Brijuni National Park

Brijuni National Park is an oasis of the magnificent harmony between man, animal and plant life. There are almost 700 plant species and about 250 bird species on the islands, whereas the mild Mediterranean climate makes it a pleasant health resort. After leaving Fažana, the line of green islands viewed from the boat, transforms into Veliki Brijun, the largest of the 14 islands.

The traces of dinosaurs, remains of Antiquity and later periods, achievements of modern times are all present in this area, whose development as an exclusive resort starts in 1893 thanks to the “old Austrian”, the industrialist Paul Kupelwieser, owner of the Brijuni Islands. This fashionable seaside resort and one of the leading health resorts started developing and gaining popularity all over Europe and worldwide, but this unfortunately ended with the beginning of World War I.

From then on Brijuni were mostly known for the political activities of Marshal Josip Broz Tito, the president of former Yugoslavia, who arrived on Brijuni for the first time in 1947. The usual, short introduction to Brijuni is a tour by tourist train that takes visitors through all the different natural beauties; through the safari park, by the Byzantine castrum, Roman residential villa in Verige Bay and many other interesting sights. Right by the harbor, close to hotels "Istra", "Neptun" and "Karmen" is the church of St. German from the 15th century which houses an exhibit of Istrian frescoes and copies of Glagolitic monuments.
Nearby is the natural science exhibit, archaeological museum and exhibition "Tito on Brijuni".

Olive oil in Istria

Olive oil

The liquid gold of the Mediterranean, olive oil, has always been much more than just an ingredient; it is medicinal, magical and an inexhaustible source of enchantment. The olive tree is a symbol of abundance, glory and peace, winners were decorated with its branches, and its oil was served to the most powerful heads. It is a sacred tree and a symbol of peace, fertility, abundance, wisdom and power that has been feeding, nurturing and healing for thousands of years.

About olive trees

The olive was brought to the Mediterranean about 6 000 years ago. This is one of the oldest trees in the world. It is a known fact that the 20 million-year old fossilized remains of an old ancestor of olive trees have been found.  The olive is a very resistant tree; its vital, almost immortal power, resists  strong winters and scorching summers, proudly stretching out its branches toward the sky.

The benefits of olive oil

According to legend, it was chosen by the Creator to nurture and heal all His creatures. The healing properties of olive oil have been known for long time. The daily intake of this ingredient prevents the occurrence of chronic degenerative diseases and is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, with strengthening immunity, preventing cancer; it has a good effect on the gastric mucosa as well as numerous anti-inflammatory properties. Olive oil is also a well-known cosmetic product, which has very beneficial effects on skin, hair and nails, making them vital, shiny and smooth.

Types of olive oil production

Olive oil is obtained by pressing healthy olive fruit. It is divided into 4 quality categories: extra virgin, virgin, olive oil and sansa oil. The well-known extra virgin olive oil (olio di oliva extravergine) is obtained after the first pressing of healthy olive fruit, and its acidity (free fatty acids) does not exceed 0.8 to 0.2 percent.

The oil still has to pass organoleptic testing and must not have any smell that is not characteristic of the oil. Thus, for example, "extra virgin olive oil enriched with rosemary" is not really extra virgin olive oil.

Olive oil in Istria

Hotels Lovran / Istria Hotels

Hotel Villa Astra ****

This elegant, spacious luxurious spa hotel is a perfect example of early 20th century Venetian Gothic, the work of master-builder Attilio Maguolo.The first in an array of summer-houses perfectly situated along the Croatian Adriatic sea, with a magnificent view of Kvarner Bay, Villa Astra is set well back from the main Opatija road.


The hotel is surrounded by lush, green gardens and has a direct access to the beautiful Lovran seaside promenade (or lungomare), 5 minutes walk from the centre of Lovran.


This exclusive spa hotel features 6 luxurious guest suites, an intimate organic vitality restaurant for gourmet tastes, elegant reception and adjoining aperitif bar,heated outdoor swimming pool (with bar), plus wellness area and secluded beach in front.

S1 / Hotel room(2 + 1)

S2 / Hotel room(2 + 1)

Astra Wellness & SPA / Wellness & SPA

Restoran Vila Astra / Restaurants

Objavi post

Festival Kvarner in Opatija

With three concerts we started the international Festival Kvarner in Opatija in 2010. The unique location, magnificent climate and enchanted atmosphere, altogether, inspire us to breath that vibrant present moment of life when we feel most alive, through its yielding nature. We hope to welcome you to the Festival Kvarner again this year. Experience this receptive liaison of music, nature and ambience right by the sea.

