var(--popover-size));border-radius:var(--chakra-radii-l3);--popover-z-index:var(--chakra-z-index-popover);z-index:calc(var(--popover-z-index) + var(--layer-index 0));outline:0;transform-origin:var(--transform-origin);max-height:var(--available-height);--popover-padding:var(--chakra-spacing-5);}.css-1v5f30s:is([open] [data-state=open]){transform-origin:var(--transform-origin);-webkit-animation-name:scale-in,fade-in;animation-name:scale-in,fade-in;-webkit-animation-duration:var(--chakra-durations-fast);animation-duration:var(--chakra-durations-fast);}.css-1v5f30s:is([closed] @layer recipes{.css-3n6tnx{padding-top:var(--chakra-spacing-4);border-top-style:solid;border-top-width:1px;border-top-color:var(--components-article-header-hero-divider-border-color 0.15));}@media screen and (min-width: 80rem){.css-3n6tnx{padding-top:var(--chakra-spacing-6);}}}@layer recipes{.css-10yri1v{color:var(--semantics-text-paragraph-primary-color 1:40 PM (ET)@layer recipes{.css-107anqq{font-family:var(--chakra-fonts-body);color:var(--components-article-header-hero-author-text-color);font-size:var(--chakra-font-sizes-xs);line-height:1;width:-webkit-fit-content;width:-moz-fit-content;width:fit-content;}html.teamusa-theme .css-107anqq{text-transform:uppercase;}@media screen and (min-width: 80rem){.css-107anqq{font-size:var(--chakra-font-sizes-md);line-height:md;}}}by Gary Abbott The United States will have an experienced and talented team entered in the Beach World Series Final set for October 12-13 at Plava Laguna in Porec This is the fifth and final UWW Beach World Series event for 2024 This event is the highest point-scoring event in the Beach World Series ranking system and will determine the World champion and World medalists in each weight class for the year 2023 Beach World champion Eliana Bommarito will compete at Over 70 kg in the women’s division Heading into the final event of this year’s Beach World Series 1 ranking in her weight class with 70,000 points ahead of second place Liudmyla Pavlovets Tychyna of Ukraine with 51,500 points A strong effort by Bommarito in Croatia could give her a Beach World Series championship for the second straight year Bommarito has won five career Beach World Series gold medals in her career 3 ranking at 70 kg in the Beach World Series rankings men’s Beach wrestler to win a Beach World Series gold medal when he was the champion at Beach World Series Acapulco in Mexico which was the first stop of this year’s tour Among those who will compete in the Beach World Series Final there are two others who hold a current top-10 ranking in their weight class 4 at Over 90 kg men) and Kyle Ferriter (No Ferriter won a bronze medal at the Beach World Series Saint Laurent du Var in France earlier this year gold-medalist Bommarito and bronze medalist Ty Loethen at 80 kg Senior Beach Nationals champion and a past U.S Bommarito was also a 2024 Beach Nationals champion Senior Beach Nationals champions are on the U.S  Jabari Irons (90 kg men) and Mia Macaluso (60 kg women) Athletes who were medalists at the 2024 U.S Nationals who are competing in Croatia are Ferriter Rodrick Love (80 kg men) and Valerie Carreon (50 kg women) The team also has seven champions from the 2024 Carolina Beach Nationals event on the tour plus Mariah Anderson (50 kg women) and Olivia Pizano (70 kg women) The event will be broadcast live on FloWrestling. https://flosports.link/3v37yKX Session times each day are at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. local time. Porec is six hours ahead of U.S. Eastern time zone. 70 kg: Justin Benjamin, St. Charles, Ill.   80 kg: Rodrick Love, Springfield, Ill.    90 kg: Jabari Irons, Fort Meyers, Fla.    90 kg: James Medeiros, Granada Hills, Calif.   Over 90 kg: Kyle Ferriter, Colorado Springs, Colo. Over 90kg: Gabriel Rangel, Moline, Ill.   70 kg: Olivia Pizano, Bethlehem, Pa.   70 kg: Marilyn Garcia, Van Nuys, Calif.   Medical: Jenna Jackson, Marshall, Minn.    Medical: Jon Duplessis, Wilmington, N.C.   UWW Beach Commission:  Ed Duncan, Spruce Pine, N.C.  Team Leader: Jaimie McNab, Colorado Springs, Colo. (Porec is six hours ahead of U.S. Eastern time zone) [data-focus]){outline-width:var(--focus-ring-width 2px);outline-offset:var(--focus-ring-offset solid);outline-color:var(--focus-ring-color);outline:none;}.css-puhhl:is(:focus-visible [data-focus-visible]){box-shadow:none;outline-width:3px;outline-style:solid;outline-color:var(--semantics-focus-light);outline-offset:3px;}.css-puhhl:visited{color:var(--components-rte-light-link-color);}.css-puhhl:visited.css-puhhl:visited:is(:active [data-state=open]){color:var(--components-rte-light-link-color-active);}@media (hover: hover){.css-puhhl:visited:is(:hover [data-disabled]){color:var(--components-rte-light-link-color-hover);}}.css-puhhl.css-puhhl:is(:active [data-state=open]){color:var(--components-rte-light-link-color-active);}@media (hover: hover){.css-puhhl:is(:hover the IHF Men’s World Championship is back and the first day sees four matches being played in Poreč and Herning at Croatia/Denmark/Norway 2025 Reigning champions Denmark will look to extend their unbeaten streak against Algeria in Group B while Italy aim to secure their maiden win in 28 years when they take on Tunisia in Herning All is set in Žatika Sports Centre in Poreč for the start of the 29th IHF Men's World Championship The hunt for the trophy starts with the rematch of the 2015 final between France and Qatar with Guillaume Gille's team carrying the favourites' title In the second Europe versus Asia clash of the group The 29th edition of the IHF Men’s World Championship will throw off in the Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning with a match expected to be a close call While the African side have more experience in this type of situation than Italy the European side provided some excellent results in the last friendly matches Italy are returning after a 28-years hiatus at the IHF Men’s World Championship and have never faced Denmark Tunisia or Algeria so far in any competitive matches and will be the unknown quantity of the group proving their mettle in the Qualification Europe on their way to Croatia/Denmark/Norway 2025 Italy beat Türkiye in the Qualification Europe Phase 1 Italy bounced back and set up a clash against Belgium in the Qualification Europe Phase 2 – Part 1 setting up a clash against Montenegro in the Qualification Europe Phase 2 – Part 2 returning to the world handball flagship competition for the first time in 28 years the European sides will have their work cut out undoubtedly the most experienced player in the team are featuring for the 16th consecutive time and will be looking to avoid the President’s Cup for the first time since 2019 A win for the third best side at the 2024 CAHB African Men’s Handball Championship would go a long way as they will definitely aim for a good result which is due to enhance their chances of progression Tunisia’s last win in the preliminary round at the IHF Men’s World Championship came in 2019 with the last six matches in this phase of the competition seeing two draws and four losses for the African side Denmark will throw off their title-defending campaign at the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship with a match against Algeria the team which finished on the second-to-last position at the previous edition of the competition the reigning champions – which won the title in 2019 2021 and 2023 without dropping a single match – are big favourites in the Jyske Bank Boxen in Herning Riding an unprecedented 28-match unbeaten streak the largest in the history at the IHF Men’s World Championship Denmark will be without two key players which helped them win the last three world titles – captain Niklas Landin and left back Mikkel Hansen the best scorer in history in the competition they still hold a big advantage over the teams in this group having serious firepower in the likes of the top goal scorer and the MVP of the last edition of the world handball flagship competition – Mathias Gidsel – or left back Simon Pytlick with the exuberance of the two players being tempered by some experience coming from fellow Mads Mensah Larsen and Rasmus Lauge Gidsel needs one goal to hit the 100-goal mark at the IHF Men’s World Championship and judging by his current form – he scored 12 goals in 40 minutes in the last friendly match before the start of the competition a 39:20 Danish win against Bahrain – he will surely get off the mark soon enough Algeria might be the runners-up of the 2024 CAHB African Men's Handball Championship but will need to deliver a pitch perfect performance only to stay close to Denmark with thousands of spectators expected to cheer for the reigning world and Olympic champions in Herning Denmark have won five of the six mutual matches with the single loss coming in the preliminary round at the 1995 IHF Men’s World Championship The most recent clash between the two sides was played in 2011 in the preliminary round of the world handball flagship competition France are coming to the Croatia/Denmark/Norway 2025 with a slightly changed squad marking the dawn of a new era following the retirement of the legendary player Nikola Karabatic and goalkeeper Vincent Gerard With redemption on their mind after failing short at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games France are ready to turn the page and show the same strength they did when they won the Men's EHF EURO 2024 Despite having injury problems ahead of the preparations key players like Dika Mem and Elohim Prandi are ready to take the stage fine-tuned their form at the Tournoi de France in Strasbourg where they won against the Czech Republic (37:28) and Portugal (44:38) Benjamin Richert stayed without a ticket to Croatia “I know that we have worked hard and we are more certain now than we were two weeks ago that of matches with stakes and it will bring us even better performance,” says head coach Gille for ffhandball.fr are coming to the world handball flagship competition with a new head coach – the experienced Veselin Vujovic - and dream to get back on track when it comes to placement at the IHF Men's World Championship After a disappointing 22nd place at the 2023 IHF Men’s World Championship the six-time Asian champions are determined to bounce back and make it to the main round They are aiming to come on top of another Asian team The Qatari handball team wrapped up their preparation in Ljubljana Slovenia where they lost to the hosts 30:38 Even though they stated the result was not in focus but the testing of players and tactics They have a tough task at the start of the competition as they are to face France whom they beat only once — at the Golden League tournament in 2016 Austria are stepping into Croatia/Denmark/Norway 2025 still with the momentum of their impressive eight-place finish at the Men's EHF EURO 2024 the team faces a significant challenge as they will be without their standout player Nikola Bilyk who has been instrumental in their recent success This opens the door for fellow back Lukas Hutecek to step up Austria set a clear goal — to be among the top three teams and progress further after missing out on the 2023 edition and competing in the Presidents' Cup in 2019 and 2021 We have played the President's Cup in the past and we definitely don't want that anymore I know that the boys will give it their all from the first minute in the first game,” says head coach Pajovič for oehb.at Austria's opening clash against Kuwait comes at a good moment following mixed results in their pre-tournament preparations Austria suffered defeats to Japan and Poland but managed to win against Tunisia who themselves secured victories over Kuwait (35:34 and 37:31) in their preparations With the two teams never having faced each other Austria will need to adapt to Kuwait's aggressive and shiftable defence this is a return to the World Championship with their last appearance being in the same country — Croatia in 2009 While Kuwait has never placed higher than 15th they have also never fallen below 23rd place and if they want to keep it that way they need to be among the top three teams in the group and avoid the Presidents' Cup they will have to beat a very familiar foe — Qatar if they do not surprise against Austria also By continuing to browse ihf.info, you agree to our terms of use , privacy policy and the use of cookies. For more information, please review our cookie policy By United World Wrestling Press 2024)—The Croatian Wrestling Federation organized an international wrestling camp titled “Learn Use.” The camp took place in the well-established wrestling center of sunny Poreč from April 1 to 6 It catered to girls and boys in the age categories of U13 participants learned the official languages of UWW—English and French The camp was run by Croatian experts – Hrvoje Šavuk coach of the Croatian U15 boys national team (U15 and U17 Boys Group) and coaches of women’s wrestling Croatian national team Nenad Žugaj and Ivan Lončarić (Girls Group) Use' camp work on technique with the Croatian coastline in the background The