitter members also managed a spectacular cycle up a steep peak on Brac Island. Naturally, there was plenty of good food and local wine at the end of the day and I’m sure, unforgettable memories at the end of it all.

See more on gulet cruise holidays with cycling and cycling in Croatia.

Posted under Adventure

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