Being voted as the Best European Destination in 2016, it must be having some charm and charisma to it.

Are you planning a trip to Croatia? Zadar should be on your list.

What To See In Zadar?

The Sea Organ

A unique experience of listening to the sound of the sea, the natural waves of the ocean at Sea Organ creates a symphony from the 35 pipes below the sea level – creating a romantic atmosphere at sunset. Created by Croatian architect, this organ stretches through 70 meters all along the waterfront promenade known as the Riva. It is an amazing mix of modern design and nature. Spending time over here is all about sitting on the broad marble steps that flank the water. One of the major tourist attractions of Zadar, the place is busiest at sunset. Sitting at the enchanting organ at sunset, one can never have enough of cold beer while staring at the Roman Ruins.

Zadar Cathedral

One of the photographic icons of Zadar and the centerpieces of the central hub of the old-town, Anastasia Cathedral or Zadar Cathedral is a must-visit place when on a trip to Zadar. The detailed creation of the structure holds great importance in the history of Croatia. One of the most scenic cities in Croatia, the Roman Cathedral is the heart of this place. It holds great importance for the local and religious people. The Roman Cathedral of Zadar is the largest church in Dalmatian Coast.

Built in 12^th and 13^th centuries, the cathedral is a richly decorated façade with old remains inside the church to boost up the history. Heavily bombed during WWII, it contains the relics of St. Anastasia. Behind this church is the bell tower, which one can climb to see the skyline and the panoramic view of the old town of Zadar.

The Greetings to the Sun

The Salutation to the Sun is in itself a strange yet amazing experience. A solar-powered work of art that explodes with an array of brightly colored lights. The greetings to the sun can be a tap dance, tip-toe or waltz platform, on a glass surface that keeps on changes its hues. With 300 multi-layered glass plates, it is conceived as an installation of an amphitheater surrounded by stone blocks. The light display on this platform is one of the activities that one can enjoy with friends and families. Especially kids love to dance across the glass surface, chasing the lights, which makes for a wonderful photo during sunsets.

image credit: Peter Collins

Zadar Old Town

Europe is all about exploring the old remains and the touch of history. Each city had its own place in ancient times, which is the same for Zadar’s old town. This is the place where modern and ancient Zadar collide to create one of the most exciting towns of Croatia. The old town in Zadar is more than passing through. It means exploring the Roman ruins and Venetian architecture. The old town is paved with gleaming white stones, first laid out by the Romans. The defensive walls situated in the old town of Zadar is a world heritage site, which was built by Venetians. Situated near the Adriatic sea, this is a must-visit place when on a trip to Croatia.

What To Do In Zadar?

People love to explore the touristy places when visiting a particular place, but things need to be done to create memories for a lifetime. Exploring a place doesn’t mean looking at the old walls and architecture, one needs to connect with the local culture to make the most out of it. Thus, there are plenty of things to do in Zadar. Let’s see.

Food and Wine Tour

Wines? Who doesn’t love it? Europe is famous for its local wines and what better way to understand the culture other than tasting the wine? There are so many wineries and vineyards located in and around Zadar, that it becomes difficult to choose which one to visit. One of the most famous Degarra Winery. Grapes are grown on a ground spread over 1.8 hectares of land. The winery serves a delicious choice of red, white and pink wines. It has a great wine tasting room. When visiting this place, a must-try is Bomary: the specialty of this place which is a mixture of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot. Mouthwatering, isn’t it?

Zadar Pijaca

The local market of Zadar has been operating since the middle ages, and it meets the standards of other European metropolitan cities. It’s a typical farmer’s market with fresh fruits and vegetables. The local ‘Pag Cheese’ or the award-winning ‘Gligora Cheese’ is the must-try items of this market. A not to miss place is the fish market. This market has all the ingredients for you to try the local Croatian cuisine.

