Croatia Online - Pre Season Preparation

Dalmatia is a bit of a work in progress at the moment as everyone gears up for the short traditional tourist season. Great that improvements are made each year but a real shame for out of season visitors if they choose the wrong destination. The huge process of "kanalisation" (mains sewage system) continues, which means that whole villages such as Vodice and Rogoznica are little more than gigantic building sites. Those taking the back road to Split from the airport will find their journey delayed by a series of roadworks and traffic lights. Building works - on the roads and on properties - have to finish by the end of June so those contemplating an out of season visit should double check that their destination really is the "Mediterranean that once was", rather than a contemporary construction site. Those visiting in the summer need not fear - if the past few years are anything to go by there will be no traces of the massive infrastructure projects once the main season tourists arrive.

Croatia Online - Cricket (Yes Really!)

Only the mountains and the impromptu pitch help to give a clue as to location: yes it's a cricket match in Croatia. Expats driving along the main Kaštela road from the airport could be forgiven for a double take, and curious locals were no doubt a little perplexed. The whole event might have passed us by were it not for the fact that our good friend Nigel (www.sailingschoolcroatia.com) happened to have a member of the visiting team aboard one of his yachts last week. The Further Friars, on tour for a week in Croatia, made a sterling effort to hold up England's end but were not quite a match for Croatia's "b" team who took the last wicket with just a few runs to spare. They go on to hone their skills at the next fixture on Vis Island. Vis's cricket club had its heyday in the early 19th century, led by Sir William Hoste, but now has a new lease of life thanks to Nikola Roki who returned to Croatia after 30 years in Australia and decided to revive the game.

We had just a short time to try and establish the history of cricket in Croatia but have been assured that it is a growing sport. We hope to have more news on future fixtures, and Croatia's place in the cricket world, in a few weeks time.

Check out our sister site, www.croatiacruisingcompanion.blogspot.com, for the latest nautical news, including the Split Boat Show, and a great blog we've just properly discovered.

Croatia Online - Dugi Rat Transformation

Yesterday marked the offial opening of Landmark Properties' marketing office in its prime location just west of Split's Riva. Landmark are well on the way in their development of Korenat Point in Dugi Rat, a luxury resort that will transform this area. Dugi Rat is already blessed with clear waters, family friendly beaches, plenty of appartments to let and a good scattering of restaurants, cafes and bars. Soon it will have a thriving community on this 20 hectare site and Landmark envisages creating 400 jobs, using local skills wherever these are available.

Richard Pearce, the development manager, welcomed guests including international and local press, the mayor, and tourist board representatives, and provided a first class event for those interested in the project to find out more.

The master plan envisages a world class resort including an internationally branded hotel, a 300 berth marina designed to be the best in the area, villas, retail and leisure facilities, all in a landscaped setting.

Certainly, if the panache and style of the new office and marketing approach are anything to go by, Dugi Rat is assured of a tasteful and prestige development with ample attention to making the most of Dugi Rat's existing resources and attractions. Korenat Point should breathe new life into an area that has always had plenty of tourism potential but just needed a sympathetic and professional developer to maximise its appeal.

For more information, link to www.korenatpoint.com

Croatia Online - In Pictures

Croatia Online - In Pictures

Croatia Online - In Pictures