5 must-visit places in Croatia’s Baranja region

by croatiaweek
September 20, 2019
in Travel

(Photo: Gordan Trtanj)

BARANJA, 20 September 2019 – Four years ago, Gordan Trtanj (29) decided to start promoting his home region of Baranja as a tourist destination and launched his hashtag #Go2Baranja, as well as a Facebook page and Instagram account.

The region of Baranja in eastern Croatia, located between the Danube and the Drava rivers, is an untouched and undiscovered pearl of Croatia with so much to offer to tourists and Trtanj’s photos and stories from the region soon started to attract interest.

Gordan Trtanj

The self-taught photographer has selected, according to him, the five most splendid destinations which are must-sees in Baranja. Many tourists often stop by and visit Kopački rit nature park, and when they are already there, they can see a few more interesting destinations in a ten-minute radius.

Draž – Baranja Maldives

If you visit Baranja in warmer days, visit Draž, or the Baranja Maldives as the visitors call them. This natural pearl is actually a sandy beach where you can cool down during the hot months. There is also a beautiful promenade like the one in Kopački rit, and a pier with a gazebo. Of course, Draz is also an ideal place for anglers.

Draž (Photo: Gordan Trtanj)

Draž (Photo: Gordan Trtanj)

Kneževo

Kneževo is another pearl. Although a neglected place and once a golden destination of Baranja, today the rugged Kneževo offers a return to the forgotten days. There is an oasis of greenery, Mary Christine park that has beautiful architecture and tells the story how well people lived here. You also have a castle, an old maternity hospital, an abandoned restaurant, a cinema, religious architecture, but also friendly people who are ready to tell you all about this once rich Baranja village.

Kneževo (Photo: Gordan Trtanj)

Kneževo (Photo: Gordan Trtanj)

Batina – the place with the most beautiful view

Batina is a place that can be said to be ‘where the Danube kisses the sky’. Located along the Danube, it offers views of Hungary and Vojvodina, and there is the Green Island, which is a well-known swimming spot. The Battle of Batina is also a great historical story, and you will be delighted with the impressive Julka monument. This place at the very end of Baranja is also a place where bikers meet every year, which is why Batina is especially popular among bikers.

Batina (Photo: Gordan Trtanj)

Batina (Photo: Gordan Trtanj)

Kneževi vinogradi – a town in the village

Kneževi vinogradi have their own swimming pool which is popular in summer among people in Osijek. There is a football stadium, a tennis court and a fishpond, so you will be so surprised when you come to this place, which has many city facilities in the village, and it is not surprising that the residents there are satisfied with life in this place.

Kneževi Vinogradi (Photo: Gordan Trtanj)

Kneževi vinogradi (Photo: Gordan Trtanj)

Kneževi vinogradi (Photo: Gordan Trtanj)

Zmajevac – the best place for wine lovers

Zmajevac is a true oasis for all those who love good wines. The beautiful wine road has a number of wine cellars, including Josić winery who, in addition to a good drop, offers a great range of food, making Zmajevac a true gastro oasis. The wine road is so beautiful that it could easily be the backdrop for a movie. If nothing else, it is definitely a good backdrop for taking photos for Instagram.