The Dalmatian Coast is where many people head when looking to get away from it all in Croatia. Covering much of the country’s Adriatic coast region, this renowned area has plenty of Mediterranean appeal and extends from the island of Rab in the north on down to the Bay of Kotor in the southeast. A land of extremes, it is home to high rising mountains, fertile plains, coastal beaches, and a variety of enticing islands. National parks such as Krka National Park provide good places for recreation, and there are numerous resort areas where fun in the sun is at the heart of things.

Several cities can be found in Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast region. Among them is Zadar, which is found in the northern realms. A historically rich city, Zadar is best known for its Roman ruins and its churches. One of the churches–the Church of St. Donat–dates back to the ninth century. Heading south along the Dalmatian Coast, you eventually come to Split, which is the largest city in the region and also has a rich history. Further south yet is the UNESCO World Heritage city of Dubrovnik, which is also known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic" and figures among the top vacation spots in the entire Mediterranean region.

Makarska Riviera

Sunny weather and a collection of long pebbly beaches are among the things that attract people to the Dalmatian Coast’s 36-mile-long Makarska Riviera. Set along the coast at the base of lofty Biokovo Mountain, this waterfront area is surely a popular place to sunbathe and swim in the summer. No less than six different resort towns provide area bases. These towns include low-key Brela and family-friendly Makarska. As for things to do when you’re not sunbathing or enjoying water sports activities in the Makarska Riviera, the area is home to a few sports centers, not to mention some interesting churches and the Biokovo Nature Park. Hiking and climbing trails are among the things that await at the nature park, and you might not want to miss the botanical gardens that are found at Kotosina.

Dalmatian Islands

Plenty of beaches and other great attractions can be found on the mainland of the Dalmatian Coast. It’s not all about the mainland, however. Found in this coastal region are numerous islands–more than a thousand to be exact–and they can certainly make for fantastic destinations in their own rites. An example is the island of Brac. Long a popular vacation resort, it offers all kinds of tempting things, such as long beaches and delightful hiking trails. Other ideas for places to visit among the Dalmatian Islands are Vis, Krk, and Hvar. One of the best things about Vis is the relatively secluded nature of its beaches, and Krk entices with its own high quality strips of sand. As for Hvar, its charms include beaches, a rich history, and scenic mountains. These and many of the other Dalmatian Islands can be visited by way of ferry if you are without your own personal boat. Ferries actually link a healthy amount of Dalmatian Coast destinations together, and it is possible to board a ferry to the region in other countries, such as Greece and Italy.

Dalmatian Coast Cruises

Exploring the Dalmatian Coast in a boat of some kind can be a truly wonderful thing. As mentioned, if you don’t have your own boat, you can get around effectively by taking ferries from place to place. Another option is to enjoy a Dalmatian Coast cruise. Numerous cruise ships make their ways along this privileged coastal region, and you can start your journey in any number of places. Many of the cruises understandably begin in Croatia, while others embark from other ports around Europe. The options aren’t limited to Europe, however. The Dalmatian Coast can figure among the ports of call on cruises that begin in non-continental destinations, such as Dubai in the Middle East. The options are numerous, so it can be a good idea to consider as many as possible.

Tours of the Dalmatian Coast

Tours of the Dalmatian Coast come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be ideal for those who don’t already have a travel plan in place. Both land and sea tours can be enjoyed, and you can always look to mix some time on land with some time on the water if you wish. As for some of the things that can be featured on Dalmatian Coast tour itineraries, they include visits to Roman ruins, trips to medieval towns, some time in larger cities like Split, and stops at national parks such as renowned Plitvice Lakes National Park. Depending on what you have in mind, you can book a shorter Dalmatian Coast tour that revolves around a limited number of attractions and activities, or you can go big and arrange a multi-day tour that includes such things as your flight to Croatia, your accommodations, and entrance fees for all the attractions that are included on the tour agenda. You might even have an English-speaking tour manager who is in place to make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. Being that the Dalmatian Islands are such a popular European vacation destination, the tour options are abundant.