Split – Dalmatia
Central Dalmatia region is a combination of powerful nature and cultural and historical heritage with indelible traces of different civilizations.
The center of the region is Split, located on the Adriatic coast in central Dalmatia.
This is the second-largest Croatian city and the best place to show the original Dalmatian life.
It is a quintessential Mediterranean city, with a small-town vibe, noisy streets, and easy-going locals.
Located in the palace of Emperor Diocletian, the historic old town of Split is a 1,700-year-old living museum. The extraordinary complex of Diocletian’s Palace is one of the most impressive ancient Roman buildings that exist today, so it is not surprising that it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Peristyle is the heart of the Palace. There you can find ancient Roman columns made of red granite, an Egyptian sphinx, an entrance to the Palace’s basements, a Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Temple of Jupiter.
The bell tower of the church of St. Domnius is one of the symbols of Split. First built between the 13th and 16th centuries, the bell tower was completely restored in the 19th century. The views from the top are fantastic and worth climbing the narrow staircase.
A special experience of Split is a visit to Marjan Park – a forest that is often called the lungs of the city. You will enjoy a stunning view of Split and the islands, with several unique lookouts. It offers walkers of all ages peace and quiet, recreation and entertainment, and beautiful beaches.
In the immediate vicinity of Split is Solin where the ancient Salona is hidden, dating from the 3rd century BC. Kr, once the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia and now the largest archaeological park in Croatia.
On the hill, near Salona is located Klis Fortress – a great historical place located above a village overlooking beautiful terrain and sea. If you’re a big fan of Game of Thrones, you might have seen this place in the series.
Great recommendation for a special town 20 km from Split – Trogir. This small, Dalmatian town with a rich history and beautiful city center is a pleasure for all the senses. Each stone built into the walls and narrow alleys tells its own story from the time of the Greeks, Romans, and Venetians.
The Cathedral of St. Lovre is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Croatia and its construction took almost 300 years.
The islands you must not miss in this region are Brac, Hvar, and Vis.
On the island of Brač is Zlatni rat – one of the most famous and most beautiful beaches in Croatia, and certainly in Europe.
The island of Hvar – the sunniest island in Croatia is one of the largest tourist destinations in Croatia due to the many hours of sunshine, cultural and historical heritage, clean beaches, untouched nature, and indented coastline. While on Hvar, be sure to visit the Fortica Fortress, which in addition to providing an experience of the original architecture, also gives an unforgettable panoramic view of the town of Hvar, its surroundings and the Paklinski islands.
The island of Vis is known for its turquoise sea, beautiful bays with magical beaches, and breathtaking caves. The picturesque town of Komiža is the starting point for the Blue Cave, which you must not miss. Neither does Stiniva beach, which was declared the most beautiful European beach a few years ago!
The southern part of this beautiful region is occupied by the magnificent, rocky mountain Biokovo with the peak of Sveti Jure and a new special place – Skywalk. Biokovo Nature Park is one of the most attractive nature parks in Croatia, stretching 30 km above the beautiful pebble beaches of the Makarska Riviera. A narrow asphalt road leads to the top, so it is possible to reach the top by car.
We would especially highlight the attractive canyon of the river Cetina as one of the most beautiful natural attractions in all of Dalmatia. Located in the hinterland of Omis, the canyon impresses with its size and steep high cliffs. The emerald green river Cetina abounds in waterfalls and rapids, which attracts many nature lovers who want adrenaline sports such as zip-lining and rafting.
Lastly, we recommend you explore the spacious Dalmatian hinterland with fields in the karst landscape. Be sure to visit the Blue and Red Lakes near Imotski, which are one of the most beautiful karst lakes in this part of Europe.
