#caves near korčula

[adriaticpulse]

Vela Luka and the Vela Spila Cave

[blue-shark-split]

Dalmatia And Split Are Top Sea Tours Destinations!

Dalmatia, located in the southern part of Croatia, is a stunning region known for its Adriatic coastline and islands. From exploring scenic islands like Hvar, Brač, Korčula and Vis, to sampling the local cuisine such as grilled fish and black risotto, here are some great tips for your Dalmatian vacation.

Be sure to explore Split , Trogir and Dubrovnik as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, take a boat tour along the coast or to nearby islands, take in views over beautiful beaches including Zlatni Rat on Brač Island or Stiniva Beach on Vis Island and enjoy hiking trails in places like Paklenica National Park or Biokovo Nature Park.

Finally, don't miss out on experiencing Split - the largest city in Dalmatia that holds grand historical landmarks such as Diocletian's Palace and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius.

Whether it’s sightseeing around historic monuments or soaking up the natural beauty of this picturesque region, Dalmatia has something for everyone!

Looking for a fun and exciting way to experience Split, Croatia?

Look no further than the Blue Shark Split Boat Travel Agency! From day speedboat tours to nearby islands, there's something for everyone here in Split to the custom made exclusive private tours. Whether you're looking for cultural activities or just want to relax on the crystal-clear waters around the city, a boat trip from Split is an unforgettable experience. On our trip to this stunning coastal city, I was able to see some amazing sights, explore its vibrant culture and cuisine, and interact with friendly locals. If you're planning a trip to Croatia, make sure you add Split to your travel itinerary - you won't regret it!

Are you looking for a fun way to explore the gorgeous Croatian coastline near Split Riva? Why not try one of the many speedboat tours available?

You can choose from day trips to nearby islands like Hvar Island or Vis Island, or go further afield and visit attractions like Krka National Park and Blue Lagoon. Each tour will bring you to stunning places like Golden Horn Beach, Stiniva Beach, and Trogir - a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique architecture. No matter what excursion you pick, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience on a Split Riva Sea Tour!

Split Holidays And Split Sea Tours

If you're looking to add some adventure to your Split holiday, look no further than these sea tours!  trips from Split Riva provide a unique way to experience the best of Croatia's spectacular coastline. Popular options include blue cave and Hvar island excursions where you can marvel at the natural wonder of the famous Blue Cave, Brač Island and Golden Horn Beach tours which Take you to one of Croatia's most stunning beaches, Vis Island and Stiniva Beach day trips for secluded swims in crystal clear waters, or Blue Lagoon and Trogir adventures for breathtaking views of the vibrant Croatian coastline.

[blueiscoool]

Ancient Greek Helmet Found in Burial Chamber in Croatia

A very rare bronze Greek-Illyrian war helmet, used in Greece during the time of the Greco-Persian Wars, was recently discovered in a rock-cut tomb in Dalmatia, Croatia.

The form of the iconic open-faced helmet, which archaeologists consider an especially rare find, originated in the Peloponnese during the 8th and 7th centuries BC.

The spectacular find was made recently during the exploration of the cave tomb in Zakotarac, located on the Pelješac peninsula, in southern Dalmatia, Croatia. The tomb was for a Greek warrior buried approximately three centuries later, however, in the 4th century BC.

The rare find, accompanied by many other valuable objects from the era, was discovered within a previously-unknown rock-cut tomb along a hillside near Gradina.

This particular style of helmet, which became the iconic head covering of Greek warriors over the centuries, was first used by the Etruscans and Scythians. It later became known as the Illyrian helmet.

An alternate form of this helmet was also developed in Italy, according to archaeologists who gleaned this information from depictions on ivory relief sculptures. However, this style of helmet became obsolete in most areas of Greece in the early 5th century BC and its common use in Illyria ended by the 4th century BC.

Part of the warrior’s skull appears to be visible from the openings of the helmet, although earth has over the millennia made its way into where the rest of his head would be.

Adding to the importance of the find, archaeologists also discovered a treasure trove of ancient weapons, including spears and knives, in the same Croatian grave.

At least two other people had been buried along with the warrior, including a woman, who was found wearing a bronze bracelet.

According to a report in Archaeology News Network, additional treasures at the gravesite included “fifteen bronze and silver fibulae (clasps), twelve needles, several spiral bronze ornaments and tweezers and several hundred glass paste and amber beads belonging to necklaces.”

The spectacular find was made when archaeologists were working on restoring a damaged burial mound. The rectangular space of the mound measured approximately 3 x 2 meters (9.84 x 6.56 feet).

