In an age where everyday life moves faster and modern technology becomes ever more present, more people are seeking simplicity, peace and a connection to nature. Croatia, with its rich cultural heritage and well-preserved rural landscapes, offers just that. Visitors find an authentic glimpse into the past through Croatia’s increasingly popular ethno villages.
Ethno villages are more than tourist attractions. They are living testaments to tradition, old customs, architecture, and the way of life of our ancestors. Their true value lies in preserving cultural and natural heritage. Moreover, they open new possibilities for the development of rural tourism through a unique blend of local cuisine, traditional crafts, folklore, and heartfelt hospitality.
Below, we present five exceptional ethno destinations. Each offers an unforgettable experience of a Croatia rarely seen – genuine, warm, and deeply rooted in its history.
1. Stara Kapela Ethno Eco Village – Slavonija
Požega Hills, Brod-Posavina County
🌐 stara-kapela.hr
Photo: TZ Meridiana Slavonica, https://www.tripadvisor.com/VacationRentalReview
Tucked away in the rolling hills of Požega, Stara Kapela is a true haven of peace. It is a village where time slows down and mobile phones barely have signal. Here, you’ll swap notifications for birdsong and the sound of spring water. The village offers walking and cycling trails, restored traditional houses, historic watchtowers, and nine fresh water springs. Perfect for team building, small celebrations, or simply a break from the everyday hustle.
2. Karanac Ethno Village – Baranja
Bansko brdo, Baranja
🌐 knezevi-vinogradi.hr
Photos: https://www.facebook.com/p/Etno-selo-Karanac
Karanac is the heart of Baranja’s rural tourism. It is a place where past and present blend through food, festivals, and traditional architecture. Highlights include the charming “Street of Forgotten Time”, local wineries, and well-known events like Čvarak Fest and the Spring Fair. These attract thousands of visitors. Karanac isn’t just a destination – it’s an experience.
3. Škopljanci Ethno Eco Village – Dalmatian Hinterland
Radošić, near Trogir
🌐 radosic.com
Photos: https://www.facebook.com/EtnoEkoSeloSkopljanci/
Protected as a cultural monument of the Republic of Croatia, this village offers a glimpse into the traditional Dalmatian lifestyle. It features around twenty stone houses, twelve of which have been fully restored. Ethnographic museums, rustic taverns, smokehouses, and tasting rooms make Škopljanci full of character. It’s also famous for hosting the Village Olympics, bullfights, and Midsummer Night events. Visitors are offered an unforgettable slice of the Dalmatian countryside.
4. Strug Ethno-Eco Village – Posavina
📍 Plesmo, near Lonjsko Polje Nature Park
🌐 ekoetno-selo-strug.hr
Photos: https://www.facebook.com/ekoetno2018/photos_by
Just a stone’s throw from the cultural heritage village of Krapje, this tranquil riverside village offers the best of Posavina. Visitors can enjoy nature, traditional food, local wine (Škrlet), and rustic accommodation. At the inn “Kod Dida Joze”, homemade meals are served in a century-old oak house. Whether you’re planning a birthday, a wedding, or just a quiet weekend getaway, Strug has everything you need. All is wrapped in the charm of old-world hospitality.
5. Kotli Ethno Village – Istria
Kotli, by the River Mirna
🌐 istra-kotli.com
Photos: https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Attraction_Review-
Watch the video experience: https://youtu.be/ylCHCOzysWA?si=bJA0tKN5Ojju3Pg6
Nestled beside waterfalls and ancient water mills, Kotli is a true gem of the Istrian countryside. Once the economic heart of the Hum region, this village is now a protected rural complex. It features charming courtyards, arched walkways, and traditional chimneys. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities – hiking, cycling, rock climbing. They can also enjoy wine, truffle, and olive oil tasting along local heritage trails. Kotli is an ideal destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone in search of peace.
Why Visit Ethno Villages?
Ethno villages offer an authenticity you simply can’t stage. There are no crowds, no over-commercialisation – just a warm welcome, local flavours, time-honoured customs, and breathtaking landscapes. They’re places where you don’t just take a break – you take a piece of true Croatia home with you.
So this summer, instead of the coast – why not choose an ethno village? Let the magic of the past remind you of the timeless values we all still cherish.