Spending a long weekend in the Mediterranean Village of San Antonio with your family in the springtime is great for 3 reasons: pleasant temperatures, less crowds and a special accommodation offer starting at €57 per person for the period of stay until June 15.

1. Pleasant temperatures:

Imagine the ultimate privacy of comfortable stone bungalows in a vast area spreading over 17,000 square meters, hidden in the forest of centuries-old pine trees and within a walking distance from the sea. The nearby beaches of Soline and Dražica invite for a nice swim in a pleasantly warm sea water, while the cool evenings are reserved for enjoyable  walks along the sea promenade, an ambience enriched by a special charm of chirping by local birds and crickets. Your children have the opportunity to spend quality time outdoors, playing in the open fresh air and enjoying our playground located within the premises of the village.  Last, but not the least, Vrana Lake Nature Park and the Paklenica National Park are within half an hour drive where you and your family can embark on the adventures of kayaking, cycling along the lake, hiking along educational trails or exploring the Manita Peć cave.

2. Smaller crowds:

A visit to the Mediterranean Village of San Antonio during the spring is an ideal time to avoid crowds. Within this period, there are smaller number of tourists on roads, beaches, restaurants and the most popular natural attractions in central Dalmatia, such as the national parks of Krka and Kornati.  This is especially valuable for families who enjoy a quieter environment and more space to spend quality time with their children outdoors. Less crowds also imply the likelihood of receiving a faster and more pleasant service. For adrenaline lovers, this time of the year is also great for visiting Dalmaland within the Biograd Fun Park.

3. Special accommodation offer starting from €57

Due to a relatively calmer period in the season, there is a special offer in San Antonio available for all stays until June 15.  Accommodation may be booked directly on the website of the Mediterranean Village of San Antonio for a rate starting at €57 per person.

The accommodation provides a unique experience of comfort and coziness in specious bedrooms accompanied by a terrace.  Room amenities include: spacious bedroom, bathroom with shower or bathtub, air conditioning, internet (wi-fi), TV, workspace and towels.

Find out more about your ideal type of accommodation.

Your next step?

Book online now  or contact us directly to take the advantage of special offer for all stays until June 15 and receive a half-board service starting at €57 per person.

Take the advantage of special offer valid for all stays between May 15 and June 15 and receive a half-board service starting at €57 per person by book directly on the website of the Mediterranean Village of San Antonio.

During your stay, explore the surrounding natural wonder of the nearby Vrana Lake Nature Park and culturally explore Biograd na moru.

Intimacy of Stay

The stone bungalows represent a unique experience of comfort and coziness at the Mediterranean Village of San Antonio, where you can enjoy soothing scents of the Mediterranean garden, shades of centuries-old pine trees and chirping of birds.

Accommodation highlights:

• 69 stone bungalows spreading over an area of ​​17,000 square meters
• The beautiful Dražica Beach is only 300 m away
• Spacious bedroom, bathroom with shower or bathtub and a terrace
• Beautiful landscaping
• All rooms include air conditioning, internet (wi-fi), TV, workspace and towels

Find out more on your ideal accommodation type.

Culinary Delights  – Taken Care Of

Located in the center of the mediterranean village, the restaurant uses organically grown ingredients within a wide range of Croatian and international seafood and meat variant specialties.  Simple, accessible, yet authentic & delightful are the attributes that best describe the culinary  specialties within San Antonio.  Your half-board service includes an access to the rich buffet selection of specialties for breakfast and dinner.

Nearby Attractions

Nature Park Vrana Lake – consider a day trip, an adventurous and exploratory experience of the unique Vrana Lake Nature Park, only 10 km and a 15-minute drive from the Mediterranean Village of San Antonio.  Vrana Lake is a beautiful oasis of tranquility located at the crossroads of three different landscapes: sea shore, mediterranean swamp and pittoresque village settlements.  This place presents a unique ecosystem where you can enjoy walking along educational trails, bird watching, cycling along the coast and tasting local specialties in Kamenjak tasting rooms.

