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Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
'I visited world's most beautiful city but was left completely terrified'
A freak storm saw huge hailstones fall from the sky in a holiday hotspot Split is a stunning seaside city rich in Roman heritage which residents call "the most beautiful in the world". With flights from many UK airports, it's hardly surprising it's so well-loved. A getaway to Split provides both the opportunity to laze on beaches and immerse yourself in history. Bačvice Bay serves as the city's most favoured beach, boasting crystal-clear waters and mountain panoramas. And amongst the most sought-after activities whilst in Split is embarking on a boat expedition to the city's islands Šolta, Drvenik, and Čiovo. But lumps of ice plummeting from above, blazing trees and roads awash with rushing water aren't exactly what springs to mind for a European European getaway destination loved and visited by around a million people every year. What was meant to be an enjoyable boat excursion around the Croatian city's neighbouring islands rapidly transformed into something resembling a catastrophe film when MyLondon reporter Katherine Gray visited. Katherine said she headed down to the port bright and early for a nine-hour boat journey bearing towels and sunhats as they boarded the boat with excitement. She said: "While there were admittedly some heavy looking clouds looming, we weren't deterred. We're Brits, rain can't stop us. "But just before we disembarked, the heavens opened and a downpour fell from the sky. People were laughing and filming with surprise at the heavy rain. "But smiles quickly turned to screams as gale-force winds began to hit the city, sending chairs and tables flying all over the nearby promenade. Chunks of ice began to fall from the sky as everyone was forced to duck for cover to try and avoid being hit by the ginormous hailstones." The tour guides frantically tried to secure their boat using buoys and ropes, while passengers were directed to go inside it to seek shelter and wait for the storm to pass. She added: "After around 20 minutes we exited the boat and came out to the top deck where we were helped to exit onto the dock. Street furniture was upturned on the pavement and water rushed around the streets. "The boat tour was well and truly postponed until better weather conditions. But the chaos on the streets left us even more shocked as we were forced to wade through streams of water to get home." Online footage also showed trees set on fire due to lightning strikes, while the famous Diocletian's Palace was partially submerged by the heavy downpour. Katherine said on their journey back to their accomodation in the Old Town, locals told them: "Nothing like this has ever happened before in Split." The devastating storm left around 20 people injured, but not seriously, according to Croatia Week. Whilst the hurricane-strength winds and extensive destruction might seem baffling, experts have attributed it to two cyclones that swept across the city. Dr Ivan Güttler, Director of Croatia's State Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ), explained to Croatian broadcaster HRT: "In recent days, two cyclones passed over our area. What made this event unique was that they encountered a warm surface, both land and sea, which had been heated by previous heatwaves." When cooler air meets a heated surface, it can generate convection clouds notorious for producing hail, fierce winds and rainfall. The severe weather turned Split's streets into mayhem, with damage to vegetation and buildings disrupting residents' daily lives. Katherine wasn't too put off by the experience and managed to enjoy the rest of her holiday in the stunning destination. She said: "And although we were left slightly shaken, the experience didn't have much affect on the rest of our lovely week away in Split which I would still happily recommend for anyone looking for a beach holiday this Summer. We were able to return to the dock a little later in the morning and spend a lovely afternoon exploring the Croatian city's beautiful islands."
