Try Dalmatia’s Liquid Gold

Autumn - the time to harvest the fruits of months of hard work. In Dalmatia, it’s time to pick two types of nature’s gifts, olives and grapes, only to skillfully use them to produce Dalmatia’s liquid gold - original olive oil and wine. They are not only essential elements of Dalmatian cuisine, but are an important element of cultural-historical heritage of the region.

Try Dalmatia’s Liquid Gold, author: Maja Danica Pečanić, HTZ

Original olive oil

A symbol of peace, fertility, strength, victory and light. That’s what an olive tree, its fruits and branches represent. Brought to Croatia a few millennia ago by the ancient Greeks, olive trees have become a typical feature of Dalmatian landscape and are known for their long lifespan, which can last for centuries under the right conditions. And the right conditions are definitely found at the Adriatic seaside.

From a strong, resistant tree to the golden final product - the tradition of olive oil production in Zadar region dates back 2000 years. Remains of the ancient olive mill from the 2nd century were found near Muline on Ugljan, also known as the ‘green island’. However, numerous olive groves do not colour the landscape in the refreshing green colour only on Ugljan, but are rather present all over the region. It is in these relatively small olive groves that the exquisite olive oil is produced with lots of love and dedication.

Dalmatian olive oil may not be as world famous as the Spanish, Italian or Greek, but its exceptional quality comes precisely from the respect for the olives, which even have their very own festival held in spring in Zadar. So, while staying in the region, don’t miss the chance to enjoy the most delicious Dalmatian meals prepared with locally produced olive oil. Or experience the effort behind its production by participating in the harvest in one of the local olive groves in autumn. Just remember to take home with you a bottle of olive oil, or two. The choice is simple, since Zaton Holiday Resort does not only have olive trees on the premises but also produces its very own authentic olive oil.

Wine oh so fine

Bread is for the body, but wine is for the soul. That’s what they say in Dalmatia. A product of just the right combination of soil, sun and sweat, wine has been produced throughout the region since the Antiquity. For that reason, a winery in the region is not only a sight for sore eyes with its amazing scenery but also a place to experience the excellent taste of authentic Dalmatian wines.

The best wineries of Zadar region are located in the hinterland, particularly in Ravni kotari area. So treat your palate to the exquisite taste of native wines such as dry white maraština, strong red crljenak, refreshing white debit and harmonious ruby red plavina and don’t miss the picturesque vineyards of Nadin and Benkovac.

Go for the gold

Smile, because you remember Zaton as you use the olive oil you got at Zaton Holiday Resort for the final, amazing touch to your meal. Smile, because a special occasion is about to become even more memorable as you sip the authentic Dalmatian wine. Olive oil and wine - the golden liquids of Dalmatia. Yesterday, today and tomorrow.