Đurđevac and the Croatian Sahara combine sand dunes, the Drava River, and rich history. Discover the legendary town of the Picoki and its unique desert!
Đurđevac and the Croatian Sahara are one of Croatia’s most unusual natural and cultural gems — a blend of golden dunes, dense forests, the Drava River, and centuries of history.
Table of Contents
Located in the heart of Podravina in northern Croatia, this charming town is known for the legend of the Picoki, a story of bravery and wit that still defines its identity today. From the medieval fortress of the Old Town to the sandy landscapes of the Đurđevac Sands, this region perfectly connects nature and tradition.
Here, you’ll find contrasts unlike anywhere else in the country — where the forest meets the desert, and history meets legend.
🏜️ About Đurđevac and the Croatian Sahara
Đurđevac and the Croatian Sahara are located in the heart of Podravina, between the Drava River and the gentle lowland forests of northern Croatia. This picturesque area lies in Koprivnica-Križevci County, roughly halfway between Koprivnica and Virovitica.
At first glance, it may look like an ordinary flat Podravina landscape — but Đurđevac hides one of Croatia’s most unusual natural treasures: sand dunes that have earned it the nickname “the Croatian Sahara.”
The Đurđevac Sands phenomenon was formed over centuries through natural processes. As the Drava River changed its course, it deposited vast amounts of sand, which the winds gradually shaped into soft, rolling dunes.
Once covering more than 12,000 hectares, the sands now occupy a smaller area protected as a special geographical and botanical reserve. Here grow rare, drought-resistant plants such as sand heather and steppe grass, giving the landscape an almost desert-like appearance during summer.
At the center of it all lies Đurđevac, a small town rich in history and famous for the legend of the Picoki — a tale of courage and cleverness that is brought to life every year during the grand Picokijada Festival.
The Old Town Đurđevac, built on a rise above the former wetlands, served for centuries as a frontier fortress between Croatia and the Ottoman Empire. Today it has been beautifully restored and transformed into a vibrant cultural and tourist hub.
Just outside the town you’ll find the Đurđevac Sands Visitor Center, where you can experience a true “desert” in the green heart of Croatia, meet the camels that have become local mascots, and stroll along educational trails through this one-of-a-kind landscape.
Đurđevac perfectly embodies the contrasts of Podravina — from river backwaters and fertile fields to dry golden dunes and ancient fortresses.
It’s a place where nature and tradition live in harmony, and every walk reveals a new story.
🌆 Things to See in Đurđevac and the Croatian Sahara
Though small in size, Đurđevac offers a surprising number of attractions — from historical fortresses and folklore festivals to desert-like dunes and pine forests.
🏰 Old Town Đurđevac
The symbol of the town and its proudest landmark. Built in the 15th century to defend against the Ottoman Turks, this fortress once stood on the very edge of medieval Croatia.
Today, Old Town Đurđevac has been beautifully restored and turned into a cultural center housing the Town Museum, an art gallery, and the Interpretation Center of the Picoki Legend.
From its towers, you can enjoy panoramic views over the flat Podravina landscape.
🐦 The Legend of the Picoki and the Picokijada Festival
According to legend, during the Ottoman siege, the townspeople had only one rooster (a picok) left for food. To trick the enemy, they fired it from a cannon towards the Turkish camp. Believing the town still had plenty of food, the Ottomans retreated — and Đurđevac was saved.
Every June, the legend comes to life during Picokijada, a spectacular three-day festival with historical reenactments, traditional fairs, concerts, and folklore performances.
🏜️ Visitor Center Đurđevački peski – The Croatian Sahara
Just a short walk from the Old Town lies the Visitor Center Đurđevački peski, often called the Croatian Sahara.
Here you can learn about the formation of the dunes, walk along the educational trail through the sandy landscape, and meet real camels — the famous local residents that have become symbols of Đurđevac.
Interactive exhibits tell the story of how nature, wind, and human ingenuity created this extraordinary micro-desert in the middle of green Croatia.
🌳 Borik Forest Park
On the northern edge of town, Borik offers shaded walking and cycling paths surrounded by tall pine trees.
It’s a peaceful spot for locals and visitors alike — perfect for a relaxing break or a picnic after exploring the dunes.
⛪ Church of St. George
Named after the town’s patron saint, St. George’s Church is a beautiful baroque building from the 18th century, decorated with detailed altars and paintings. Its elegant bell tower dominates the skyline of Đurđevac.
🖼️ Art Gallery and Naïve Tradition
Inside the fortress you’ll also find the Stari Grad Gallery, which hosts rotating exhibitions of contemporary and traditional Croatian art.
Special attention is given to the Podravina naïve painting school, a world-famous artistic movement born right here in northern Croatia.
🐫 Camels – The Symbols of the Croatian Sahara
Yes, you read that right! Real camels live here — brought as a playful symbol of the desert and now beloved mascots of the town. They’re friendly, photogenic, and an absolute hit with families and children.
🌾 The Surroundings – Đurđevac Sands and the Natural Wonders of Podravina
If you’ve come to see Đurđevac and the Croatian Sahara, don’t miss exploring its surroundings. Just minutes from town begin the sandy dunes, pine forests, and calm backwaters of the Drava River — a landscape full of contrasts.
🏜️ Đurđevac Sands Nature Reserve
Also known as the Croatian Sahara, this protected area preserves the last remnants of Podravina’s drifting sands.
