THE DALMATIAN COAST
Dalmatia is a region of Croatia, comprising a central coastal strip and a smattering of islands and the Krka River, along the Adriatic Sea. Three of the best seaside towns of Croatia along the Dalmatian coastline are Šibenic, Split and Dubrovnik. All have an abundance of charm to captivate us travellers.
The Mediterranean climate, crystalline blue waters, picturesque islands, coves, river and waterfalls, make Croatia’s Adriatic coast an inviting place to enjoy beaches, water sports, and nature parks. All this adventure, combined with an abundance of culture and history sees the region gaining in popularity as a major tourist destination.
Here I’ll give you a brief guide to the three seaside towns of Croatia I recommend you visit on the picturesque Dalmatian Coast.
A small medieval seaside town in north-central Dalmatia, Šibenik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Croatia’s oldest towns. Much less crowded than other coastal cities of Croatia, Šibenik town is easily covered in a day. Things to see and do:
- The historic Old Town is vehicle free and has maze-like laneways to meander through.
- The impressive St James Cathedral (Katedrala sv. Jakova) a UNESCO protected structure with different carved heads around the exterior, believed to be locals of the 1500’s, when it was built.
- A coastal promenade with views.
- Lovely beaches nearby to enjoy, such as Banj, Slanica or Hangar.
- The Šibenik archipelago, made up of over 200 islands, is largely untouched by tourists and can be explored by boat or ferry, Zlarin and Prvić being the closest.
- Several fortresses to visit on land.
- St Nicholas Fortress is a sea fortification, triangular in shape, on an island you can tour.
- Šibenik boasts the beautiful Krka National Park, along the Krka River, just 40 minutes drive away and a short boat ride, perfect for a day trip. The Park has 7 waterfalls, 2 of them are cascading, Roški Slap and Skradinski Buk, and impressive walking trails with abundant flora and fauna to enjoy. I witnessed dolphins in the water. Swimming is allowed at Roški Slap and other designated areas only.
The second largest city in Croatia and the largest town in the middle of the Dalmatia region, Split is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located 88km away from Šibenik, over an hour by bus.
- A small Old Town, pedestrians only, easily walkable in a day.
- Diocletian’s Palace, built in 4th century Common Era for Roman Emperor Diocletian, a huge imperial palace-fortress complex, with white stone walls, of 7-hectares, one of the most well-preserved Roman palaces in the world.
- Peristyle Court, part of the above palace, is a collonaded square in which to meet and sit on the steps.
- Cathedral of St Domnius, also in the palace, is a striking octagonal shape.
- Klis Fortress,12km by bus from the city centre.
- Beaches for some fun in the sun – Bačvice, Kasjuni, Ovčicet.
- Islands to visit by boat or ferry, such as the popular Brac Island, which is the largest in Dalmatia.
- Take a Blue Lagoon (Krknjasi Bay) boat tour from Split.
- Easy access to Krka National Park for day trips, by car or bus tour. A little over 1 hour drive to the Lozovac entrance of the park.
Located at the southern end of the Dalmatian Coast, the beautiful town of Dubrovnik is arguably the most popular tourist destination in Croatia. Famous for its well-preserved and pedestrian-friendly medieval, walled town. I loved this city for the spectacular monuments and sites:
- Impressive defensive City Walls to walk around, perched high above the city with panoramic views.
- Enchanting Old Town of Dubrovnik, vehicle-free, with narrow lane ways to explore.
- Stradun promenade in city centre, lined with ancient buildings.
- Several imposing Fortresses to see and visit, some have museums.
- Cathedrals and Monasteries to visit, with museums.
- Rectors Palace, a museum also.
- Cable car rides overlooking the city and Adriatic Sea.
- Some of the best beaches in Croatia to enjoy – Capocabana, Banje, Danče, and Pasjača.
- Nearby islands to explore by boat or ferry – Lokrum, Elafiti, and Korcula.
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That's it!
I hope to have inspired you to visit these 3 amazing seaside towns of Croatia – Šibenik, Split and Dubrovnik located on the Dalmatia coastline.
If you only have one day in each town, that is adequate for touring the towns. But I would suggest a couple of days in each if you wish to visit some of the picturesque islands and the stunning Krka National Park, as they will require a few extra hours at least.
Some accommodation options for these 3 seaside towns of Croatia are listed below.
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11 Comments
I was on the Dalmatian coast last year, and I loved all three of the towns you mentioned—Šibenik was my favourite.
We still have Sibenik on our list to visit, looks like a much less crowded town, which we’d enjoy. We like to stay in Trogir when visiting Split, so that we can access the sights and day trips, but can be away from some of the crowds.
Croatia is such a stunning country. I love how it both has really picturesque old towns but also amazing nature. The coast is especially nice, so I think these are great choices for anything planning a trip there!
Wow you got some really great pictures of the coastline and architecture! Croatia looks amazing!
I spent two weeks on the Dalmatian coast a few years ago and loved it! Split was great as a budget solo traveler, while Dubrovnik on the other hand was very pricey. Split felt more laid back too so I enjoyed it more.
Croatia looks stunning! Those views by the water are breathtaking. Would love to visit these towns.
I had no idea Croatia was that gorgeous wow!!! I would love to explore this stunning country. Soon I hope.
I love learning about new destinations, and Croatia sounds absolutely breathtaking.
I visited Dubrovnik on a cruise excursion and found it fascinating but I’d love to visit Šibenik and Split someday too.
Croatia looks like it is an incredible destination with a variety of stunning places to explore. I saw it recently on Below Deck Med a tv show and it made me want to go there. Thanks so much for the tips.
The pictures of the national park are stunning. Great post! Thank you for sharing!