Discover Split-Dalmatia: Coast, Islands and Cultural Heritage

When looking for a hotel in Split-Dalmatia, you can first choose the focus of your trip according to your own interests: coastal towns and islands, historic culture, or activities in the hinterland. Central Dalmatia includes Split, the UNESCO-listed city of Trogir, Kaštela and Makarska, as well as the islands of Brač, Hvar, Vis and Šolta.

Coast, Islands and Landscapes

The coastal landscape is framed by the mountain ranges of Kozjak, Mosor, Perun and Biokovo, where hiking opportunities can be found. Along the coast, developed beaches sit alongside secluded coves. These offer different options for spending time outdoors without having to settle on just one type of landscape.

The area around Imotski has an extensive network of cycling routes for exploring the hinterland by bike. Rafting and canyoning excursions are organised on the Cetina River, with Sinj or Trilj as starting points. Brač’s Zlatni Rat changes shape with the wind and sea currents; the beach is used for watersports and relaxation. Sailing trips can begin in small fishing harbours and take you into the surrounding island waters.

Historic Places and Cultural Heritage

When sightseeing in coastal towns, you can combine old streets, centuries-old churches, museum galleries and historic palaces. The geotrails of the Vis Archipelago UNESCO Global Geopark feature defensive forts, religious sites, dry-stone walls and the former Neptune fish factory. Access to some sites and routes may be subject to seasonal conditions.

The Škrip Museum displays everyday Illyrian objects, Roman altars and inscriptions, as well as remains of early Christian art. It is housed in a 16th-century tower. On Hvar, the Za Križen procession, Benedictine lace made from agave fibres and klapa singing are part of the island’s cultural heritage. This also includes the Mediterranean diet, Stari Grad and the Stari Grad Plain; dry-stone walls are also part of the UNESCO context.

The Dalmatian Zagora preserves traditional songs and dances, folk events and religious celebrations. Cultural events include the Sinjska Alka and the historical spectacle at Klis. Dates and programmes may change; check them before your trip.

Regional Cuisine and Coastal Festivals

The Dalmatian Zagora lies within Split-Dalmatia County and contrasts with the coast through its natural environment, cultural heritage, cuisine and outdoor activities. Its culinary traditions include homemade cheese, prosciutto, baked bread, cured meat, fritters, wine and olives. In Kaštela, the wine experience centres on crljenak, also known as Zinfandel; wineries are located at the foot of Kozjak.

Local festivals are also part of the coastal travel experience: fishing evenings are a tradition in coastal towns, where fresh fish is served alongside traditional Dalmatian festivities. This allows you to combine different interests when planning your trip—for example, culture and regional cuisine, or outdoor activities and a stay in coastal towns.

Getting Around and Getting There

A Biokovo information centre offers park materials, geological context and information about flora and fauna, ice caves and former shepherd settlements. There are toilets and parking at the Skywalk site. Opening arrangements for the information centre and the facilities at the Skywalk vary by season; check the park’s visitor information before you arrive.

Split-Dalmatia can be reached by plane, bus, car, ship and train. The region’s bus stations include those in Split, Imotski, Makarska, Sinj and Trogir. Check current routes, connections and timetables before travelling, as transport services and station information may change. This lets you match your route to your chosen travel focus without assuming a fixed itinerary for the region.

Discover more destinations: Split, Solta, Općina Vis, Drvenik Veliki, Split, Trogir, Gradac, Općina Kaštela, Općina Trilj, Općina Omiš, Općina Zagvozd, Općina Solin, Općina Cista Provo, Općina Okrug, Općina Dicmo, Općina Zmijavci, Općina Seget, Općina Makarska, Općina Baška Voda, Općina Komiža, Općina Brela, Općina Sinj, Općina Nerežišća, Općina Podgora, Općina Dugi Rat, Općina Dugopolje, Općina Hrvace, Općina Imotski, Općina Podbablje, Općina Klis, Općina Lovreć, Općina Marina, Općina Tučepi, Općina Prgomet, Općina Zadvarje, Općina Vrlika, Općina Vrgorac, Općina Šestanovac, Općina Podstrana, Općina Lećevica, Općina Muć, Općina Primorski Dolac, Općina Proložac, Bratuš, Općina Postira, Općina Runovići, Općina Lokvičići

For the broader travel overview: Croatia.