Another gem coming straight from the heart of the Dalmatian Hinterland is Arambašići. The pronunciation of its name is a bit difficult, but the preparation is not as hard. This meal is traditional for the Town of Sinj, also recognizable for a popular knights game – Alka. It is held each year on the first Sunday in August to celebrate the victory over the Ottomans. Arambašići also represents a symbol of resistance to the Ottoman Empire. The dish is prepared from finely chopped meat wrapped in sour cabbage and later cooked with dried meat.

Meat and fish are a staple in this cuisine. Peka is one of the most favored ways of its preparation. Essentially, it is meat or fish cooked under a lid covered with hot coal. This dish is filled with potatoes, different seasonal vegetables, and rosemary. It is usually made for family or friend gatherings as there is a larger quantity of food. 

After the tasty meat dishes, finally something traditional and suitable for vegans and vegetarians! A very simple savory pie called Soparnik is a must-try! Originating from the Poljica region, this pie is listed as a non-material national heritage of Croatia. The dough is made with flour, salt, olive oil, and water. It is stuffed with a mixture whose main ingredients are chopped chard and garlic. The pie is baked on ”komin”, covered with embers.

As you savor these dishes, you’ll notice that each one has been carefully crafted with a special touch. The people of Dalmatia take great pride in their cooking abilities, and they love to use the freshest ingredients to create culinary masterpieces that delight the senses and warm the soul.

Indulge in the taste of Dalmatia’s seafood cuisine!

Fishing is one of the favored activities among those who live in the coastal area. Most people own at least a small boat and enjoy occasionally going out to sea for a relaxing fishing trip. If they return home with a catch, then they get to prepare delicious meals.

Grilled fish with potato salad is always a great option. But if you want something special, try Gregada or Brodet. The most popular is Forska gregoda from Hvar Island. Layering onions, potatoes, and fish in a pot, then simmering them in a blend of wine and water creates a flavorful dish.. Brodet, a fish stew in a rich red sauce, is traditionally served with polenta.

Black risotto stands out as a top choice for seafood lovers. Made with cuttlefish ink, it boasts a deep black hue and a rich, creamy texture. Croatians also relish clamshell or shrimp risotto, each offering a burst of flavor in every bite. For a light and refreshing appetizer, look no further than octopus salad. Once overlooked, this dish has now become a sought-after delicacy, particularly on warm summer evenings.

The culinary traditions born from the sea reflect the evolution of coastal life, from humble beginnings to celebrated delicacies enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

When visiting Vis Island, don’t miss the chance to try Viška or Komiška pogača, a savory bread pie with salted fish, capers, seasonings, and onions. While Viška pogača sticks to this flavorful base, Komiška pogača adds a delightful twist with the inclusion of tomatoes. Hvar Island boasts its own version of this bread pie, with similar fillings. This simple dish harmonizes the diverse flavors of the islands into a single, satisfying meal.

Dalmatia’s culinary allure extends far beyond land, with its bounty of fresh seafood sourced from the pristine waters of the Adriatic Sea. Some enthusiasts even relish the experience of dining directly from the sea itself. Among the region’s culinary treasures, the oysters from the Pelješac peninsula hold a special place. Revered for their reputed aphrodisiac qualities, they pair exquisitely with the renowned wines of Pelješac, creating a memorable gastronomic experience.

Make your holiday a sweet adventure and discover traditional desserts!

Dessert enthusiasts will find themselves in heaven with the variety of sweets this region has to offer. From candied fruits to cookies and cakes, there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth!

Candied fruits and nuts are perfect for pairing with coffee or tea, or adding an extra crunch to desserts. One such delight is Mandulat, a confection often found in souvenir shops. This treat features crunchy almonds nestled in egg white meringue and crispy wafers—a must-try!

The region offers an assortment of cookies and treats, including Fritule, Rafioli, Kroštule, Starogrojski paprenjok, and Cukarini. These simple yet scrumptious sweets are the perfect pick-me-up when you need a sugar fix!

As you travel across the stunning region of Dalmatia, you will stumble across many fig trees. These little fruits are not only a scrumptious snack when fresh, but their dried form is a flavor explosion! Among the most famous fig desserts is Smokvenjak, crafted from figs and lozovača, a grape liqueur. Naturally sweet figs combined with a bit of lozovača create a delightful treat that’s both energizing and flavorful.

A very popular treat among the Dalmatians is Rožata. Rožata is a form of custard pudding similar to the French Crème Brûlée. Originating from Dubrovnik, this pudding features eggs, milk, sugar, and rose liqueur, topped with a caramel glaze for an extra touch of sweetness. Light and refreshing, Rožata is the perfect dessert for balmy summer days.

Those in search of a luscious slice of cake, will definitely enjoy one of these three charming towns: Skradin, Imotski, and Ston are three towns that boast these unique desserts.

