Local Fishing Experience in Dalmatia | Split County

BECOME A LOCAL FISHERMAN FOR A DAY. AND FIND OUT WHAT GREGADA MEANS.

"Before morning fishermen are awaken,

the sea knows them, the sea knows those people

Before morning in the dawn

out at sea with the seagulls

they are waiting the sun at the posts ..."

These beautiful lyrics were sung by one of the most recognizable vocals in Croatia, the great late tenor Vinko Coce in his famous song "Fishermen". It is a song that, in a melancholic, yet melodic manner, perfectly captures the warm relationship between the locals and the sea.

We love sailing out to the sea. And we love fishing near the island of Hvar. It is in our vicinity, only one hour away by boat so we got to know it really well during our fishing trips.

Going fishing in Croatia is much more than just learning about fish and how to catch it. There is something truly special to sailing out before sunrise, listening to the sea humming underneath the boat while preparing the trawl line and watching the sunrise from the east. Here, we like to enjoy the ride, indulge in great food and wine while surrounded by the shimmering Adriatic. Fishing in the Adriatic is about fish of course, but chances are you will fall in love with everything else. And try some fish along the way.

One of our favourite dishes to eat when visiting Hvar is gregada. It is a dish influenced by ancient Greeks and Romans who were both fascinated by large white fish that were cooked in thick sauce and then covered with aromatic herbs. Gregada is prepared with sea bass (or any freshly caught fish available) and locally sourced olive oil, garlic, wine, pepper, bay leaf, carrot, potato and fresh parsley added at the very end. Gregada is always shaken, never stirred in order to keep the juicy chunks of fish intact. Add some local cheese in olive oil as an appetizer and a glass of local red wine (Plavac Mali would be our choice with gregada) and this experience will truly occupy your senses, just like the island of Hvar does.