If you are looking for a relaxing and interesting stay, with leisure and fun, then Central Dalmatia, with its picturesque attractions and the largest city in the Eastern Adriatic - Split - is the best choice. It is an area with a rich historical and cultural heritage, a unique way of life and attractive events.

If you want to visit some of the cultural heritage sites listed by UNESCO in Central Dalmatia in a short period of time, your wish will be easily fulfilled.

In small harmonious towns on the coast, on the islands or in the green hinterland of the coastal riviera, history has been present for centuries. Formed in stone, marble and wood on the soil of Central Dalmatia from ancient times to the present day, not only surviving in churches and museums, history is visible today on the facades of houses, in the historical centers of towns, forming true urban masterpieces.

In front of the attractive coastline, from Marina in the north to Gradac in the south, there are islands with a rich cultural and historical heritage, while the hinterland, a twenty-minute drive away, will welcome you in a green oasis surrounded by clear rivers. At every step, you can enjoy traditional and creative gastronomy with high quality wines. All this is Central Dalmatia, the heart of the Croatian Adriatic, which lives all year round for tourism.

The fun in this area begins as soon as you arrive, either by plane to Split, or on the island of Brač, by sea lines from Ancona, or by the Croatian highway, one of the most beautiful in Europe. Split airport has the largest number of passengers in Croatia, and from March to November, the most touristic period, it has direct flights to more than one hundred European cities and several world metropolises.

The decision of Brussels and its Council of Europe for Law and Home Affairs to make the Republic of Croatia the 27th member of the Schengen area as of January1, 2023, has contributed to a major fluctuation of tourist flows to Croatia from the European Union countries. Since this year, there are no more border controls to enter Croatia. Croatia has also adopted the Euro as its official currency since the beginning of this year, which makes it easier and simpler for our European guests to pay.

Split - a Palace full of life

The road from the airport to Split leads along the coast between Trogir and Split, along the Kozjak mountain, an area known as the cradle of the Croatian state, because it was the seat of the first Croatian kings. Seven small fortifications of the medieval nobility built on the shore of the Kaštela bay became, for centuries, the centers of the present Seven Kaštelas. At a distance of only 30 km there are two cities whose heritage is included in the UNESCO Register of Cultural Heritage - the historic center of Trogir and the Diocletian's Palace in Split. Between these two cities is the most important archaeological site on the eastern Adriatic coast - Salona, once the center of the Roman province of Dalmatia. Just 10 minutes drive north of Split is the impressive fort of Klis, whose construction on a steep rock will remind you of the period of defense of this territory against the threat of Ottoman incursions.

The city of Split, which can be reached in about twenty minutes from the airport, is the main administrative and tourist center, the largest city on the Croatian Adriatic coast, unique for its charm, its lightness of life and the hospitality of its inhabitants. Split was formed by immigration from the nearby Salone, in the Palace of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, a building constructed 1,700 years ago and which since then reveals a lively downtown life. It is difficult to define what today leaves a greater impression on the visitor: the historic heart with the Palace of Diocletian or that lightness of life of its inhabitants, in the open air.

This way of life is especially visible in the historical center and along one of the most beautiful promenades in the Mediterranean, the Split River. The cathedral that dominates the view of Split is a building constructed in the 4th century, originally as the Mausoleum of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, which today represents one of the oldest monuments in function as a Catholic ecclesiastical seat. With its 13th-century bell tower, the cathedral is famous for its 800-year-old casements, the work of master Andrija Buvina, who in 1214 carved 28 scenes from the life of Christ into walnut wood. In front of the entrance to the cathedral on the imperial square, the Peristyle, there is a 3,500-year-old Egyptian sphinx made of black granite, brought from Egypt at the request of Diocletian.

