About

In a world that moves too fast, Putokoza invites you to slow down.

Created in 2020 in the heart of Croatia, Putokoza (meaning “travel goat” in the local language) began as a way to capture hidden trails, mountain paths, and coastal corners of the Adriatic-Alpine world. What started as a simple blog soon grew into a vision — to share not just destinations, but the deeper stories and rhythms of travel.

Created by Zdravko, a university-trained economist who found deeper meaning in outdoor photography, storytelling, and quiet trails, Putokoza shares slow stories from Croatia and the wider Alpe-Adria region. It invites connection with places, people, simple tours, and the quiet self that emerges when we walk with intention.

Where slow photography meets the mindful traveler

In a world overwhelmed by motion, we celebrate the art of stillness. We do not chase trends or offer the same travel tips found everywhere else. Instead, we highlight authentic voices and experiences that bring travelers closer to the true spirit of the Alps and Adriatic. That means small, family-run accommodations with character, outdoor adventures like hiking and cycling, local museums and cultural stories, and the wild beauty of nature parks.

We believe these places and people deserve to be seen. If you are one of them – a host, a guide, or a storyteller with a unique perspective – we’d love to hear your story and share your photographs. Here at Putokoza, we want to go beyond the classical blog, connecting mindful travellers with authentic experiences and showing that traveling slower can also mean traveling deeper.

Who’s behind Putokoza?

Now that you’ve found your way to this little corner of the online world, it’s time to meet the person behind it all. Putokoza, a slow travel lifestyle blog, is created and run by me, Zdravko—ZR for short. Yes, that’s me! I promise I’m not an AI. I handle almost everything myself, from choosing the themes and writing the stories to taking my own photographs. Of course, I wouldn’t manage without the endless support of my girlfriend, always there behind the scenes. You might think this is a one-man show. In a way, it really is for now, and that’s exactly what this blog is about. In a world dominated by AI tools and giant travel agencies, small personal platforms have a unique ability to highlight other small businesses and share experiences with heart. That personal passion often gets lost on big platforms.

My journey took a different path, moving from postgraduate studies in economics to following the quiet dialogue between nature and the human soul. My degree gave me structure, but photographing Croatia’s forests, villages, and hidden trails became my true office and inspiration. Here, amidst the hills and the stillness, I discovered the joy of seeing the world slowly, fully, and intentionally.

I have spent my life wandering through hills and forests, losing myself in nature whenever I could, and weaving together my two greatest loves. It began in high school, when my father placed a camera in my hands during a hiking trip. From that day on, it never really left me, becoming a companion on every path I explored. In recent years, I have returned to analog photography, working with Praktica and Zenit cameras. There is a rare honesty and purity in every shot. In a world filled with AI tools and endless filters, analog photography preserves a moment exactly as it is — a quiet testament to the beauty of being truly present.

Guided by that same desire for simplicity and mindful observation, I created the international version of Putokoza. Each photograph and story share the quiet beauty I’ve found in Croatia and the Adriatic-Alpine landscapes, inviting travelers to slow down, notice the details, and experience the world more mindfully.

How we started and shared Putokoza to the world

Putokoza was born in Croatia, in the heart of the Adriatic-Alpine region. Its journey began with my long-distance relationship, which gave me the perfect reason to explore the country more deeply. As we wandered through places like Gorski Kotar and Kvarner Bay, we started documenting our discoveries. These shared adventures brought us closer, and soon Putokoza, our blog dedicated to slow travel, came to life.

From the beginning, I knew this project should be more than just another blog. I wanted to tell local stories and give more attention to the regional market. In 2021, I launched the Croatian-language blog Putokoza (named after Travel Goat), which gave me the freedom to write thoughtfully and explore each place with care.

As I wrote and photographed, my hikes through the Adriatic-Alpine landscapes, combined with years of experience in the tour operator sector, made me increasingly aware of the fragile balance in small villages. Some were shaken by unmanaged tourism, while others risked being abandoned altogether. Witnessing this, I realized that today’s travelers are looking for ways to honor the local spirit and truly connect with the places they visit. For a time, I wondered whether Putokoza should grow more as a blog or as a photography project. Eventually, the vision became clear: the international version shares short stories through my camera, while the local Croatian blog embraces longer storytelling. In 2025, I also introduced a dedicated section for small businesses—guesthouses, tours, and local experiences—presented in their most authentic form through stories and photography, giving them a voice and inviting travelers to slow down and experience each place more deeply.

The Slow Lens: our new goals

Originally founded in 2021 as a local photoblog, Putokoza has since opened to an international audience, sharing the slow rhythms and quiet beauty of the Adriatic-Alpine region. Our recent focus is on highlighting unique small businesses and capturing the stories of hidden villages through photography and storytelling. We’re building on a foundation of passion, and we’re grateful to have you with us on this mindful journey.

Putokoza – meaning behind the name

OOne place especially close to my heart in Croatia is the island of Cres. It wasn’t the first time I saw goats, but something about the island’s trails, the sheep roaming freely, and the rugged landscape brought back memories of my childhood, when my grandfather kept goats in Rovinj.

These landscapes and memories gently came together and inspired me to name this blog Putokoza — loosely translated as Travel Goat or Goat Path in Croatian. The name reflects a deep connection to nature, simplicity, and the slower rhythm of life – the very essence of slow travel.

Contact us

Feel free to reach out. We’re still shaping our new categories, but already open to both international and local collaborations — including also through our Croatian-language blog.

Media kit

Travel bloggers

If you’re a slow traveler and capture the quiet beauty of the Adriatic-Alpine landscapes (and beyond), we’d love to share your story. Click below to find out how we can make it happen.

What else we share about

• We love diving into DIY projects and exploring local handmade products – especially Jasna, who’s truly passionate about them. We also talk a lot about Croatian food, share our favourite recipes, and explore creative ideas along the way.
• Thinking about exploring Croatia on foot — through forests, mountains, and forgotten trails? YOU CAN DO IT. Hiking here isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Start with our trail journals, from Via Dinarica to hidden gems. Hiking here isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Start with our trail journals, from Via Dinarica, Via Adriatica to hidden gems.

Join the Catalogue

At Putokoza, our catalogue is more than a listing — it’s a collection of authentic stories. We feature small houses, outdoor trips, museums, and nature parks that reflect the spirit of slow travel in the Adriatic-Alpine world and more. If you offer unique stays or experiences that honor local heritage and nature, we’d love to hear your story.