Dalmatia (Croatia) is an area located in the northwestern part of the Balkan Peninsula. The historical region is located on the Adriatic coast, occupying part of modern Croatia and Montenegro. More than 920 islands are concentrated in the water area of the region. On some of them, stone labyrinths of ancient walls are built, vineyards and olive trees are grown somewhere. Wherever you come to Dalmatia, you are guaranteed a comfortable stay filled with unforgettable, vivid emotions.
general information
Dalmatia in Croatia is included in the list of the oldest geographical entities in Europe. On the map, the region looks like a coastal belt stretching for 400 km from Novigrad and Paklenitsa to Cape Oshtro. Dalmatia is divided into three parts – Southern, Middle and Northern. Each tourist has excellent conditions for recreation.
- The regional centers of North Dalmatia are Sibenik and Zadar.
- The center of Central Dalmatia is Split.
- In South Dalmatia, the center is Dubrovnik.
Thousands of islands have everything to attract travelers – historical and architectural monuments, picturesque nature, mild climate, luxurious beaches.
Good to know! The largest islands are Neretva, Krka, Cetina and Zrania.
There are four national parks, three natural parks and numerous nature reserves in the region. The list of objects that are under the protection of UNESCO includes the ancient Diocletian’s Palace , the resort of Dubrovnik, the Church of St. James and the historical center of Trogir. The coast is indented with bays and dozens of beaches, here nature itself has created excellent conditions for a beach holiday in Croatia, as well as fishing and water sports.
South Dalmatia
Southern Dalmatia in Croatia is rightfully considered the most luxurious and fashionable resort area in the Adriatic. It is here that you can meet movie and pop stars, bankers, politicians, athletes, and representatives of the aristocracy. Many on the coast have villas, because in this part of Europe the largest number of sunny days a year. You can briefly characterize the resorts of South Dalmatia as follows – the land of picturesque bays, bays, clear, azure sea, delicious wines and many historical sights.
Good to know! Southern Dalmatia in Croatia is famous for its excellent service, developed infrastructure and delicious oysters.
Tourist info:
- the territory of South Dalmatia extends from the Kvarner Bay for the Bay of Kotor;
- from Croatia, the resort region is separated by Bosnia and Herzegovina;
- the administrative center – Dubrovnik – is included in the list of objects that are under the protection of UNESCO, and it has been given the status of a museum city;
- the climate of southern Dalmatia is characteristic of the Mediterranean;
- almost all beaches are marked with the Blue Flag – a symbol of cleanliness and quality.
The main resorts in South Dalmatia are Dubrovnik, Cavtat, Mlini, Plata, Kolocep, Korcula, Mljet.
It is important! It is best to come to southern Dalmatia with children from the second half of August to mid-October. For swimming, you will definitely need special shoes to protect against stones and sea urchins. Most beaches are free, but sun loungers and umbrellas are rented for a fee.
Dubrovnik is the most popular and elegant settlement in Croatia. According to UNESCO, the resort, along with Venice and Amsterdam, is included in the list of the most beautiful cities of the Renaissance.
In the 7th century, Dubrovnik was a prosperous settlement, where trade, culture and science were actively developing. The historical center of the resort seemed to be frozen in the past. Main Attractions:
- Franciscan Monastery;
- temple of the patron saint of Dubrovnik;
- Sponza Palace;
- Princely Palace;
- Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary;
- central gate of Pile;
- central street Stradun;
- central square of the Lodge.
Dubrovnik welcomes guests throughout the year, but most of the tourists are here in the second half of spring and summer.
Central Dalmatia
Central Dalmatia in Croatia is located from the beach resort of Sibenik to the small town of Gradac (from north to south). The shore is buried in pine trees, and secluded, picturesque bays beckon with calm and amazing beauty. The beaches of Central Dalmatia are rocky and sandy, form a comfortable and picturesque place to relax. Small resort settlements are transferred to the Middle Ages.
The most popular resorts:
- Split
- Omis;
- Brela;
- Baska Voda;
- Makarska;
- Sibenik;
- Trogir.
Also in Central Dalmatia there are wonderful islands for rest – Hvar, Brac or Solta.
It is the second largest city in Croatia after Zagreb. Split is considered a unique settlement not only in Central Dalmatia, but also throughout the country – here historical monuments and a huge modern territory with well-developed infrastructure harmoniously coexist.
Useful information! Split has an airport with flights to all the resort regions of Croatia. From the city it is most convenient to go on excursions to South and North Dalmatia.
What you need to know about Central Dalmatia:
- it is the warmest city on the coast;
- the main beach is Bacvice, marked with the Blue Flag;
- the symbol of the resort is Diocletian’s Palace.