significant potential of this camp was acknowledged by the UWW and UWW Development Officer Vincent Aka was present from whom both the leaders of groups and the young coaches learned a lot the camp was attended by 22 young female and male coaches who received valuable education at this camp who greatly contributed to the quality of this camp with his knowledge and commitment It was the opportunity to present United World Wrestling Academy to the coaches and invite them to use it to the fullest because all the educational resources are available and free for everyone (coaches Apart from wrestling and language learning sessions the camp also featured organized swimming lessons evening recreational activities and time to watch the European qualifying tournament for the Olympic Games in Paris 2024 Wrestling training took place in three groups on indoor and outdoor courts Learning languages was taught in four groups - three English groups and one French group The atmosphere during the entire camp was excellent which has long been recognized by the wrestlers who come here in large numbers for sport preparations “I had a great time here and I would like to come back next year!” especially the tuna steak.” and “It's painful but there's no fun without pain.” are just some of the comments collected from young female and male wrestlers who attended the first camp in a series called “Learn United World Wrestling 2025 - All rights reserved Three words that describe the first day of the Poreč Millennium Team European Cadet Cup which recently hosted the World Handball Championship again started filling up from the early hours of the morning considering that our first matches were scheduled for eight hours Big numbers and slow hours were not the only things that stood out today the young judokas also had the opportunity to meet their idols today The venue was visited by two Olympic champions Argentine Paula PARETO (-48kg) and Kosovar Majlinda KELMENDI (-52kg) both gold medalists from Rio de Janeiro in 2016 but today in the role of coaches of their national teams The Poreč Millennium Team European Cadet Cup 2025 was opened by the Mayor of the City of Poreč speeches were given before the anthem by Alessandro COMI Special Advisor to the Minister of Tourism and Sports The largest category today was the men’s 66 kg category Serbian Boris JANKOVIĆ climbed to the top of the podium today with a victory in the final against Georgian Gigi KEKVIASHVILI was the largest in the women’s competition Polish Barbara TWARKOWSKA recorded five victories today winning gold with a victory over Aiore MARTIN CARRICHES (ESP) The diversity of quality is shown by the fact that medals were won today by competitors from 12 different countries after the first day the Hungarian team took first place with two golds and two bronzes followed by Serbia and Poland in third place The tournament that Barbara MATIĆ also once won is now a real test for many of the upcoming generation because those who win medals here have most often won medals at major competitions from which a little more was expected today starting at 8 am and another long judo day The morning begins with the categories W -57kg and continues in the afternoon with W -70kg As Croatia prepares to host its first-ever FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in Poreč from 3-9 February the anticipation and excitement are palpable This historic moment signifies a turning point for Croatian hockey providing a platform to showcase the nation’s passion for the sport while inspiring the next generation of players From Tradition to Opportunity: A New Era for Croatian Hockey President of the Croatian Hockey Federation reflects on the significance of this milestone: “The history of hockey in Croatia began way back in 1896 with the first field hockey demonstrations This is a tradition that has been ongoing for 129 years Hosting an FIH World Cup is a huge opportunity for hockey to grow in new regions and significantly increase the number of players Our goal is to turn a small country like Croatia into a big hockey nation We are ready to make this event a spectacular showcase of hockey and ensure we exceed all expectations.” this marks their debut on the global stage Team captain Martina Petretić shares the pride and anticipation of this monumental event: “Playing at the World Cup is a dream come true for every athlete It’s even more special that this event is hosted in our nation and we’re ready to represent Croatia in the best light possible The experience of playing at this level will be something we cherish forever.” Martina believes the versatility gained from playing both formats supplements the team’s overall skills: “Indoor hockey enhances defensive techniques and dribbling in tight spaces skills that are directly transferable to the outdoor game precise decisions required in indoor hockey help us stay sharp in both formats.” Her message to fans is clear: “Come to Poreč and cheer us on Your support gives us the energy to achieve our goals enjoy the World Cup and make unforgettable memories in Croatia!” the pride of wearing their nation’s jersey is amplified by the opportunity to compete at home Team captain Mario Mucić expresses his excitement: “Representing Croatia at the Indoor Hockey World Cup is a remarkable moment We’ll give our best to represent our country and make our supporters proud.” talking about his love for the indoor hockey format It’s a dynamic game that improves goal-scoring and finishing abilities.” The team’s goal for the tournament is ambitious yet focused: “Our objective is to progress beyond the group stage giving our all to make the most of each game.” Mario’s invitation is heartfelt: “Your energy inspires us to push harder Join us in large numbers and cheer us on—we’ll give everything we have to make you proud.” As the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup 2025 approaches Croatia stands ready to welcome the hockey world to Poreč this event promises to leave a lasting legacy for hockey in Croatia and beyond and officials alike can look forward to an unforgettable tournament showcasing the best of indoor hockey on a global stage For more information about the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Croatia 2025, click here Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries Istria offers all sorts of amazing experiences from medieval hill towns to rural gastronomy Istria’s coastal towns are lapped by sparkling waters and its rocky shores are dotted with fortifications constructed by the Venetians who once ruled here you’ll encounter stone villages and hilltop towns encircled by neat rows of vineyards and olive groves.  Istria’s small size makes it easy to navigate, and its towns and villages are well-connected by highways, bus services and train networks. Biking and hiking are also popular ways to explore picturesque towns like Pula, Poreč Start by adding these 20 best things to do to your Istria itinerary.  Any visit to the historic coastal town of Pula should begin at its harbor-facing Roman Amphitheater this beloved architectural icon is one of only six Roman amphitheaters still standing today and it's often used as a venue for concerts and performances.  lies the Malo Rimsko Kazalište (Small Roman Theatre) it’s a popular venue for concerts and cultural events walk through the Arch of the Sergii and follow Sergijevaca looking out for signs pointing to the town’s Roman mosaics.  Planning tip: Check the schedule for events at the Pula Arena; big-name music stars perform here regularly, and the theater hosts the Pula Film Festival in July The best-known and most unusual attraction in the town of Vodnjan is hidden behind the magnificent altars of neo-baroque St Blaise’s Church In a dimly lit room lie the miraculously preserved mummies of four saints transported here from Venice in 1818.  The church also serves as a repository for more than 300 other relics bones and other macabre body parts from 150 saints kept in its sacristy Istria’s tradition of making olive oil dates back to the Romans There are close to 100 olive oil producers in Istria many of them small family farms that are internationally recognized for their high-quality extra-virgin olive oils.  Visitors can learn about the entire production process as part of a tasting experience at Chiavalon, just north of Vodnjan. At Oio Vivo near Galižana you can take in views of the Brijuni Islands while sampling premium Istrian olive oils paired with local gastronomic delicacies Rising over the hilltop town of Pazin, Pazin Castle is the best-preserved medieval fortress in Istria first mentioned in the 10th century in a document written by the Holy Roman Emperor Otto II this robust fortification is the city’s most commanding landmark.  After serving as a town hall for many centuries, it now houses two museums covered by the same entry fee: Pazin City Museum and the Ethnographic Museum of Istria The ethnographic collections paint a fascinating picture of what everyday life was like in Istria in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  Planning tip: Located in the center of Istria Pazin is served by buses and trains from many other cities in the region making it a convenient base for travelers relying on public transport.  It’s a short ferry ride from the small port town of Fažana on Istria’s southwest coast to Veliki Brijun, the main island of Brijuni National Park which preserves a remarkable collection of ancient sights.  This car-free island doubles as a fascinating open-air museum of Roman ruins dinosaur footprints and archaeological finds The island is also home to diverse flora and fauna and you can walk or rent a bicycle or electric golf cart to explore.  Planning tip: Download the Brijuni Pocket Guide a handy mobile app detailing all of the park’s attractions and services in eight languages Part of a cluster of scenic islets to the south of Rovinj Red Island (Crveni Otok) is 20 minutes from the city by ferry and well worth visiting for its ruins and scenery Red Island is actually two islands linked via a causeway – tiny Sv Andrija (St Andrew) and even tinier Maškin.  On arrival, you can explore the sun-bleached ruins of a 6th-century monastery and church, and stop for refreshments at Island Hotel Istra Sv Andrija is traced with rocky and pebbly beaches while Maškin is quieter with plenty of secluded rocky coves Planning tip: You don’t need to leave Rovinj to find appealing swimming spots Balota Beach is a rocky beach just below the walls of the old town and a fantastic sunset spot.  The historic town of Rovinj is loved for its ancient, seafront old town. Start your explorations on The Grisia, a lane of slippery cobbles that slopes upwards to Rovinj’s highest point, dominated by imposing St Euphemia's Church The lower end of The Grisia drops through the white stone Balbi Arch into harbor-facing Marshall Tito Sq (Trg Maršala Tita) – take a moment to admire this baroque gateway a 17th-century replacement for the original gate to the old city Planning tip: Rovinj is best explored without a checklist of sights to tick off Its best feature is its special atmosphere centuries-old lanes without a plan and let the city work its magic based on the German Freikörperkultur (“Free Body Culture,” or FKK) movement and Istria’s coastline has some of the biggest and best-developed naturist resorts and campgrounds in the country.  Planning tip: To identify the nudist beaches but you’ll need to be comfortable disrobing as part of a visit.  The cobblestone alleyways of Poreč are lined with an appealing mix of Gothic palazzos (mansions) and Romanesque and baroque buildings occupied by bars the old town is a highly atmospheric place to wander.  The open square of Trg Marafor was once the ancient Roman forum and it’s still the center of day-to-day life Look up to see the wooden upper balcony of the 13th-century Romanesque House Nearby lie the scattered stone remains of the 1st-century Temple of Neptune Planning tip: As well as walking, it’s easy to get around the small city of Poreč by bicycle. Look out for bike stations where you can rent e-bikes and bicycles by the hour through the Poreč Bike Share scheme Poreč’s star attraction is the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica a treasure dating to 553 CE and one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in Europe The complex includes an early Christian church with splendid gold-leaf mosaics decorating its apse the complex becomes an atmospheric venue for classical concerts that recall the basilica’s medieval heyday Planning tip: Via the octagonal baptistery you can access a stairway climbing to the top of a 16th-century bell tower for sweeping views over Poreč’s old town.  Following the popular Parenzana Trail is one of the best ways to take in the natural beauty of the Istrian peninsula The trail takes its name from the narrow-gauge railway that ran along this scenic route from 1903 to 1935.  