Susak island - 100% sand

Unique Susak
Susak is one of the most unique islands on the Adriatic coast. It is located in the North Adriatic Sea in the region called Kvarner. Susak's origin, geology, architecture, tradition, animal, plants, language... it is a story for itself. 






A big pile of fine fertile sand

Drawings in sand

I have visited the island dozen of times and each time it amazes me with its uniqness. Like most of the islands in the Mediterranean sea it has a limestone plateau but on top of it Susak has a massive pile of fine fertile sand - which makes it one of a kind. Geologists even today wonder where the sand came from: one theory suggest that it came during the last ice age from river Rasa, while the other one claims that it came from Italian river Po. Whatever the case might be this IS a unique and interesting place to visit.

View of the bay from upper village

Sansego = Oregano
Name Susak or how local call it Sansego, comes from the Greek word Sansegus which means oregano, which is abundant throughout the island. There are two villages on the island: Gorenje selo (upper village) located on the hill and Donje selo (lower village). 

Traditional folk-custome during festival

Tradition folk-custumes and language
Susak is Island that is one of the most distant islands from the Croatian mainland and therefore it has retained many original traditions , such as archaic dialect and folk-costumes that are unique only to this little island. Dialect is impossible to understand whether you're Croatian, Italian, Austrian... Traditional folk-costumes are considered the most beautiful among all Croatian folk-costumes - rich in color and intricate details. Young women wear colorful short ballet tutu-shaped skirt, a matching vest and pink or orange woolen stockings. Now-days, traditional costumes are worn only for special festivities by young woman and men who perform traditional Susak dance. 


Migration to USA

The end of communist regime in 1990 marked a turning point in history of this island. People who have emigrated, once again could freely return to their island. However, due to the fact that most of these people still had jobs, families and their whole new lives in the United States, almost none have returned for good. The ones who retired have chosen to spend their last days on the island where they were born.

Vineyards in sand

Susak has long tradition in growing vine, even from Roman times, so it is considered that Susak wines are one of the best in Croatia. Vineyards are located on the hilltop of the island and it is impressive to see how Susak variety of wine has adapted to sand soil. When you're on Susak make sure you visit Kozulich winery in the upper village and try Sansego or Trojiscina red wine.

Accommodation
There are many houses on Susak that are available for rent. One of the is apartments Tarabokija or check out local agency. In case you are visiting Susak just for the day, then I recommend staying in seaside apartments in nearby island of Losinj.

(text and photos: www.wikipedia.com, www.find-croatia.com, www.tz-malilosinj.hr)

Medieval fair on island of Rab

Island of Rab -  Fair since 1364
Every year in August on island of Rab, situated in the north Adriatic Sea, Rab Tourist Board organizes a medieval summer fair called "Rabska Fjera". This fair dates back to July 21, 1364, when King Ljudevit the Great liberated Rab from Venetians. Fair was revived in 2002 as a town holiday with the main purpose of keeping and developing local and traditional values. 


Medieval Fair in August
If you visit Rab between August 25-27 you will see artisans and craftsmen from the island or Rab whose jobs provided a living in the Middle ages. Many local organizations that nurture traditional crafts, make hand-made products present to visitors how certain objects were crafted back in day day and explain type of living. This is also a cultural/educational event that provides an insight into ancient living. 


Meet the local craftsmen and learn about culture
Several years ago I had a chance to visit Rab during this fair and experience was phenomenal. Three days of concerts, theater plays, street workshops and medieval style parties. Hundreds of people, sposnsored by the Rab City Council, stroll around historic part of the city and seaside promenade in ancient costumes and behaving in manners characteristic for those times. Everyone is very friendly and ready to share information about the event, culture, clothes, concerts...


Opening ceremony
Festivity starts with the opening exhibition of crafts from the middle ages, following the old crafts of fishing. One of the most interesting events is definitely the Knight's Game of Rab, where knights of Rab engage in crossbow competition in the honor of St. Christopher, the patron of Rab, whose relic is stored in the town museum. 


Where to stay on Rab?
Island of Rab is an excellent vacation destination because of its natural beauties and rich cultural heritage. If you would like to find accomodation on Rab check out travel agency Arbia for apartment rental or click here for hotels on Rab.


Stay tuned for new posts!




(photos and text: Rabska Fjera & Rab Touris Board)

Necktie / Kravata / La Cravate / Tie --- country of origin: Croatia

Croatians inventions
Croatians are a very inventive nation. Here are some of the most knows invention coming from croatia: dactyloscopy (fingerprint identification), parachute, double-entry accounting system, torpedo, first health insurance, ball point pen, fountain pen and necktie among many others. In this post I talk a little bit more about the origin of a tie.


Croats start the tie fashion-craze in Europe
When Croatian soldiers came to Paris sometime in 17th century to visit King Louis XIV's court, king was impressed by soldier's small, knotted neckerchiefs around their necks. Because of the difference in pronunciation of word Croat in Croatian - Hrvati, and in French - Croates, the garment gained the name "Cravat". Neckties, or how Parisians called them la Cravate became an instant fashion hit that spread from Paris to the rest of the Europe. 


Looking for a souvenir when visiting Croatia?
So, when you are visiting Croatia and shopping for a perfect souvenire, look no further - tie is the perfect choice. In many tourist resorts along the Adriatic coast you can find specialized stores that sell only neckties, neck scarfs or shawls. One of the most pooular stores is called "Croata"and they even offer limited series of hand-made neckties combining high end materials and  intricate design/patterns. "Croata" brand ties are also available in numerous retail stores, although "Croata" flagship stores offer more than just garments - interior design and ambiance resemble history of a tie. 

Cravate installation around arena in Pula, Croatia

Largest cravate (tie) in the world
A special installation was assembled in city of Pula, Croatia in 2003. It happen to be the largest necktie in the world and it was tied around ancient arena monument. 
Tie facts
• Weight: 450 kg / 992 Lb
• Long: 808 m / 2650 Ft
• Maximal width: 25 m / 82 Ft
• Knot was tied at the height of 21 meters (69 feet) , and was 15 meters wide (50 feet) !


Stay tuned for new posts!


(photos and text: Wikipedia, Croatia.org)

Welcome to my blog!

Dear friends and those yet to become,

I'm a native Croat and after my extensive travels throughout the world I decided it's time to tell you more about Croatia, not in the traditional "travel guide" kind of way but rather with a personal twist to it. I hope this blog will become a reference point for all people planning to visit  Croatia. If you already visited please share your comments, questions, photos or just write something interesting and insightful (like an awesome restaurant you discovered on an island, or a town, village, bar, hidden bay...).

OK, this is more than enough for my first post.

Stay tuned!

p.s. Photo above features a heart-shaped, 0.132 square meter, island of Galešnjak situated in the Adriatic sea, between island of Pašman and Turanj. Polynesia might have Easter Island but Croatia has the Love Island. Now how cool is that?