Royal Town of Biograd – Visit the former seat of Croatian kings and bishops, which had reached its peak in 1102 during the coronation of the Croatian-Hungarian King Koloman. In the later period of history, it was under the jurisdiction of the Venetian Republic and as such had dealt with destruction during the wars with the Ottoman Empire.  Recommendation: Visit and explore the Homeland Museum to see the impressive collection of artifacts illustrating turbulent and rich medieval history of Biograd. The sunken Venetian ship from the 16th century is one of the main attractions among the existing exhibits in the museum.

Your Next Steps?

Book online now  or contact us directly to take the advantage of special offer for all stays between May 15 and June 15 and receive a half-board service starting at €57 per person.

Explore Paklenica National Park and witness the awe-inspiring site of dramatic canyons and karst rock formations of this natural wonder recently added to the UNESCO list of world heritage sites.  The park is only a 45-minute drive away from the Mediterranean Village of San Antonio.

We present you with 5 must-do activities such as 1. hiking along educational trails, 2. touring the awe-inspiring Manita Peć cave, 3. recreational climbing to the mountain peaks higher than 1,700m, 4. adrenaline based rock climbing and 5. exploring the underground secrets of Paklenica.

The park is essentially a 14,5 km long valley with the 400m deep and extremely narrow canyon, being it’s most distinctive feature. Paklenica canyon is partially enclosed due to the collapsed rock blocks which have also formed a series of rapids and smaller waterfalls.

1. Educational trails

Hiking is truly a great way to explore Paklenica National Park. More than 200 km of mountain trails stretch throughout the park and are marked with red and white markers for a better orientation.  The most iconic trail is Velika Paklenica-Anića luka-Lugarnica and it takes you from the main canyon in Velika Paklenica to the mountain lodge, while the trail Paklarić (550 meters) provides some of the best viewpoints ideal for taking beautiful photos. Pjeskarica trail (1.5 km) takes you to the Paklenica mill and is ideal for observing the unique plant and animal life. The trail A Short Journey Through History (8 km) includes cycling and hiking trails that pass through the charming rural farms and also tell a tale from the dinosaur era.

Tips:

• monitor the weather forecast and plan enough time for a descent before the dark.
• a detailed brochure with printed maps is available at the tourist information office.

2. Cave Manita Peć

Spacious and decorated with imposing sigas, Manita peć was first opened to the public in 1937 and is the only cave in the national park that is open for visitors.

Cave crags have interesting shapes which form differently based on the method of formation with the most common types being the stalagmites, stalactites, crag columns (stalagmites) and cave oysters (cascades). Some of these ornaments were named after their interesting shapes such as the helmet, the organ and the witch.

Animal world: Previous research so far has identified a total of 52 species of invertebrates out of which 20 live exclusively in the underground cave environment with no surviving chance outside the cave.  Such species compensate the absence of pigments and eyes with a strong sense of smell, taste and touch. A number of well-known European bio speleologists have recently discovered new species such as Chthonius radjai and Bogidiella sketi shrimp.

Tips:

• The entrance to the cave is located at 570 m above sea level, and the hike takes about 1.5 hours.
• The tour lasts for 30 minutes and is accompanied by a professional guide
• Layered clothing is recommended, due to the approximate temperature of 9°C
• Dogs may not stay in the cave due to the sensitive cave ecosystem and group touring format
• Tickets are available in front of the entrance while the only acceptable paying method is cash.
• Availability for the visits are as follows:
  • April – Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m
  • May, October, June – Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  • July, August, September – every day from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m

3. Peaking Above 1700m

Vaganski vrh

• Altitude: (1757 m/sl) – the highest peak in Paklenica National Park and the overall Velebit mountain

• What to see: 150 km distant Risnjak national park, 110 km distant peak Klek and 105 km distant Troglav, the highest peak of the regional Dinara mountain chain.

Liburnia

• Altitude: (1709 m/asl)
• What to see: a beautiful view of the entire Adriatic archipelago of Central Dalmatia
• Caution: the ascent is steep and demanding and is recommended only for experienced mountaineers in excellent physical condition.

4. Rock Climbing Paradise

Due to its geomorphological attributes, the Paklenica National Park has become one of most attractive and sought after climbing sites in Europe.  Another distinctive feature is the park’s close proximity to the Adriatic coast thus enabling the inclusion of multiple water based to the overall set of sports activities.  Within the climbing area of Paklenica, there are around 500 climbing routes, equipped according to the overall length and level of difficulty (grades from 3 to 8b+) and thus appealing to various levels of recreational affinities and sports’ skills.

