Fishing and authentic Croatian cooking with a native islander

Meet Anamarija

Ana has been living on Preko for nearly two decades, the same island where her mother and grandparents grew up. Growing up, Ana spent her summers living together with her grandparents in Preko, and she learned to cook at an early age from her mother and grandmother. Every Sunday the family would cook and food would bring everyone together. Ana loved the process of cooking from an early age – she loved the smells, the process, and being together, and continues to have a deep love of traditional culinary knowledge. Currently a marine scientist who teaches coastal ecosystems, conservation and biomimicry, Ana is passionate about respecting nature and approaches cooking and food with a very holistic mindset. She is a passionate gardener and grows many of her own vegetables, and loves to use all of the island's produce in the best possible way. Ask Ana about the homemade schnapps she makes throughout the year! To make her own schnapps Ana uses ingredients from her own and her friends' gardens, ingredients including clementines, lemons, and Ana's favorite, fresh walnuts she harvests each June. In addition to her passion for conservation, food and cooking, Ana also loves water sports, hiking, dancing, and of course gardening.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal (1 - 4 guests) Meet your host Ana at her welcoming two-story home on the island of Preko. Sip on a refreshing drink on the terrace off her second story kitchen as your host shares stories about life growing up on the island – be sure to ask Ana about how when she was growing up the island’s only source of water was its rainwater! After an appetizer and drink join your host at her dining table to enjoy a traditional Croatian meal. Your meal might include dishes like classic Dalmatian coast soup, grilled fresh seafood (locally caught), black risotto and artichoke stew. For dessert you might enjoy fig streudel with homemade jams and Ana’s homemade schnapps. In warm summer months, end your experience on Ana’s outdoor terrace.

Cooking experience (1 - 4 guests) Meet at Ana's home in the early morning and walk down together to her local beach, for a unique experience to collect your own local shellfish. There you will take her friend's small motorboat to collect the nets (and hope for a good haul!). Clean and wash your catch while you learn more about the seafood native to Preko. You will enjoy a small "marenda", small morning snack, before you take a short break to go down to the local beach for a swim and beat the morning heat of summer. Then return to Ana's home to prepare your lunch of freshly collected shellfish and a few other traditional Croatian dishes. Please note this experience is seasonally available during the summer months. Also note that your shellfish catch cannot be guaranteed; if you don't bring in any shellfish from the nets you will pick up your fish from a local vendor nearby.