In addition to the Diocletian's Palace and the numerous cultural monuments from all periods of the city's past, several museums, galleries, theaters, from the Riva quay, the seaside promenades, 14 km of beaches, Split is also proud of its attractive sports, cultural and eventful events. Split is one of the most sporty cities in the world in terms of the number of world-class athletes. In its history, 161 native athletes have participated in the Olympic Games, and 60 have returned with Olympic medals. Few cities of this size can boast such a record! Their names and medals won are inscribed on bronze plaques on the city's West Wharf promenade. And particularly moving and unique is the attachment that Split citizens express for their local soccer club "Hajduk" (read: aydouk) and its 112 years of existence, whose cups and awards are displayed in the windows of the stadium in Poljud.

Trogir and Omiš, cities with the beauty of stone

The beauty of the historical buildings in the urban areas of Central Dalmatia is most visible in the streets, squares and churches of the city of Trogir, whose historical center is under the protection of UNESCO. At every step, you can see the richness of the skills that the artists have left behind over the centuries, to the pride of the inhabitants and to the delight of tourists. Walking through the stone heart of the city, one reaches the quay where the view rests admiring dozens of wooden sailing ships and modern yachts that have found refuge, calm and rest here. Trogir today lives at the pace of a modern tourist city, becoming the goal of travelers and yachtsmen, a city that inspires them with the beauty of stone.

The archipelago of picturesque islands and rocks scattered on the water of Trogir is a real sea lace in front of this stone city, while the neighboring towns of Marina, Okrug, Seget, and Slatine represent the most indented area of the Central Dalmatian coast. The small bays and coves with pebbles, shades of pine trees and clear sea, are separated by small promontories with smooth rocks descending to the sea. From Marina and Seget to the island of Ćiovo, the area has always been intended for villas, summer homes, and today is transformed into an exceptional offer for family or hotel accommodation.

As soon as you drive south from Split to Omiš, where the Cetina River flows into the sea, you come to the only town in the world where you can find the "house of the happy man". In the 15th century, the owner of the house had the inscription "Thank you God for living in this world" carved into the stone. In the historical center of the town, in the stone alleys, one still lives on a rocky site that is difficult to access and that was once a nest and refuge of pirates, but today, at its feet, during the summer evenings, one can hear the songs of the local vocal groups, the "klapé" that participate in a very famous festival of this kind.

Makarska Riviera - 60 km of pebble beaches

Continuing south from Split, less than an hour's drive away, we reach the Makarska Riviera, one of the most beautiful parts of the Adriatic coast with about 60 kilometers of long bays, coves and beaches of crystal clear sea in the shade of pine trees, with small towns and villages typical of Dalmatia. The service in first class hotels, ten thousand apartments, villas, and guest houses where the guest is part of the family, puts the Makarska Riviera at the top of the quality of Croatian tourism.

With the Biokovo mountain rising above the Makarska Riviera for its entire length, this area offers countless possibilities for active recreation, while the adrenaline experiences are unforgettable. The panoramic site Nebeska šetnica - Skywalk Biokovo at an altitude of 1,228 m, a semicircular platform of 8.5 meters that protrudes 11 meters from the mountain wall. It is the first sky walk in Croatia. The platform can be reached from the Biokovo road, about 6 km east of Makarska, which takes you to the top of the Sv. Jure (St. George) at an altitude of 1,762 m.

To the islands in search of beauty and peace

If you are staying in any part of Central Dalmatia, it takes no more than an hour or two of pleasant and fast travel by ferry or catamaran from Split, but also by private speedboats, to reach the attractive islands of the Split archipelago. Every visitor will find what he or she is looking for: fun or peace and quiet, wonderful hidden coves or world-famous beaches, outdoor activities in the sea or on the island heights, but also the silence of the sea, the smell and aroma of the pine trees. There you can discover ethno-eco villages that keep the tradition, enjoy the aromas of the fragrant lavender fields, see olive groves or vineyards, go cycling, hiking, sailing, exploring..

The closest island to Split, which is only 9 nautical miles away, is Šolta, with a series of picturesque fishermen's settlements in a pristine nature that is particularly popular with boaters. The island is famous for its olives, wine, figs and honey.

