Delicious fritule (fritters) and kroštule (sweet pastry knots) are typical Istrian desserts no one can resist, especially on cold winter days. Fritule are traditionally served sprinkled with icing sugar, but can be topped with various syrups, such as chocolate, caramel or forest fruit – the options are endless! The secret to the crispy and crunchy kroštule lies in homemade cherry liqueur, brandy or lemon liqueur, which is added to the dough. If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to taste these traditional desserts!
Read moreKrk has been known for its wine ever since the ancient times. The fertile vineyards of Vrbničko polje take pride in the native žlahtina variety, to which we owe the superb, light and refreshing white wine of the same name, derived from the Slavic word žlahten (noble). Nomen est omen! Take your friends for a visit to some of the island’s wineries and enjoy a glass or two, paired with some great local cheese.
Read moreWondering about the absolute star of Istrian cuisine? It’s undoubtedly His Majesty – the Truffle! This underground tuberous fungus is among the most prized foods in the world. It has a specific flavour and is considered an aphrodisiac. Both white and black truffle varieties can be found in Istria. Whether you opt for a steak, fuži pasta, cheese or even honey with truffles, your palate will be eternally grateful.
Read moreThe island of Krk takes pride in its rich history, gorgeous vistas and pristine nature. With around 300 km of hiking and cycling trails, it’s a true paradise for active holiday seekers. So hop on the bike, breathe in the fresh air and explore the island in a good company!
Read moreIf you’re longing for new experiences, a ride through Istria on four wheels surely sounds tempting. Quad tours are ideal for exploring the peninsula’s hidden gems and its intact nature, while marvelling the endless blue sea. Pick one of the many tours offered and experience the magical Istria in the most fun way.
Read moreThe crystal clear Adriatic Sea is exceptionally attractive for underwater research. Impressive reefs, unique flora and fauna and archaeological sites make the Adriatic seabed an exquisite scuba diving destination. The depths can be explored by mini submarine, very popular in Istria.
Read moreThis popular, easy and fun summer game was invented about 1923 on the Bačvice beach in the city of Split, and soon became a favourite pastime on other beaches throughout the Adriatic coast. Owing to its popularity it is inscribed on Croatia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Try your hand at this fun summer sport – all you need to do is make sure the ball does not fall into the sea!
Read moreIf you love the beautiful scent of lavender and want to indulge all your senses, visit the island of Hvar. Millions of purple flowers that grow on tiny shrubs release their magical scent throughout the island, especially in May and June. There is also a lavender festival, held each summer in Velo Grablje.
Read moreWhen in Dalmatia, be sure to taste dishes under the bell, traditional specialities prepared in the fireplace ovens in konobas of the Dalmatian hinterland. Whatever you opt for – veal, lamb, octopus or calamari, you’ll be thrilled with the mouth-watering harmony of tastes.
Read moreHow about waking up in the fresh air to the sound of roosters crowing? Explore the Istrian countryside by picking olives and grapes, tasting superb local wines and trying your luck at truffle hunting. Or opt for the Dubrovnik surroundings – Konavle, Mljet and Lastovo. Experience Croatia’s magic countryside, intact nature and hospitability of hard-working locals, and enjoy delicious homemade food and beverages.
Read moreCroatia’s Adriatic coast is widely known for picturesque sunsets. Even the legendary film director Alfred Hitchcock once said there were no sunsets on Earth like in the Croatian city of Zadar. The truth is – the entire coast, from Istria to Dalmatia, as well as islands (in particular Hvar and Rab), offer unforgettable sunsets. See for yourselves what makes the Adriatic a perfect destination for romantics!
Read moreHolidaying on the Makarska Riviera? Be sure to put Biokovo on your to-do list! One of Croatia’s most beautiful mountains was declared a nature park in 1981, and its peak Sv. Jure (1,762 m) is the third highest in the country. The horseshoe-shaped viewpoint Skywalk, a newly-built attraction, lends a miraculous view that should not be missed out on.
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3 minSurrounded by the beautiful blue sea and boasting of the most days of sunlight in the region, as well as a rich cultural heritage, Dubrovnik is the perfect location for your next holiday.
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Pazin is the town of adventure, legends and secret corners, as recognised by the famous writer Jules Verne, who set some of the plot of his novel Mathias Sandorf (written in 1885 as part of the Extraordinary Voyages series) precisely in this picturesque Istrian gem. No wonder Pazin takes great pride in its Jules Verne Street and Jules Verne Club!
