The Storyteller Croatia

The Storyteller Croatia As a local guide, I don’t just show places—I share stories, connections, and local experiences. This isn’t just a job; it’s my home and passion.

Let me take you beyond the guidebooks to see Croatia through the eyes of someone who truly lives it.

This is the incredible story of Papec, the last shoeshiner in Split and a symbol of resilience, hard work, and love for ...
19/03/2025

This is the incredible story of Papec, the last shoeshiner in Split and a symbol of resilience, hard work, and love for the community.

Papec’s parents escaped from a concentration camp and found their way to the coast, where they fell in love with the sea, the people, and, of course, Hajduk. They decided to stay in Split and start a new life. In 1955, Papec’s father set up a small shoeshine stand, working tirelessly for over 50 years and becoming a well-known figure in the community.

When his father passed away in 2007, Papec took over the family trade, keeping the shoeshine stand alive and thriving.

Today, he is the last shoeshiner in Split and, as he proudly says, the last in all of Croatia. He continues to polish shoes, sell shoelaces, and connect with people—carrying on his family’s legacy of hard work, dedication, and love for Split and Hajduk.

If you’re on the Riva, stop by Papec. Let him clean your shoes, let him shine them, and leave him a few euros. By doing so, you’re not just getting a shine—you’re keeping a piece of Split’s history alive. You’re making sure that the tradition lives on and that Mr. Papec has a reason to stay on the waterfront, shining shoes as the last shoeshiner in Split.

Dalmacija storytelling destinacija
Central Dalmatia
Visit Split

Croatia is a small country with less than four million people, but its landscapes and history make it feel vast. Bordere...
22/02/2025

Croatia is a small country with less than four million people, but its landscapes and history make it feel vast. Bordered by the Adriatic Sea, it stretches from the rolling mountains of the north to the rugged coastline of Dalmatia, where ancient towns meet the rhythm of the waves.

There’s a saying that this land is almost too beautiful for its own good. But beyond the postcard views, Croatia is a country to be felt, not just seen. The only secret is to plan well—so you’re not just passing through, but truly experiencing it.

• Take it slow. A morning in Split is not just about Diocletian’s Palace; it’s about hearing the market vendors call out their daily offers, watching fishermen untangle their nets, and feeling the weight of history in the stones beneath your feet.

• Leave room for the unexpected. A ferry to an island might lead to an olive grove where the owner pours you a glass of homemade rakija. A detour inland might take you to a konoba where the fire still burns under an iron bell, slow-cooking lamb the way it has been for generations.

• Rest and enjoy. There’s no rush here. Swim in the clear sea, sip a coffee for as long as you like, and let the sound of crickets replace the noise of schedules.

Croatia is not a place to be checked off a list. It’s a country to sink into, to understand through its flavors, its people, and its quiet corners. Travel here not to collect sights, but to remember why we travel at all.

Dalmacija storytelling destinacija
Central Dalmatia

Makarska is town between the sea, the mountain and the sky.At its back—Biokovo, towering, rugged, unshaken.At its feet—t...
18/02/2025

Makarska is town between the sea, the mountain and the sky.

At its back—Biokovo, towering, rugged, unshaken.

At its feet—the Adriatic, shifting between deep blue and emerald green.

Once, this was a fishing town, but the mountain was just as much a part of life as the sea. People lived with both, shaped by both. Today, it’s different, yet some things remain.

Walk through its streets, even in winter, and you’ll feel it—Makarska moves at its own pace.
Coffee cups clink, voices carry on the breeze, waves roll in and out. Nothing is hurried. Nothing is forced. Just life, unfolding as it always has.

Some places you can describe.
This one—you just have to see for yourself.

Dalmacija storytelling destinacija
Central Dalmatia
Makarska Danas

When you think of Dalmatia, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?Do you see the villages hidden among the hills, st...
17/02/2025

When you think of Dalmatia, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Do you see the villages hidden among the hills, standing quiet under the weight of time?

