Croatia – from kuna to euro: dates and deadlines
Croatia, lijepa Hrvatska, from kuna to euro Since becoming part of the European Union, many countries have also joined the Eurozone, and area in which there is a common currency: euro (€). In 2025, there are already 20 countries which have decided to be part of this euro area. Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. With pros and cons for each country which has joined, Croatia started its way in December 2022 and will finish it in December 2025. Here’s a quick chronology of the country’s path to its change of currency. 2022 05 September 2022coexistence of euros and kunas starts. Dual currency display for customers kunas and euros: dual currency display 01 December 2022first packages of euro coins with Croatian motifs are created and becoming available to the public. 33 coins with a total value of 13’28€ can be purchased for 100HRK. They won’t be used as payment until the next year first Croatian euro coins 27 December 2022pre-supply of coins and bills starts for micro-entrepreneurs. They can receive 10.000€ for trade to start at the beginning of 2023 (contract signature with the bank and guarantee required) pre-supply of coins and bills 22 – 23 31 December 2022 & 01 January 2023ATM and bank transactions freeze. Money can’t be cashed out from ATMs and transactions for payments are frozen. Some banks admittedly report they won’t work with cards. Citizens are advised to have cash for the change of year transactional freeze 2023 01 January 2023The euro becomes legal tender in Croatia. From that day onwards, and determined by the Council of the European Union (July 2022), the exchange rate between the euro and the kuna remains as follow, as sole legal exchange rate: 1€ = 7’53450 HRK euro as legal tender 1 € = 7’53450 HRK 1 – 14 January 2023dual circulation period. Euro and Kuna are both a legal way of payment. By law, when paying -including in Kuna-, a customer has the right to have the money returned in euros whenever possible dual circulation of kuna and euro January 2023December 2022 salaries are paid in euros. For the first time in the history of Croatia, salaries will have been paid in euros first salaries in euros 31 December 2023coexistence of kunas and euros on prices display for consumer ends. Last day prices will be seen in kunas last day of kunas display 2024 01 January 2024from this day onwards, Croatian Kuna will only be able to be exchanged to euros at the Hrvatska Narodna Banka (Croatian National Bank) currency exchange exclusive to Hrvatska Narodna Banka 1 € = 7’53450 HRK 2025 31 December 2025last day in which Croatian Kuna will ever be exchanged -exclusively- at Hrvatska Narodna Banka. From this day onwards, Kuna and the Lipa coins will no longer have a monetary value and will only retain their numismatic, sentimental and historical value last day for currency exchange bye, Kuna 🇮🇨 tbt con @tenoactivo explorando y aprendie It's always summer somewhere 🩵 [🇪🇸 debajo ¿Y por qué no un poquito de Europa central este 🍺 "I don't do beer" 🍻 [español debajo] 🇩 [English below] 🇮🇨 Pedazo de fin de semana c Emiratos Árabes Unidos 😍🇦🇪 (English belo First glimpses of UAE ✨ Primeros vistazos de Emi Follow me on Instagram
European Health Card
Thanks to the European Union agreements, free transit extends to free medical assistance within the member states. This way, citizens of EU countries can make use of needed health services via the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) under the same conditions as people insured in the visited country, sometimes fully free, sometimes in need of a co-pay, depending on the country. The card is a personal and non-transferable document with validity in the following countries:TIP: click on your country to be taken to the official national site of the health department, and to obtain your EHIC Countries which are part of the European Union: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden. Countries which are part of the European Economic Area (EEA): Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, As part of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA): Switzerland Special conditions: United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) With this card, you will have the right to receive medical assistance in your temporary stay in any of the above mentioned states. This card cannot be used when you move to the new country (for that, you’ll need the S1 form) or if your goal is to obtain some special medical treatment. For the latter, the Health Services should need to write a favorable report in your home country. Some of the covered benefits include providing services for existing or chronic illnesses, pregnancy or childbirth. It is important to know that: ⇒ It is a free card to obtain. Generally, the EHIC validity extends to TWO years, you can request it via the internet, and it usually takes about 10 days to get to your home. ⇒ It does not guarantee free services, as the healthcare system varies from country to country. It guarantees that you will be treated equally, with the same rights, as the locals. ⇒ It is not an alternative to travel insurance, as it does not cover private healthcare, specific travel requirements / benefits, lost or stolen property, flights delays, repatriation, etc. ⇒ Hundreds of millions of Europeans use this card. ⇒ If you ask for the EHIC, your local authority is obliged to provide you with one or, failing that, with a provisional replacement certificate if the card is not immediately available. If you are unsure about your rights, you can contact Your Europe Advice. How to recognize the cards? The front of the cards look the same in every country – like the main picture in this article. The back changes from country to country. If you are curious about the design, please click here to see more. Here are some examples: Do you need a travel insurance? Upcoming article on why you may need one:)
