A weekend break in Croatia - Pula

Pula – Zadar catamaran re-introduced for 2017

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Details of the popular Pula – Zadar catamaran route – which ceased to operate a few years ago – have finally been announced for summer 2017, just a few weeks ahead of the route actually starting!

Now run by Croatia’s main ferry operator Jadrolinija, this catamaran will start running on 3rd June 2017, and will in fact be run as a year-round service. (With a greater frequency of sailings during the peak summer months, and far less – in fact, just once a week – in off season.)

The full route also takes in the islands of Unije, Susak, Mali Losinj, Ilovik and Silba en route.

Pula - Zadar catamaran

In June and September, the catamaran will sail twice-weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The catamaran will depart Pula at 7am, and arrive in Zadar at 1.15pm. For the return journey, the catamaran departs Zadar at 4pm, reaching Pula at 10.15pm.

During the peak months of July and August, the catamaran will operate five times a week (every day except Tuesdays and Thursdays). Again, the catamaran will depart Pula at 7am, reaching Zadar at 1.15pm, or 1.05pm on the days it does not make a stop on Ilovik. For the return journey, the catamaran sets sail from Zadar at 5pm (4pm on Fridays), arriving in Pula at 11.05pm/11.15pm (10.05pm on Fridays).

In off-season (early October onwards), the catamaran will only operate on Fridays.

The full timetable – including the times at which the catamaran calls at the islands – can be found on Jadrolinija’s website.

Tickets for the Pula – Zadar catamaran

Tickets can be booked online on Jadrolinija‘s website. A one-way ticket from Pula to Zadar (or reverse) costs 200 Kunas in high season (June to September inclusive). In low season, a one-way ticket costs 160 Kunas.

Prices for any of the other legs of the journey e.g. Pula – Mali Losinj, Zadar – Ilovik and so on, can be found on the above website.

Getting to Zadar - Ferry

Istria and Dalmatia are connected by sea!

This catamaran is certainly one that has been missing for many travellers in recent years, judging by the feedback we’ve had. We are sure many will welcome its return.

There are hardly any (actually, none!) ferry or catamaran routes from Istria to other parts of Croatia. That means this catamaran will be very handy for those in this part of the country.

In fact, there are currently hardly any sailings from the north Croatian coast to areas further south/Dalmatia. This Pula – Zadar catamaran is therefore a great way of connecting the north and south parts of the Croatian coastline.

Alternatives to the Pula – Zadar catamaran

One route that does exist connecting the north and south (ish!) parts of the coastline is the Rijeka – Rab – Novalja (on the island of Pag) catamaran. Also run by Jadrolinija, this sails daily year-round. Full timetable can be found on the Jadrolinija website.

There are frequent bus connections from Novalja/Pag to Zadar, so you can still reach this town by utilising this route.

There are also daily, year-round flights connecting Pula and Zadar. Operated by Croatia Airlines, this is the most suitable option if you need to travel quickly – flight time is only 40 minutes! (Although you obviously do need to factor in getting to and from each airport.)

Other useful travel information

The following sections may also be helpful to you:

New catamaran route in Croatia for 2017!

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Some exciting news about another new catamaran route in Croatia for 2017 – one that we’re sure will benefit many visitors to the country.

This new catamaran route will hop between the mainland and some of Croatia’s most popular islands, connecting Split, Bol on the island of Brac, Makarska, Korcula, Mljet and Dubrovnik.

The service is being run by Kapetan Luka, who already also run a popular route connecting Split with Milna on Brac, Hvar Town on Hvar, Korcula, Mljet and Dubrovnik.

This new service will commence sailing on Monday 12th June 2017, running daily until Sunday 17th September 2017. The timetable of the new service is as below:

New catamaran connections and day trips

This new route brings up some exciting new sea connections. In particular, Makarska is now connected by sea to the prime spots of Bol, Korcula, Mljet and Dubrovnik. And to Split as well, of course, although as it’s only an hour or so down the road, it’s already easily reachable from Croatia’s second city! (Makarska does already have a car ferry to Sumartin on the eastern side of the island of Brac.)

This catamaran also sets up some opportunities for day trips not previously possible by public ferry. A day trip from Split to Bol is now possible; you’ll certainly get a full day in Bol, and be able to experience the delights of Zlatni Rat, one of Croatia’s most famous beaches. And from Makarska, you can also consider a day trip to Korcula or Mljet. (Dubrovnik is a little too far, and you’d only get four hours there!).

