The first exhibition of  New Media Art Gallery that was opened in Zadar, the exhibition titled ‘She_story’ began on 13th of March in the space of ex cinema Pobjeda in Zadar and will last until 31st of March. 

Exhibition ‘She_story’ is the world seen through woman’s eyes. 84 new media art works were applied to this exhibition and we selected 20. Art works are using different media to explore the subject of She_story. On a content level the authors are approaching the subject on several levels: from works that refer on the life or work of other artists like Frida Kahlo and Nadja (“Cry me”/ “NadJA”), to art works that use film as a polygon for artistic exploration of intimate world (“Being a woman…”/”The Aria”), works that deal with the relation between body and digital body, or world and virtual world (“Study on human form….”/”Urging Absence”/”Blind hands”), works that explore position of a woman in religious and/or political context (“Roghieh”/”Basbas”), to authors who use body in a radical ways in approaching the subject (“Parto”/”Lovemaking”).

New media exhibition She_story includes also three interactive installations and three performances by Croatian artists. The art selection presents mechanisms and strategies of exploring the She_story, using different contexts and media, and in specific cultural codes worldwide incorporated under the same topic – woman. (Click here to download catalog of the exhibition)

NMG_New Media Gallery_ is a platform initiated by organisation Mavena in cooperation with Teatro Verrdi with an aim to introduce the concept of new media art to the broad public; to produce, coproduce and present new media art, artists and developments; to establish, promote and develop international artistic cooperation’s in the field of new media arts.

NMG is a platform that uses large space of ex cinema Pobjeda in Zadar, with the intention to become „moving“ gallery. The concept of the gallery is focused on developing research art projects through scientific researches and public calls for art works that will explore and promote the present situation on the new media art world scene, and present exhibition of selected works at the NMG;  education projects: new media workshops for children and performance workshops for adults that will focus on education and presenting new projects;  international intercultural and interdisciplinary cooperation between artists, theorists and critics of new media art on collaborating projects;  Living in the Interface_internet lectures-discussions with eminent world new media artists, theorists and critics.  Gallery’s directors and curators are Boris Kadin and Natasha Kadin, while technical director is Juraj Aras. Read more Croatian Art news

It shows a bit of so called Jadranska Magistrala, the road that run along the Adriatic Sea , in direction of West with sun shining over the horizon.

The broshure was published by Turisticki Savez Hrvatske (Croatia Tourist Board) and printed in 1966 by Graficki Zavod Hrvatske , from Zagreb.

Click on left image to enlarge this cute 44 year old graphic gem and see more great retro images in our Photo Gallery of History of Croatian Tourism

Vila Annete in Rabac

Stylish family hotels in Europe  is article in Saturday’s Guardian travel edition that recommends child-friendly holidays in chic-free zones around Europe where  Vila Annete in Rabac is picked among other family-pleasing accommodation that’s easy on adult eyes. Here is what Guardian writes about Villa Annete, Rabac :

One of Croatia’s chicest hotels, Villa Annette is also ideal for families, with spacious suites with small kitchens, and a children’s menu in the stylish restaurant. The hotel is situated above Rabac bay, with stunning views, and the picturesque village of Rabac is just a mile away. Rooms are sleekly decked out in bright reds and neutrals – with no priceless objets d’art for sticky fingers to knock over, and child-safe railings along all the open spaces.

Four star Hotel Villa Annette, Rabac ★★★★☆  is also featured on our site as  ’small, charming hotel, located in a protected part of the hill overlooking the bay of Rabac, offering beautiful panoramic views over the Kvarner bay and the islands of Cres, Lošinj and Unije. Prices from €99 – Number of rooms: 12′  –  Check Hotel Villa Annette, Rabac availability  + Browse and book other Rabac hotels + read more about Istria

In the the article, Natalie Paris writes about various festivals along the Croatian Adriatic coast , including Rab Island , Groznjan, Motovun and Cres Island music, film and folk festivals.

