Dalmatia encompasses Croatia’s western border with the Adriatic Sea, running roughly from the island of Rab just below the Istrian peninsula to the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro. From historic cities and quaint mountain towns to tucked-away beaches and sprawling vineyards, there's a lot to do and see on the many islands that dot the coast. Here’s a guide to the region's top five islands to get you started—Hvar, Brač, Korčula, Vis, and Mljet.
Brač is Croatia’s third-largest island, the biggest in Dalmatia, and among the closest to the mainland. It's also a great choice for active pursuits: stellar windsurfing, any type of watersport under the sun, cycling, and hiking. Base yourself in the main towns of Bol and Supetar, or venture inland to the ancient stone hamlets at Brač's center—there's plenty to do and see throughout. Learn more about what, when, and how to go below.
Split is Croatia's second-largest city, complete with a vibrant waterfront promenade, ferry connections to the Dalmatian Islands, and an Old Town nearly enveloped by the 4th-century Diocletian's Palace. In one day, you can explore the city's original Roman cellars, relax on a quiet beach along Marjan Park, discover the Illyrian Kliss Fortress, and nosh on fresh seafood. Enjoy your days meandering the marbled streets or hiking, kayaking, or taking day trips to the islands, national parks, and nearby medieval villages.
With a diverse landscape filled with rocky mountain peaks, jagged cliffs, rushing rivers, and endless coastline, there's always something active to do in Croatia. Explore the country's idyllic scenery by paddleboarding through archipelagos, hiking to hidden viewpoints, kayaking along the coast, or cycling through vineyards. In addition, Croatia has some of Europe's most beautiful national parks, all perfect for an active outdoorsy itinerary.
With a stunning coastline weaving down the Adriatic Sea and more than 1,000 islands, you can bet Croatia is a beach destination. In the north, you'll find stretches of pebbles hugging the Istrian peninsula and the many islands off the coast of Kvarner. In the south, spend your time island hopping (and beach hopping) in Dalmatia, discovering some of Europe's most scenic sandy corners, including the famous Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape) on Brač Island.
The sun always shines on the Dalmatian Coast—one of the most scenic coastal drives in Europe. In 12 days, you'll have the freedom to explore on your own, starting from historic Zagreb and ending at the walls of mighty Dubrovnik with a wide selection of national parks and beautiful coastal towns to stop at along the way.
Discover Croatia's Dalmatian culture and gastronomy on this self-guided hiking adventure. Start in historic Split and hike up to Marjan Hill, then ferry to the islands of Brač, Hvar, and Korčula to explore pristine coastlines and beautiful inland scapes of lavender fields and olive groves. Hike through the Pelješac peninsula before ending in Dubrovnik, the Pearl of the Adriatic.
This 13-day tour blends culture and history with adventure and relaxation. Beginning in Zagreb, you'll venture toward the Dalmatian coast, passing through the bucolic landscape of the Zagorje and the stunning lake and waterfall park of Plitvice Lakes before you reach the historic coastal cities of Zadar and Split. Wander stunning scenery in Krka National Park, explore the island of Brač, tour narrow alleyways and medieval fortress walls in Dubrovnik, and cap off your tour with a day trip to nearby Montenegro.
Spend a week exploring the islands of Croatia's Dalmatian Coast in style with this sun-soaked luxury itinerary. Start with beach time on Brac, the largest island on the Adriatic Sea and home to the famed Zlatni Rat Beach. Then, ferry over to Hvar, where you'll partake of a traditional peka dinner and cruise through the otherworldly waters of the Blue and Green Caves. Head to Korcula for wine tastings and hiking in Mljet National Park, and end with a stroll through the ancient fortress city of Dubrovnik.
This complete two-week road trip is a great route for travelers visiting Croatia for the first time—you'll even have time for a quick visit to nearby Montenegro. Start in Croatia's capital, Zagreb, then journey along the best of the Dalmatian Coast until you reach its most popular southern city, Dubrovnik. Swim in the pristine waters of popular Krka National Park, lie out on the golden sands of Brac's Zlatni Rat Beach, and hike a medieval route between remote villages on the island of Hvar.
