The family-run OPG Suzi combines breeding Primorsko-Dinaric donkeys with educational activities and rural tourism. A portrait of Kvarner beyond the seafront – and how to plan a respectful farm visit.
Kvarner does not begin at the water’s edge
Anyone who sees Kvarner only as a succession of beaches and harbours misses part of its landscape. In Šmrika, that includes a family-run farm centred on donkeys. The local tourism organisation lists OPG Lucić’s Farma magaraca as a place to visit, while also describing its educational aims.
Susanne Lucić, known to many as Suzi, represents a farm that brings together animal care, agriculture and visits. This is not an attraction newly opened this week. It is a story that has grown over time and deserves a place in the magazine without an opening ribbon or a record-breaking figure.
An animal as a way into a place
According to Visit Kraljevica, the project began with the aim of preserving the Primorsko-Dinaric donkey. Keeping the animals developed into farm visits, workshops and accompanied walks. The tourism organisation particularly highlights work with children and families.
Such a visit can offer more than brief contact with an animal: how much daily care goes into a farm, why are certain animals suited to a landscape, and how does a guided encounter differ from reaching spontaneously over a fence? These questions make the donkey a living counterpart, not merely a photo opportunity.
A farm is also a workplace
The official visitor description mentions getting to know, caring for and, under supervision, feeding the animals. This should not be taken as general permission to bring your own feed or touch every animal. What matters is what those responsible allow during the particular visit.
Children also benefit from understanding beforehand that an animal need not participate at every moment. Calm, space and guided contact make more sense than crowding together for a group photograph. If coming with a larger group, a dog or particular accessibility requirements, discuss this in advance.
The family remains part of the story
Visit Kraljevica describes the farm as a shared family project in which the younger generation is taking on increasing responsibilities. A Novi list report dated 19 October recounts, among other things, Marko’s return after two years in Germany and his work with visitors. The family story comes from that report; we have not conducted our own interview on site.
Susanne Lucić represented the county in the competition for an exemplary rural woman in Ilok. According to Novi list, the family returned without the title, but with new contacts and shared experience. The appearance also brought local recipes and the younger generation’s knowledge into focus.
Turning an idea into a good visit
For a specific date, the tourism organisation directs visitors to the farm website, farmamagaraca.hr. Check availability, price, duration and suitable arrangements there or directly with the farm. The tourist office’s opening hours are expressly not the farm’s opening hours.
Plan the visit as a small activity in its own right, not a quick stop with a guaranteed animal encounter. The same care applies to the farm’s products: a story of provenance is not evidence of medical effectiveness. This article makes no claims that donkey milk can heal. The farm remains interesting as a place where agriculture, family work and Kvarner’s landscape meet.
Evidence
Sources & date
Sources support the facts. Planning notes and recommendations are Golden Beach editorial assessments.
- Portrait of Susanne Lucić and OPG SuziVisit Kraljevica · 2026; checked 20 OctoberFarm, breeding aim, educational activities, family and nomination
- Farma magaracaVisit Kraljevica · Checked 20 October 2026Visitor activities and link to the farm
- Returning from Germany and building a donkey farmNovi list · 19 October 2026Reported family story; not our own on-site reporting
