Imotski, the Hidden Heart of the Dalmatian Hinterland

Imotski is not just a place. It’s a feeling. Tucked away in the Dalmatian hinterland near the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, this charming town is a cradle of tradition, natural beauty, and strong-hearted people. For me, Imotski is more than a destination. It holds the memory of my grandparents, our family roots, and those long summer gatherings that shaped who I am.

The People of Imotski – Strong, Proud and Honest

Since my mother comes from Imotski, I feel entitled to share jokes about the town and its people. I might even tell you a few if you sit with me. There is something unshakable in the character of the Imoćani. Perhaps it comes from the rugged karst landscape or the centuries of perseverance. The people here are known for their sharp wit, honesty, and a deep pride in their heritage. Hospitality is not just a gesture here. It is a way of life. The door is always open, and you are always welcome at the table.

A Town Built on Stories, Stone and Soul

Every summer, especially around the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, celebrated on August 15, Imotski comes alive. Families return from all over the world, especially from Germany, where many Imotski people moved decades ago. That’s why Imotski is lovingly nicknamed “Mercedes City”, a tribute to the many Mercedes-Benz cars brought back by returnees. The monument dedicated to this car has become both iconic and endearing.

The Blue and Red Lakes, Wrapped in Legends

Imotski is perhaps most famous for its two mystical sinkhole lakes, the Blue Lake (Modro jezero) and the Red Lake (Crveno jezero). Generations have grown up with the local legends, including the tale of Gavan’s palace that was swallowed by the Red Lake after its greedy noble owner refused to offer shelter to a poor traveler. These lakes are not only breathtaking natural wonders. They carry with them the spirit of the people, the myths, and the landscape.

Swimming in the Blue Lake during the summer is almost a ritual. When the lake dries up, something magical happens. Locals gather and play a football match at the bottom of the lake, an event like no other in the world. In the middle of the field, instead of a typical center circle, there is a Mercedes-Benz symbol.

Lamb by the River Vrljika, a Celebration of Togetherness

Some of my fondest memories are set along the banks of the Vrljika River, the crystal-clear water that flows peacefully near the town. On the Feast of the Assumption, after the holy mass in the “Green Cathedral,” the beautiful church tucked between the trees by the river, families gather to celebrate.

Lamb is slowly roasted on a stick over an open fire. The smell of wood and meat fills the air, mingling with laughter, stories, and music. People return from across Europe to reconnect with home, their families, and their roots. It’s more than a tradition. It’s a celebration of life, of togetherness, of identity.

The Flavors of Imotski, A Culinary Heritage

Food in Imotski is sacred. It is tradition passed down through hands and hearts. The classic peka, where meat or octopus is slow-cooked under an iron dome with potatoes, is a must. So is pura i pivac, polenta served with a well-cooked rooster. And the bread, always fresh, always homemade.

I remember asking my grandmother for the crispy corner of the bread every time I visited. It was pure delight. She always cooked rooster. I must admit I wasn’t fond of the smell, but the soup, especially when served with polenta, was something truly special. She would also bake it in the oven with potatoes, and that combination was unforgettable.

As for drinks, nothing could match my grandfather’s homemade wine. His Kujundžuša was light, crisp, and refreshing, while the Trnjak red was bold, rich, and full of the sun-drenched soul of the land around Imotski.

Why You Should Visit Imotski

If you’re looking for an authentic Croatian experience, far from the crowded coastline, Imotski will offer you peace, tradition, and something rare these days—genuine connection. It is the perfect destination for nature lovers, food lovers, history lovers, or anyone in search of a place with depth and soul.

Whether you are hiking to the edge of the Red Lake, sipping wine in a cozy family-run konoba, or relaxing by the shade of the Vrljika River, Imotski will stay with you. It becomes part of you. Just like it has always been a part of me.

Nikolina Tomasović

Hi, I’m Nikolina Tomasovic Bock. I studied journalism, but after some time, I realized that the fast-paced world of news wasn’t really for me. I decided to slow down and live more like my ancestors did, close to nature, in the countryside, with my dog, cats, chickens, and my husband.

There are many tour guides out there, so why choose me? I’ve traveled quite a bit and, like Candide from Voltaire said, there’s no better place than the one you know and where you grew up. That’s why I love showing people the real, authentic side of my country, the small towns and villages of Dalmatia where life still feels genuine and connected to the past.

When I travel, I’m not drawn to big cities, I love to wander in order to find the original cultural character. Instead, I want to see the places that make a country unique, the local traditions, the small details, the everyday life that tells a story. That’s exactly what you’ll find here.

If you’re ready to explore something different, I’m ready to guide you. I know many stories from my work as a journalist, stories that don’t always make it into guidebooks. Trust me, together we’ll find something special that will make your visit unforgettable, even if you’re a demanding traveler.

Let me show you the real Dalmatia, the one I’m proud to call home.