Etnoland is a theme park that brings visitors back to the old days in a typical Dalmatian environment. This family-run historical and cultural site is in Pakovo Selo, just next to the Krka National Park and Sibenik and it is ideal to visit for half a day.
It has a museum area that shows how Dalmatians organized their homes, what did they do for a living, and, most importantly, how did they produce the famous delicacy pršut! Pršut is the local prosciutto that resembles smoked ham. All tours in Etnoland include pršut and wine tasting.
Make sure you plan your lunch here as well! Many tourists come for the traditional food and drinks.
Welcome to Etnoland!
Our experience in Etnoland
I wanted to visit for several years now but didn’t find the time. Finally, we managed to come on a fine September Saturday in 2019 and loved the place! The hosts own Etnoland and take perfect care of the visitors. They were very helpful and welcoming.
Our lovely host Anna and me
Etnoland is a large theme park with a lot to learn about local culture
We checked out the traditional Dalmatian rooms, tried some fine pršut, played and ran around with Anna, and then had a nice meal in the lovely restaurant area. All this at a very fair price, so I totally recommend the place.
We spent about three hours here, which is enough for the Etnoland experience and lunch.
Some of our lunch 🙂
How to get to Etnoland
We came with our vehicle from Sibenik using Google to navigate us and had no problems with finding the place. It is very close to the main road but there isn’t a sign at the turn, so be careful with that.
Buses with organized groups also come, especially in the summer months when Croatia is loaded with visitors curious to explore and taste the country.
There is a huge parking lot at no extra fee.
Etnoland is one of the rare places in Croatia with no parking troubles. Wish there were more of these!
When to come to Etnoland
Etnoland accepts several groups a day and it is best to check availability on their website, or call them to be sure you’ll get in. Summer is always busy, so plan your indivisual or group visit in advance.
Inside the museum building
There’s a cure souvenir shop with traditional hats and bags, as well as magnets, cups, bottles and many more
Visiting with children
There is a large children’s playground at Etnoland that our Anna loved. It’s outside and seems safe enough. In addition, our hosts also provided us with some pencils and coloring papers, which were very useful while we had lunch.
The restaurant is equipped with baby chairs, too.
Anna wanted to eat some of the grapes in front of the museum section
There’s enough space for many kids here
Anna enjoying herself
Similar places around
There is a similar theme restaurant in Amadria Park, some 25 km (15 mi) away, called Dalmatian Ethno Village. This one is much smaller and not so attractive but still a charming restaurant with traditional Dalmatian features and space for walks, including a small windmill. Still, if you cannot make it to Etnoland, this is a decent alternative.
Authentic houses from stone in Dalmatian Ethno Village in Amadria Park
Charming stone bridge in Dalmatian Ethno Village, close to the beach
So, are you going to check this place out? Let me know if you need more info!