Here is an excerpt from the article : ‘It was high season (late July), and while plotting our route we realised we could festival-hop between medieval towns, many experiencing something of a renaissance. Each summer, formerly abandoned villages promise programmes of arts and music in beautiful surroundings. Reasoning that a road trip is a great way to see any country and that a party at each destination could not fail to disappoint, we sealed our plan. We began with a weekend of seriously old-fashioned merriment at the Rapska Fjera…’ 

Read the whole article here + check more info about Istria, Kvarner and Croatian Islands ..

The exhibition that includes villas, housing blocks, schools, churches, monuments and infrastructure projects, is presenting Croatian architecture projects from thirties, fifties, sixties and nineties up until 2010.

The cities covered by this exhibition include Zagreb, Split  and Dubrovnik, with introduction to work by Frane Cota, Stjepan Planic, Nikola Dobrovic, Ivan Vitic, Kazimir Ostrogovic, Hrvoje Njiric and 3LHD.

The exhibition is accompanied by an English-language catalogue, with a foreword by Andrija Rusan, publisher and editor of Oris, Croatian magazine for architecture.

The Soundwave Festival in Croatia has announced a second round of acts with The Cinematic Orchestra, DâM FunK & Zero 7 (DJ set), amongst those joining the likes of Toddla-T, Benji B, DJ Format, Andreya Trianna and DJ Vadim already on the bill.

The festival, now in its second year, has already been chosen by The Guardian as one of their top ten festivals to try in 2010, describing it as having “all the quirks of a Bestival but in a far more beautiful, and sunny setting”.

Situated in the picturesque Dalmatian fishing village of Petrcane, in near vicinity of Zadar, Soundwave 2009 was a sell out event with the crowds enjoying glorious sunshine, boat parties, club nights and sets from artists such as DJ Yoda, Hexstatic, The Bays, Alice Russell and many more.

Said Noah Ball, Soundwave promoter, “I think anyone who came to the festival and saw the site last year will be able to imagine what a mindblowing experience it will be to see The Cinematic Orchestra play by the sea and under the stars. I wasn’t sure last year could be beaten but I think we may have just done it.”

Said Rob Waller, Soundwave Promoter, “After the success of last year we’ve been inundated with artists who wanted to play Soundwave in 2010. With these new additions to the line-up we really do have the line-up of our dreams now. What could better than spending the day relaxing in the sunshine, listening to the likes of Zero 7 before getting down to some serious partying as the sun sets.”

Launched by UK promoters Soundcrash and New Bohemia, Soundwave is the perfect combination of summer holiday and cutting edge music festival, a chance to hear the best new music around whilst cooling your toes in the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic Sea.

Festival Listing Info:

23-25 July, 2010
The Soundwave Festival
The Garden, Petrcane, Croatia

“All the quirks of a Bestival but in a far more beautiful, and sunny setting” The Guardian

“Perhaps the summer’s most beautiful site” Time Out

“Basically The Big Chill on sea” London Lite

CONFIRMED LINE-UP
The Cinematic Orchestra / Zero 7 (DJ set) / Toddla T / DâM FunK / Smith & Mighty / Benji B / DJ Vadim / DJ Format / Charlie Dark / Mr Thing / Stuart McCallum (The Cinematic Orchestra) / Mr Thing / Kid Kanevil / Jon Kennedy / Yarah Bravo / Part Time Heroes / Laura J Martin / Andreya Triana / Homecut / Bridgette Amofah / Nathan “Flutebox” Lee / Bullion & Paul White / dEbruit / Alexander Nut / Andy H & Gilla / ASM – A State of Mind / Blue Daisy / Channel One Sound System / Confusion DJs / DJ Cheeba / DJ Suhaid / Gentleman’s Dub Club / Illum Sphere / Lone / Milly Blue / Phat Phillie / Riot Jazz / RSD / Shepdog / The Bedmo Disco Soundsystem / Fife / Hobbes / Join The Dots DJs / Paper Tiger / The BPM
Plus many more TBC + Download festival broshure here

TICKETS: Tickets are £75 (plus booking fee) and available from http://www.soundwavecroatia.com/ .  A limited number of earlybird tickets are available priced at £50 but these are expected to be sold out before the end of January.