Spend an evening at Zadar Beach

Who wouldn’t love to spend the evening sitting on the beach and gazing at the sunset? Beaches in Europe have always been on the top list of travelers. Thus, why to miss this opportunity of spending time on Zadar beach, which has the most exquisite sunset in the whole of Croatia. During the trip, one can stay in the old town of Zadar or can rent a villa with pools through Villsy.com. Trust us, this is going to be one of the most memorable trips which you will ever go-to in your life.

Image credit: Camilla K

Conclusion

Thus, we know that Croatia is one of the most off-beat places to visit but caters such exclusive experiences that one can never forget.

Then why not to take advantage of this, and visit Zadar?

Admit it! Istria isn’t the first destination to come to your mind when it comes to premium olive oil production. But as statistics reveal, the Istrian Peninsula is one of the leading olive oil producers in the world. It received several awards due to the quality of its oils and has been recognized as the best olive oil region on the globe five years in a row.

The latest Flos Olei edition in 2020 featured 79 Croatian extra virgin olive oils, out of which 77 were from Istria. So, if you love food and exquisite traditional products, a trip to Istria is a must-do. We recommend you consider renting a villa with a pool near an olive oil plantation. The smells, the views, and the atmosphere will make you fall in love with Croatia!

Istrian olive oil has a rich history!

If you feel like Istria is yet another small European area experimenting with olive oil production, you’re mistaken. The truth is this region has a long tradition of growing oil dating back to the Greek and Roman times. Both Dalmatia and Istria refer to this oil as “liquid gold” because it was and still is a staple ingredient in Croatian cuisine.

But there is more! Istrian olive trees always had a primordial cultural significance! Each Istrian family had its own olive tree grove. It symbolized good health and longevity, which is why locals praise it in every household. And the best part about growing olive trees in Istria is that it can be planted even on rocky soil. An olive tree prospers and lasts forever with adequate care.

What makes Istrian olive oil exquisite is that olive groves are planted on pesticide-free soil. To this day, most land in Istria is free of toxins, making the majority of Istrian olive oil organic!

Harvesting olives in Istria is all about tradition!

Well, the olive growing in this Croatian area is more than two millennia old. So, harvesting olives is an important part of local culture. Usually, olives are harvested from early October to mid-November, based on the olives variety and ripeness. Locals will choose only picked and healthy olives, removing the ones that don’t meet these standards.

Most Croatian olive growers harvest the produce manually. And this is one of the reasons why Istrian olive oil is one of the highest quality. Handpicking olives ensures their quality is preserved.

Why is Istrian olive oil one of the most qualitative on the globe?

Besides its rich history, Istrian olive oil is all about the quality of the final product. The grading process of oil is what determines its quality. Also, the taste of the olive oil is influenced by olives types, the moment of harvest, method of harvest, and the pressing process. But the most important factor that makes Istrian olive oil stand out is the soil. This is what offers the authentic flavor you won’t find with any other products.

The Istrian peninsula has a particular geography with climate and soil conditions suitable for cultivating olive groves. And the local Croatian methods of olive oil production adds up to its quality. You’ll discover in Istria only small olive oil producers. Their goal is to harvest early and achieve the authentic Istrian taste and quality for their oils. Remember that some Istrian olive oils have fruity notes, while others are peppery. And, of course, most olive oils in Croatia are organic. There are five indigenous olive oil varieties that grow on Istrian oil: Buža, Bianchera (Istrian Bjelica), Carbonazza (Crnica), Moražola, and Rožinjola (Rosulja).

What can an Istrian olive oil tasting offer you?

This is a common question among those visiting Croatia. We all know about other countries that produce this ingredient. So, it is only natural to wonder what to expect from olive oil tasting in Istria. We recommend you learn more about olive oil, tasting sessions, and traditions. For some people, the powerful taste and smell of Istrian olive oil might be too much. The right way to experience this type of testing is with guidance from a local producer.

Istrian olive oil has a pungent smell, which might surprise you. Some blends have a potent fresh-cut grass smell, which might be too powerful for you. When tasting Istrian olive oil, take small sips and allow the oil to sit a bit on your tongue. It will offer a glimpse of its spiciness, which will indicate it is of the highest quality.