Scottish Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Closed European seaside neighbourhood to reopen after £37million renovation with new beaches and kids playgrounds
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A COASTAL neighbourhood in Croatia is set to reopen following a £37million project. Žnjan in Croatia has been largely closed to the public since February 2024 due to a revitalisation project. 4 Žnjan is the largest beach in Split, Croatia Credit: Supplied 4 It will reopen in June, following being closed since February last year Credit: Supplied But now it will reopen on June 21 with a number of new amenities. The seafront will have landscaped beaches with over 800 trees and 13,000 shrubs as well as family-friendly areas including children's playgrounds. A video of what the beach will look like also includes climbing frames, palm tree lined paths, lookout points, a splash pad and beach lounger areas. A huge new amphitheatre will open alongside a new car park. New cafes and shops will also open, as well as toilets and changing facilities. Žnjan is known for being the largest beach in Split, with many activities for both children and adults. Along the beach, there are currently trampolines, bouncy castles and electric scooters. There are also a few beach bars and plenty of places to grab a coffee or meal. A promenade connects Žnjan with nearby Trstenik beach. According to Croatia Week, the redevelopment is the city's largest urban project in over 50 years. The pretty coastal city in Europe where you can kayak to hidden beaches has cheap easyJet flights When open, all facilities in at Žnjan will be free and accessible to both locals and visitors. The project was backed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and local development initiatives to make the area into one of the Adriatic's most iconic seaside destinations. Mayor Puljak said: "Žnjan is not just a beach – it is proof that Split has the knowledge, people and strength for large projects." Darijo Saric, Croatian travel expert and CEO of VIP Holiday Booker, said: "The transformation of Žnjan Beach is setting a new standard for luxury tourism on the Adriatic. "Once one of the largest beaches in the Mediterranean, it has now been completely revitalised to provide a premium seaside experience. "From an economic and cultural standpoint, the project is also expected to significantly boost local tourism, support small businesses, and further elevate Split as a luxury travel destination. "Žnjan isn't just a beach - it's becoming a destination." There is also a Croatian beach city with 'perfect' summer temperatures that has new Jet2 flights from the UK. Plus, the tiny European coastal town that used to be its own island that was named top 2024 hidden gem. 4 The beach features light golden sand Credit: Supplied
Euronews
25-03-2025
- Euronews
Croatia's ‘party island' is cracking down on noise. Here's what it means for your summer holiday
ADVERTISEMENT Croatia is the latest country to join the Europe-wide pushback against unruly tourists. The island of Hvar, known as a popular nightlife spot, is now taking steps to curb the antisocial behaviour that comes with its reputation. In a bid to move away from party tourism, Hvar (the town which shares a name with the island) has voted to maintain noise restrictions for the summer, which will have a significant impact on clubs, discos and outdoor venues. There are also several tourist regulations on clothing and behaviour that visitors should be aware of if they don't want to receive a fine. Hvar is rebranding itself as a family-friendly destination Last week, Hvar town councillors voted to maintain restrictions during the summer that limit noise to 85 decibels. Given this is equivalent to a noisy restaurant, it will mean significant changes for the island's popular outdoor clubs that open during peak season - as well as restaurants that host outdoor weddings. The decision reportedly received pushback from restaurants, bars and other businesses. It was met with lobbying from the hospitality sector, which proposed instead to bypass noise rules by declaring the entire island a year-round entertainment zone, local news site CroatiaWeek reports. Related Italy, Slovenia, Croatia: New train line offers ready-made rail adventure for as little as €8 Netherlands, Croatia, Greece: Where it's easiest to chat to locals if you're an English speaker 'I think this is a disaster. We have always supported stricter rules and better monitoring, but now we are going from one extreme to another. This is not the right approach,' Vicko Visković from the hospitality association Dictum Factum told Croatian news site But local authorities want to signal a shift towards a more family-friendly and sustainable tourism model. "In previous years, open-air clubs in Hvar and Split may have encouraged excessive partying among guests and contributed to a 'party destination' image in Croatian tourism,' says Darijo Šarić, CEO of luxury villa rental site VIP Holiday Booker. 'However, Croatia has increasingly built a reputation for being a family-friendly destination, offering cultural richness, natural beauty, and a relaxed atmosphere.' Tourists can be fined up to €700 on the spot for these offences in Croatia The restrictions come amid a wider push for quality tourism across Croatia that benefits local residents. In many town centres, including Split and Dubrovnik, you can get on-the-spot fines of up to €700 for behaviour deemed inappropriate. This includes drinking alcohol or using drugs in public spaces, urinating or vomiting in public spaces, and walking through towns shirtless or in swimwear. You can also be fined up to €4,000 for public order disturbances, including fighting, verbal abuse such as shouting or arguing, and drunken behaviour. Removing noble pen shells - a critically endangered species that plays a key role in the Mediterranean ecosystem - from Croatia's beaches comes with a €67 fine per shell. ADVERTISEMENT 'These fines are intended more to deter bad behaviour rather than to punish anyone,' Šarić says. 'Ultimately, it is about being responsible, ensuring Croatia remains a cherished, safe, and welcoming destination for everyone."
