The World Food Travel Day is just around a corner, so this past Sunday, our family set out for a day of exploration in eastern Slovenia, chasing history, nature, and good food. With the kids in tow and a sunny spring day ahead, we visited two charming castles—Podčetrtek and Podsreda—and wrapped up with a hearty meal at a family favorite in Poljčane, lovingly dubbed the ‘Ship Pizzeria’ by our little ones. Here’s a glimpse of our adventure, sprinkled with tips for fellow travelers and insights for tourism professionals looking to showcase Slovenia’s lesser-known gems.

​Perched on a rocky outcrop above Podčetrtek’s lively town square, Podčetrtek Castle is a work in progress, slowly being reborn after a recent partial renovation. While it’s still finding its full potential, what’s already there is well worth a visit. The terrace, complete with a cozy bar, offers breathtaking views of the square below—a perfect spot for parents to sip coffee while the kids marvel at the scenery.

​The castle’s standout feature is its interactive courtroom, where three virtual displays bring historical events to life. Our kids were glued to the screens, giggling as they ‘participated’ in medieval trials. Another highlight was the path to the castle, where augmented reality signs along the way show a bat ‘flying’ around you—our youngest thought it was pure magic! For tourism professionals, this blend of tech and history is a great example of how to engage younger visitors while keeping things educational. My tip? Promote the terrace as a must-visit for its views, and consider adding guided tours to flesh out the castle’s story for history buffs.

​A short drive away, Podsreda Castle above Kozje village stole our hearts. This small but content-packed fortress feels like a step back in time, with its centuries-old walls transformed into captivating exhibit spaces. The friendly receptionist handed us audio guides and explained the self-guided tour, which made the visit seamless even with restless kids.

​The castle’s history—once a near-empty shell, now a layered masterpiece of architecture—was fascinating, but the real showstopper was the attic, home to over a hundred bats! Our family stood in awe, watching these tiny creatures cling to the rafters. It’s a rare chance to connect with nature in such an unexpected setting. For tourism pros, Podsreda’s bat colony is a unique selling point—pair it with eco-conscious messaging to attract nature lovers. My advice for visitors: in cold months bring a light jacket for the chilly attic, and don’t skip the audio guide for the full experience.

​​Final Stop: Poljčane’s ‘Ship Pizzeria’ – A Family Feast

Late in the afternoon, it was time to head home, and I was reminded of the kind of homemade food our grandmothers used to prepare. The Styrian culinary tradition is rich, rooted in the countryside, influenced by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and based on locally grown ingredients. Boiled or baked štruklji, buckwheat spoonbread (žganci), wintertime pork feasts (koline), sour soup, and cured meats – here, white wine and apple cider are at home, and for dessert, there’s apple strudel or potica. Just thinking about a small part of these culinary delights made my stomach growl. “Let’s stop at the first inn on the way,” I announced. And so we arrived in Poljčane. In fact, it was a familiar restaurant, which the kids call “The Ship Pizzeria” because of the wooden ship-shaped playground. Despite the bustling Sunday crowd, we snagged the last free table, and the waiter was at our side in a flash—top-notch service!

The restaurant is actually more of a pizzeria than a traditional inn. Based on the menu, my wife and I decided to share the squid trio, which turned out to be almost too much for two people. Hmm, admittedly, this isn’t exactly traditional homemade food, considering the sea is over 200 kilometers away. But supporting a local restaurant still counts for something, I told myself reassuringly.
The lively atmosphere was perfect for unwinding, and the kids raced to the playground after their meal, giving us a moment to relax. For tourism professionals, this spot is a goldmine for family-friendly itineraries—its proximity to major routes makes it an ideal stop for travelers exploring eastern Slovenia. My tip? Highlight the playground in promotions to draw in families, and maybe offer a lighter portion of the squid platter for smaller appetites!

​This day trip reminded us why Slovenia’s smaller destinations deserve more love. Podčetrtek and Podsreda castles offer a mix of history, innovation, and nature that’s perfect for families and curious travelers alike, while Poljčane’s restaurant proves that good food and a kid-friendly vibe can make any journey memorable. For tourism professionals, these spots highlight the power of authentic, sustainable experiences—whether it’s leveraging AR technology, promoting wildlife conservation, or catering to families on the go.

​Our family left with full hearts (and stomachs!), already planning our next adventure. If you’re passing through eastern Slovenia, add these stops to your list—you won’t be disappointed!

​​Have you visited any hidden gems in Slovenia lately? Share your tips in the comments, or reach out for ideas on planning your next family-friendly trip!

