Summer in Zadar County - sun, sea and unforgettable trips to the hinterland!

Numerous sunny days, beautiful cities, numerous events, crystal clear sea, perfect outdoor activities, but also a part of the somewhat preserved hinterland in which people are increasingly turning to tourism, offering lovers of active holidays a wealth of experiences - it's all in Zadar County. A destination that has been attracting lovers of sun, sea, and fantastic nature for decades, it is increasingly offering something completely different: the magic of the hinterland, along with its turquoise coast, numerous islands, and recognizable city views. It is the pearl of Dalmatia, a place where the hosts are hospitable, the aromas of authentic dishes transport you back to the past, and the scenes of untouched nature remain etched in your memory forever.

The Zadar hinterland encompasses the expanse between the Adriatic coast and the mountain ranges, stretching from Ravni Kotari, Bukovica, and the Benkovac region to the far rural parts of the county's interior. This oasis includes historical settlements, wine-growing hills, fertile plains and inspiring natural sites. The hinterland is an area characterized by exceptional cultural heritage and rural tranquility, while maintaining connections to modern amenities and coastal tourism.

Lovers of authentic experiences and sustainable, green tourism are true guests in the hinterland, where the hosts on the OPGs are the guardians of the region's traditions and flavors. A visit to these farms allows you to taste local products, learn about the diverse production processes and feel the true rural hospitality. There are quite a few of them in this county, linked by the common name Welcome-taste & buy, and in order to explore them fully and experience the best of the best, group them by looking at the map.

Namely, within a radius of 10 kilometers, you can taste olive oil while learning about how olives are pressed and cared for so that you can finally taste the oil crowned with a wreath. Here, you can also learn how to bake bread, Priska, a special Priska cake in which several different types of cheese are used. Be sure to organize lunch or dinner at Lolina vatrenica, where the youngest daughter of the vital Lola will serve you a meal you will never forget.

Agritourism ''Lolina vatrenica'' (Šopot near Benkovac) is anything but an ordinary farm. At the door of the vatrenica (a house with a fireplace where fish and meat are roasted), you will be greeted by Doris Ćusa, one of the four daughters of the legend of this region, now seventy-five-year-old Lola. She will invite you to the tavern and, with freshly baked bread, homemade cured meat specialties and Benkovac prisnac prepared according to an old recipe, begin your tasting. For the main course, there can be meat or fish prepared under the peka, and for the end, something sweet prepared according to a baked recipe. A special attraction are the donkeys and their milk, known for their nutritional values, which await you on the farm next to this house.

For those who have taken our advice and plan to experience the beauty of the OPGs in this region, here is how to explore them. Let's take the example of three OPGs in relation to Biograd n/m, only ten kilometers away from the first beauties of the hinterland.

OPG Mate Gašpar (Gornje Ceranje) symbolizes the authenticity of Bukovica. On the farm, you will be welcomed by a wonderful young family whose attention will first be attracted by five sons aged between one and 12, who, together with their mother, will serve the table by bringing specially prepared food. Here you will taste lamb and veal under a baking sheet, prska (unleavened corn bread) and the traditional savoury cake prisnac.

At the family table, you can enjoy authentic village activities and experience rural Dalmatia firsthand.

OPG Milenko Zagorac (Polača, Ravni kotari) is famous for its olive oil. The olive groves are located on the slopes of Tinj, thus producing the "Olea Tinia" oil, which regularly wins awards for quality. The modernly decorated tasting room offers the opportunity to enjoy olive oil, homemade prosciutto, pancetta, fresh cheese, bread and wine, which will be served to you with lots of love by Vesna Zagorac. While tasting everything on offer, learning about the secrets of olive oil, you will hear wonderful life stories about how history, family values ​​and the ultimate Dalmatian experience come together.

Wine enthusiasts in the Zadar hinterland will discover numerous wine routes and cellars. The Škaulj Winery in Nadin stands out, known for its organic and ecological approach. The winery received a special international stamp after the Swedish King and Queen visited the estate during a private visit.

A special wine was also named after the king, which further placed Nadin on the European wine list. Tasting wine with homemade snacks, expert presentation and a beautiful vineyard ambience is truly an unforgettable experience.

The most famous and largest Benkovac Fair is held every 10th of the month and is an unmissable event for all lovers of tradition, local products and associations in Zadar County and beyond. This legendary fair, which attracts over 10,000 visitors from all over Dalmatia and the rest of Croatia, is known for its rich offer - from handicrafts and souvenirs, to fruit, vegetables and livestock, to large agricultural machinery and even old antiques. In the first half of 2025, the fair was presented in a new guise at a modern location, enriched with an open covered area, which further raises the level of this event of general importance for this part of Croatia.

In addition to the fair, Benkovac is also proud of its Local History Museum, located in the center of Town. The museum preserves a rich collection of ethnological and cultural-historical heritage related to the entire Zadar hinterland. Visitors can see original folk costumes, tools, traditional objects of everyday life and historical artifacts from the wider Benkovac area. The museum's specialty is that it authentically evokes the life, customs and rich past of this region, helping to bring the smells, sounds and sights of the Dalmatian interior to life even better.

To end an ideal excursion to the Zadar hinterland, the Cerovac Caves provide the perfect place to escape the summer heat. Located on the southern slopes of Velebit, these caves quietly preserve a story that is thousands of years old - they are one of the largest and most beautiful speleological sites in Croatia.

The interior of the cave is adorned with a fantastic play of stalactites and stalagmites, underground halls and dramatic rock formations. A walk through the refreshing, mysterious interior of the cave is a real adventure, and the temperature remains constant throughout the year (6 degrees Celsius in summer, which is why you need to wear appropriate clothing and footwear), making it ideal for visiting both winter and summer. In addition to their impressive natural heritage, the caves are also important archaeological sites, with numerous exposed bones of prehistoric animals and traces of prehistoric humans testifying to the rich life of the past.

Photos: Nikola Zoko