Croatia Guide
Dalmatia
Stretching from Zadar in the north to the Bay of Kotor (now part of Montenegro) in the south, Dalmatia possesses one of Europe's most dramatic shorelines, as the stark, grey wall of the coastal mountains sweeps down towards a lush seaboard ribbon dotted with palm trees and olive plantations. Along the coast are beautifully preserved, Venetian-influenced medieval towns that wouldn't look out of place on the other side of the Adriatic, poised above some of the clearest waters in Europe, while offshore are myriad islands adorned with ancient stone villages and enticing coves. The tourist industry boomed in the 1970s and 1980s before collapsing during the 1991–95 war and, though visitor numbers have risen rapidly since the return of peace, the crowds are rarely difficult to avoid: the Adriatic islands can swallow up any number of sightseers, while tourist settlements on the mainland have been kept well away from the main towns.
Highlights
1 Zadar Bustling port city whose narrow pedestrianized alleys are bursting with café life.
2 Dugi otok The most unspoilt island in the Zadar archipelago, with a stunning coastline and a string of picturesque villages.
3 Telašćica Bay Compact natural wonderland comprising rugged coastline, dramatic sea cliffs and a tangle of offshore islands.
4 Kornati islands This stark chain of sparsely inhabited islands is a deservedly popular target for boat trips.
5 Krka National Park Tumbling waterfalls, gurgling rapids and a beach-party atmosphere at central Dalmatia's most-visited natural attraction.
6 Trogir A warren of stone-paved streets presided over by a stunning Romanesque cathedral.
7 Split With their unique tangle of Roman and medieval remains, the streets of the Dalmatian capital are a living textbook of Mediterranean history.
8 Hvar Town Beautifully proportioned Renaissance town which also happens to be the swankiest resort on the Croatian coast.
9 Vis Enjoy the unspoilt nature and clear seas of the independent traveller's favourite island.
10 Korčula Town Captivating medieval port brimming with churches and palaces.