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Dalmatia People on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea makes a daily practice of watching smoldering sunsets over Italy, and a large number of superb vista points fall within the stunning coastline of the Croatian province of Dalmatia. Diamond studded with exquisite port towns and fishing villages, Dalmatia combines the refined culture and cuisine of Italy with the mysterious Slavic tongue, mixing the wild, exotic allure and beauty of Eastern Europe with the refinements and culture of the West.
Providing a backdrop to this modern confluence of cultures is the heavy influence of the ancient Greek empire, which staked out many minor colonies and fortresses along the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. Indeed, the further south one follows the coastline, the more pronounced becomes its sunny archipelago as the cultural, geographic distinction between Croatia and Greece becomes increasingly blurred.
Among the furthest south, Dubrovnik is a splendid collection of white walled buildings with red tile roofs jutting out into the intoxicating Mediterranean blue of the Adriatic Sea. A historical center of maritime trade, it developed a robust cosmopolitan culture that rivaled Venice, and it retains its compelling charm to this day.
One recommended itinerary is flying in to the Dubrovnik Airport, and then working your way up the Dalmatian coast by bus, rental car, or making small advancements (you won’t want to miss anything) via ferry and train where possible.
Further north, in Central Dalmatia, the city of Split juts out into the sea and is built around the impressive Diocletian Palace, which towers whose fine stonework resembles the stories of a doll-house stacked upon one another, combining ornament of Slavic style with Medieval grandeur. If possible, stay near the old city and set aside a good amount of time to strolling about the narrow streets and discovering architectural gems at nearly every turn, as you would in Venice.
Further north, the Sibenik-Knin area of Dalmatia is characterized by a heavily broken archipelago that lends itself splendidly to island hopping via ferries, which run frequently. Discover tiny villages of white-walled houses and fine restaurants, fishermen launching into the cool, aquamarine waters and craftsmen selling their wares, authentic souvenirs of the beauty of Croatia.
Indeed, Dalmatia is one of the main reasons why Croatia is such a hot destination, although the hype seems to only circle among the more savvy travelers. While Greece’s stability and wealth have made it a major tourist attraction for decades, war-torn Croatia has been less adept at advertising its beauty. Yet smart travelers know that many similar sites, sounds and pleasures can be found in Croatia – especially in the coastal province of Dalmatia – for a fraction of the price, and without the crowds. |
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