Archive for 'Food and Wine in Croatia'

If you’re exploring the so-called “Green Istria,” the lush heart of the region inland, then you will quickly discover that this is a landscape full of beautiful sights and delicious things to eat and drink. While those who book a villa in Istria are likely to be originally drawn to the famously lovely coastline of the region and the countless charming resorts and seaside towns, this green interior is well worth exploring. Visit vineyards and sample wines, wander around pretty old towns, hike or bike or get out into the great outdoors, devour hearty meals in little family-run restaurants, and savour the slow and delicious pace of life. If you love truffles, in particular, then the town of Buzet is one to make special note of and to add to your itinerary.

Upon approach, Buzet is impossibly picturesque and reminds one of Tuscany. Perched up on a lush hillside covered in trees, with green hills and mountains all around, the pretty town is made up of a historic core dating back to the Middle Ages that is comprised of a cluster of stone buildings with terracotta roofs and a church steeple at the very top. It is famous for two things: as the home of Croatian motorsport, hosting the "Buzetskidani" hill climb race each year, and as the Town of Truffles and Istrian Capital of Truffles. That this little town is the capital of two things is rather extraordinary!

If you book a villa in Dubrovnik and are spending time exploring the charming medieval city, you might find yourself gazing out over the stunning coastline of the surrounding area from the ancient city walls or the tiny but perfect little city beach and may be filled with the desire for adventure at the sight! The bay and the cluster of islands that can be found in the area around Dubrovnik can be readily visited from the city by boat tour and present all sorts of excellent options for days out and exploration. Among the various islands or destinations that you might choose between, the island of Korčula and its main town of the same name is particularly charming and picturesque and continues to be a relatively hidden gem…

Wine-lovers who are looking for excellent wine experiences will find that the lush inland areas of Istria, the so-called, “Green Istria,” ensure endless stunning wineries boasting delicious Croatian wines that are well-worth visiting. The more serious wine-lovers could even visit various regions to sample their wines while on vacation in Croatia and go on wine-tasting tours of different wineries. However, those who are after a more unique wine experience who have found a villa in Hvar or a holiday rental in Dubrovnik should seek out one winery, in particular, Edivo Vina Winery: Croatia’s first, and only, underwater winery.

An especially appealing option for those who love both wine and diving, this singular gem of a winery is located off the Peljesac peninsula, in Drače, around halfway along the coastline of Croatia between Hvar and Dubrovnik. Founded by Edi Bajurin who combined two of his favourite hobbies and tested a theory he had that storing wines underwater would keep them at a perfect and constant temperature. After much experimentation and creating specific corking and storage methods to suit an underwater home, Bajurin began producing his underwater wines. Aged for between 18 and 24 months, the wines then emerge covered in barnacles and seashells to particularly picturesque and charming effect. So, even if the whole process and idea doesn’t actually have official word on whether it is truly any better, the whole experience of the winery is pretty magical and worth checking out for yourself. 

The lush inland areas of Istria are increasingly becoming popular as a tourist destination, in addition to the region’s well-known and beloved coastline. This part of Istria, known as “Green Istria,” is a lush landscape filled with pretty villages, incredible natural beauty, hiking trails, excellent things to eat, and some wonderful wineries. While Croatian wine might not be the most famous in the world, this region produces some remarkable wines that are well-worth exploring and getting to know better. If you book a vacation rental in Istria, we highly recommend diving into her food and wine culture and if you are travelling in May, then you should experience Croatia’s largest wine festival Vinistra, in the town of Poreč.

Croatia, until relatively recently, was probably most regarded by the international travel community at large as a summer holiday destination with a dreamy coastline. Certainly, this is true: Croatia is, understandably, very famous and perhaps best-known for its lovely beaches and as an ideal spot for sun holidays. However, there is so much more to it as a vacation destination and, increasingly, it seems that these nuances are becoming common knowledge. So, if you have been considering a vacation rental in Croatia then these are some of the special traits and alluring attractions that you can expect to encounter.