Tips:

• Climbers with small children: Klanci is the narrowest section of Velika Paklenica with the largest number of short climbing routes and an easy access
• The most famous rock for climbing in Paklenica is Anića Kuk with routes totaling in length of 350m 
• The main climbing season in Paklenica starts in the spring and lasts until late autumn, while  the most famous traditional gathering of climbers, the Big Wall Speed ​​Climbing, takes place in early May and is accompanied by a series of events and competitions.

5. Underground Secrets of Paklenica

A long-kept secret until 1991 were the underground tunnels within the Velika Paklenica canyon. Popularly called “Bunkers”, the tunnels were built by the Yugoslav army in the period from 1950 to 1953 as part of a special protection program due to the political crisis with the Soviet Union.  The space had been completely renovated between 2000 and 2016 with the following facilities available for your visit today:

• The Light tunnel – which evokes the story of the mountain using light and sound effects triggered by your movements
• Visitor center is a place where you can explore, learn and experience the natural and cultural riches of Mt. Velebit and Paklenica

Little Climbing Center within the multifunctional hall contains an artificial rock on which your little ones can make their first climbing moves, while on the screens they get to know the techniques in a fun and interactive way and listen to the experiences of famous climbers.

Photos by Paklenica National Park

Beautiful beaches, daily excursions to national parks, exploring local way of life through sports and cultural events, good traffic connections and family friendly accommodation are only a few attributes you may expect on your family holiday in the Mediterranean village of San Antonio near Biograd.

We bring you 5 points as to why Biograd na moru is a perfect place for a relaxed, fun and bonding experience of stay for your family:

1. Beaches – naturally beautiful, safe and well kept

The beaches of Dražica and Soline are in the immediate vicinity of the Mediterranean Village of San Antonio and are known as one of the most beautiful, well-kept beaches with plentiful facilities in Central Dalmatia.

Sand, gravel, clean sea, terrain accessibility, thick pine forest providing shade, sports activities (aqua park, diving clubs, water sports) and a range of beach snacks are the common attributes of these beaches.

2. Leaping into Local Way of Life

Cultural events organized by the Tourist Board of Biograd offer a special experience through which one attains a tangible level of immediacy and a sense of belonging, while rural farms impress with the culinary splendour of local traditions.

The Slovenian Weekend is held once a year surrounding Labor Day promoting physical activity as an indispensable part of the holiday fun and entertainment.  A special emphasis is placed on including all members within participating families.
The Biograd Street Food Festival is being held daily throughout the summer, simultaneously at several locations within the city.  It creates a charming and relaxed atmosphere, while Gastro Biograd teems with authentic delicacies brought by local producers known as the culinary wizards of combining flavours of continental and coastal Croatia.

3. National Park Trips – Enjoyable & Educational 

The Mediterranean Village of San Antonio is within reach of natural phenomena: National parks of Kornati, Krka, Plitvice Lakes and Paklenica and the nature parks of Vrana Lake and Telašćica.

The following are some of the recommended educational and physically less demanding excursions:

• Boat Trip to Telašćica – this nature park is a small oasis of beauty located in the northern part of the Kornati archipelago, the most recognizable landscape of the island-splattered Adriatic coast. Telašćica is an impressive archaeological heritage site with valuable plant and animal species.  For a proper visit, we recommend a family trip by boat with the organized departures from Biograd.

For more content about the landscape contrasts of this natural phenomenon and a better insight into what you can visit in Telašćica, see here.

• Cycling Around Krka National Park – with only 45 minutes of driving away from the Mediterranean Village, this is an ideal opportunity to take advantage of Krka Bike, a network of cycling paths with a total length of 388 kilometers. The trails are circularly designed to avoid using the same trail on a return leg used on the outgoing leg from the starting point.  The park contains a total of 12 bike trails, of which 6 are classified as Track level trails, being best suited for the recreational, family type of ride.   The trails are marked with quality cyclo-tourist signage, while the materials with photos, maps and GPS coordinates are provided as well.

For more information about the karst beauty of the astounding Krka National Park, look here.

