Delve into Croatia’s Dalmatian coast: island-hopping, secret coves and immersive adventures

Dazzling in its beauty and vividness, Croatia’s Dalmatian coast beckons with its idyllic islands, towering mountains and extraordinarily clear seas. As soon as you arrive in Split, a mere two hours or so from the UK, you’re faced with a very pleasant choice – which islands to visit? Which coastal towns to explore? In this maritime country where island-hopping and sailing in safe conditions are default settings, Dalmatia makes it easy for you to create your own odyssey.

Take to the water to discover quiet pine-fringed coves, history-packed villages and heart-stopping scenery, starting in Brač, Dalmatia’s biggest island. Head to the south coast to see Croatia’s most photographed beach, Zlatni Rat, whose white pebbles form a curvy V flanked by mesmerising shades of blue and green. Dock in the nearby village of Bol and stroll to Zlatni Rat along a pine-shaded footpath lined with beach bars and even more places to swim. Carry on westwards where the coastline boldly dips in and out, offering secluded coves on the approach to the laid-back village of Milna and its handy marina.

Sheltered coves

From Milna you can see Brač’s lesser-known neighbour, Šolta, whose coast – especially in the south – is as rugged as Brač’s. Bookended by the appealing villages of Stomorska to the east and Maslinica to the west, Šolta harbours dozens of intimate pebbly coves including Stračinska and Tatinja. When you arrive at Šešula Bay near Maslinica’s marina, you’ll see why this deep, sheltered inlet is such a favourite among sailors.

Fragrant Hvar, with its hinterland of lavender fields, olive groves and family-run vineyards, is officially the sunniest spot in Croatia. Both Hvar Town and Stari Grad entice you with their restaurant-filled waterfronts and labyrinthine old towns packed with narrow marble alleyways of 16th-century, Venetian-style stone houses. Slip into the relaxed, slow-paced Dalmatian lifestyle as you explore Hvar’s tranquil inlets and coves, from Žukova and Vlaška in the north to Milna and Dubovica in the south.

Scattered islands

From Hvar Town – especially from the lofty perspective of the Venetian Fortica fortress hovering over the old town – you’ll see the forest-covered Paklinski (or Pakleni) Islands scattered before you. Only three of the archipelago’s 19 islands have any sort of habitation, so just imagine how many secluded bays and coves are tucked into their wildly misshapen coastlines.

Sveti Klement is the largest and has a few restaurants and bars to go with its pine-backed bays and beaches. Then nip over to little Marinkovac for a swim, snorkel and a refreshing drink in one of its beach bars.

Remote shores

While these islands are within easy reach of Hvar, you’ll have to sail a little further to find one of Croatia’s most remote islands – and it’s worth the effort. Vis and its surrounding islands and islets manage to pack a lot within a very small area. Its sister island of Biševo has one of the county’s most wondrous sights, the Blue Cave, which instantly captivates you with its stunning shades of blue.

But save plenty of time to explore Vis itself and its main towns of Vis Town and Komiža. You might even spot some of the filming locations for Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again in which Vis did a superb job in standing in for Greece. Both are a delight, filled with Venetian-style stone houses with terracotta rooftops and colourful shutters. Look out for Vis Town’s enchanting outdoor summer cinema which is right on the waterfront and, not surprisingly, shows the Mamma Mia! sequel every week during the summer.

Sail to the craggy south of the island to find one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful beaches in Croatia. Drop anchor just outside Stiniva Bay and see two dramatic cliffs curve protectively around a pebbly beach backed by more cliffs. That’s your cue to bring out the dinghy, paddleboard or kayak to make your way on to this gorgeous slice of the coast.

When you head back to the mainland, don’t miss Omiš, whose location straddling the River Cetina and its canyon is surely one of the most dramatic in Croatia. And then there’s Split itself, Croatia’s second city and home to the astonishing Diocletian’s Palace, whose atmospheric ancient ruins form the heart of the old town. It’s a fitting end to your Dalmatian odyssey.

Dalmatia – a nearby getaway where safety meets spring beauty, just over two hours away from the UK by plane. For more travel inspiration and to plan your trip, visit Explore Croatia