He hands you a glass of local wine, you smell fresh herbs from the garden in the air, and the aroma of homemade specialties wafts from the kitchen. In a friendly way, he will show you a room that smells of cleanliness and natural materials, and will tell you straight away which beach or forest path only locals go to, so you can almost certainly avoid the crowds of tourists there.

This is exactly the point “slow travel”i.e. slow travel, which today increasingly attracts not only couples or individuals looking for peace, but also families with children. Travelers want to slow down, avoid tourist clichés and soak up the real atmosphere of the country. Croatia’s perfect answer to this growing trend is the certificate Local Host. It indicates proven hosts who masterfully combine traditional hospitality, strictly observed local customs and a responsible approach to the surrounding nature and community.

Choosing to stay with a private landlord with this prestigious brand means not only getting a night’s accommodation, but also a personal guide to the region. The ecological dimension here does not act as an artificial marketing move – for these households, the use of local resources, growing their own crops and respect for traditions is a completely natural, everyday lifestyle.

Where to experience the real Croatia? 6 exceptional tips from locals

The Local Host campaign is not only limited to the summer season by the sea, it is literally created for year-round discovery. Let’s take a closer look at the six estates that have become the proud faces of this concept and find out what nature trips their owners recommend:

1. Ograde House (Istria): Harmony and traditions

Forget the hustle and bustle of the coast and immerse yourself in the green oasis of Istria. The atmosphere in Ograde House is the embodiment of rural peace, where the stone architecture breathes on you. The locals here will gladly introduce you to the secrets of local gastronomy – you can try for yourself, for example, the traditional baking of famous Istrian sweets, the so-called “Pazin cukerančići”.

• Tips for a trip: From this point, it is ideal for exploring the protected landscape area Učkawhich offers breathtaking views from the mountains to the sea, or for a boat trip to the national park Brijuni.

2. Divjake Log Home – Queen of the Forest (Gorski kotar): Mountain escape

Are you longing for perfect insulation and the smell of pine wood? This log estate in the mountainous region of Gorski kotar is literally the “queen of the forest”. Mornings here start with birdsong and evenings sitting by the crackling wood. It is an ideal and safe place for digital detox or families with children.

• Tips for a trip: You are located very close to the national park Risnjakwhose wild nature and hiking trails will enchant you. There is also an impressive massif and a national park just a short distance away Northern Velebit.

3. Hygge (Medieval): Modern peace in the north

The northernmost corner of Croatia is still unfairly overlooked in our country. The Hygge estate in Medzimurí wonderfully combines modern design with local natural materials and creates an atmosphere of Nordic comfort, which is seamlessly embedded in the warm Croatian nature.

• Tips for a trip: The region is criss-crossed with cycle routes. For lovers of hilly scenery, the locals will definitely recommend a trip to the nearby protected landscape area Zagorské Gora.

4. La Vrana (Dalmatia – Zadar): Sun, olives and karst scenery

If you love the sea air, but don’t want to crowd crowded beaches, La Vrana in the Zadar region is the perfect choice. You will wake up in an authentic stone environment, directly surrounded by olive trees.

• Tips for a trip: This region is a paradise for tourists. Just around the corner you have a breathtaking protected landscape area Crow Lake. If you prefer mountains, go to the national park Packageand if the islands, explore the national park by boat Kornati or a breathtaking bay in the PLA Telašćica.

5. Kaštilac (Dalmatia – Split): A touch of history

This estate near Split will instantly transport you back in time as soon as you walk through the door. Stone vaults and historic charm here create a backdrop for unforgettable summer evenings with a glass of homemade wine and a view of the stars.

• Tips for a trip: The hosts will guide you to the national park with a smile Neckbut at the same time they will advise you at what time to go so that you can enjoy the waterfalls in complete peace. For lovers of more demanding tourism, a majestic protected landscape area is a must Biokovo with views of the entire coast.

6. Ondine (Baranja): By bicycle through the eastern vineyards

The far east of Croatia is an undiscovered pearl for many. The Ondine estate in rich Baranja is synonymous with incredible openness. Here you will experience true active relaxation – from leisurely cycling through endless green fields to tastings in fragrant family cellars.

• Tips for a trip: The absolute highlight of the area is the protected landscape area Kick assa fascinating wetland full of diverse bird life, best explored from the deck of small boats.

Jewels scattered all over the country

In addition to the above-mentioned six estates, which are the proud faces of the campaign, at the Days of Croatian Tourism, they awarded the award for the best host of the year to dozens of other exceptional accommodations across the whole of Croatia.

Whether you are attracted by cycling and local vineyards in Slavonia and central Croatia (around towns such as Bjelovar, Požega, Karlovac or Virovitica), you want to escape to the mountains in the Žumberak area, or you would prefer to stay in traditional stone houses in the interior of Istria and on the Dalmatian coast (in the towns of Pirovac or Kruševo), you have plenty to choose from.

You can find a list of all verified hosts with a 100% guarantee of quality and a warm welcome directly at web.

Three experiences that a regular resort can’t give you

Why should you exchange a classic hotel for a farm with the Local Host logo on your next trip? The answer is experiences that define the real added value of this concept:

1. The host is your local “storyteller”: Accommodation providers with this certificate are carefully selected not only for the quality of accommodation. They are educated people who love their region. They can tell you the history of the area in an engaging way, advise you on activities and ensure that you feel warmly welcomed.

2. Gastronomy from the yard directly to the table: Many hosts are happy to involve you in their daily life. For children, it is a wonderful experience to help in the garden, see how seasonal ingredients are grown, and then prepare dinner with local specialties together with the family.

3. Sustainability that doesn’t chase likes: Ecology is not solved here only by limiting plastics. You live in premises built from natural materials, you eat seasonal products from the immediate surroundings and with your stay you directly support the local economy and the survival of beautiful communities.

If you want to take something more than just a fridge magnet with you from your next vacation, be inspired by the varied offer of the hosts at the official website of the Croatian Tourist Association. You will probably find that the most beautiful souvenirs are hidden in long evening conversations and the smiles of warm people, to whom you will want to return again and again.

The article was created in cooperation with the Croatian Tourist Association.