Vodice is joining the global celebration of this day with a range of special offers and activities
promising an educational and enjoyable experience for locals and visitors alike
The Vodice Tourist Board and its partners have prepared special offers to showcase part of the city's and surrounding area's tourism and hospitality offerings
No prior registration is required for the mentioned offers
and special prices and discounts will be available to everyone using the included services and facilities on Friday
https://www.vodice.hr/en/events/world-tourism-day/4864
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Home > News General > Great excitement in Vodice in Croatia: Shark alarm on the Croatian Adriatic coast
A video allegedly shows two sharks just a few metres from the beach in Vodice
They could be blue sharks,” was the headline in the Kleine Zeitung newspaper a few days ago
adding that “conspicuous fins” had caused a stir among beachgoers in Croatia
And – are there actually sharks on the Croatian coast
there was a great deal of excitement in and around Vodice in Croatia
wrote the Kleine Zeitung: a shark sighting is said to have taken place on the beach of the coastal town in Šibenik-Knin County in central Dalmatia – in the middle of the holiday season
when thousands of Austrian holidaymakers would also be making a pilgrimage to the region
Official confirmation from the authorities is still pending
and the incident is the subject of heated debate in the Croatian media
On the local internet platform sibenski.slobodnadalmacija.hr
it is suspected that two young blue sharks may have been involved
writes focus.de: there are indeed sharks in Croatia
the locals have “hardly noticed any attacks” in recent years
This is not the hunting ground that great white sharks
it usually disappears again after a few days
it could well happen that you come across a basking shark in Croatian waters
because: “Basking sharks feed on plankton and have no interest in humans
Smaller sharks would sometimes stray into bathing bays
but they would be afraid of humans and would flee before coming into contact
Much more dangerous or poisonous animals in Croatia that people should be wary of include the black widow
the petermale and various types of jellyfish
So is this a false alarm about sharks in the Adriatic
as Ulrike Kirsch from the Marine Conservation Foundation writes in a recently updated article
There are around 30 shark species in the Adriatic
the “two big ones” are probably the most impressive: Great white sharks and basking sharks
which can be up to 12 metres long and weigh between one and five tonnes
They have also been seen in the northern Adriatic
a basking shark around eight metres long was spotted in the Gulf of Trieste between Santa Croce and Marina di Aurisina
as reported by the Italian Miramare Biosphere Reserve
There were further documented sightings at the end of February 2023 off Pula in Istria
and in March 2022 and 2021 a basking shark was spotted in Kvarner Bay
The report goes on to say that it is doubtful whether the sensational media reports in the summer slump (see above) are actually always about a great white shark in the Adriatic: Confusion with shortfin mako or porbeagle sharks is possible
a great white shark was actually spotted off Rimini
In the 19th and first half of the 20th century
great white sharks were relatively common in the coastal waters of the eastern Adriatic
biologists suspect that the Adriatic is a nursery for this shark species
The species is generally considered to be threatened with extinction in the Mediterranean and endangered worldwide
Other shark species found in the Adriatic include the shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus)
which are four metres long and weigh up to 500 kilograms
are not common in the Mediterranean and are only rarely found in the Adriatic
a shortfin mako crossed in front of the city of Makarska
The article by the Marine Conservation Foundation also comments on the blue sharks (Prionace glauca) allegedly spotted in Vodice a few days ago: this species was once one of the most common shark species in the Adriatic
there is said to be a nursery in the northern Adriatic – so it is quite possible that these could actually have been (young) blue sharks
The last time there were (confirmed) sightings close to shore was in May 2022 off the island of Žirje
and in April 2020 in the harbour of the Croatian town of Crkvenica
While the blue sharks with their streamlined body and white underside
which average three metres in size and weigh 180 kilograms
they are an important target fish species in the Mediterranean
blue sharks often die as by-catch in fisheries
The DSM brochure “Threatened biodiversity in the Adriatic: marine mammals
sea turtles and other fascinating marine animals” provides information about other sharks in the Adriatic
It presents 32 marine animals from the Adriatic Sea
Shark expert Andrej Gajić describes a total of 31 shark species in his comprehensive work1 on sharks and rays in the eastern Adriatic
According to the WWF in its 2019 shark report for the Mediterranean (Sharks in Crisis – A call to action for the Mediterranean)
sharks are now in a poor state throughout the Mediterranean
More than half of the 73 species currently found there are endangered
Overfishing poses by far the greatest threat to sharks and rays
