Northern Dalmatia stretches from the Kvarner Riviera to Split, including Zadar and Trogir. Split is the largest city in the region, so makes an easy base, and its Old Town, built around a vast Roman palace, is exceptionally beautiful. Zadar is the other large town in the region, again with an impressive Old Town littered with Roman ruins, medieval churches and excellent museums. But Northern Dalmatia is probably better known for its scenery, with some breathtakingly lovely National Parks, and some of the least built up islands of the Dalmatian Group - Pasman and Uglijan are prime examples. Beautiful Pag has some of the region's best sandy beaches, as well as the famous party resort of Novalja.
Central Dalmatia is also a place of alpine mountains - those ones which roll picturesquely down to the Mediterranean-feeling coastline - castles and unique cuisine, so it’s worth heading across to the mainland for a look. The most famous Dalmatian islands are in the centre of the region. Start with Solta, just off the coast from Split, and head south and you'll hit Brač, Hvar, Vis and Korčula.
Solta is well developed and very visitor-friendly. Brač is just a 50minute ferry ride off the coast from Spilt, a large island, lush with pines and figs. This area is known for clear waters and bright white stone. It is Brač stone that the White House in Washington is made from - and, more locally, the Diocletian’s Palace in Split. A famous landmark is the long, white sandy spit called Zlatni Rat just outside the town of Bol. The spit rolls right into the spectacular Adriatic and a view of this beach appears in a lot of material advertising the beauty of Croatia. Many of the best places to stay on Brač are in or around Supetar and Bol, the two main towns, but there are also some lovely places to stay in the rocky interior.
Hvar has fertile vineyards and lavendar fields, gorgeous beaches, medieval towns and a huge yachting harbour known for its glamorous parties. It's also considered to be the jewel, among jewels, of the Dalmatian Coast. With a splendid neo-classical harbour, a rich history, and architectural history and an incredible landscape. And she enjoys a climate of warm winters and dry summers. Vis has more of those lovely, sandy bays and beaches, and Korčula, the largest, with her ineyards, olive groves, turquoise seas lapping against quiet, sandy coves and picturesque towns and villages, is loved by cyclists. You’ll also find the traditional culture is vibrant and strong here, from the music and dance, to the old religious ceremonies, to the production of the food and excellent wine.
The southerly part of the Dalmatian Coast and the southerly Dalmatian Islands are where you'll see palm trees and olive groves along the ribbon of Adriatic blue, but the grey cliffs and peaks are still right behind the coast, so it’s a beautiful sight to sail on by.
Tiny Sipan, and Lopud, one of the Elafiti isles which lie a few nautical miles off the coast from Dubrovnik. It is a carfree paradise with pure white beaches, scents of mandarin, orange and lemon, olive groves, vineyards and crystal clear waters.
And at the end you'll find Dubrovnik. A favourite of famous aesthete Elizabeth Taylor, Dubrovnik's sheltered, emerald harbour, its 13th century walled town and its Stradun, one of the world's most beautiful main streets, are endlessly enchanting. It sounds over the top, but you'll see...
Start planning your trip and use our guide to the best hotels on the Dalmatian Islands to ensure you have the holiday of a lifetime.