TRAVEL INFO: The closest airport to Petrcane is Zadar which is serviced daily by flights from across the UK and Europe and is approximately twenty minutes away by car. Other airports in the region include Split Airport (90 mins) and Zagreb airport (3hr). For those with more time for an adventure other airport options in Croatia include Rijeka, Pula or Dubrovnik. Also not too far away are Ljubljana in Slovenia with Easyjet and Trieste in Italy with Ryanair.

ACCOMMODATION: Whilst there is no on site camping at Soundwave there is a wide range of hotels, campsites, apartments and villas all within close proximity to the festival site. Check here listing of Petrcane Hotels + browse and book accommodation in Petrcane

Sanja Ivekovic will take part in four international exhibitions during next few months:

MUMOK, Changing Channels, Art and Television 1963-1987
5th of March – 6th of June 2010, Opening 4th of March 2010
Vienna, Austria
http://www.mumok.at/

KW Institute for Contemporary Art, Berlin; Early Years
28th of February – 2nd May 2010
Opening: 27th of February 2010
Berlin, Germany
http://www.kw-berlin.de/

Centre Pompidou, Promises from the past
14th of April -19th of July 2010
Paris, France
http://www.centrepompidou.fr/

Museum Rodin, Le Corps Comme Sculpture Video-Performances. 2nd – 28th of February. 2010
Paris, France
www.musee-rodin.fr/accueil.htm

Since the 1970s, Sanja Ivekovic works in a range of media such as photography, performance, video, installations, and actions. Ivekovic belongs to the artistic generation that emerged after 1968 with post-object, conceptual art known as “New Art Practice.” Ivekovic’s work can be characterized as a critical artistic practice, invested in the politics of image and body and an analysis of identity constructions in the media, employing strategies of political engagement, solidarity, and activism. In the (then) Yugoslav (and thus Croatian) art scene, Ivekovic was the first artist to adopt a feminist perspective in her artistic work and activist practice. Since the political change of 1989, she mainly deals with the collapse of socialist regimes and the consequences of the triumph of capitalism and market economy on living conditions, particularly of women.

From her early photography and performance, through to the major collaborative and public projects of recent years, Ivekovic has tracked the changing place of individual and personal values and how they appear (or fail to appear) in public. The constraints of politics, economics, and gender consistently serve as an inevitable backdrop to her works—a position that survives the changes of 1989, altered, but intact. In her persistent exploration of the border between the public and private self, Ivekovic subtly insinuates the collective responsibility we share for the things that take place around us. By doing so, without any moral exhortation, her art permits us to see more clearly the interdependence of things and the scalability of our actions, from small gestures to grand narratives.

Sanja Ivekovic participated in the 10th International Istanbul Biennial (2007), documenta 12 (2007) and documenta 11 (2002) in Kassel, and Manifesta 2 (1998) in Luxembourg. Other exhibitions include (selection): re.act.feminism – performance art of the 1960s and 70s today, Akademie der Künste, Berlin, 2008–2009; As soon as I open my eyes I see a film. Experiment in the art of Yugoslavia in the 60’s and 70’s, Museum of Modern Art, Warsaw, 2008; The Order of Things, MuHKA, Antwerp, 2008; Living Currency/La Monnaie Vivante, Tate Modern, London, 2008; Forms of Resistance – Artists and the Desire for Social Change from 1871 until the Present, Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven, 2007; WACK! Art and the Feminist Revolution, The Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, 2007; Die Regierung. Paradiesische Handlungsräume, Secession, Vienna, 2005; Now What? Dreaming a better world in six parts, BAK, basis voor actuele kunst, Utrecht, 2003; and After the Wall, Moderna Museet, Stockholm, 1999–2000.