Online ticket booking

Tickets can be booked on Kapetan Luka’s booking website. We’d certainly recommend pre-booking tickets in advance, as we’re sure this route will be popular.

As a catamaran, this is obviously a foot-passenger only boat. No cars can sail on this route!

Other catamaran and ferry routes

Of course, there already are plenty of other routes running off the Croatian coast. Two other popular services – both of which have also started running in recent years – connect Split and Dubrovnik and stop at Brac (Milna or Bol), Hvar, Korcula and Mljet along the way.

For more details about these routes, and for other sailings, see our Ferries in Croatia section.

Happy catamaran travelling!

Milna, Brac

Travel question: Island day trips from Split and Dubrovnik in May

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I am spending three nights Split and three nights in Dubrovnik in late May. I was wondering if you had any suggestions about possible ferry day trips to go on while in either of these two cities?

A.

Island day trips from Split in May

From Split, either Hvar Town or Milna on Brac (but not both on the same day!) would be most suitable locations for ferry day trips. This catamaran (which runs daily in late May) sails to both places, departing from Split quite early in the day and then making the return journey in the evening. This means you would get a full day on either Brac or Hvar.

Island day trips from Split - Milna on Brac

Milna on the island of Brac

Jadrolinija do also have sailings to Hvar Town. However, in late May they don’t yet have any in the morning (with a return in the afternoon/evening) meaning you can’t use their sailings for a day trip to Hvar at this time of year. They do, however, have a slow car ferry to Stari Grad on Hvar but at two hours sailing each way, that’s quite a lot of travel time! 

Vis is also not suitable as an island day trip by public ferry from Split.

For something closer and more ‘off the beaten track’, how about the island of Solta? Definitely possible as a day trip from Split (with Jadrolinija, sailing time 1 hour) you can find out more details about the island on the tourist office website. A tranquil place away from the crowds, it would certainly earn you brownie points as a place that not many people visit or have heard of! Travel expert Simon Calder wrote an article in the Independent on visting this island: Slavic secret Solta is steeped in history and rich in beauty.

Island day trips from Dubrovnik in May

From Dubrovnik, you can visit one (or possibly two, if you time it right!) of the Elafiti islands of Sipan, Lopud and Kolocep with Jadrolinija.

Unfortunately, there are no sailings in late May that make a day trip to the islands of Korcula or Mljet possible.

Of course, visiting the small island of Lokrum *is* possible! There are frequent sailings from Dubrovnik’s Old Town – see the timetable on the official Lokrum website.

Happy day-tripping!

New flights to Croatia in 2017

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We’re pleased to say that there have been many, many direct flights from the UK and Ireland to Croatia for years…but that doesn’t stop new routes being announced all the time! Here we check out new flights to Croatia in 2017 to make planning your trip that little bit easier.

New flights to Croatia in 2017

New Easyjet flights to Zadar, Dubrovnik and Pula

Despite already having a very strong presence in the country, Easyjet announced a handful of new routes to Croatia for 2017. For the first time, they will fly to Zadar – flights from London Luton will start on 27th May (to 30th September) and operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

They’ve flown to Dubrovnik for a number of years, but this year they will also operate flights from Manchester and Belfast Airports. From Manchester, they will fly twice weekly (Wednesdays and Saturdays) from 22nd July, whilst from Belfast it’s also twice-weekly (Tuesdays and Sundays) from 14th May.

Bristol Airport – already connected to Dubrovnik and Split – will now also see flights to Pula with Easyjet this year. This route will start on 27th May (to 30th September) and only operate once a week, on Saturdays.

Unfortunately, Easyjet have dropped their Newcastle – Split route

New Ryanair flights from Bristol and Glasgow to Zadar

Zadar is very firmly Ryanair‘s base in Croatia and to their long-established routes from London Stansted, Manchester and Dublin, they will also start flying from Bristol and Glasgow. Bristol – Zadar has already started for the season (to 28th October 2017), flying on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Glasgow – Zadar will also fly twice a week (Mondays and Fridays) but only in peak season – this route starts on 3rd July to 28th August.

Ryanair have dropped their London Stansted to Osijek route in 2017, meaning Osijek is no longer connected to the UK.

Jet2.com new flights from London Stansted to Pula, Split and Dubrovnik

London is of course very well connected to almost all of Croatia’s airports, but a few more flights just adds to the choice available to travellers! Jet2.com will fly from London Stansted to Pula from 24th April (Sunday initially; Wednesdays and Sundays from 1st May); to Split from 26th June (Sunday initially; Wednesdays and Sundays from 3rd July); and to Dubrovnik from 24th April (initially Saturdays only; Tuesdays and Saturdays from 1st May; Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 22nd May).

