5 Amazing Places To Visit In Pula

Istria’s historic main city of Pula is symbolised by its Roman amphitheatre, scene of a surprisingly wide range of outdoor events every summer. Festivals of film and electronic music, and concerts by everyone from Elton John to José Carreras, fill the 2,000-year-old arena, with its near intact walled ring. Roman remains also form Pula’s city centre, dominated by a hilltop Venetian fortress. With docks rather than beaches nearby, many head south for out-of-town seaside fun in Verudela and Medulin.

Roman Amphitheatre

Pula’s most famous and imposing sight is this 1st-century oval amphitheatre, overlooking the harbour northeast of the old town. It’s a huge and truly magnificent structure, slotted together entirely from local limestone and known locally as the Arena. Designed to host gladiatorial contests and seating up to 20,000 spectators, it still serves the mass-entertainment needs of the local populace in the shape of concerts and film-festival screenings.

Temple of Augustus

Fronted by a high porch supported by six Corinthian columns, this small but perfectly proportioned temple was built sometime between 2 BC and AD 14. It survived the Christian era by being converted into a church, only for it to be destroyed by a bomb in 1944. The subsequent stone-by-stone reconstruction has brought it back to something closely approaching its former glory, and it now houses a small archaeological display. It was once one of a pair of matching temples fronting the Forum — the civic heart of Roman and medieval Pula — but all that survives of its twin, the Temple of Diana, can be seen incorporated into the rear wall of the 13th-century city hall next door.

Pula Aquarium

Not just any fish tank, this extraordinary aquarium occupies an entire 19th-century military fort — one of 55 built to defend the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s main naval base. There are even sharks in an old artillery unit. The displays are well laid out and themed, with an emphasis on environmental issues. The aquarium does its bit, operating a sea-turtle rescue centre. Other attractions include rays, crabs, eels, starfish, anemones, seahorses, jellyfish, caimans, octopuses and a huge Indian python.

Istria Historical & Maritime Museum

Since ancient times the 34m hill at the centre of Pula’s old town has been fortified. The current star-shaped fortress was built by the Venetians in the 1630s. It’s now a moody backdrop to exhibitions on an eclectic range of historic themes (the antifascist struggle and a local boxing club at the time of research), but it’s worth visiting for the views alone. Hidden around the back of the castle are the ruins of a small ancient Roman theatre.

Arch of the Sergii

Also known as the Golden Gate (Zlatna vrata), this majestic arch was erected around 27 BC to commemorate three brothers from the Sergius family who fought in the naval battle of Actium (where the future emperor Augustus defeated Marc Antony and Cleopatra). It stood at the entrance to the Roman town, the walls of which can still be partly seen nearby on Trg Portarata and along Carrarina.

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6 Places To Visit in Rijeka, Croatia

There’s more to see in Rijeka than first meets the eye. A major harbour and transport hub, home of Croatia’s liveliest carnival, Rijeka contains attractions from a top-notch contemporary art museum to a stately palace from the Habsburg days.

Governor’s Palace

With views over the Adriatic from its high vantage point, the Governor’s Palace was built by Hungarian architect Alajos Hauszmann, responsible for similar grandiose works around Budapest in the 1800s. In the aftermath of World War I, revolutionary Italian warrior poet Gabriele d’Annunzio seized the occasion to invade Rijeka and position himself as governor of his own private fiefdom, based here. Mussolini soon chased him out. There’s more to the place today than just bizarre European history — the Governor’s Palace houses the Rijeka City Museum and the Maritime & History Museum of the Croatian Coast.

Trsat Castle

To reach Trsat Castle, you need to climb the grandiose staircase that runs from Titov trg near the former border between Italy and Yugoslavia. As you ascend, the views become more and more spectacular, until you begin to appreciate just how great an honour it was that was bestowed upon Irish General Laval Nugent, who was granted this former Roman look-out post for his residency and later mausoleum. All becomes clear when you treat yourself to a well-earned drink at the panoramic café here, the Bay of Kvarner laid out before you.

Peek & Poke

A completely offbeat attraction but a popular one nonetheless, Peek & Poke is a museum whose remit is to show the primitive but revered technology of early computers and computerised games. Key innovators, mocked at the time, are also highlighted and provided with a short biography, such as Sir Clive Sinclair. Some displays are behind glass, some are hands-on, allowing older adults to familiarise themselves with the toys and tools that provided their first introduction to the brave new world of technology.

City Clock Tower

‘Let’s meet under the clock’ is a familiar refrain heard around Rijeka, the landmark City Clock Tower, also referred to as Pod uriloj, literally ‘under the clock’. And the Gradski toranj is not only a clock tower but a gateway to the old town centre from the waterfront. When Habsburg architect Filbert Bazarig conceived this Habsburg confectionery, he made sure to leave the entrance arch in place.

Rijeka harbour

It’s Rijeka’s raison d’être. There’s been a harbour here for centuries. In the 1800s, this was Hungary’s main access to the sea, and the Hungarians not only militarised the port but invented the torpedo here. Today you won’t see warcraft but tourist ferries of the Rijeka-based Jadrolinija fleet that serves the whole coast of Croatia. Bars and cafés also line the port, with Rijeka’s market nearby, so there’s plenty to explore if you have time before your boat is due to set sail.