Have a look at some videos of work made by Sanja Ivekovic

Read more about Mljet and other Croatian Islands

Above Mošćenice is the hill Preun, named after the supreme ancient Slavic god of thunder, while the Mošćenice gardens and meadows outside of the city walls are decorated with the Croatian national flower iris. The town offers an amazing view over Krk and Cres Islands and the entire Kvarner. At night,  the city lights of Rijeka can be seen in the distance. 

The town of Mošćenice has its successor twin town on the coast – Mošćenička Draga. They are connected in two ways: by a stream flowing down the Draga river canyon all the way to the town beach where it enters the sea and by stairs that connect the two towns.

Mošćenička Draga, just as the nearby Opatija and Lovran, is a tourist destination. It features promenades along the sea and elegant villas. Pebble and shells from the beach are the most favourite decorative items of local homes, which is not surprising seeing as they are literally built on the beach. Tourism and hospitality services are the main business activities, and Mošćenička Draga features one of the most beautiful beaches on Kvarner.

Accommodation in Mošenička Draga can be found in the four and three star Hotel Marina and  Hotel Mediteran. Hotel Marina is located almost in the centre of the town, around 50 metres from the sea and pebble beach. It features 178 rooms and is completely air-conditioned. It also offers a wellness centre. Hotel Mediteran is located in the very centre of Mošćenička Draga, right next to the small harbour, offering an amazing view of the beautiful beach and the island of Cres. Of a slightly more intimate atmosphere, this hotel features 69 rooms.

Campsite Draga offers the possibility of accommodation in tents and caravans. It can accommodate up to 400 people and is open between March 15th and October 15th. Slightly detached from the town centre, it offers visitors the possibility of enjoyment, tranquillity and relaxation.

Visitors of Moscenicka Draga can also enjoy a scuba diving and other water sports, while numerous restaurants and traditional taverns offer culinary and wine pleasures. Mošćenička Draga Tourist Board: http://www.tz-moscenicka.hr/

The 1st Festival of Croatian Animated Film, dedicated to Croatian short animated films, will be held on 21 and 22 February in Zagreb in Kino Europa cinema. The Festival resulted from traditional Days of Croatian Animation and it will be held every two years. The Festivals aim is to screen Croatian films and to promote animation as an artistic form. Beside film screenings it will also feature round tables, workshops and numerous presentations. Detailed festival’s programme is here: hrvatska-animacija.org/program/

For 2010, Lufthansa is increasing its number of regular connections between Munich and Dubrovnik too. From March 27th, five connections a week will be operating between the two cities – on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Lufthansa is also introducing two regular connections between Dusseldorf and Dubrovnik, on Thursdays and Saturdays. The number of flights to Split Airport will be increased to four a week and a connection between Zadar and Munich will also be introduced, operating ever Saturday.

Germanwings and Ryanair are also introducing new 2010 seasonal connections between the Zadar Airport and Hannover, Oslo and Brussels, as well as keeping the all seasonal connections from last year.

The new Germanwings connection to Hannover will start from May 1st till October 30th, once a week – on Saturdays. It is the fourth connection Germanwings has introduced between Zadar and German destinations, the others are with Stuttgart, Cologne, Bonn and Berlin.

Ryanair will for 2010 establish connections between Zadar and nine European destinations. The air-carrier has announced it is introducing a new connection between Zadar and Oslo twice a week from March 31st, on Wednesdays and Sundays. The new connection between Zadar and Brussels will start from May 1st, three times a week  on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. With these new connections, Ryanair will for the very first time connect Croatia with Belgium and Norway.  The air carrier will continue with flights to Zadar  from Britain – London-Stansted and Edinburgh, Ireland  – Dublin, Sweden – Stockholm, Germany – Frankfurt and Dusseldorf-Weeze as well as with Italy – Pisa.

As I said in my previous post, the reason for this is high cost of running this ferry, as  it needs 62 crew members to sail while in winter month, there are only  in average 7 passengers that are using this ferry.

The author of the article emphasises this information is still unofficial, as official decision about future of this ferry line will be made at the end of February, when authorities will hold meeting with all interested parties.