Jet2.com will also start flying from East Midlands Airport to Split from 24th April to 1st October 2017 (once a week, on Sundays) and from Glasgow to Dubrovnik from 24th April to 22nd October 2017 (on Sundays).

New Monarch flights to Zagreb

Croatia’s coastal airports see new routes introduced all the time…so it’s very pleasing to see that capital city Zagreb will also get some new connections this year! From the 28th April, Monarch will fly thrice-weekly from London Gatwick (on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) and twice weekly from Manchester (on Mondays and Saturdays) to Zagreb. The latter route is certainly very welcome as it is the first non-London connection to Zagreb for quite some time. It was also recently announced that these routes will operate year-round – very pleasing to hear.

British Airways to fly to Pula in 2017

There aren’t many flights from London Heathrow to Croatia, but British Airways is seemingly doing its best to change that! Already flying to both Zagreb and Split from that airport, they will also fly from London Heathrow to Pula in 2017 – twice a week (Tuesdays and Saturdays) from 1st July to 30th September.

Aer Lingus introduce a Dublin to Split route

Already operating flights to Pula and Dubrovnik, Aer Lingus will now fly from Dublin to the central Dalmatian city of Split in 2017. From 27th May to 28th October, they will fly twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Other flight news

Norwegian appear to have dropped their Gatwick – Pula route for 2017, although will still fly to Split and Dubrovnik.

Thomson have dropped their Newcastle – Dubrovnik route.

Croatia Airlines have sold some of their London Heathrow slots; however, they are currently leasing some of these slots back so for the time being, continue to fly to Zagreb eight times a week.

Happy flying!

A new festival for Croatia in 2017 – Beats, Beer and Boogaloo!

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There’s a brand new festival in Croatia for 2017, and one with an exciting twist! The very intriguingly named Beats Beer and Boogaloo will take place at the epic Garden Tisno from Thursday 13th to Monday 17th July and just this week they have announced the first wave of artists that will be appearing at the event.

Craig Charles’ Funk and Soul Club and Nick and Charlotte Colgan from The Garden Festival and The Garden Brewery have teamed up to establish this unique festival on the Dalmatian coast. As well as live artists and DJs providing a funked-up soundtrack, a whole host of craft beers from around the world will be available to enjoy.

Beats Beer and Boogaloo Croatia - artists and breweries

Artists performing at Beats, Beer and Boogaloo

Headliners at Beats, Beer and Boogaloo include Hot 8 Brass Band, a New Orleans brass band that blend hip-hop, jazz and funk styles with traditional New Orleans sounds to an incredible crowd-rousing effect; and iconic American R&B singer Geno Washington And The Ram Jam Band who together released 5 albums in the 1960s.

Hot 8 Brass Band

Hot 8 Brass Band

Also on the bill is the Craig Charles Fantasy Funk Band (plus special guest) which was created when Craig asked his show’s listeners who would be in their favourite funk band; since 2007 the band’s various members have performed at festivals around the world. Detroit-based Amp Fiddler is a celebrated soul/funk musician who has shared stages and studios with everyone from Prince and George Clinton to Primal Scream and underground Detroit producer Moodyman. Craig Charles himself will be DJ-ing at the festival; one of the UK’s foremost funk and soul spinners, his encyclopaedic knowledge is at the fore each time he gets behind the decks. Guts (solo/MPC) is sublime hip-hop disciple of immense repute, whilst Kon is the last of an increasingly rare breed of dedicated crate diggers, bringing his deep knowledge of obscure goodies to clubs and festivals worldwide.

Amp Fiddler

Amp Fiddler

Other acts on the festival line-up include Smoove and Turrell, The Haggis Horns, The Reflex, The Allergies, Lack of Afro joins, Al Kent, Rayko, Pablo Contraband (Disco Deviant), Shaka Loves You, Eddie, Piller, Jackson Tyson Charles, Big Danny Kane, Dean Sunshine Smith, Madnice and Darryl Marsden (Ghetto Child).

A collective of Croatia’s leading DJs and crate diggers will also be appearing including The Funk Delegation Croatia, Bocca Sofistifunk, Borovich, Chill, D-Gree, Dr. Smedi Secer, Jopa, Pips, Slipmat, Soul Bader, Tomo Ricov, Umbo, Venom and Werft. Further Croatian support comes from Mate Kokic, Nick & Pepi, Nikola Smiljanic Trio and Rolin Humes.