• Bird Watching and Kayaking at the Vrana Lake Natural Park – take a day trip and embark on a family quest to explore Vrana Lake, only 10 km and 15 minute drive away from the Mediterranean Village of San Antonio.  You will encounter three completely different landscapes: the sea coast, the Mediterranean swamp and the lovely pittoresque village settlements. Educational trails, bird watching, adrenaline park for children, kayaking and autochthonous specialties are an additional reason to enjoy a full-day tour of this marvellous landscape.

For a better insight on the biological uniqueness of Vrana Lake nature park, impressive range of native bird species and additional ideas on where to eat in the area, read here.

4. Traffic Connections 

Biograd is accessible easily and quickly – by car, plane, car, boat or plane.

The A1 highway is vital in connecting Biograd to the main cities in Croatia, such as Zagreb, Rijeka, Zadar, Šibenik and Split. Croatian highways are safe and well supported with service, but moreover provide a special experience where you get to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding landscape.

Highways in Croatia – Attributes:

• network exceeding 1,300 km
• 75 petrol stations, 124 rest areas, 86 coffee bars, 26 restaurants and 10 hotels
• Rest areas also offer a wide range of merchandise, catering services, use of public toilets, wi-fi internet, ATMS, roadside assistance, showers, pet facilities, and tourist information on the surrounding natural and cultural attractions.

There are a handful of rest stops on state and local roads in Croatia where you can park and enjoy the unique landscape.

Biograd is also in the immediate vicinity of Zadar Airport. Read more information about Biograd’s traffic connections at the link.

5. Family Friendly Accommodation

Intimate accommodation of stone bungalows, a dense pine forest providing a thick shade throughout the resort, children’s playgrounds, a spacious swimming pool, local food and organized entertainment for all age groups are our secret for an ideal family-friendly experience of stay in the Mediterranean village of San Antonio.

The pleasant scents of centuries-old pine trees and the soothing chirping of birds and crickets create a special ambience. A short walk takes you to Dražica beach and the center of the historic town of Biograd.

• 69 stone bungalows spreading over an area of 17.000 square meters
  • Ammenities: spacious bedrooms (family units consist of more rooms), bathroom with a shower or a bathtub and a terrace

• Large fenced yard in the shade surrounded with beautifully landscaped horticulture

• Delicious local food

The attractive outdoor swimming pool is located in the central part of the Mediterranean Village next to the restaurant and is a gathering place where adults sip their favorite cocktails while children play in the water.

Book Accommodation

Plan your holiday ahead of time, and book the comfortable and intimate place of stay for your family at San Antonio Mediterranean Village. Reach to us directly for a personalized booking service at info@sanantonio.hr or +385 91 2849152.

Lounging in charming stone cottages is an exceptional experience of a holiday stay, the unique kind available within the tranquil premises of Mediterranean Village of San Antonio.  The village is hidden within the century old pine trees only a few hundred meters away from the beach and within walking distance to the center of the historic town of Biograd.  At San Antonio you are secure, settled in your own oasis of intimacy and can enjoy the authentic cuisine, family-friendly accommodation and have easy access to several national parks reachable within half an hour of drive.

1. A Relaxing and Tranquil Stay

If your vision of spending an ideal holiday includes a natural environment, but not a typical camping setting, the Mediterranean Village of San Antonio is the right place for you. 

Imagine staying within pine tree woods with an easy access to the beaches of Dražica and Soline, as well as to the nearby attractions such as nature parks Vrana Lakea and Telašćica, national parks Plitvice Lakes and Paklenica, adrenalin based Biograd Fun Park and the historic town of Biograd na moru.

San Antonio Holiday’s collection of 69 cozy stone bungalows spread out on the area of ​​17,000 square meters accompanied by the charming chirping of local birds and crickets.

Accommodation Attributes: 

• Outdoor terraces with seating area
• All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, free wi-fi, LCD TV, shower or bathtub and phone
• Accommodation options are standard, twin, connect double, superior and family room types
• Bed sizes: double and twin bed sizes are 160 x 200 cm and 80×200 cm respectively 
• Room Areas: standard and twin rooms spread over 17m2, superior over 23 m2, while twin connect and family rooms over 34 m2 and 29m2 respectively   

More details on the room amenities per each type can be found here.

