If you ever find yourself on the Adriatic highway on the way to Zadar, near the end you have to pass through the villages of Starigrad and Seline. Right between these two wonderful places, at the foot of Paklenica, the Hotel Rajna is hidden, which testifies to the charm of family businesses. For more than 40 years, the Marasović family has been welcoming guests to their corner of paradise, offering not only accommodation but also a complete experience of nature, adventure, culinary delights and warm hospitality.
Hotel Rhine
The soul of Hotel Rajna is the Marasović family, specifically Marin and Josipa Marasović, who run the hotel with their two sons. This family business is based on the principles of personalized service, attention to detail and a deep-rooted passion for tourism. Growing up at his parents' inn, Marin developed a deep understanding of the tourism industry from an early age, and over the past 15 years, he has turned his passion for nature and photography into a successful career, leading groups and sharing his enthusiasm for the stunning slopes of Paklenica.
In the heart of the hotel is their wonderful restaurant, a culinary paradise where guests can enjoy a range of traditional Croatian dishes prepared with love and local ingredients. The restaurant's comfortable atmosphere, along with the Marasović family's commitment to quality and authenticity, makes it an unmissable place for hotel guests and visitors to Starigrad.
The interior of the restaurant Rajna
The restaurant offers a varied menu that showcases the best of traditional Croatian cuisine, and guests can enjoy a variety of dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients, reflecting the region's rich culinary heritage.
We have admired one dish every time we have been coming to this restaurant for the past 9 years, and that is the Red Risotto. This culinary delight is a delicious combination of fresh seafood, squid, shrimp and locally grown mussels. Freshly prepared daily, the risotto combines these exceptional ingredients with local spices and perfectly cooked rice, offering guests a taste of the rich maritime region.
Red risotto with seafood
For those who prefer a more relaxed exploration of nature, the Velebit Photo Safari Tour is a must. This tour takes you in Range Rover Defenders through the hinterland of Zadar and southern Velebit, offering untouched landscapes perfect for photography and quiet contemplation. You will visit notable places such as the Rio Peco (Zrmanja River), Pueblo na Pariževačka glavika and Tulov grede, and you can also explore the Karl May & Winnetou exhibition near the Bluesun Alan Hotel, which displays props and memorabilia from film crews that once stayed in the former Paklenica motel.
Velebit Photo Safari with Range Rover Defenders
For all of you who want to see live the filming locations of the movie Winnetou, the untouched nature surrounding the Rhine Hotel has a rich history, as it served as the setting for the film about the fictional Indian chief from the novel by the German author Karl May. Many iconic parts of the national parks Paklenica, Krka and Plitvice Lakes, as well as the area near Starigrad, were transformed into the American "Wild West" for these films shot in the 1960s. For those who want to discover more locations of the "Wild West", day trips to Plitvice Lakes National Park (two hours' drive) or Krka National Park (an hour and a half's drive) are recommended. In addition, the Zrmanja river offers spectacular experiences through boat trips or simple kayak tours.
Winnetou film - Image author Croatian Travel Club
In a world where personalized service is rare, Hotel Rajna stands out as an example of authentic hospitality, driven by the family's passion to share its love of nature, adventure and culinary excellence with guests from around the world. Regardless of whether you are looking for an adrenaline-filled vacation or a peaceful retreat, Hotel Rajna is your ideal destination.
For more information, visit https://www.hotelrajna.com
Comments