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Sveti Martin na Muri - Winner 2019

What makes Sveti Martin na Muri special

The municipality of Sveti Martin na Muri is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in continental Croatia and certainly the most interesting border town. This veritable empire of thermal mineral water and wellness has restaurants with award-winning cuisines, wine roads, many bike trails and other possibilities for an active holiday.

Health and wellbeing tourism

Next to pools, the resort offers more than 20 different massage and sauna treatments (including Finnish and Roman) whilst the overall area of the most modern wellness oasis in mainland Croatia covers an area of an 1800 m2. Sveti Martin na Muri has outstanding wellness and health offers, yet it stays out of the main tourist flows in Croatia.

The thermal mineral springs, discovered over a hundred years ago, have exceptionally high mineral content and contain carbon dioxide. According to analyses, the water at Terme Sveti Martin is more than 43,000 years old and is among the highest quality and most healing waters in Europe.

Sveti Martin na Muri is continuously working on local infrastructure, waste management, sustainability as well as socially responsible and green business.

Sightseeing tips

  • LifeClass Terme Sveti Martin, Europe`s most curative waters, sports and recreational facilities, with excellent healthy homemade gastronomy.
  • Many cycling routes throughout the area.
  • The Millers Place in Žabnik with its traditional floating watermill, riverboat, Millhouse and Love Labyrinth.

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Vukovar-Vučedol-Ilok - Winner 2017

What makes Vukovar-Vučedol-Ilok special?

Vukovar-Vučedol-Ilok is an extraordinary journey through time, culture and lifestyle, a hidden pearl that can surprise and inspire. The destination is rich with cultural-historical heritage, events, and offers the experience of Danube waters. It prides itself on its top quality wine and gastronomy and warm local hospitality.

Cultural tourism

Imagine a massive, high and long fortress, a princely and royal castle, a highly elevated belfry, a church and a monastery with a tower. Transitioning into rare Islamic structures such as turbahs and hammams, a lush park and green fences, deeply dug old wine cellars, viewpoints with an unforgettable view on the wide Danube. You can see and experience all this in the mediaeval core of Ilok. Located on a small hill surrounded by the Danube and vineyards and a beautiful castle Odescalchi. Enjoy walking through the Vukovar baroque centre and see how history continues in the Vukovar City Museum, located in castle Eltz.

The Vučedol Culture museum is unique. Vučedol can be characterised as a European Troy due to the continental significance of the site and its findings.

The origin of European civilisation positioned on the second largest European river Crown wines from the era of the Romans.

Sightseeing tips

Ilok

  • plateaus above river with an intact fortress from the 14th and 15th century
  • the church and the sanctuary of St. John of Capistrano
  • rare Ottoman monuments - turbe (tombs) and hammam (ritual bath)
  • the museum in castle of Odescalchi noble duke

Vukovar

  • the beautiful Grand hotel, better known as Workers' House, is the most famous work of the monumental historicist architecture of the late 19th century
  • the Eltz castle ranks among the most representative buildings of the Baroque period in Croatia

Vučedol

  • The Vučedol Culture Museum dedicated to a pre-historic cultural appearance of the Neolithic /Bronze Age period/ 3000 – 2500 B.C.
  • the Vučedol archaeological site located 5 km from Vukovar, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Europe and is where the location got its name from (Vučedol dove)

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Gornje Medimurje - Winner 2015

Local gastronomy

Visit the unforgettable Upper Međimurje and its colourful scenery of gentle wine-growing slopes, fertile plains enclosed by powerful rivers and idyllic flower-decorated villages. The green oasis, which is part of the UNESCO Mura-Drava-Danube biosphere reserve, is best discovered while cycling or hiking the many themed trails.

