Page 135 - Koderman, Miha, and Vuk Tvrtko Opačić. Eds. 2020. Challenges of tourism development in protected areas of Croatia and Slovenia. Koper, Zagreb: University of Primorska Press, Croatian Geographical Society
P. 135
nature-based tourism in the eastern part of kr aški rob ...
It is useful to note that the villages lack services as there are no res-
taurants, bars, shops, or markets. There are only limited opportunities for
overnight accommodation at a few recently renovated houses in Zazid and
Podpeč. These facilities can host only a small number of visitors, who have
to be prepared to source and cook their own food. There are no restaurants
or catering services in the area. Thus, in terms of tourism, the area remains
dependent on the nearby larger villages or other urban settlements for sup-
plies, gastronomy, and so on. The nearest larger towns or urban centres
are at least 20 minutes distant by car. Despite the lack of services, there is
substantial untapped potential within these villages. The team also collect-
ed information about locals who farm professionally and/or own livestock,
who produce cheese and meat products that are sold on their farms. Several
other households grow vegetables for their own needs.
During data collection, interaction with locals from the three villag-
es proved to be very smooth and pleasant. Villagers were welcoming and
showed concern for local heritage and nature. Given the scarcity of food
supplies (stores) in the area, respondents mentioned that they occasionally
help hikers with water, coffee, and friendly conversation.
Also it was reported that, in addition to hikers who use the trials that
the Slovene Alpine Association manages, there are visitors who come for
biking tours and recreational free-climbing (Fig. 6). Kraški Rob is a well-
known attraction among free climbers, who come from across the wid-
er region and Central Europe. However, most choose to stay further west
on the Slovenia-Italy border as there are more accommodation, shops, and
other services available.
All three settlements are characterised by partially-preserved typi-
cal architecture. Stone constructions with special elements such as carved
window and door frames, courtyard entrances, porch entrances, annexes,
chimneys, etc. (Fig. 7).
Unfortunately, there are many empty and derelict buildings, especially
in Rakitovec. Other cultural heritage and popular architecture is also pres-
ent (Fig. 8, Fig. 9) and there are sites of archaeological interest. In past eras,
this area had an important strategic position. Kraški Rob served as a route
connecting the sea to Carniola and Čičarija, and various trenches, fortifica-
tions, and traces of that period can still be found today. During recent exca-
vations, remains from the Palaeolithic and later periods were discovered in
caves and on the slopes near the settlements of the study area.
133
It is useful to note that the villages lack services as there are no res-
taurants, bars, shops, or markets. There are only limited opportunities for
overnight accommodation at a few recently renovated houses in Zazid and
Podpeč. These facilities can host only a small number of visitors, who have
to be prepared to source and cook their own food. There are no restaurants
or catering services in the area. Thus, in terms of tourism, the area remains
dependent on the nearby larger villages or other urban settlements for sup-
plies, gastronomy, and so on. The nearest larger towns or urban centres
are at least 20 minutes distant by car. Despite the lack of services, there is
substantial untapped potential within these villages. The team also collect-
ed information about locals who farm professionally and/or own livestock,
who produce cheese and meat products that are sold on their farms. Several
other households grow vegetables for their own needs.
During data collection, interaction with locals from the three villag-
es proved to be very smooth and pleasant. Villagers were welcoming and
showed concern for local heritage and nature. Given the scarcity of food
supplies (stores) in the area, respondents mentioned that they occasionally
help hikers with water, coffee, and friendly conversation.
Also it was reported that, in addition to hikers who use the trials that
the Slovene Alpine Association manages, there are visitors who come for
biking tours and recreational free-climbing (Fig. 6). Kraški Rob is a well-
known attraction among free climbers, who come from across the wid-
er region and Central Europe. However, most choose to stay further west
on the Slovenia-Italy border as there are more accommodation, shops, and
other services available.
All three settlements are characterised by partially-preserved typi-
cal architecture. Stone constructions with special elements such as carved
window and door frames, courtyard entrances, porch entrances, annexes,
chimneys, etc. (Fig. 7).
Unfortunately, there are many empty and derelict buildings, especially
in Rakitovec. Other cultural heritage and popular architecture is also pres-
ent (Fig. 8, Fig. 9) and there are sites of archaeological interest. In past eras,
this area had an important strategic position. Kraški Rob served as a route
connecting the sea to Carniola and Čičarija, and various trenches, fortifica-
tions, and traces of that period can still be found today. During recent exca-
vations, remains from the Palaeolithic and later periods were discovered in
caves and on the slopes near the settlements of the study area.
133
