Warning: don’t read this blog on an empty stomach.

Someone says: “What’s the plan? We’ll just get a quick bite to eat.”

The other one just laughs it off.
Because on the island of Cres, “a quick bite” often ends with octopus, lamb and a dessert.

And it’s true that your plan to eat on the go usually lasts until the first evening.

Everything starts at the campsite

The best thing about holidays is not having to worry about cooking. And it’s even better if someone else prepares your dinner while you sit and relax with a glass in hand.

There are two very good reasons to choose the latter option at Kovačine Camp.

At Grill Party nights, while the sea softly murmurs just metres away, and the Simply Acoustic Duo provides the perfect background music, you can enjoy delicious grilled dishes such as the local ćevapčići made with minced meat, sausages, fresh squid, sardines and mackerel. The smell coming from the barbecue combined with the sea view are hard to resist.

And when it’s time for the Gulaš Party, the DJ will keep the energy going, while two local favourites are brought out from the kitchen – the rich beef stew, cooked for hours over low heat, or squid “brudet” stew with polenta, one of those dishes that will make you forget to snap a photo first.

And yes…feel free to get another portion. You’re on holiday. Live a little.

Barbecue by the Sea at Campsite Kovačine

The burger that became famous even outside the island

If you think that a burger is just a burger, Cres will change your mind.
Our lamb burger became a hit even beyond the island, combining the very best of traditional Cres lamb and modern cuisine. But be careful, once you have a taste, every other burger will feel boring.

Olives that keep you in the shade, as well as taste delicious

Have you noticed that the campsite is surrounded by olive trees?

They’re not just there to provide the perfect shade.
We use them to make our own extra virgin olive oil, which you can try during your holiday or even buy from our store to take home.

So it’s very likely that you have spent the entire week sleeping under the very tree whose oil ends up on your salad.

It’s called the “zero kilometre” concept. Or in this case, just a few metres.

The cheese you can’t go home without

The only cheese factory on Cres also has a store at our campsite.
Their award-winning goat’s cheeses are produced right here, and many guests say they only wanted to try a small piece but ended up leaving with a whole bag.

We’re not saying the same thing will happen to you.

Just make sure to leave some space in your trunk just in case.

On Wednesdays, Kovačine welcomes Cres

If you happen to be at the campsite on a Wednesday, don’t plan on going to dinner early.

The Local Experience Day brings together local producers with their delicacies, there’s a performance by the Burin vocal ensemble, and the whole campsite smells of Cres. The stalls brim with homemade extra virgin olive oil, honey from Cres pastures and jams with interesting flavour combinations – from figs, pomegranates and olives to a range of other unexpected flavours. You will also find other island products that tell the story of Cres through flavours.

We also have to mention the famous Margareta sweets.

Just a heads-up. Don’t come for “just one cake”. No one has managed that yet. Because when Cres is the chef, your diet goes out the window.

Local Experience Day, local producers, Kovačine Camp, Cres

Fish that was still swimming that morning

You want to know how fresh the fish is at the campsite?
Let’s say it this way.
Luka from Valun at the 100 Amerika fish market sells fish he caught with his own hands. There is no shorter route than that.
If you’ve ever wanted to grill fish that hasn’t travelled hundreds of kilometres to get to you, you are at the right place.

One island. Countless flavours. All amazing.

Why will Cres make you stop counting calories (without regretting it)? Of course, the culinary tale doesn’t end once you leave the campsite. If you wish to explore the flavours of the island, make your way to the small towns and local taverns across Cres. You will find traditional Cres lamb, fresh catch of the day and local recipes passed from one generation to the other. It’s often the case that those small, unassuming spots hide the biggest culinary surprises.

But let’s be honest…
It’s very likely that after a whole day of swimming, walking and basking in the sun, you will get back to campsite and just think:
“I’ll have that squid again”.
Because some flavours are too good to try just once. So don’t be surprised if you order another portion, or come home with two bottles of olive oil instead of one…and for dessert, maybe you’ll want to stay fourteen days instead of seven – at the best-tasting Kovačine Camp.

Culinary team, Kovačine Camp, Cres