More About....www.festivalkvarner.com or Festival Kvarner / Opatija

Festival Kvarner / Program

FR 03.

Friday 03 June 2011 | 20.00 clock Opatija, Hotel Kvarner | Crystal Hall PROGRAMME WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Sonata for piano No. 13 FRANZ LISZT ballad No. 2 in B-minor *** ROBERT SCHUMANN Carnival Scenes from Vienna op. 26 ARTIST Martina Filjak TICKETS HRK 70 / 90 / 110 (Euro 10 / 12 / 15)

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TU 21. Tuesday 21 June 2011 | 20.00 clock Villa Astra | Lovran PROGRAMME LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN Sonata No. 1 in D major, op. 12 JOHANNES BRAHMS Sonata No. 1 in G major, op. 78 *** CLAUDE DEBUSSY Sonata in G minor ARTISTS Vanessa Szigeti, Violin Guillaume Vincent, Piano TICKETS HRK 60 (Euro 8) For this concert are only 50 tickets available.

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SA 25. Saturday 25 June 2011 | 20.00 clock Opatija, Hotel Kvarner | Crystal Hall PROGRAMME JOSEPH HAYDN Symphony No. 6 Le Matin LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN Symphonie No. 1 in C major, op. 21 ARTIST Orchester PurPur TICKETS HRK 70 / 90 / 110 (Euro 10 / 12 / 15)

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TU 06. Tuesday 06 September 2011 | 20.00 clock Opatija, Hotel Kvarner | Crystal Hall PROGRAMME JOSEPH HAYDN Symphony No. 94 in G major, Hob. I:94 *** ANTONIN DVORÁK Symphony Nr. 9 in E minor Aus der neuen Welt, op. 95 ARTISTS Orchesterakademie Ossiach Martin Sieghart, conductor TICKETS HRK 70 / 90 / 110 (Euro 10 / 12 / 15)

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SA 01. Saturday 01 October 2011 | 20.00 clock Opatija, Hotel Kvarner | Crystal Hall PROGRAMME LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN Coriolan Overture, op. 62 *** LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 2 in D major, op. 36 ARTISTS Capella Istropolitana Michael Fendre, conductor TICKETS HRK 70 / 90 / 110 (Euro 10 / 12 / 15)

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SA 29.

Saturday 29 October 2011 | 20.00 clock Opatija, Hotel Kvarner | Crystal Hall PROGRAMME GIOACHINO ROSSINI Overture to Die Seidene Leiter JOHANNES BRAHMS Variations on a Theme of  Schumann, op. 9 *** WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Piano Quintet KV452 FELIX MENDELSSOHN BARTHOLDY A Midsummer Night's Dream, op. 61 ARTIST  The Ensemble Berlin TICKETS HRK 70 / 90 / 110 (Euro 10 / 12 / 15)

Arena, Pula / Events 2011

18/06/11 - Zucchero

pop rock koncert Arena 21h

02/07/11 - Humanitarni koncert Biskupije

pop koncert Arena 21.00h

05/07/11 - Seal

soul i r&b koncert Arena 21h

10/07/11 - "Jalta, Jalta"

mjuzikl Arena 21.30h

16/07/11 - 58.festival igranog filma

Arena 16.-23.07.2011. 21.30 sati

26/07/11 -Jack Johnson-To the Sea Tour 2011

pop rock koncert Arena 20.30h

30/07/11 - Tony Cetinski

pop koncert Arena 21.30h

06/08/11 - Gloria Gaynor i Ivo Gamulin

pop koncert Arena 21.00h

13/08/11 - Đorđe Balašević

pop koncert Arena 21.00

27/08/11 - Gibonni

pop koncert Arena 21.00h

Istrian ham

Istrian ham is the pride of the Istrian man, his symbol for the benefits of a balanced rhythm with Nature. Istrian ham is related to the legend of Bura, a young and beautiful girl who praised her own beauty too much and who God struck with lightning because of her arrogance. The story says that since then, whenever a woman commits a similar sin, she sighs bitterly, and her sighs become a strong and cold wind, which brings clarity and simple beauty. This is what Istrian ham is like, a unique combination of extremely high quality meat, a special recipe, enriched with sea salt and natural spices, dried only in the wind called Bura. Cut into thin slices it represents the beauty of simplicity and the uniqueness of Istria which melts in the mouth and conquers with a misleading fragrance.

The uniqueness of Istrian ham

This absolutely authentic Istrian product is unique in the world because of the quality of its ingredients and the preparation method that haven’t changed for centuries. The special technology for ham preparing and the microclimatic conditions result in a supreme product. Istrian ham is legally protected and has a geographical origin; it must be produced only in the hinterland of Istria, at least 12 kilometres away from the sea.