Best spots to Surf and Bodyboard in Tenerife
The Canary Islands are a mini paradise for surfing and bodyboarding. World championships are held in some of the islands’ best spots every year. Catching some waves is one of the top activities to do in the island of Tenerife, the one of greatest relief, as it offers a vast choice of beaches to slide off the adrenaline rush. The island is set in a privileged area, being part of the Macaronesia, in the Atlantic Ocean. The winds, temperatures and types of seabed, offer different kinds of waves for all surfers, from the foam for the newbie to the highest peaks for most experienced ones. Below, I list a few of the best beaches I personally know for these two sports. Please, be cautious, respect the sea, and good waves for all 😉 ANAGA AREA Almáciga The first time I got on a surfboard, it was a tiny fish board and right on this beach. Sweet memories playing with the waves and discovering how unstable those boards are… especially for beginners! Access and services: Wild beach. Parking in front of the beach. Refreshments stand. From the capital, you must take TF1 towards San Andrés, and right before entering the village, take left on the roundabout. Go up on that road and take the second exit towards «Taganana/ Almáciga» (TF12). After Taganana and Roque de las Bodegas, you’ll find Almáciga beach. [su_gmap width=»50″ height=»50″ address=»Playa de Almáciga, Tenerife»] Municipality: Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Seabed: black sand. Direction of the wave: right and left. Wave characteristics: barrel, wall. Recommendation by ability level: intermediate and advanced. Warning: strong current area. Dangerous. Do not go away from the shore. Check weather and tides before going in the water. Benijo From my perspective, this is one of the most beautiful beaches of the island. Wild. A local gem. A wonderful beach where to spend the day or the evening (especially with receding tide), and watch the sunset. Access and services: No services and no parking. About 45-50 minutes away from the capital (27-28 km). After Taganana and Almáciga (check directions above), you’ll find a curve to the right. Next to the restaurant El Mirador, under the caserío de Benijo, you’ll find a pathway and some stairs that will take you to the beach. This may be my favorite or one of my favorite beaches. Please, take care of it! [su_gmap width=»50″ height=»50″ address=»Playa de Benijo, Tenerife»] Municipality: Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Seabed: black sand. Direction of the wave: right and left. Characteristics: wall. Recommendation for ability level: intermediate and advanced. Warning: strong current area. Dangerous. Do not go away from the shore. Check weather and tides before going in the water. NORTH (TF5) El Socorro (Realejos) Home to many competitions, this beach is perfect for bodyboarding, and as a good friend and boogie-boarding mentor of mine would say, wonderful for duck-dive practice! It may probably be the beach where I have practiced them the most, due to the speed of the wave series. Access and services: isolated beach. Parking (usually full). Toilet, wifi area, and a chiringuito (local beach-style food ‘n drinks stand). Disabled accessibility with reserved parking, access ramp and wheelchair friendly. In Los Realejos (after La Orotava), about 35 minutes away (42ks) from the capital. Access by car via TF5 and then main road c820, towards Mirador de San Pedro. [su_gmap width=»50″ height=»50″ address=»Playa de El Socorro, Realejos, Tenerife»] Municipality: Los Realejos. Seabed: black sand. Direction: right and left. Characteristics: quick wave, barrel, wall. Best tide: all. Recommended level: intermediate and advanced. Warning: strong currents and strong waves. Martiánez Close to Lago Martiánez, this beach is the most accessible -and very popular- by Puerto de la Cruz. You’ll find it right in front of the main avenue, where there is also a skate park. Surfing and bodyboarding championships are held on this beach. Access and services: right from the city. Access right at the entrance of Puerto de la Cruz, exit 32 of TF5, about 35 minutes (37ks) from the capital. When getting off the highway, continue towards Avenida de Colón; and if it is easier for you, follow the directions towards Lago Martiánez – when facing the ocean, it will be on its right hand. [su_gmap width=»50″ height=»50″ address=»Playa de Martiánez, Tenerife»] Municipality: Puerto de la Cruz. Seabed: sand and callao (a type of small