If you want to prepare for a unique Croatian experience of olive oil tasting, you should take into account the following tips:

• Tasting olive oil is an art, which is why all Croatian producers will offer some interesting tips and tricks about it
• Olive oil should be tasted by itself so that you experience its pureness
• If you want to purchase olive oil after a tasting session, you should avoid light glass bottles; these can destroy its quality
• Remember that you need to store olive oil between 13 to 25 degrees Celsius because it loses its antioxidants at higher temperatures

There are numerous Istrian local producers of olive oil. If you want to learn about the Croatian history of producing olive oil, you might want to stop in Pula, Rovinj, Porec, and other Istrian towns on the olive oil route.

The best olive oils from Istria you need to try!

The uniqueness of Istrian olive oils comes from the enticing fruity green notes and pungent effect. These indicate it is rich in polyphenols, an indicator of their quality. Olives are picked early, as soon as they are starting to turn purple. And this technique is vital to preserving the high polyphenol content and ensuring the highest quality standards of the ultimate product. Olive oil tourism is quickly growing in Croatia, which is why you should include in your itinerary tasting one or more of the following olive oils. Let’s see which are the best olive oils of Istria to discover during your trip!

#1 Oleum viride Belić

One of the premium olive oils produced in Istria is Oleum viride Belic. It has a particular green color and rich taste. It is an excellent choice for grilled vegetables, salads, and exquisite desserts. The Belic family is the local producer of this premium olive oil. And they have 14 of its varietal oils, which won 25 prestigious world awards.

#2 Ipsa

Northwestern Istria prides itself on Ipsa olive oil. It is an important landmark on the world’s gastronomic map, being produced in a picturesque Istrian village. The Ipsi village is surrounded by rich olive groves, which is why a stop here is a must! The Ipsa family was one of the first to start harvesting olives based on their variety. And today, they offer four types of extra virgin olive oil.

#3 Mate

If you’re searching for a more exquisite olive oil variety, Mate is the best choice for you. It is an aromatic Istrian olive oil, which stands out due to its rich taste and flavor. On the coast between the bay of Dajla and Savudrija cape, the varieties Frantoio, Leccino, and Pendolino are cultivated. These olive groves offer some of the premium olives that make Mate olive oil one of the best in the world. Mate has a particular fruity aroma and a flavor influenced by the Istrian climate.

#4 Oio de Buščina

A visit to Umag should include a stop at Buscini. Here you can taste the famous Oio de Buscina, one of the best olive oils produced in Umag. It has a reputation as a healing agent because of its clean and nutritious content. There are 12 varieties of olives, both organic and produced with the latest technology available. It is one of the best extra virgin olive oil from Istria.

#5 Meloto

Produced in Vodnjan, the Meloto olive oil is one of the most appraised and awarded extra virgin olive oil from Croatia. It has a fruity flavor mixed with an intense spicy note, which will make you recognize it almost instantly. The Belci family uses a traditional recipe to produce this blend. And it all starts with caring about the olive grove. They say this is the leading approach to producing one of the best extra virgin olive oil on the globe!

#6 BM Bursic

The Bursic family has a long tradition of producing premium extra virgin olive oil in Istria. On the hills of Nova Vas, several olive groves indulge in an authentic Mediterranean climate. And we can say this product has an authentic Istrian taste you’ll remember for a lifetime. The BM Bursic Buza olive oil has balsamic notes of mint, celery, rosemary, green banana, tomatoes, and almonds. And there is more! The family produces the clear green Leccino olive oil with a potent aroma of cut grass. They organize olive oil tasting sessions regularly, so you shouldn’t miss this!

#7 Negri

The Negri family is located on the eastern Istrian coast. The olive groves grow in a unique geographical position with a particular soil type. This is why their olive oil is recommended for serving with the finest dishes! This noble extra virgin olive oil is a mix of indigenous Istrian and Italian olive oil varieties. We can say that there is no other olive oil in the world with the same texture and flavor.

