Interview: A German couple who keep returning to Galijot because of the squirrels

The Galijot Tourist Resort, located in the Blue Lagoon, attracts numerous visitors from around the world every year. Among them is a special group of tourists who come not only for the sea and sun but for the playful squirrels that have become a symbol of this beautiful area over the years. Among such visitors are Diana Schmidt and Sascha Horn from Germany, who shared their love for these delightful creatures with us in a brief conversation, as well as the reasons why they return year after year.

They come from Baden-Württemberg, near Ulm. We asked them why they chose Galijot.

Diana explained that they first visited three years ago, after the pandemic.

"We just booked online without high expectations. When we arrived, the first thing I noticed was the entrance to this beautiful place, and then, all of a sudden, squirrels appeared before us. They came from all sides, as if greeting us. I thought, 'Wow!' The next day, I saw someone feeding them, and at first, I thought it was a guest like us. Later, I realized it was a local resident who, along with his wife, has been feeding the squirrels and birds every day for years. I tried feeding the squirrels with bread, but they wouldn’t come near me. Then we bought almonds and started feeding them, and I instantly fell in love with the experience," Diana said.

So, you keep coming back here because of the squirrels?

Sascha: "Yes, we come here regularly, twice a year, just for the squirrels. Although the beach is beautiful, the loungers are comfortable, and the nature is stunning, you can find those things in other places in Croatia. But this, this is unique. My favorite time is in the morning when I wake up early, and everything is still quiet. I make a little 'ttt' sound, and the squirrels come. We visited the other side of the bay as well, but we didn’t see any squirrels there. Only here."

Do you have a message for others who might want to visit because of the squirrels?

Diana: "Absolutely, I’d recommend it to anyone who loves animals. If animals are close to your heart, this is a place you must visit. I believe the hotel is well aware that the squirrels bring them business. Take us as an example—they’ve earned our money for the fifth time now! Otherwise, we might have come just once, but not four or more times. We truly enjoy the company of these wonderful little creatures," the German couple shared, already planning their next visit.