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The Dalmatian Coast

The Dalmatian Coast, located on the Adriatic Coast of Croatia, is considered by many to be the new "affordable Riviera". Featuring a comfortable Mediterranean climate, over 1,000 islands, spectacular mountain backdrops, friendly enthusiastic people, 2000 years of history, and the beautiful beaches that made the Roman emperor Diocletian (in AD1293) choose Split as the site of his palace, the Dalmatian coast is truly a vacationers paradise. By the way, the Palace today is still a focal point of activity in central Split.

Before we go any further, let's deal with the question of whence the name Dalmatia is derived; and no, it is not because it is a country full of fire trucks with speckled dogs on board, although the breed did originate there. It actually dates back to the Dalmatae, an Illyrian tribe residing on the eastern Adriatic coast in the first millennium BC. The name Dalmatia, it is thought, was first used in the 2nd century BC. Whatever the actual dates, they've been with us for a while. The Romans ran the show for roughly the first 500 years AD, after which it was ruled by a succession of folks until the dissolution of Yugoslavia in 1991 when Croatia became a free and independent nation. Today it is a nation with a rich and varied cultural background, incredible ruins, spectacular scenery, and throbbing modern culture.

Getting to the Dalmatian Coast is quite easy. Convenient air service is available from most European capitals to either Split or Dubrovnik. Ferrys from, Ancona and Bari, Italy, Trieste and other cities run frequently with convenient schedules. Once there, a number of tour companies with very professional guides will escort you up and down the coast. It is an excellent way to explore the mainland and the many wonderful islands. For you self-drivers, 3 hours gets you from Venice to Zadar, the northern-most city on the Dalmatian Coast. Roads are excellent. Click on "factoid" for more driving information. English will serve you quite well on your travels.

There is also the coastal ferry service running from Dubrovnik in the south to Rijeka in the north. It calls on all of the main coastal cities. Click on "factoid" for a map. If you prefer, self-drive tours are available; they plan your itinerary, book your hotels and activities, and provide excellent maps. Many of the vehicles are equipped with GPS systems.

As one journeys south from Trieste we come to the Istrian peninsula inhabited by a polyglot of cultures, a vestige of centuries of rule by Slav, Romanic and Germanic people. Today you will find Italian and Croatian spoken equally; signage is in both languages. You'll want to head for Porec, the main town on the west coast, resting atop a tiny peninsula. Measured by number of visitors, Porec is the most popular destination in all of Croatia. For you history buffs, the Byzantine Basilica of St. Euphrasius, constructed in the 6th century and named after the bishop of that name, is a must-see. The richness of the Byzantine mosaics gives rise to Porec being known as the town of mosaics. You will find a number of other well preserved buildings dating from antiquity in the old centre of town.

Heading south we find Pula, the largest town, located on the southernmost tip of the peninsula. It is here that you will find the 6th largest Roman amphitheatre, built by the Emperor Vespasian in the 1st century BC, and still today one of the best preserved. For more information on Istria click on "factoid".

Now continuing up the bayside of the peninsula we come to the Kvarner Riviera with Opatija being the hub of activity. Kvarner was ruled by Croatian monarchs from the early middle-ages resulting today in an indigenous Croatian culture, and fun-loving people. If there is a carnival going on, be sure to get in on the party. Kvarner is considered the cradle of Croatian tourism, beginning in 1844 when the Villa Angiolina was built for the Hungarian monarchy. Many of the hotels built in that era are still in operation. The port city of Rijeka has been strategically important for centuries and at one time or another was ruled by almost everyone in the region. Today, however, it is best known for its carnival, one of the five largest in the world. You will also find here the ancient citadel, part of it housing a hotel today, and fortifications dating to the 13th century. Further down the coast in Senj is the 16th century Nehaj Tower, the most monumental battlement of the entire area. From Senj you may wish to make a short side trip to scenic Lake Plitvice National Park. Click on "factoid" for information on this beautiful area.

In this region you will also find the Cres-Losinj group of islands, the islands of Krk and Rab and the northern end of Pag Island. All have small towns with centuries old monuments, lovely buildings, museums, galleries and fine restaurants. Beaches in this entire area are superb, and replete with the full gamut of water sports activities.

