You don’t have to be a cowboy to live on the Wild West and enjoy utter freedom. Both beginners and experienced horseback riders will find something for themselves in Njivice. The owners of the horses who are truly dedicated to taking care of them will transfer the closeness and respect towards these noble creatures we can learn a lot from, about ourselves as well. Spending time with horses through fun and play is beneficial for both physical and mental health.

The sense of responsibility and caring for another being develops in a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by playful animals, improving self-confidence, patience and promoting the sport of horseback riding and returning to nature. The horses can also take you on an excursion where you will discover the forest trails of the island of Krk and the diverse flora and fauna in a unique way. In order to continue such an adventure by living a healthy life and eating good food, we invite you to come to the indigenous Krk tavern, the “Tri maruna” agro-tourist estate located in the small town of Poljica, 12 km from the town of Krk and the Koralj hotel.

You will feel as if you have entered an old house from the beginning of the last century, and the homemade specialties (travarica and biska brandy, and the orahnjaca walnut pastry) will be served as welcoming gifts. The Krk prosciutto and cheese with warm homemade bread will be next, followed by a goulash served with traditional pasta (šurlice), bottles of wine, meat and potato plates, local rocket salad and other delicacies.

If this sounds attractive, make sure you take some time for yourself and head towards Krk.

By Land
Again, there are so many choices here! With a little forward planning you can travel by bus, train, car or motorcycle into Croatia. A lot depends on which country you are departing from, where exactly in Croatia you are heading for…..and how adventurous you are feeling!
It is possible to catch buses from Italy, Austria, Montenegro, Bosnia & Hercegovina, Serbia, Slovenia, France, Germany, Hungary and other European countries. In croatian, a bus stop is called “Autobus Stanica” and a bus terminal is called “Autobusni Kolodvor”. A good way to start practising the language!
Slovenia and Trieste, in Italy, are very well connected with the Istrian coast with reasonably frequent buses to Rijeka, Rovinj and Porec. Journeys are longer from other European countries,but usually the buses and coaches are very comfortable and air-conditioned………and what stunning landscapes you will be travelling through……it’s all part of the holiday!
Travelling by train is one of my favourite modes of transport…….so relaxing and always good fun. Nearly all international trains coming into Croatia go to Zagreb, with a couple going to Rijeka. It is possible to catch direct line trains from Italy, France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, Hungary and Serbia. Most other European countries, at the very least, have indirect lines……so all things are possible!
Perhaps you would like to travel by car…..it’s always lovely to be able to take as much as you want on holiday, especially if you are going naturist camping. It also makes sightseeing much easier when you have your own transport. More and more people are coming on holiday to Croatia in cars and campervans and border crossings are easy, but be prepared for queues in the height of the summer season!
Italy, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, Montenegro and Bosnia Hercegovina are the most common countries to enter Croatia from. The most practical route is probably from Trieste, in Italy, to Koper, in Slovenia, and then into Istria. There are many crossing points from Slovenia and ten from Serbia and Montenegro. It is definitely worth doing some research on the internet to find the best route for you. Good sources for useful information are the Croatian Car Club (HAK) and Via Michelin motoring websites.

Here are a few things you need to know;
Firstly, it is important to have the correct documents with you. You will need your driving licence, car registration card and insurance documents - including the Green Card.
One thing to remember, if you are not an EU member, is to drive on the right-hand side! You must drive with your headlights on at all times, day and night, and of course always wear a seatbelt. As far as drinking and driving is concerned, there is zero tolerance in Croatia. A good roadmap is invaluable, but make sure it’s up to date as many of Croatia’s motorways are in the process of being enlarged and updated. If you should need roadside assistance, the number to call is 987.
So, if you have decided to travel overland, enjoy whichever mode of transport you have chosen. If you have any stories to tell why not join this website community and share your travel tales!
Next time we will be considering travelling by sea and air…..see you then!

Gorski Kotar (which means “mountain district”) is located between Karlovac and Rijeka, and borders with the Lika and Kvarner regions. It is a largely forested area, and it is still possible to see brown bear, wolves, deer, bobcats, wild boar and lynx in the wild. In fact, here you can find other animals and game that you will rarely see anywhere else! Not only are there the wooded mountains but also tranquil lakes, meadows, caves, rivers and canyons…..a walkers true paradise.
Lokve and its beautiful surroundings, located at the foot of the Risnjak peaks, offers many walking opportunities. There are several natural attractions in the area well worth seeing. Firstly there is the huge Lake Lokve, known as Lokvarsko Jezero, to enjoy. Then there is the Golubinjak Woods Park and the Lokvarka Cave - the biggest Croatian cave with official visits. Located right next to all this is the Risnjak National Park.

