It is common knowledge in Dalmatia that the best sardines are caught in May. They are also best for salting, the local tradition kept for centuries and probably dating from ancient times. The Dalmatian fishermen are specialists in salting sardines and it is known that the fishermen of Komiza on Vis island even taught Spanish and Portuguese how to do it! Other methods of cooking are simply grilling or frying although actual cooking in really salted water is a special delicacy.

The small harbor of Biograd is an important fishermen stop in the times when there is no moon and the fishing season is in it’s full peak. The boats return in the morning for a full day of preparations for evening departure. They usually fish in the waters of Murter and Dugi Otok but ither sardine fishing grounds are up north near Istria and near Vis – once a famous sardine processing island with numerous factories. Now, all are closed.

This is also an opportunity to buy fresh sardines many locals don’t miss! With really low prices, almost half of what you pay on the local fish market, there is often a line of people waiting for their lunch.