#8 Salvela

Babrbariga is a small locality on an Istrian area bathed by the sea on three sides. It has a long track record as a leading producer of local olive oil. The Salvela extra virgin olive oil is of the highest quality, offering a specific aroma with pronounced spiciness and bitterness. So, if you’re visiting Novigrad, make sure you make a stop at Barbariga for olive oil tasting!

#9 Chivalon

The Istrian Chivalon family is one of the most exquisite! They pay close attention to their olive groves and monitor the conditions based on top expert’s advice. What makes this Istrian olive oil different is the recipe used. Their olive grove is adorned with oils, resulting in premium blend varieties. The Chivalon olive oil has a carefully designed taste with enticing almond notes.

#10 Baioco

Baioco follows the traditional Mediterranean recipe for olive oils. But it is too one of the best in the Istrian region. Baioco oils are recognized globally as one of the best. They are produced based on tradition and modern technology. An interesting fact about Baioco is that in its composition, it’s included a mix of local herbs. This offers the powerful Mediterranean smell we’re all used to!

The bottom line

Istria is commonly referred to as the new Tuscany. And we couldn’t agree more! It has an otherworldly landscape, with picturesque hilltop towns and premium local cuisine. So, it can become a competitor of the finest Italian regions!

Olive oil tasting is rapidly growing in Croatia. Olives have been cultivated on the Istrian peninsula for centuries since they offered this precious liquid. There is a 1600 years old olive tree on Veliki Brijuni Island on the western Istrian coast. This is proof of the long-lasting olive oil production in Croatia, and it is believed the ancient terracotta amphorae once transported the oil in the cellar of Pula’s amphitheater.

Every European culture has its approach to traditional weddings. And Croatia is one of those places that follow the conventional guidelines thoroughly. This country has several ancient architecture venues, history, and traditions to match. Moreover, it is a unique country to visit, and you can make it your wedding destination with ease. And the best part about it is that you can easily discover all-inclusive villas to rent in Croatia that can accommodate all your guests and provide access to all amenities needed.

When it comes to a couple getting engaged, you might be surprised to discover no engagement ring involved. Instead, the man will offer an Obiljezje, a piece a fruit, usually an apple with coins pressed into it. This is one of the oldest wedding traditions in Croatia that some people still follow today. And we can say that you won’t find this custom in any other country.

Besides this, several Croatian wedding traditions go back to hundreds of years. Some of the most iconic include the following.

#1 The rosemary branch

Croatians look up at the rosemary branch with a lot of respect. It is perceived as the best welcoming to wedding guests. This means that if you attend an authentic Croatian wedding, you’ll receive a single rosemary branch as gratitude for your presence. This branch is pinned to the left side of your blouse, and it is usually decorated with a red-white-blue ribbon that symbolizes the Croatian flag.

#2 The false bride

This is the funniest Croatian wedding custom you’ll stumble upon. The groom will take his guests and go to the bride’s home to take her to the church. A make family member will welcome the groom, but he won’t give up the bride as quickly as you might expect. The bride’s family will attempt several times to cheat the groom by submitting a false bride. And this event finalizes with a male guest dressed as a bride. After being a fraud, the groom will finally see the real bride and head on for the church.

#3 Barjaktar

This Croatian name can be translated as the banner holder. It refers to that person who leads the wedding party and has to carry the Croatian flag. This is one of the most important roles during the wedding.

#4 Family pants

This is a tradition in Croatia meant to reveal who will be the house leader once they get married. After the couple gets married in the church, they will attempt to step on each other’s feet. The one who managed to step on the foot first will be called the head of the family.

#5 The bride dance

The dance of the bride starts at midnight. The guests can dance with her, but the secret is that you’ll have to pay for the dance. The maid of honor will hold a basket, and whoever puts money in it will get the chance to dance with the bride. And the more money you’ll give, the more you’ll dance with the bride.

