A Vegetarian Island Vacation on Iž: At the family-run Hotel Korinjak, Mediterranean cuisine, yoga, and a tranquil island lifestyle blend together right on the Adriatic Sea.
Description
Surrounded by pine trees and just a few steps from the Adriatic Sea lies the Hotel Korinjak, an independent, family-run hotel on the Croatian island of Iž. For over 25 years, the Korinjak has offered a unique approach: 100% vegetarian and predominantly vegan Mediterranean cuisine, yoga, wellness, and a mindful use of the island’s limited resources.
Let the island set the pace for your vacation. Take a swim in the ocean right in front of the hotel, explore Veli Iž, practice yoga and meditation in the morning, and spend a quiet afternoon under the pine trees. Massages, gong sound baths, and other treatments complete the offerings. The guest rooms have neither TVs nor Wi-Fi, a deliberate choice that fosters true relaxation.
Highlights
- Quiet location right by the sea on the Croatian island of Iž, off the coast of Zadar
- Independent, family-run hotel with more than 25 years of history
- No car needed; within walking distance of the Veli Iž port
- 100% vegetarian, predominantly vegan, Mediterranean cuisine
- On-site herb garden for spices and fresh herbal tea
- Double, twin, and single rooms with a view of the sea or olive grove
- Morning yoga, meditation, and mindfulness walks included in the “Vacation for the Soul” program
Your journey to the Hotel Korinjak
By car
Coming from Germany or Austria, the usual route goes through Salzburg and Zagreb, then continues along the Croatian A1 toward Zadar. In Zadar, you can park your car and take the ferry to Veli Iž on foot. There is also a car ferry from the Gaženica ferry port, but you won’t need your car on the island.
By train
Most long-distance trains will take you to Zagreb first. From there, take a long-distance bus to Zadar. Then, take a catamaran directly to Veli Iž from Zadar’s city harbor.
By plane
The nearest airport is in Zadar. A public airport bus runs to the bus station, the center of Zadar, and other destinations. From there, you can reach the city harbor and take the catamaran to Veli Iž.
Hotel Korinjak: A family story on the Croatian island of Iž
When the Hotel Korinjak opened in 2000, it had an unusual concept. Founder Ratko Vlahov wanted to create a place on his home island of Iž where a vegetarian diet, yoga, a slower pace of life, and respect for nature were the norm. The idea for the hotel was partly inspired by his travels to India. Today, the hotel is run by the third generation of the family.
Discover Iž: Island life, nature, and culture
The island itself is the main attraction of a Korinjak experience. It’s a small community with its own pace of life and local traditions tucked away from the larger resort towns along the Croatian Adriatic coast. The village of Veli Iž, the harbor, and cafés and restaurants can be reached easily on foot from the hotel. And the surrounding area is crisscrossed by paths through olive groves, pine forests, and the island’s countryside.
Vegetarian and vegan cuisine at the Korinjak Hotel
From the very beginning, a plant-based diet has been at the heart of Korinjak’s identity. The cuisine is 100% vegetarian and mostly vegan. The menu is based on Mediterranean flavors featuring seasonal vegetables, legumes, grains, and herbs. Meat, fish, and eggs are completely excluded. An on-site herb garden provides herbs for the kitchen and for fresh herbal teas.
Time for yourself: Yoga, meditation, and retreats in Croatia
If you think every hour of the day at Korinjak is packed with activities, you’re mistaken. While the hotel’s “Vacation for the Soul” program provides a framework for your days, the main focus is on creating space for movement, rest, nature, and time away from your everyday routine. Think of morning yoga, meditation, guided mindfulness walks, and the light evening program outlined in the current hotel schedule more as an invitation. Completely free of FOMO.
Rooms and included services at the Hotel Korinjak
The rooms at Hotel Korinjak are simple and comfortable, reflecting the relaxed atmosphere of island life. The double and twin rooms overlook the Adriatic Sea, while the single rooms offer views of the olive grove and the surrounding countryside.
Learn more about the vegetarian Hotel Korinjak in Croatia
- Growing up at the Hotel Korinjak
Mikela Vlahov, the granddaughter of the Korinjak Hotel’s founder, discusses what it was like growing up in a hotel and what makes the hotel so special.
Check out the blog post. - Pašticada recipe: Croatian cuisine at home
Easily recreate a vegan version of a Croatian classic right at home.
To the recipe for vegan pašticada - Current hotel offers
Discover retreats, events, and special offers for your stay at Hotel Korinjak
Browse offers
“It was not easy to be ahead of our time, but our belief in our values and our vision has proven to be the right path.” Hotel Korinjak
What measures is the Hotel Korinjak on the island of Iž in Croatia implementing?