Grad Podčetrtek, Cesta na Grad 37, 3254 Podčetrtek
+386 (0)2 810 90 13, cafe +386 (0)68 148 504
[email protected], [email protected]
https://www.visitpodcetrtek.com/en/home

Grad Podsreda, Podsreda 103, 3257 Podsreda
+386 (0)3 5806 118, +386 (0)3 800 7100
[email protected]
https://www.visitpodcetrtek.com/en/attractions/podsreda-castle
​
Plac pod Bočem, Bistriška cesta 99, 2319 Poljčane
+386 (0)70 375 378
[email protected]
https://placpodbocem.si/

Primošten, a picturesque Dalmatian town, captivates visitors with its medieval atmosphere. Charming stone houses, narrow streets, and stunning sea views create a romantic backdrop for a relaxing vacation.

The idyllic Primošten, a beautiful fishing settlement, enchants with its rich historical heritage and authentic Mediterranean charm. Situated on a peninsula along the Adriatic Sea, this stunning town is a true gem. Its stone houses in narrow alleys preserve its unique identity, bearing witness to the medieval history of Dalmatia and creating a distinctive atmosphere for visitors seeking to enjoy the magical Adriatic environment.

Primošten's history dates back to ancient times when Greek and Roman inhabitants settled here. In the Middle Ages, Primošten developed as a defensive settlement built on a hill. Its strategic position provided an excellent vantage point over the sea and the surroundings. Walls and towers played a crucial role in protecting Primošten from attacks and piracy.

The centerpiece of Primošten is the stone church of St. George, its predecessor having been built atop the hill in the 15th century. The church is surrounded by a park and a cemetery that cover the entire tip of the peninsula. From here, a breathtaking view of the coastline and islands unfolds. Well, this actually seems like a pleasant place for eternal rest, doesn't it?

In addition to its historical sacred landmarks, Primošten offers charming secular architecture, stone houses, narrow streets, and picturesque squares. The town is a true historical gem of the Mediterranean coast, defying time and preserving its authentic appearance. It's a place where even modern visitors can stroll down cobblestone streets, discover hidden corners, and immerse themselves in a past that seamlessly blends with the present in a unique way.

Primošten and its surroundings have a diverse economic structure based on local resources and needs. Overall, the economic landscape of Primošten is a successful blend of natural resources and the area's cultural heritage. Tourism is a central economic activity in Primošten and its vicinity. Beautiful beaches, picturesque surroundings, historical landmarks, and the preserved Mediterranean atmosphere attract visitors. Hospitality establishments, accommodations, tourist agencies, and other services are pivotal to the local economy. Fishing, supported by its coastal location, plays an important role in the area's economy. The Primošten region is also known for producing wines, olives, and other agricultural products. Locally produced olive oils, wines, and other goods are significant sources for both local consumption and sales. Shops, gastronomy, and other services (crafting and selling ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and other traditional crafts) cater to the needs of both residents and tourists.

The capital of Dalmatia, the largest Dalmatian and the second largest Croatian city, is Split. It boasts an exceptional historical heritage that combines ancient architecture with modern life, presenting a unique chapter in the history of Dalmatia. The city is primarily known for its spectacular Diocletian's Palace. This ancient complex is the central part of the city, built by Diocletian for his retirement. Today, within its walls, you'll find vibrant markets, restaurants, and galleries intertwined with remnants of ancient times.

The main gem of Split is undoubtedly Diocletian's Palace, construction of which began in 295 AD for the Roman Emperor Diocletian as his residence. The palace stands today as a magnificent example of Roman architecture, blending elements of ancient style with medieval additions. It covers an area of over 3 hectares, and within its walls, you'll find a lively city with narrow streets, squares, restaurants, and shops. The palace includes temples, arched passageways, statues, and various buildings, including Diocletian's Cathedral of St. Domnius (on the site of the former emperor's mausoleum).​

Split's history continues through the Middle Ages, when the palace started to be inhabited by residents seeking refuge from barbarian invasions. This marked the beginning of the formation of the city of Split, whose development continued over the centuries. In addition to Diocletian's Palace, Split also features numerous other historical buildings, such as medieval churches, palaces, and walls. The city is imbued with memories of different eras that have shaped its development.

However, Split is not just a historical city; it's a lively city that breathes with its inhabitants. For tourists, the old stone alleyways filled with vibrant markets, eateries, and shops are particularly appealing. For architects and urban planners of today, the most valuable site is the "urban monument" Split 3, designed half a century ago by my graduate mentor, the late Professor Vladimir Braco Mušič, and his architectural colleagues. This blend of history and modernity gives Split a unique energy, making it an attractive destination for visitors and history enthusiasts.