One thing that makes Lokve stand out is their trademark……..a green frog! And much of their tourist and gastronomic industry is based on this little green creature. Every April there is a frog jumping competition and of course a frog museum has been opened! You must try the local Lokve liqueur called “Frog’s Blood”……don’t worry it’s actually made from blueberries, blackberries and raspberries!
If you are after a more educational walk then try the picturesque settlement of Tršce. They have set up a trail called “In the Footsteps of the Miners of Tršce”. The walk is just over 6 kilometres long and you learn all about the way the local miners used to live. Tršce lies in a peaceful setting on a plateau, surrounded by forests and meadows, 15 kilometres from the small town of Cabar. A fantastic place to be if you love the great outdoors!
Remember….if you decide on a more demanding trail then it is always advisable to find a guide through the local tourist office or hiking club.
Enjoy walking Croatia!

Why?
Because of the carnival festivities of course!
Talk to people who have taken part in the festivities or have watched the carnival and see how their faces light up and how animated they become! It is a truly amazing experience and spectacle and one that should not be missed.
I know from my own experiences that a carnival is an event you will always remember. When I was a child I lived in Trinidad, in the Caribbean, and their annual carnival was the party of the year. In fact, as soon as one carnival ended the preparations started for the following year! You can imagine, to a child, how exciting all the exotic costumes, make-up and masks were. There were always large troupes of costumed people, adults and children, dancing through the streets and also individuals wearing the most beautiful and imaginative fancy dress. We used to wait expectantly for the one person who had surpassed all others in the fabulous parade with either their beauty or their imagination. The highlight for me, of the four carnivals that I saw, was someone dressed as an iridescent, shimmering humming-bird. It was a sight I shall never forget!

So this is why I would love to go to the Naturist Camping Solaris Carnival………I have seen them as a child, and now I would like to experience one as an adult! I know what a fantastic time I would have, along with everyone else who is there, adults and children alike! This time I would want to be in the colourful parade, let my imagination run wild and become a mysterious, masked creature myself!
The carnival traditionally takes place on the first Saturday in August………and the festivities themselves last for seven days, so it is really just one big party! This year the carnival takes place on the 7th August. There will be lots of events over the seven days before including a Carnival Queen Pageant, traditional dancing, folklore group performances and a rich and varied sports and entertainment programme based both on the mainland and in the sea. You can also be assured of a top quality gastronomic experience whilst there.
And of course the carnival week will end with a colourful procession, with many guests and locals taking part. Once again there will be a winner for the most beautiful or original mask and costume. The important thing, though, is the taking part or simply being there, to absorb the excitement and to feel the thrill.
I want to be there……will you be there too?

We single out the following:

• 10:00 a.m. Maro Olympic Games
• 11:30 a.m. Aqua Fun – large swimming pool
• 05:00 p.m. Ice Cream Party – children’s swimming pool
• 07:00 p.m. Volosko Harmony Singing Group Peformance – Restaurants Adria, Lanterna Campsite, Kras
• 08:00 p.m. Exhibition of the Photographs of the Sea and the Sunset from the Lanterna Campsite – Adria Restaurant
• 09:00 p.m. Beach party – Valetica Beach

Join us at other Valamar festivities in Porec as well:

• 15.07. Naturist Resort Solaris
• 21.07. Istra Naturist Campsite, Funtana
• 22.07. Brulo beach
• 28.07. Brulo beach
• 02.08. Orsera campsite, Vrsar
• 05.08. Brulo beach
• 07.08. Naturist Resort Solaris – Solaris Carnival
• 11.08. Borik beach
• 19.08. Lanterna campsite

But…that’s not all!

We invite you to the first international SF SWIMM Marathon “Rivarela-rt Zub”. The race will take place from Novigrad to the Rivarela Bay, from Novigrad to the Zub Cave, to the Lanterna Tourist Settlement. As the marathon ends, the best swimmers will be awarded their cups, and all race participants will be given medals, T-shirts and the sponsors’ gift certificates.

The Zub Cape is one of the most beautiful lighthouses on the Croatian coast, built out of stone and only a dozen meters away from the sea. If you are looking for the perfect holiday in the Mediterranean ambiance, we recommend the Lanterna Tourist Settlement.

There is a long history and plenty of tradition in Croatia  when it comes to horses…….whether it be for work, sport, hunting or breeding. If you are holidaying in Slavonia then you can visit the well known breeding and selection stud farm for Lipizzaner horses. If you are taking your naturist holiday in Istria you will find the Istrijanic which are locally bred, high spirited and thoroughbred horses. There are many equestrian centres in Slavonia, Istria and Dalmatia. Here you will find riding schools, competitions and horse training….and most of them also organise expeditions on horseback.