In 2006, the route of the railway was resurrected as an off-road trail that weaves through bucolic landscapes to scenic hill towns, with signboards marking the location of each of the 35 original stations. The 123km (76.5-mile) trail passes through Istria and continues into Slovenia and Italy; the easiest place to join the Croatian section is at Poreč.  When visiting the pretty seaside town of Vrsar between Poreč and Rovinj, keep an eye out for the stone sculptures gracing many of the town’s squares and parks and its waterfront promenade. New works are created annually during the summertime by the Montraker International Sculpture School using stone from the nearby Montraker quarry.  immortalized in bronze near the church of St Antony of Padua For one of the best viewpoints over the city rooftops and nearby islands climb the internal staircase of the bell tower at St Martin’s Church a stone staircase descends to the marina and city beaches a quiet spot showcasing the work of late artist and park creator Perched on a hilltop and blessed with medieval good looks, Motovun is one of Istria’s most iconic villages Encircling a well-preserved citadel dating back to Venetian times are massive 13th-century walls punctuated by fortified towers – one of two tiers of stone defenses that once protected Motovun.  Must-see stops on a walking tour include the Venetian loggia on Borgo and the archway of the main city gate, which opens onto Trg Andrea Antico, a handsome square dominated by a Romanesque Town Hall and the 18th-century Church of St Stephen.  Detour: For a taste of medieval times in Motovun, watch a demonstration of traditional hand-printing on a replica of a Gutenberg press at Tiskara Antico The deep forests at the base of Motovun lure truffle hunters, who comb the countryside for these elusive and valuable fungi, including the highly prized Tuber magnatum pico (white truffle). Visitors can sign up for a three-hour truffle hunting experience at Miro Tartufi including a truffle tasting session.  Motovun’s foothills are encircled by tidy rows of lush vineyards where several notable wineries welcome lovers of fine wine to drop in for a taste. Start by sampling typical Istrian wines in the light-filled tasting room and shop at Vina Fakin a local winery that has scooped up prestigious awards for its Malvazija and Teran wines Other notable wineries include Tomaz Winery, which features a chic, contemporary tasting room with views over the verdant family vineyards, and Roxanich Winery Planning tip: For wine lovers staying the night in Motovun, the Roxanich Design Hotel offers cozy rooms with a retro design vibe an infinity pool and a fine-dining restaurant One of Istria’s loveliest and best-restored villages Grožnjan is a charming tangle of cobbled lanes browse its art galleries and listen out for the sound of violin or piano music drifting from the studios where musicians rehearse a serpentine road winds through pine forests to the ancient village of Oprtalj where forlorn ruins sit shoulder to shoulder with restored stone buildings.  Detour: Istria is dotted with many more historic settlements that are worth exploring and Hum – hailed as the world’s smallest town The Mirna River Valley is an epicurean dream offering some unique experiences for the traveling gourmand. Start by sampling traditional Istrian specialties prepared with local ingredients at Konoba Mondo a charming tavern in Motovun’s old town.  Dining at Ponte Porton in Kostanjica near Grožnjan has a homestyle feel, with Istrian cuisine served in a rustic tavern setting. Owned by the holder of the record for unearthing the world’s largest truffle, Giancarlo Zigante, Restaurant Zigante in Livade offers truffle-tasting as part of a gourmet dining menu.  Planning tip: As you travel around the valley look out for green signs marking stops on the so-called Olive Oil Rd (Cesta Maslinova Ulja) pointing the way to the tasting rooms of local olive oil producers Tucked into the forest at the base of the hilltop town of Beram you’ll find the modest-looking St Mary of the Rocks church which contains some of the most magnificent frescoes in Istria.  Covering its walls and ceilings in multi-hued tones are the creations of Vincent of Kastav The most striking fresco is a depiction of the Dance of the Dead gracing the wall above the main entrance.  Equally splendid are the wall-to-ceiling frescoes of tiny St Rocco Church in charming Draguć a scenic 25-minute drive northeast from Pazin Built in the 16th century as a votive offering following an outbreak of the plague Local tip: Country churches in Istria are often kept locked outside mass times but a key is usually entrusted to someone living in the village who will gladly open doors to curious visitors Just ask a local to guide you to the right person It’s a scenic drive from Pula to Rabac on the east coast of the peninsula a former fishing village reinvented as a popular beach resort The best beaches are east of town along the promenade lined with beautiful white pebbles and lapped by turquoise-blue waters.  Lovely St Andrea is made up of a sequence of small pebbly coves. At Lanterna Beach, the thatched sun umbrellas and blue waters could almost fool you into believing you were in the Caribbean. Girandella Beach has small sheltered bays and a gently sloping shoreline that is popular with families with small children Planning tip: While visiting the beautiful beaches of Rabac look out for krafi – a traditional delicacy shaped like large ravioli and filled with a mix of cheese Venetian architecture defines much of the old town in historic Labin with the porch-like Loggia on Tito’s Sq being one of the best examples the winged Lion of St Mark smiles down at you as you pass through the town’s 17th-century walls a reminder that this was indeed once Venetian territory.  the cobblestones slope gently upwards to lovely Stari trg lined with buildings painted in tones of ochre the former town hall now houses the municipal court while the Romanesque building topped with a clock tower is the Teatrino you’ll find another cluster of architectural highlights including the 14th-century Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the bright-red baroque Battiala-Lazzarini Palace the eye-catching home of the Labin Public Museum.  Planning tip: You can join free walking tours on Tuesday nights during the summer to learn more about the old town when it is at its most atmospheric.  This article was adapted from Lonely Planet's Croatia guidebook published in March 2024. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Croatia bringing supporters from across Central Europe to Istria next February tickets go on sale for the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup indoor hockey is played with six members on each team Men and women will be competing for separate prizes As the best exponents are from Central Europe – including Germany Czechia and champions Austria – there should be plenty of atmosphere at the Zatika Arena with so many travelling fans coming to Istria the hall on the outskirts of Poreč has already staged the Men's World Handball Championships Tickets can be purchased here. The schedule can be found here.  facebooktwitterinstagramAbout us Following the conclusion of the first six groups of the preliminary round of the 2025 IHF Men’s World Championship in Croatia the International Handball Federation has released the schedule for two of the four groups of the main round as well as for one of the two groups of the President’s Cup The top three teams from each of the four concluded groups in the preliminary round have advanced to the main round taking with them the points secured against the other qualified teams while the fourth-placed sides went directly to the President’s Cup and fast-paced action of indoor hockey is just one month away as the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup 2025 approaches with the country hosting its first FIH World Cup the tournament promises to bring together the world’s best teams in a spectacular showcase of skill The FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup is renowned for its electrifying atmosphere Played on a smaller field with boards lining the boundaries the indoor format elevates the intensity and makes for edge-of-the-seat action that captivates fans worldwide The 2025 edition will feature 12 men’s and 12 women’s teams Powerhouses like Austria and Germany will look to defend their legacies while rising stars and underdogs aim to make history Hockey is more than just a game—it’s a unifier The Indoor World Cup will once again celebrate the diversity and global appeal of hockey with athletes and fans from all corners of the world coming together to share their love for the sport The 2025 edition also welcomes two men's and two women's teams that will make their debut on the big stage with Croatia and Malaysia debuting in the men's competition while it will be Croatia and Thailand marking their first appearance in the women's side Participating teams in the men’s competition include Argentina Thailand and the United States competing for the top prize Whether you’re planning to watch live in Poreč For more details on the event including the information on the complete match schedule and the platform to purchase tickets, click here Let the countdown to the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Croatia 2025 begin actors and acrobats to entertain the public over the course of six days in the streets and squares of Istria's prime resort What began in 2001 as a casual event for artists who prefer to express themselves outdoors is now one of the biggest dates in the cultural calendar in Poreč This major resort on Istria’s west coast is now gearing up for the 24th edition of this six-day celebration of urban entertainment Street Art Poreč brings together musicians to fill the city’s streets and squares with lively shows and performances of every kind Aiming to delight the many summer visitors, SAP also operates as a platform for exchanging innovative ideas. Look out for the schedule on the Facebook page of organisers Street Art Poreč, August 20-25. The FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Croatia 2025 promises to be one of the most exciting events in the indoor hockey calendar bringing together the world’s top teams for a high-paced Set to take place in the historic city of Poreč the event will see elite men’s and women’s teams from across the globe battle for supremacy in this unique and fast-paced format of the game The ticket sales for the event have begun today and can be purchased by clicking here (English) or here (Croatian) The 2025 Indoor Hockey World Cup will be hosted at the Zatika Arena one of Croatia's premier indoor sports venues this state-of-the-art facility has previously hosted major international sporting events making it the ideal location for this global hockey spectacle Fans can expect a vibrant atmosphere as the world's best teams compete in an environment designed to enhance the viewer experience The FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup will feature 12 men's teams and 12 women's teams each representing the best of indoor hockey from across their respective continents known for its strong indoor hockey tradition will once again provide formidable competitors with Austria men returning to defend their title while German men’s and women’s teams will each look to add to their tally of three world cup trophies and Oceania will also showcase their talents with many nations seeking to establish dominance or claim their first title in the indoor format While Germany and Austria have traditionally been powerhouses in indoor hockey who will once again be in the mix for the title and podium places This diverse mix of teams ensures a thrilling tournament full of surprises Indoor hockey is known for its intensity and the high technical qualities required Games are shorter than traditional outdoor hockey with perimeter boards on the sides keeping the ball in play for longer adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the competition The 12 teams (in men’s and women’s competition) have been placed into three pools of four teams each The top-8 teams from across the three pools will qualify for the quarterfinals while the remaining teams will play in the 9-12 position playoffs The schedule for the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Croatia 2025 can be found here This is the first time that Croatia will host a global FIH event and the country is gearing up to welcome players and fans from all over the world With a growing stature in international hockey Croatia's hockey community is excited to showcase its facilities and passion for the sport on the global stage The event is not only a significant opportunity for Croatian hockey but also for fans worldwide to experience the sport in a new and vibrant setting The FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup Croatia 2025 is set to deliver unforgettable moments of sporting excellence with the world’s best indoor hockey players ready to compete at the highest level the anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a spectacular event that