Monthly Archives: August 2013

Visiting Dalmatia Later This Year? Full Off-Season Jadrolinija Timetable

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While tourism in Dalmatia is mostly focused on the summer months, there is plenty of interest out of the peak season months, and with the cooler temperature, Central Dalmatia is an attractive option for a late season break or holiday. The beaches may not be so crowded or water so enticing, but there is plenty to discover away from the beach all year. 
Jadrolinija has published its winter timetable, which is now available in full below. The national ferry company runs two timetables annually, the current summer schedule from June 1 – September 30, and a reduced service which comes into effect on October 1. Useful information when planning that late season visit. 

Olympic Gold Medallist to Swim in Faros Marathon in Stari Grad

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One of Dalamtia’s most challenging and internationally recognised sporting events takes place on the island of Hvar on Saturday August 31, when the 38th Faros Marathon will be once again hosted by the town of Stari Grad. 
The marathon, a 16 km swimathon from Croatia’s oldest town to the tip of the Kabal Peninsula and back, is one of the world’s most challenging races, and continues to attract some big names to take part. This year’s field has been boosted with the confirmation that reigning Olympic champion Oussana Mellouli will be taking part. 
The race itself starts at 08:00 from the harbour by the courthouse, with the first swimmers returning some time after 11:00. Learn more about one of Dalamtia’s most important sporting traditions on the official website, or take a tour of the day in the video below.  

Unusual Dalmatian Sports: Glavomet… or Headball

Dalmatia is well-known for having a range of unique games, and the summer months offer a good chance to watch and even take part.

Probably the most famous game is called picigin, which is played in shallow water, most famously at Bacivce beach in Split, where the objective of the game is to keep a small ball in the air for as long as possible. Frantic efforts to keep the ball airborne lead to some spectacular diving, and picigin is well established as part of the Split scene.

Not far away, on Firule beach, there is another unusual and unique sport called glavomet – or headball. As the name suggests, the only part of the body to make contact with the ball is the head. There are two teams of two in shallow water, with two goals, and the aim is to score as many goals as possible in the opposing goal.

Check out the video below for more of a visual explanation, or head to Firule beach on Sunday August 25 from 10:00 to watch the glavomet championship taking place – it is very competitive!

One of the Events of the Summer: The Pirate Battle of Omis!

Want to see some real life pirates in action? Then head to Omis this Sunday evening for the seventh annual reenactment of a 13th century battle in the city harbour.
Omis has a rich and proud pirate tradition. Located on the mouth of the might Cetina, with its numerous fortresses, it was the perfect location for pirates in times gone by, as the Cetina provided them with escape routes where they could use their local knowledge. 
The reenactment is very spectacular and will take place at 20:30 on Sunday August 18, with all the participants parading before that. This year’s festivities will also include guest historical societies from Dubrovnik, Klis and Korcula. It is not clear if the most famous pirate of them all, Johnny Depp, will be attending, as he was invited to last year’s event.

A Return to Roman Times: Days of Diocletian in Split

While you may have thought that all you need for a holiday in Split is a couple of bikinis and party dresses for evening fun, if you really want to blend in as a local in the next few days, you need to get your hands on a Roman toga.

Days of Diocletian is upon us, an annual event where the rich Roman cultural heritage of the city is celebrated in some theatrical style. From the Split Tourist Board:

Days of Diocletian

This fun musical costumed event (from 16.8. to 19.8) is the historical event that will show a credible way the rule of Emperor Diocletian in Split with all the essential features of this period. The streets and squares will line up of the Roman legions, the Emperor Diocletian, together with the parade of carriages lead the Roman legions from the waterfront to greet the Peristyle where the crowd, will present a co-ruler Diocletian and family and the city will be able to hear the sounds of trumpets, drummers, Roman music …