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North and Mid Dalmatia

"On the last day of the Creation God desired to crown His work, and thus created the Kornati Islands out of tears, stars and breath."(George Bernard Shaw)

About the region

Northern and mid Dalmatia spreads from the source of the river Zrmanja to the river Neretva. It can be divided into 3 regions: Zadar, Šibenik and Split and many islands including Brač, Dugi, Hvar, Kornati, Krapanj, Pašman, Solata, Ugljan, Vis and Žirje.

Dalmatia has Mediterranean climate with long, warm summers and short, mild winters. Average temperature is about 26 C and winter is about 7 C. The town and island of Hvar are the sunniest in all Croatia with 2718 hours of sunshine a year. Administrative and commercial towns of the region are Zadar (72,000 inhabitants ), Šibenik (51,000 inhabitants) and Split (188,000 inhabitants). The name Dalmatia was first time mentioned in the 1st century and is derived from the name of the Dalmat tribe.

Where to stay

Zadar, Šibenik, Trogir and Split are in every way exceptional historical towns which are well worth a visit while you are in Dalmatia.

Zadar

Zadar has been the capital of Dalmatia for centuries. It was ruined and re-built in numerous attacks and wars which may explain why it needs four patron saints for protection (St. Šimun, St. Kerševan, St. Anastasia and St. Zoilo). Within the very impressive and well kept city walls are a roman forum from the 1st century and the unique 9th century pre-Romanesque church of St. Donat. A permanent exhibition "Gold and silver of Zadar" is hosted within the Benedictine monastery of St. Marija.

Šibenik

The first recorded mention of Šibenik is from 1066 in the deeds of the Croatian King Petar Kresimir IV. It has a unique historical centre which is approachable from all directions. The town consists of three parts known as Grad, Dolac and Gorica. The local patron saint is St Mihovil and St Jakov's cathedral is one of the architectural highpoints. Šibenik cathedral is protected by UNESCO.

Trogir

Trogir is an ancient fortified coastal town first colonised by Doric Greeks from Syracuse around the 3rd century B.C. The town is really a living museum. It is excellent example of a medieval town built on and conforming with the layout of a Hellenistic and Roman city that has conserved its urban fabric to an exceptional degree and has been recognised as such by UNESCO who have declared the town a World Heritage Centre. Trogir was founded by Greek colonists from the island of Vis in the 3rd century b.c. Today it has 12000 inhabitants.

Split

In 295 the Roman Emperor Diocletian started to build a palace on the place of today town of Split, near the small village of Salona in Dalmatia where he was born in 243. It was build in a shape of uneven square, with walls and fortresses, with two main roads which divide the town into quarters.

The enormous palace (30.000m2) is one of the most important works of antique architecture in Croatia and very little has changed despite passing through Byzantine, Venetian and Austrian rulers. Through the ages the town of Split has developed and is today the biggest town on the Croatian coast.

Solin/Salona

The former capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia now known by its Croatian name Solin is situated 6 km north from Split and is rich with archaeological remains . Some parts of the town date from the 2nd century B.C. and a great deal has been excavated including an amphitheatre built to host 19,000 spectators. In the time of emperor Diocletian ancient Salona had 60,000 inhabitants.

Visit: Solin homepage

Island of Hvar

The island of Hvar is the sunniest Croatian island and is frequently listed as one of the 10 most beautiful islands in the world in travel magazines. Pleasant climate with lots of sun, clean air, crystal clear sea, subtropical vegetation, magnificent vineyards, olive trees and rich history make it a unique tourist destination.

Hvar Town

Town Hvar with its 3500 inhabitants is the biggest town on Island of Hvar. It is surrounded by walls dated from 15th century. Its main square, called Pjaca, is the biggest square on Croatian coast, and on it east side is the oldest town theatre in Europe build in 1612. After Dubrovnik Hvar is possibly the most attractive tourist town of Adriatic.

Visit: Hvar town homepage

Starigrad

Starigrad (Pharos) is the oldest town on the island and one of the oldest in Europe. It was founded by Greeks from the island of Pharos when they started to colonize Hvar in 385 B.C. Take a stroll on the old town promenade and visit the impressive Castle Tvrdalj.

Vrboska

Vrboska was founded in the mid 15th century and is situated in a deep and narrow bay surrounded by woods and with a well maintained beach. Visit St Lovro church with its five marble portals and works of local and Venetian art.

Zaraće

Swim at the quiet and secluded beach enclosed by woodlands on one side and rocks on the other, and after that maybe dine modestly at the restaurant Grego on the beach. Zarace is a small village 7 km along the main road from Hvar town surrounded with vineyards and olive groves, cacti flowers and the sea.