will bring together the global hockey community in celebration of the indoor format FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “With the launch of the ticketing process the 2025 FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup in Poreč in particular for the fans who can now make sure that they won’t miss the party This is all the more exciting that Croatia will host an FIH World Cup for the very first time It’s a commitment from FIH and from myself to organise our events in new territories Croatian Hockey Federation President Damir Hrupec added: “We are very proud that the Croatian Hockey Federation is organising the FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup 2025 in Poreč We welcome you all to join this tournament The Croatian Hockey Federation and all hockey players in Croatia can't wait to show how "small" hockey countries are capable of organising such a big event I am convinced that everyone who comes will enjoy top-class indoor hockey Mark your calendars for this exciting showcase of skill O postare distribuită de IHF (@ihfworldhandball) President of Valamar’s Management Board visited the construction site of Hotel Pical and the Pical zone marking progress on one of the most significant projects in Croatian tourism Construction is proceeding according to plan thus strengthening Poreč’s sports infrastructure “The Pical project brings a new dimension to tourism in our city—one that operates all year round and benefits not only visitors but also our citizens I am particularly pleased that we have worked together to ensure that Pical a place where we Poreč residents grew up and enjoyed the sea with high-quality public amenities such as promenades swimming pools available to our sports clubs and residents Poreč has long been setting tourism standards and projects like this ensure we continue evolving into a year-round destination where tourism benefits everyone—from hospitality businesses and entrepreneurs to our athletes and families,” stated Loris Peršurić Hotel Pical 5* will deliver the highest level of quality welcoming 2,000 guests throughout the year The hotel will also feature the largest conference centre in Istria further strengthening position of Poreč in the business tourism market Expanding this segment will extend the tourist season to 365 days a year and increase tourism revenues outside the summer months Other key features include the Maro World play area for unstructured play and the development of multiple children’s playgrounds all of which will also be available to Poreč residents “The investment in Hotel Pical represents a transformation of Poreč tourism towards year-round operations and high-quality offerings The direct economic impact of opening Hotel Pical includes an additional €3 million annually for the city’s budget as well as nearly €15 million in new spending at restaurants and recreational facilities in the Pical zone have always been Poreč will now have pools for swimming and training benefiting our local sports clubs,” said Željko Kukurin The project will have a strong positive impact on the local economy and entrepreneurs The hotel’s construction is being led by Croatian companies with numerous local businesses and tradespeople involved suppliers for interior fittings and equipment The contribution to the local economy will continue beyond the hotel’s opening as Valamar ensures a high proportion of domestic products in its operations—78% of food and beverages come from Croatia Valamar consistently collaborates with Croatian producers including more than 100 local suppliers from Istria the Pical zone will gain immense value—not only as Croatia’s most attractive tourism area but also as a vibrant year-round space with extensive amenities for both local residents and visitors May 06, 2025 86 Interviews May 06, 2025 315 Dubrovnik May 05, 2025 288 Times Travel May 05, 2025 565 Dubrovnik May 04, 2025 1004 Croatia May 04, 2025 687 Opinion May 04, 2025 898 Croatia May 03, 2025 965 Dubrovnik May 03, 2025 1171 Croatia IBA / NEWS April 4th, 2024 / EUBC April 10th, 2025 / IBA, IBA President March 10th, 2025 / IBA May 5th, 2025 / IBA May 1st, 2025 / IBA.Pro Croatia (June 11) --- In a world where sport events have transcended their traditional boundaries the Porec Wrestling Festival 2023 is set to revolutionize the wrestling scene Supported by United World Wrestling (UWW) and set in a beautifu coastal resort in the Istria region in Croatia this festival is much more than just a wrestling competition Olympic Solidarity Technical Course for Coaches and Referees The Olympic Solidarity Technical Course for Coaches and Referees was successfully conducted with the support of the Croatian National Olympic Committee and United World Wrestling The courses took place May 24-28 at the Valamar Diamant Hotel in Poreč led by the UWW-certified educator Gary MAYAAB (USA) The main focus of this course was to introduce coaching techniques and emphasize safety measures for young Croatian coaches a five-day 'Introduction to Refereeing' course was conducted simultaneously a UWW-certified referee educator and UWW IS category referee from Croatia "The coaches were very knowledgeable and technically balanced in their skills," said Gary Mayabb  Their experience level is high for being relatively young on average the future of Croatian wrestling is bright/ They are smart passionate and can articulate about "WHY" they coach." Wrestlers were going big at the Wrestling Festival Tournament in Porec Adriatic Trophy & Wrestling Festival Tournament The Adriatic Trophy (U20) and Wrestling Festival Tournament (U15 & U17) took place on May 27-28 providing a platform for over 300 Greco-Roman and women's wrestlers (U15 and U20) to demonstrate their skills on a grand stage With the endorsement of United World Wrestling this tournament ensured the highest level of competition attracting top talent from various countries It served as an inclusive platform for all wrestlers to showcase their abilities and shine On tap to watch the action was Cuba's esteemed four-time Olympic Champion Olympic champions Zhan BELENIUK (UKR) and Mijain Lopez drill together at the Greco-Roman training camp in Croatia One of the standout features of the 2023 Porec Wrestling Festival is UWW's incorporation of the women’s training camps to help athletes refine their techniques and tactical insights Croatia is known for its high-level Greco-Roman camps Olympic bronze medalist Clarissa CHUN (USA) led a women’s training camp with 13 nations and over 100 women’s wrestling athletes  this is the biggest women’s wrestling training camp Croatia has ever hosted and we are determined to continuously grow women’s wrestling in the region,’ said Secretary General of the Croatian Wrestling Federation Tin BREGOVIC "Majority of our women’s wrestlers are young and this camp offered a great opportunity for them to learn from esteemed coaches and practice with other women athletes at their age to promote skill development The combination of world-class coaches and international participants will undoubtedly lead to a significant boost in the overall wrestling landscape." Edit DOZSA (ITA) also provided a session on women’s wrestling rules on May 30 a Women's Wrestling Rules Game Night was organized in the evening to help reinforce the knowledge learned in a fun and competitive environment A ‘Safeguarding Athletes’ session was also conducted for all participating athletes and coaches on June 1 A post shared by Olympic Wrestling (@unitedworldwrestling) Vice President of Japan Wrestling Federation Chairperson and President of Shigakkan University Club manager and Team Doctor of the Wrestling Club of Shigakkan University University of Zagreb led the educational seminars for the coaches and athletes cantered on the areas of women’s wrestling injury prevention nutrition and physical fitness preparation for elite wrestlers The Porec Wrestling Festival was a great success combing training sessions with educational seminars and allowing coaches and athletes from different nations to have an expert exchange platform Combined with social events and excursions the festival was truly a celebration of wrestling helping to bring together top experts and athletes from the sport The Porec EJU OTC is an annual celebration in the EJU calendar bringing together hundreds of athletes from around the world for randori Aside from the beautiful surroundings and the sound of water lapping the shore as you enter the Sportshall on the Plava Laguna resort it’s the sound of feet sweeping the tatami bodies being thrown and coaches assisting their athletes the Cadet Training Camp is also in full effect with 286 and 72 staff Istrian hotel group Valamar has just presented its €139 million project to create a five-star tourist resort in Poreč, where the company is based. Due to open before the season starts in 2026, the Pical resort north of town will be the largest single investment of its kind to be initiated in Croatia. While the complex, comprising more than 500 accommodation units, eight restaurants, ten bars and an expansive spa centre, is aimed at attracting holidaying visitors, Valamar CEO Željko Kukurin was quick to point out the benefits for local residents. The general public will be able to take advantage of the walking trails, cycle paths, beach, pools and other sports facilities. A conference centre will be the largest in the region, and should encourage year-round activity here on Istria’s west coast. Lauren Simmonds 2025 – The largest investment in Croatian tourism can be found in Istria where a massive 200 million euros is being poured into just one location As Jutarnji list/Barbara Ban writes construction is currently in full swing in Poreč where the largest investment in Croatian tourism this enormous investment will alter Istria’s tourism scene The works are progressing according to plan and the opening of the result of the largest investment in Croatian tourism is planned for early 2026 The Pical hotel will offer year-round tourism of the highest quality create new permanent jobs and generally contribute to a better quality of life for the residents of Poreč By investing a staggering 200 million euros in the Pical zone alone public tourism infrastructure will be developed indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a number of other facilities that will be available to tourists and the local population alike through cooperation with various sports clubs Valamar will ensure the use of the indoor 25-metre and outdoor 50-metre pools for training children and athletes from local clubs The company will also strongly contribute to strengthening the sports and recreation infrastructure across Poreč “The massive Pical project is bringing with it a new dimension of tourism to this city – one that will last all year round and benefit not only guests I’m particularly pleased that we’ve managed to work together to ensure that Pical where Poreč’s residents grew up and enjoyed the sea continues to be a place accessible to everyone There will be high quality public facilities such as promenades swimming pools that will be available to our sports clubs and residents Poreč has been setting standards in tourism for years now and projects like these ensure that we’re developing towards a year-round destination where everyone will benefit from tourism – from restaurateurs and companies to local athletes and families,” statedd the Mayor of the City of Poreč Hotel Pical 5* will bring the highest level of quality and 2,000 new guests throughout the year The largest congress centre on the Istrian peninsula which will position Poreč more strongly in the business group market The expansion of this type of offer will enable the extension of the tourist season to 365 days and increase tourism revenues for the Poreč outside of the summer season it’s worth highlighting the Maro World playhouse and the construction of a series of children’s playgrounds that will also be available to children from Poreč the largest investment in Croatian tourism represents a change in Poreč tourism towards doing year-round business and high-quality tourism The direct economic effects of opening Hotel Pical are a fresh 3 million euros each year for the city budget and almost 15 million euros of further spending in restaurants and other recreational facilities in the Pical zone have been and will remain available to both locals and guests We’re especially thrilled that we’ll now have swimming pools and training facilities for our local sports clubs,” said Željko Kukurin The largest investment in Croatian tourism will have a strong positive impact on the local economy and local businesses The construction of the hotel is being led by Croatian companies with other domestic enterprises involved in the construction The contribution to the local economy will continue after the hotel opens since Valamar ensures a high share of domestic products in its operations as much as 78% of the food and beverages it serves come from elsewhere in Croatia Valamar continuously cooperates with Croatian manufacturers