Following on south we arrive in Zadar at the northern end of Dalmatia. This area features the largest number of inhabited islands of the entire region, and a historical heritage dating to prehistoric times, antiquity and the early middle-ages. Due to its strategic location in the middle of the Adriatic Coast, it has had the misfortune of devastations from the frequent attacks by its neighbors seeking military dominance, most recently at the hands of the Serbs in 1991. During Austrian rule, prior to WWI, the national movement to unite Dalmatia with Croatia began and first succeeded under Yugoslav rule and continues today with an independent Croatia. Zadar today is a bustling and economically dynamic region with roots sunk firmly in its rich and vibrant past. Locals will be quick to point out they believe they have the most beautiful sunset in the world.

Zadar is home to many churches, cathedrals, walls, towers, monumental gates and museums, some remarkably well preserved and many with histories going back to the 9th century. This is true of the mainland as well as many of the islands. As for today, yachting, boating, parasailing, windsurfing and scuba diving will keep even the most active visitors well occupied. Click on "factoids" for more fun facts.

A scant 40 miles to the south is Sibenik; this first genuinely Croatian coastal city emerged in the 11th century. Off shore is the Kornati Archipelago, the greatest concentration of islands in all the Adriatic regions. Primosten, situated on a tiny hilly peninsula reachable from the mainland by a narrow isthmus, is famous for its vineyards- most remarkable when one considers the rock strewn soil of the area. A short distance inland is Knin, the Croatian capital at the turn of the second millennium. The most imposing fortresses of the region are found here and at the sea approach to Sibenik. Click on "factoid" for much more.

Just over a half hour drive south is Split, the largest city and the heart and nerve center of Dalmatia. Here you'll find the best beaches, most vibrant night life, and two of the Croatian localities listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and of course, Diocletian's Palace. He knew what he was doing when he chose this spot, fronting on a protected and tranquil bay, and the Mount of Marjan as backdrop; here paradise is within sight. Attesting to the perfection of the site and permanence of the construction, the palace has been continually occupied for nearly two thousand years. Near Split are Trogir and Omis, two other large coastal towns, and offshore the large Dalmatian Islands of Brac, Solta, Ciovo, Hvar and Vis . Trogir, on a tiny island between the mainland and Ciovo and linked by bridges, is a stunning trip back in time to earlier civilizations. Side by side one finds monuments from Greek times, Antiquity and the early and late Middle Ages. Really, quite a remarkable panorama! Further offshore is the island of Hvar, rated by Conde Nast Traveler as one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world, renowned for spectacular vistas and beautiful beaches (the largest and highest of all the Dalmatian islands) it belongs on your must-see list. As usual, to learn more about Split and central Dalmatia click on "factoids".

Less than an hour south our trip down the Dalmatian Coast takes us next to Dubrovnik, a city full of hidden corners each with its special charm, and the gem of Croatian heritage. Of course there are more islands in the region, some of the most important being Korcula, Mljet, Lastovo, and also the Peljesac peninsula. If interested in "real" adventure travel you might try hooking with some of Marco Polo's descendants on Korcula, birthplace of the intrepid explorer. The Dubrovnik vista, approaching from the airport high above the sea has been cited by UNESCO as the "pearl of the Adriatic on the Dalmatian coast", and so it is, as few cities enjoy such a breathtaking view amid beautifully preserved Medieval stone walls and fortresses. Those ramparts are there for good reason for throughout history the splendor of Dubrovnik has made it an appealing target for many would be conquerors, most recently by Serbia at the end of the last century.

The Peljesac peninsula features robust vineyards, oyster cultivation and Orebic, on the western end, is home to many sea captains befitting its strong maritime tradition. The island of Korcula for several centuries belonged to Venice, and its Gothic-Renaissance architecture reflects that heritage. Again, don't forget to visit the Polo family homestead if looking for an adventure traveler companion. Finally our journey is not complete without a visit to the Elafiti islands with its captivating summer homes and 16th century castles, most located on the island of Sipan.

You'll find more information on all of the delightful regions of the Dalmatian coast on our website. Just click on the "factoid" link. You can also go to www.split.hr (type in whichever city you want) for additional information. Dalmatia offers a dramatic array of history, culture, beaches, nightlife and entertainment, fine restaurants, and sightseeing, but perhaps the best part is the easy accessibility of this compact 100 mile- long coastal region. Call or email us for help in planning your Dalmatian coast vacation. Whether your preference is a guided tour, cruise, or a pre-planned self-drive exploration we can help you create an experience to remember for years to come.