Zlatna Školjka

One of Rijeka most enduring and endearing of restaurants, the Zlatna Školjka specialises, as its names suggests, in fish and shellfish. At the ‘The Golden Conch’, the day’s catch is shown to diners, who then choose their dinner and the way it is to be prepared. Fish, squid and mussels can come with a variety of side dishes and salads, with an equally broad range of Croatian wines to wash it all down with.

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贾南德拉·卡德卡（Gyanendra Khadka） XcelTrip / XcelPay / XcelToken的首席执行官

1. 您是什么时候开始进入到加密货币这行业的呢？您又是如何抓住机会为数字资产创建应用场景的呢？

过去12年以来，我是一名硅谷的企业家，并投资了多家科技公司。在此过程中，我一直热衷于解决终端用户的问题并建立以消费者为核心的公司。

2010年伊始，当我了解了区块链和比特币时，我立即就爱上了它。区块链和比特币向终端用户承诺了一个去中心化的经济和权力，这激起了我的热忱，从那时起我就一直是区块链的推广和交易者，天使投资人，投资了15多家区块链和加密企业初创公司，我也很开心他们取得了惊人的成功。

现在，我专注构建可持续的应用场景，这将帮助我们推动大规模采用加密技术！自2016年以来，我们仍是自筹资金，并不断在构建平台，如XcelPay钱包，XcelPay POS设备，XcelPay付款网关，并且我们还将推出基于马耳他的交易平台“ CoinGeo”，以提供透明，安全且可信赖的加密交易平台。构建所有这些平台旨在增加XcelLab生态系统中XLAB的采用和实用性。

2. 是什么促使您开发一个平台来创建您自己的加密货币XcelToken Plus（XLAB）？

我对加密的愿景一直是大规模化应用，并构建基于真实且实用的应用场景，否则，我们将无法确保加密的增长和扩展。考虑到这一点，我推出了XcelToken Plus（XLAB），这是一种ERC20实用代币，旨在驱动万亿美元的旅游，酒店和相关行业的大规模采用应用场景。 XLAB正在加强XcelTrip的发展，您可以在这使用XLAB预订150多万家酒店和400多家航空公司。也可以在160多个国家/地区通过XcelPay钱包, 使用XLAB来充值手机。

3. 当您将旅游业视为XLAB的应用场景时，您想为该行业带来哪些解决方案或功能呢？

旅游业是一个价值7万亿美元的产业，它与每个人的生活息息相关，所以具有很高的增长潜力。更有趣的是，这是推动去中心化的完美案例。目前, 实际上它是高度集中且几乎垄断的。仅仅2–3个玩家就控制了在线旅游业70％多的市场，而航空公司的情况亦是如此，其中1–2个全球分銷系統玩家控制库存和服务。我们的愿景是通过XcelTrip将权利归还给旅行者，通过XcelTrip推动行业变得更加民主和服务为导向，这使我们能够构建一个基于奖励和区块链的生态系统。

XLAB的创建是为了增加XcelLab生态系统中的实用性，每个人都可以用它来预订全球的酒店，机票和充值手机。

我的团队也在寻找其他使用加密POS和支付网关解决方案扩展应用场景的可能性

我已经建立了功能全面的旅行平台XcelTrip，其有超过500,000多个注册用户，以及完全去中心化的加密钱包“ XcelPay”，具有钱包，支付网关和POS服务。我们于2016年开始构建平台，并于2018年8月1日启动了该平台。

4. 对于用户来说相比法定货币，使用XcelTrip数字资产有什么好处？您的公司和用户将如何从中受益呢？

一句话，使用XcelTrip，您“在旅行中就可以赚钱，而不仅仅是消费”。 XcelTrip

平台有来自世界各地150多万家酒店和400多家航空公司，您可以使用主要的加密货币进行预订，例如比特币，以太坊，莱特币，达世币，Verge币和我们自己的代币“ XLAB”。

好处很多，我想着重讲以下几点：

ü 当用户每次在我们的平台上使用加密货币进行预订时，第一次预订将获得以XLAB形式的50％现金返还，第二次预订将获得以XLAB形式的25％现金返还，其后获得以XLAB形式的15％现金返还。因此，您每次预订都会获得无与伦比的奖励。

ü 当您使用加密货币进行预订时，您还将长期从加密货币升值中受益。

ü 您所获得的现金返还，可以用于重新预订或在交易所进行交易，或在其他多个应用场景中使用。

ü XcelTrip为社区提供了独立营销合伙人（IMP）好处，IMP可以在XcelTrip中列出酒店和任何房产，并在每次预订时获得2.5％的销售奖金。

ü XcelTrip是第二天就付款给酒店及其合作伙伴，而其他竞争者（如Expedia或Agoda）需要2个多星期才能与供应商进行结算。

5. XcelTrip接受XLAB，比特币，以太坊，XVG币，莱特币和达世币。您是否计划扩展到更多的加密货币，或者这会成为公认付款方式的核心行列吗？

我们当然计划在平台上添加更多代币。我们致力于添加有趣的应用场景代币和通证，它们对大规模采用加密货币具有相似的愿景和热情。感兴趣的通证/代币可以联系我们，以在info@xceltrip.com上列出。

