Guide to The Dalmatian Coast

The Dalmatian Coast is part of Croatia and includes Split-Dalmatia County, its central county, along with Dubrovnik-Neretva, Zadar, and Sibenik-Knin, a narrow belt stretching from Rab Island in the north to the Bay of Kotor in the south. It existed long before the country of Croatia was established and it’s one of the most popular regions for tourists to visit.

There are hundreds of islands here along with medieval cities and soaring mountains. You’ll find a vibrant café scene, friendly people who typically like to take things at a slower pace, and some of the most picturesque scenery to enjoy while relaxing or taking part in active pursuits.

Dubrovnik boasts a beautiful historic center encircled by medieval walls. Visitors can take a stroll right atop the walls to gaze out at the sea and nearby islands on one side and the red-tiled roofs of centuries-old buildings on the other. Its polished marble streets are home to many impressive monuments.

The second largest city in Croatia, Split is best known for its 4th-century Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace which covers nearly half the historic center, filled with some of the world’s most well-preserved Roman buildings. Visitors can also stroll the lovely waterfront promenade, dine on the mouthwatering Dalmatian fare and sip fine local wines.

Sunny Hvar is a cosmopolitan island with something for everyone. It attracts plenty of the well-heeled with its world-class dining and nightlife scene as well as hosting many impressive historic sites. Check out Europe’s oldest still active public theater and climb to the top of Spanjola fortress for a breathtaking view.

Korcula’s Old Town is like a fairytale, sometimes referred to as Dubrovnik in miniature. The acclaimed birthplace of international explorer Marco Polo, it’s surrounded by medieval walls with towers, ramparts, and gates. Its historic center features narrow streets laid out in a fishbone pattern and lined with centuries-old Venetian buildings.

Unspoiled Vis is often referred to as the “Mediterranean as it once was.” Used as a military base for some 40 years, it was closed off to the public and spared from tourism. The beaches are extraordinary, with pristine stretches in hidden coves ideal for swimming in enticing emerald and turquoise waters.

Brac Island is home to one of the most famous and most beautiful beaches in all of Europe, Zlatni Rat, located near the town of Bol. Due to its unique shape that swirls out a third of a mile into an aquamarine sea, it’s also known as the Golden Horn.

Medieval Trogir is fun just to wander with its labyrinth of stone streets and a wide seaside promenade overlooking a Venetian castle and fortress. Marvel at 15th-century Kamerlengo and view the Town Hall, Town Gate, and imposing St. Lawrence Cathedral, a Romanesque-Gothic triple-naved basilica. A visit to the Trogir Museum will reveal its interesting history.

A thousand-year-old UNESCO-protected city, Sibenik hosts the most important Renaissance monument in Croatia, the 15th-century St. James Cathedral, which features a triple-nave basilica with three apses and a stunning dome. St. Michael’s Fortress is a must with its open-air theater as well as its magnificent views of Sibenik Bay and several neighboring islands.

Mljet is a densely forested island home to two saltwater lakes that range in hues of brilliant blue to deep emerald, all surrounded by lush greenery. One of the top things to do here is to take the short boat ride across Great Lake to visit St. Mary islet, topped with a historic church and abbey.

Krka is known for its breathtaking waterfalls, lakes, and rivers, as well as its rich flora and fauna. Skradinski Buk, the Mediterranean’s highest, plunges for nearly 151 feet into a serene pool at the bottom. To the north, there’s a natural trail that leads to another gorgeous cascade and a monastery.

A small town and historical treasure, Omis is just over 30 minutes from Split. Here one can discover the traces of an ancient way and a secret passageway, a Turjun fort, an Illyrian seminary, and a 10th-century church. The adventurous can enjoy thrills that include a canyon with eight cables for ziplining stretching about 1.3 miles.

Located in Southern Croatia, the Makarska Riviera is a jaw-dropping stretch of coastline with glistening white pebbled beaches that are lapped by the brilliant blue waters of the Adriatic. Enjoy unforgettable swims and sunbathing in tiny hidden coves or near-deserted beaches. Or, explore the peaks of the Biokova Mountains.