There are so many wonderful place to explore along the Adriatic coast that have been influenced mostly by the Venetians who expanded along the many coastal Dalmatian cities and islands and leaving their mark in architecture, history and even cuisine. You can take a variety of tours around the Adriatic or even plan your own itinerary to visit many of these historic and scenic spots around Dalmatia.
Here are some suggestions on where to visit and what’s worth seeing along the Adriatic ocean.
Must visit Dalmatian coast landmarks and attractions
Self drive the Dalmatian coast
A fantastic way to explore the Dalmatian coastline is to rent your own car and drive the scenic landscapes of the coast and stopping along the many small islands, fortified cities and towns along the way. It is a fantastic way to explore and enjoy the entire Dalmatian region and have the flexibility to stop and go as you please along the way. Of course main areas of interest to visit include Zadar, Trojir, Split, Primosten and the impressive city of Dubrovnik. You can rent cars in Dalmatia in major cities and using this rental agency for finding the best rates in the region.
Visit the historic attractions of the Dalmatian coast
The Dalmatian coast is filled with so many historic and cultural treasures from the impressive and intact city of Dubrovnik, the Unesco palace ruins in Split and the fortified historic center of Zadar. There are many smaller towns and cities also with their own unique attractions and historic districts worth exploring when you have time to visit the Dalmatian coast on a tour or exploring on your own.
Pearl of the Adriatic at Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is truly one of those impressive cities in Dalmatia that wows with its magnificent Maritime past and old town. The Unesco city built during the 12th century and was called the Republic of Ragusa. Built with impressive fortifications and medieval fortresses, the city was ruled under many nations including the Byzantine empire, Crusades, Venetian rule to the first kingdom of Serbia and eventually being part of the greater Yugoslavia. This popular tourist destination in Dalmatia is popular to visit year round and is one of the top Mediterranean destinations in the entire region.
Stay at a luxurious historic home in Dubrovnik
To make your visit to Dubrovnik even more spectacular, book a stay for a few days at the Villa Allure of Dubrovnik. A luxurious setting in a stone building converted into an ultra luxurious boutique hotel a short walk to the historic center of Dubrovnik. A wonderful way to enjoy the fabulous city and then retreat to fantastic and sublime experiences at this resort including ocean view rooms, great service and turn down service in authentic Dalmatian style accommodations.
Ancient city and Unesco site at Split
The old ruins of Diocletian’s palace in the historic center of Split really impresses with the fortress like complex that has been converted into many public buildings and sprawling remains to the emperor’s Roman palace built during the 4th century. Within the fortified white walls, you’ll find impressive churches and cathedrals, large squares with buildings ranging in so many time periods and many ruined walls and buildings converted into restaurants, bars, hotels and other tourist attractions. The area outside Split is also worth exploring with fantastic small beaches, harbors and wonderful coastal walking areas and trails to explore. Check out my post here on the best places to visit in Split here and also my visit of the Split outdoor market and fish market in Split here for inspiration. Also, if you have time to explore outside the city, check out these fantastic day trips from Split.
Under the radar and historic places on the Dalmatian coast
There’s so many wonderful and unique places worth visiting in the Dalmatian region and some still under the radar for you to explore outside of the popular tourist attractions. The central or inland areas of Dalmatia are lesser known and not visited than most of the coastal towns and cities in the region. Zagora or inland Dalmatia is filled with Unesco sites, stunning landscape and amazing wine and delicious cuisine worth exploring. With medieval castles, rolling hills and close distance from the capital city of Zagreb, Zagora is a fantastic visit to the areas Austrian-Hungarian heritage. Check out this link to discovering the best of Zagora in Dalmatia.
Islands of the Dalmatian coast
A wonderful way to explore the Dalmatian islands would be to take a small charter cruise to scenic and rocky islands along the Dalmatian coast. Visiting historic islands like Hvar,Korcula and the Pakleni islands, you’ll find a lot of Venetian influence especially in the larger port towns with renaissance churches and public buildings. On islands like Hvar, you’ll find mega yachts docked on the harbor and a festive waterfront environment with amazing galleries, cool bars, restaurants and fun people watching hang out spots. It’s definitely a see and be seen type of environment. If you’re into island hopping check out the highlights of visiting the Dalmatian Islands here for more inspiration and information. For a nice 5 island boat cruise and visit to the Blue Cave, check out this fun boat tour around the Dalmatian Islands. If your visiting Vis, check out the top things to do in Vis here for inspiration.
Cruise the Adriatic ocean in Luxury
A fantastic way to visit most of the main attractions and cities along the Adriatic would be to do this on a cruise. Not just any cruise but a truly luxurious cruise here exploring all the gems of the Adriatic coastline lines in Europe including Dalmatia and scenic islands that you will also be passing along the way. The Celebrity cruise tours offered in Europe are definitely the way to go exploring the Adriatic and other popular destinations in the area.
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The drive definitely seems like a good idea. Love the whole heritage feel in the various places especially Split. The islands and the whole coastline too, looks quite inviting. Fingers crossed that I get there sooner.
The entire Dalmatian coast looks wonderful. Great hint on Zagreb. I like under the radar spots and medieval castle are always a win for me
Good list of activities possible there. Love the old world charm in the streets. I hope I can explore this coastline someday.
The Adriatic coast is simply gorgeous and I know that because I’ve done a road trip in Croatia from Split to Dubrovnik, visiting Hvar and Mostar as detours as well. I absolutely loved the colour of the waters in Croatia, and the drive was so breathtaking! Makarska’s beaches were gorgeous, Hvar islands were amazing and the approach to Dubrovnik’s fort walls with those blue waters, OMG!
I agree, a coastal drive along anywhere in Dalmatia is an amazing experience
Wow it is so beautiful. I would really like to go. Which city did you like the best?
Oh my goodness, what an incredibly beautiful area. I love the photos of the city areas you took, with all of the red roofs. I think I would like visiting the islands, since they don’t have so many tourists. I didn’t know anything about this area. I’m going to have to do some investigating. Maybe I will be in the area sometime. Thanks for the introduction.
I love visiting UNESCO listed sites. Dubrovnik and old ruins of Diocletian’s palace are just the kind of place I would visit. I’d love to check out less touristy places too like Zagora and inland Dalmatia. Hvar island sounds cool. I can see myself having a drink at one of the bars, while watching people and yachts go by. I must admit, I’ve never heard of the Dalmation Coast, but you’ve wet my appetite to go there.
I done a lot of European coastal travel but never explored this region and I love the looks of the Croatian coastline. I know D’Vik gets a lot of tourists because of Game of Thrones and I wouldnt want to be there when a cruise ship comes in but otherwise I would love to check this city out in the winter months when its a bit quieter 🙂
Croatia is more than a shooting place for the Game of Thrones! That rustic vibe and the serenity of the place makes me want to book a ticket there now.
We have only ever done this side of the Adriatic by cruise ship. We definitely need to go back. A drive along the Dalmatian coast sounds great. We’d like to try the ones that are under the radar like Zagora. A coastal charter might also get us to many of the spots that larger cruise ships will never visit.