Set on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, Dalmatia is a coastal region of Croatia characterized by its coves, secluded beaches, warm sea, constant winds and beautiful wooded islands. Much of its fascination is concentrated in southern Dalmatia, which includes its largest cities, Split and Dubrovnik. With the imprint of Greek, Roman, and Venetian cultures on its towns and cities, like the fortresses of Dubrovnik and Diocletian's mammoth palace, southern Dalmatia is the source of one breathtaking experience after another. Sibenik and Zadar are the capital cities of the areas that comprise central and northern Dalmatia. These regions are home to some of Croatia's most accessible and enchanting cities and sites. There's something for everyone in this gateway to Croatia's coastal playground, from ruins of ancient civilizations, rock climbing the Velebit range, classical music at the Church of St. Donat in Zadar, or enjoying the view from the top of Trogir's Kamerlengo fortress.
The northern coastline in between Trogir and Split is dominated by seven settlements referred to collectively as Kaštela. Formerly the playground of Croatian and Venetian royals, this luxurious, picturesque area is now one of Croatia`s prime vacation spots.
The area of the Dalmatian Coast between Split and the Makarska Riviera is often overlooked by travelers, but there are many gems located along the coast, ranging from the stark cliffs of Omiš, where the River Cetina meets the turquoise sea, to Podstrana, perhaps the most popular tourist resort along this stretch of coastline.
For 37 miles along the Dalmatian coast from the Cetina River Valley down to the Neretva Delta, the intimate towns and villages of the Makarska Riviera are some of the most-visited in all of Croatia. The towns are hemmed in between the Adriatic Sea and the Biokovo Mountains and offer some truly picture-postcard moments.
The Dubrovnik Riviera occupies fewer than 20 miles of coastline, but it welcomes over a million tourists each year not just to Dubrovnik, but also to the towns up and down the coast, ranging from quaint Dalmatian villages to purpose-built seaside resort towns.