2. All-In One Offer: 

San Antonio offers a wide range of services, amenities and experiences for a fulfilling holiday:

• Swimming pool and a bar: The pool with crystal like dazzling water is a central social place in the village where your children will be entertained, while you enjoy your favorite cocktail.  

• Gastronomy: Simple, accessible, yet authentic & delightful are the appropriate attributes of San Antonio’s cuisine. Centrally located in the village, the restaurant uses organically grown ingredients within the vast range of croatian and international seafood & meat variant specialties.
• Beach:  only 300 meters from the beautiful Dražica Beach
• Well-connected and easily accessible: Biograd is easily reachable by car, plane, car, boat or the plane. Located in the heart of the Adriatic coast, Biograd is in the immediate vicinity of Zadar, offering airport, boat, rail and excellent access to the main A1 highway.
• Parking: Free parking is provided for all guests

3. Adrenalin-Based Fun, Natural & Historical Attractions 

What to See in a Near Vicinity?

• Fun Park Biograd at Mirnovec is a family friendly hotspot, ideal for exploring more than 30 adrenaline attractions and restaurants
• Vrana Lake Nature Park is an impressive natural phenomenon with crypto depressive features, a complex eco system with vast plant and bird species and as such is ideal for kayaking, observing indigenous bird species, visiting educational trails, cycling and tasting local delicacies
• Kornati National Park is a stone labyrinth of the most populated cluster of islands in the Mediterranean

What to See in a Nearby Biograd?

• Walk through the historical center of the medieval town of Biograd na Moru, once the capital of the Kingdom of Croatia from the 11th century, and enjoy the fascinating cathedrals and basilicas built by King Petar Krešimir IV.
• In the Homeland Museum, you get a close up view of found remains and an interesting insight of the famous merchant ship that sank in 1583.  Interesting trivia is that its exact location was not known for more than 400 years.

Experience a genuine Mediterranean style holiday in San Antonio Village that offers plenty of sun, clean sea breeze and relaxation on a lounger by the pool hidden in a dense, century old pine forest. Getting the quality sleep in the comfort of charming stone bungalows and sipping fresh smoothies by the pool while applying the local olive oil during tanning is just one way of how to start your Mediterranean day.

Century Old Pinetrees and Organic Ingredients

Mediterranean Village of San Antonio reflects our vision of a well-balanced family holiday. Despite its  close proximity to vibrant local sites, such as Dražica Beach (300 m) and the center of historic Biograd (10 minute walk), the complex is able to provide a peaceful experience of stay and a sense of privacy. The village spreads over 17,000 square meters and is populated by a dense pine forest thus keeping its facilities (69 stone bungalows, swimming pool and a restaurant) undisturbed.

All meals in the restaurant and drinks in the coffee bar by the pool use organic, fresh and locally grown ingredients, such as fresh meat and fish, organic fruits and vegetables.

Pool  – the Meeting Point of Fun

The outdoor swimming pool is located in the heart of the village, and as such is a central social place where your children will be entertained, while you enjoy your favorite cocktail with mint or a healthy smoothie made from local fruits and vegetables. Apply a layer of a home-made olive oil to your skin  while tanning in the morning sun, ideal time for this local climate.

Olives and Olive Oil – Did You Know?

As one of the oldest and healthiest foods with healing properties, olives contain a high concentration of copper, a metal necessary for building connective tissue, production of collagen, maintaining blood vessels and renewing skin, bones and joints.

The following 3 attributes associated with olives have positive effects on health:

1. Cancer prevention due to antioxidant properties
2. Prevention of heart problems associated with the hardening of arteries due to Biophenol compound
3. Prevention of ulcers and stomach cancer

Olive oil, on the other hand, makes the skin appear youthful and also helps with the weight loss.  This is enabled by the oil’s reduced insensitivity to insulin and its efficient break down of fat as well as by its aromatized extracts providing a greater sense of fullness.

Olive oil’s reputation for fostering youthful appearance of skin dates back to ancient times.  Olive oil is frequently one of the main ingredients in top quality masks and creams designed to repair nails and hair. According to a popular belief, olive oil is also attributed with aphrodisiac properties, as it is believed to give strength and vitality to love partners.