Enjoy 10 days of sun and sea on a private sailboat as you cruise to and between some of Croatia's most popular—as well as more remote—Adriatic islands. From Split, you'll chart a course to quiet Vis Island for two nights before continuing to the untouched paradise of Lastovo, the saltwater lakes of Mljet National Park, fortified Korčula, picturesque Hvar, and rugged Brač. You'll swim and snorkel secluded bays, dine on fresh-caught seafood and drink local wine, and drop anchor to visit frozen-in-time island villages.
Enjoy this 11-day itinerary from Rovinj to explore the romantic countryside of the Istrian peninsula before continuing down the Dalmatian coast to end in Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic." You'll also spend five relaxing days aboard your personal sailboat for total island immersion from the larger, more populated islands of Hvar and Korčula, to the nature-focused Mljet. Drink Istrian wine and eat truffle-infused dishes in Motovun, marvel at Split's stone sphinx brought back from Egypt 3,500 years ago, and discover the 16th-century stone walls of Dubrovnik's Lovrijenac and Revelin fortresses.
This 13-day itinerary is perfect for adventure seekers looking to explore Croatia's natural and cultural wonders. Starting in the capital of Zagreb, you'll wind your way south through a land of fairytale castles, dramatic waterfalls, and pristine national parks to reach the captivating Dalmatian Coast. Tour the ancient port city of Split, set sail to the unspoiled islands of Brač, Hvar, and Korcula, and cycle and hike your way through the rugged wine country of the Pelješac Peninsula. Your journey ends in the magnificent walled city of Dubrovnik, known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic."
This two-week multisport itinerary blends the best of Croatia’s major sights with lots of opportunities to hike, bike, kayak, and sail your way through its spectacular landscapes. Get to know the capital of Zagreb, then hit the road to explore historic castles, dramatic waterfalls, and dense forests. After hiking around two pristine national parks, you'll set sail from the ancient port of Split and island-hop around the Adriatic. Back on the mainland, cycle and kayak your way through the unspoiled wine country of the Peljesac Peninsula before finishing up in the magnificent walled city of Dubrovnik.
Explore Croatia’s natural wonders on this active 15-day multisport adventure. Travel the length of the country from the culture-rich capital of Zagreb to the ancient city walls of Dubrovnik, immersing yourself in the spectacular and diverse landscapes in between. Kayak the Zrmanja River, hike the waterfalls of Krka, cycle the rugged Pelješac Peninsula, and sail between idyllic Adriatic islands—with plenty of time for cultural sights and gastronomic discoveries along the way.
This quick 4-day sailing itinerary is perfect for travelers short on time who love the sun and the sea. You'll set sail on a private boat from the coastal city of Split to visit the lavender island of Hvar—one of the most popular islands in Dalmatia—as well as the island of Brač, well-known for its rugged beauty. Swim, snorkel and cruise your way over the sparkling Adriatic to discover a taste of Croatia's island charm.
Enjoy five days of sailing on a private boat between three of Croatia's most popular Adriatic islands: Brač, Hvar, and Vis. You'll bask in the sun on deck, taking in the island setting as you leave historic Split and the mainland behind and chart a course for nearby islands, including the Pakleni archipelago off the coast of Hvar. Seek out aquatic wildlife and drop anchor to swim and snorkel secluded bays as well as disembark to visit charming coastal towns.
Sail to four of Croatia's most popular Adriatic islands—Vis, Korčula, Hvar, and Brač. Enjoy the sea breeze and sunshine as you relax and delight your senses onboard your private sailboat, stopping along the way to swim, snorkel, and explore charming coastal towns. You'll begin and end in Split and chart a route to nearby islands with time spent to discover the beautiful Pakleni archipelago.
A perfect combination of adventure, culture, and relaxation on this 8-day private sailing trip sees you sail from the ancient coastal city of Split to chart a course for nearby famous islands of the Adriatic. You'll spend the night in the harbor of five different islands, from isolated Lastovo to the larger islands of popular Korčula and Hvar as well as enjoy a little time on land discovering each of the island's character.
Enjoy 9 days of sun and sea on a private sailboat as you cruise around some of Croatia's most popular—as well as more remote—Adriatic islands. From Split, you'll chart a course to quiet Vis Island for two nights before continuing to the untouched paradise of Lastovo, the saltwater lakes of Mljet National Park, fortified Korčula, picturesque Hvar, and rugged Brač. You'll swim and snorkel secluded bays, dine on fresh seafood and drink local wine, and drop anchor to visit frozen-in-time island villages.