stone). Direction: right. Characteristics: smooth. Best tide: high and mid. Recommendation: beginner and intermediate. *Tip: You will find surf schools here. SOUTH (TF1) El Socorro (Güímar) Callaos (stones) beach for bodyboarding. You’ll find locals. Access and services: in the coast of Güímar, close to the Malpaís (natural reserve), about 20 minutes (23 ks) from the capital. Take exit 20 when leaving highway TF1. [su_gmap width=»50″ height=»50″ address=»Playa de El Socorro, Güímar, Tenerife»] Municipality: Güímar. Seabed: stones and rocks. Direction: left. Characteristics: wall. Recommendation: intermediate. Playa El Faro – Playa Grande (El Porís) Beautiful beach by a fishermen’s village where you can eat really good fish. Mostly locals. Access and services: close to El Porís and a windfarm. Parking. About 35 minutes (44ks) from the capital on TF1, taking exit 39 to continue on TF625 towards Calle Buen Viaje – Carretera del Faro. [su_gmap width=»50″ height=»50″ address=»Playa de El Faro, El Porís, Tenerife»] Municipality: Arico. Seabed: light-brown sand. Direction of the wave: right and left. Characteristics: smooth. Best tide: low and mid. Recommendation: beginners. Warning: windy. El Cabezo y La Jaquita (El Médano) By El Médano village -on my top three villages of the island, and very close to my heart-, these beaches are TOP for getting started (as is the one coming up). This is also a distinguished area for kitesurfing and windsurfing. Access and services: El Cabezo and La Jaquita beaches are about 45 minutes (64ks) from the capital. South on the TF1, you’ll want to take exit TF64, right before Tenerife South Airport, and all the way down to the shore. After leaving the centre of the village
Forestal Park tenerife – at night
[updated] A few weeks ago, I had the great opportunity to be invited to the opening of Forestal Park Tenerife… at night! [icon icon=icon-moon size=14px color=#000 ] This adventure centre opens its doors all summer, every summer, to experience extreme sensations while up in the trees and with very low visibility. Ropes, zip-lines and lots of adrenaline. Are you in? Forestal Park has 86 different attractions, 11 of which are zip-lines, and are divided in different types of circuits. To start the activities, the team leaders will guide all users through one of their two briefing circuits, where the attractions, security procedures and doubts will be explained and resolved. Visitors will learn how to use the carabiners to always be at maximum security when away from the ground. Likewise, they will learn about climbing up and down from each game, how to cross them, and also the best posture to go down the zip-line. This step in compulsory for each participant – no exceptions. In the opening night, after some welcoming snacks, we split in two groups, and then went on the circuito deportivo (sporty circuit). It took us about three hours to complete it. We went on many different stations, reaching heights of 30 meters, and jumping off the longest zip-line in the park (and in the Canary Islands!), which is 230 meters long. This circuit is recommendable to all visitors who love feeling the adrenaline and who have no problems with heights. Nonetheless, all attractions have an escape way alternative in case users feel insecure once starting that phase of the circuit. To the adrenaline junkies like myself, I recommend you to keep moving forward and to experience the leap into the void… especially if you are able and willing to do it with no light at all. It is even better! The only disadvantage of doing this activity at night is the poor visibility, which is compensated by the head lamps. Everything else is just advantages: sensations are multiplied, you live a unique moment, adrenaline is double than during the daytime, emotions will make you feel goosebumps… the fresh air, Nature’s sounds, the lack of acoustic contamination, darkness, and even jumping without seeing where you are going… in my opinion, absolutely recommendable! If you want to live emotions and sensations, you just simply cannot miss this. Are you in? How to get there? The park is located on the road to el Teide via La Esperanza (close to La Laguna), at about 1400m, in the protected area of Las Lagunetas, being one of the most representative natural sites of the pinar canario (Canarian pines) in the Canary Islands. To easily get therefrom both South and North, you need to head towards La Laguna. Once in the area, go towards La Esperanza. You can go both by car or bus (aka: guagua, and the bus site of Titsa). From there, you’ll need to go by car or taxi (which you can take at Plaza del Adelantado, in La Esperanza). The GPS coordinates are: – Latitude: 28° 24′ 51.76″ N – Longitude: 16 ° 24′ 19.55″ O [su_gmap address=»Forestal Park Tenerife»] Recommendations – Bring warm and comfortable sports clothing. Preferably long (and not too loose) pants. – Bring sporty shoes. Preferably hiking boots or similar footwear, closed and tight. – Bring gloves (cycling style, leaving the fingers out). By doing so, your hands will be better protected from grazing against the ropes. – Check the weather. – Put up your hair in a ponytail or a braid. Loose hair is not allowed, due to security reasons. – Bring