6. XcelTrip当前可以预订酒店和航班。将来会扩展到其他服务吗？

我们正在努力构建“加密驱动的互联生态系统”，Xceltrip作为其扩展计划的一部分，将在其中添加BNB，旅游景点，出租车，餐厅和酒吧。

7. XcelPay提供商户销售点服务。世界各地的企业如何适应这种新的不断变化的收入源？

Xcelpay是一个完全去中心化的牢不可侵的区块链钱包，它给供应商、合作伙伴和用户提供了无与伦比的安全性和易用性。此外，XcelPay消除了银行和卡劵公司通常收取的不必要的昂贵服务费，货币兑换费和其他相关费用。在当前竞争激烈的市场中，这种不必要的成本吞噬了商业利润，并对服务或产品质量产生了负面影响。

Xcelpay激起了生意人的兴趣，我们看到了合作伙伴的巨大兴趣，就像我说的，您现在可以在160个国家/地区使用XcelPay钱包充值您的手机，也可以使用XcelPay POS设备在您的商店、饭店、加油站等等进行主要加密货币的交易。这也证明了其不断增长的潜力，我们会定期向该平台添加越来越多的商业应用场景。

8. 随着各国政府对比特币和区块链技术的了解，从长远来看法规是否很重要，或者采用这些货币对他们的无国界使用是否更为重要？

法规和政府管理的核心是为保护人们的利益而采取的“安全防护措施”，由同一批人或其当选的代表集体共同进行。

区块链和加密是相对较新的概念，许多人并不了解，可悲的是加密领域也有很多骗局，所以大家比较警惕。但是观念也不断在改变，越来越多的全球公司正在构建和采用区块链技术。大家可以看到加密技术和区块链的巨大价值，我相信，很快他们对加密技术有了信心后，他们将创建经济的，监管性的生态系统，该系统是支持加密的，并将促进其发展。我们要做的就是简单的等待，让其流行和强大起来需要一些时间。而且我相信采用加密技术和运用区块链技术将会变得普遍，并且会超越政府的利益。它的无国界及无权限的使用肯定会吓到政府，他们迟早会被迫在其监管体系下进行管理。如果政府不愿接受或规范它，这将推动一场史无前例的最大人民战争。每个国家的公民都会为自己和子孙后代的利益而向前迈进并对其进行规范。政府对此深有体会，并将努力逐步进行监管。

9. 贵公司与客户共享了什么样的推广活动，并且您计划将来进行什么样的推广活动？

ü 就像我之前说过的，在XcelTrip上，“不要仅花钱，同时要在旅行中赚钱”。因此，我们目前已经在XcelTrip上推出了诱人的促销活动。

ü 每次在我们的平台上使用加密货币进行预订时，第一次预订将获得以XLAB形式的50％现金返还，第二次预订将获得以XLAB形式的25％现金返还，其后获得以XLAB形式的15％现金返还。因此，您每次预订都会获得无与伦比的奖励。

ü 我们即将推出一项针对社交媒体参与的促销活动，每次您（用户）转推或重新发送我们的广告时，都会获得XLab代币作为奖励。

ü 每个人每个月只要分享帖子，将其优惠和诱人的点告诉亲朋好友，即可获得150美元的收入。XcelTrip提供每次点击0.05美分奖励，作为“分享并赚取”收益的一部分

ü XcelTrip提供“推荐并赚取”功能，用户可以使用共享链接，若成功推荐其酒店和航班，便可获得5％的奖励。

10. 那客户购买XLAB并将其用于XcelTrip上做旅行预定需求的最简单方法是什么？

XLab已经被列入顶级交易所，包括CoinGeo，Livecoin，Mercatox，LaToken，Hotbit，P2PB2B和ABCC交易所。每个人都可以在这些交易所上进行买入和卖出，买家可以在Coinmarketcap上查看XLAB的实际价值。用户可以简单地从任何列出的交易所购买XLAB。

5 Awesome Tourist Attractions in Dubrovnik

Dubbed the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” the beautiful city of Dubrovnik offers a wealth of tourist attractions for visitors to explore. Dubrovnik was founded in the 7th century and has been ruled through the centuries by the Venetians and the Hungarians, each of which have left their mark. The city enjoyed its greatest growth in the 15th and 16th centuries, a fact reflected in the impressive architecture and its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Popular for its spectacular seafront location on the Dalmatian Coast, coupled with its evocative and historic Old Town district, Dubrovnik is home to Croatia’s artistic and intellectual elite and offers numerous cultural activities and festivals.

The Old City Walls

The old city walls of Dubrovnik are one of its best-known features, now more than ever thanks to being featured in the hit TV series, Game of Thrones. Built in the 10th century and modified in the 13th and 14th centuries, these formidable walls — as high as six meters in places, and up to six meters thick — provided a solid defense against invaders. Totaling nearly two kilometers in length, Dubrovnik’s city walls make a great spot for a casual stroll and offer numerous excellent views over the Adriatic and inwards over the old city center. Other highlights include its two towers, the Minceta Tower (Tvrdava Minceta) and the Bokar Tower (Tvrdava Bokar), along with two forts, the Fort Lovrjenac and the Revelin Fortress. Access to the walls is through the main entrance on the left of Pile Gate (admission is charged).

Stradun of Dubrovnik

The spectacular Stradun — also known in Dubrovnik as Placa — is a place where locals and visitors alike gather day and night to watch the world drift by. Undoubtedly one of Europe’s most picturesque pedestrian thoroughfares, the Stradun boasts many cafés and restaurants and is a good spot to get in some shopping, or to rest weary feet after a day touring Dubrovnik.

