From a Tent Under an Almond Tree: How a Slovenian Tourist Founded a Beloved Croatian Campsite

What began with a Slovenian tourist and a tent under a almond tree nearly half a century ago has blossomed into a cherished destination on Croatia's Korčula island. In the summer of 1978, Miloš Kumar, seeking a camping spot with his family, arrived in Vela Luka after a challenging 20-hour drive.

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Deda always said that it all started with Miloš.

Korčula was then a remote part of the Adriatic, and Kumar's journey was a departure from the typical Slovenian holiday destinations of Istria or Kvarner. He had initially planned to visit Pag but was deterred by long ferry queues. His drive to Korčula was arduous, navigating narrow, potholed roads in the dark.

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Most Slovenians went to Istria or Kvarner at that time. Korčula seemed terribly far to us.

Upon arrival, Kumar encountered locals Petar and Marija Šimunović. They offered him and his family a place to pitch their tent under a large almond tree, known locally as 'mindela.' The Šimunovićs even provided access to water and their kitchen, leaving Kumar with the key to their house for the week while they visited Vela Luka. Kumar recalled his surprise at the trust shown by the strangers.

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It was around eleven at night. I no longer knew if I was even driving in the right direction.

The Kumar family stayed for two weeks and returned the following year, soon joined by friends. The growing number of visitors eventually led Petar Šimunović to seek official permission, resulting in the establishment of the Mindel campsite. Today, Ana Marija Maričić, Šimunović's granddaughter and current owner, notes that her grandfather always said it all started with Miloš. The campsite officially opened on August 3, 1983, Petar's birthday, and has since become a place where guests return like old friends, creating lifelong bonds.

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I drove 500 kilometers, arrived in a completely unknown place, and strangers gave me space on their land and the key to their house.