At the Korinjak Hotel, sustainability is closely linked to the practical realities of life and business on a small Adriatic island. Limited freshwater resources, island logistics, energy supply, waste disposal, and the availability of local products all necessitate careful planning. Therefore, the Korinjak Hotel views managing these resources as an integral part of its daily operations.
- Architecture
- Energy & Ressources
- Water Use & Treatment
- Waste Management
- Food & Culinary
- Social Engagement
- Mobility
- Environment & Nature
- Management
Build on what already exists
The Hotel Korinjak building has been a landmark along part of the Iž coastline since 1969. Rather than replacing it with a new structure, the existing building has been gradually adapted over the years to meet today’s standards—with a focus on functionality, comfort, and a more conscious use of resources.
- Gradual renovation and modernization of the original 1970s buildings to improve comfort, functionality, and resource efficiency
- Preservation of the buildings’ simple character and connection to the island landscape
- Renovation and land use in accordance with local regulations to protect nature, culture, and the environment
Energy supply on an island
At the Korinjak Hotel, the focus is on reducing energy consumption during daily operations and generating as much of the required energy as possible on-site. To this end, existing solutions are regularly reviewed, and technical equipment is gradually updated.
- The hotel’s solar power system covers more than 60% of its electricity needs during the summer and up to 100% during the rest of the year
- Use of energy- and resource-saving technologies such as LED lighting
- Continuous replacement of old appliances with new, more efficient ones that have a higher energy efficiency rating.
When fresh water isn’t a given
Fresh water is one of the most valuable resources on Iž. The island has no natural source of fresh water and receives no regular supply from the mainland. For Hotel Korinjak, this means carefully using the available fresh water and selecting appropriate sources for different purposes.
- Collection and use of rainwater, to the extent that precipitation levels and storage capacity allow
- Additional supply of freshwater from the mainland by ship, particularly during the dry summer months
- Use of brackish water from the hotel’s own well for flushing toilets to reduce freshwater consumption
- Monitoring of water quality by the relevant local authorities
- Regular monitoring of the quality of the water used in the kitchen
- Raising awareness among guests and staff about the responsible use of freshwater
- Reduced linen changes: bed linens typically changed once a week; towels changed upon guests’ request
- On-site wastewater system in accordance with applicable local regulations, including separate treatment of kitchen wastewater and other wastewater. Existing water management permit from the competent Croatian water authority, Hrvatske vode (Croatian Waters)
Preventing waste before it is generated
At the Hotel Korinjak, waste management begins with purchasing and menu planning. Any waste that cannot be avoided is sorted during daily operations—or, in the case of food scraps and organic waste, recycled directly on site.
- Separate collection of plastic, glass, and paper for recycling
- Waste separation options for hotel staff and guests
- Toiletries in refillable dispensers to reduce the need for single-use plastic packaging
- Avoiding single-use plastic in the food and beverage area and daily operations
- Electric composter for processing both cooked and raw food waste: reduction in food waste volume by more than 90%, according to the hotel’s operational data
- Return of the compost to nature
- Separate collection of cooking oil. A local company handles pickup and recycling.
- Careful procurement planning, menu design, and buffet management prevent unnecessary waste
Vegetarian from day one
Vegetarian cuisine has been part of the Hotel Korinjak’s concept since its opening in 2000, and the menu is now predominantly vegan. When planning and preparing meals, the kitchen staff considers seasonal availability and the particular delivery conditions on Iž.
- Completely vegetarian since 2000 and now primarily vegan Mediterranean cuisine
- Prioritizing seasonal, local, and regional products whenever availability and logistics on the island realistically permit
- Herbs grown on-site for use in the kitchen and for preparing fresh herbal teas
- Transparent and responsible communication regarding the limitations of supply chains due to the island’s location: No assertion that everything comes from the region, but whenever possible and practical, collaboration with local and regional producers and suppliers
- Adaptation to seasonal availability
- Avoiding unnecessary transportation, packaging, and food waste
- Monitoring the required food quantities at the buffet operator and continuously optimizing and adjusting them.
Part of the island community
As the only hotel on Iž, the Korinjak is closely tied to the island’s economic, social, and cultural life. For the hotel, cultural and social sustainability means preserving local traditions and creating conditions that allow them to remain vibrant and relevant.