It is possible to ride along the picturesque tracks of the river valley of Cetina…..and whilst there you must sample the local specialities, such as grape brandy, and bread and lamb baked under a peka!
Maybe you fancy exploring the coastline on horseback. Then Konavle, in southern Croatia, may be a good choice for you. You can meander along peaceful coastal trails and forget about the stresses of everyday life!

If you want to explore Istria on horseback then you can take an organised trip from the west coast through the interior of Istria, with accommodation and meals organised along the way in rural houses……what a special experience with a rustic feel!

If it’s adventure you are looking for then why not go horse trekking down the rugged slopes of Mount Velebit. This area has been deemed as several nature parks in one, and there you can see canyons, chasms and unusual rock formations. The views down to the sea and islands are breathtaking.

Why not include an interesting twist on your naturist holiday and discover the Adriatic on
horseback……..view Croatia’s mediterranean beauty from the saddle!

Zlatna sopela, a traditional encounter of folklore groups from Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Russia, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, etc., is a Festival definitely worth visiting. It was established as a wish to present the tradition and culture of the Mediterranean area, its islands, the Mediterranean coastline and hinterland. Around two hundred festival participants will be staying at the Valamar Pical and Zagreb hotels.

During the festival, the streets of Porec and the Porec Liberty Square (Trg slobode) will become the central stage for the traditional music and dance performances, as well as folk costumes exhibition whose diversity and cheerful atmosphere will surely impress the visitors.

Zlatna sopela offers various activities; along the folklore groups performances, the event will include traditional cooking presentations, folk costume exhibitions, traditional craft presentations, the school of Mediterranean folklore and the competition of solo artists on wind instruments.

Don’t miss the seven-day-long festival in Porec!

For many years know, countries whose surface area is covered by the Alps or the Adriatic Sea (hence the title “Alpe-Adria”) have been organizing events during which the participants spend several relaxing days together, engaged in various activities.  Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Austria, Croatia, France, the Bayern Province and, as of last year, Spain, have been actively participating in these events. Although in the past the countries were in fact the organizers, over the past few years the International Naturist Federation (INF-FNI) has been supporting this annual event with the help of the tourist board of the country hosting the gathering.

The programme is very rich and the organizers must put in their maximum effort to make sure that all the wanted activities are carried out over such a short period of time. Right after the official opening, the chess tournament follows, as well as cross and tug-of-war, followed by volleyball, beach volleyball, tennis and table tennis tournaments, categorized in groups for men, women and children, and then pairs, and the final event attracting the same number of people but in mixed pairs is usually the pétanque bowling tournament. An event like this would not be complete without a gala evening with the trophy and medal award ceremony, and the lucky winners have the opportunity to spend the evening by enjoying the sounds of music, to the liking of both the young and older participants. The pioneers of naturism wanted a sound mind in a sound body. Maybe the naturists’ habit of taking care of their physical appearance and exercising evolved from that, encouraging them to do sports without being competitive and only with the objective of staying in shape. How can we spend a nice time together without doing anything? If you ask us, we can’t.

There is always a friend around who will invite us to the playground or the swimming pool to engage in a sports activity useful both for the body and our entire organism, and teams willing to let us join the game will always be there at our disposal. We love sports and we participate in it whenever we can, according to our abilities and health, but only to feel good about ourselves, both physically and mentally, always keeping our philosophy in mind: to live in tune with nature and respect it as well as the people around us. This event will also be an opportunity to meet the tourists who have already arrived and to include them into our activities.
Roger VIOLA
European Sports and Cultural Events Manager
Member of the International Naturist Federation’s Central Committee

But one is for certain, the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) is of special importance here. In our area Griffon Vulture is one of the largest flying birds. Its wing span can reach up to three meters and weight up to 15 kilograms. These birds can live for as long as 60 years.

Kvarner Islands is as far to the north as they go, and today here is their only nesting area in Croatia. They used to have nests all over the Europe. The most important habitat of these birds is on Plavnik, a small uninhabited island between the islands of Krk and Cres.

Griffon Vultures live in pairs, and the females lay only one egg per year. After leaving the nest, young birds are flying with their parents for some time, and then they leave for a longer journey, so they can be seen in the Alps, Spain, or even as far as in Africa.

If they survive, after few years, when they are sexually mature, they return to their cliffs in order to build their own nest. Croatian vultures are unique because they are the only ones to nest on the cliffs only few meters away from the sea.

It is alarming that only 70 pairs live in these areas nowadays. Therefore, if you observe this bird in some danger, be sure to inform the nearest veterinary office.