The largest island of the archipelago, opposite Split, is Brač, a tourist jewel for its island villages that keep centuries-old traditions. From Split, there are hourly ferries to Supetar, the largest town on the island with a rich tourist offer, and to go further you have at your disposal: buses, bikes or cars. If you are fond of walking or cycling, you will discover the island of Brač in the most beautiful way by taking the Via Brattia. Indeed, this 140 km long path connects 12 of the most attractive localities and the majority of island habitats. We advise you to walk it, planning to sleep in one of the localities that you will pass through on the Via Brattia and to stock up on water and food there.

In Brač, you should visit the fascinating hermitage-convent Pustinja Blaca (the Muddy Desert) built by Glagolitic priests fleeing from the Turks in the year 1550. The monastery, with its telescope and grand piano brought from Vienna, still bears witness to the rich medieval cultural life on the island. The beach Zlatni Rat (the horn or golden promontory), for many is the most beautiful in the Adriatic. Located in the immediate vicinity of Bol, at the foot of Mount Vidova gora, this beach is a natural phenomenon, because depending on the direction of the wind and waves, the tip of the beach "turns" to the left or right.

Each corner of the Central Dalmatian islands has its own history, but the most famous island for tourists is Hvar, which has a 150-year tradition of tourism. Surrounded by the purple flowers of the lavender fields, it is the symbol of a tradition of organized tourism through hotel offers and family accommodations that have been developed here since 1868. The town of Hvar is a popular tourist destination for world-famous people who come to Central Dalmatia. With more than 2,843 hours of sunshine per year, Hvar is the sunniest island in the Adriatic. The town of Hvar has the largest town square in Dalmatia and the oldest communal theater in Europe. In Stari Grad, on the island of Hvar, you should see the field at the place called Ager, which is the oldest and best preserved ancient settlement (listed in the World Cultural Heritage Register), but also visit Tvrdalj, the fortified castle of the poet Petar Hektorović.

A cab boat will take you to the Peklenski otoci (resin islands) with its pebble beaches and naturist beaches such as Stipanska and Jerolim. And when a sunny day ends, Hvar offers a multitude of nightly festivities, dances and music.

The blue "Robinson" in the open sea

What is today the greatest value and rarity of the tourist Mediterranean - a preserved and untouched nature - is the greatest tourist asset of the island of Vis, which the World Organization for Environmental Protection has listed among the ten best preserved islands in the Mediterranean. It is the most remote island from the mainland, but authentic from a tourist point of view. The vineyards, olive groves and fields in the central part of the island and the small bays and beaches on the island, in a Robinson-like setting, invite all lovers of natural beauty and attractions to visit, especially boaters, scuba divers and those who enjoy an active rest. The area of the island of Vis and its neighboring islets - Biševo, Svrti Andrija, Brusnik, Jabuka and Palagruža - is a unique geographical area, with localities and landscapes that constitute the second Geopark of UNESCO and of Croatia.

The Blue Cave on the neighboring island of Biševo, near Vis, is a natural phenomenon and a very popular place for tourists. It was formed by the effect of the sea in a karst environment and can be reached only by small boat. A particular attraction in the cave consists in the luminous effects created by the reflection and diffraction of the sun's rays on the sea floor, which gives the cave a silvery covering. For this reason it is called "an underwater fairy palace". In Vis don't forget to taste the specialties of the sea, because it is an island with a long tradition of fishing, still alive.

Green oasis of the hinterland

And when you return to the mainland, following the furrows of the sea, continue by road and, in a 30-minute drive inland, you will find yourself in the green heart of Dalmatia. This is the inland part of the tourist region that will give you new and different views of an authentic area of great natural beauty. It is a foray into the green mainland with its authentic habitats and particularly hospitable inhabitants. The hinterland of Central Dalmatia is an area connected with events of particular importance for the early history of Croatians. Picturesque valleys crossed by the meandering Cetina River represent a symbiosis of heritage, water space and unspoiled nature. In Sinj, Trilj, Ogorje and Imotski there are stud farms and riding clubs that organize riding schools for beginners, as well as therapeutic riding, while professionals offer the possibility of recreational riding. Sinj, the largest town in the Zagora (Dalmatian hinterland), is a major place of shrines of the Virgin Mary in Croatia. The inhabitants of Sinj proudly remember the year 1715 when they drove the Ottomans out of the town for good, and in memory of this great victory, they still hold a famous horse show called Alka in August. A stay in the Ethno-agricultural Park Stella Croatica, near the Klis fortress, in the ethno-eco villages, in agricultural estates, or on the shores of the Cetina river, visiting the Imotski lakes or the Vrgorac fields, gathering around tables to taste the culinary specialties of the country, will offer you new impressions, aromas and tastes of the Mediterranean hinterland.