Biograd and its surroundings offer a vast array of holiday experiences such as activities in outdoors or exploring of cultural and historical heritage. Did you know that Biograd had been the historical seat of Croatian kings and is surrounded by 3 national parks and 2 nature parks? Biograd is also located within a near vicinity of the largest adrenaline park in this part of Europe. Web ring you 9 fun facts about Biograd.

1. The Heart of Croatian Kingdom

The story of Biograd goes back to the 12th century when it was the official seat of Croatian kings and bishops.  It’s most notable piece in history was marked by the coronation of the Croatian-Hungarian king Koloman in 1102.  In the later periods (15th to the end of the 18th century) the city had to cope with destruction, given that it was a territorial part of the Republic of Venice which was involved in continual wars with the Ottoman Empire.  More on Biograd’s historical heritage can be found here.

2. Close Vicinity to 3 National Parks and 2 Nature Parks

Biograd na moru is located close to the Kornati, Paklenica and Krka national Parks as well as to the Vrana Lake and Telašćica Nature Parks.  A more detailed description of the recommended activities during a particular season in the year can be found here.

3. Largest Fun Park in the Region

Fun Park Biograd is the largest theme park in this part of Europe, offering a spectacular entertainment experience for the whole family in the heart of the Adriatic coast.  It has a total of 26 attractions and 4 dining outlets. Great asset of this park includes series of thematic events such as concerts, foam disco tropic parties, fireworks, raffle games, bull riding and archery types of challenges.

Fun overdose effect can be experienced through the exploratory, adrenalin and virtual types of activities.  Find more details at the following link.

4. Surreal Beaches

Sand, pebbles, crystal clear sea, shade provided by pine forests and an array of sports facilities and food outlets are the common attributes of the nearby Dražica and Soline family beaches.

In addition to the common attributes of cleanliness, accessible terrain and the supporting infrastructure, the beaches offer specific services such as scuba diving lessons or the enormous water slide.

For a more detailed overview of what to expect at these beaches read here.

5. Rural Farms

Family owned inland farms in the vicinity of Biograd are the best kept secret of the Biograd region and as such are some of the best places to savor the local culinary tradition. Delicious snack, a glass of Dalmatian wine while listening to the family stories of your hosts in an old stone house takes you back in time.  We recommend Mićanovi dvori, OPG Odžaković, Vrata Velebit, Kuća dalmatinskog prosciutto, Vina Vrsaljko and wineries Bačić and Kaštelanac.

6. Biograd Boat Show

Biograd Boat Show is the unique and largest Central European nautical fair. For years, the show has captivated passionate lovers of sailing.  Biograd na Moru has two marinas and as such is a significant nautical center. The fair annually brings over 600,000 profesionals from the nautical, shipbuilding, hospitality, tourist agency and destination experience industries.  

7. Sunken Venetian Ship from the 16th Century

Sunken Venetian ship from the 16th century as part of the same tour tells historical details about the famous merchant ship that sank in 1583 and whose exact location was not known for more than 400 years. The treasure from the Venetian ship was accidentally discovered by fishermen from Murter in 1967. Today, more than 10,000 valuable objects are part of the “Cargo of a Sunken Vessel from the 16th century” collection in the Homeland Museum of Biograd na Moru.  

8. Active and Adrenaline Based Day Trips in Nature

Vrana Lake is a unique natural phenomena providing opporunities for the adventurous and exploratory holiday experience.  Take an easy ride along the 40 km long cycling path surrounding the lake. Along the trail you will witness a magnificent mix of colors with irresistible scents of wild plants. Some parts of the trail are populated with the thick pine forest providing a nice refuge from the sunrays, and as such are ideal for a stop over to take a break and replenish.

Whether you are a family, group of friends or a couple, the park provides plenty of activities ranging from the children’s adrenalin park, kayaking, bird watching, educational tour accompanied by a guide, sport fishing and tasting of home made delicacies at the sightseeing point Kamenjak. For a more detailed description of biodiversity of the lake, please see here.