concludes the report by the Marine Conservation Foundation
80 per cent of the stocks recorded in the Mediterranean are considered to be overfished
This is not only because they are caught deliberately
but often also because they die as by-catch or discards
Anyone who spots a shark should enjoy the sight of these elegant sea creatures, which have become rare, instead of panicking. And you should report the fascinating apex predators of the underwater world. There is a (public) Facebook group “Shark sightings Mediterranean/Sharks of the Mediterranean“
Anyone who (improbably) encounters a great white shark while swimming, snorkelling, diving or SUPing in the Mediterranean should avoid the shark feedings described in our news article to avoid accidents
Easter in Croatia is an important family celebration characterized by exciting customs and a festive atmosphere
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wonderful nature and history plus plenty for young people
Here's a rundown of the best things to do in Vodice
Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere
You can also find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world, or take a look at our list of the 50 best things to do in the world right now
RECOMMENDED: 20 great things to do in Šibenik
© Vodice Tourist BoardBeach life is an essential facet of summertime in Vodice and the town has one to suit any taste
which stretches westward from the small outcrop of land immediately west of the town centre (Punta) all the way to Tribunj
is great for families with younger children
Holding a Blue Flag status for the cleanliness of its waters
this pebble beach extends into the sea at an extremely low gradient
making it perfect for even the youngest paddlers
The cafes and bars set back from the beach provide ample places to lunch or escape the sun
Heading in a southeasterly direction from the town centre is a collection of beaches most commonly known as Hangar beach
If you or your children are between the ages of 14 and 35
this is probably where you'll want to hang out
it’s sometimes much more of a beach for people-watching and being seen than others in the area
The bars that fringe the beach also have a youthful vibe
If you're looking for somewhere a little quieter
although the absence of shading pines means you have to be well prepared with sunblock and with a plan of escape if you get too hot
gush across stubborn rocks to feed the lakes in the water's descent to the sea. The area is teeming with a variety of flora and fauna
including rare bird species such as osprey
European bee-eater and griffon vulture (if birds of prey are really your thing
the Sokolarski Falconry Centre near Šibenik will teach you more than you can remember and allow you to meet some of their guests close up)
you can still find a few smaller pools where swimming is still permitted (namely
Remetić - Pisak and downstream of the Roška waterfall)
© Nikolina Mimić DujmovićBecause of its popularity with young people
Vodice has a vibrant nightlife that's tough to beat in any comparably small seaside town
If your afternoons by the beach slowly merge into cocktails by the bar
there are after-beach parties daily throughout summer
which vary in vibe; some may blast dance music while others feature pop-folk enjoyed by many young Croatians
Live music is also a part of the season-long feature of Vodice street life
Barbarella's is a 2000-capacity nightclub that’s frequently voted one of the best open-air clubs in the world
you can dance until the sun comes up to some of the most famous DJs on the planet
Though most of the club nights are tied to the music festivals happening nearby in Tisno
anyone can buy a ticket at the door for a single night out
it plays more mainstream music that’s better suited to the tastes of locals
It consequently draws a young and much less international audience than Barbarella's
© PelegriniYou're not going to run out of food options in Vodice
with quick snacks available from the bakeries
several fast food outlets and of course ice cream or pancakes you can grab to go and walk along the waterside
Among the most distinct fast food options is Sandwich Lab
which elevates the humble butty to something most memorable (you can sip on a craft beer here too
Konoba Rustika has stellar seafood options
while Konoba Tri Piruna is known for its meats
but worth finding for the ambience and food
Konoba Guste has a reputation for grilled meats
though the prices are closer to what you'd expect for an evening meal
but worth the trip for its exceptional steaks
has a healthy bent and caters well to vegetarians
Arausa is a restaurant that specialises in seafood
a trip to the Michelin-recommended Pelegrini in Šibenik will satisfy any foodie
© Vodice Tourist BoardIt's almost impossible to get bored of swimming in Vodice's waters
but if you want to check out the sea from a different perspective
perfect for exploring beaches and the nearby islands of Logorun and Lukovnik
Perhaps even better is the kayaking trip you can take from the inhabited Prvić island
reefs and even aircraft in the nearby seas
available on diving excursions offered by several places in Vodice
Note though that diving is not a year-round pursuit in Croatia
you can take a day trip to go deep-sea fishing
The largely sedentary pastime can become a flurry of excitement in an instant if you manage to snag one of the huge tuna
