Dalmatian Zagora (Hinterland) is the southern inland region spreading from Zadar to Biokovo National Park. The environment is beautiful, and the food has many finger-licking delicacies. The houses are built of stone since the region is abundant in this material. The great sculptor Ivan Mestrovic came from this area. Mountainous and rocky, this region is known for its hard-working people, and for their brave and benevolent rebels called Hajduks, that consistently fought against the invading Turkish oppressors many centuries ago. The major football team of Dalmatia is called HAJDUK…naturally!

Today, with my small group of friends, I visited the Agritourism destination of the Borovac Family in Vrgorac at their family home and konoba (Cellar)… The blue and white pieces are always delightful……

Dragica and Zelko welcomed us into their konoba, and after welcome drinks of their special liqueurs we were treated to Dragica’s homemade goat’s cheese, ajvar (roasted red peppers, garlic olive oil and baked eggplant) prsut (prosciutto), and a more aged sheep’s milk cheese, together with home-baked bread.

The ambiance of the konoba was so warm and inviting… lots to look at…

Rada, Tamara and Rafaella were in their element…they wanted some of Dragica’s recipes…

Writing down some of the old family favourite  favourites…

Time for a great peka meal of slowly roasted veal and freshly dug potatoes…cooked under the bell over the coals…DELICIOUS and so tender!

Dragica preparing the coals and the peka…

Sooooooo tender and mouthwatering…

Our after-lunch stroll was so delightful…Dragica has many herbs and vegetables in the garden,…Zelko is getting ready for the arrival of 6 piglets that will be well taken care of until Christmas time…and has a number of baby goats, plus chickens and geese in the farmyard.

Spring time blossoms…the cherry tree near the old house….

Geese in the farmyard…and wildflowers everywhere…

The old forts, built centuries ago in protection of the invading Turks…overlooking the Borovac home…

Wildflowers and rock…

The three of us, Dragica, myself and Zelko….under an olive tree….

The hard-working hands of Dragica…

Perfumes and colours in the garden….

The lavender dried and aromas wafting…

In the konoba…a treasured photo of ?elko’s Mother as a child…

Thank you to Dragica and ?elko for your superb hospitality, delicious food and wines, warmth, and generosity…we’ll be back!

Tuesday 23/05/23..We came back, and once again were delighted with Dragica’s home-cooked peka slow lunch..Thanks again to our wonderful hosts, Dragica and ?elko Borovac in the village of Vrgorac, high in the Dalmatian Hinterland.

After lunch, we retired to the garden, and had a well-earned snooze! Life is beautiful! By Robyn Vulinovich, travel consultant at My Hidden Croatia.