Measuring 300 meters in length and famous for its white limestone paving, the street dates back to 1468, although many of the surrounding buildings were built in the 17th century after the devastating earthquake of 1667, when most of Dubrovnik was heavily damaged.

The Stradun’s unique homes are designed to enable residential living upstairs and business activities on the main level, and are notable for having their main doors and windows under the same arch. Just a few steps away from the Stradum on one of the side streets, War Photo Limited is a fascinating photography museum displaying images from the countless armed conflicts mankind has found itself caught up in.

Loggia Square

Loggia Square in Dubrovnik has long been a central gathering point for citizens and visitors alike. Featuring some of Dubrovnik’s most famous buildings and public monuments, this former market square is found in the northeast section of the old city center.

Highlights include Orlando’s Column (Orlandov stup), built and designed by sculptor Antonio Ragusino, as well as the famous Loggia of the Bells, dating from 1480 and used as an early warning system by residents in times of unrest.

It’s here you’ll also find the Church of St. Blaise, of interest for its Baroque façade and priceless collection of works of art. Also of interest on the square are a clock tower from the 15th century; the main guardhouse; the small fountain of Onofrio; and Sponza Palace, now home to the city’s archives.

Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar: Fort Lovrijenac

Dubbed “Dubrovnik’s Gibraltar” for its location on a rocky promontory just outside the city’s western wall, Fort Lovrijenac — also known as St. Lawrence Fortress — has long been one of Croatia’s most important fortresses. Rising an impressive 37 meters above the Adriatic, this stunning fortification proved impregnable during the many sieges undertaken by the Venetians from its completion in the 11th century onwards. Legend, in fact, has it that the Venetians themselves planned to build a fort here but were beaten to it by industrious city folk.

Also notable for its unusual triangular layout with its three terraces, Fort Lovrijenac is accessed via two drawbridges and a gateway through its impressive walls, in places as thick as 12 meters.

In addition to serving as a tourist attraction, the fort is also used as a venue and backdrop for Dubrovnik’s famous Summer Festival and its many theatrical and musical performances.

The Large Fountain of Onofrio and St. Saviour Church

Built between 1438 and 1444, Dubrovnik’s famous Large Fountain of Onofrio is probably the best known of the city’s many historic monuments. An easy stroll from the Pile Gate, this landmark structure is somewhat smaller today than the original due to damage caused by the earthquake of 1667. The fountain was an important part of the city’s original water supply system (also designed by Onofrio de la Cava) that carried water from the Dubrovacka river.

The fountain stands immediately in front of the equally attractive St. Saviour Church (Crkva sv Spasa). Built in the early 16th century in thanks for what city elders believed was divine intervention after the city was spared during an earthquake a few years earlier, it is in fact one of only a few buildings to have survived the devastating earthquake of 1667 intact. Today, this small place of worship is well worth visiting for its fine Gothic and Renaissance features.

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5 Awesome Places To Visit In Split Croatia

On Croatia’s gorgeous Dalmatian Coast, Split is the country’s second largest city and a vibrant place that perfectly blends modern and ancient. It is also one of the Croatian cities used as a Game of Thrones set, and fans of the hit show can join an organized tour to learn more. The town was continuously inhabited for thousands of years, starting with the Romans, followed by the Byzantines, Croats, Venetians, and finally the Austrians, who only left in 1918, and you’ll find plenty of historic things to do in the wonderfully preserved Old Town.

Just east of its pretty waterfront promenade is Split’s main tourist centre, where visitors will find some of the top restaurants, entertainment venues, and hotels. There are also a number of wonderful day trips from Split that take you to other nearby parts of Croatia, like the ancient city of Salona and the beautiful beaches of Zlatni Rat, Brela, the Pakleni Islands, Solta, and Milna. Here’s a list of amazing that we have curated for your visit to Split Croatia:

Diocletian’s Palace

The spectacular Diocletian’s Palace is a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site built in Roman military camp style, and a visit here is one of the top things to do in Split. Its basement also served as a set location for filming the Game of Thrones. Although Emperor Diocletian only lived here for eight years until his death in AD 313, the palace continued to play an important role as an administrative center and the governor’s residence. Three centuries later, in AD 615, the palace was used as a refuge for the residents of Salona when their city was sacked by the Avars. Originally some 215 meters long, 180 meters wide, and enclosed with thick walls up to 28 meters high, the palace was also protected by towers at each corner and boasted four entrances, three of note: the Golden Gate, Silver Gate, and Iron Gate. Leading in from the gates on each side, two roads are laid out according to Roman tradition.

Cathedral of St. Domnius

The Cathedral of St. Domnius (Katedrala Sv. Duje), lying within the ancient area of Diocletian’s Palace and originally Diocletian’s mausoleum, was designed by Filotas and consecrated in the 7th century. The cathedral has changed little since then, apart from the addition of a 60-meter-tall bell tower built in stages from the 12th to the 16th centuries (the tower can be climbed and presents great views of the palace). Laid out on an octagonal pattern and with a double line of columns — some of them Roman originals — this splendid Corinthian-designed cathedral also contains many notable interior features, in particular the Altar of St. Domnius and the 13th-century hexagonal Romanesque stone pulpit.