including more than 100 local suppliers from across Istria itself With the completion of this enormous project the Pical zone will gain a completely new value – as the most attractive tourist zone in all of Croatia It will also be recognised as a tourist space that remains alive all year round with plenty of quality amenities for local residents and visitors alike The IRONMAN 70.3 Porec is a relatively recent addition to the half-distance racing calendar and while this amazingly picturesque race is only in its third year Porec is now host to the biggest triathlon in Croatia and South East Europe The historical seaside town on the Istrian peninsula was already a popular destination for sporty types and tourists so throw in the organisational power of the M-Dot brand and this 70.3 is perfect for triathletes and their supporters alike then this triathlon really has the whole package – a swim course in warm a fast bike leg through stunning scenery topped off with sea-front run cobbles and enough Roman ruins to satisfy the biggest Gladiator fan a trip to Porec feels like you’re on your jollies sea and sport – the three S’s that must surely add up to any triathlete’s paradise destination The race venue is all set within the Zelena holiday resort just south of the town with the race village spread across between the Hotel Molindrio Plava Laguna and the race’s official hotel the 4 star Hotel Parentium Plava Laguna located right on the start/finish line Discounts codes are available for race competitors The race village hosts the usual offerings from the 70.3 Expo bike service and the welcome banquet alongside last minute swim and bike training sessions and the oh-so-needed post race massage and pasta party Getting to Porec is fairly simple with Pula the nearest airport 45km away (Trieste and Venice airports are also options given its proximity to Italy) with public shuttle buses to transport you into the town then just park up in one of the town’s many car parks when you first arrive and then go on foot for the rest of your stay as all the event locations are close by As one of Croatia’s most popular holiday resorts B&Bs etc to suit all tastes and wallets Camping Zelena Laguna site is right next to the race village so you can just roll out of your tent and into your wetsuit The course suits all levels whether you’re dipping your toe into the world of 70.3 for the first time or you’re a veteran chasing a World Champs slot Those who hate freezing cold lakes will find the warm crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea with an average temperature of 18-20C (wetsuits are optional) truly inviting The point -to-point swim route hugs the headland of the Zelena resort and finishes in a sheltered bay making it perfect for those not so confident in open water The route also makes it easy for spectators trying to spot you although the rolling start helps avoid the usual washing machine of bodies And with both the start and finish on golden sandy beaches means no sharp pebbles T1 is just a short sprint across the race village then you’ll soon be on the out-and-back course which isn’t technically difficult and closed to traffic making it ideal for first timers There are no big climbs – total elevation is just 600 metres – with three u-turns points on the undulating route The main leg takes you out into the spectacular countryside passed olive groves and vineyards (these aren’t the water stations before you ask!) onto a long highway stretch where you can really put the hammer down and go for that PB the race organisers recommend a time-trial bike if you were looking for an excuse to buy one… out and back course with a gorgeous route that takes you along the coast all the way to the centre of Poreč and north towards the bay of Saladinka before heading back south towards Zelena resort Hopefully the spectacular views of the glistening Adriatic Sea and medieval city of Porec will provide enough distraction from burning thighs and lungs until you hit the red carpet finish line and get that iconic medal around your neck the race village offers all the usual facilities like toilets and food and sponsors stalls as well as the Ironman Expo where you can pick up exciting new kit or just a few extra inner tubes In the race village nothing is more than a five minute walk away so supporters can happily spend the day following the action and soaking up the atmosphere as well as grabbing the best spots at the start/finish lines and the transition zones The swim course around the Zelena resort headland is probably the most spectator friendly part but friends and family can easily walk out along the seaside route to watch the runners pounding up and down the seafront Just be warned – don’t let anyone including your kids join you crossing the finish line or after all that effort Most of the course is accessible for spectators with disabilities and thanks to the wonders of technology anyone can simply follow the race from the comfort of their sun-lounger by downloading the Ironman tracking app Peroc has something to entertain you and the whole family If sunbathing on the golden sands becomes too much head to the old town with its warren of cobbled streets filled with charming cafes by day and buzzing bars by night The town’s countless restaurants are the perfect place to sample the local delicacies – seafood is on every menu and you won’t find truffles there are Roman sites around every corner and the sixth century gem-filled mosaics in the Euphrasian Basilica the architecture looks like its barely changed from the days of Julius Caesar kids will love the thrill of going underground into the magnificent Baredine Cave a grotto filled with impressive stalagmite and stalactites 6km north of the town there are loads of day trips for foodies such as olive oil tasting and of course some fabulous local wineries but just make you’ve decided who is the designated driver… Join us for a scenic coastal run through the old town of Poreč More event inspiration with our Let's Race.. March 14th, 2022 / IBA The European Boxing Confederation’s first big competition EUBC U22 European Boxing Championships opened with 17 preliminary contests in Porec The Croatian Boxing Federation hosted a big event last time in 2016 when the EUBC Schoolboys European Boxing Championships took place in Zagreb Turkey star Kerem Ozmen and Croatian powerful Noa Jezek were the best in the opening day of boxing in Porec The number of participants is 319 from 39 countries including 103 girls in the new edition of the EUBC U22 European Boxing Championships 2002 and 2003 are eligible to participate in the upcoming EUBC U22 European Boxing Championships 14:00 – Day8 competition with the semi-finals 14:00 – Day9 competition with the women’s finals 14:00 – Day10 competition with the men’s finals Matthew Brennan and Team Visma | Lease a Bike Development have not missed their start to the season in Croatia After winning the Umag Trophy last Wednesday 18-year-old Brennan also managed to win the Poreč Trophy The Briton beat Lorenzo Conforti and Rasmus Søjberg Pedersen with an ultimate effort "Our aim was to make the race hard from the start Darren (van Bekkum) ended up with two fellow escapees in the front we did everything we could to defend his attack "The escapees held on for a long time," the first-year U23 rider continued "It looked like they would hold out until the end even though it was going very fast behind them I decided to make a move to the front alone in the finale so I'm very happy that I was able to finish it off for the team." Brennan was also the strongest in the Umag Trophy last Wednesday on his debut for the Dutch WorldTour formation's development team Now he also managed to win his second race in the U23 category With his victory in the Poreč and Umag Trophy he follows in the footsteps of Olav Kooij again who also won both Croatian races in his first season in the U23 category in 2020 Subscribe yourself for the Team Visma | Lease a Bike newsletter and receive previews for races the annual Vinistra trade fair marks 30 years of showcasing Istria’s successfully revived wine industry Featuring more than 120 winegrowers and makers this three-day event takes place at the Žatica sports hall in Poreč where oenophiles can sample the best tipples the region has to offer – and meet the producers who create them As regularly acknowledged by the experts at Decanter magazine, Istria's wines have garnered global acclaim in recent years, the Benvenuti brothers of Motovun claiming three gold medals alone at the most recent awards ceremony Vinistra also includes a gourmet zone for top-quality Istrian products such as olive oil Vinistra, Žatica sports hall, Vukovarska 3, 52440 Poreč. May 10-12. Tickets available here. a press conference was held at the Hotel Parentium demonstrating one of the many reasons that Poreč Croatia is the host of such an important event EJU President Dr László TÓTH opened the conference explaining that of course it can be in a more official setting but this is a special place to discuss Croatian Judo and EJU goals and is an opportunity to be utilised The ethos of the European Judo Union is that ‘judo is more than sport’ I was in Slovenia over the last couple of weeks and between two competitions I decided to go for a walk in a tracksuit So I started walking around the area and met a woman an official and I asked her about the event She explained what it was and when I asked what it meant she told me that judo is more than a sport and that it is an education I think everyone has a different opinion but I believe it is more than sport and gives us a special life 700 veterans were participating in the European Championships also the Kata European Championships had record numbers there was also a special Kodokan seminar.  and when we watch professional sports and final blocks we look at times and planning but for this seeing how these older men and women are doing judo and they are strong healthy. We are not only preparing for Olympic Games judo can start when they’re 4 and 5 years old and it is important to treat it like an education That being said we need heroes like this woman to my side to increase the visibility of the sport. We are here in Croatia because of this wonderful Judo Festival it may be the sixth year of the official EJU event but Croatia have been running this for fifteen years now and many countries offer something similar bringing so many people together and we must remember that it was the first place to host an event following the pandemic The Croatian Judo Federation organizes a large number of competitions and events the Judo Festival is extremely important for us Exactly what Dr Tóth said “Judo is more than a sport!” and this event is actually proving that fact in one place in this kind of environment provided by Poreč and the “Zelena Laguna” we enable children on the tatami who have just started doing judo and Olympic Champions to somehow they can meet each other we started the Judo & Family project with the idea of bringing together families with children who practice judo to have an interesting vacation this has grown into a great event that gathers over 1,500 judokas World and European Champions have been coming to Poreč for many years Poreč has proven to be an ideal destination for judokas This is an extremely important event for the City of Poreč as well reports of athletes and various news from Istria go all over the world and the entire leadership of the City of Poreč I’m glad that the event is coming back and being upgraded year after year This is an opportunity for all of us in Poreč to prove once again how important sport is to us we heard earlier how “Judo is more than sport” so I would say that sport teaches us life lessons that we need throughout our lives We have a great infrastructure thanks to now Plava Laguna which has a rich and large accommodation capacity what would be called a win-win situation in the new Croatia We are extremely happy that the Judo Festival is right in Poreč and thanks to the federation there is also Hrvoje Linda who gives of himself in all of this we can say that Poreč is currently the judo center of the world Plava Laguna and the Croatian Judo Federation have been successfully cooperating in the organization of major events for many years I would like to thank everyone present here Lindi for choosing Poreč and Plava Laguna for the organization of the Judo Festival for the eighth time Plava laguna has invested a lot in the accommodation infrastructure as well as in the sports infrastructure which is why we are able to host similar events with a large number of top sportsmen and women I would once again like to thank the Croatian Judo Federation for promoting judo as a family sport and through sport for promoting Croatia After hosting the Junior and U23 European Championships in 2020 following the initial spell of the pandemic the Croatian Judo Federation are welcoming competition back to the idyllic coastal area of Porec This is already an annual retreat for the EJU Judo Festival and OTC Croatia is always one of the most popular events for the cadet athletes typically exceeding their own records year on year and now we are looking at a mass entry of 580 athletes from 24 nations EJU Vice President and Croatian Judo General Secretary Hrvoje LINDI is confident it will be a great success It is a pleasure for everyone to come to Poreč to the accommodation and all other infrastructure of the Blue Lagoon as well as to the event organized by the experienced team of the Croatian Judo Federation This year we are coming to Poreč a little earlier unlike in June when we open with the Judo Festival this year we are starting the judo season in Poreč with the European Cup I invite everyone interested to support our competitors this weekend in as many numbers as possible Kyrgyzstan and Brazil will be welcomed from outside of Europe on this occasion with the latter bringing an incredible 55 athletes including WRL #1 Luis Antonio OLIVEIRA (+90kg) and two WRL #2 athletes; Sophia CAMARA (-63kg) and Joao LIRA (-60kg) There is also another WRL #1 looking for a gold medal win in the -81kg category from neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina Of course the home team have the biggest entry of 84 athletes inclusive of a top ten athlete in the -52kg category She is still on the hunt for her first result of 2024 only just missing out on the bronze medal in Follonica Barisic topped the podium in Koper and later claimed bronze in Gyor The two day event will take place on the 16th and 17th of March with the draw taking place online at 20:00 local time on JudoTV.com A series of movements are executed in order to memorise and perfect technique While watching the Kodokan Seminars this week there are noticeable differences between kata and competitive judo such as the ability to use punches or even weapons.  