But what about the beer side of things? The Garden Brewery will be showcasing their full range of products at Beats, Beer and Boogaloo. Rated as Croatia’s best new craft brewery in the country for 2016 by RateBeer.com, their presence is sure to delight many of festival’s crowd. Several other craft breweries have also been announced, each a pioneer from their respective nation offering their delicious beers to savour. From London there’s Gipsy Hill, Five Points, Four Pure and Magic Rock; Dogma from Serbia; Bevog from Austria; and three from Croatia: Nova Runda, LAB and Zmajska. Each brewery will bring two types of beer to feature on a long tap bar, and everyone will be able to sample more than 30 beers during the festival – more breweries will be announced soon from across Europe.

Whilst Beats, Bear and Boogaloo is keen to offer up something different for the Croatian festival scene, there will also be much that will feel familiar. Will new unique festival elements such as street food, tutored drinks tastings, and a carnival procession through the streets of Tisno, there’s also festival favourites such as boat parties and club nights at legendary Barbarella’s.

2014, The Garden Festival, Tisno, Croatia, Summer, beach, party, Festival

The Garden Festival 2014

The Garden Festival – which finished on its 10th anniversary in 2015 – originally catalysed the whole festival scene in this part of Croatia, with visionary founders including Nick and Charlotte Colgan instigating what has become one of the world’s most talked about dance music destinations. Post Garden Festival, Nick and Charlotte then launched their most ambitious project to date – building from scratch The Garden Brewery in Zagreb, which has produced 17 different beers shipping to 25 EU countries. They have further plans for expansion in 2017 and beyond as well as a dynamic programme of music too.

The Garden Brewery - credit Antun Cerovecki

The Garden Brewery (credit: Antun Cerovecki)

Tickets for Beats, Beer and Boogaloo

Limited early bird tickets cost £80 for the whole weekend, which also includes two nights at Barbarella’s! Tickets can be purchased here: beatsbeerandboogaloo.com/tickets/.

More on Beats Beer and Boogaloo

Check them out at www.beatsbeerandboogaloo.com.

Beats Beer and Boogaloo
Tisno
13th – 17th July 2017
www.beatsbeerandboogaloo.com

Soundwave Boat Parties Announced

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Exciting Croatian festival announcements are coming in thick and fast it seems, and this time it’s the turn of Soundwave! Now in its ninth year, the festival will be taking place at its usual venue of The Garden Tisno from 27th to 31st July. And just this week, the Soundwave boat parties have been revealed with a wonderful line-up to add to the main acts appearing at the festival.

Soundwave Croatia - night time action

Soundwave covers an eclectic mix of musical styles – from broken beat to reggae, afro to acid jazz, hip-hop, soul, funk drum and bass and more. Headliners at this year’s festival include Laura Mvula, The Pharcyde, Roy Ayers, Gilles Peterson, GoGo Penguin, Roni Size,  Horse Meat Disco, Egyptian Lover, Yussef Kammal, Josey Rebelle, Mndsgn, Sadar Bahar, Moses Boyd: Solo X, Alexander Nut, Mr Thing and many more.

Soundwave Boat Parties

Soundwave Boat Parties – Line-Up

13 boat parties will be taking place during the run of the festival, day and night. Tickets for the boat parties are on sale now and can be purchased at www.soundwavecroatia.com/boat-parties.

Sunshine Reggae – Thursday 16.30 – 19.30
Hosted by Fiesta Bomarda
Reggae Takeover DJs

Hidden x High Hoops – Thursday 20:00 – 23:00
Chaos In The CBD
Contours
Martin Loose Cuts & J
High Hoops

Hip Hop Boat – Friday 13.00 – 16.00
Hosted by Good Life
No Fakin’ DJs

Disco Boat – Friday 16.30 – 19.30
Dimensions Sound System
Disco Ali
Isaac Martin

Soundwave Croatia 2015
Credit: Christopher Werrett – www.facebook.com/cwphotographics

Eglo Boat – Friday 20:00 – 23:00
Josey Rebelle
Alexander Nut
Danuka

Soundcrash – Saturday 13.00 – 16.30
Mall Grab
Werkha
Cervo

Funk and Soul Boat – Saturday 16.30 – 19.30
Hosted by So Flute and Tuckshop

Caramello x PPG – Saturday 20.00 – 23.00
Medlar
Ross From Friends
PPG Residents
Caramello Residents