Day Trips to Zlatni Rat and Nearby Beaches

Just a short distance from the ancient city of Salona and an easy day trip from Split, the popular beach areas of Zlatni Rat, Brela, Solta, Milna, and the Pakleni Islands are well worth visiting.

Of these beautiful locations, the best known is Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) on the south coast of Brac. Famous for its unique shape and formed largely from pebbles deposited here by wind and currents, this fascinating “spit” of land juts out into the sea some 500 meters, its shape changing a little each year. Overlooked by shady pine trees and the tall Vidova Gora mountain, the beach’s warm waters ensure it is almost always busy come summer with locals and tourists alike, all of them enjoying great swimming and sunbathing, as well as water sports such as paddle boating, kayaking, and windsurfing.

Klis Fortress

Located about 12 kilometers northeast of the town centre, the Klis Fortress is well worth a visit and can even be reached by city bus 22, which departs from Split’s local bus station. If you watch Game of Thrones, you may recognize the castle as the City of Meereen. The impressive fortress sits along a limestone bluff, which is 385 meters at its tallest point, and it’s used to control the valley leading into town. The fort is long and narrow thanks to its lengthy existence, which led to constant extensions as the centuries progressed. A small museum on-site features displays about the castle’s bloody past, as well as traditional costumes and swords. There is also a room dedicated to filming Game of Thrones, and visitors can climb over the fortifications inside. You can visit Klis Fortress and other Game of Thrones attractions, like the basement of Diocletian’s Palace, which served Daenerys’ Throne Room.

Day Trip to the City of Salona

About eight kilometers north of Split is the old town of Salona (Solin), a popular destination for history buffs. Occupied by Illyrians, Greeks, and finally the Romans, this ancient town holds many historical attractions within its ancient city walls, including its amphitheater, aqueduct, Bishop’s complex, and forum. Built by the Romans in the second century, the impressive Salona Amphitheater is designed to hold up to 20,000 people at a time and is notable for its underground channels, believed to have been used for staging mock naval battles. The Salona Aqueduct, built in the first century, is an impressive sight that is easily accessible and once carried water from the river Jadro to Split, ending at Diocletian’s Palace.

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5 Awesome Things To Do Vis Croatia

The remote, rockyisland of Vis has ended its years of isolation and the tourists it now welcomes seek a different, more authentic experience than elsewhere in Dalmatia. Yachters and Hollywood stars might mingle around the marina but you can easily find your own slice of paradise away from the clicking paparazzi. Secluded beaches, sunlit caves and succulent lobster make the longer crossing from Split well worth the occasionally choppy journey.

Tito’s Cave

Almost halfway to Italy, Vis has always been of significant strategic importance. It is also rocky and isolated — which is why World War II leader Tito chose one of its caves for his headquarters. For several months from November 1943, with the war still in the balance, Tito and his Partisans were holed up here, planning attacks and devising strategies. The site, though poorly maintained and signposted, can be visited, either as part of a tour group or individually. You’ll find it as you approach Mount Hum from Podšpilje (‘Under the Cave’), where steps lead from a sharp bend in the road. There’s little evidence of his presence nor of the visit of writer Evelyn Waugh in 1944.

Blue Grotto

If Vis has one particular tourist attraction, it’s Biševo. Set south-west of Komiža, an hour or so’s sail away, this sparsely inhabited island is invaded every day in summer between 11am and noon. The reason for such precise time-keeping in everyone’s otherwise mañana schedule is the natural phenomenon that occurs just as the sun is reaching its peak. Tourist boats plan their arrival at the mouth of the Blue Cave, Modra špilja, for good reason. At a certain moment, the grotto is flooded in blue light, everyone goes ‘wow!’ and some even dive in. It’s a sure-fire winner, and one that keeps the Komiža tourist agencies busy, arranging day tours that comprise lunch and an afternoon at the beach.

Barcrawl Škor

Few come to Vis for the nightlife — stay put in Split for that — but the Komiža should have just action to keep most barflies buzzing. Centrepieced by the landmark bar of the same name, Komiža’s hidden square of Škor tucked in behind the seafront is where to load up on a few drinks until the wee hours. Škor at №11 will also show the football and probably spin the best tunes, but that varies from summer to summer. It’s also the only place with any kind of interior — everything else takes place across the interlapping terraces of three otherwise tiny venues.

See Vis from its highest point

Hiking tours can take you to the top of Mount Hum — or almost. The highest point on the island, just behind Komiža, Hum is 587 metres above sea level, its pristine, panoramic views precisely why there is a military installation up there. Just below, the Church of the Holy Spirit the perfect place to plot up and rest from your climbing exertions. All of Vis will be spread out below, as well as the sea and surrounding islands. It’s also possible to drive up there — but that’s cheating.

Kayak to the Green Cave

Conveniently set a few hundred metres from the south-eastern tip of Vis, the outcrop of Ravnik is a favourite destination for sea-kayakers. It’s not just the short distance or relative ease of crossing for beginners — like Biševo on the other side of Vis, Ravnik is home to a strange natural phenomenon involving its rock formation and the passage of the sun. At the southern edge of the islet, the Green Cave (Zelena špilja) is bathed in emerald-coloured light that floods through an opening in the top and spreads around the water. Sea kayak tours generally start here, then head round to secluded Stiniva Bay for beach time and a spot of lunch.