- Collaboration with local businesses and service providers, including in the areas of food supply, maintenance, construction, and tourism services, provided that appropriate opportunities are available on Iž and in the region
- Financial support for local associations and nonprofit organizations dedicated to the development and improvement of living conditions and tourism on the island
- Support for cultural and traditional events on Iž
- Collaboration with local and regional tourism organizations, including the Zadar Tourism Board
- Actively recommending local restaurants, shops, rental services, products, and events to hotel guests so that tourism spending also benefits businesses on the island
- Supporting traditional Iž pottery through workshops and activities where guests can learn about the craft and the traditional clay vessel Lopiž
- Sharing the island’s history and everyday culture through guided hikes, boat trips, and other activities on Iž and the surrounding islands
- Promoting interaction between guests and the island community by intentionally incorporating Korinjak Veli Iž into the guest experience
On Iž, you can do a lot without a car
Guests staying at the Hotel Korinjak won’t need a car for most of their trips: Veli Iž and other parts of the island are easy to explore on foot or by bike. Upon arrival, the hotel also provides information about options for leaving your car behind or doing without it altogether.
- Veli Iž and the surrounding area can easily be explored on foot or by bike.
- Guests are encouraged to consider public transportation and car-free travel options; information on these alternatives is available.
- Charging stations for electric cars and e-bikes are available at the hotel and are powered by renewable energy whenever possible.
- Parking spaces are available for guests arriving by car
Treating nature with respect and care
The hotel grounds are characterized by pine trees, Mediterranean vegetation, and native plants—all of which play an important role in establishing the atmosphere of Korinjak.
- Preserving existing vegetation wherever possible
- Growing herbs for culinary use and herbal teas
- Raising guests’ awareness of the importance of treating nature with respect during outdoor activities
- Minimizing impacts on the natural ecosystem and biodiversity
Responsibility in day-to-day operations
At Hotel Korinjak, environmental and social considerations are integrated into daily operational decisions. The goal is to strike a long-term balance between guests’ stays, the responsible use of Iž’s limited resources, and the hotel’s role in the local community.
- Integration of environmental and social considerations into day-to-day hotel management, including procurement, maintenance, food preparation, resource use, and collaboration with suppliers and partners
- Core principles within the international team: equal treatment, tolerance, and respect
- Strict measures against bullying and harassment
- Zero tolerance for discrimination based on gender, race, ethnic origin, religion, nationality, or other personal characteristics
- Protection of employees’ rights in accordance with Croatian law
- Emphasis on teamwork and collaboration among employees, guests, the local community, and external partners
- Sustainability philosophy based on a core principle: achieving a long-term balance between a positive guest experience, the responsible use of the island’s limited resources, and a meaningful contribution to the community in which the hotel operates
Questions & answers about your stay at the vegetarian Korinjak Hotel in Croatia
Find answers to frequently asked questions about your vacation on the Croatian island of Iž and at the Korinjak Hotel.
- How can I get from Zadar to Hotel Korinjak on the island of Iž?
- Do I need a car for a vacation on Iž?
- When is the best time to visit the island of Iž?
- Can I swim in the sea right at Hotel Korinjak?
- Does Hotel Korinjak offer vegan dishes?
- Does Hotel Korinjak accommodate food allergies and intolerances?
- Who is the Korinjak Hotel best suited for?
- Does Hotel Korinjak have Wi-Fi?
- Are dogs allowed at Hotel Korinjak?
- Does Hotel Korinjak have parking?
You can take a catamaran directly from Zadar to Veli Iž. Alternatively, you can take a car ferry from Zadar-Gaženica to Bršanj on Iž. The hotel is within walking distance of the harbor in Veli Iž.
No, you can easily explore Veli Iž and many nearby destinations on foot or by bike. If you’re traveling by car, the hotel offers parking.
The warm summer months are ideal for beach vacations. Those who prefer hiking and exploring the island in milder temperatures will find good conditions in the spring and fall.
Yes. The hotel is just a few steps from the Adriatic Sea, so you can walk straight into the water.
Yes. The Korinjak restaurant’s cuisine is 100% vegetarian and predominantly vegan. Vegan dishes are a regular part of the menu.
Yes, with prior notice, the hotel can provide gluten-free meals and options for guests with allergies and intolerances. It’s best to inform the hotel before your arrival.
The Korinjak is ideal for solo travelers, couples, and families who appreciate island life, vegetarian cuisine, and spending time in nature. There are also numerous offerings for those interested in yoga and retreats, though participation is not required for a stay.
There is no Wi-Fi or TV in the guest rooms on purpose. Wi-Fi is available in the lobby and reception area.
Yes. They are welcome upon prior registration and for an additional fee.
Yes. Parking is available for guests traveling to Iž by car. However, a car is not necessary for your stay in Veli Iž.