First Word Boat – Sunday 13.00 – 16.00
Mr Thing
Children of Zeus
Gilla

X Jazz – Sunday 16.30 – 19:30
Moses Boyd
Donna Leake
X Jazz DJs

LA Beats and Bass Boat – Sunday 20.00 – 23.00
MNDSGN
Rich Reason
Soundcrash DJs

Soul In The Hole – Monday 16.30 – 19:30
Sadar Bahar
Alexander Nut

Horse Meat Disco – Monday 20.00 – 23.00
Horse Meat Disco
Friends and Family

More on Soundwave

The festival also combines a holiday with a musical escape like no other, with the amazing, intimate venue offering set by the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic. There’s a cosy beach with its own water-side beach bar; the Olive Grove stage under a canopy of trees; the main stage which will feature all the headliners; and the famous open-air Barbarella’s club – just the place to party at into the early hours.

Soundwave Croatia
Credit: Christopher Werrett – www.facebook.com/cwphotographics

Besides all the main festival action, you can also enjoy snorkelling, diving and fishing, or visit one of the surrounding islands or even national parks such as Krka and Kornati, or the historic cites of Zadar and Split.

Tickets for Soundwave cost £129 plus booking fee (boat parties and club tickets are extra) and can be purchased on the Soundwave www.soundwavecroatia.com.

For more details, check out our Soundwave Festival guide, or look up the festival at www.soundwavecroatia.com or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Soundwave 
Tisno
27th – 31st July 2017
www.soundwavecroatia.com

Second wave of acts for Love International 2017 announced

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With an exciting list of names already announced for the Love International 2017 (Wednesday 28th June – Wednesday 5th July) line-up, this week has brought a further announcement about some of the acts that will play at the festival! 2017 will see the second Love International take place – last year’s debut completely sold out and hosted 2,500 revellers in the wonderful The Garden Tisno site.

Love International 2017 Croatia 2017

The latest names to be added to the Love International 2017 bill include Tony Humphries, Heidi, Midland, Prosumer, Gerd Janson, Job Jobse, Axel Boman’s Studio Barnhus with Kornel Kovacs and Petter Nordkvist, Young Marco, PBR Streetgang, Bill Brewster, Frank Broughton, Moxie, Saoirse, Unabombers, Darshan Jesrani and many more. This is in addition to the many great artists, DJs and performers already revealed in the first line-up news: acts like The Black Madonna, Ben UFO, Palms Trax, Craig Richars, Jazzanova, Horse Meat Disco and others.

Of the new names, Tony Humphries has almost 4 decades worth of experience to call upon – everything from being one of the original Kiss FM pioneers to holding down a residency at one of the USA’s most legendary clubs, Zanzibar, to creating one of the early classic Fabric mixes and remixing everyone from Soul II Soul to Janet Jackson. Heidi’s house and techno sounds make her one of the most feted DJs and producers on the scene, illuminating clubs and festivals across the world; meanwhile, Midland, who enjoyed his own incredible 2016, with his Final Credits one of the tracks of the year, is also on the bill.

Tony Humphries

Tony Humphries

Heidi

Heidi

Prosumer and Gerd Janson are two long-standing icons of the region –  playing all kinds of delectable disco, electronic oddities and party classics, at the Beach Bar or rocking Barbarella’s deep into the night, expect plenty of fun from them both. One of Europe’s hottest names, Job Jobse, steps up; he has played at everywhere from Burning Man to Panorama Bar, as well as managing the Life and Death label, and is one of the scene’s fastest rising names. Axel Boman brings his full Studio Barnhus crew to Love International: the trio of Axel, Kornel Kovacs and Petter Nordkvist are a label and studio turning out esteemed music both seriously fun and utterly danceable, just like Young Marco’s own playful invention behind the decks.

With over twenty years of parties via NYC to London, Bill Brewster and Frank Broughton know a thing or two about how to work a crowd; making their Tisno debut at Love International, the acclaimed DJs, writers and cultural reflectors will be bringing an abundance of disco. Manchester’s long running duo the Unabombers area also heading to Love International this year, bringing their eclectic souls to the festival, and fellow Northerners Jason Boardman, Moonboots and Balearic Mike join them; Metro Area’s Darshan Jesrani makes a very welcome return, as does Leeds legend Tristan Da Cunha.

