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        <title>Been there | Tips</title>
        
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        <description>
            Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love,
            live in or have just visited - are what make this guide.
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                <title>White water rapids on the Centina</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34508</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[After visiting Dubrovnik it was hard to remember we were in a foreign country, that was until we reached the seaside town of Omis, not somewhere popularized in the guide books just yet but a hidden gem on the road to Zadar.We were dropped off in the middle of the night and were lucky enough to find a tourist office still open and a euro campsite right where the bus dropped us. We explored the 'open till late' town which was swarming with locals, pubs and youngsters. A vibrant town buzzing with youth and laughter not loud American accents and the pitta patter of Birkenstocks. We had been offered to do white water rafting which was an activity neither of us had considered before and I wasn't to keen especially with  the early morning start. We started our journey through the mountains to reach a decent point to start our decline. We were welcomed by the organizers and were made to instantly feel safe and part of the team (no patronizing talks or telling off). We got put into a team with two others and a guide, a well spoken Croatian who was also part of the Olympic rafting team. On my whole journey I had never felt so content and at one with nature as we weaved down the Centina river through waterfalls, trees, lagoons, fish and caves. Of course there was the thrilling rapids in between all of this which resulted in the entire boat laughing with joy after the thrill. We were closely followed by other teams who had plenty of banter and splash fights to give (you're never too old). The best experience of this was our trip into the caves when on the command of 'go English' I was told to follow the torch light in to a dark pit of a below zero water across to slippery rocks and led up barefoot following the sunlight out through the mouth of a waterfall. The shrill squeak of my boyfriend closely following me is what kept me laughing the whole way. Afterwards we got to chill in the river, jump off rocks and free float (no boat) down a rapid. After I felt exhilarated and free. An experience of mixed emotions I will never forget and recommend all to do, if not even the town alone is worth a visit for a real taste of Croatia.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Tomaso restaurant</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34450</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Tomaso restaurant is by far the best place we ate in the whole of Croatia. It's situated in the lovely historic town of Pula on the Istrian coast. It was recommended to us by the tourist office but only after we begged the woman to tell us somewhere where we could get real,wholesome, traditional Croatian food. Situated on one of the main roads leading out of the city, Tomaso is small and  easy to miss so keep an eye out. This locals hangout is unlike many of the other restaurants in town without a pestering maitre'd or menu catered to tourists. It dished up fresh homemade meats,oven baked vegetables and creamy pasta style dishes but in a way like I have never tasted before. My boyfriend was a vegetarian but things changed after our first visit here. However they do vegetable options too. Avoid the expensive pizza places on the strip in the main town and head here for a real, authentic taste of Croatian food and culture. Every time I come back to Pula, Tomaso is the first place I hit up, knowing it will be my best meal in the country. (£3-£10 per person)]]></description>
                
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                <title>Hotel Fortuna</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33719</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[We had not been abroad for holidays because I was scared of flying and don't travel well. But it was going to be our 30th wedding anniversary and I wanted to do something special for my husband so we choose Porec, Croatia and it was the most wonderful place. The hotel was on its own little island, a five-minute boat ride from the mainland and had incredible views. It was lovely and clean and with little coves and beaches around with beautiful clear blue sea and we would just sit in the sea and watch the fish swim around us. The hotel was clean and the staff really friendly and food was lovely and catered for all. We often walked around the island on the warm evenings or there were boats to take you into the town on the mainland which was lovely because it was not commercialised and quite Italian in style with friendly people. The weather was hot but the place was so romantic and we will remember our 30th wedding anniversary for the rest of our lives.]]></description>
                
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                <title>The Jazz Club</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33543</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[A tiny local bar/club - you won't hear yourself think or see across the room for smoke - but to meet local people, enjoy cheap local drinks and escape the pompous arses in Carpe Diem in a lively and exciting atmosphere - this is perfect.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Buza (Cold Drinks)</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33284</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Either is a very appropriate name for, what must be, one of the coolest bars in the world. Work your way down from the Pile Gate, through the old town which is delightful, find the Jesuit Church and then the "outside wall" - there are a couple of hand written signs saying simply "Cold Drinks". There is a small doorway through the wall which leads you to a tiny bar nestling on jagged rocks. There are only about a dozen tables which all face out to the fabulous Adriatic, various rocks and small islands. Entertainment is provided by local lads slightly showing off by diving off the fairly high rocks and the conversation is a babble of languages with Australian accents to the fore (the Aussies can always find a good Buza!). Magical spot and worth the prices for the views and ambience.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Excelsior Hotel</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/33027</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[This luxury hotel is a short stroll from the old town. It has fantastic sea view rooms (at an extra cost of course!) and provides L'Occitane toiletries daily. The breakfast buffet has a wide choice of hot and cold food and there is Cava each day for bucks fizz. It has a beautiful large inside swimming pool which is free to residents and all the staff are very helpful. If it is your birthday- they will send a cake and a birthday greeting to your room free of charge. This hotel is well worth staying in.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Shopping Split's Old Town</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32812</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Shopping in the Old Town of Split (originally a Roman Palace) is a truly unique and amazing experience. This cobbled and car-free area is packed full of authentic, independent stores, specialising in shoe shops, cafes and bars. If that's not enough, in summer a fruit and veg market and numerous gift stalls are found close by. Positioned on the seafront, it promises excellent views of the azure sea and lush palm trees as well as delicious, home-made ice-cream!]]></description>
                