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Special offers

Apartmani Lucijo***

Central Dalmatia, Hvar- Vrboska
person/day from 29,00 EUR

Where to stay

Nacional park Kornati - a maze of sea and rocks

Kornati National Park on the central Adriatic coast covers 234 km2 and in area is the biggest of Croatia's National Parks. The park consists of 89 islands and the surrounding marine eco-system. It is the most indented coastline in the Mediterranean sea with thousands of bays, gulfs, marinas, secret places and sandy and pebble beaches.

Kornati is the bluest part of the Adriatic coast. The crystal clear sea, rich colours and shapes of flora and the untouched beauty of the islands attract nature lovers, Robinson Crusoe types and those seeking peace and tranquillity. One of the highlights of Kornati are the tall cliffs on the island of Klobucar, Mana and Rašhip Veli. The Arhipelago is most popular with sailors and yachtsmen who are best placed to enjoy its beauties and the Dalmatian cuisine hidden in Kornati's restaurants and pubs. For those without their own boats there are many organised boat trips.

Natural Park Telašćica (Dugi Otok)

Telaščica situated near Kornati is a big and deep fjord on south part of Dugi Otok (island). The bay is a popular destination with sailors and windsurfers with its strong winds from open sea. Inside the park, between the bay and the sea is lake Mir which is actually saltier than the nearby sea. A particular attraction of Telaščica are sheer cliffs rising to 180m in height.

National park Krka

Krka National Park encompasses an area of 109 square kilometres along the length of the river Krka and is the most beautiful river in Croatia. With its seven travertine waterfalls and a total drop of 242 meters the Krka River is a natural and karstic phenomenon. A walk down through the gorge at Skradinski buk is an unforgettable experience. Equally outstanding is the river trip through the Medu Grede Canyon to the waterfall at Roski Slap which has a stop off at the picturesque Franciscan monastery on the island of Visovac in the middle of the river.

Visit: National park Krka

Paklenica national park

Paklenica National Park occupies 3600 hectares to the south of the Velebit mountains (Croatia's biggest mountain range) which overlook the Adriatic and seperate the country into 2 distinct climate patterns - the coastal Mediteranean climate and the inland Continental climate. The park is abundant in wild nature, rich flora and wild fauna. Especially picturesque are the two canyons Velika and Mala (Big and Little) Paklenica which run for 14km and 12km respectively and are deeply cut into the massive south face of the Velebit mountain. Paklenica become National Park in 1949. The parks also boasts 70 caves, however, so far only the Manita Peć cave has been opened for viewing. There are 47 known species of mammals in the park. Throughout the park, one can see game species such as roe deer , red deer , chamois and wild boar . Large predator species include the brown bear , the wolf and the lynx.

Visit: National park Paklenica

Hell Islands

Hell Islands (Pakleni otoci) are the prettiest part of Hvar's Riviera. A playful chain of woody isles, dipped in a clear, azure sea, a few resorts and swimming areas, and a number of little, hidden away beaches, stone terraces facing sun, and beautiful deserted lagoons make, as someone said, "An Arcadia in the grasp of the palm."

Especially attractive is the sandy beach on the island of Palmiža where there is also a marina. Hell Islands are easy to reach by taxi boats from Hvar.

Pitve

Picturesque village with less them 100 inhabitants surrounded by vineyards situated half way from Jelsa to Zavala. The village has preserved it hundreds year old rural structure with narrow streets and little yards. From the Upper part of the village is a wide view to local vineyards, Jelsa, Hvar canal, Island of Brač and mountain Biokovo.

Cave above St. Nedjelja

If you like adventure then try two hour walk to Augustin monestary remains which are in Cave above St Nedjelja. Take a walk from Church in St Nedjelja by narrow, hill marked path near famous Croatian vineyards to the cave in the mountain.

Vidova gora / Island of Brač

Vidova gora on Island of Brač is with its 780 m the highest top of all Adriatic Islands. Overgrown by black Dalmatian pine trees. There is a beautiful view to well know beach "Zlatni Rat"

Zlatni rat

Zlatni rat situated on place Bol on Island of Brač is the most popular beach of Croatian part od Adriaric sea. It is a unusual shape cape covered with fine pebbles, surrounded by pine woodlands.

Modra špilja

"The Island of Biševo is made up of limestone, which is riddled with caves. 26 sea caves are known along the coast of the island, which may all be visited by boat. But the most well known cave is Modra Špilja, the Blue Grotto." This blue grotto has a natural entrance below the sea level. The only way to enter the cave originally was by diving. But more than a century ago it was opened up to allow visitors to enter the cave by boat."

Island of Jabuka

Jabuka is a pyramid shape volcano island situated only 70 km from Komiža on Island of Vis. It is very steep cliff, 97 m high and there are no inhabitants on Jabuka .

Getting there

Croatia Airlines - flight from Heathrow to Split.
Wizzair - flight from Luton to Split.