The body of the warrior had been laid to rest in a west-east direction in the tomb, but unfortunately, his bones were found in a “rather poor condition,” according to the archaeologists.

The tomb dates back to earlier than the nearby colony on Korčula, which is known to have been founded in the late 4th or early 3rd century BC, according to the project coordinator, Dr. Hrvoje Potrebica, from the Department of Archaeology of Zagreb University.

The discovery was made possible after last year’s visit to western Peljesac by a team from Croatia’s Center for Prehistoric Research. In the process of exploring this area, they were able to identify potential archaeological dig sites at the Illyrian Cave Sanctuary at Nakovana, dating back to the 4th to 1st centuries BC.

Priceless objects to accompany the dead in the afterlife

During this reconnaissance, they found grave goods deposited around a stalagmite. Professor Potrebica holds that the fourth century BC Greek-Illyrian helmet “is exceptionally rare” and is one of only about forty such helmets that have ever been found in all of Europe.

Another treasure found in the grave were thirty vases of predominantly Greek origin — although the researchers believe that they had been made by both Attic and Italian workshops.

According to the archeologists, these types of vessels were among the most expensive vases made during that period. Along with these rare discoveries, the researchers were able to pinpoint many other previously unknown sites in Nakovana, Professor Potrebica stated.

The researchers additionally were able to examine another group of prehistoric mounds around the Croatian village of Zakotorac. Following a road that is believed to have been trodden in prehistoric times, they came upon yet another site known as “the Vidohovo spring.”

The archaeologists state that they believe this site will yield yet more treasures, possibly including a shrine, with Dr. Potrebica adding that it holds “enormous potential.”

In 2021, after all the pandemic-related restrictions will be lifted, the archeological team hopes that they will once again be able to return to this site, which will enable them to lace these finds into their proper historical context.

Dr. Potrebica told interviewers that the discovery of the bronze war helmet, along with the other “exceptional finds” on Korcula, are presenting archaeologists with a new understanding of the “importance of the southern Adriatic in the historical dynamics of this part of Europe.”

By Patricia Claus.

[gohvar]

At the far eastern end of Hvar, where it comes closest to the mainland, lies the port of Sućuraj. It’s a good long drive from our place, following the beautiful winding road along the ridge of the island. On the way you get stunning views north to Brač and the mountains of the mainland, and south towards Korčula and the Pelješac peninsula. Sućuraj is best known for two things:- the ferry crossing to the mainland, and Vujnović winery. We’ve taken the ferry a few times, and it was high time we explored the place itself, and the wines.

Sućuraj harbour

The first thing to note is that vines have been cultivated in the eastern part of the island, known as Plame, for centuries. We even know the names of the people who were granted land on the cape of St George (Sut Juraj = Sv Juraj) to create vineyards (1432 – Kažota Ozirić; 1458 – Hektor Golubinić, grandfather of Peter Hektorović). The Vujnović family was first mentioned in the records in 1673 and their house is one of the oldest in Sućuraj. There’s a long pedigree of wine-making here!

Vineyard with a view!

On the way into Sućuraj we stop at Vujnović’s largest vineyard, created in 2012. It faces south-west, protected by a ridge from the bura, and has spectacular views towards Korčula and the Pelješac peninsula. Here they grow three local Dalmatian varieties: Plavac mali, Pošip and Prč, using only ecological methods with organic fertilizers and no synthetic pesticides. The basis of the vineyard is limestone, which you can see in large heaps, with ancient sea fossils clearly visible in them. In June, this year’s grapes are still young and green, looking very promising.

Plavac mali grapes

Limestone fossil

Juraj Vujnović tells us about the vines

Plavac mali vines

We have two guides for our tour today. One is Juraj Vujnović, the young winemaker taking over the operation of the winery from his father Vjekoslav, and the other is his uncle Nikša, a well-known archaeologist. Together, they have a fascinating fund of knowledge about the area! Driving on into Sućuraj, we assemble around a table in the coolness of the konoba for a glimpse into the distant past. The Vujnović family home was built in the 15th century with a silver coin embedded in the wall in the old traditional manner to bring good fortune. The coin dates from 1441, when the ruler of this area was the Hungarian King Ladislav I.

Silver coin from 1441

For the past 40 years Nikša Vujnović has been investigating the evidence of human life on the island.  His backpack holds a treasure trove of small fragments that show how early people arrived here, and just how wide their trading connections were. These pieces were found at sites nearby, and although larger, more important finds are held in the Archeological museum in Split, it is fascinating to hear from an expert what these small remnants of daily life can tell us. It’s not often that we’re allowed to touch a piece of impresso pottery from 6,000 BC, and feel the indents put there by some ancient craftsman.

