Memories

History Walk in Bakar

Located in the deep-cut Bakar Bay, Bakar is one of the oldest towns on the Croatian coast. Its narrow streets, medieval walls, the Castle and centuries-old stone houses bear witness to a rich maritime, commercial and cultural past. That is why it is no coincidence that the first day of summer in Bakar is not only celebrated as the arrival of warmer days, but also as the return of the city to the way it once was. On the official start of summer, on Sunday 21 June, this histori

Alma Premerl Zoko

Jul 205 min read

Novalja celebrates its island products

Novalja is a place where the authentic spirit of the island of Pag is preserved through gastronomy, customs and local products. This year's awards of the prestigious Croatian Island Product (HOP) label have once again shown that the greatest value of the island lies not only in its beaches and natural beauty, but also in the knowledge, skills and stories that are passed down from generation to generation. This year, the HOP label was awarded to OPG Vidas for its traditional P

Vedran Obućina

Jul 203 min read

Pakoštane - between sea and lake

When you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, explore Pakoštane - a place that has been increasingly discovered in recent years by lovers of authentic destinations, top-notch gastronomy, and a slower Mediterranean lifestyle. Located between Zadar and Šibenik, only a few hours' drive from Zagreb, Pakoštane offers what few other destinations on the Adriatic can combine in such a small space - sea, lake, islands, history, top-notch gastronomy and stories of people w

Alma Premerl Zoko

Jul 46 min read

Slapnica, a Place Where the Water Remembers

In the heart of Žumberak lies one of the most beautiful stream valleys in Croatia, which has been preserved for decades by people in love with nature. Some places do not captivate at first glance. They do not offer spectacular hotels, do not attract with neon signs and do not demand attention. Such places slowly get under your skin. Slapnica on Žumberak is one of them. Just an hour's drive from Zagreb, deep in the green folds of the Žumberak Mountains, lies a valley that many

Matija Jagodin

Jul 43 min read

From sparkling wine to scampi in Novi Vinodolski

Located just over 170 kilometers from Zagreb, Novi Vinodolski is one of the destinations that successfully combines the best of the Croatian Adriatic. On one side, it is surrounded by crystal clear sea and an indented coastline, and on the other, the slopes of the Vinodol Valley and the mighty Velebit rise above the city. It is precisely this unique meeting of sea and mountains that has created a region with a rich history, top-quality wines, authentic gastronomy and impressi

Alma Premerl Zoko

Jul 45 min read

Why all paths lead to Nin

Just half an hour's drive from Zadar is Nin - one of the most special Croatian towns, a visit to which is like stepping back into history, into the most beautiful Mediterranean postcard. Nin is one of the oldest Croatian royal towns, a place where Croatian princes and kings reigned, a town of Glagolitic script, salt, medicinal mud, and a rich gastronomic tradition. History here is not hidden behind closed museum doors - it can be felt at every turn, in the stone streets, chur

Alma Premerl Zoko

Jul 47 min read

Magic of Slavonia and Podravina

If you want to spend a weekend combining heritage, beautiful nature, and eno-gastronomic pleasures, head to Slavonia and Podravina. This destination tells the story of two picturesque parts of Croatia in a special way, which, when paired, provide unforgettable experiences for modern travelers. It is incredible how numerous authentic experiences, wonderful nature, enogastronomic offerings, and kind hosts, intertwined over one weekend, provide a wealth of experiences while also

Alma Premerl Zoko

Jun 37 min read

Forget stress on the island of vitality

Situated in the northern Adriatic, in the Kvarner Gulf, Lošinj is one of Croatia’s most distinctive islands — not only because of its natural beauty, but also because of the feeling it gives you the moment you set foot on it. The scenery here is breathtaking, nature is always within reach, and the rhythm of life is slower, calmer, almost meditative. It is precisely for this reason that Lošinj, an island with more than 140 years of tourism tradition, rightfully carries the tit

Alma Premerl Zoko

May 125 min read

Pearl of Zagorje – A Magical Story in Miniature

If you are looking for an escape from the city that does not require hours of driving, but only a short journey, the destination Pearl of Zagorje stands out as one of the most interesting discoveries in Croatia’s continental tourism. Located just thirty minutes’ drive from Zagreb, this green oasis perfectly combines nature, culture, gastronomy, and activities for the whole family. It is precisely this proximity to the capital, combined with a feeling of complete detachment fr

Alma Premerl Zoko

Apr 284 min read

Rafioli protected!