So, why is Croatia the perfect wedding destination?

If you’re considering having your wedding abroad, Croatia might be the perfect destination for you. And we have several reasons why we recommend it as your wedding destination. As mentioned above, you can find impressive villas for rent with pools, all-inclusive services, and great locations. This means that you can accommodate your wedding guest in the best conditions. Also, you might get the chance to include in your wedding party an authentic Croatian wine tasting session. The possibilities are endless, and the following reasons why you should have your wedding in Croatia include the following!

#1 Outstanding scenery

Even though it might sound like a cliché, the main reason you should have your wedding in Croatia is the scenery. You won’t find anywhere else such a versatile natural setup. You can choose between lovely beaches, impressive islands and islets, breathtaking natural parks, or charming rural venues. You can also always check to see if an ancient castle or fortress is available to accommodate your reception!

#2 Cultural heritage

Anywhere you’ll travel to Croatia, you’ll notice an abundance of history. Most Croatian cities have a site part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This means that you’ll not only have a great wedding venue, but you’ll get the chance to explore interesting cities.

#3 Gastronomy

If you’re searching for the perfect wedding destination, Croatia has everything to offer, especially when it comes to gastronomy. Local fresh fruits and vegetables are abundant, along with seafood, which can provide you with the perfect wedding menu. Besides, you can request premium local wines for your reception to mesmerize your guests!

#4 Honeymoon

Did you know that Croatia is one of the top five honeymoon destinations on the globe? Well, you can opt for getting married on an otherworldly wedding venue and hop on a magical dalmatian island to have your honeymoon getaway!

#5 Weather

Experts say that Croatia has the perfect wedding climate. This country has more than 2300 hours of sun per year, getting you plenty of warm days to plan your wedding day.

Which are the best wedding destinations in Croatia?

Now that you know a bit about Croatian weddings and why you should consider this country to get married, here are some of the best venues for a kind wedding.

Have an exclusive boutique wedding on a boat

If your wedding party is small, you should consider having your wedding on a Croatian boat. This is called a gullet, and it can be the perfect wedding venue if you’re looking forward to a unique experience. A gullet represents a classic yacht made from wood, and it stands out due to its unique flair. In most cases, this exclusive boat can accommodate up to 22 guests. But the best part about it is that it comes with a reliable crew that will do its best to offer you the perfect day.

Keep in mind that such cruises are usually organized on Saturdays. We also recommend planning a wedding on a Croatian boat in May, June, September, or October. This will get you the best weather and won’t make you feel too hot on the boat.

Go big and get married on a luxurious motorsailer yacht

If you love boats, but you plan to have more than 20 guests, we’ve got the perfect solution: organizing your wedding on a luxurious yacht. A motorsailer is a vessel managed by a professional crew that provides access to a vast dining area and comfortable cabins. They can welcome up to 100 people and get you the dream full-on party wedding with an extra touch of style.

You can select the route, food, drinks, and everything else you might want on your perfect day. Keep in mind that such a luxurious yacht is used for a wedding cruise only on Saturdays. It is also best to plan your wedding in May, June, September, or October for the best weather and sea conditions.

Have a beach wedding on the marvelous island of Hvar

Hvar is ranked as one of the most beautiful islands in Europe. And we can say that it is a great place to get married. This magical island can offer you anything you might think of, ranging from a unique ceremony on the beach to a castle-themed wedding part. No matter what venue you choose, you will get a romantic view over the Adriatic azure.

If you’re planning a Hvar wedding, you should know that you can organize it all year round. Still, it might be a good idea to avoid crowded months, such as July and August. In this way, you’ll get the chance to enjoy the best day of your life with little to no hassle.

Spend the best day of your life in a UNESCO World Cultural Site: Trogir

Trogir is one of the architectural gems of Croatia. It has an exciting old town part of UNESCO’s list, and it can help you get married in a scenic historical harbor. Besides, Trogir is rich in unique and sophisticated wedding venues. Our tip is to consider having your ceremony at the Cathedral of St. Lawrence. This Roman Catholic basilica is the core of Trogir with a beautiful architecture that will leave you speechless.