In Split, you can't avoid the term "hajduk." Historically, Hajduks were rebellious fighters who played a significant role in the history of the Balkan Peninsula and southeastern Europe in the past centuries. Their role evolved based on the time period and political circumstances, ranging from national liberators to outlaws and fighters for social equality (similar to Robin Hood). The most famous hajduk today is undoubtedly the Hajduk Split football club. One of the most successful football clubs in this part of Europe, it is reportedly structured as a fan-owned corporation.

Split and its surroundings constitute the economic center of the region with a wide range of activities. Situated on the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea, Split is one of the most important tourist destinations in Croatia, attracting visitors with its historical heritage, Diocletian's Palace, and vibrant city life. Tourism is a key economic factor, contributing to hospitality services, commerce, and other tourism-related activities.

The University of Split and other educational institutions contribute to the city's economic development. Culture, art, and sports events also add to the modern life of the city. Together, these activities form a mosaic that allows Split and its surroundings to maintain a dynamic economic environment, appealing to both the population and visitors.

The city of Trogir, a stone maritime gem, is a picturesque town located on a small islet in the Adriatic Sea along the Croatian coastline.. It is protected as a UNESCO monument, as it has preserved its medieval charm throughout the centuries. It offers a picturesque combination of medieval streets winding through old buildings and the harbor. An admirable cathedral and numerous palaces testify to the rich history of this town.

Trogir's rich historical heritage dates back to ancient times, founded by Greek settlers and later inhabited by Romans. The key historical period is the Middle Ages when the town reached its peak. Trogir was important in trade and maritime activities and was under the influence of the Venetian Republic. This period left the greatest imprint on Trogir, with numerous buildings, palaces, churches, and towers characteristic of medieval architecture. With its narrow cobblestone streets, medieval palaces, and impressive cathedral, the town is a true lesson in architecture and history.

The center of the town is represented by the Trogir Cathedral of St. Lawrence, a true jewel of Romanesque architecture. The cathedral houses magnificent artistic treasures depicting scenes from Christian mythology. Also of exceptional importance on the western side of the town is the Kamerlengo Tower, which once served as a defensive tower and now offers a splendid view of the city walls and surroundings. While strolling through the town, you discover a multitude of medieval palaces and towers that testify to its rich past. Narrow cobbled streets weaving between stone houses and ancient palaces evoke a feeling of stepping into the past. The town is literally a living museum of history, where every corner unveils a new perspective on the past.

Trogir remains a unique window into the past, unobscured by modern life. It is a place where visitors can deeply inhale the spirit of history and admire the architectural masterpiece of the medieval era.

Trogir and its surroundings form an economically diverse area where various activities intertwine to contribute to the local economy:
​Foremost, tourism takes the lead, as Trogir is one of the better-known tourist destinations on the eastern Adriatic coast. Its rich historical heritage with picturesque streets and a beautiful coastline attract visitors. Those staying in hotels, apartments, and private accommodations make the most significant contribution to the local economy.

Due to its coastal location, agriculture and fishing play important roles in the economy. The catch of various fish species provides fresh seafood, primarily for local consumption by residents and guests. Agriculture in the vicinity of Trogir relies on olives, grapes, citrus fruits, and vegetables. Olive oil and wine are well-known local products, also offered as souvenirs.

What are the people of Trogir also living from? An essential part of the economic activity and support for what's been mentioned before are shops, markets, artisanal businesses, and restaurants. Local artisans and entrepreneurs engage in producing traditional goods such as handmade crafts, ceramics, textile products, thereby creating jobs and offering products and services that cater to the needs of both locals and visitors.

We used to be criticized for showing insufficient patriotism because we sometimes don't spend our summer vacation in the homeland. The Croatian coastline of the Adriatic Sea is almost six thousand kilometers long, while the Slovenian coastline is more than a hundred times shorter. Clearly, we have more opportunities on Croatian coast to find our idyllic cove or at least a spot to spread our towel.

Our indulgence is to blame for choosing a destination this time that, in addition to the azure sea and an abundance of beaches, also offers a few magical historical towns - Central Dalmatia. We chose Trogir as our starting point, and from there, we set off by car or boat to explore the surroundings. In this article, I will also focus on the stunning Split and the charming Primošten, both one hour drive from Trogir.

All three towns, although different in size and economic significance, are united by one common activity - tourism. These are internationally renowned tourist destinations that, due to their popularity during the season, are almost bursting at the seams. However, this is entirely understandable - rich historical heritage, charming ancient and medieval city centers, and picturesque coastline are the main reasons for their attractiveness that we cannot overlook.