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10 Must Try Foods in Croatia

Croatian food is awesome! Traditional Croatian cuisine is wide and varied, yet it’s hard to distinguish dishes that are exclusive to Croatia. Because, Croatian food has been influenced by tastes and traditions from neighbouring countries, and different nations that ruled Croatian territory throughout history.

Goveđa Juha (Beef Soup)

Goveđa Juha is a great tasty starter for a meal. A number of restaurants will serve homemade soups with a number of different flavours. Not only tasty but also very hearty. Croatians love to start a meal with soup all year round.

Octopus Salad

Perfect for the summer months due to its light, refreshing nature. What makes this meal so good is the availability of fresh octopus in Croatia. Fresh out of the Adriatic, the octopus is boiled, chopped up into small pieces, and then tossed with a dressing (olive oil, garlic, vinegar, salt, pepper, lemon) and combined with finely chopped tomatoes, onions and parsley. Finger-licking good.

Pršut / Kulen & Pag Cheese

These hors-d’oeuvres are so good that they could almost be a main. The home-cured ham pršut, which is perhaps Croatia’s most famous hors-d’oeuvre, is a must-try. Preparation is key to a good pršut. After washing, salting and flattening under rocks, the hams are then hung out to dry.

The unique taste and texture are thanks to the cold bura winds which sweep down to the coast which dries the ham. Croatia is also home to a number of award-winning cheeses and if you get a chance you need to try some Paški sir — which is cheese from the island of Pag.

The cheese is made solely from milk produced by sheep which are left to graze freely on local grass, and aromatic plants and herbs.

Peka

‘Ispod peke’, or ‘under the bell’, is something you need to try at least once when in Croatia. Usually lamb, veal or octopus is placed with vegetables inside a dish with a metal lid. The dish is then cooked in an open fireplace by the hot coals and embers which are placed over the lid. The dish is left to cook slowly in its own juices until the meat is tender. This dish is a winner.

Lamb on the Spit

Rarely a big occasion will go by in Croatia without lamb being cooked in this delicious way. Lamb on the spit, or ‘Janje na ražnju’ in Croatian, has according to some local experts been a favourite method of cooking in Croatia for thousands of years.

Apart from the slow method of cooking, what makes this meal so good is the quality of lamb in Croatia — especially from the islands. Lambs from Cres and Pag are world-renowned. Best served simply with bread and spring onions.

Fuži with Truffles

If you are in Istria then you will not be able to escape truffles. The ‘home of truffles’ even has a restaurant where everything on the menu, including dessert, includes truffles. One dish you must try is fuži, a traditional Istrian pasta with truffles.

Fritule

Fritule are little Croatian doughnuts which can be made with apples, raisins or coated with chocolate sauce. They are commonly found at stands on the coast or at market stalls, particularly over the festive period.

Kremšnita

In Croatia, the two most popular variants are Samoborska kremšnita from the town of Samobor and Zagrebačka kremšnita from the capital, Zagreb. The Samoborska kremšnita is characterized by having a puff pastry top, predominantly custard cream filling (less whipped cream) and is finished with powdered sugar. Zagrebačka kremšnita has a characteristic chocolate icing instead of the puff pastry top while maintaining the puff pastry base.

Paprenjaci

Paprenjak is a traditional Croatian biscuit made of a unique mix of honey and black pepper. The main ingredients are also sugar syrup or honey, butter or fat, eggs, nuts, pepper and various spices.

Breskvice

Breskvice, or peach-shaped sweets are jam/walnut filled biscuits rolled in sugar. They are coloured to give the appearance of little peaches and are very tasty.

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6 Cool Places to Visit in Croatia

Its football team might have recently placed Croatia in the headlines but this country should be on your radar post-World Cup too. Easy to reach from the majority of European countries, Croatia offers affordable food, drink and accommodation despite it’s rising popularity with tourists; and it’s appeal is universal. Whether you’re looking for picturesque mountains to hike in, unrivalled beaches to relax on or movie-worthy backdrops for your selfies (both the Mamma Mia sequel and tv show Game of Thrones have been filmed here), Croatia has it all.

Here are six of the best places to visit.

Zagreb

The Croatian capital, Zagreb is often overlooked for the scenic appeal of Split and Dubrovnik, but it’s got plenty of culture on offer. Its thriving street art and foodie scene makes it the perfect city break destination. The Museum of Broken Relationships (a curated exhibition of leftover items from real relationships) should be on your list, as should many visits to city’s littering of affordable yet upmarket street-food joints. Many airlines offer direct flights but it’s also a five hour train ride from Split, should you be looking to embark on a multi-destination break.

Split

If you’re after scenic spots then Croatia’s second-largest city certainly has the wow factor. Diolectian’s Palace, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site and past filming spot for TV’S Game of Thrones, transports you straight back to roman times; whilst the views from the top of Marjan Hill’s viewing platform need to be seen to be believed. Its beaches are famous too, Bacvice (Sandy Split Beach) is known for its beach discos and festivals. Split is one for history lovers and nature lovers alike.

Vis

Croatia’s film credentials don’t stop at Game of Thrones, much of the recent Mamma Mia sequel was filmed in the breathtakingly Croatian island of Vis. A tiny island, Vis is relatively untouched (although we anticipate that will soon change!), and is a reasonable 2 hour ferry ride from the more popular city of Split. It’s frequented for its beaches (Stinva beach won best European beach in 2016) and vineyards. Go before the tourists descend.