So, for time beeing, if you intend to travel around Croatia out of June to October period, try not to base your travel plans around  Rijeka-Split-Hvar-Korcula-Dubrovnik-Bari ferry.

Join the conversation here : http://www.find-croatia.com/forum/index.php/topic,2186.0.html

According to Agency, there are no confirmed plans yet for future of this ferry line.  However, the Agency’s spokesman  suggested that the small number of passengers during off season (sometimes less than 10)  as well as high cost of running these ferries will play important role in decision about future of this ferry line.

“There is no more luxurious place to start a road trip than Dubrovnik. Well, landing in Dubrovnik airport doesn’t send me into raptures, but seeing the city, some 20km up the coast, is as spectacular and exciting as the first time I saw it on a school trip when I was 12… Driving up the winding coastal road towards the border with Bosnia-Herzegovina requires steady nerves – the curves are demanding, the landscape too beautiful to ignore. So I stop along the way in Ston and Mali Ston, two tiny settlements encircled by ancient walls, fantastic spots for eating local mussels and oysters. If they’re in season, I buy a kilo from the stands along the road to take to my mother….”

Read the whole article here

Croatian State Agency for Coastal Lines and Maritime Traffic

For all further info about future of this ferry line as well as about all other Croatian ferries , subscribe to our ferry news feed

Updates – Join the conversation :

http://www.find-croatia.com/forum/index.php/topic,2186.0.html

A great crested grebe chick is able to dive and swim at birth, but it’s always nice to hitch a ride instead. The great crested grebe is one of over 260 different species of birds found in the wetlands of Kopacki Rit, eastern Croatia..

At an average altitude of 800 m, the palace is  surrounded by areas of untouched nature, fresh air and spring water. Ravna Gora is surrounded by the mountain Bjelolasica and the hills Višnjevac and Suhi vrh on one side, and the hills Javorova kosa, Kosica and a number of smaller hills on the other where one can try various Ravna Gora mountain paths.

Walkers and hikers can enjoy in the mountain path that leads through the wider area surrounding the town. The tour begins at the chasm Kosice, 970 metres above sea level and ends on the highest peak of Gorski kotar – Bjelolasica. It includes Kicljeve jame caves, one of the largest cave systems in Croatia, as well as surrounding hills and mountains – Javorova kosa, Vijenac, Turmin, Višnjevica and Bjelolasica.

The tour also includes rest stops along the way on platforms, lookout-spots and excursion destinations, where visitors can enjoy in the natural and cultural sights. It takes around 24 hours to walk the entire tour on foot depending on the will and stamina.

Completely developed cycling trails and a completely new and bowling alley are new facilities. It also features winter sports facilities, offering, just like many other neighbouring towns, paths for Nordic disciplines – Nordic running and skiing, as well as ski slopes, sledge slopes and areas for children.

In Šije, a town in near vicinity, there is a small ski lift where skiers can ski day and night.

Home-made food and mountain fruits are on offer in Ravna Gora restaurants, while mountain lodges offer the a unique accommodation options.

The hunting area ‘Višnjevica’ offers recreational hunting and photography tours. For more info visit Ravna Gora Tourist Board www.tz-ravnagora.hr

Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor used to escape to this beautiful Croatian city for a bit of holiday loving, and it still has the right atmosphere for a glamorous romantic break. The centre of the compact walled town is full of gorgeous boutiques and unusual jewellery stores (in case gifts are in order), pretty cafes with flower-filled gardens (should the Mediterranean sun make an appearance) and tiny bars with plenty of private nooks and crannies. Hidden Croatia (0844 477 9999; hiddencroatia.com) has three nights at the five-star Hotel Excelsior and Spa from £355pp, including flights and transfers.

Check which other perfect getaways for Valentine’s Day are recommended – read the whole article + More info about Dubrovnik, find other Dubrovnik hotels & look at Croatian Heart Shaped Island  - a tiny island in the Croatia that has become a holiday hit for lovers because it is shaped like a heart.