It is characterized by extremely red-coloured meat, with no adipose tissue and by an intense flavour and aroma. The animals are fed and kept separately, so the meat of Istrian ham does not contain additives or nitrates, which are harmful to one’s health. Unlike other dry-cured hams, the Istrian one dries without smoke, solely with the help of clean air, which is why it does not contain dangerous carcinogenic substances. Processed hams are dry-cured only with sea salt and natural spices - pepper, rosemary, bay leaves and garlic. It is produced in the wintertime, with the first day of a fresh wind, and it is drought the next five and matured twelve months.

Where to try the Istrian ham

Istrian ham will be offered to you on almost every table, in the warm home of Istrian people, in many restaurants, in traditional taverns and agrotourisms, as a beginning of every good meal, but also as a unique ingredient in many traditional dishes.

CROATIA CRUISE - Gulets (Sailing ships)

If you want to get away from your daily routine, then take advantage of Croatia’s treasures and embark on an unforgettable CROATIA CRUISE. Why? Because CROATIA CRUISE means more than just spending time on a boat and enjoying the clear sea – it means a stress-free holiday, enjoying and experiencing more than a thousand islands and islets and countless coves. Every cove, beach and stone will make you want to touch it and become part of that place. And that is exactly what can happen – become part of the beautiful small villages on the islands, meet the local inhabitants, their customs, way of life and centuries old traditions.

You can sail even further into the past on GULETS: old-fashioned sailing ships.

CROATIA CRUISE (Sailing ships)

GULETS are beautiful, wooden sailing ships which served as merchant and cargo ships in the past, and have been completely renovated for your pleasure, with their comfort, facilities, appearance and interesting history.

CROATIA CRUISE is a luxurious vacation intended for you and your family or friends. A gulet can accommodate 10 - 12 people in 5 – 6 cabins with their own toilets and showers and a personal crew. As well as accommodation, a crew and a several hours of sailing every day, a gulet cruise allows you to try indigenous Dalmatian dishes, with the choice of full or half board. Although the menus and routes are set in advance, you can discuss your own ideas with the captain, tailoring your dream holiday to your own requirements.

If you want to experience the same atmosphere while meeting new people, you can book a cabin charter on a gulet (6 – 15 cabins). You will enjoy the large cruiser social experience in an intimate way.

Gulets are available departing from several harbours, (Sibenik, Zaton, Trogir, Split and Dubrovnik) so you can experience different parts of the Croatian coastline.

GULET BASES

SIBENIK – a city with a rich history, located on the central Croatian Adriatic coast, on the estuary of the River KRKA, which is also a national park, with a pleasant Mediterranean climate. Our gulet, the Agora, takes you on a pleasant trip with the opportunity of visiting the unique archipelago of the Šibenik area and Kornati National Park - a unique group of Dalmatian limestone islands and rocks.

ZATON – situated deep in a bay where the sea is calm and the village tranquil, Zaton is the location of a small fleet of gullets: Blue Star, Morning Star, Kraljica Jadrana, Ser, Ostro, Siroko and Pulenat. You can enjoy a pleasant Adriatic cruise in each of them, accompanied by a professional crew and top quality chef. Another reason for choosing to cruise out of Zaton is Mother Nature herself - not far from Zaton is the splendid River Krka, with an abundance of flora and fauna, and the fascinating limestone archipelago of Kornati National Park.
If you want to see the central Dalmatian islands (Brac, Hvar, Vis) or even go all the way down to Dubrovnik, our gulets can take this route.
Even closer is TROGIR, from where the central Dalmatian archipelago is within easy reach.

TROGIR – a small town, but a big tourist destination, with a rich, lively history. The historical old city of Trogir was declared a cultural monument in 1997, making it an even bigger tourist attraction. Split airport is close by, which is certainly an advantage.
The beauty of Trogir is enriched by numerous gulets which will take you from Trogir harbour on your Adriatic cruise: Andi, Andi Star, Blue Nose, and Nostalgija are just a few of them. You can also set out gulet cruising from Split.

SPLIT – is the largest city in Dalmatia, and the second largest in Croatia. Situated beneath Marjan Hill, within the walls of a 1700 year-old palace, is a city which many regard as the “most beautiful city in the world”. The beautiful greenery of Marjan and the nearby Jadro and Zrnovnica Rivers, bathed in a warm Mediterranean climate, make Split forever young.
These gullets are based in Split: Fortuna, Fortuna Dalmata, Sinbadsan, Libra, Jadranska Kraljica, Barbara, Angelica, Atlantia and many more. The most common route taken is through the central Dalmatian islands: Solta, Brac, Hvar, Vis, or further, to Lastovo, Korcula, Mljet, or all the way down to Dubrovnik.

