Coral harvesting is a centuries-old tradition specific to the island of Zlarin, also known as “the golden island”. Harvesting this “red gold” and using it to produce various items has been a cherished tradition of Zlarin for 600 years, which is why today the island is known as “coral island.”

Red corals symbolise love, loyalty and fidelity, while the Greek word kuralion means “the daughter of the sea.” According to ancient legend, red coral was created when Perseus beheaded Medusa and threw her head in the sea. After being covered in Medusa’s blood, sea algae petrified and became beautiful corals.
A coral shop that makes and sells handmade coral jewellery still exists on Zlarin, and the legend of hunting for coral is represented by the “Homo na kureja” (“Send-off for the coral divers”) performance, held every year in mid-August.