Dubrovnik

One of Croatia’s most popular tourist cities is Dubrovnik. It offers everything: mindblowing history, adventure, and unmissable landscapes. For a blast from the past, visit the majestic city walls or Rector’s Palace, which dates back to the 14th century. Hop on the cable car or take on kayaking if adventure is your thing, and take a short boat trip to Lokrum Island to witness the picturesque landscapes. TV fans will also love the many Game of Thrones walking tours on offer, which take you through iconic show locations in Dubrovnik’s old town.

Brac Island

An easy 50-minute ferry ride from Split lies Brat Island, a worthy detour on your itinerary should you want to get off the beaten path. Small villages Bol (also one of Europe’s best windsurfing destinations) and Splitska (which only has 400 inhabitants) offer a perfect respite of tranquillity, whilst Skrip’s medieval town centre is full of history.

Rijeka

Rijeka is Croatia’s third largest city and has recently been announced as 2020’s European Capital of Culture, and for good reason too. Not only is the city home to Croatia’s National Theatre (which hosts many theatre and opera performances), but it’s also known for its alternative rock scene. Zagreb airport offers a shuttle bus to Rijeka, and Split is around a four-hour car journey.

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5 Awesome Places to Visit in Dingle Peninsula

Framed by its fishing port, the Dingle peninsula’s charming little ‘capital’ manages to be quaint without even trying. Some pubs double as shops, so you can enjoy Guinness and a singalong among hats and hardware, horseshoes and wellies. It has long drawn runaways from across the world, making it a cosmopolitan and creative place. In summer its hilly streets can be clogged with visitors; in other seasons its authentic charms are yours for the savouring.

Although Dingle is one of Ireland’s largest Gaeltacht towns, the locals have voted to retain the name Dingle rather than go by the officially sanctioned — and signposted — Gaelige name of An Daingean.

Gallarus Oratory

Gallarus Oratory is one of Ireland’s most beautiful ancient buildings, its smoothly constructed dry-stone walls in the shape of an upturned boat. It has withstood the elements in this lonely spot beneath the brown hills for some 1200 years. There’s a narrow doorway on the western side and a single, round-headed window on the east. Gallarus is clearly signposted off the R559, 8km northwest of Dingle town, and is 400m east of the (paid) Gallarus Visitor Centre car park.

Alternatively, free parking for half-a-dozen cars is available on the roadside at the public path leading to the oratory from the south.

Kilmalkedar Church

The Dingle Peninsula’s most important Christian site, Kilmalkedar has a beautiful setting with sweeping views over Smerwick Harbour. Built in the 12th century on the site of a 7th-century monastery founded by St Maolcethair, the roofless church is a superb example of Irish Romanesque architecture, its round-arched west door decorated with chevron patterns and a carved human head. In the graveyard you’ll find an Ogham stone and a carved stone sundial. It’s 2km northeast of Gallarus.

Blasket Centre

This wonderful interpretative centre celebrates the rich cultural life of the now-abandoned Blasket Islands. It is housed in a striking modern building with a long, white hall ending in a picture window looking directly at the islands. Great Blasket’s rich community of storytellers and musicians is profiled along with its literary visitors like playwright JM Synge, author of The Playboy of the Western World. The more prosaic practicalities of island life are covered by exhibits on boatbuilding and fishing.

Glanteenassig Forest Recreation Area

Southeast of Castlegregory, these 450 hectares of forest, mountain, lake and bog are a magical, off-the-tourist-trail treasure. There are two lakes; you can drive on an unsurfaced road up to the higher one, which is encircled by a plank boardwalk (too narrow for wheelchairs or prams). It’s 4.5km south of Aughacasla on the northern coast road (R560).

Make sure you’re out before closing time (check signs at the car park); there’s a call-out fee to have the gates unlocked.

Dingle Oceanworld

Dingle’s aquarium is a lot of fun, and includes a walk-through tunnel and a touch pool. Psychedelic fish glide through tanks that recreate such environments as Lake Malawi, the River Congo and the piranha-filled Amazon. Reef sharks and stingrays cruise the shark tank; water pumped from the harbour fills the Ocean Tunnel tank where you can spot native Irish species such as dogfish, mullet, plaice, conger eels and the spectacularly ugly wreckfish.

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Luxury — Imeall Na Mara

Property Location: With a stay at Imeall Na Mara in Ballydavid, you’ll be within a 5-minute drive of Gallarus Oratory and Kilmalkedar Church. This 4-star country house is 1.8 mi (2.8 km) from Gallarus Castle and 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from St. Brendan’s House.

Rooms: Make yourself at home in one of the 4 guestrooms. Conveniences include irons/ironing boards, and rollaway/extra beds can be requested.

Amenities: Make use of convenient amenities, which include wireless Internet access (surcharge) and babysitting/childcare (surcharge).

Business, Other Amenities: Featured amenities include wired Internet access (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.

Budget– Dingle Benners Hotel

Property Location: A stay at Dingle Benners Hotel places you in the heart of Dingle, steps from St. James Church and 3 minutes by foot from St. Mary’s Church. This family-friendly hotel is 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Trinity Tree and 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from The Dillon Gallery.

Rooms: Make yourself at home in one of the 52 air-conditioned rooms featuring fireplaces. Satellite television is provided for your entertainment. Conveniences include coffee/tea makers and a turndown service, and housekeeping is provided daily.

