It’s up with the sparrows, for an early morning start to visit the ornithological reserve and trail by the expansive Vrana Lake. As Croatia’s largest body of water, RAMSAR designated Vrana Lake has over 256 recorded species. In Spring and Autumn, 104 species can be found nesting and feeding. The global survival of 13 species is reliant on their nesting at Vrana Lake. These include the purple heron, great egret, spotted crake, pygmy cormorant and moustached warbler.

At midday, lunch is at the historic Mašković Han restaurant, a restored Ottoman Era building in the village beside Lake Vrana - a cultural gem, with a locally sourced menu. Following lunch, we head to the small seaside town of Nin, to see its salt fields which have been in operation for 1,500 years and use traditional methods for salt harvesting. Our guide discusses the salt industry and wildlife diversity at the fields. We are guided through the walking trails along ponds and salt fields for birdwatching and wildlife interpretation.

We complete our tour at the on-site salt museum, for an insight into the history and human settlement at this unique site with an opportunity to find an ecologically produced salty souvenir before you return to your accommodation.