9. Signature Mediterranean Lodging

Our vision of a well-balanced travel is embodied through San Antonio Mediterranean Holiday Village due to its micro and macro location.  Besides from being within easy reach from the historic city of Biograd, national and nature parks and other attractions,  the village provides unprecedented comfort thanks to its configuration.  It is a charming collection of comfortable stone bungalows, hidden among the century old old pinetrees which provide soothing scents accompanied by tweets of local birds and crickets. While peaceful and quiet, collection of 69 bungalows spread over an area of 17.000 square meters. The settlement is only 300 m away from the beautiful Dražica Beach.

The pool with crystal like dazzling water is a central social place in the village where your children will be entertained, while you enjoy your favorite cocktail. Bungalows provide modern amenities, include spacious bedroom, a bathroom with a shower or a bathtul and a terrace with a seating area. Family units consist of two bedrooms that share a bathroom and a terrace.

Simple, accessible, yet authentic & delightful are the appropriate attributes of San Antonio’s cuisine. Centrally located in the village, the restaurant uses organically grown ingredients within the vast range of Croatian and international seafood & meat variant specialties.

Staying at the Mediterranean Village of San Antonio near Biograd na Moru allows you to explore a vast array of signature experiences throughout spring, summer and autumn seasons.  Pleasant temperatures, proximity to the Roman city of Zadar and to the UNESCO world heritage sites of the Renaissance towns Šibenik and Trogir as well as to the national parks of Paklenica, Kornati and Krka make San Antonio a perfect holiday base from which to explore the nearby attractions.

We bring you a seasonal guide outlining the recommended experiences within a close reach of Biograd during the period from May to September.  These include activities in the outdoors within nature, exploring historical and cultural heritage sites in the cities and enjoying the beaches of the Adriatic.

Biograd na Moru is a part of Central Dalmatia where the Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean climate prevails, with temperatures ranging from a pleasant 20°C to a hot 35°C in the period from May to September.

May:

• The first appearance of noticeably longer days and visible stabilization of the weather
• Temperatures range from pleasant 15° C to a moderately warm 25° C,
• Advantages: less crowds, more favorable prices, less heat with small chances for rain and wind
• Things to do?
  • Active holidays in nature, such as cycling around Vrana Lake
  • Hiking throughout Paklenica National Park
  • Discovering historical heritage found in the Roman city of Zadar and UNESCO World Heritage site in the Renaissance town of Trogir
• Distances from the Mediterranean village of San Antonio:
  • about 10 km and 15 minutes drive to Vrana Lake
  • Up to 45 minutes drive to Paklenica National Park
  • Up to 30 and 45 minutes drive to Šibenik and Trogir via the A1 highway

June:

• The month during which first summer heat occurs
• Air temperatures range from 25° C to 30° C, while the sea warms up to a pleasant 24° C, enabling first seasonal swims:  usually the swimming seasons starts in the middle of the month, at times even at the very beginning of June/end of May
• Things to do?
  • Enjoying the pebble beaches of Dražica and Soline, protected by pine forests
  • Boat trip to Kornati
  • Kayaking on Lake Vrana

July and August:

• Mostly dry and hot period with air temperatures ranging from 30° C to 35° C with long days
• Things to do?
  • Swimming on secluded beaches far from the crowds
  • Enjoying local culinary events and folk festivals during the main season in Biograd and surrounding towns
  • Swimming in Zrmanja river within Krka National Park and a trip to a nearby town of Šibenik, distinguished for its cathedral of St. Jakov included in the UNESCO World Heritage List
  • Exploring Kornati seabed while diving
  • Family fun at the local beaches: Soline and Dražica in Biograd

September:

• Air temperatures ranging from 25° C to 30° C
• Advantages: less crowds, more favorable prices, less heat with small chances for rain and wind
• Things to do?
  • Swimming and diving are usually still possible during the first half of the month
  • Savoring the culinary tradition of rural farms in the vicinity of Biograd and tasting Dalmatian prosciutto and cheese, fish soup, grilled octopus and fritters. Recommendation: Mićanovi dvori, OPG Odžaković, Vrata Velebit, House of Dalmatian prosciutto, Vins Vrsaljko and Bačić and Kaštelanac wineries.
  • Discovering the fascinating cathedrals and basilicas of Biograd, a medieval city built by King Petar Krešimir IV in this once 11th-century capital of the Kingdom of Croatia
  • Bird watching, educational trails, adrenaline park for children on Vrana Lake

Plan your holiday in the Mediterranean Village of San Antonio and embrace the Mediterranean way of life.   Habits such as a light excercise, spending the time outdoors in Central Dalmatia, characterized for having more than 2,700 hours of sunshine a year and enjoying simple life pleasures such as napping and enjoying delicious cuisine present aquality lifestyle and all can be found in San Antonio.