wild seabass or swordfish that live in offshore waters
Boat hire is also available for a more leisurely cruise
© Grad VodiceFrom the evidence of early agricultural endeavours and Christian worship to that of the long-held defence against the invading Ottomans
Vodice has several points of interest for anyone keen on history
is located in the middle of the tiny peninsula marking the start of the Blue beach
Cross is a few hundred years younger and impressively adorned in the Baroque style
as the altar and its surrounding altarpieces are impressive
the Heart of Jesus and saints Vinko the Martyr and Stanislav Kostka
but this fortified tower dating back to 1533 will catch your eye due to its distinct appearance
the Monument to the Fallen Soldiers of WWII (main picture) is a classic example of Communist-era concrete memorials
you should take the short trip over to the island of Prvić where you can see St
and a visitors’ centre dedicated to the family's famous son
© Grad VodiceWhile much of Vodice's events calendar takes place outside of the regular tourist season
the town is especially welcoming to those who come to visit any of these
with festivities throughout the month leading up to a colourful procession through the streets
One of the country's best mountain bike races takes place here in mid-April
Summertime visitors will see a great deal of entertainment on the streets in peak season
Look out for evenings of traditional Dalmatian acapella singing
plus free classical music concerts throughout July
as well as the annual jazz festival in late July
There are also several fishermen's evenings in the same period
that feature much savouring of locally caught seafood
as the crowds joyfully spill out onto the streets
© Olympia VodiceVodice is known as a micro-centre of health and wellness tourism
with several institutions used to welcoming visitors
For a more restful and restorative experience
whose treatment menu includes bathing in warm waters scented with natural oils
a range of massages (including one with warm olive oil) plus sauna and jacuzzi
Hotel Punta's Spa Centre offers several wellness programmes; its facilities include an indoor swimming pool
© Vodice Tourist BoardWant to work off some of the calories gained in last night's three-course feast
There are several places in Vodice where you can rent a bike and hop on to explore neighbouring villages along the coast and the incredible views that lie between them
be sure to look out for the huge Lake Vrana which lies just past Murter on the coastal road to Zadar
an agency located near the start of Blue beach
you can also go parasailing and rent various jet-skis
narrow alleyways and impressive contemporary monuments like the Sea Organ and Greeting To The Sun
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Daniela Rogulj
and the fire also destroyed several cars.
Two Canadairs have been in action since the early morning. The fire chief reported that the fire is under control, reports Jutarnji List
commander of the Šibenik-Knin County Fire Brigade
told HRT that the situation is under control but that the moment when he will be able to say that the fire is localized is far away
“Be careful; the fire covered 3,300 hectares; that’s a huge area
there is a lot of pine forest in the area towards Vodice
the fire would have reached Tribunj,” said Dukić
07:45 am – The Croatian Fire Association announced on Thursday morning that more than 300 firefighters fought the fire near Zaton and Raslina during the night from Wednesday to Thursday
firefighters partially managed to bring the fire under control
there is no uncontrolled fire spread and large fronts
The fire is surrounded,” said the Croatian Fire Association (HVZ)
One hundred eighteen firefighters with 40 firefighters came from the interior,” said chief fire commander Slavko Tucaković and added that extraordinary deployments were engaged from Split-Dalmatia
There was significant material damage to homes and olive groves
It is estimated that around 3,000 hectares were burned,” added Tucaković
HVZ states that firefighters and other forces remain at the fire site until further notice
07:30 am – Minister Davor Božinović also visited the fire this morning
He pointed out that the situation is better than yesterday:
Around 350 firefighters from Šibenik and six other counties worked all night
and 75 police officers to secure the fire and traffic
07:02 am – Due to the fire in the Šibenik area
the DC8 is closed to all traffic; the state road DC27 from the intersection with the Adriatic highway (DC8) to Gaćelezi and the county road Vodice-Gaćelezi (ŽC6086)
the Croatian Auto Club (HAK) reported on Thursday morning
appeared on the show ‘Good Morning Croatia’ and explained what happened during the night near Šibenik
The key moment happened around 2 am when the wind stopped
and there is currently no uncontrolled fire spread
Two Canadairs also took off this morning,” Tucaković said
confirming that the situation was challenging yesterday
there were no casualties; several firefighters were slightly injured
We all have to move on together; the damage was great… But
04:45 am – On early Thursday morning
and the firefighters are processing the peripheral part of the fire area next to the buildings in the towns of Raslina and Zaton
said the deputy commander of the Public Fire Department of the city of Šibenik.
