Dalmatia, whose name comes from the Delmatae Illyrian tribe that inhabited the area in the 7th century AD, stretches along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. Apart from the main cities (Split, Zadar, Šibenik, and Dubrovnik), it includes almost all the Adriatic islands except the ones in the Kvarner Gulf.
The cities, as well as islands, are growing with each year, attracting many tourists and new residents. In addition to urbanization, a contributing factor are the beautiful Mediterranean climate and healthy Mediterranean cuisine, as well as the many cultural and natural benefits that this region offers.
Northern Dalmatia includes most of the Croatian islands, but also some historical centers of Dalmatia such as Zadar, Nin, and Knin. It's filled with natural splendor. Some highlights include the Velebit mountain range, the hills above Knin, Kornati National Park, and Krka National Park.
Tourist centers such as Trogir, Split, Omiš, and Makarska, but also many well-populated islands such as Hvar or Brač, make central Dalmatia such a popular summer resort.
The interesting history of southern Dalmatia is reflected in the division of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County by the Neum Corridor, which belongs to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Like the rest of Dalmatia, this region has historically been invaded by the Romans, Ottomans, Venice, and the Hapsburg. Nevertheless, thanks to diplomacy and excellent defense systems, Dubrovnik managed to maintain its independence as the Republic of Dubrovnik.
The Most Famous Cities in Dalmatia
Looking only at the coastal area, Dalmatia can boast of some historical and cultural centers such as Zadar, Šibenik, Trogir, Split, and Dubrovnik.
Each is special in its own way and offers unique attractions. Although, you can quickly and easily reach almost any island from any of these cities as they’re all connected by boat lines to the mainland.
Having grown out of the famous palace of Emperor Diocletian which was built from 295 – 305 AD, this city contains historical layers dating back to antiquity, through the Middle Ages, includes Gothic and Renaissance palaces, Baroque fortification structures, modern-day squares, and contemporary monuments.
Split has developed from a summer home cum barracks to a cultural and tourist center. Back in 1979, UNESCO decided to place Diocletian’s Palace under its protection, particularly because this palace is a unique, living example of its kind in the world, having transformed itself from an ancient Roman summer home into a fully-inhabited city which has a large offer of real-estate for sale.
Beside its fortified walls, towers, and the basements of Diocletian's Palace, you can drink coffee on the Peristyle (the central square of the Palace) and look at Diocletian's Mausoleum, which was turned into the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the 7th century, complete with a bell tower dedicated to St. Domnius, the town's patron saint. You can relax at any time on one of the city squares, which are full of sun and cafes. Some notable mentions include the Prokurative (officially known as the Republic Square), the Pjaca (People's Square) and Voćni trg i.e. the Fruit Square (the Square of the Radić Brothers).
Although you will no longer be able to find fruit for sale on the Fruit Square, you can do your shopping at the old farmer’s market, or find some fresh fish at the local fish market. With so many fresh ingredients on hand, it comes as no surprise that there is an excellent gastronomic offer in Split! There’s always something to see in Split. Apart from the cultural heritage, there are many exhibitions, plays, concerts, and the Ultra Europe Festival which has been held in Split the last couple of years.
For those of you looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s possible to find it in one of the churches. We'd recommend seeing the church of St Francis (from the 13th century) which is located on the western end of the city promenade (the Riva), or the church of the Holy Trinity from the 11th century located near the Poljud city stadium, or perhaps some of the secluded smaller churches in the old Varoš neighborhood or the Marjan forest park. Marjan offers clean air as well as trails adapted for running, hiking, bicycling, and even an open-air gym. And if you don't want to go to the more crowded sandy beaches like Bačvice and Firule, you’ll most likely enjoy the hidden-away pebbled beaches scattered throughout Marjan.
It's fascinating that the entire historical part of Zadar fits on one peninsula whose history dates back to the 9th century BC when it was inhabited by the Illyrians. Since then, it’s gone through various transformations, each of them leaving its trace in the form of some cultural heritage sights that can be seen from the window of practically every house in Zadar. Establishing the colony of Iadera, the Romans built a Forum in the 1st century BC as well as several temples.
The unavoidable Dubrovnik fortification walls make this city one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia, but also one of the cities with the most valued real estate. You can now walk the entire length of these 1,940-meter-long walls, built in the 13th century, and enjoy the view of the open sea and the city center itself. From the walls you will see the baroque cathedral of the Assumption Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the famous church of St Blaise, the town’s patron saint, which got its present-day shape at the beginning of the 18th century after the earlier building collapsed in a fire.
From the church of St Blaise, you exit directly onto the Luža Square where you can find prime examples of architecture such as the Rector's Palace (Knežev dvor), the Sponza Palace, and the mythic Orland Column which was erected in 1417 to commemorate a knight by the name of Roland who was a member of Charlemagne's army and who, according to folklore, defended the city from Saracen pirates.
Every major Dalmatian city has its "main street" somewhere around the center. What Marshall Marmont's Street is to Split, or Kalelarga to Trogir, Stradun is to Dubrovnik.
A commonality of almost all Dalmatian islands is a relaxed mentality and the chance they offer to escape the stresses of the city. Brač is, among other things, famous for its Zlatni Rat beach which welcomes thousands upon thousands of bathers every summer, and towns such as Bol, Supetar or Milna have in recent years grown into real urban centers with a wide array of real estate for rent and for sale.
Šibenik
Šibenik
