Central Dalmatia travel guide
Central Dalmatia is one of the most popular regions to visit in Croatia and it is not difficult to see why.
It is easy to spend a month, never mind a week, here, exploring its intriguing historical towns and cities, and relaxing on its many rugged islands such as Hvar and Vis, with their pristine beaches and warm breezes scented with wild lavender and rosemary. Its main city is Split, whose inhabitants have a reputation for being cosmopolitan, hedonistic and chic.
Dalmatia's attractions
The region has also been discovered by the extremely wealthy international yachting community and you will see plenty of multimillion dollar yachts in the marinas. Indeed, sailing is a great way to explore the islands and coast; the marinas are well-equipped and there are far fewer boats than in the Greek islands. Add the first-rate seafood, the relaxed pace of life, the openness of the local people and the quality of the scuba diving and Central Dalmatia is hard to beat as a summer holiday destination.
Places to visit in Central Dalmatia
The lavender island of Hvar
A favourite with international celebrities. Read more about Hvar...
Split's stunningly preserved Roman remains
Dalmatia’s largest city, Split, was founded by the Roman emperor Diocletian in AD295. His retirement palace, the remarkably intact complex of Diocletian’s Palace, is a Unesco World Heritage Site and still forms the core of the city. In the palace complex is the octagonal Cathedral of St Domnius. You can climb the Romanesque bell-tower for bird’s-eye views.
North of Diocletian’s Palace is the monumental sculpture of the 10th-century bishop, Grgur of Nin (Gregory of Nin) by Ivan Meštrovic (1929). Opposite the statue is the high-tech Split Gallery of Modern Art housing an incredible selection of masterpieces.
Brac, with its famous Žlatni Rat beach
Just half an hour across the water from Split is Brac, Croatia’s third largest island, featuring Žlatni Rat (Golden Cape), the country’s best known shingle beach, which cuts scenically into the Adriatic, attracting countless sun-worshippers and windsurfers. Bol has a pleasant old town and is a centre for walks in the surrounding hills. A longer walk, or a short drive by car and a reasonably challenging hour’s walk from the car park, takes you to the time capsule of Hermitage Blaca. Originally a cave shelter for two monks who arrived from the mainland in 1551, it became a flourishing monastery until 1963. Strikingly cut into the rocks, the buildings and other historic treasures have been preserved as a museum.
The off-the-beaten-track island of Šolta
Just off Brac’s west coast lies the smaller and almost completely undiscovered island of Šolta, a mass of olive groves and vineyards with a handful of sleepy settlements, the most notable being west-facing Maslinica, with its beautiful sunsets and upmarket hotel and restaurant in the restored 18th-century baroque castle.
Vis, former home of wealthy Venetians
Vis is the furthest island from the Croatian mainland and its rugged, mountainous beauty is quite unlike any of the others. Vis Town curves around a bay with its most appealing quarter, Kut, where wealthy Venetians built their homes during the 16th century. The Franciscan monastery features gravestones by Croatian sculptor Ivan Rendic.
Across the mountains from Vis Town is the fishing village of Komiža. As you approach, the church of St Nicholas, on a vine-covered bluff, offers a shady respite from the summer heat. In Komiža itself there is a modest Fishing Museum. From Komiža you can take a boat trip in summer to the islet of Biševo, where, at around noon, the Blue Grotto (Modra Špilja) is illuminated by a brilliant blue light.
Like Central Dalmatia's islands and coastline? Try the beautiful Istrian Coast