This supercool beach club (sunbeds £24pp, cabanas from £31pp) on Croatia’s trendiest island is about scene, rather than sand — you step straight from its graceful bathing deck into the turquoise waters of Amfora Bay. The pure-white 1930s colonnade, shaded by scented pine stands, was built so the jet set had somewhere to strut while soaking up the stunning views of the surrounding Adriatic isles.

These days, Kevin Spacey and Giorgio Armani help ensure that the vibe remains ultra-glam. Sunbathe, swim, book a seafront massage or nibble sushi on the muslin-draped teak terrace. It’s like a tiny slice of St Tropez without the sleaze. Best for: stars, star-spotters. Details: the sleek, sophisticated Adriana (00 385 21 750200, suncanihvar.com), a pleasant stroll away from the beach club, has doubles from £180, B&B. The most convenient airport is Split: airlines flying there include Jet2 (0871 226 1737, jet2.com) and EasyJet (easyjet.com). Hvar is a two-hour, £4 ferry ride (jadrolinija.hr).

See which other hottest European beaches for 2010 are recommended – read the whole article + More info: About Hvar Island,  Map and timetables of all ferries to Hvar , other hotels on Hvar Island , about Adriatic Sea, about other Croatian Islands

During this period, in Rijeka and the entire Kvarner varioius events, concerts, exhibitions, theatre performances and celebrations will be held,. On January 30th, the Carnival Snowboard Session will be held in the centre of Rijeka, at which around 20 top snowboarders from around 10 countries will participate. This snow event is unique for its snow trail 200 meters from the sea for which 70 m2 of snow is transported into Rijeka.

The carnival is continued on February 6th, when the Rijeka Korzo (main square) will host the children’s carnival.  The climax of the carnival is on February 14th when the international carnival procession will be held at the same location. The competition in creativity, wittiness and originality, the fireworks of colours and shapes will result in a parade of hundreds of allegorical floats, thousands of masks and a great audience.

According to some estimates, the streets of Rijeka gather more than 150,000 participants from the country and all over the world during this event. Six centuries of carnival tradition in this area and the influence of the Venetian and Austrian bourgeois carnivals are the basis on which the renewed Rijeka carnival started to create is unique identity in 1982. Starting with three local carnival groups and 100 participants, it has grown into an international event, numbering today over ten thousand participants from various countries.

The number of participants and spectators has ensured the Rijeka carnival membership in the  Federation of European Carnival Cities (FECC)  placing it among the most significant in Europe.

The Rijeka Carnival has imposed itself with its uniqueness as the fifth season of the year – the season of going crazy and relaxation, and with its rich entertainment, sports and cultural program. More info on  Rijeka International Carnival web:  www.ri-karneval.hr

The planned new ferry route will run from Patras and will sail via Igoumenitsa , Corfu and Dubrovnik to Venice.

If this ferry line is introduced, it will be the first ferry link from Dubrovnik to Greece since October 1990 .

As Minoan Lines already serves a regular ferry line which runs between Patras, Igoumenitsa, Corfu and Venice, with ferry whith capacity of  few houndered vehicles and more than 1000 passengers, and is sailing  just 15 miles from Dubrovnik, it is expected that introduction of Dubrovnik as stop over will only extend sailing times slightly.

As Dubrovnik is located on ideal position on this route and if introduced, the new ferry will offer great additional options of travel around Italy, Adriatic, Croatia and Greece . Read more about Dubrovnik ferries and other ferries that sails around Croatia.
View Ferry Dubrovnik to Greece in a larger map

EasyJet’s biggest ever sale slashing fares on over 22 million seats – Up to 25% off every seat; every route, every day, including Valentines Day, Half-Term and Easter!  Save up to 25% off every seat, every route, every day on flights from 3 February to 14 July 2010. Hurry! This sale must end midnight tonight. Easyjet is flying to Split and Dubrovnik

Beside Dubrovnik , the video shows short clips from variety of places in Dubrovnik County, including Peljesac, Mljet, Korcula, Lastovo, Elafiti.. Soothing instrumental music in the background brings alive the ambience

Have a look & enjoy:

Find out more about Dubrovnik, Dalmatia and Croatian Islands

Zagreb

This year, the female slalom was held on January 3rd, while the male slalom will be held three days later during night.  Both events at the Audi FIS World Cup “VIP Snow Queen Trophy 2010” will be held on Sljeme, the tallest peak of the Medvednica mountain overlooking Zagreb.