Plenty of the new wave of electronic artists will be at the festival too, from Moxie, Saoirse, Man Power and Krywald & Farrer each bringing their take on the electronic sphere. Croatia’s own legend Illija Rudman drops in, then it’s over to some of Love International’s and The Garden’s family and friends, including PBR Streetgang, Maxxi Soundsystem, Dan Beaumont, Krankbrother, Peak & Swift, Lord Of The Isles, James Holroyd, Justin Van Der Volgen and Medlar. Further brilliant additions across a wide range of sublime sounds include Alex Dallas, Andy Hart, Apiento, Beautiful Swimmers, Christophe, Dave Harvey, Ess O Ess, Gatto Fritto, Glowing Palms, Harvey Sutherland, Heidi Lawton, Hodge, House of Traps, Heurta, Ian Blevins, Jaime Rad, Kelvin Andrews, Last Waltz, Lauer, Lexx, Loverfingers, Mark Seven, Moscoman, Mudd, Mr Price, Paramida, Phil Mison, Red Rack Em, Ron & Neil, Rug Dug, Steve Kotey, Tornado Wallace and Waifs and Strays for lots of dancing under the sun and stars.

Love International’s esteemed partners for 2017, a collection of leading labels, collectives, media and parties, will host stages, boat parties and Barbarella’s across the festival week. They are Aficionado, Banoffee Pies, Beats In Space, Crack Magazine, Disco Knights, Dirtytalk, Down To The Sea and Back, ESP Institute, Firecracker Recordings, Flux, Gottwood, Electric Chair, Futureboogie, Infolk, Just Jack, Krankbrother, Leftfoot, Lowlife, Magic Door, Not An Animal, Percolate, Ransom Note, Resident Advisor, Rhythm Sister, Ruff Kutz, Road To Nowhere, Shapes, Stevie Wonderland, Studio 89, Test Pressing, Tief, Trouble Vision, Warm and Wolf Music.

© Photography by Khris Cowley for Here & Now (www.fb.com/wearehereandnow)

© Photography by Khris Cowley for Here & Now

© Photography by Khris Cowley for Here & Now (www.fb.com/wearehereandnow)

© Photography by Khris Cowley for Here & Now

© Photography by Khris Cowley for Here & Now (www.fb.com/wearehereandnow)

© Photography by Khris Cowley for Here & Now

Tickets for Love International 2017

Tickets for Love International cost £125 (plus booking fee) for the standard 8-day pass. Head to loveinternationalfestival.com to snap them up!

Looking back on Love International 2016

Here’s a wonderful short film – shot on 8mm – documenting last year’s festival. It really gives you a good feel for the event!

Love International on 8mm 2016 from saul pankhurst on Vimeo.

More on Love International 2017

Full details about the festival can be found on the official website at loveinternationalfestival.com.

Do also check out our blog post First acts on the 2017 Love International line-up revealed for some more information about the festival!

© Photography by Khris Cowley for Here & Now (www.fb.com/wearehereandnow)

© Photography by Khris Cowley for Here & Now

© Photography by Michael Njunge for Here & Now (fb.com/wearehereandow)

© Photography by Michael Njunge for Here & Now

Love International 2017 dates announced

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We’re only part way through another very exciting festival season in Croatia, but there’s already great news regarding one of the new festivals on the scene. Love International 2017 – the festival which kicked off the run of events in Tisno back in late June – has already announced its dates!

But what happened this year? A full week of fun, inspiration, escapism, discovery and the sense of something very special was enjoyed by all at the first Love International. Making the most of the amazing festival site, The Garden Tisno, Love International also embraced the spirit of previous fan favourite The Garden Festival (Croatia’s founding festival) whilst also injecting its own joyous soul and truly making its mark – meaning the event felt comfortably familiar yet also quite different.

Main stage at Love International (Credit: Khris Cowley - Here and Now)

Main stage
Credit: Khris Cowley – Here and Now

Beach Bar by Night at Love International Credit: Khris Cowley - Here and Now)

Beach Bar by Night at Love International
Credit: Khris Cowley – Here and Now

Argonaughty at Love International (Credit: Khris Cowley - Here and Now)

Argonaughty at Love International
Credit: Khris Cowley – Here and Now

Curated by Team Love’s Dave Harvey and Tom Paine, the festival drew some stellar bookings from across the underground spectrum as well as hosting some memorable boat parties, offering up some mesmerising main stage action for dancing by the twinkling Adriatic sea, and experiencing epic dawn moments at the fully outdoor nightclub, Barbarella’s – considered one the best places in the world to party at ’til dawn!

All 2,500 tickets sold out for the inaugural Love International. Revellers from across the globe were drawn to this special spot on the amazing Dalmatian coastline for a truly magical week.

