A snapshot of rural life on one of Croatia’s most beautiful islands.
I don’t think any of us would ever put Vis, Scandinavian people, olives and an English hospital in the same sentence, but that’s the beauty of Croatian islands. Always expect the unexpected.
We are taking you to the picturesque little village of Pothumlje on Vis where some 20 years ago Croatian war veteran and pensioner Vinko Sviličić opened a small family farm.
He takes care of olives, vines, carobs and his vegetable gardens with the help of his wife, two daughters and two son-in-laws. But what was once a small family farm and a way to provide basic income for his loved ones has now turned into a true tourist attraction so don’t be surprised if you have to call in and book your tasting weeks in advance.
“When we started our olive groves, we also came to an idea to open an olive oil tasting facility. We started with olive oil, slowly added other homemade products and before we knew it, we became a must see destination. Olive oil started to become a brand of Vis even though other neighbouring islands are much more renowned for their oil than us. It is really surprising to see how knowledgeable our guests are when it comes to olive oil. Believe it or not, our guests from Scandinavia are most knowledgeable of them all! There is no way you can try and give them oil that is less than perfect.”
Most popular items, besides the oil, are carob cakes with olive oil and the Vis pie, guests are always looking for the recipes and the owners are more than happy to oblige and to show them how to make them.
Any where does the English hospital come in? Well this particular farm is now in the very same location where an English hospital was located in the 19th century so along with a great gastro journey, all guests also get the opportunity to listen to a myriad stories regarding the very interesting history of Pothumlje. And if they still have the energy after a big lunch and after wine and olive oil tasting, they can always play a game of cricket or two, for this sport has been present on island Vis since 1809.