a small backpack for your personal belongings. There are no lockers, and bringing a small backpack is comfortable and does not graze or stop proper fitting of the harness. You’ll prevent losing your things when up high, or being harmed by them during your movements. The line of life The line of life is a security system created by Forest Experience, in which the adventurer is secured via carabiners to the circuit line, and that can only be modified when on land, before and after the activity. This way, even if an accident may happen, the user will always be safe and secure. Remarks This activity is not suitable for expecting mothers or people with functional physical diversity. Please, in case of having any questions, do not hesitate to contact Forestal Park Tenerife. Adventure is one of the biggest fascinations for humans. The best way to make a child enthusiastic about a new task is convincing him that it is an adventure. Later, enthusiasm for adventures will be the centre of life for many men and women. Special thanks to the director, Carmen, and to the team – especially José and Airam, for sharing their advice and stories. [spoiler alert: VIDEO coming up] (Check out more must-do activities in Tenerife)
Kayaking in Tenerife
As I mentioned in the post top 9 must-do activities in Tenerife, kayaking in Tenerife is one of my top experiences. We decided to go to Los Gigantes -an unmissable spot- and slide its waters, parallel to these impressive cliffs, guided by Teno Activo, a top local business, leader on these kind of activities. Did you know that the Acantilados de Los Gigantes (the cliffs) are 12 kms away from Teno? Did you know that Los Gigantes and Anaga were the first places of the island to surface? The guide that lead our group told us these and many more interesting facts… Kayaking by the coast is an excellent activity to do when the ocean wants to show itself calm. This way, it doesn’t turn out to be a very exigent activity, while still keeping you active. You can look up and observe orography at its best. In the image below, you can spot the galleries created in the forties, to transport water from barranco to barranco (water-ways/ ravines). Nowadays, they’re hiking routes. The vertical lines, known as diques, were solidified first, becoming hard stone that takes longer to erode than the rest of the cliff’s wall. Just before jumping in the water, we stopped at the Bay of Echo. It is the only bay without a barranco, and should not be approached, as its wall elevates dangerously over the shore, increasing the consequences of a possible landslide. When separating from that point, still close to the cliffs and safe, a stop is made. There, you can have a snack and jump in the crystalline waters to freshen up. You can take your own gear -or enjoy the one provided by the company- to observe the bottom on the ocean, as the show continues underwater. This excursion is for all ages. We had two guides: one that was next to us, also kayaking, and telling us #funfacts about the area; and another one that went on a boat. The later would check the state of the coast, look for dangers and keep us all safe in case of an emergency; and of course, to close the group, controlling everyone’s on his sight. Also, he’s the one carrying the snacks, so he knows everybody will pay attention to him 😉 Undoubtedly, a little trip to take and repeat (not my first time, not my last 🙂 ). [su_youtube url=»https://youtu.be/AAnl656aMAA»] Do you want to book your excursion via travelOgrafa? Contact me here, and I will organize it for you! 🙂
TOP activities to do in Tenerife
There are SO many activities to do on the island of Tenerife. I love number 9, so here, I introduce you to my top 9 must-do activities on the island. 1. Walk – hiking Walking can be done in many places throughout the island, with a vast variety of scenery and difficulty. I’d say go on the registered trails, as some can be dangerous to do by oneself without guidance. Also, please do not go alone, bring enough water, and follow the local recommendations. And, of course – enjoy!! 🙂 This is me a few years back, on the peak of Spain, on the island of Tenerife. Such an incredible, recommended hike – one of my most favorite ever. You get to an altitude of almost four thousand meters! It is also a super accessible hike, both getting to the trail, and moving between the mountain and the ocean shore. Imagine this: the same morning I was at the top of El Teide wearing my snow gear, I was sailing in my swimwear on the South coast. 2. Go underwater – diving/ freediving/ snorkeling I know, I know… this is not one but a group of activities… Whichever you choose, you need to explore the underwater life, the bottom of the Tenerife waters and its unique and endemic species. Please, do respect the fauna and flora around you – remember that you are the visitor; and apply the basic safety on all underwater activities, always going with a buddy and with the proper certification. Enjoy, being safe! I am a lover of the underwater world, and am passionate about these three sport disciplines. Are you in Tenerife and want to learn how to dive? Leave your comment below! I’ll teach you!