Greek pottery

Roman bronze coin

African-made pottery

Amfora lid

Impresso pottery

During the last Ice Age, the ancient river Neretva flowed down a valley between Hvar and Korčula. As the ice melted, around 10,000 years ago, the sea level rose and the hills became islands. It’s likely that the earliest people would have lived in the river valley, so sadly much of the evidence of their activities has been submerged. However, there are caves and a few hill-top sites where flakes of stone tools have been found. The original rock had come from the Apulia region of Italy, but the collection of small flakes suggest that the blades were crafted locally. In caves with fresh water, fragments of pottery vessels have been found, these were used for drinking and for storage. In several places, hillforts on the high ground along with their burial grounds are waiting to be excavated to learn more.

Vujnović house

Sućuraj port

Cobbled street

Old roof

Fisherwoman by Ivona Biočić

On our walk around Sućuraj with Nikša, we saw how prosperous this little town must have been, once the island was under the protection of the Venetian republic. This was a busy port on the coastal trading route, nicely sheltered and conveniently close to the mainland.  To protect the traders, the Venetians built a fortress here in 1613, with a large watch-tower (sadly bombed in the Second World War).  A house along the street was built  in 1560 by Venetian diplomat and merchant Fabrizio Savarese, whose coat of arms we see above the door. Looking the coat of arms, the bar sinister behind the lion rampant suggests that he was born out of wedlock.

Blue door

Fabrizio Salvaresio coat of arms 1560

Cat in a doorway

Venetian fortress

Fabrizio Salvaresio by Titian

Further along is the monastery of the Order of Saint Augustine, which dates back to the early 14th century. Opposite, is the church of St George, after which this town is named. Not so much the current church, which is a 19th century replacement, but the original one named in the Hvar Statute of 1331 of which only the foundations remain. The old graveyard is still there, with an interesting relief carving of a galley (rather hard to see in the dappled sunlight). Hidden away behind the gate is an inscription in old cyrillic, from an earlier time of refugees from the mainland.

Post office

Old houses

Tombstone carving

Blue door

Monastery 14th century

Sv Juraj graveyard

Back at Podrum Vujnović, it’s time for lunch and wine-tasting. By now, the wafting aromas of cooking are making us rather hungry! The food is all locally sourced and prepared by themselves, including a lovely selection of cheese, anchovies and pates to start, followed by a slow-cooked beef pašticada or grilled fish. To finish, we had pancakes with compote of summer fruit. All wonderfully tasty!

And the wines to go with the food…

Prč – crisp, citrusy and very drinkable on its own or with food, this variety is indigenous to the Plame area. Once very common, it dwindled a bit after phylloxera hit, and has been brought back by the efforts of Vjekoslav Vujnović, who collected vine shoots from various small vineyards around the area. Prč has a very distinctive aroma and taste, and according to local tradition, is an aphrodisiac. However that might be, it certainly pairs excellently well with appetisers and fish dishes. One of my favourite white Hvar wines.

Pošip – pale yellow with floral aromas and apricots. Vanilla flavours and yellow fruit. Grapes grown in the vineyard near Sućuraj.

Rose – made from Plavac mali grown in the new vineyard we visited. Does not spend long on the skins so the colour is lovely light shade of pink. Light, floral summery wine, very easy to drink.

Plame – made from Plavac mali in the same vineyard. The name refers to the historical name for this part of the island. Dark red. Lovely red fruit, chocolate notes, went superbly well with the cheese and fish. I love this wine!

Ivan Dolac (barrique) is made from Plavac mali grapes grown on the south side of the island. The vineyard there (in Ivan Dolac, as the name suggests) is 350 metres above the sea, on steeply sloping terrain. The wine spends 12 months in oak barrels before being bottled. This is a full-bodied premium red wine, with lovely balanced tannins and complex flavours. I understand it paired really well with the pastičada!

Some of these wines are only available on the island, either at the winery or in some hotels and restaurants in Hvar. We greatly enjoyed our tour of Sućuraj and the Vujnović wines. Many thanks to Juraj, Vjeko and Nikša for sharing their knowledge and making us so welcome. Highly recommended day out!

Find out more…

Podrum Vujnović website: www.podrum-vujnovic.hr

Walk with an Archaeologist Airbnb Experience

Sućuraj homepage

A taste of the past and present in Sućuraj: Vujnović winery At the far eastern end of Hvar, where it comes closest to the mainland, lies the port of Sućuraj.