Since the first year of the World Cup visiting Zagreb, the Sljeme race  has provided an excellent trail and superior organisation and has been one of the most generous when it comes to the awards, but it is best known for the unique atmosphere, created before during and after the events, by the great number of the audience, ski-enthusiasts from Zagreb and other parts of Croatia, cheering for all skiers with the same enthusiasm.

The Sljeme races are also special as they are held in close proximity to a city. Zagreb is the only European metropolis hosting the “world ski circus” in its back yard. It should be pointed out that that the Zagreb race had the highest TV viewership out of all the FIS world cup races. This was in Germany, with 4.72 million viewers of the women’s race on the ZDF TV broadcaster and 4.67 million viewers of the men’s race on the ARD TV broadcaster.

Brother and sister Ivica and Janica Kostelic, have made their first ski steps on Sljeme. In her career, Janica has won a total of 30 FIS World Cup races, three Crystal globes and three small globes as the slalom winner. She is a five-time world-champion, and is one of the rare athletes who have won as many as four Olympic gold medals at the Olympics in Salt Lake City in 2002 and Torino in 2006. Her brother Ivica is still successfully participating in the World Cup, in which he has won one of the medals nine times. He has also won the small crystal globe as the overall slalom winner, but his biggest success is the title of the slalom world champion in St Moritz in 2003 and winning the silver medal at the Winter Olympics in Torino in 2006.

Medvednica is a nature park, that is, with its highest peak Sljeme (1,033 m), the favourite excursion destination of Zagreb locals, who use it to run away to nature, relaxation and recreation. In the winter, Medvednica offers its visitors opportunities to ski, sledge and enjoy the fresh air and winter idyll. In the summer, it attracts many visitors on account of its much more pleasant climate, with temperatures several degrees lower than in the city. Medvednica offers 11 mountaineers’ lodge huts, two hotels and 8 hospitality facilities, 15 bicycle trails with a total of 110 km in length and four educational paths. Here is also the cave Veternica which was proclaimed a protected geomorphological monument of nature in 1979. The entry into the cave is located at 320 m above sea-level. The overall length of the until-now explored canals is 7,218 m. The first 380 meters have been adapted for visitors. Visitors can get to know the mysterious underground of Medvednica through a tour of the mine Zrinski.

Mining on Medvednica, in the area of the “Rudarski vrt” (“the mining garden”) dates back to 1463 when king Matija Korvin granted the royal mining benefits to count Petar Zrinski. These benefits allowed Zrinski and his heirs to open gold, silver and other mines on their estates. This benefit enabled the Zrinski to mine on Medvednica.

Medvednica Nature Park www.pp-medvednica.hr VIP Snow Queen Trophy www.zlatnimedvjed.hrVIP Snow Queen Trophy www.snowqueentrophy.com

EasyJet, the largest UK airline, today announced it would launch flights to Split and Dubrovnik from London Stanstead Airport.

Flights to Dubrovnik from London Stanstead will start on 15 May. EasyJet will fly this route on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Fares starts from £26.99 one way and £48.98 return.

Flights to Split from London Stanstead will start on 14 May. EasyJet will fly this route on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Fares starts from £26.99 one way and £54.98 return.

Beside these two new routes, EasyJet will launch a further 19 new routes in the coming year, taking the total number of routes to be launched across its European network in 2010 to 70. The addition of these new services means the airline will now offer choice of over 500 routes connecting its 19 bases across the UK and the continent to key airports across Europe and North Africa.

Check other Flights to Croatia news at Flights to Croatia Blog