The county commander of the Sibenik-Knin Fire Brigade
told Croatian Radio at 2:00 am on Thursday that the situation in the area of Zaton and Raslina had calmed down and that the fire was open in the direction of Vodice
“The situation in the area of Zaton and Raslina has calmed down
we have an open fire in the direction of Vodice towards the Adriatic highway
All the fire brigades are deployed in that part
and we are stopping the spread of the fire towards the highway and further towards the houses in Vodice and the area of Srima
the work has been done successfully in that part
and we will see how the situation will develop further
and Karlovac County is joining us very soon,” said Dukić
presented the situation on the ground in the early hours of Thursday
The fire is not localized but is no longer so active that it endangers buildings
a large area around these places needs to be rehabilitated
We cannot consider it localized until the firefighters pass by on foot
The problem is that the fire in Zaton is moving along the hills in the direction of Vodice
and this is what the firefighters are doing most now – they are preventing the fire from crossing the Jadranska magistrala
The buildings are less threatened at the moment
The forces we receive from neighboring counties and other parts are on their way
Tired firefighters will be at least partially replaced,” said Milošević
For more news in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.
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Total Croatia News
The biggest Croatian firefighting tragedy happened on August 30
when 12 firefighters died on the Island of Kornati
started the 4th Ultramarathon from Zagreb to Vodice three days ago
they covered 375 km and reached Vodice this morning around 10 a.m
A march in the memory of the late firefighters will start at 5 p.m., Jutarnji reports on August 27
the motto of which is “Ovo nije kraj – posvećeno hrabrim ljudima.” Teams such as Futsal Dinamo
Vrgorac and Crnica will play in the tournament
and they will later be joined by stars including Dino Rađa
Thousands of lanterns were supposed to be released in Vodice
but the organizers gave up on the idea because firefighters said that they were dangerous and could actually cause more fires
“Even though we had all the permits from relevant institutions
I do not wish to pressure my firefighter colleagues and friends who have been there and supported our ‘Srce Kornatsko’ initiative,” Ante Sladoljev
Chief of Vodice Volunteer Fire Department said in the official statement
There were 750 fires in 2007 Croatian coast fires and one of them broke out on the island of Kornati
A team of 23 firemen was sent to the island
According to Wikipedia
“the firefighters split into two teams
The latter split up one more time when three firemen lost their communication gear and again when the fourth one went checking for the signal
The remaining 13 were stranded between two hills with no water whatsoever
since the large water canister landed 500 meters away from them
Although the burning grass was only 10 cm tall
the firemen didn’t have the necessary equipment and had nowhere to run
while the other seven remained lying on the ground
they were sent to the hospital in Zadar and then transferred to hospitals in Zagreb and Split
Six of them died in hospital because of serious burns covering large areas of their bodies
bringing up many questions about the necessity of the intervention.”
The firefighters who were tragically killed in the fire included four professional firefighters from Šibenik Fire Department
four members of Tisno Volunteer Fire Department
and four members of Vodice Volunteer Fire Department
The only survivor of the accident was Frane Lučić from Tisno Volunteer Fire Department
This article has been updated. Click here for the latest update of the fire in Sibenik at 20:45 pm
“We once again appeal to the citizens to be extra careful due to the extremely unfavorable weather conditions
which include a very high risk of forest fires breaking out in almost the entire area of Croatia,” said chief fire commander Slavko Tucaković
a fire broke out due to a traffic accident
after which the surrounding vegetation caught fire
A Canadair was sent to extinguish the fire
there is also an active fire on Benkovačka cesta
which is also being extinguished by firefighters
Vodice JVP commander Antonio Begić told Dalmacija Danas that the fire on Benkovačka cesta is quite large
and that the number of firefighters is growing
so we are now concentrating on that,” added Begić
Begić said that the firefighters do not yet have control over the fire
A traffic accident also caused a fire in Zadar County
A van was ignited which caused the fire to spread to grass and low vegetation
Firefighters point out that there is no danger of the fire spreading to the buildings
and firefighters and Canadairs have already been sent to the scene
HVZ reminds citizens that it is forbidden to burn weeds
and to throw cigarette butts and any other irresponsible behavior that may cause a fire
For more news in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.