Aromas and tastes of Central Dalmatia

Central Dalmatia is a land of milk and honey for gourmets! Lightly cooked and easily digestible dishes with lots of fish, olive oil, vegetables, fragrant herbs, and various aromatic plants are the culinary secret for a healthy and high quality diet. The most important ingredients are capers and olives, which are served with all starters, especially with Dalmatian pršut - ham smoked with the north wind, boura - and sheep cheese. As a light appetizer, you should try Polica's "soparnik" - a pie filled with chard and traditionally baked on an ember on the corner of a fireplace. A special place is given to fish, which is prepared on the grill, in a "broudet" (Dalmatian-style bouillabaisse) or cooked in various ways, while shellfish and crayfish are traditionally prepared in "bouzara" (tomato sauce).

On the sunny slopes of the islands and the coastline, the most famous vine is the "Plavac mali", the most economically widespread and important vine in Croatia and, certainly, the most famous among wine lovers abroad. The lambs and kids of Brač, which have not yet grazed on Dalmatian herbs, but only on milk, have made the gastronomy of the island of Brač known since ancient times, especially the "vitalac", as an island delicacy.

The traditional dishes of the Dalmatian hinterland are quite different, which is why you should try the trout of the Cetina River, frogs and crayfish, Sinj's "arambachitchis" (minced meat rolled in cabbage leaves), lamb on a spit, veal under a bell, game, sheep's, goat's and cow's cheese, doughnuts, and above all "pršut" (read: prchout), traditional Dalmatian ham. For dessert, you should try the sweets of Zagora, such as the Imotski cake (called torta in this case) and the rafioli.

Wherever you are in Dalmatia, first order Dalmatian rakia (grape marc brandy), lozovacha or travaritsa (herb brandy). In every good tavern or restaurant you will be offered fish specialties, cheese in oil, soparnik, pachtitsada with gnocchi (a kind of Dalmatian beef bourguignon), salted sardines, or lamb on the spit, all washed down with good white or red wines. For a sweet ending to your meal, try rožata, kroštule, homemade cakes, rafioli and, as a dessert wine, Dalmatian prošek.

Did you know?

- The Cercle français de Split, founded in 1922, which became the Alliance française de Split in 1994, aims at teaching French and spreading French and Francophone culture. Located in the busiest pedestrian street in Split, it is named after a Napoleonic marshal of the empire, Marmont. Although a conqueror, Marmont is appreciated for the modernization of Dalmatian cities and the construction of roads in Dalmatia. The people of Split named the most beautiful pedestrian street in Split after him. The activities of the Alliance française are diverse: French courses, exhibitions, concerts, book promotions and conferences, with a large and rich library.

-the Benedictine convent in Hvar, which has been in existence since 1664, is today particularly well known throughout the world for its agave lace, which is made only in this convent according to a 100-120 year old tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation. The work of preparing the threads is particularly difficult. From a fresh agave leaf, the Benedictine nuns take out the filaments, shaping them and preparing them in a special way to be suitable for use in embroidery.

-biokovo is one of the largest and most beautiful mountains in Dalmatia. It rises very steeply, almost from the sea level, and it is said that its feet are in the sea, and the front in the clouds. Biokovo Nature Park is a home to very rare endemic plants.

-the Vranjača Cave is located at the northwestern foot of the Mosor near the village Kotlenice and not far from Dugopolje. Due to the numerous stalactites and stalagmites of beautiful colors and shapes, it has been open for visits since 1929.

-vidova gora on the island of Brač is the highest peak of all the islands of the Adriatic, and excursionists will enjoy a breathtaking view of the islands of Central Dalmatia.