Centuries ago, the Drava River deposited sand along its banks, and strong winds shaped it into dunes. Locals later planted pine trees to stop the desert from spreading.
Today you can explore it via the Educational Trail Peski, which winds through golden sand, rare plants, and interpretive signs explaining this unique ecosystem.
🪵 Kalinovac Dunes (Kalinovečki peski)
About 10 km from Đurđevac, near the village of Kalinovac, lies another sandy landscape — smaller but equally photogenic.
Here you can clearly see how nature reclaimed the land: part desert, part forest. It’s one of the best spots for photos, especially during the golden hour.
🌊 The Drava River
South of town, the landscape changes again — sand gives way to wetlands, backwaters, and willow forests along the Drava River.
The Drava area is a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers, rich with aquatic birds, frogs, and rare plants.
You can also enjoy kayaking, cycling, or simply watching the sunset over the quiet waters
🚣♀️ Half-Day Trip to Križnica – Drava Story
A short drive away, near Pitomača, lies Križnica, a small island settlement accessible only by river ferry.
The Drava Story Visitor Center there offers educational exhibits about river life and local wildlife — a great add-on to your Đurđevac day trip.
🌿 The Contrasts of Podravina
Few regions in Croatia show such diversity on such a small area: dry dunes, fertile fields, pine forests, and wetlands — all within a few kilometers.
That’s why locals call this area “Podravina in miniature” — a true natural mosaic of northern Croatia.
🚗 How to Get to Đurđevac and the Croatian Sahara
Đurđevac is located in Koprivnica-Križevci County, roughly halfway between Koprivnica and Virovitica. It’s easily accessible from anywhere in northern Croatia.
🚙 By Car
From Zagreb (about 110 km / 1.5 hours): take the A2 highway to Križevci, then follow roads D22 and D2 toward Koprivnica and Đurđevac.
From Koprivnica it’s 40 km, and from Virovitica about 45 km.
Parking is available near the Old Town and the Visitor Center.
🚆 By Train
Đurđevac lies on the Koprivnica – Virovitica – Osijek line, with regular connections from Zagreb and Križevci.
The train ride is comfortable and offers scenic views of rural Podravina.
🚌 By Bus
Several regional buses connect Đurđevac with Koprivnica, Bjelovar, Križevci, Virovitica, and Osijek.
The bus station is centrally located, within walking distance of the main sights.
🌄 Suggested Day Trip Itinerary
- Morning: Visit Old Town Đurđevac and the Picoki Interpretation Center
- Late morning: Explore the Đurđevac Sands Visitor Center, walk the dunes, meet the camels
- Lunch: Traditional meal at Stari Grad Restaurant or Đurđevečka Iža
- Afternoon: Short drive to the Drava wetlands or Kalinovac dunes
A perfect one-day blend of history, nature, and local flavor.
🥘 Where to Eat in Đurđevac
🍖 Stari Grad Restaurant & Brewery
Located inside the fortress walls — the perfect spot for local cuisine in a historic setting. Try the Podravina goulash, roast chicken with mlinci, and traditional walnut pastries.
🥘 Đurđevečka Iža
Rustic and cozy, known for pumpkin soup, štrukli, and homemade wines from local vineyards.
🍻 Podravski Podrum Pub
Great for a casual lunch or dinner — burgers, grilled platters, and cold local beer. The terrace overlooks the gentle hills of Podravina.
💡 Tip: During Picokijada, book your table in advance — the town gets busy!
🏡 Where to Stay in Đurđevac
🏨 Hotel Picok**
Modern four-star hotel with spa, sauna, pool, and restaurant. Located close to the Old Town — best choice for couples or short weekend stays.
🌾 Holiday Homes and Apartments
Charming cottages and rural homes around Kalinovac and Budrovac offer peace, gardens, and authentic countryside vibes.
🏕️ Agrotourism Stays
Experience Podravina hospitality in local farms where you can taste homemade honey, wine, and traditional food.
🗺️ Plan Your Stay
(Insert your Stay22 map embed here – showing hotels, apartments, and guesthouses in Đurđevac and surroundings)
💡 Travel Tips and Fun Facts
🗓️ Best Time to Visit
- Spring and early autumn are ideal for walking the dunes.
- Summer brings the true desert feel — and the camels love it!
- Late June is special thanks to the Picokijada Festival.
🎒 What to Bring
- Light clothes, hat, and sunscreen.
- Water and a camera — the dunes and camels make for surreal photos.
🚶♀️ How Much Time to Spend
- Half a day for the Old Town, Visitor Center, and dunes.
- A full day if you also explore the Drava wetlands or Kalinovac dunes.
🐫 Did You Know?
- Each camel in Đurđevac has its own name and personality!
- The dunes host rare plants such as sand horsetail and steppe grasses, found nowhere else in Croatia.
🌿 Combine It With
Nearby places worth visiting:
- Koprivnica – museums, street art, and Podravina cuisine.
- Križnica – river island reached only by ferry.
- Molve and Kalinovac – charming Podravina villages with strong local traditions.
📸 Fun Fact
Aerial photos of the Đurđevac Sands look like they were taken in Morocco — yet this “desert” lies just 90 minutes from Zagreb.
Đurđevac and the Croatian Sahara are much more than a short trip — they’re a meeting point of history, legend, and landscape that prove just how diverse Croatia really is.
