Nikola Baraka is one of those people who turned their dream of travelling the world into reality as both a lifestyle and his job. Having visited more than 100 countries, he is the founder of the Croatian Travel Festivala and the organiser of the Croatian Travel Festival in his hometown of Šibenik, which has grown from a fun idea into one of the city’s most recognisable events. As an entrepreneur and family man, he continuously develops projects that connect people, stories, and authentic experiences. Through the production of tourism videos – including collaborations with Hazen Audel – he actively promotes Croatia on an international level.

It was in this context that he visited Slavonia and Baranja, where, together with Hazen Audel, presenter of National Geographic, he explored local stories, people, and experiences. He shared what surprised him most, which places left the strongest impression, and what he thought of the atmosphere and way of life in eastern Croatia.

He now sees it took him too long

When did you first visit Slavonia and Baranja, and how did your expectations compare to reality?

Honestly, I now realise it took me far too long. What stayed with me forever are the plains and the feeling of vastness when I first saw all those cultivated fields. The endless horizon became my first and strongest association with Slavonia. Coming from a completely different landscape of Dalmatia, I found this particularly fascinating. Although I’ve travelled to more than 100 countries, I left exploring eastern Croatia “for later,” which is actually a common traveller mistake. I had visited Slavonia before, but I only truly experienced it while filming with Hazen Audel in the spring of 2025. The hospitality and gastronomic richness of the Romulić family of Čudesna šuma were a special experience, while the Dugalić family at the K55 winery welcomed us as if we were their house guests. Baranjska kuća is a true guardian of history, ensuring that nearly forgotten times are passed on to future generations…

Which places or experiences stood out the most?

Ma stay in Slavonia and Baranja was the perfect combination of nature, food, and people. The Kopački rit Nature Park was particularly impressive – it’s one of those places that make you slow down and take it all in. The forests of Nature Park Papuk were incredibly calming, I would love to spend more time there. Cycling through the Belje vineyards was a unique experience, while one of the most memorable moments was watching the Lipizzaner horses run freely at Ivandvor near Đakovo. The view from Aljmaš over the Danube, as well as the walk through a vine pergola at a winery in Erdut, left a powerful impression and revealed the full richness of eastern Croatia’s tourism potential.

How would you describe the people and the hospitality you experienced?

The Sontacchi family immediately won us over with their openness and warmth when they spontaneously invited us to a bachelor party, Beata Drkulec passionately introduced us to the Galić winery and its finest wines, while the chef at Didin konak carefully explained how to prepare fiš paprikaš. We also loved Filip Golubov Car, a guardian of Baranja’s Šokac tradition, who introduced us to the incredible sounds of bagpipes and tamburica. Franjo Vinković, a blacksmith from Đakovo, shares the same passion and was kind enough to reveal some of the secrets of his outstanding craftsmanship to Hazen.

Wineries with stories and character

As anperienced traveller and tourism promoter, you often emphasise authenticity – did you find that sense of “realness” in Slavonia and Baranja?

I expected beautiful nature and good food, but the reality was much more – authenticity that is now increasingly rare and the feeling that you are not just passing through, but becoming part of your host’s story. It is precisely that attention and warmth that make the difference and provide the final “touch” in tourism – the feeling that you are welcomed as a person, not just as a guest or consumer. These days, the feeling that you take home is the most important factor of the overall experience of any destination.

Which wistories would you highlight?

Wine and wineries strongly shape the experience of Slavonia and Baranja because they are not just an addition to tourism, but an essential part of the region’s identity. Every winery and every cellar has its own story and character, which you can truly feel when people open their doors and share it with you. We explored the cellars and archives of Belje, peeked into the treasury of Kutjevo, stood beside the impressive 75,000-litre barrel in Erdut, and heard the story of Kadarka at K55 – a wine once even served in the Vatican. Josić naturally combines wine and gastronomy, while Erdut and Belje, with their impressive vineyards and historic ellars, convey a strong sense of tradition and continuity. Enosophia brings fresh energy while maintaining deep respect for a centuries-old winemaking heritage. What all these wineries have in common is that they produce truly exceptional wines – worth travelling for, from anywhere in Croatia and beyond. And there are still many reasons to return, from Krauthaker and Enjingi to Gerštmajer and Mihalj. One thing is certain – Slavonia and Baranja will see me again, and soon!

What are the most common misconceptions about Slavonia and Baranja?

There is a common misconception that Slavonia and Baranja is only about agriculture and wine. In reality, this is a region of incredible nature, rich traditions, powerful stories, and people who are the soul of this destination. From Kopački Rit and Papuk to vineyards and cellars, and authentic experiences that cannot be planned. Hotel Materra adds to the story by offering excellent accommodation in a setting that immediately draws you in with its scents and flavours. I am confident it will inspire the development of more such hotels as a valuable addition for visitors to inspire their travel and have them stay longer.

What inspired the promotional film about Slavonia and Baranja, how do you see the project in the rearview mirror?

After filming a promotional video about Dalmatia, my first thought for a follow-up was Slavonia and Baranja. I’m especially glad to see that the Tourist Board of Osijek-Baranja County is led by people who think long-term and understand the importance of continuous promotion. The idea of bringing Hazen Audel and creating a promotional film about Slavonia and Baranja proved to be a strong collaborative project. Our film is just a small part of what Ivana Jurić and Mislav Matišić are doing, together with their excellent colleagues Katarina Anđelković and Mislav Pavošević.

The best is yet to come for eastern Croatia – and Slavonia and Baranja offer an experience that has people coming back for more.

Interviewed by: Katarina Anđelković