In Skradin, only a few housewives know the original recipe that has been passed down through generations. Made from almonds, chocolate, butter, honey, and liqueur, this cake will satisfy your cravings with just a few heavenly bites.

The town of Imotski presents its own almond-infused masterpiece: Imotski cake. It is rich in alcohol and distinguished for its elaborate woven lattice top.

For a truly unexpected culinary experience, discover the renowned cake of Ston featuring an unlikely ingredient: pasta. Filled with a blend of nuts, chocolate, cinnamon, and lemon zest, this unconventional creation is worth tasting.

Experience a region where the culinary journey never ends!

From its Mediterranean roots interwoven with diverse influences, Dalmatian cuisine offers a unique and unforgettable taste experience. Each region proudly showcases its distinct culinary traditions, inviting you to savor the essence of their way of life through every dish.

HVAR

The island of Hvar is considered the sunniest island in Croatia and one of the most beautiful islands in the world. The largest town on the island is the town of Hvar a unique fusion of luxurious Mediterranean nature, rich cultural and historical heritage and an elite tourist location. It is situated in picturesque nature with plenty of Mediterranean attractions. Hvar is a treasury of scenery, great atmosphere, adventure and excitement.

Hvar is often described as “a fairytale town with its architecture, beautiful nature and mild climate” but also an unavoidable trendy jet set place, visited by many famous celebrities. Listed as one of “Europe’s best destinations” Hvar was Europe’s best hidden gem in 2018, best celebrity destination, best nautical route in 2017 and much more.

The island is known for its pleasant Mediterranean climate and large number of sunny hours. Both the island and the city of Hvar are rich in historical cultural heritage. The town itself is a living monument especially the Fortica fortress. The cathedral is dedicated to St. Stjepan I, a pope and a martyr, who is also the patron of the Hvar Diocese and the City of Hvar. The cathedral is situated on the St. Stephen square known as ”Pjaca” in the centre of the town. 

The Hvar Arsenal is the oldest theatre in Europe. The construction of the building started in the 13th century and was originally used as storage for galleys and marine equipment. At the beginning of the 17th century a folk theatre was built on the floor above the Arsenal. The historical heritage such as The Franciscan monastery with its rich museum exhibits and the City Hall from the 15th Century, which is the only present remnant of the former Governor’s Palace is just a part of the interesting island. Hvar offers numerous interesting catering facilities ideal for relaxing. 

Over the past few years it has unavoidably becoma a trendy jet set location visited by many famous Hollywood and domestic stars, as well as famous athletes and politicians. We recommend a visit to the city and enjoying a traditional Dalmatian fresh meal. The island known for the beautiful lavender fields has lavender products offered throughout the entire island. One of the most unique and popular products is lavender ice cream. This local delicacy with with its creamy texture and light purple colour is definitely something to try before leaving the island.

MILNA

Milna is a small town, situated on the island of Brač, known for its
natural harbour, harmonious and preserved traditional architecture. As
a tourist destination it is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the slow paced Dalmatian lifestyle. It offers its visitors crystal clear sea and clean air as well as traditional local food and drinks.

Long ago the Italians called this small town “Valle di mille navi” – a bay with thousands of boats. During the construction of Diocletian’s Palace in Split, Milna had a role as a port for merchant ships and yet to this day it has the function of the largest, most protected and most beautiful harbour on Brac. Milna’s residents have always been shipbuilders and sailors, which can be noticed by its urbanism. 

The sea view from the coast consists of houses of fishermen, shipowners and captains from the 18th and 19th centuries. Some of them are somewhat modernized, but most of them retained their traditional spirit, as well as the town itself. The baroque church with a typical Dalmatian bell tower and rich interior, dominated by works of famous Venetian painters is located in the centre of Milna.

Milna – Valle di mille navi

The small town of Milna lies on the west side from Bol town. Long ago Italians called this small town “Valle di mille navi” which means a bay with thousands of boats. Milna was a port for merchant ships during the construction of Diocletian’s Palace in Split and yet to this day it has the function of the largest, most protected and most beautiful harbour on Brac.

Besides being an important nautical destination, Milna features four big pebble beaches – Osibova, Maslinova, Pasikova and Lucice beach. Two beaches lie in the town of Milna and the other two in the close vicinity. The beaches are surrounded with pine trees, which again provide the necessary shade in hot summer days.

Cultural sites on Milna, the baroque style Church of Our Lay of Annunciation, built in 1783. The church situated on the waterfront in the center of Milna has a church organ built by the Callido brothers from Italy in 1822.

In the charming Osibova Bay lies the church of St. Joseph from the 18^th century with St. John’s Chapel from the 14^th century. Enjoy the stunning view of the island of Hvar and Vis from this secluded bay.