It is one of the three largest and most picturesque islands of the Adriatic Sea. Ferries from the ports of Split and Makarska regularly leave for Brac. The resort is covered with pine forests, vineyards and olive groves. The landscape is suitable for cycling. In addition, the water near the shore is clean, so diving enthusiasts come here.
Read more about the island on this page .
It is important! A popular resort in Central Dalmatia is Bol, here is the famous Golden Cape Beach.
If the purpose of your trip to Croatia is tourism, you will like Trogir. The historic areas of the city of Central Dalmatia are located on the island and are under the protection of UNESCO. Trogir is considered to be an open-air museum, you can spend hours walking along the old streets, admiring its amazing architecture. The city also has night clubs, you can rent a yacht.
Good to know! Transport from many Croatian resorts departs for Trogir.
Detailed information about the rest of the resort of Trogir is presented in this article .
Included in the list of the most popular in Central Dalmatia. The main resort of the Riviera, the city of Makarska, is located in a small, sheltered from the wind bay, only 60 km from Split in Croatia. Makarska Riviera is the very heart of Dalmatia, combining such resorts:
- Brela;
- Baska Voda;
- Tucepi;
- Podgora
The resort of Brela is homely, calm, and attracts tourists with pebble beaches with clear water and pine forests. Lovers of a calm, measured rest come here to slowly walk along the promenade.
If you prefer a fun, noisy vacation, you will like the resort, located 10 km from the city of Makarska and 5 km from Brela – Baska Voda on the Adriatic Sea . The nature here is no less picturesque, and the tourist infrastructure has a rich, full of impressions relaxation.
Tucepi is located 5 km from the city of Makarska. It is here that the best beach in Central Dalmatia is located, its length is 3 km. It is famous for its developed infrastructure, you can engage in various sports and visit fascinating historical and architectural attractions. From Tucepi excursions to the islands of Brac and Hvar, to the resorts of Split and Dubrovnik.
The small village of Podgora is located 9 km from the town of Makarska. The resort is considered the center of cultural life, because throughout the summer there are concerts, folk performances, festivals. There are a lot of cafes and restaurants on the promenade, souvenir shops work. The atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility in Central Dalmatia is complemented by pristine beaches and dense vegetation.
You will be interested: rest in Makarska – what you need to know .
North Dalmatia
Northern Dalmatia in Croatia occupies part of the Adriatic coast from the island of Pagna to the village of Primosten. Geographically, the territory is divided into two parts:
- Zadarskaya
- Shibenskaya.
In the territory of North Dalmatia there are about 500 islands, the most visited:
- Pag
- Silba;
- Murter;
- Fired;
- Sup;
- Pashman.
Also, islands belonging to the Kornati National Park are very popular in North Dalmatia.
The climate of the northern part is quite mild, typical of the Mediterranean. The average temperature in winter is about +7 degrees, and in summer – +27 degrees. Water in the sea warms up to +25 degrees.
The coast of North Dalmatia is considered the most picturesque in Croatia. Here tourists are waiting for comfortable beaches, secluded bays, coniferous forests and beautiful nature. All settlements have a rich history that dates back to antiquity.
The largest number of tourists are attracted by national parks: Paklenica, Kornati and on the island of Krka (or Krk) . In addition, from North Dalmatia you can easily get to the unique natural park – Plitvice Lakes .
Many tourists know this resort by the Cathedral of St. Jacob, which in 2000 was included in the list of objects that are under the protection of UNESCO. Guests of the city are attracted by the fortress of St. Anne, built on a hilltop, from here a beautiful view of the resort opens. Also be sure to visit the fortress of St. Nicholas, the Franciscan temple, the Cathedral of St. Barbara and the town hall building, decorated in the Renaissance style.
Details of the resort are here .
The administrative center of North Dalmatia, known as the main cultural and political city of the region. It is the oldest inhabited locality of Croatia with a rich history and cultural heritage.
Interesting to know! At the end of the 14th century, the oldest educational institution in Croatia was founded here, and it was in Zadar that the first newspaper in the country was published.
A large number of attractions are concentrated on the territory of Zadar , since for many centuries the city was under the control of various states, each left an indelible mark on the appearance of the resort, forming its originality and flavor.
Zadar occupies the mainland, where modern areas are located, and the peninsula, where the old city is concentrated. The most visited and popular street is Kalelarga.
Good to know! Zadar in North Dalmatia is famous for its delicious liquor, which is made from cherries, and on the neighboring islands has a national park Kornati.
Dalmatia (Croatia) is perhaps the most amazing and wonderful region of the country, where every traveler will find for himself a favorite place, warming his soul.
