Last Friday, June 27, 2025, a special energy was felt in the air, imbued with the spirit of past times and excitement for the future. Camp Planik in Ražanac, one of the oldest and most respected camps on the Croatian coast, celebrated its golden jubilee – a full fifty years of existence. The event was more than just a celebration; it was an emotional gathering of generations, business partners, and friends of the camp, all colored with the glitter and rhythm of the legendary disco era. The theme of the evening, "Studio 54," perfectly captured the energy of the seventies, the decade in which this tourist story began, and attracted numerous tourism professionals from the public and private sectors to the dance floor, as well as the most loyal guests whose lives are inextricably linked with this place.

Half a century of tradition and loyalty in the heart of Dalmatia

The story of Camp Planik dates back to the distant year of 1974, when it was founded through the enthusiasm and vision of the members of the then Tourist Board of Ražanac as a refuge for lovers of nature and freedom. It was a pioneering venture at a time when camping tourism on the Adriatic was just gaining momentum. From the very beginning, the camp became synonymous with a quality vacation. A key moment in its modern history occurred in 2001, when the Stošić family took over the management. Their dedication and passion have turned Planik into what it is today – not just a successful business entity, but also a second home for countless families. What makes Camp Planik truly special is the incredible loyalty of its guests. Today, third generations of the same families spend their summers at the camp, passing down their love for this unique place from one generation to the next. Many romances were born right here, in the shade of the pine trees, and friendships made in childhood endure to this day, renewed every summer at the same place. This deep emotional connection between the guests and the camp is its greatest asset and a testament to the exceptional atmosphere that prevails there. In search of the perfect vacation, many decide on accommodation in Ražanac, attracted precisely by such stories of tradition.

A unique oasis of peace: Harmony of man and nature sheltered from the bora wind

The location of Camp Planik was strategically chosen and somewhat unconventional from the very beginning. Unlike many camps that sprang up right on the coast, the founders of Planik recognized the unique value of the dense forest of centuries-old Aleppo pines at the very entrance to the town of Ražanac. This decision was not accidental. The Ražanac area is known for its strong and unpredictable bora wind, a wind that carries mountain freshness from Velebit but at the same time poses a challenge for boaters and campers. It was precisely this forest, with its specific, wind-shaped canopies, that provided a perfect natural shield and refuge. This ensured campers all-day shade, invaluable during the hot summer months, but also a safe shelter from the gusts of the bora. Although climate change has somewhat weakened its force over the years, the bora remains a trademark of this region. Nevertheless, the constant and dense shade of the pine forest has remained one of the camp's main assets, providing guests with a sense of peace, privacy, and direct contact with nature. This thoughtful positioning testifies to a deep understanding of local conditions and a desire to provide guests with maximum comfort, making a stay at the camp a true rest for the soul and body.

A look into the future: New investments on the wings of legal changes

The world has changed dramatically over the past fifty years, and with it, tourist habits. Camping, once a symbol of a modest and adventurous vacation, has now evolved into a sophisticated branch of tourism with high demands for comfort, facilities, and sustainability. In his address to the guests, the camp director Andreas Stošić emphasized precisely this evolution. "The world has been changing exponentially in the last 50 years, and so have camping habits and camper preferences," he pointed out, giving a clear signal that Camp Planik is readily looking towards the future. A particularly important moment for new breakthroughs came in 2024, when, after many years of waiting, the complex problem of tourist land in Croatia was finally resolved. This legal resolution unlocked huge investment potential for numerous tourism companies, and Camp Planik now has open doors for the realization of new projects. The plans include modernizing the infrastructure and introducing new facilities that will meet the needs of modern campers, while preserving the authentic spirit and natural environment of the camp. What the next fifty years will bring is eagerly awaited, and judging by the vision and enthusiasm of the management, the future of Camp Planik will be just as bright as its rich past.

The Stošić family and the vision of modern camping

Behind the success of Camp Planik are Andreas and Martina Stošić, a duo whose vision and dedication to their work have become synonymous with quality in Croatian camping tourism. Their expertise is reflected not only in the successful management of Planik but also in another, highly praised project – the Odmoree camp in nearby Rtina. Camp Odmoree, a small family gem, has become a real phenomenon on the European camping scene. This is confirmed by the most prestigious awards in the industry. In 2024, for the third time, it was declared the best small family camp in Europe, and in the same year, for the second time in a row, it ranked among the top three small camps according to the Dutch platform ACSI. ACSI, along with the German ADAC, represents an authority in the world of camping, and their ratings and awards are based exclusively on the votes of the campers themselves, which gives them special weight. These awards are not only recognition for the excellence of Camp Odmoree but also a confirmation of the business philosophy of the Stošić family, which is based on a personalized approach, top quality, and the creation of an authentic experience for every guest. Their success sets high standards and serves as an inspiration, and the experience gained in running one of the best European camps will certainly spill over into the further development of Camp Planik, which has always been the pride of the town of Ražanac.