Getting married in Trogir can be both fun and unique. But since this is one of the most visited Croatian cities, you should plan your wedding accordingly. This means that you should check and book anything ranging from the wedding venue to accommodation.

Heavenly wedding venue in the National Park of Mljet

The National Park of Mljet is one of the best places to visit since it consists of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful and greenest scenery. Positioned in the far south, most visitors are couples in love and nature lovers. So, why not be bold enough to have your wedding in a national park? Well, this stands out as the best wedding destination in Croatia due to the panoramic views, impressive forests, lakes, and vegetation. You’ll be able to have your wedding in unspoiled nature, which ultimately will feel like a fairytale.

Our advice for those searching for the best outdoor wedding venue is to consider the island with the Benedictine Convent and Church. It is a unique area with picturesque bays and a sense of time travel.

A lesser-known location for an exclusive wedding in untouched nature: Vis

The Island of Vis is not as popular among tourists as you might guess. This means you can get an intimate wedding experience next to your loved ones. Besides, the Fort George, an old military fort, has been transformed into a gorgeous wedding venue.

Keep in mind that this area is characterized by untouched nature, meaning that you won’t stumble upon as many locals as you might expect. So, it might be a good idea to organize your wedding in detail to avoid surprises.

Have an exclusive wedding surrounded by the waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes represent one of the most visited tourist destinations in Croatia. But did you know that this national park allows couples to get married within its grounds? Well, not many people know this fact, which is why our top recommendation for the best wedding in Croatia is. You can surround yourself with nature and have the most fantastic experience to last you a lifetime.

Keep in mind that the Plitvice Lakes National Park is visited by more than one million people yearly. So, it would help if you planned your wedding during late spring or early summer to avoid crowds.

Conclusion

As you can see, your wedding can turn out to be the best adventure of your lifetime. Besides, you’ll get your guests a unique approach to a traditional ceremony. No matter which place you’ll opt for, we think that having your wedding in Croatia is the best! And the best part about it is that you can easily find villas for rent so that you won’t have to worry about how your guests will manage their stay. Get ready to enjoy the best time of your life in a unique setting!

Beer in Croatia: an emerging craft beer scene!

In case you didn’t know already, Croatia has plenty to offer. Besides the world-famous UNESCO Heritage Site, Dubrovnik, this country is famous thanks to its intriguing local cuisine and wine production. And if you visited at least once Croatia, you might’ve noticed that there is a bundle of local breweries.

Indeed, there wasn’t too much discussion concerning Croatian craft beer. And if it were to look up for historical data, you would discover that beer in Croatia received only sporadic mentions. We do know that back in the 18th Century, beer became extremely popular. From that moment on, local production flourished. It became a significant economic part, as it generates substantial revenue. 

As for today, Croatian beer is famous well beyond Europe’s borders. And this happens since local breweries do their best to follow traditional recipes and come up with unique additions. It is one of the most popular beverages in Croatia, and it was ranked 14 back in 2010 in the world by beer consumption per capita ranking. Simply put: one half of the adult population in Croatia consumes beer daily.

An interesting fact about Croatia is that more than 90% of all beer sold locally is domestically produced. As such, when visiting Croatia, you have plenty to choose from thanks to numerous local brands of beer. 

Similar to what happened to all countries in the world, Croatian beer making started from big companies and moved to small breweries. Overall, you can discover in Croatia more than 30 craft breweries, meaning that there is little to no chance of visiting a Croatian city and not finding out about a local brewery. The Croatian craft beer drinking culture started slow, but we can clearly say that nowadays it competes with both local cuisine and wine production. The best part about local breweries is that you might find a small villa for rent near a local beer producer.

The best Croatian craft beer brands you need to try!

image credit: CK Golf

Mainly, if you will ask locals about the best Croatian beer, they will say that pale ale is the one. Still, you can discover several other craft beers produced locally, such as Porter, Stout, and Dunkel. The following craft beer brands will entice your taste buds with the best ingredients and brewing techniques. 