The impressive Kodokan Seminar lasted for two days prior to the final two sessions including the anticipated examination on Sunday Attendants of the camp have been spoilt with two Kodokan instructors MUKAI Mikihiro and NAGAI Taeko travelling from Japan to train and assess for four full days a chance many are envious of missing out on The most commonly studied judo kata is nage-no-kata which was practiced this week The latter can in fact be practiced out with a dojo as there aren’t any technique completions this type is translated to ‘forms of gentleness’ NAGAI Taeko made her second trip to the Judo Festival her first appearance a few years ago in Antalya and was pleasantly surprised with the location,  the weather is fine because in Japan now it is rainy season so I am enjoying the bright sun and warmth they study very hard and this year it is better they have a strong interest and you can see the interest is growing.Ju-no-kata is not so easy to master so it takes a long long time and many hours so these students need to put in a lot of work and keep practicing When I started judo in the Kodokan almost 45 years ago my teacher encouraged me to practice harder I like other kata but this one is my favourite it is particularly difficult for me so I like the challenge Kata Commissioner Mr Raul CAMACHO PEREZ spoke with us regarding his experience here so to be able to be on this session in Europe and improve our Kata is very important Maciej PUDLOWSKI and Anita KRAWCZYK from Poland have been practicing kata for nine years and four years respectively We compete in our national championships and the last year we competed in both the European and World Championships. Ju-no-kata is very new for us because we compete in nage-no-kata so we came here to increase our level we have also learnt something new in the area we compete in many of the coaches stayed to attend the Mondo Kodokan session Yves CARDOT gave a short presentation to discuss This session discussed the history of the sport and the life of KANO Jigoro speaking to Festival attendents throughout the week made it clear that this seminar will be much busier this year with growing interesting some highlighting the importance of education in judo as well as the physical aspects.  coaching and referee commission came together to discuss issues raised by the various groups in hope of finding solutions to improve judo for everyone the third coaching commission took place in Poreč This was also in cooperation with the refereeing commission and for the first time Zolnir Jugovar expressed her gratitude for the athletes present explaining that their voices matter and represent over 2 million judoka.  Before delving in to the agenda which was headed by Envic GALEA President of the EJU Dr László TÓTH took a moment to recognise this historic moment.  once it was a case of looking at one another like enemies but now it is one united team working towards the best judo and success of this sport that we sit for the first time with the athlete commission alongside the President of Croatian Judo It was proposed in this meeting by Mr Galea of the IJF Academy being further spread amongst current athletes with the argument that there is no better time than the present we remind them of the basics including refereeing rules differences between children and adults and now it is accredited It is an18 week online course in 12 languages There is one week of practical assessment to study nage no kata and 100 techniques It is good for athletes following their competitive career The purpose is to discuss issues that are experienced by both coaches and athletes and to bring them to a forum to find a solution for all parties.  its tenderly lit streets are unusually quiet reverberations of music can be heard in the distance on the coastal municipality’s waterfront Canada’s Sarah Pavan and Melissa Humana-Paredes are taking to the sand preparing to face the Czech pair of Barbora Hermannová and Marketa Slukova in the women’s final of this year’s Poreč Major queues start to stretch around the temporary stadium’s perimeter and it soon becomes apparent that some fans won’t be getting in Entry to this event has always been free to the public but punters begin waving money towards stewards in exchange for the evening’s coveted entertainment it is one ticket that riches can’t buy This is the Swatch Beach Volleyball Major Series the sport’s undisputed hottest property Launched in 2015 as a joint venture between Austrian entrepreneur Hannes Jagerhofer and energy drinks brand Red Bull the series has established itself as a pillar of the global governing body’s FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour and Poreč is one of only two venues to have staged a tournament every year relentless thunderstorms in the build-up to the tournament threatened to tear the branding from the stadium’s exterior but it is testament to the event’s organisers that by the time SportsPro arrives the only remnants of the adverse weather are a few isolated puddles shaded from the 30-degree heat.      “I think there’s not a better fit for a location than here in Poreč where we can have the centre court so close to a traditional and very beautiful city,” says Jagerhofer “If you wanted to draw the perfect venue on paper for a beach volleyball tournament it would look just like Poreč.” The quaint town is nearly 2,000 years old and webbed together by colourful cobbled alleyways while the competition’s centre court peers out on to the sun-drenched Adriatic Sea Valamar Hotels & Resorts and Laguna Poreč build the tournament’s side courts on their own stretch of shoreline offering a naturally stunning backdrop for players and spectators alike.     Poreč has hosted an annual beach volleyball event since 2015 More significant, though, is that the town rests only a few hours from Klagenfurt. The Austrian city is the birthplace of the Swatch Major Series and has garnered a fervent beach volleyball fanbase since it first hosted a tournament in 1995 Now those same enthusiasts frequent Poreč once a year transforming the popular tourist destination into a beach volleyball hub and creating a carnival atmosphere that has become synonymous with the event “In Poreč we have an Austrian invasion,” says Nika Fleiss the head of international communication for the Swatch Major Series “For beach volleyball in Croatia this is the best thing that could ever happen because the country doesn’t teach the sport at development level and it’s great that we are so close to Austria because we can have this amazing fanbase here so that the tournament is always a spectacle.”   Jagerhofer’s beach volleyball community is blossoming – and a quick peruse inside the tournament’s venue makes it clear that it isn’t only Croatians who flock here In one corner stand a group of fans kitted out in Austrian replica vests in another sit a cluster of supporters wrapped in the Brazilian flag and at the back of the main stand are a pair of Americans face-painted in their native red For beach volleyball in Croatia this is the best thing that could ever happen Poreč might be home to just under 20,000 people but more than four times that figure are expected from around the world over the course of the week For an event consistently keen to showcase itself to potential partners Swatch Major Series’ international project manager Stefan Wankmüller explains the crowd has become one of the tournament’s biggest draws As the organisers are always quick to stress the end product is a unique blend of high-end entertainment and world-class sport “It’s different here because we have a full stadium which attracts the VIP guests and they want to come because of the atmosphere,” Wankmüller says “Usually it’s the other way around in that you have the VIP guests and celebrities showing up and normally this is what attracts the people “The aim is to get the energy that the whole crew puts into this project back from the crowd I think what Hannes [Jagerhofer] has done is create a new lifestyle because I’ve never seen a sport connected to so many other facets of entertainment that work out so well as here at the beach volleyball.” To ensure the atmosphere doesn’t dwindle the series employs a dedicated entertainment team unenviably tasked with ensuring that a constant flow of energy spreads throughout the 4,200-capacity Red Bull Beach Arena The audience is rarely given the opportunity to draw breath as each break in play is plugged by cheerleaders water cannons and signature dance moves developed and produced with accompanying soundtracks by the event’s DJs and stadium announcers.  “For us it’s about playing the full piano of emotions,” says stadium announcer Flo Rudig the master of ceremonies for Swatch Major Series “We are always going to record new things and produce new channels it’s just a question of what fits to the game what fits to the players and what we can build up as a goosebump atmosphere with all the people.” the sight of a full and captivated venue certainly implies return for their investment The centre court is at the heart of an encompassing Swatch Beach Village where title sponsor Swatch parks a luxury store next to a big screen live-streaming proceedings at the venue’s entrance Samsung has its own private tent to carry out activations and a Red Bull-sponsored main bar proves particularly popular with thirsty patrons Perhaps the only danger of such a flawlessly constructed VIP offering is that it almost becomes too enticing not to leave Beyond the array of buffets and bars is an exclusive grandstand overlooking the action and an outdoor terrace hovering over the sea which more adventurous fans are dared to explore on a speedboat that whisks hospitality guests around the Poreč bay.     “If you dive in here you are in a different world,” Jagerhofer proudly proclaims “and this is the success and what is attractive for our sponsors We invite them to stay in Croatia for three days they go out at night and they spend time together in the exclusive VIP stand and watch matches They are excited and it’s a different kind of way of networking and getting to know each other.” So great is the event’s draw now that stars from other sports are queuing up to be involved the series struck a deal with online community platform SportBible which saw British boxer David Haye commentate on a live game via the company’s BeachStream over-the-top (OTT) service The former world heavyweight champion also appeared in the Swatch Major Series’ ‘Beach Meets’ YouTube feature which films players from the Beach Volleyball World Tour swapping roles for a day with athletes from sports including cliff diving before the event flawlessly filters into an on-site party where live bands entertain guests into the early hours of the morning.    