Due to the exceptional social and identity-related role of rafioli in local communities – a result of the continuous transmission of knowledge and skills in their preparation, both within families and in the public sphere – as well as their remarkable potential as a cultural and tourism symbol and product, a decision has been made to inscribe the craft of preparing filled pastry known as rafioli, rafijoli, ravioli or rafajoli into the Register of Cultural Goods of the Republi

Vedran Obućina

Apr 142 min read

The Festival of Bribir Presnac

Just one step from the sea and two from the snow lies the Municipality of Vinodol – a charming destination made up of four settlements that tell the story of the Frankopan family, the life and work of Juraj Julije Klović, and a place where the winds of sea and mountain meet. It is also where you will encounter the aroma of Bribir presnac, a traditional savoury “cake” that has been kneaded and baked for centuries in the kitchens of diligent local women. “There was hardly an oc

Alma Premerl Zoko

Apr 134 min read

Flavours and Aromas of Kvarner Captivate Exportdrvo

Baškotini, muštaćoni, maneštre, jota, Grobnik cheese served in both modern and traditional styles, various types of risotto, and fish filled the space of Exportdrvo with enticing aromas on Friday the 13th, where the gastronomic event “Mosaic of Kvarner Flavours – Kvarner at the Table” was ceremoniously opened. This delightful culinary event, which brought together numerous participants and visitors eager to explore the diversity of Kvarner’s culinary heritage and authentic re

Alma Premerl Zoko

Apr 134 min read

Lenten dishes in Croatia

Lent in Croatia is a culinary mood. For forty days leading up to Easter, kitchens across the country subtly shift rhythm. The meals become simpler, the flavours more restrained, and yet, paradoxically, more inventive. Historically shaped by Catholic fasting rules, which limited meat and animal fat (especially on Ash Wednesday and Fridays), Croatian Lenten cuisine grew out of necessity, seasonality, and deep respect for religious practice. What emerged over centuries is a repe

Vedran Obućina

Feb 243 min read

Sweet Seductions: Romantic Desserts to Celebrate St Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day has long been wrapped in the symbolism of sweetness. From honey-drenched pastries in the Eastern Mediterranean to creamy coconut puddings from the Caribbean, desserts have always been culinary love letters — indulgent, shareable, and occasionally gloriously messy. After all, romance and sugar have something essential in common: both are best enjoyed slowly and preferably with someone who doesn’t mind stealing a bite from your plate. Certain ingredients — pista

Ahmed M.M. Saleh

Feb 105 min read

Valentine's Day in Esplanade

For Valentine’s Day, Esplanade Zagreb Hotel presents a special offer that brings together refined experiences and tender romantic moments. On Saturday, 14 February 2026, in the red-lit ambience of Zinfandel’s Restaurant, guests are invited to enjoy a five-course gala dinner accompanied by a welcome glass of sparkling wine, the soft glow of candlelight and romantic piano music. For the occasion, Esplanade’s Chef Ana Grgić Tomić has created a selection of delicacies designed to

Tomislav Radić

Feb 93 min read

With Cabbage Around the World

When winter really bares its teeth, and the days grow so short that lunch and dinner begin to resemble one another, sauerkraut steps onto the stage. It isn’t glamorous, it doesn’t smell of fine dining, and it rarely ends up on Instagram — but it knows the most important thing: how to warm you, feed you, and restore faith in simple cooking. In a pot of cabbage there is no pretence — only a slow flame, a little patience, and dishes that have survived far harsher winters than ou

Vedran Obućina

Jan 276 min read

Lika's Lunch in NP Pltivička Jezera

One of Europe’s most popular national parks and a Croatian gem long proclaimed by both domestic and international visitors as a “paradise on earth”, Plitvice Lakes National Park has these days put on its winter attire. The cascades are partially frozen, the walkways await a blanket of snow, and from the restaurants wafts the aroma of food that awakens all the senses. The gastronomy of Plitvice Lakes National Park is so distinctive that it attracts a growing number of food lov

Alma Premerl Zoko

Jan 25 min read

Christmas in Srijem 2025: Nijemci and Vinkovci offer a holiday magic

If you would like to experience Advent in a slightly different way—without crowds, queues for fritters, or jostling for the perfect photo—set off for Srijem. The easternmost region of Croatia, just over two hours’ drive from Zagreb, lives the festive season in its own distinctive way. Here, tradition and modern life intertwine; everything smells of grandmother’s cakes, Christmas songs fill the air, and both villages and towns breathe in the rhythm of the holidays. Christmas i

Alma Premerl Zoko

Dec 27, 20253 min read

Winter Garden in Preko

If you would like to experience Advent in a slightly different way, here is an idea: choose destinations close to large cities, bustle, and glitter, yet hidden in the peace and beauty of nature and carefully chosen company. Welcome to Ugljan Island—the green pearl of the Zadar archipelago and an ideal year-round escape. Even now, during the coldest part of the year, when fog and low temperatures dominate the mainland, the island offers contemporary travellers a mild climate,

Alma Premerl Zoko

Dec 22, 20255 min read

Gifterija- a place where gifts are made with story and emotion

Giving – a little magic woven into big moments that always fill us with joy. Whether we are opening boxes and admiring their contents or carefully choosing gifts for the people we love, eagerly anticipating their reactions as they lift the lids, giving is one of the ways we connect with those dear to us. It is an expression of feeling and a creation of memories that last. It was precisely this mission that guided Iva Špalj, the founder of the Croatian brand Gifterija, whose g

Alma Premerl Zoko

Dec 8, 20253 min read