-the furthest island from this tourist region is Vis, which in its vicinity, on the islet Biševo, has a world phenomenon of refraction of the sun's rays in the Blue Cave where the visitor has the feeling of hovering above a silvery sea blue.

-the name of the Dalmatian dog comes from Dalmatia, precisely from the Illyrian tribe of Delmates. In the Franciscan convent in Zaostrog, near Makarska, there is a painting of "The Last Supper" by an unknown author of the 18th century, where we can see, next to Christ and the apostles, also a dog, the Dalmatian!

-the famous American zinfandel grape and our Kaštela "crljenac" are actually the same, as American specialists have found by analyzing their genetic profile. Thus, the mystery of the origin of the zinfandel grape was solved, which was planted in America on 23% of the vineyard area and arrived on this continent at the time of the gold rush and has survived to the present day.

-the only stonemasonry school in the Adriatic is located in Pučišća on the island of Brač, where the renowned Brač stone is cut, with which parts of the White House in Washington, the Parliament in Vienna, the Regent's Palace in Trieste, as well as parts of the Parliament in Budapest and many other majestic or important buildings were built.

-europe's largest electronic music festival "Ultra Europe", which since 2013 has been successfully held in Split at the Youth Park Stadium, has put this city on the international map of the best top event music festivals. Here, electronic music fans find venues on more than ten stages, with central stage in Split and three others on the islands of Central Dalmatia - in Brač, Hvar and Vis. Visitors who come from more than 140 countries of the world are welcomed by the best disc jockeys performing on stages with exceptional production and design. From July 7 to 9, 2023 this year.

FUTURE INFO

When

-In pre and post season, cultural tourism (heritage, exhibitions), rural tourism (nature, wine and food, eco-museums), bicycle tourism, hiking.

-During the grape harvest, visits to vineyards and wine cellars, discovery days (grape harvest and wine making).

-For water sports, kayaking, rafting, canyoning, boating, diving, seaside, the best months are June, July, August, September.

-In summer, for festive vacations, outdoor festivals, clubbing.

- End of the yearcelebrations in Split.

Some figures

-14 106 km², largest region in Croatia.

-3 geographical sub-units: hinterland, coastal area, 74 islands.

-46 trails throughout the year, a very sporty region.

Duration

-At least 3 days around Split.

-At least 1 week : Split, rivieras, seaside, islands, national parks (Kornati, Krka), hinterland, sports and animations.

The pluses

-An eclectic culturaloffer.

-A rich gastronomy, fairs of natural and gourmet products.

-Several annualregattas.

- A beautiful rural area.

-Themed stays (Ancient world, Middle Ages, the wine route, olive growing on the island of Brač, horseback riding in the hinterland, etc.).

The minuses

-From July 15 to August 15, the effects of mass tourism are felt.

-Reservations become mandatory for sports and leisure activities.

Getting there

-By plane, the national airline Croatia Airlines connects Paris to Split (Split-Kaštela international airport) with direct flights. During the summer season, Central Dalmatia is connected by air to more than 100 European cities, including several French cities.Split Airport was the second most used airport in 2022, with over 3 million passengers. Brač airport as well.

-By car, cab s and car rental companies are present in all airports, cities and resorts.

- By bus, at the bus station in Split, regular passage of European buses (Flixbus for example).

- There are dailytrains from Zagreb to Split at the railway station.

-By boat, the national company Jadrolinija operates a network of ferries and fast catamarans.

-For slow travelers, there are ferries to Hvar (Stari Grad) and Split via Ancona (IT).

-For yachting, there are many charter companies and modern marinas in Split, Trogir, Hvar, Vrboska, etc. Remember to check the weather forecast.

For more information

SPLIT DALMATIA REGIONAL TOURIST OFFICE - More information at

Prilaz braće Kaliterna 10/I, p.p. 430

Tel: +385 21 490 032 - 490 033 - 490 036

On the website, a lot of information of itineraries and stay ideas, tours, marine map and brochures in French to download.

On the website of the Split tourist office, see theannual agenda of events.