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                <title>Split Peristile apartment</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31819</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[This July me and my girlfriend stayed at this apartment and were really satisfied since it was right in the center but in a calm street. The owner Ana Pelaic was very friendly and showed us around. The apartment was very clean and well equipped. We would stay there again.]]></description>
                
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                <title>The Hotel Bellevue in Dubrovnik</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/31101</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[It's a luxury hotel like many others in the area but it's perched on a cliff face and has its own James Bond-style private beach at the bottom of the cliff.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Hvarski Dvori Sv. Jurja/Hvar's Court of St. George</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/30837</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Dvori Sv. Jurja is an estate on top of the Hvar overlooking the sea and island of Scedro. It is a very unique and chilled place comprising of three stone houses in a typical Mediterranean garden with all amenities you need: a pool, tennis court and a vegetable garden. Ideal for a relaxing holiday far enough from hustle of the Hvar town and yet not too far from beaches and the nightlife should you want it. Surrounded by lavender fields and untouched nature, with wild horses roaming around offers many opportunities for walks, hikes as an alternative to the usual beach experience. We stayed there with friends for two weeks last summer and have actually organised our wedding there. The owners, Olga and Veljko were amazing hosts and provided all the support and help we needed which ensured we had an unforgettable wedding plus a great holiday.]]></description>
                
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                <title>War Photo Ltd</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29825</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[This compelling gallery in Dubrovnik is dedicated to the work of war photographers, and shows exhibitions from wars around the globe, as well as the Balkan conflict. The powerful images are both hard hitting and heartbreaking, and show people struggling to live their daily lives through wars which are brutal and often misunderstood. It is certainly not easy viewing, but I cannot recommend this gallery enough. These are the lives and deaths of real people, and I urge you to rise to the emotional challenge.]]></description>
                
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                <title>The daily market in Trogir</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29767</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[The islet of Trogir is a popular Croatian tourist destination and World Heritage site. Billionaires park their yachts here during the summer months. However, a short walk round the town and away from the quayside leads you to a causeway back to the mainland and the extensive daily market. Under an array of shady parasols local produce – fruit, preserves, fresh herbs, cheeses and vegetables - is displayed in abundance and elderly Croatian ladies are set up round the edges with tiny trestle tables, eager to sell you their pots of honey and hand-picked crops; anything from plums to courgettes. Afterward you can pick up a coffee and a Croatian pastry in one of the nearby bakery stalls.]]></description>
                
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                <title>You should visit Korcula town</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29577</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[The Island Of Korcula is one of the greenest islands in the Adriatic Sea. It is also one of the most popular travel destinations in this part of Croatia. Like most of the Croatian islands, the Greeks, who gave it the name Korkyra Melaina or 'Black Corfu' for its dark and densely wooded appearance, first settled Korcula. <br><br>Recommend: Budget hotel Dragan's Den]]></description>
                
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                <title>Katie O'Connor's Irish Pub</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28388</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Atmospheric Irish pub in a cellar in a side street off the Stradun.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Sunset Lounge @ Hotel Dubrovnik Palace</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28387</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[All the guidebooks suggest you should go here, but honestly a big big disappointment.<br>To us it was no more than a hotel lobby bar and while there is a good view in the day, at night you can't see out due to the reflections of the interior on the glass.]]></description>
                
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                <title>City Walls Tour</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28386</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[On of the main things to be done when visiting Dubrovnik. You can walk around the city walls with great views to be had.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Lapad beach</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28385</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Probably the best beach area in Dubrovnik.<br>As with most beaches in Croatia, very little if any sand with pebbles the order of the day.<br>However views are great and water is clean and clear.<br>Loungers and sun umbrellas can be hired.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Banke beach</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28384</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[The city centre beach Banje is just a short walk from the Ploce Gate. As with most beaches in Croatia, the water is clean &amp; clear but the beach itself is pebbly rather than sandy. Most of this beach has been sold off to the East - West bar / restaurant. Sun loungers &amp; umbrellas are available for hire at 120KN for two loungers and one umbrella.<br>The locals tend to congregate in the half that still is under municipal control.]]></description>
                
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                <title>Fife Buffet</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28289</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Standard fare but cheap and popular with locals. Ideal for people on a budget wanting to have a sit down meal with some drinks.<br><a target="_new" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcjlP0MMpOQ">www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcjlP0MMpOQ</a>]]></description>
                
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                <title>Sperun restaurant</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28288</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[The best restaurant we found in Split. Very nice setting and friendly staff.<br>Great quality Croatian/Mediterranean food at very reasonable prices.<br>Cost us 245 KN (£30) for 1 starter, 2 mains, 1L of wine &amp; cappucinos to finish.]]></description>
                
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