Krk is home to some 1,400 plant species, which is almost a half of the total number recorded in Croatia. Its mild climate facilitates the growth of vine, figs, olives, medicinal plants, etc. Also, Krk boasts tree species that cannot be found on any other Adriatic island, such as sessile oak, linden and sycamore maple.
The Old Pharmacy was founded way back in 1317 within the Friars Minor Franciscan Monastery in Dubrovnik. The fact that it has been serving customers for seven centuries now makes it world unique. The pharmacy still produces some preparations according to the traditional recipes of the Franciscan pharmacists.
Noble pen shells are the largest endemic shells in the Mediterranean. As their population has drastically reduced, they are strictly protected. They can be found at different depths along the entire Adriatic coast: their height varies from a few dozen centimetres in shallow waters, up to one metre at greater depths!
Pag is the fifth biggest island in the Adriatic Sea, and is shielded by majestic Velebit mountain. Due to a lack of vegetation, resulting from strong bora wind blows and sea salt deposits, its eastern part closely resembles the surface of the Moon. Its impressive barren appearance has earned it a nickname ‘The Moon Island’ and made it a popular location for shooting films, commercials and photo sessions.
Legend has it that the Mirna river valley was once home to giants, who built several Istrian towns. Dragonja, the giant in charge, had ploughed two furrows and soon rivers started to flow there. They were named Mirna and Dragonja. After finishing the towns of Motovun, Vrh, Sovinjak, Oprtalj, Završje, Roč and Grožnjan, there were only a few stones left, just enough to build the smallest town in the world – Hum!
Nikola Tesla, a scientist, inventor and one of the most brilliant minds in modern history, was born in 1856 in the village of Smiljan near Gospić (Lika region in Croatia). Tesla spent most of his life in the U.S., and his ground-breaking work, innovations and patents in the field of electrical engineering changed the world. Tesla died in 1943 in New York, and his birth house in Smiljan is now a memorial centre honouring his name and lifework.
The historical railway that once connected 33 Istrian towns and villages on the way from Poreč to Trieste has been turned into Istria’s cycling and hiking trail. The 123 km long narrow-gauge railway was closed in 1935, after only 33 years of service. However, it has left an indelible impression on the entire region and is today a favourite trail of many cyclists and other sports enthusiasts.
The 5.5 km long Walls of Ston, built in the 14th century, are the longest walls in Europe. Fortified by some 40 towers and 5 fortresses, they connect Ston and Mali Ston. Their importance for the Republic of Dubrovnik was invaluable: among other things, they served to defend the city’s salt pans that generated 15,900 ducats a year.
The city of Pula on the Istrian peninsula is home to a spectacular Roman amphitheatre Croatia is widely known for. This monument of ancient times is the world’s sixth largest and one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatres. With the surface area of 11,500 m2, the glorious arena could accommodate up to 23,000 spectators.
Croatia is abundant in the most precious resource of the 21st century: water! Boasting 26 billion cubic metres of water, or 27,330 cubic metres per capita on average, it ranks among the top EU countries in this respect. In addition to providing invaluable drinking water springs, rivers throughout the country proud themselves on breath-taking wonders of nature.
Did you know that the first chocolate with rice was made in Croatia? Back in 1964, an unusual combination of chocolate and rice was tried out at the Zvečevo factory in the town of Požega. The confectionery made of puffed rice, 90% milk chocolate and milk from a local dairy was named Mikado. So treat your palate to the famous chocolate many generations grew up with!
Owing to its ancient beauty and rich tradition, Dubrovnik has long been listed as one of the most visited destinations in Croatia and worldwide. Its historical attractions, luxury accommodation, stunning beaches and nearby archipelago are just a small part of what this Mediterranean jewel has to offer.
Read moreWould you like to share with us and our readers your memories, experiences and recommendations from your holidays in Croatia? Email them at blog@valamar.com and tell us what it was like, what impressed you the most, where you were and what you enjoyed most!
One of my biggest wishes for this year was to come to Croatia again. I hope I’ll have a chance to do that… I have so much I want to see and experience there. I can’t wait!
I love the food at Istrian restaurants… Especially their fish specialties. I even tried at home to prepare some of the dishes that impressed me the most, but they turned out to be not nearly as good. I’ll just have to find out first-hand in one of those restaurants what exactly I’m doing wrong and how to fix it 🙂