Some places don’t vanish—they wait. For footsteps on old stone paths, for voices to break the silence, for someone who still remembers.

Dalmacija storytelling destinacijaCentral Dalmatia

At the gateway to Pelješac, Ston is a town shaped by stone, salt, and the sea. Once a strategic stronghold of the Republ...
03/02/2025

At the gateway to Pelješac, Ston is a town shaped by stone, salt, and the sea. Once a strategic stronghold of the Republic of Dubrovnik, it boasts one of Europe’s longest medieval walls (7 km), built in the 14th and 15th centuries to protect its centuries-old saltworks, among the oldest in the Mediterranean.

Whether you’re walking the medieval walls, exploring hidden bays, or experiencing traditional salt production, Ston is a place where stone craftsmanship, history, and tradition come to life.


Moj Pelješac

Split💚Do you ever wander through a part of your town you don’t visit often—just to look at the buildings, the streets, a...
20/01/2025

Split💚

Do you ever wander through a part of your town you don’t visit often—just to look at the buildings, the streets, and the people?

What do you notice when you slow down and take it all in?

Dalmacija storytelling destinacija
Central Dalmatia
Visit Split
Croatia Full of life

In Dalmatia, stone isn’t just part of the landscape – it’s part of us. It’s under our feet, above our heads, and in ever...
14/01/2025

In Dalmatia, stone isn’t just part of the landscape – it’s part of us. It’s under our feet, above our heads, and in every calloused hand that built a life here. We don’t just live with stone; we live through it.

Stone is the first and last chapter of every story. A newborn’s cry echoes in a stone house, and when life ends, our names are carved into it. In between, we build with it, walk on it, lean against it, curse its weight, and thank it when it shields us from the sun.

It doesn’t just house us – it shapes who we are. Generations carved their lives into it, one limestone block at a time. Those stones became streets, churches, and homes that endure long after we’re gone. They’re humble yet unshakable, just like the hands that shaped them.

And yes, it’s heavy, stubborn, and unforgiving – much like the people here. But it’s also timeless, dependable, and patient. In the end, stone reminds us of what matters: to weather the years with purpose and leave behind something that lasts.

Dalmacija storytelling destinacija
Central Dalmatia
Visit Šolta

Varoš is one of those neighborhoods in Split that feels timeless—always familiar, yet full of surprises. You think you k...
12/01/2025

Varoš is one of those neighborhoods in Split that feels timeless—always familiar, yet full of surprises. You think you know its streets, its corners, but then someone shares their perspective, and suddenly it feels completely new.

Today, I joined a tour led by my colleague Ives, and she didn’t just guide us through Varoš—she brought it to life. As she shared her stories, I could picture the streets where she grew up, hear her grandparents calling her for lunch, and almost smell the wood burning as families prepared meals. Her memories gave soul to the places I thought I already knew.

It reminded me why I love what I do. It reminded me how lucky I am to revisit the same places and experience them in completely different ways each time.

Dalmacija storytelling destinacija
Central Dalmatia
Visit Split
Rusula the Storyteller
Dica Velog Varoša
Varoški spomenar
Split - Veli Varoš

Today, we joined our colleague Nataša on a tour through Diocletian’s Palace, where she explored the Egyptian symbols hid...
11/01/2025

Today, we joined our colleague Nataša on a tour through Diocletian’s Palace, where she explored the Egyptian symbols hidden in its walls.

While these symbols often come up in our stories, her deeper research revealed new layers and connections that left us amazed.

What was meant to be a one-hour tour turned into an hour and a half, thanks to all the questions and ideas that kept popping up.

Natasha’s research uncovered connections we hadn’t noticed before, giving us fresh perspectives on stories we thought we already knew. A morning well spent in the heart of Split!

