Central Dalmatia, a territory in southern Croatia stretching along the Adriatic coast, is a real playground for outdoor enthusiasts. On sunny days, when the territory enjoys the generous rays of the sun, the hinterland and the Dinaric Alps are a paradise for those who wish to enjoy mountain sports. But because the strength of Croatia, and especially of Central Dalmatia, is its wide range of landscapes, one has the chance to go from the peaks to the sea in no time. And between a sublime steep coastline and islands preserved in profusion, the fans of water activities also have what to do to fill their desires to be outside, and to exercise!
Activities in Central Dalmatia, mountain side
In Central Dalmatia, the city of Split is one of the most popular anchor points for visitors. And lovers of outdoor activities have plenty to do with the wonderful natural environment around and the possibility of following thematic trails. On the mountain side, one can start gently by reaching the Marjan, the hill of the city. You can then walk among the pine trees while enjoying the view of the sea. Other superb hikes in altitude can be done on the slopes of the Kozjak mountain, also rich in Mediterranean vegetation. The Mosor mountain range, with its clear views over a territory that remains wild, is a delight for those who wish to practice climbing, hiking of course, but also caving.
Located in the Makarska region, the Croatian Biokovo Nature Park is another wonderful place for hiking in the mountains of Central Dalmatia. The trek can take place over several days, until reaching the highest peak of the park, Sveti Jure, which is 1,762 m high. This is one of the most beautiful places in Croatia, with breathtaking views of the landscape, the vegetation with more than 1,200 species, and the Adriatic Sea and its islands, which are also ideal for walks along thematic trails. At the 13th kilometer of the Biokovo road in the southwestern part of the Biokovo nature park, there is a spectacular lookout - the "Biokovo Skywalk". The peculiarity of the lookout is that it was built on the cliffside, over a hundred-meter abyss, and the protective fence is made of glass so that all skywalkers can perfectly see the abyss over which they are standing
During a few days in the beautiful city of Omis, the surrounding nature also has some nice surprises. For outdooradventure enthusiasts, rafting and canyoning are other popular activities in the central part of Dalmatia, thanks to the presence of the Cetina Gorge, a river that flows from karst springs in the Dinara mountain range into the Adriatic. For those who want to vary the pleasures and who aspire to a calmer stroll, the Cetina is also conducive to beautiful descents in canoe or kayak.
Cycling, horseback riding... Central Dalmatia in the world of slow tourism
In Central Dalmatia, you should not hesitate to leave the car behind and cross the landscape using environmentally friendly means of transportation. A nice bike ride is the one that leads around Vrgorac, a territory rich in plains and valleys rich in fruits.
On another day, you can ride your bike to discover the treasures of the islands of Central Dalmatia. The particularity of the Dalmatian islands is to have kept their wild and preserved character, but not without a remarkable heritage. Cycling through them is an opportunity to contemplate the landscapes of vineyards and pines on the island of Brač, the scenery of lavender and olive groves on the island of Hvar and to take the winding paths of the island of Vis, authentic and intimate.
And why not give in to the temptation of horseback riding through the wonderful landscapes of the Cetina Valley? In the Dalmatian hinterland, horseback riding is a peaceful and fun way to cross green areas and waterways, until you reach the most karstic areas
Dalmatia by the sea
The mountainous landscapes and green valleys of the Dalmatian hinterland compete with the beauty of the coastline along the Adriatic Sea. There are many marinas in Dalmatia where you can rent boats and follow sea routes that lead to the beautiful islands of Šolta, Brač, Hvar and Vis with their idyllic coastal landscapes. For swimming, the beach of Zlatni Rat on the island of Brač surprises with its geographical shape and the transparency of its waters. On windy days, it is a delight for windsurfers and other kitesurfers. As for diving, the seabed reveals from one island to another exceptional underwater fauna and flora, caves, caverns and traces of history..