Due to its charm and tidiness, this region is recognised by many as the ‘Garden of Croatia’. Make sure you try dishes prepared from well-known local foods grown in this fertile garden: pumpkin seed oil, apples, potato or buckwheat mash. 'Tiblica' meat, 'turos' cheese, river perch or 'medimurska gibanica' (a layer cake from Medimurje), are only some of the recognised dishes which go perfectly with 'pusipel' and a number of other fine wines, white and red.

Experience the field-to-table journey of traditional and healthy food in the old river mills, authentic oil mills or wooden winepresses. Try selected specialties in local restaurants, family farms and wineries. After a number of nature-based activities and gourmet experiences, relax in the thermal temple of Sveti Martin Spa, situated in the very heart of this abundant garden of healthy pleasures.

Sightseeing tips

  • Visit the Eco-Museum Mura, which hosts a mosaic of varied landscapes, cultural diversity, preserved traditional trade skills and, for Europe, an exceptional collection of original folk songs. Wooden river ferries, mills, ethnographic collections, legends and ancient traditions remain a living part of local village communities.
  • Experience the regional nature park Mura-Drava-Danube. The park is part of the international biosphere reserve protected by UNESCO. It is one of the last remaining European oases of authentic biodiversity of the lowland rivers.

  • The end of January is marked by the biggest Croatian trekking event for tourists in the wine-growing hills to celebrate St Vincent Day.

  • In April, one of the stages of the Tour of Croatia, the biggest Croatian cycling race, starts in Upper Međimurje, making it one of the most developed cycling destinations for tourists in Croatia.

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Stancija 1904 - Winner 2013

Accessibility

Svetvinčenat has 271 inhabitants and most of its venues are easily accessible. All the pavements are lowered and there are reserved parking spaces for the disabled. Bars, pizzerias, restaurants and taverns which serve traditional dishes, are also accessible to all and offer menus in Braille.

The clinic, grocery store, pharmacy, newsagent, post office and tourist information office are adapted to meet everyone's needs, regardless of disability and age. Beaches accessible to those with reduced mobility are located close to Stancija 1904.

All renovations to local heritage are carried out with respect to the village's historic architecture. They also take care to be accessible to all, regardless of physical limitations, age and disability.

Sightseeing tips

  • Visit Svetvincenat, a town of particular cultural and historical value. Enjoy its castles, churches, Renaissance houses and many other places of interest.
  • Participate in one of the festivals like the Istra Ethno Jazz Festival, the Festival of Dance and Non-Verbal Theatre, knight’s games, the traditional crafts fair and concerts.
  • Take part in activities like golf, caving, hiking, walking or cycling in the countryside, visiting the Aquarium in Pula, surfing in the sea or visiting cities with well-known cultural and historical sites.

More information

  • Stancija 1904 website
  • Stancija EDEN video
    • long version (3 minutes)
    • short version (1 minute)
  • infoattzsvetvincenat [dot] hr (EDEN contact for Stancija 1904)

Pustara Visnjica - Winner 2011

Regeneration and revival

The regeneration of Pustara Visnjica is based on the idea of returning back to nature and revitalising the values of a healthy lifestyle through tourism. The idea of connecting agriculture and traditional local activities to sustainable tourism was a new proposition and a key challenge. Today, there are numerous regeneration programmes in Pustara Visnjica, including the development of rural tourism, horse breeding, and the cultivation of sweet potato, grains and medicinal herbs.

The 19th-century buildings have been restored and given a new purpose as the old residential buildings are now workshop studios. Here you can learn the art of cooking and traditional jewellery or pottery making. The old stables have been restored and over 70 horses, of various breeds, now thrive on the land. The development also includes riding and cycling paths, ideal for discovering the beauty of the region and its surroundings.

Sightseeing tips

  • Take a walk or cycle through the Papuk Geopark, the biggest park in the area. The Točak peaks are also worth a visit.
  • Don’t forget to try the local cuisine. Visnjica is a fabulous restaurant that offers a wide selection of dishes using local ingredients.
  • If you are looking for something more active, have a go at quad biking or paintballing on the broad plains that surround the property.