Croatian international soccer player Ivan Perišić made his beach volleyball debut in Poreč Perišić’s beach volleyball debut wasn’t just popular with the sell-out home crowd but also with the 64 worldwide television channels which requested footage of the 28-year-old’s games as well as the 1,500 new subscribers who signed up to the BeachStream during his night match This digital approach is where the opportunity lies chief strategy officer for the Swatch Major Series for a sport that’s not always in the public eye creating crossovers with athletes from other disciplines is becoming increasingly important to grow beach volleyball’s global profile “The strategy behind this is to reach a broader audience,” he says “because if we want to succeed as a niche sport we really need to be attractive as a sports product which everyone understands The beauty of our project is that everybody loves it because it’s so positive Whenever we have the chance to introduce it to our partners or some celebrities they say they love it and want to come back “This means we are doing a lot of activations like the Perišić story now One thing is that he comes here and wants to play but the big thing from our point of view is what we make out of it By linking the two different sports together and connecting with his fans immediately makes them our fans so we are working to produce a lot of content about it and try to have the right distribution angles because this is the only way to create the reach we need and figures are showing that it’s really picking up.” including exclusive interviews with American players and up-to-date information about the competition No fewer than 17 cameras are covering the Poreč Major from every angle and chips are being inserted in player vests to measure the height of their jumps while trackers have been installed in the volleyballs to measure the speed of every serve “You can see the interest of bigger TV stations is now growing,” says Christian Baier chief executive at Capcom media and moving images director for the Swatch Major Series “They are recognising what is going on here and that it is a really interesting sport because of our overall product More and more broadcasters are recognising that this is a high-class product with huge potential “The challenge is bringing this extraordinary atmosphere from the centre court into the living room of people watching at home and at the same time we need to show what kind of world class athletes these guys are and how spectacular the sport is “We introduced three-dimensional tracking so viewers can understand the effort It’s hard to appreciate how difficult it is to jump out of the sand and to reach a height of over three metres and our goal is to visualise that and incorporate the graphics into our TV signal.” If the series hasn’t yet had the chance to showcase itself to the world the opportunity will certainly be afforded by this year’s FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships in Vienna The flagship event is part of the Swatch Major Series for the first time and no fewer than 30 worldwide broadcasters have already purchased the rights to cover the showpiece Poreč plays host to the drawing of lots for the tournament and a bustling media room is filled with players and representatives confident that Jagerhofer’s team can produce an event that will cement the series as the sport’s crown jewel “The World Championships is the perfect opportunity for us,” Jagerhofer explains “because we can execute it to the same high standards and even more than we normally do for our Major Series events because everything is doubled: the amount we spend is doubled and we have never produced something this big before.” This year's FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships in Vienna are part of the Swatch Major Series for the first time the scale of the tournament will be significantly greater than anything the series has done in the past with a 10,000-seater stadium already erected next to the Danube River in one of Europe’s biggest capital cities and up to 300,000 spectators preparing to attend While that might seem a daunting prospect to some Jagerhofer is keen to assert that it’s merely a benchmark of the rapid progress that the series has made and he seems stoically determined to deliver the best Beach Volleyball World Championships ever “I think for me beach volleyball can be a real diamond but it’s like a puzzle,” he says “If you’re missing one of these pieces then it doesn’t really work I think the most important parts are the combination of entertainment the interaction between the fans and the athletes Our aim is to deliver all the pieces of this puzzle and I think as it is shaping up now if our plans come true for the World Championships you will never have seen anything like it.” And as those words start to resonate following another successful Major in Poreč it’s hard to do anything but believe him.   and a few hundred metres away on the coastal municipality’s waterfront sits a bustling beach volleyball stadium is the Swatch Beach Volleyball Major Series and it’s the sport’s undisputed hottest property Poreč is one of only two venues to have staged a stop every year is that the town rests only a few hours from Klagenfurt The Austrian city is the birthplace of the Swatch Major Series what fits to the players and what we can build up as a goosebump atmosphere with all the people.”      If the extensive brand presence isn’t indicative enough walking into the luxurious VIP area manifests how greatly the series values its commercial partnerships The long carpeted entrance to the exclusive ‘Beach Majors Club’ seems more befitting of a Hollywood movie premiere but this kind of eye-catching excellence has become the norm for Jagerhofer’s creation Visitors are greeted with an assortment of cuisines prepared on site by Swatch Major’s long-term catering partners Do & Co who have a rich history of feeding hospitality guests at Formula One races Uefa European Championship soccer tournaments and the Olympic Games.    granting Croatian international soccer star Ivan Perišić a wildcard entry to the group stage of the tournament which saw him pair up with countryman Nikša Dell'Orco to headline the town’s first ever line-up of beach volleyball night matches Games under the stars have opened new avenues for event organisers and the Inter Milan midfielder’s cameo is quickly followed by a stunning fireworks display which brings thousands of tourists to a standstill along the town’s marina is to create a world class media product that can transcend the series’ local reach and begin appealing to global broadcasters The series recently agreed a deal with NBC which sees its exclusive content distribution partner Red Bull Media House produce a variety of personalised content for the US network it’s hard to do anything but believe him Already a member? Log in here otherwise known as the destination of the Judo Festival for the second time successfully organized another European Cadet Cup where 588 judokas competed Six athletes from Croatia made it to the final block unfortunately they all slipped away from the podium Although the local competitors did not manage to win medals they gave the visitors of the sports hall “Žatika” a reason to cheer the most successful team was the French national team The Brazilian team took second place with four golds Competitors from Spain finished in third place overall with one gold At the end of April, the Croatian Judo Federation is the organizer of one of the most important events of this calendar year. Olympic, world and European champions are traveling in Zagreb for the European Championship. The season has been intense for the cadets, particularly in Europe, with densely populated groups, filled by many countries. This has led to a comprehensive and, one could say, accurate building of the ranking list. In Porec there is a marked attendance from an overwhelming number of the world number ones and when we search their records we find impressive CVs peppered with gold medals. At -50kg Kollar (HUN) is here as the reigning world number one having reached the final of his last 4 Cups. At the next weight up the number 1 seed is Dijol (FRA), who won in Zagreb and Strasbourg this season but is world number 2 to Orynbassar (KAZ) who will fight his own continental championship in Asia. At -60kg Kelvin Ray (FRA) sits behind Velazco (USA) on the WRL by quite a margin but he remains the best European judoka in the world for his weight, having won 2 of the last 4 European Cups and placed in two more. Ninfo of Italy won in Coimbra and Teplice at -66kg in recent months and is part of a formidable Italian cadet team, which consolidates its place at every event. There are Italian judoka in the top ten of ten weight categories on the world ranking. This is telling and points to a development plan that has its eyes on the future. Los Angeles may see some of these names in 2028! The -73kg WRL number 1 is De Lange (NED). He entered 4 Cups and won three of them, moving Simin (SRB) out of the number 1 spot after Coimbra. Puchly of France took two gold and two bronze from the last 4 Cups and sits firmly at number one on the WRL for -81kg but unusually he is not in the majority as a European, with 3 of the top 5 in the world being from Pan America. That could make his seeding a statistical guarantee of a great draw and a chance of finishing on the podium in Porec. At -90kg Bulaja (SRB) took 2 golds in May, assuring himself a spot in Croatia. As the top ranked judoka and in a similar position at +90kg Antoniou (CYP) also begins at the top of his sheet. Looking at the women’s categories and the stories mirror those of the men, beginning with -40kg and although the world number one is Uzbek, the world number 2, Tomankova of Slovakia is sitting in place as the number 1 seed, with golds in her kit bag from Strasbourg, Teplice and Fuengirola. At -44kg Vera Wandel (NED) has won her last 3 Cups for her to occupy pole position in Porec and then we have a real anomaly of domination at -48kg, with Tara Babulfath of Sweden, occupying the number 1 spot on the WRL at -48kg but still carrying forward so many points from her previous season that the records show her as world number 2 at the weight below. This is real consistency and she will be looking to dominate here too and win the only colour of medal she came for. The -52kg fighters will be watching out for Terranova (ITA), who won in Teplice, Coimbra and on her home ground in Lignano; she is the person no-one wants to fight first at the European Championships. She is here and looks ready to hold her place at the top. In the absence of the American world number 1 at -63kg, it is Boursas (FRA) who takes pole in Croatia. She’s world number 2 and has appeared in 4 European Cup finals since February. -70kg is less European than than some groups too and so it’s the world number 3, 4, 5 and 7 sitting at the top of pools in Porec. Nilsson of Sweden is number 3 in the world but number 1 here. At +70kg Semchenko (UKR) is the world number 1 and she will be looking to consolidate that with a gold, in accordance with the seeding. It’s unlikely she would be happy with anything less! The arena is getting loud now and that means we have begun in Porec. Team spirit is never lacking at judo events but with the youngsters their emotional links to their friends and teammates are visible for all to see and it's heart-warming. For them, of course they want to win, but they are also impacted by the wins and losses of their teammates, making that world ranking list, the seeding and the expectations inextricably linked. The European Championships for Cadets is go!! 11. Mar. 2025 / This moment can be described as historic, as it was ... 10. Feb. 2025 / On 7th February 2025, President Dr Sanda Corak was ... 01. Feb. 2025 / After a preliminary block that went at a blistering ... 04. Oct. 2024 / Following a victorious Olympic Games, there are always ... 15. Sep. 2024 / Already a grand slam winner in Antalya in 2023, the ... 15. Sep. 2024 / Peter Safrany represents the new generation of Hungarian ... 15. Sep. 2024 / Number one seed, in a category where France has proven ... 