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 impressive viewpoints that offer visitors a completely different perspective of Kvarner. Everything that Novi Vinodolski represents today can be summarized in a few key words – tradition, nature, wine, gastronomy and heritage. It is on these foundations that this year's tourism story of the destination will be built, offering guests much more than a classic summer vacation by the sea.

Start your visit to Novi Vinodolski where the story of this region began - among the vineyards.

The very name of this region testifies to the centuries-old connection of its inhabitants with grape growing, and the vineyards of the Pavlomir Wine House tell the best story. On the eve of the start of summer, the winery's vineyards have been hosting a wonderful Sparkling Breakfast in the Vineyard for four years now. Growing into an event, this event brings together numerous local producers who tell the story of this region with their products. In addition to sparkling wines, the focus is on prosciutto and shrimp, ham and sausage, desserts, and the iconic Grobnik cheese, providing a unique experience of enjoying an eno-gastronomic story.

Organized by the Tourist Board of the City of Novi Vinodolski and the city and the Pavlomir winery itself, the story of a sparkling start to the day in the vineyard was led by wine expert Marija Vukelić, while host Miroslav Palinkaš presented the rich wine story of the Pavlomir winery.

After a wonderful experience in the vineyard, it's time to explore the coast of Novi Vinodolski. Today's city developed from the old Frankopan fortress of Novigrad, which was built in the 13th century by the princes of Krk, later known as the Frankopans.

A settlement gradually formed around the fortress, which, thanks to its strategic position, became one of the most important centers of Vinodol. The Frankopans left a strong mark on the development of the city, and their heritage is still visible today in the old town center, stone streets and historical buildings. Novi Vinodolski holds a special place in Croatian history because of the Vinodol Code, adopted in 1288 in the Frankopan castle. It is one of the most important medieval legal monuments in Europe, written in the Croatian language and the Glagolitic script. The code was extremely advanced for its time because it regulated the relations between the population and feudal lords and contained provisions that protected the rights of women.

Today, Novi Vinodolski successfully connects its rich history, wine tradition and Mediterranean lifestyle, creating an authentic story that attracts visitors throughout the year. Thus, a walk through the old town center takes you through centuries of history. Stone streets, squares and remains of fortifications tell the story of the period when the Frankopans shaped the development of this region and left an indelible mark on its cultural heritage.

A special place is occupied by the Frankopan Castle building, which houses the public library, city administration, the Novi Vinodolski National Museum and Gallery, and the town hall, where the Vinodol Code was adopted in 1288, one of the most important legal monuments of medieval Croatia and Europe. History is present at every step in Novi Vinodolski, but it is not confined to the museum. Here, heritage is still alive today – through customs, local events and the traditional kolo dance that the locals still dance today, passing on the spirit of togetherness to new generations.

After exploring the historic core, the story takes us to one of the most photographed places in the destination – the islet of San Marino. It is often called the most romantic part of Kvarner, and the islet can be reached by boat, but also by swimming in the summer. By visiting it, you can learn a lot about the different winds that blow in this destination and that shaped the coast. In addition, the island has been known for years as one of the most romantic places on the Croatian coast, which many couples have chosen for their wedding or engagement, attracted by the unique ambience, sea view and special sense of peace that reigns here.

Gastronomy is another important part of the identity of this region, and the heart of Novi Vinodolski's gastronomy is the Velebit shrimp. Thanks to the unique combination of sea currents and numerous underwater freshwater springs that descend from Velebit, shrimp from this area are known for their exceptional quality, firm meat and distinctive sweetness of taste. This is precisely why Velebit shrimp is not only a top-quality food but also part of the identity of this region. Its quality is best felt in simple dishes that do not hide the natural flavors of the sea - regardless of whether it is served boiled, buzara or just with a few drops of homemade olive oil. Along with shrimp throughout Novi Vinodolski, you will smell grilled fish, and you can experience the beauty of fishing in this region, in addition to restaurants, at the Fisherman's House interpretation center, which is located on the waterfront in Klenovica.

Although many people primarily see it as a seaside destination, Novi Vinodolski is increasingly positioning itself as a destination for active holidays. One of the best ways to explore the landscape is from the numerous viewpoints that offer spectacular views of the Vinodol Valley, the sea, the islands, and Velebit. There are three viewpoints in the vicinity of Novi Vinodolski (which form part of the Eyes of Vinodol project), and one of the most visited is the Sviba viewpoint. Here, nature shows off all the splendor of this area. The view that opens up towards the green hills and the blue sea perfectly explains why the combination of sea and mountains is the greatest speciality of the destination. No less impressive is the Kuk viewpoint, a favorite spot for lovers of photography, hiking and outdoor activities. It is here that the connection between the coastal and rural parts of Vinodol is best felt, creating a unique landscape that is difficult to find anywhere else on the Adriatic.

Near the Kuk viewpoint, in a village with about 20 inhabitants (and as many as six children), there is the Tilia tasting room, a place that best represents the wealth of local products and tradition. Located in a former elementary school, in the immediate vicinity of the Kuk viewpoint, the tasting room offers guests the opportunity to get to know the authentic flavors of the region where the influences of the sea, karst, and mountainous hinterland have been intertwined for centuries. Special emphasis is placed on local products from local producers, and during the tasting, you will be greeted at the table with different types of honey, homemade cheeses, prosciutto, sausages, and other traditional delicacies such as Grobnik cheese with homemade raisins and honey.

From sparkling wine among the vineyards of Pavlomir, through the Frankopan heritage and the Vinodol Code, to Velebit scampi, honey and spectacular viewpoints – Novi Vinodolski offers guests much more than sunbathing and swimming this year. This is a destination where history meets gastronomy, wine meets tradition, and the sea meets mountains. This is precisely why Novi Vinodolski is attracting travelers this summer who are looking for authentic experiences, local stories and experiences that go beyond a classic seaside vacation. Read about the events that will mark the summer in this destination at this link https://tz-novi-vinodolski.hr/najava-dogadanja/

Photod: Nikola Zoko i TZ Novi Vinodolski