Amenities: Make use of convenient amenities such as complimentary wireless Internet access, concierge services, and babysitting/childcare (surcharge). Additional amenities at this hotel include wedding services, a fireplace in the lobby, and discounted use of a nearby fitness facility.

Dining: Satisfy your appetite for lunch or dinner at Mrs Benners Bar, a bar which specializes in Irish cuisine, or stay in and take advantage of the 24-hour room service. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served daily from 8 AM to 10 AM.

Business, Other Amenities: Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.

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8 Amazing Tourist Destinations To Visit in Cork

Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland after Dublin. It lies on Ireland’s south coast and is connected to the sea by Cork Harbour and a slim channel called Passage West. Corkand the adjacent coastline have a strong seafaring and trading tradition. In effect, the original city is an island enclosed by two arms of the River Lee. During the 7th century, St. Finbarr (Fin Barre) established a monastery on a small marshy tract, where the cathedral of the same name now stands. Over the coming centuries, the town survived and flourished, despite Viking raids and later occupation by English forces. Here are 8 Amazing tourist destinations to visit in Cork, that you simply cannot miss.

The English Market

In the heart of Cork City and with an eye-catching fountain at its center, this quirky roofed food market has been trading since 1788. Under the possession of the Cork City Council, it’s one of the world’s oldest municipal markets. Artisan breads, fruit, and freshly caught seafood are just some of the specialities on offer. In recent years, the market gained worldwide fame when Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain dropped by on her first ever state visit to the Republic of Ireland in 2011. In addition to a wide range of produce, visitors can grab a coffee here or sample local fare at Farmgate Restaurant.

St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral

A leisurely 11-minute walk from St. Patrick’s Street takes you to this Anglican cathedral. In 1862, architect William Burges’ design plans were picked from dozens of entries for a cathedral with a budget of £15,000. By the time it was fully constructed, the total cost exceeded £100,000 — but the results were undeniably worth it. The structure was built with Cork limestone, the interior walls are of Cork marble, and detailed mosaics decorate the choir. The exterior is adorned with intricate carved icons, and the stained glass windows tower brightly above the interior. There are scarce remains of the site’s earlier cathedrals, although nine carved heads and the Dean’s Gate still survive from the medieval building. This is still an active congregation, but the church is open to visitors to admire.

Fitzgerald Park and Cork Public Museum

Named after Edward Fitzgerald, the city’s Lord Mayor who organized Cork’s International Exhibition in 1902, Fitzgerald Park is a tranquil oasis on the outskirts of Corkcity. It still features the original pavilion and ornamental fountain from the era. In the gardens here, visitors will find Cork Public Museum, a cafe, sculptures, a skate park, and a water-lily pond. Picturesque Daly’s Bridge, built in 1926 and known locally as the “Shaky Bridge,” connects to Sundays Well Road.

Shandon Bells, St. Anne’s Church

Across the River Lee on the north side of the city, St. Anne’s Church (1722) is known for the famous Shandon Bells tower. The church still uses its original 18th-century bells, which have become one of the city’s must-see sights. St. Anne’s Tower is a distinctive landmark on the city skyline, with its facing of red sandstone (north & east) and white ashlar limestone (south & west). Visitors get the chance to ring the bells from the first floor, view the internal workings of the clocks, see the bells firsthand, and enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of Cork City and beyond from the balcony. In nearby O’Connell Square, the Cork Butter Museum follows the long history of Irish butter making.

Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone

Just northwest of Cork city is one of Ireland’s most talked-about attractions, Blarney Castle is home to the world-famous Blarney Stone, said to instantly give those who kiss it the Irish “gift of gab.” Built more than six centuries ago by Irish chieftain Cormac MacCarthy, the castle attracts tourists from around the world. Inside the castle, visitors can climb the battlement to kiss the famed stone and take in the views, and also explore the massive stone building — dungeons included. Explore the castle grounds to find gardens, the Wishing Steps, Badger’s Cave, the Witch Stone, and the Witch’s Kitchen. Shop for Irish sweaters, crystal, and gifts at the adjacent Blarney Woollen Mills.

Ballycotton Cliff Walk

The pretty fishing village of Ballycotton, about a 40-minute drive from Cork, is a favorite escape for its beaches, seafood restaurants, and for the beautiful five-mile Cliff Walk along the cliff top track from Ballycotton village to Ballyandreen beach. The path leads between rolling meadows of the East Cork countryside and the cliffs with beaches below.

Crawford Art Gallery

The permanent collections of the Crawford Art Gallery contain paintings, sculpture, and prints as well as crafts, stained glass, and ceramics. The sculpture galleries include Greco-Roman casts by Antonio Canova and Irish and European sculpture dating from the 19th century through modern works. The museum’s collection of paintings is extensive, with works ranging from the 16th century through the present, with a special exhibit dedicated to female artists. The gallery also frequently offers drop-in creative events, including presentations and hands-on experiences.

Blackrock Castle Observatory

Set on the shores of the River Lee where it meets Cork Harbour, Blackrock castle’s numerous battlements and sturdy fortifications seem to embody the castles of fiction and fantasy. Built in 1828, it is now owned by Cork County Council and houses an observatory and visitor center. The observatory features a planetarium, a cinema, and several interactive exhibits. The observatory hosts visiting exhibits that explore science, nature, and space, and also sponsors a variety of special events.

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