Flotilla sailing Croatia

A flotilla is a group of boats sailing together under the supervision of a lead boat operated by the charter company.
Flotillas are arranged so that singles, couples and small groups who don’t know each other can join together and form a flotilla of 5 to 10 boats. Lead boat crew is always nearby in case someone needs assistance during trip and also to recommend the best anchorages, harbours, restaurants and places to visit. Although there is an experienced skipper on the lead boat, at least one person on each boat is required to have an internationally recognized sailing certificate.
Every morning a briefing takes place in which all skippers together discuss route of that day, flotilla leader gives useful tips about it and weather report. Flotilla leader is more of a nautical companion and source of information than an entertainer. On the way a lead boat can be contacted by VHF, an easy-to-handle sender/receiver radio transmitter.
All boats follow the same route which provides the opportunity for swimming, snorkelling, relaxing and sunbathing. They are sailing independently but can always refer back to the lead boat. Evening can be spend without the group because they are no social obligations, but often the group finds itself together to eat and drink and share experiences of the day.
For many the social element of meeting up with likeminded crews from the other flotilla yachts is both reassuring and fun.

More info Flotilla sailing Croatia

Team building on the sea

Since ancient times, unity of spirit has characterised the sea and fearless sailors, and team building programme on the sea offers co-existence with colleagues and with nature.

Although it is a special experience sailing the Adriatic alone or with your closest friends, experiencing its beauties with your colleagues and business partners can be a completely new challenge. Prepare your team for their next business challenge by experiencing this unique combination of the sea and nature. Exchange your work space for a beautiful yacht or gulet and the crystal clear Adriatic. Transform your tedious business conversations into more pleasant ones through socialising and the challenges offered by the sea.

Depending on the goals you have set for your team, you have option to spend your team building on the yacht or on the gulet.

Yachting team building is more active and physically demanding, full of real challenges. Arrive knowing little about sailing and leave with a full understanding of how great teamwork makes a yacht move better and faster.

Gulet is luxurious wooden motor sailor boat, designed specifically for cruising. With gulet team building you leave the sailing responsibilities to the crew and dedicate time to yourself, your team and the goals you have set.

Besides Adriatic sailing, team building project might also include some interesting active excursions: rafting, canyoning, canoe safari, trekking, hiking, free climbing, paintball, riding… Also, there is possibility to include in the team building visit to a farmhouse where you can help in the preparation of traditional Croatian dish „soparnik“, learn to play bocce, or just enjoy sitting by a fireplace and drinking wine from a wooden jug.

If your goal is to improve relationships between groups and to improve business efficiency spending time together in the nature – team building on the sea is one of the best options for your team. Contact Orvas Yachting and start you adventure!

Hallowind 2008 - 31.10. - 02.11. Premantura

Hallowind 2008 - 31.10. - 02.11. Premantura
Kamenjak, AC Stupice
In Premantura, one of the most preferable windsurfing destinations, the Hallowind will blow again this year.

Apart from the central and the most attractive sport event - European Championship Windsurfing Free Style finals, other contests such as mountain bike race, free climbing, skateboarding and windsurfing formula for Adria and Croatia Cup will take place daily.

And to avoid sportsmen taking all the credit for having a good time, the music part will take place every night according to the 'something for everybody' wise formula.

Everything will end in the traditional Hallowind way - with a techno party!
Kamenjak, AC Stupice
In Premantura, one of the most preferable windsurfing destinations, the Hallowind will blow again this year.

Apart from the central and the most attractive sport event - European Championship Windsurfing Free Style finals, other contests such as mountain bike race, free climbing, skateboarding and windsurfing formula for Adria and Croatia Cup will take place daily.

And to avoid sportsmen taking all the credit for having a good time, the music part will take place every night according to the 'something for everybody' wise formula.

Everything will end in the traditional Hallowind way - with a techno party!
Kamenjak, AC Stupice
In Premantura, one of the most preferable windsurfing destinations, the Hallowind will blow again this year.

Apart from the central and the most attractive sport event - European Championship Windsurfing Free Style finals, other contests such as mountain bike race, free climbing, skateboarding and windsurfing formula for Adria and Croatia Cup will take place daily.

And to avoid sportsmen taking all the credit for having a good time, the music part will take place every night according to the 'something for everybody' wise formula.

Everything will end in the traditional Hallowind way - with a techno party!