Dalmatia

Historically, Dalmatia was first mentioned in the 1st century BC, and named after the Illyrian tribes of Dalmati. It is the longest part of the Croatian coast on the Adriatic Sea with a multitude of islands and islets. It is divided into three parts, the north, central and south. Adorned with the specific relief of flora and fauna of the Mediterranean type, prevailing climate with warm dry summers and mild rainy winters. Covers all the islands on the east side of Adriatic sea except Kvarner islands, also includes four National Parks, National Park Mljet, National Park Kornati, National Park Krka and National Park Paklenica. Because of natural beauty, cultural and historical monuments and famous gastronomy, tourism is very well developed here, making this region the most visited region of Croatia.

The largest cities are Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar and Sibenik. It is a wonderful and exciting area, a unique selection of accommodation, hotels of different categories, apartments, rooms, holiday villas and campsites. The coast and islands are a paradise for sailing, surfers and diving, beautiful beaches for swimmers, many hidden unspoilt areas for exploring.


Dalmatian cuisine is specific and you'll fall in love with her, eat slowly cooked meals and plenty of fish, shellfish and molluscs. Local specialties prepared by using plenty of vegetables, herbs and olive oil, which makes this cuisine considered very healthy. Since meat is the main dish mostly lamb, then chicken and turkey, you must try and smoked ham.

The most famous cultural-historical monuments are the Diocletian Palace in Split, the Old Town in Dubrovnik and Trogir, which are under protection of UNESCO. The ancient city of Salona near Split, St. Jacob's Cathedral in Sibenik, the Roman Forum and St. Donatus church in Zadar.

North part stretches from the island of Pag in the north to the Primosten in the south. Diversity is the main feature of this part of Dalmatia. More than 300 islands and islets, three National Parks and rich cultural heritage. Zadar and Sibenik are the largest cities in Northern Dalmatia, other major sites are Biograd, Turanj, Vodice, Primosten, Rogoznica, Skradin, Starigrad-Paklenica, Pirovac and inside Drnis and Knin. The bigger and better known islands are, Ugljan, Murter, Pasman, Vir, Dugi Otok, and the island group in the National Park Kornati.

Central part stretches from the river Krka in the northwest to the Neretva river in the southwest. The main characteristics of central Dalmatia is specific landscape, and only river is Cetina, which penetrates through the canyon to Omis on the coast. The biggest advantage of middle part is certainly the crystal clear sea and beautiful islands. Split is the largest Croatian city on the Adriatic, full of cultural and historical monuments, good restaurants, taverns, café bars, nightclubs and other facilities in which you can have a great time. Other well known tourist places are Trogir, Makarska, Podstrana, Brela, Baska Voda, Tucepi, Podgora and inside Sinj and Imotski. The larger islands are Brac, Hvar, Vis, Solta and Ciovo.

Southern part is the smallest of the three, including the area south of the river Neretva, Peljesac peninsula and the area south of Dubrovnik to the border with Montenegro. Dubrovnik is the center, one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Mediterranean. It is a town that is proud of its beauty and history, and is under the protection of UNESCO. Other tourist centres are Cavtat, Orebic, Trpanj and Ston, who are on the Peljesac peninsula. Larger islands are Korcula, Mljet, Lastovo and Elafiti.

Airports are Split Airport, Zadar Airport, Dubrovnik Airport, and Brac Airport. It is well connected with buses, trains and ferries. A modern highway connects north and south Croatia and neighbouring countries, more and more people are driving to the wonderful country of Croatia.

Map of Dalmatia

Here's a Google Map of Dalmatia: use the controls in the top left-hand corner to zoome in and out, and scroll around.

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