#1 Zmajska Pivovara

The microbrewery Zmajska Pivovara was opened back in 2014 and shortly after became the 9th best new brewery on the globe. And if we take into account that Ratebeer performed this ranking on 3800 new breweries, we can say that this is one of the best craft beer brands in Croatia.

This microbrewery produces several types of craft beer. You should know that each blend is inspired by a season, meaning that you will find specific beer types only in one period of the year. Of course, there are quite a few permanent crafts at Zmajska Pivovara, and we recommend you try the India Pale Ale, the American Wheat Ale, Porter, or the German Pills. The best part about this brand is that you can enjoy your beer in a 0,33 l bottle so that you can taste all the craft beer available. And if you want to go even further, you can always visit the microbrewery in Zagreb. They have a taproom with both seasonal and limited series Croatian craft beers. 

#2 Nova Runda

Nova Runda started as a home- brewing establishment. But since it got so popular in the area, the owners decided to transform it into a small local brewery. As such, in 2014, they founded the Nova Rund in Jaska. They stand out as a refreshing local craft beer brand, as you won’t find with them any bottled beer. Everything is enjoyed at their brewery, on tap or in a can.

Some of the best craft beer at Nova Runda include the American Pale Ale Nova Runda and OPA C4. Besides, you can try several other fascinating blends, such as the Brut Indian Pale Ale, Imperial, New England, or Session. And there is more: three of the Nova Runda beers are featured among the top ten craft beers in Croatia. These are the Fireball IPA RED, the ThroaTTwister IIPA DIPA, and the Nova Runda C4 IPA.

#3 EKO Craft Beer Kampanjola

There are several undiscovered gems when it comes to Croatian craft beer. And EKP Craft Beer Kampanjola is one of them. It is the youngest Istrian microbrewery located in Savicenta. We like that all their beers are 100% organic, unpasteurized and unfiltered. 

If you’re looking forward to an authentic Croatian experience, we suggest you consider a visit or a beer tasting session at EKO Craft Beer. This small brewery is known for its four craft beers named Red Ale Crvena, Organix Ale Svitla, Blonde Ale Bionda, and Organic Porter Skura.

#4 Vunetovo

Hvar is an island with plenty to offer when it comes to local Croatian cuisine. But did you know that there is a small locally-owned brewery here? Well, Vunetovo is the first craft beer brewery in the area. And they have plenty of visitors thanks to the exciting assortment available.

You can enjoy it at Vunetovo, the famous black beer IPA Aljaski Mrgud. But, of course, you have several other products to try, including stout, wheat beer, Saison, or Dunkelweizen. The downside is that their beer is available exclusively at the brewery.

#5 LAB Split

If you’re looking forward to discovering the first Dalmatian craft brewery, here’s what you should put on your travel itinerary. The LAB Split brewery is a pioneer in the area of producing Croatian craft beer. Their Barba Imperial IPA won several awards, including the best Croatian beer in 2018 and 2019.

We recommend trying some of the bestseller products at LAB Split, such as the Barba APA, Blond Ale Punica, Barba Imperial IPA, English Ale, and Chinook APA.

#6 Bura Brew

Istria is filled with microbreweries. And for those visiting Porec, a stop at Bura Brew is a must. This is a local craft beer producer established back in 2014. They are famous all around Istria thanks to their intriguing labels, such as Hurrican, Optimist, Amber Ale Redsan, and Indian Pale Ale Tornado. Our top recommendation from Bura Brew is their limited-edition craft beers, the Trippin’ Triple and Istrian Belgian Ale.

#7 Medvedgrad

One of the first microbreweries in Croatia is Medvedgrad in Zagreb. It has been around for 20 years, being the pioneers in traditionally brewed Croatian craft beers. Up until 2013, they only served draft beer. But they decided to bottle some of their most wanted blends, the dark lager Gricka Vjestica. And from that point on, they became one of the most important craft beer breweries in Croatia. 