Dalmacija storytelling destinacijaCentral DalmatiaVisit Split
Croatian Tourist Guides Association
Saloma Forte

Danas smo zakoračili u svijet priča kroz turu “Grad zajedništva – religijski centri Splita”. Posjetili smo Kršćansku adv...
04/01/2025

Danas smo zakoračili u svijet priča kroz turu “Grad zajedništva – religijski centri Splita”. Posjetili smo Kršćansku adventističku crkvu, Dominikanski samostan, crkvicu sv. Martina i Pravoslavnu crkvu.

Slušali smo priče koje nas povezuju, otvaraju vrata razumijevanja i pokazuju kako raznolikost nije samo bogatstvo već i put prema zajedništvu.

Kroz svaki korak otkrivali smo ljepotu pričanja priča – kako nas ono uči razumijevanju, povezuje i potiče na rast. Split nas je još jednom razveselio svojom toplinom, šarenilom i pričama koje vrijedi čuti i nositi sa sobom.

Tura je organizirana u sklopu Djecjeg adventa u organizaciji udruge Split za djecu pod pokroviteljstvom Grada Splita

————

Today, we stepped into the world of stories through “The City of Unity – Religious Centers of Split” tour.
We visited the Christian Adventist Church, the Dominican Monastery, the Church of St. Martin, and the Orthodox Church.

We listened to stories that connect us, open doors to understanding, and show us that diversity is not just a richness but a path to unity. With every step, we discovered the beauty of storytelling – how it teaches us to understand, brings us closer, and inspires growth.

Once again, Split delighted us with its warmth, vibrant spirit, and stories worth hearing and carrying with us.

When you think of Dalmatia, you probably picture sunny days and blue skies. But did you know that snow is also part of D...
23/12/2024

When you think of Dalmatia, you probably picture sunny days and blue skies. But did you know that snow is also part of Dalmatia’s charm?

The countryside in December, blanketed in white, feels like a postcard come to life—a perfect way to embrace the Christmas spirit.

Who says Dalmatia is only about the sun? It knows how to do winter too, and it does it beautifully.

Dalmacija storytelling destinacija
Central Dalmatia
Visit Croatia

Marjan Hill is a part of Split’s soul, a place where nature, history, and daily life intertwine seamlessly. To some, it’...
23/12/2024

Marjan Hill is a part of Split’s soul, a place where nature, history, and daily life intertwine seamlessly. To some, it’s a sanctuary for quiet walks, a space to breathe deeply and reflect. For others, it’s a place to move, run, or cycle, surrounded by nature. And for many, it’s simply home—a constant presence, always there.

As you wander through its paths, slow down. Look closely at the vegetation—it holds surprises you might not expect. Listen carefully, and you’ll hear the calls of different birds, a reminder that Marjan is alive in ways we often overlook. Birdwatching here isn’t just a hobby; it’s an invitation to notice the details of life around you.

If you stumble upon a drystone wall or an old house, pause for a moment. Think about the hands that built them and the footsteps that passed by over the centuries. These stones hold stories of people who lived here, worked here, and found their peace here.

Marjan isn’t just Split’s “lungs”—it’s its memory, its future, and everything in between. When you visit, take your time. It will meet you where you are.

Visit Split
Dalmacija storytelling destinacija
Central Dalmatia

Some places I like, some I love, and some just feel like home. Today, I had the chance to join my colleague Matija on a ...
18/12/2024

Some places I like, some I love, and some just feel like home. Today, I had the chance to join my colleague Matija on a tour of Imotski. We walked through the town, listened to stories told in a different way, and it turned out to be such a beautiful day.

Imotski is a small town that sits above the fields, near its famous lakes, surrounded by mountains. It’s a place with a charm that stays with you.

Dalmacija storytelling destinacija
Central Dalmatia
Matija Znaor

Beneath the Cathedral of St. Domnius in Split, originally Emperor Diocletian’s mausoleum, lies the crypt of Saint Lucia....
12/12/2024

Beneath the Cathedral of St. Domnius in Split, originally Emperor Diocletian’s mausoleum, lies the crypt of Saint Lucia. Martyred in 304 AD during Diocletian’s persecution of Christians, she is venerated as the patron saint of the blind, those with eye ailments, and light itself. Her name, derived from the Latin “lux,” meaning light, reflects her role as a symbol of hope and clarity.

