Staying around the house all day, all week or even a whole month is not a bad idea at all. We – the people of Dalmatia, fully understand you. And we support you because we live through such a philosophy. Lazing by the pool for hours, reading a easy book on the veranda with a glass of red wine, for lunch barbecue richly seasoned with domestic olive oil from the neighbouring olive grove, homemade pizza from the bread oven for dinner, sports activities in the garden, family gatherings with notes of Dalmatian music, laughter, song, small talks … and a glass of red wine again. Doesn’t sound bad at all, does it? Yes, we fully understand you if you don’t want to leave the estate of the Villa Hirundo Rustica at all. But as we are located in central Dalmatia, in the heart of everything (and actually in the middle of nowhere), you may want to discover some of the following suggestions because everything is reachable through day trips.
Day trips to Sibenik, Zadar or Split; the largest Dalmatian cities are less than an hour’s drive away, and whoever you decide to visit you will be delighted. Rich history, old buildings, long cobbled streets, palaces, tourist attractions, cathedrals, churches, monasteries, water parks for children, fortresses of historical significance, museums, aquariums, music evenings, festivals, tempting offer from local restaurants, wineries, beaches, lakes, sea … we could go on like this for hours. So choose one of the cities, get tourist guides and sunscreen and feel the soul of Dalmatia.
Krka National Park; only 3 km from the villa, in Skradin, get on a boat and meet the magnificent river Krka. The river Krka with its stunning seven waterfalls is a natural and karst phenomenon that leaves no one indifferent. Skradinski buk, the longest and most famous waterfall on the river Krka, you can visit from Skradin, by boat, on foot and by bike. It is also possible to enter from Lozovac. When you are on Skradinski buk, take a short boat ride to visit the island of Visovac, where the Franciscan monastery and Roški slap are located.
Kornati National Park is definitely a must see when you are in the Šibenik area. 89 islands scattered in a bed of stunning blue sea will leave you breathless. nowhere as here the stingy rocky land and desolate islands provide so much wealth for all the senses. Visit the Kornati by boat, your own or one of the many excursion boats that regularly sail in this direction, enjoy swimming in the hidden coves and eat freshly caught fish. It almost can’t get any better, can it?
National Park Paklenica; if you are exploring in the direction of Zadar, we definitely recommend you to visit the Paklenica National Park, part of Velebit which is the longest mountain in Croatia. Perhaps the easiest way to get there is by car and if you want to get to know this natural phenomenon that abounds in the richness of flora and fauna – be prepared for walking and hiking.
Krka bike; explore the area by bike; if you are a fan of active holidays, you are in the right place. Krka bike provides you with 470 kilometers of trails formed in 14 cycling routes through the Krka National Park. routes are formed so that they will satisfy each of you, regardless of fitness and dexterity. When you are already on your bike, visit Lake Prokljan, 3 km away from the villa. If you are lucky, buy fish from one of the local fishermen and gather energy for further research. Also, you can reach the area with daily trips with a quad
Boat trips; numerous islands of the Adriatic Sea and stunning beaches in the Šibenik area are just waiting for you to discover them. Rent a boat and if you decide on an unplanned search for the jewels of our coast, it will definitely be an invaluable experience for you. Zlarin, Žirje, Prvić, Kaprije, Krapanj, Tijat, Murter, Primošten, Solaris, Vodice, Rogoznica, the series has no end. Deserted or inhabited, large or barely noticeable on the map, known or undiscovered, they have one thing in common – whichever way you go you will be convinced that this was the best decision.
Fishing trips; fishing trips are definitely not for everyone, but those who choose to roll up their sleeves and spend a day fishing, the way local fishermen do, swear the experience is phenomenal. Catching your own fish will allow you more than anything to feel like local people. And don’t forget to tell the family in the villa to burn the barbecue, lunch time will come soon.
Adventure trips; if you want to wake up with a real rush of adrenaline, we have something special for you. A zip line ride in the canyon of the river Čikola, 10 km away from Drniš, will awaken all your senses. And take you back to history when cargo was transported across the canyon in this way. Priceless drive, right ?!
Gastronomy; from so many activities you can really get hungry, and it is a public secret that we in Dalmatia have the best food in the world. Skradin and its surroundings have many excellent restaurants, taverns and wineries, and the gastronomy was shaped by the special geographical position of this town – a fatal meeting of river and sea, a fateful combination of continent and Mediterranean. Do not try to resist, the temptation is too great – Dalmatian prosciutto dried on the bura, homemade cheeses, Skradin risotto, veal baked under the bell, lamb on the spit, grilled fish, broth, black risotto, Skradin cake. Food brings people together and we will be happy to feed you, but don’t try to ask for a recipe from local women – they will cook you whatever you want, but the recipes stay in the family.Finally, visit one of the excellent local wineries whose wines would not be ashamed of even the best European restaurants, try the flavors of Dalmatia and do not forget to bring a bottle or two in the villa, there is an after party. Cheers!