Mediterraneans Live Longer

The Mediterranean way of living and a climate rich in sunlight have contributed to what has long been known as the perfect formula for a long and healthy life.  This idea has been supported by a series of longitudinal studies observing the daily habits of locals across Nordic and Mediterranean regions in Europe, America and Asia.  Results have found that the inhabitants of Mediterranean countries have a significantly lower blood pressure, a lower rate of cardiovascular diseases and cancer which yields in longer overall life expectancy compared to the average global results (Keys, 1958; Buettner 2019).

1. Being Outdoors

Positioned only a few tens of meters away from the sea promenade, Mediterranean Village of San Antonio is an ideal spot to spend time outdoors during all seasons. In the summer, you may enjoy swimming on the enticing nearby beaches of Dražica and Soline, while in autumn and spring, a beautiful this promenade becomes your companion to be used for light walks taking you straight to the exciting center of Biograd na Moru, an intriguing city with cultural and historical heritage. Just 10 km and 15 minutes drive from San Antonio, you may also enjoy cycling on the scenic 40 km long bike trails within the Vrana Lake Nature Park, an extraordinary site where the land blends with water, overgrown with rushes, sedges, reeds, and flowers of magnificent colors providing a home to over 256 species of birds. During your stay in the Vrana Lake Nature Park, indulge in bird watching, kayaking while your children can spend some fun time in the nearby adrenaline park.

2. More than 300 Hours of Sunlight in a Year

A stay at the Mediterranean Village of San Antonio means that you are located in the heart of Central Dalmatia, a region rich with daily sunlight.  The sun is a natural anti-depressant because the light reaches the brain through the optic nerve and activates the mood center afterwhich one feels happier and more energetic. This notion is supported by several studies, the two of them being completed at the University of Zaragoza and the Psychiatric Hospital of Sant Joan de Déu in Barcelona.  The studies have found that exposure to the sun for several weeks has a therapeutic effect against mild to moderate depression (Serrano Ripoll et al., 2014).

Sunny weather makes a tranquilizing ambience of stone bungalows surrounded by the century old pine trees within the premises of the Mediterranean Village of San Antonio even more enjoyable.   More than 2.700 hours of sunlight per year call for day trips to some of the most prominent natural attractions within Central Dalmatia: National Park Kornati, Plitvice Lakes National Park and National Park Krka. Those are the most visited national parks in Croatia, and as such are inevitable oases of beauty providing peace and tranquility to all searching for beautiful outdoors and pure natural surroundings.

3. Simple Life Pleasures

Culinary delights, quality afternoon sleep and good vibes are an integral part of the mediterranean lifestyle. Feeling relaxed and comfortable is also an important part of the culinary experience.  Such state of mind has been found to be an integral part of preferable lifestyle habits in research results that measured the extent to which certain mediterranean habits reflect on the length and quality of life (Keys, 1958).

Variety, authenticity and delicious scents are the main attributes of the culinary offer within the Mediterranean Village of San Antonio, and the restaurant itself is located in the center of the village serving as a place of gathering and socializing. The ingredients are organically grown and used in some of the most authentic specialties embracing the local Croatian and Mediterranean cuisine.

Aftrenoon napping – The term of siesta is often used to make fun of lazy southerners, however some studies have shown that afternoon napping has beneficial effects on personal health. Research studies by the Medical Faculty of the University of Athens and the Harvard Medical School have shown that napping reduces the risk for developing cardiovascular diseases and hence the incidence of premature death (Stang, Dragano et al., 2012). The research analyzed data on more than 20,000 Greeks between the ages of 20 and 86 participating in a European cancer study.  Among the questions they answered was a question on whether they sleep in the afternoon and how often. The results showed that a risk of death from heart disease was 34 percent lower in people who slept in the afternoon.