In Croatian customs, December 13th—her feast day—is marked by the planting of Christmas wheat. This tradition symbolizes life and fertility, with the sprouted wheat gracing the Christmas table as a sign of prosperity for the coming year.

While the practice of placing socks at the window for Saint Lucia to fill with gifts is less common and often associated with Saint Nicholas, some regions honor her day with similar customs, bringing joy and blessings to children.

Saint Lucia represents not only the triumph of light over darkness but also a deeper connection to faith, sight, and life itself.

Dalmacija storytelling destinacija
Central Dalmatia
Visit Split

When you travel, do you explore the parts of a city away from the usual tourist spots? "Kamen" is a neighborhood on the ...
10/12/2024

When you travel, do you explore the parts of a city away from the usual tourist spots?

"Kamen" is a neighborhood on the eastern entrance to Split, a place where history, architecture, and nature tell a sometimes contradictory story. Its space has been shaped over centuries, driven by the needs of the people who lived and built here, often with their own hands and without pre-set rules.

Family homes, each with its own story, of varying sizes, shapes, and colors, form the backbone of Kamen. Some are completed, others still under construction, creating a specific harmony of chaotic beauty. There is no uniformity here—every corner reflects personal choices, adaptation, and the passage of time.

Kamen is a place with deep roots, where historical cliffs and old stone architecture intertwine with the dynamics of daily life. Its residents live in a space that reflects their resilience, adaptability, and connection to their neighborhood. Every street, every house, every detail speaks to a community building its own world.

St. Nicholas Church (Sveti Nikola na Stagnji), or Sveti Mikula, is one of the oldest landmarks in Veli Varoš, dating bac...
06/12/2024

St. Nicholas Church (Sveti Nikola na Stagnji), or Sveti Mikula, is one of the oldest landmarks in Veli Varoš, dating back to the 11th century.

For centuries, the church was at the heart of local life, with children racing to ring its bell on St. Nicholas’ Day, filling the neighborhood with the sound of celebration.

Today, the church is usually closed, but every year on December 6th, it opens its doors for a special mass in honor of its patron saint.

It’s a quiet reminder of the traditions that shaped this part of Split.

Dalmacija storytelling destinacija
Visit Split
Central Dalmatia

Počelo je s pitanjem koje uvijek nasmije: “A šta ima ovdje za vidjeti?”Danas smo šetale dijelovima grada koje mnogi prom...
03/12/2024

Počelo je s pitanjem koje uvijek nasmije: “A šta ima ovdje za vidjeti?”

Danas smo šetale dijelovima grada koje mnogi promatraju samo kroz prizmu betona i zgrada. Ali korak po korak, priče su počele izlaziti na površinu – priče koje su skrivene desetljećima i čekaju da ih netko otkrije.

Na početku su pogledi bili skeptični, uz dozu znatiželje. Na kraju? Osmijesi. Oni osmijesi koji dolaze kad shvatiš da grad nije samo ono što vidiš na prvi pogled. Fasade su možda sive, ali priče koje nose su šarene, ljudske i nevjerojatno žive.

Današnja šetnja bila je podsjetnik na ljepotu koja se krije u poznatom, na detalje koje svakodnevno prolazimo, a rijetko zastanemo kako bismo ih uistinu vidjeli.

Dalmacija storytelling destinacija

“What’s there to see in Trstenik?”

That’s how our morning walk through Trstenik and Split 3 began – neighborhoods from the 1970s, often overlooked as “just concrete.” At first, my group of women skeptically asked: “What could possibly be interesting here?”

But step by step, stories of the people and places emerged, replacing doubt with smiles. By the end, we all agreed: even the most unassuming parts of Split hold stories worth uncovering.

And yes, we’ll definitely do this again!

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