Archive for 'Food and Wine in Croatia'

Zadar is one of the holiday destinations in Croatia in which we have the most numerous vacation rentals to choose from, giving you lots of great options no matter how many are in your party, when you're going, any special requirements you might need, and more. However, a villa in Zadar is not just a great idea because of the kind of variety in rentals that we can offer but because Zadar itself makes for a perfect getaway destination. Boasting a mild climate, a long coastline punctuated by over fifty resorts and seaside towns, around 150 islets, unspoiled reefs and seas, impossible natural beauty, Roman ruins, Medieval churches, unique attractions, regattas, gastronomic delights, endless outdoor pursuits from hiking to windsurfing, and much more besides, Zadar is the kind of stunning natural gem where you will find a rich history and culture to dive into and endless things to see and do. However, if you're not already convinced, then here are five specific reasons as to why you should book a holiday rental in Zadar and plan a holiday in this stunning region of Croatia as soon as possible...

One of the most well-known and best-developed tourist destinations in Croatia is the region of Istria. While this means that some areas have become populated by large, built-up developments and busy resort towns that can be flooded with crowds of tourists on package deals during the high season, you will still find that there is plenty of authenticity and untouched beauty to enjoy in the region. From medieval hilltop towns to hidden beaches along the distinctively rocky Istrian coast, from Roman ruins to lush landscapes dotted by orchards and vineyards, the charming, varied, and verdant landscape of Istria has lots to offer the discerning tourist looking for something beyond more typically touristy destinations and pursuits. Just browse our villas in Istria and you can come and discover the region's endless surprises and charms for yourself.

You're exploring the pretty and historic core of Zagreb when you stumble upon a lovely square filled with flower boxes, dollhouse-like buildings and the stunning cathedral of Zagreb with its ornate spires rising high into the sky as a backdrop, and a sea of red umbrellas, underneath which a cornucopia of fresh produce, baked goods, and other market goodies are on sale: you've managed to find yourself at the city's famous Dolac Market. Merely yet another of the many wonderful delights to discover in the city, this charming historic market is another reason to browse our vacation rentals in Zagreb and plan a trip to this gem of a holiday destination.

Located centrally in the Gornji Grad - Medveščak city district of Zagreb, right behind the main square of Ban Jelačić Square, Dolac Market is both the most-visited and the best-known of farmer's markets in the city. Combining a traditional open market with stalls and a sheltered market below, the open market is on a raised square that can be reached via a staircase from Ban Jelačić Square and the covered market is downstairs.

We have discussed Croatia’s cuisine before and mentioned different foods from areas all throughout various parts of the country that any serious foodie should try while holidaying in Croatia but one of the best regions to visit if you want to spend time eating well is Dalmatia. Croatian cuisine is varied and fascinating and each region of Croatia has its own distinct culinary traditions that developed from a combination of the seasonally and locally available foods that are allowed by each region's geographic location and each region's proximity to other countries and cultures. Croatian cuisine has been influenced by connections to Slavic, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Roman, and Italian culture.

Dalmatian cuisine, in particular, is characterised by fresh ingredients, simplicity, less intense spicy flavours, and the use of lots of fresh herbs and wild plants. This latter point is the case because the region is rich in Mediterranean herbs, like sage, bay leaves, rosemary, basil, thyme and more. As it is a coastal area, while there are some truly excellent meat dishes, it is a cuisine that especially boasts a lot of delicious shellfish and seafood dishes from various stews to grilled fish and more.

Truffles are a very highly prized culinary treat and delicacy that is a rare type of mushroom found in parts of France, Italy, and Croatia. Though perhaps the less famous country in the group as a destination to find truffles, Croatia is actually a really great place for foodies to get their hands on truffles and truffle-infused and flavoured products. It is also a great place to get involved in the whole process from finding to buying to cooking to tasting truffles. Just find a vacation rental in Istria, the truffle capital of Croatia, and come learn more about and sample these beloved delicacies while also enjoying else everything that the region has to offer as a holiday destination.

Prodan Tartufi is a famous company in Croatia that sells truffles and truffle products. They are also a wonderful resource for truffle obsessives as they offer truffle hunting experiences on their estate. Key to any truffle hunt are truffle dogs, dogs that have been specially bred and trained to find the truffles, and roaming the beautiful Istrian countryside with cute pups in tow sounds like an ideal way to spend a day if you ask us!