When one thinks of Dalmatia, oak forest is probably not the first association. One can think of rocky landscapes, low bushes and shrubs or lush pine tree forests. Typical Mediterranean vegetation. However, Dalmatian coast looked very differently in the past. The first photographs show a very barren landscape with almost no trees. Mostly because everything was…
Category: croatia
Skradin Photo Album – 1900
It’s not often that one comes across a 115 years old photo album of Dalmatia. I am sure that there are few still forgotten in some attics, old family houses… and I hope someone will recognize the beauty and value of those fading images. Recently, I stumbled upon a beautiful photo album dating back to…
Dolmen in Dalmatia?
I get to cross a lot of territory when traveling. It still amazes me how there are still so many beautiful places to see and things to discover in this little country of ours. Yesterday, I was doing an inspection in Tugare: a tiny village in the hillside of Omiš best known for Tugarke cherries. The entire…
Saints Hills Vinaria
Peljesac peninsula is one of those regions that is considered to be one of the “wine countries” of Croatia just like it is Istria or Plješivica… Famous for it’s rich bodied plavac from Dingač and Postup appellations, this region is simply a must for any serious wine lover. In 1961 Dingač became Croatia’s first recognized appellation with “Protected…
A quick tour of Brijuni National Park
Last week we were in Istria exploring possibilities for some new tours due to increase in bookings we have for this truly magical part of the country. One of the places I wanted to visit was the Brijuni National Park. Last time I was there was in elementary school some 30 years ago 🙂 Many things have…
Winter walks – Vir Island
Vir Island is not known for its nature and history. It is usually regarded as the place of the ugliest development on the Adriatic coast but I would say there are many more places that can compete for that title these days… Narrow streets, ugly buildings of all colors and shapes make Vir just a terrible example how…
Flights to Croatia
Flights to Croatia are one of the most sought after terms when researching how to reach Croatia. As more and more carriers are flying directly to Croatia, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get proper information and to find the easiest way to (and out of) Croatia. From the main airports to several smaller, and…
Winter wanderings – Nunic in Bukovica
Winter is not the best time for exploring and winter walks. The weather has been rainy and fairly cold (folks from Canada, please do not laugh at our cold) but that should not stop anyone from at least a stroll by the sea or an easy hike. I like to explore the Dalmatian hinterland. Without…
Vrdovo plateau and Vodena peća cave
I have never been to Vrdovo before. This part of hinterland I am not very familiar with and I am enjoying every opportunity to explore it. Few days before Christmas, we were invited to go searching for some newly discovered caves. This is a relative term as most of the caves have been “discovered” a…
In search of an elusive olm
The olm (Proteus anguinus) was always one of the animals I wanted to see. It lives only in this part of the world but it is rarely seen by people as it lives underground. It can only be found in the karst caves starting from Soča near Trieste all the way to Hercegovina. It rarely gets…
Beaches of Vis Island – Sandy Smokova beach
Vis is generally known as one of the most beautiful islands of Croatia. Culture, history, food, beaches…all that makes Vis Island a very special destination. There are several very popular beaches on the island (Srebrna, Stončica, Grandovac, Stiniva…to name just a few) but some are only accessible by a boat as the coast of Vis is…
Underwater archaeology in Croatia (with Secret Dalmatia)
Over a year ago, I was talking to my good friend Mato Ilkić, an archaeologist with Zadar University and authority on antique coins and underwater archaeology, how there is so much to discover and not enough funds. With our economy in gutter, archaeology gets only peanuts… There are excavations of course, but very limited. It…
Rocky beaches of Croatia – Koromašna, Murter
For most of us locals, rocky beaches are the best. Flat rocky beaches, that is. Sand is fun for kids but not when you get past your teens. We only look for a nice, flat piece of rock by the sea and that’s it. Luckily, there are numerous great rocky beaches all over the coast. Quite popular…
Kraljeva peć, Dugopolje – King’s Cave
Few weeks ago I heard about the King’s cave near Dugopolje from Mr. Tonči Radja and I immediately accepted the invitation to go there and visit. There are thousands of caves and pits in Dalmatia alone but it is hard to find them. Really hard. Even a cave of this proportion! Kraljeva peć or King’s…
Hercules of Brac – in search of ancient quarries
Few weeks back, a friend of mine organized a group to go to Brac Island and learn more on the Roman quarries of Brac. The group was led by an authority on Roman quarries, Dr. Mate Parica who is THE person to go to if interested in ancient quarries. Not only that he has seen the…