More information

  • Pustara Visnjica website
  • Pustara Visnjica EDEN video
  • EDEN contacts for Pustara Visnjica: ksenija [dot] plantakatgmail [dot] com (ksenija[dot]plantak[at]gmail[dot]com) and visnjicaatvisnjica [dot] hr (visnjica[at]visnjica[dot]hr)

Nin - Winner 2010

The uniqueness of Nin

A unique part of the natural heritage of Nin is the healing mud (peloid) and weather conditions produced by the area. The medical centre in Zadar has been using the mud for 40 years in the treatment of various diseases such as rheumatic illnesses, spine problems and skin diseases.

In summer, the mistral blows and reduces the summer heat. As a result, Nin is an oasis for tourism and offers ideal conditions for rest and recreation.

Before leaving, don’t forget to...

  • visit the coronation church of St Nicholas
  • discover original old Croatian ships from the 11th century called 'Condura'
  • visit the church of St Cross - 'the smallest cathedral in the world'.

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Northern Velebit National Park - Winner 2009

What can you do here?

The Northern Velebit National Park is an explorer's paradise. Deep sinkholes, caves and other topographical features give the park an unparalleled sense of variation. The Hadjuk and Rozan hills contain over 150 caves, the best-known being Lukina Jama (Luka's Cave), which descends 1,392m into the earth.

For visitors wanting a taste of alpine sports, the park is second to none. There are a great number of hiking, cycling and cross-country skiing trails through the mountains that reveal some striking panoramic views. A walk along the Premuzic Path leads trekkers through enchanted forests and endless lush green grasslands.

What makes the Northern Velebit National Park special?

Warm, sultry seaside weather combined with mountains that rise into the sky make the Northern Velebit Park a truly extraordinary region for nature. Predatory animals such as wildcats, bears and wolves roam the mountainsides, while a large population of wood grouse makes its habitat in the heartlands.

Plant life is also abundant. 1,500 plant species ranging from sub-Mediterranean to mountainous fill the park. In the warmer months, the mountain flora is spectacular, with a rainbow of colours dotting the hillsides.

The region overflows with local fare throughout the year, with many Croatians lured to the park in search of mountain fun and relaxation. It has also recently started to see a rise in foreign tourism.

As the number of visitors each year (10,000-15,000) rises, the local municipalities have begun to pay close attention to the ecological balance of the area. Future plans are being discussed to develop a tourist infrastructure with facilities outside the park, in the towns nearby. The aim is to keep the park as untainted by man as possible.

Plans are also being developed to enhance visitors' experiences within the park, especially when it comes to wildlife and natural vegetation.

What to look for in...

  • Spring - Fantastic flora filling the hillsides
  • Summer - Alpine enthusiasts gathering at the foot of the mountains
  • Fall - Birds migrating to warmer climates
  • Winter - Explorers cross-country skiing through mountain trails

Highlights

  • Breathe the clean mountain air while hiking through steep canyons
  • Try some local homemade cheeses while enjoying a glass of wine
  • Spend Earth Day in a mountain paradise
  • Take a bike tour from Sveti Juraj to Zavizan

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Durdevac - Winner 2008

Natural beauty

The Sands of Durdevac, or the 'Bloody Sands' as they are known locally, are a distinctive European habitat of sand-loving vegetation, unique flora and fauna boasting indigenous species, and the visible remnants of sand dunes.

The Borik Park Forest has ancient forests of pine and locust trees. Visitors can enjoy meandering paths that are well kept and marked for the benefit of walkers, runners, trekkers, cyclists and athletes looking for cross-country training.

The area is also an untapped source of geothermal waters.

Cultural heritage

Durdevac houses exhibitions in the Stari Grad gallery and the Old Town Gallery situated in the central fortress. The Old Town Gallery is considered the 'Croatian Louvre' and houses more than 1,500 pieces of art.

