The blue, crystal-clear sea shines against terracotta-roofed cities on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast. It’s what made Croatia a shiny destination for travelers looking to escape the heat of European cities and hit the coast.
In the 2000s, Croatia crept up the list of bucket list destinations. At the time, it was promised the allure of Greece at a more reasonable price point, but it has since exploded with visitors seeking Game of Thrones walls and selfies on sailboats.
From the sand-colored city walls to the Adriatic sea’s extra dose of salinity, the Dalmatian Coast makes for a vacation full of views. Dalmatia encompasses Croatia’s southern coastline, 79 islands in the Adriatic Sea, and a bit of Montenegro. It’s best explored along the ocean in Croatia in the summer.
The big three destinations along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast to visit are Dubrovnik, Split, and Hvar. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
The big three destinations on Croatia’s Dalamatian Coast
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik boasts the biggest personality and reputation in Dalmatia. The city became a fixture in pop culture because of its feature in Game of Thrones. The biggest attraction is walking the city walls to take in views of the terracotta roofs and the ocean, but the plazas are just as impressive. From Dubrovnik, you can take day trips to the neighboring island of Lombok or the village of Cavtat. Both locations are a great escape from the crowds which are guaranteed in the summertime.
Split
The capital of Dalmatia is Split. It feels like a real city with its own soul instead of a tourist destination. It has a promenade along the coast, beaches, and even a forest for a little urban hike. The heartbeat of the city is Diocletian’s Palace, the best-preserved palace of the former Roman Empire. It’s also close enough to Krka National Park to venture on a day trip to see stunning waterfalls.
Hvar
Hvar gets a reputation as a party island, but it welcomes travelers looking to relax with open arms. The village stays in calm waters while the partying really happens on yachts in the harbor. The island is a great launch pad for exploring even more islands on a boat tour. Take this private boat tour with Liberty Tours and come back just in time to watch the sunset from Hvar’s shore.
Other islands and cities
Island hopping is an essential part of any trip to the Dalmatian Coast. Some other islands to visit are Brač, Korčula, and Vis. Admittedly, visiting these islands can be done in a day trip or as part of an island-hopping tour. There’s not much happening on the islands, and that’s the point. It’s a gateway to relaxation.
Zadar is the biggest city in northern Dalmatia. It’s a bit further from the action in central and southern Dalamatia, making it a quieter alternative to Split and Dubrovnik.
While not on the coast, Zagreb is the capital city of the country. You can find cheaper airfare to Zagreb and add it as a stop on your itinerary. The city is known for its Austro-Hungarian architecture, many museums, and coffee shop scene.
I mentioned Krka National Park near Split, but another national park with stunning waterfalls is Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park is situated between Zagreb and Zadar, so it could be a great addition to your trip if you’re flying into either city.
The ideal itinerary
To get a full picture of Croatia’s coast, you should visit Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Split in that order, or you can start in Split and end in Dubrovnik.
What to expect: the real deal
Croatia is a great vacation destination, but the high prices, crowds, and hit-or-miss dinner options can dull its allure. So, is it still worth the trip? The views and peace by the sea are what make it special. The more you can find yourself on a secluded island, the better.
Because of its coastal vibe, it’s easy to forget that Croatia isn’t a part of the same warm culture you find in Greece or Italy. While it’s located in southeastern Europe, it’s still Eastern Europe, so it’s locals are not always forthcoming. For example, the tap water in Croatia is one of the best in Europe, but most waiters won’t serve it to you — they’ll make you pay for a bottle just because you’re a tourist.
That said, I had a wonderful conversation with a local woman in Hvar, but don’t expect to be welcomed with open arms everywhere.
Food and drink
Let’s keep keeping it real: You’re not going to Croatia for the food, you’re going for the views. While in theory, coastal Croatian dishes sound delicious, like squid ink risotto, octopus carpaccio, and braised beef with gnocchi, the seasoning and flavor are lacking. Your best bet is ordering fresh local seafood when you can. All hope is not lost; two standout restaurants to visit are Konoba Fetivi in Split and Macondo in Hvar. I would eat at both these places every night of my life — they’re that good and very unasuming.
On the other hand, the wine in Croatia is exceptional. Whites, reds, roses, and skin contact are all great options.
Ways to explore
There are two main ways to see the Dalmatian Coast: on land and by sea. You can go from city to city, staying at hotels, or you can stay on a sailboat.
A private sailboat is the pricier option, but it can make sense financially if you’re traveling with a big group. As I mentioned, the food isn’t anything to write home about, so you won’t miss out on restaurant experiences if you decide to travel by boat.
Getting around
Ferry
Ferries are the trains of the sea in Croatia and the best way to get around. Ferry tickets should be booked well in advance during the summer to secure your spot. Tickets range from 25 to 50 euros depending on how far you’re going.
Car
A car makes sense if you’re flying into Zagreb and want to take yourself to Krka or Plitvice Lakes National Park. Because you’ll likely want to visit islands, it’s a bit cumbersome to have a car because the most convenient ferries don’t have car storage.
Bus
If you don’t want to drive but still want to get to cities and national parks fruther in land, a bus is your best bet. They take longer than driving yourself, but they are generally affordable.
How many days do you need in Croatia?
For the full coastal experience, seven to 10 days is best for exploring the Dalmatian Coast. This will allow you to visit the big three destinations. Any additional days can be added on to see Zagreb, Zadar, or the national parks.
When to go
Like many sunny European destinations, Croatia’s coast gets swarmed with tourists in the summer. The best time to go is May, September, and October, when the crowds have subsided but the water is still warm.
Getting there
The best places to fly into for proximity to the coast are Split and Dubrovnik. From the United States, layovers are common because the flight is so far and these small coastal cities have smaller airports.
If you can swing it, flying into Split or Dubrovnik and then flying out of the other will save you time but might cost more than a round-trip flight.
Currency + budget
Croatia uses the euro. Most places accept credit cards, but you’ll still need to take out cash for smaller places like beach bars or to pay a guide for larger excursions like an island-hopping boat tour. Book your boat tour before your trip so you know how much cash to bring.
While Croatia used to be considered a budget destination, it isn’t anymore. Accommodations can be pricey in the summer, and dinners will cost about 40 to 50 USD per person (which can be frustrating when the food isn’t great). Tipping is not required in Croatia, but 10% for good service is always appreciated.
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