* [click here to dive with me!] If you dive, please bring your diver ID, diver insurance, and make sure you have a dive buddy! (Also, if you need to know where to rent your material or book a nice dive, drop me a comment below!*). If you freedive, Tenerife will also be your paradise. International freediving championships are held each year on this Atlantic island, home of Apnea Academy West Europe, which welcomes Umberto Pelizzari each year. If you are keen to explore without getting too extreme, you can enjoy snorkeling! We have plenty of safe beaches and crystal clear spots to catch sight of the world below the surface. Check out this video of one of my most favorite organized adventures on the island! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlgcA4niGOg 3. Get under land – speleology Tenerife is home to some of the most amazing volcanic tubes in the World, and specifically to the longest one in Europe. Globally, it is only outstripped by some in the Hawaii islands. Visiting Cueva del Viento is a great approach to vulcanology, a magnificent way to get to know the island to its core. 🙂 4. Navigate the skies – paragliding In Tenerife, there are several spots to jump from and go paragliding. To the one who has never tried, I must say, it is an experience like no other. The nervousness one gets before jumping absolutely disappears once the feet are off the ground and you let yourself go. Suddenly, a feeling of tranquility and peace surrounds your body as you see the skies before you and the land under your feet. Tenerife is definitely a place to navigate the skies, be it for the first time, or one more to add to the check-list. (More adventure in the heights: Forestal Park Tenerife, at night!) 5. Taste – gastronomy Canarian food is something Canarians are very proud of, and we have strong reasons to be!! 🙂 Well, if you like eating and appreciate trying new flavors, that is! There are many dishes that are worth trying. Please, do so with the locals, in a Canarian restaurant, or in an authentic guachinche (a place where food is served, with a homey environment and similar to, although not-so-much, a restaurant). 6. Observe the stars – astronomy Being home to some of the best skies in the world*, the amazing firmament can be clearly viewed from many spots on the island. My favorite best is the National Park of El Teide. From up there, the Milky Way and wonderful constellations can be easily spotted throughout most of the year. Many tinerfeños (demonym for people from Tenerife) enjoy the Perseids Meteor Shower roughly every month of August, when el Llano de Ucanca becomes the playground for the night: Night photography at its best! *The Canary Islands are recognized as some of the best sky friendly and sky accessible locations in the world. They are one of the three best spots in the world to observe the sky, together with the Hawaii Islands and Chile. Also in these three locations, observatories are found, as well as the world giant telescopes. The island of La Palma holds the world’s largest single-aperture optical telescope, famous GranTeCan, Gran Telescopio de Canarias or GTC, of which Canarians also take pride. 7. Capture the beauty that surrounds you – photography When you’re a photography lover, you seek opportunities to embrace the beauty that surrounds you, be it landscape, be it people, be it Nature. In Tenerife you have the chance to practice your skills and to be involved with the environment that will undoubtedly welcome you and make you want to stay for longer. 8. Slide on the water – kayaking/ surfing Tenerife is home for international championships of many sports, amongst them, surfing. Apart from this, it is not only perfect for surfing and bodyboarding, but also for kayaking when/ where the Ocean waves are calmer. From Puerto de la Cruz or El Socorro in the North of the island, to Las Américas or El Médano in the South, waves show their sensual moves to excited surfers. And in places like Los Gigantes, the ocean remains peaceful to attract sliders to enjoy the coastline and even crystal clear waters. If you like the ocean, this is
Tube map, Walk the Tube map
Transport for London released an alternative version of their Tube Map (you know, the underground! 😉 ). It is called the Walk the Tube map, and it shows how long it takes to commute, by foot, between stations!! 🙂 [su_document url=»http://content.tfl.gov.uk/walking-tube-map.pdf»] A Transport for London spokesperson declared that We are investing heavily in improving walking and cycling routes across London, with all the health benefits they bring. So they focused on central London (zones 1 and 2), and showed how some journeys (Covent Garden <-> Leicester Square; Mansion House <-> Cannon Street) take less than five minutes walk; and some others are actually worth getting your tube pass working. For example, Euston and South Hampstead are only one stop away, and it takes more than 50 minutes to accomplish it on foot! Some have dared to prove that sometimes, taking the tube, is not only wasting money but time too!! [su_youtube_advanced url=»https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaMiV3Wus9c» responsive=»no» showinfo=»no» rel=»no» fs=»no» modestbranding=»yes»] Can’t wait to go back to London and try that ourselves!!