Love International - Crazy P (Credit: Khris Cowley - Here and Now)

Crazy P
Credit: Khris Cowley – Here and Now

Craig Richards at Love International (Credit: Khris Cowley - Here and Now)

Craig Richards at Love International
Credit: Khris Cowley – Here and Now

It’s no surprise that there are many highlights to look back on from the first Love International – some predicted and some totally unexpected! From MCDE’s disco-tinged party set at Barbarella’s, through to Axel Boman’s bouncing boat party with Abandon Silence; from PBR Streetgang having the Main Stage rocking (as did Jackmaster, Joy Orbison, Roman Flugel, Crazy P and everyone else); the annual Futureboogie voyage and club shows both being major highlights; Magic Door once more brought more glitter and fancy dress thought humanly possible; Hunnee, Prosumer and Pender Street Peppers had the Beach Stage rocking; Craig Richards going back to back with Ben UFO creating a few hours of sensational selections; and finally the festival conclusion – the Secret Island Party – which saw two boat parties and an escape from Tisno to a daytime party which brought the whole adventure to a fitting climax.

Sun Rise Sessions at Love International (Credit: Khris Cowley - Here and Now)

Sun Rise Sessions
Credit: Khris Cowley – Here and Now

The Olive Grove stage also provided some special moments. The beautifully decorated space showcased some brilliant artists, labels and clubs nights; by 5pm most days it was packed out under the sun. The space also held its own in the early hours until dawn, where the Sun Rise Sessions offered a wholly different cadence to the festival in a beatific way to start the day, either straight from Barbarella’s or waking to catch a gentler, mesmerising pace. Indeed, Khruangbin’s dreamy set was another one of the festival’s highlights, with their rapt audience spread sedately amongst the pines.

Secret Island Party at Love International (Credit: Khris Cowley - Here and Now)

Secret Island Party
Credit: Khris Cowley – Here and Now

There were also many more magical moments besides, some too special to put into words! From almost endless hands-in-the-air celebrations to unearthing rare grooves on the dance floor; shared newfound loves under the canopy of Croatian stars; to even more intimate moments away from the site in Tisno, exploring the beautiful region in which the festival is set. And with a real sense of unity, respect for everyone and for the festival environment itself it’s easy to see why many of this year’s guests will be rushing back for more next year. Why not join them?

The get a feel for the event, see Here&Now’s take on Love International:

Dave Harvey says:

“We really could not be any happier with our first year – the people, the music, the setting, the experience. All of it, basically! It really all came together in such a beautiful way, and I would like to thank everyone for making it so special, especially to a backdrop of chaos back at home in the UK. Since the planning started we wanted to bring our own festival to Tisno, and follow on from what the Garden guys did but also make it our own. The vibe at Love International was truly special, everyone was buzzing, it was like one huge family which had come together – and I mean that including the DJs, staff, everyone behind the scenes, not just everyone who travelled far and wide to make it so special. We are already planning for next year, and believe me we can’t wait to get back!”

Love International 2017

The 2017 event will be taking place from Wednesday 28th June to Wednesday 5th July. If you’d like to join in on all the fun (or perhaps you’re a keen returnee!), watch out for early bird tickets which go on sale in September.

More on Love International

To look back on this year’s festival or to look ahead to next year’s, see all the details on the official festival website.

Spinning Paradise Ultimate Frisbee Tournament in Croatia – sign up now!

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If you’re looking for something a little different from your holiday to Croatia this summer how about…an ultimate frisbee tournament?! A game without referees, age or gender restrictions, the Spinning Paradise tournament will take place on the Croatian islands of Rab and Hvar this summer. And the tournament organisers are inviting you to take part!

Spinning Paradise Ultimate Frisbee

Credit: Damir Kvajo

Now in its fifth year, Spinning Paradise Hvar (played on grass) will take place from 30th July to 6th August 2016 whilst the newer Spinning Paradise Rab – in only its second year – will take place on the famous sandy Paradise Beach in Lopar from 26th to 28th August 2016.

Spinning Paradise Ultimate Frisbee

Credit: Damir Kvajo

Spinning Paradise Ultimate Frisbee

Credit: Damir Kvajo

But why should you take part this Ultimate Frisbee tournament? Open to all levels – whether you’ve plenty of experience or are a complete novice, Spinning Paradise isn’t just about the game. What makes it unique is the atmosphere and the importance of social events too! That’s what Croatian national team member and tournament organizer Vinko Anzulovic says, who is Hvar-born. He also proudly points out that Hvar is often mentioned as one of the top tourist destinations in the world, and with one game in the morning and one in the evening, there’s also plenty of ‘downtime’ for participants to explore the gorgeous island. This year, Spinning Paradise Hvar will also offer slackline workshops, Playstation tournaments and excursions; there’s plenty to do besides play ultimate frisbee!