Relax on Milna’s waterfront drinking your morning coffee with breakfast. After a day or so, the waiter will already know your name and your order without even asking. The friendly locals at this slow paced town welcome newcomers treating them as their own. For those coming back year after year, they definitely feel like family. This feeling is not as common in the top tourist destinations such as Bol or Supetar as it is in the small hidden gems of Brač.

Admire the miraculous Bonsai tree

Guess why the 600 year old church of St. Peter and Paul in the center of Nerežišća has been photographed almost as much as the famous Golden Horn beach? A miraculous bonsai tree grows on the roof of the church! You may wonder what is so miraculous about a bonsai tree. First, no one knows for sure how it got there, the locals assume its seed was blown on the roof or left by a bird. The church was built in 1413 and the oldest residents of the village believe the tree is 120 years old.

Another mystery to the locals is how the tree managed to survive all these years in unfavourable conditions. The high temperatures during the summers and the rocky roof of the church do not provide enough water leaving the people to believe it has extended its roots to the ground although there are no visible indications.

As it is specifically grows in higher altitudes, this tiny black tree is growing at it’s minimal possible altitude. It was declared a natural monument in 1969 and is one of the few types of natural bonsai trees in the world. The mystery of its origin, how it survives and how old it really is, as far as we know, will stay as a mystery.

Pustinja Blaca (Hermitage Blaca) visited by many tourists and locals is the most popular hermitage on Bol. As a significant part of the history of Brač, it’s not only famous for its cave monastery but also for its amazing cove surrounded by a dense pine forest and a beautiful beach deep in the cove. The monastery consists of a church, commercial building, printery, school, observatory and library. At present, Pustinja Blaca is a museum with its library featuring over 11.000 books and the third biggest telescope in Croatia. There’s no better place on the island of Brač to observe the stars and space.

If you speak Croatian, it won’t be of much help on Brač!

Even if you are familiar with the Croatian language that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be useful and that you will understand the locals when on Brač. Just like most of the other islands in Croatia, each with it’s specific dialect, the island of Brač has more than 10 different dialects sometimes even difficult for Croatians to understand them. As tourism has developed and English is studied at school, the majority speak English making it easier to correspond with visitors.

EXPLORE THE PAKLENI ISLANDS ARCHIPELAGO

The Pakleni islands consist of a stunning chain of small islands and gorgeous bays stretching out in front of Hvar. The rich plant life, beautiful nature, crystal clear waters, hidden beaches and deserted lagoons are accessible only by private speedboats. Book a private boat tour or rent a boat (link na rent a boat) and discover favourite swimming spots amongst the locals and tourists.

One of the most popular tourist destinations is the Palmižana bay, one of the stops on our Blue Cave island hopping full day speedboat tour (link na blue cave island hopping tour) located on the largest island of the archipelago, St. Clement. The sandy cove in the shade of old pine trees is classified as a recreational forest. Palmižana was also listed as 10 of the most beautiful tourist destinations on the Adriatic. The Meneghello family started to develop tourism in 1906 on their 300 year old estate. According to the legend, the owner was a sailor who sailed across the world. When returning home, he would bring his wife a plant from each country he visited. His wife planted the exotic plants creating a rare botanical garden which has become one of the oldest and most famous excursion sites on the Hvar archipelago.

LAVENDER – THE PERFECT SOUVENIR

Every traveller seeks the perfect souvenir to bring home as a reminder of an amazing trip.

Hvar has always been known as the island of lavender. The production of lavender oil dates back to the early 1920s. Grown on the hillsides, lavender on Hvar is organically produced and picked by hand. In June and July the island changes its colour to pale purple. Groups of friends and family get together for harvesting and even tourists have been joining over the past few years. The Lavender Festival is also organized in Velo Grablje during this period.

Lavender products can be found on stands along all of the Dalmatian promenades. The unique lavender souvenirs will take you back to Hvar everytime you open them and smell the lavender. Not only will you see lavender products all around Hvar, this is one the few places where you can try homemade lavendar icecream!

THE DALMATIAN WAY OF RELAXING

Imagine your summer afternoon with the breeze caressing your face, enjoying a quiet coffee on your balcony or an afternoon swim. These are all ways of relaxation or how they would say in Dalmatia ”fjaka”. This peaceful state of mind somewhat like siesta without sleeping, often occurs in the afternoon after lunchtime.

The famous Croatian poet Jakša Fiamengo stated fjaka as a specific state of mind and body “It is like a faint unconsciousness,” he wrote, “a state beyond the self or – if you will – deeply inside the self, a special kind of general immobility, drowsiness and numbness, a weariness and indifference towards all important and ancillary needs, a lethargic stupor and general passivity on the journey to overall nothingness. The sense of time becomes lost, and its very inertness and languor give the impression of a lightweight instant. More precisely: it’s half somewhere and half nowhere, always somehow in between.”

It doesn’t take much for those visiting Hvar to pick up this specific behaviour and enjoy their own version of ”fjaka” on Hvar.