They stand out thanks to the seasonal beers IPA Crni Jack, Agram Stout, and Belgian White Ale Ljeto u Zagrebu. We recommend you taste, too, the labels A Bock Gricka Vjestica, Pilsner Zlatni Medvjed, and the dark lager Crna Kraljica. 

#8 San Servolo

Also, from Istria, San Servolo was founded in 2013 as a homemade brewery. But as soon as the popularity of their local craft beer label arose, it became clear that tasting this homemade Istrian beer is a must. San Servolo craft beers are non-filtered, but they stand out since they come with a second fermentation in the bottle. Also, you have two other types of pale ale beer to opt for IPA and APA, along with four lager beers: Light, Black, Red, and Gold Classic lager.

The tastiest craft beer festivals in Croatia!

Istra & Craft Beer Festival in Porec: the ultimate event for small breweries, street food, and local music

Usually organized in autumn, the Istra & Craft Beer Festival in Porec is one of the best festivals in Croatia. And this happens since more than 15 independent, small, and craft breweries participate. As such, attending this festival gets you the chance to taste more than 75 styles or types of beers. Besides, plenty of local pubs and street food establishments visit so that you can taste both local and international cuisine dishes. Overall, the highlight of this Croatian event is the pop-up brewery organized by the sea on Porec. You will get the chance to enjoy the best beer in Europe, along with good music, outstanding food, and local contests.

Medulin Craft Beer Festival: a local and international presentation of famous craft breweries

The Medulin Craft Beer Festival started as an attempt to make Croatian beer known to the world. As for today, this is one of the busiest events in Croatia, as more than 30 independent breweries from ten European countries attend. You get the chance to explore and taste more than 60 beers on TAP from both Croatian and European microbreweries. The best part about this European craft beer festival is that you can join several educational workshops and guided tasting sessions to get a deeper understanding of how local beer is produced.

This festival was established back in 2015, and it is one of the most attended events in Europe. Besides, it was ranked as the most celebrated beer festival in this part of Europe, thanks to the innovative concept. Make sure you place Medulin on your travel itinerary, as there is a large selection of beers, live concerts, and local foods ready for you to explore. Our pro tip is to rent a nearby villa, as you will get fast access around Medulin.

Zadar Craft Beer Festival: a small, but welcoming event by Croatian Microbreweries

Each year by the end of summer, you can attend the Zadar Craft Beer Festival. This small event is positioned on Zadar’s seafront in the old town. Mainly, this is an enticing three-day festival, where you can try more than a hundred local craft beers. All the products featured come from Croatian microbreweries, as the purpose of the event is to promote local craft beer. 

What we like most about Zadar Craft Beer Festival is that it offers access to several beer-related activities organized by Croatian microbreweries. Hence, it is an opportunity for you to learn about brewing beer and how homemade beer is achieved. Besides, several free concerts are available during the event, which is why Zadar became one of the most wanted tourist destinations in the area. And, of course, you get the chance to try some local dishes from a couple of locally-owned restaurants.

Dubrovnik Craft Beer Festival: a fancy way to sample craft beer

Dubrovnik has so much to offer to its visitors that it was no surprise when they announced in 2017 the craft beer event. Overall, the Dubrovnik Craft Beer Festival is meant to entertain you by free concerts and fast access to exquisite Croatian food. But at the same time, you get the chance to explore several Croatian microbreweries from all over the country. What makes this festival stand out is the fancy sampling for craft beer. This means that you can try several blends and recipes from a multitude of local producers, by merely walking among them. You will discover plenty of craft beers, gastronomy attractions, and entertainment possibilities. 

The bottom line: craft beer in Croatia is on the rise!

As we’ve seen for quite some time now, microbreweries aim to become the main tourist attraction in Croatia. And the best part about it is that no matter where you book your accommodation in Croatia, you will stumble upon a locally owned brewery!