Teams will be drawn from a hat which means this is a great opportunity to make friends from all around the world. And in case any of you complete beginners are nervous about taking part, there will even be the Coca-Cola training camp (offered for the third year) that’s run by highly experienced British coach Sion ‘Brummie’ Scone.

Spinning Paradise Ultimate Frisbee

Credit: Damir Kvajo

Spinning Paradise Rab will take place on the sandy beach of Lopar on the island, often described in the media as one of the best sandy beaches in the country. (Remember, sandy beaches are few and far between in Croatia!) This tournament will also see workshops and other activities take place alongside the main sporting event.

Ultimate frisbee is a sport that was first established in the U.S. in the 1960s, and is growing in popularity in Croatia as well. There are currently seven Ultimate Frisbee clubs in Croatia, in Zagreb, Rijeka and Zadar. If played on grass there’s seven players on each of the two teams; played on sand it’s five. Teams represent a complete mix of ages and have both men and women competing. Each game ends with a group hug which is part of Ultimate Frisbee’s core ‘Spirit of the Game’ principle and one of the foundations of the sport.

Spinning Paradise Ultimate Frisbee

Credit: Damir Kvajo

It’s the fastest growing sport in the U.S. and one that’s recognised by the International Olympic Committee; Croatia has recently participated in both the European and World Championships.

Sign up now to take part in Spinning Paradise

To compete in the tournament in Croatia, head over to spinning-paradise.com for an application form. You’ll also find plenty more on the tournament there too, as well as on the Facebook page. Don’t wait too long to sign up as there’s not many spaces left!

Tournament organizers Vinko Anzulovic and Sanela Vucelic are aiming to introduce this fun and fascinating sport to a wider audience. They’re also trying to spread the important ‘Spirit of the Game’ principle – something that’s often missing from many other sports these days.

Sign up now for this amazingly fun way to spend your summer in Croatia!

Membrain Festival comes to Croatia’s coast this August

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There’s another new name on the Croatian festival scene this summer – Membrain Festival (18th to 21st August 2016)! Taking place near Sibenik, Membrain is a festival of bass culture with some of the best-known names of the European Underground bass scene appearing on the bill. The festival’s rich line-up will also include educational lectures and workshops, a wonderful location making the most of the local environment, and catering consisting of the best local Dalmatian produce.

Membrain Festival

Membrain will be taking place in the bay of Minerska, which is around 10km from Sibenik. The festival site is an abandoned ex-military base surrounded by thick pine forest; next to the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic sea and a beautiful beach, there’s plenty to do all day long.

Membrain Festival

Membrain Festival

Membrain Festival’s Line-Up

The artists on Membrain Festival’s line-up will all be performing for the very first time on Croatia soil, solidifying Membrain’s unique concept. The bill will see a very wide spectrum of bass music genres; on the festival’s three main stages and a solar stage there will be more than sixty European and regional artists. Drum and Bass, Liquid, Dubstep, Dub, Ragga, Jungle, Jump-up, Grime, Global and more will all entertain the bass addicted audience.

The best-known headliner is surely UK duo Hybrid Minds. Having gained considerable critical acclaim over the last few years, they’ve reached the top of the underground scene with their recognisable liquid dnb sound.

Membrain Festival 2016 Promo 02 from Membrain Festival on Vimeo.

Sub Zero is the UKBass champion of the danceable Drum and Bass, known in wide circles of the scene around the world and performing regularly at festivals & clubs.

Levela is a Drum and Bass producer best known for his collaborations with some of the biggest names on the dubstep scene including Datsik. He’ll be at the Membrain Festival as part of his fully booked summer Sensory Tour.

Italian DJ/Producer/MC collective Numa Crew is the main representative of the Italian independent bass scene. They are known for their collaborations with artists such as Dub FX, General Levy, DJ Vadim, and many more.

Membrain Festival

Tickets for Membrain Festival

Regular tickets for the four day event cost €80, whilst you can splash out on VIP tickets for €120. You can also attend any one day of the festival for €40. Buy all these ticket options below:



Membrain Festival

More on the Membrain Festival

Check out the official Membrain Festival website and do also look them up on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!