15. Sep. 2024 / After Daniel Szegedi's (HUN) great victory on the second ... “I already noted plenty of beauty on the drive up.”Copy link to cartoonCopy link to cartoonLink copied “Suck it like you mean it!” Chris Batley, an affable twenty-two-year-old who had come to Croatia with about twenty friends from his university, in Wales, yelled, as one of them, dressed in tiny pink bike shorts and a sailor’s cap, began to funnel a concoction of Malibu, beer, and rakija, a Balkan plum brandy. “We’ve been to Salou,” someone had said, when I asked why they’d picked Croatia. “Been there, done that, didn’t want to do it again.” “Basically, we come on tour to get smashed.” What they wanted was a trip that, like a new kind of Gatorade, had the same basic chemical composition but a slightly different flavor. Nominally, they were representatives of the university’s men’s club soccer team. “I’ve got penis descension,” someone said, to hoots. Sam West, a reedy first-year, had been elected “tour bitch.” He had fallen asleep on the bus. (The trip had taken thirty-seven hours—their buses had broken down twice.) As punishment, the group had adorned his right wrist with a tightly tied toilet brush. The rooms at the Delfin are tiny, the showers grim, but it has a time-capsule charm, suggesting an Adriatic Catskills. Were André Balazs ever to happen upon Poreč, the Delfin would in no time be filled with childless professionals paying dearly to partake of the international buffet and daily sessions of aqua aerobics. “Spitroast, you knob!” someone yelled, as I turned to shield my eyes from a pasty eclipse of skin. We were sitting on a balcony, under a lucid spread of stars. Except for a set of iPod speakers, it was, to my surprise, a technology-free affair. No one was texting, taking pictures, making videos, or calling girls. The scene was less “Girls Gone Wild” than “The Inbetweeners,” a sort of British “American Pie” (it grossed seventy million dollars this fall) about a group of friends who undergo a series of misadventures on a graduation trip to Crete. To get outside, we had walked past a double bed, flanked by a night table, upon which someone had lovingly arranged a small fortune in hair gels, deodorants, and fragranced body sprays. It was a sweet tableau. A sign in the hotel lobby, however, suggested that ILoveTour had reason to think that perhaps not everyone would take such good care of his surroundings. It was a list of potential fines, calculated from prior experience: Valence Sheet—100 Euros + Bed Base—100 Euros Terrace Table—60 Euros + Terrace Chair—40 Euros Curtain Rail—60 Euros + Curtains—150 Euros Eventually, the card game degenerated into a contest called Odd or Even, in which the boys sat around in a circle, pulling clumps of hair from each other’s thighs. “Owwww!” Tom Gunby, a red-headed second-year, yelled, limping. After a while, they just started dead-legging each other. They sang, “We are here / Shagging your women / And drinking your beer / With a knick knack paddywhack / Give a dog a bone / Why don’t hockey fuck off home!,” as a muscular second-year, dressed as a ballerina, stood on the railing, alternating crotch thrusts and pirouettes. For the canny entrepreneur, the tour yielded myriad opportunities. Shortly after the buses arrived, a band of boys wandered down to a lane of kiosks that abutted the beach, wearing tank tops that looked as if they were made from shredded burlap bags. “Do you see the potato sacks they are wearing?” the owner of a sandwich stand said to a friend. “You want to do business, you need to buy a few potato sacks.” Igor Beakovic, an employee of the bureau, was sitting behind a desk. He hadn’t read the article in Glas Istre. “A thousand?” he said, when I mentioned the tour group. “That’s a thousand too much!” He went on, “I don’t think we need this here. It’s not appropriate for Istria, with its long history. My opinion is that Istria is more like music that’s underground. It’s for people who know.” “It’s a marriage of convenience for the week,” Ian Kaye, the tour director, said one night, outside of Pub Spacio. “We couldn’t do this in July or August, and we know that.” As he spoke, we caught sight of some figures in the distance. They had turned a copse of trees into an al-fresco bathroom. “You’re here for the sports, mate, aren’t you!” Kaye yelled. He turned to me. “If you’ve made two thousand euros, and one of the lads falls over and breaks a chair, you can kind of deal with that.” Morning. Bright sun. Breakfast was Karlovacko, a Croatian beer, and Popsicles. At the rugby pitch—the public beach, repurposed—a crowd was watching the scrum. A guy in a rainbow-colored top hat and a pinafore was glugging out of a bottle of wine. His friends had wheeled over the provisions for the day in a purloined shopping cart. Another student, disregarding instructions, had taken his pants off. An older man in a track suit approached the spectators. He was Zovonko Sučević, the owner of a nearby market. “First time take, second time big problem, O.K.?” he said, wheeling the cart away. Sučević later reported that he had sold a thousand snacks, fifty bottles of vodka, forty bottles of gin, and sixty bottles of Istrian wine in the course of the week. On the beach, Sam, the tour bitch, approached. The toilet brush was no longer attached to his wrist. “Oh, yeah, they needed it to clear up some broken glass,” he said. “No kebabs, that’s the worst part of the tour.” That evening, they were planning to take a piece of toilet paper, string it between two people’s buttocks, light it on fire, and see if someone could chug a beer before the flames singed his ass. A little bit later, a pool party got going up at the hotel. “Please don’t crack your head open,” the d.j. said. “It’s a lot of paperwork.” The Jennifer Lopez song had been playing all weekend. “Brazil, Morocco, London to Ibiza,” Lopez sang. “Straight to L.A., New York, Vegas to Africa.” For now, there was no mention of Poreč. ♦ The atmosphere in the Intersport Hall in Poreč was nothing short of incredible for the first day of the Cadet European Judo Championships 2022 Not only did the tribunes contain hundred of supporting athletes but also families of those competing and spectators from the host nation We boast that the European Judo Union is the strongest of the continental unions and with ten of the world ranked number ones Returning cadet European medallists from 2021 had their sights set on the podium and even to better their previous results. Today this included silver medallist, Tara BABULFATH (SWE) and bronze medallist Babulfath was strong throughout the preliminaries, her determination evident, then in the semi final secured her place in the final by defeating Alyssia POULANGE (FRA) in golden score This is now her second chance to take gold but in her new weight category of -48kg As it happens she will be facing the reigning champion, Aydan VALIYEVA (AZE) Since taking the silver medal in the 2021 junior European championships she has tried her hand at both the U23 level as well as the Prague European Open in 2022 but she will be glad to find herself back on the podium and potentially taking a second title The seeding has depicted the finals accurately enough for the young women as all number one and two seeds will be meeting to battle it out for the gold medal however the same cannot be said for the young men Kollar faced Yahn MOTOLY BONGAMBE (FRA) in the -50kg semi final and endured over seven minutes of golden score before it was decided on shidos, the pair were so evenly matched, but the win went to the French number four seed. The following contest saw the number two, Kais GUETTARI win his contest to create an all-French final.  It was an impressive performance from Major as he acquired two shidos early in the contest but managed himself two minutes in to golden score before scoring with ko uchi gari  In the other half of the draw, Strasbourg and Fuengirola Cup gold medallist, Nizami IMRANOV (AZE) wasted no time in his semi final This gives Azerbaijan three chances for a gold medal in todays finals The final block will commence at 16:00 local time and can be found at both www.eju.net and live.ijf.org Alex Crevar is a Slovenia-based travel writer whose work focuses on culture and adventure Well there may be a few. Not to be underestimated is the #2 seed, Raquel BRITO of Portugal; the European Youth Olympic Festival Silver medallist of 2019 BRITO is a seasoned top medallist at cadet level and is making her way into juniors She has a quality to her judo that makes her interesting to watch and definitely one for the future.    The #3 seed Tamar MALCA of Israel could be the one to steal the show A medallist already at the U23 European Championships and winner of the Sofia European Open last year clearly shows this energetic fighter has what it takes to whip under her opponents and storm through.  18-year-old Erza MUMINOVIQ of Kosovo has had a consistent climb through to junior level following her Cadet European title win in 2018 MUMINOVIQ stepped up to junior level and took the Athens European Cup title in 2019 MUMINOVIQ is a serious fighter and a serious contender this week.    The current Junior European Champion and #1 seed, Faiza MOKDAR (FRA) is the standout in the -52kg field The 19-year-old has dominated her European opponents throughout her cadet and junior career so far which will make it difficult for anyone wanting to steal her crown.   Naomi VAN KREVEL (NED) sits across the draw as the #2 seed VAN KREVEL is consistently making big medal matches Her 5th place at the Junior World Championships Marrakesh and a Senior Continental Open Bronze this year in Odivelas shows that the valuable experience is paying off for the spirited Dutch contender.   Pay attention to the Croatian home favourite Ana Viktorija PULJIZ The 18-year-old multiple cadet European and World medallist is settling into her new weight category and already picking up valuable experience and podium finishes at Senior European level dynamic and will be tough competitor.   The #1 seed in the -57kg category is Marica PERISIC (SRB) PERISIC could bring her recent success in the Dubrovnik Senior Cup to the table and be the ultimate challenger The one to watch out for in this weight category comes from across the water in Italy, Veronica TONIOLO is not holding back in her bid for ultimate success the Italian wonder has taken a slew of titles including Cadet European and World Champion in the -52kg category It was a surprise to see TONIOLO in the -57kg category in the Dubrovnik Senior Cup however it was no surprise that she brought the same fighting spirit leaving her mark on the senior circuit and taking home the gold.  Another Cadet stepping up to the Junior table is Ozlem YILDIZ (TUR) whose explosive and memorable judo will make her unmissable on the first day of competition Consistently taking home the gold in Cadet European Cup events she took 2019 by storm with the Cadet European Championship and EYOF title The YILDIZ name strikes again, but this time in the men’s field. 2019 Junior European Champion, Salih YILDIZ (TUR) is topping the seeding here and is also junior WR #1 so leaves little to contest He has been gaining experience on the senior platform placing 7th in the Tel Aviv Grand Prix this year so will be focussed on retaining his junior title for a second year If you saw the devastation NAJI David (HUN) left in his wake last week in Hungary, you’ll know he is one for the books. An incredible performance at home saw him defeat former European Champion, Walide KHYAR (FRA) and his ability to graft until the final second was a definite crowd pleaser his senior level abilities will transfer well in Poreč.  Romain VALADIER PICARD (FRA) has jumped the 10kg barrier the Frenchman had great success last year in the -50kg category as a cadet and holds the Cadet European Championship title as well as silver medal from the World Championships at the same level we will see how he manages the new weight category The Netherlands have Ivo VERHORSTERT as the #1 seed and will have high hopes for the Senior Continental Open bronze medallist Before the termination of competitions a matter of months ago VERHORSTERT had made his name on the senior circuit he will be looking to take this Junior title home.  Another -66kg athlete in the top 10 Junior WRL Kazbek NAGUCHEV (RUS) is no stranger to success Cadet European Champion in 2017 to multiple gold medals in Junior European Cups last year Team mate, Abrek NAGUCHEV follows in the #3 position bested by his Cadet World Championship gold last year The Cadet European Champion title was his in 2018 as well as a silver from the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires Abrek’s successful cadet career immediately transferred in to junior golds it will be a tough battle for the top seeds not to mention the underdogs in this category.  Day one will be a relief for junior athletes who are back to the tatami fighting for the Junior European title with a wealth of talented athletes it’ll be an undoubtedly brilliant event for the spectators at home as well!  There aren’t any other circumstances where these groups of people would have the opportunity to interact with one another and that is what’s wonderful cadets who are only just starting their careers There is certainly nothing else like this with these kinds of numbers sea; you can see why so many people want to come and spend their time here." Lisa had the opportunity to attend the training camp which took place at the Plava Laguna Resort She was able to talk with the athletes and their coaches and meet the judo family a ceremony was organised in honour of the double world champion and recent bronze medallist in Doha Also present were the President of the EJU It is regularly emphasised that judo is more than a sport it is a philosophy of life for which this eighth festival illustrates all dimensions This is what Lisa Allan was able to witness with great pleasure Source and Photos: https://www.eju.net/ 2025 / April is always a highly anticipated month across the .. 2025 / The third and final day of individual competition has .. 2025 / The third day of the European Championships launched .. 2025 / All continental championships are available online .. 2025 / The European Judo Championships Seniors Podgorica 2025 .. 2025 / While the World Judo Tour paused to allow for the continental .. 2025 / This moment can be described as historic