The Slavko Cambi ethnographic collection contains close to a thousand artifacts and is protected by the Ministry of Culture. It gives visitors a real insight into the everyday lives of the region’s inhabitants over the centuries.

The church of St George, the patron saint of Durdevac, is a reinterpretation of an early Croatian church with Romanesque and Byzantine elements. The list of precious sacral monuments also includes the Baroque sculptures on the three original altars in the 18th century chapel of St Rosaria.

Food and wine

The wine roads of the Durdevac countryside pass through the most picturesque of the vineyards, situated on the slopes of gently meandering valleys. Driving along, the visitor passes traditional architecture preserved in the old vineyard huts that hold numerous items of ethnographic heritage. The wine sampling rooms on family homesteads are open to visitors.

The region is famous for its various cakes and home-baked corn bread and dishes prepared according to old, almost forgotten recipes. Chicken is a particular favourite in local savoury food.

The rooster, spirit and folklore

The town’s intriguing name is a celebration of guile over force, referring to when in the 16th century the townspeople held a besieging army at bay by deluding them into thinking Durdevac could hold out indefinitely thanks to a plentiful supply of food. Down to its last, stringy old rooster, the townspeople made the creature crow and crow and crow again, leaving the attackers with the idea that their attempts to starve the inhabitants into submission were never going to work.

This gives rise to the Picokijada festival (picok meaning rooster) at which the battle is replayed alongside concerts, sports events and art displays. The legend of the rooster has put its stamp not only on the town, but on the people’s identity as well – the festival has been staged for the last forty years and has been declared a cultural asset of Croatia.

Alongside the legend of the Picoki within the Picokijada there are some 30 other events taking place, and one which draws the greatest number of visitors year on year is Podravina , a procession of specially decorated horse-drawn carts and a display of folklore and ethnographic heritage of the people of Podravina. Traditional weaving workshops, and linen throws and towels are now offered as souvenirs of Durdevac.

Đurđevac stages a range of other cultural, sports and entertainment events throughout the year, including: the Small Carnival, Chicken-Gastro, the Kukuricek Music Festival, the Durdevo/St George Feast, Mamice so štrokle pekli (Mamma baked the cheese strudel), the Podravina Salon of Art Photography and the Pumpkin Festival.

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Sveti Martin na Muri - Winner 2007

Attractions and entertainment

There is a diverse range of activities on offer. For those interested in nature and ecology, there is a deer farm owned by the Dvanajscak family and an educational ecological trail along the Mura, the northernmost point of Croatia. Visitors can also take part in the a range of activities:

  • International ecological volunteer youth camp
  • Day of milling - an ecological and ethnological manifestation
  • International Mura boat race - a marathon of traditional boats from four neighbouring countries
  • Exhibition of indigenous types of fruit in Medimurje
  • Tourism Days in Sveti Marin - tourist and entertainment events involving a procession of traditional trades and crafts and other events which last for four weekends
  • The traditional religious pilgrimage from Sveti Martin to Kapelscak
  • Visual arts colony - programmes prepared by the Sveti Martin na Muri Cultural and Artistic Club and the Grlice (doves) choir.

Culture and tradition

  • The church of Sveti Martin na Muri – a Zero Category monument - chapel of St Margeta
  • Numerous pillars and statues in wall niche chapels
  • Navigable river mill
  • Old vineyard huts
  • The old traditional family house of Šilec
  • The Trstenjak family ethnographic collection
  • Collection of agricultural tools and implements in the Potrti kotač Restaurant
  • Protected landscape of the River Mura
  • Helicanum archaeological locality
  • The Sveti Martin na Muri local historical collection.

Food and wine

The wine road, with some 30 wine houses, ranks as one of the best in quality of its type in Croatia. It includes:

  • the Jastreb wine hut
  • Monika coffee house
  • Goricanec rural tourism
  • 'Martinje': celebration of wine and gastronomy
  • the Vincek campaign: wine competition in January
  • Days of Medimurje Cuisine.