Dalmatian Coast and Islands holidays

Cathedral of St. James, Sibenik, Croatia

Popular holidays

Holidays to the Dalmatian Coast offer all the Croatian must-haves – historical sights, pine-backed pebbly beaches, and net-fresh seafood.

Croatian coast

Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast runs along the western edge of the country. The hub of the coastline is the city of Split, which is crammed full of UNESCO-listed sights and museums. Branching away from it, you’ll find picturesque seaside towns and islands made for daytripping.

Historical Split

The city of Split centres around Diocletian’s Palace, which was built in the 3^rd century as a retirement home for a Roman emperor. Cocooned within its old walls are shops, bars and restaurants, as well as a couple of cathedrals. Outside, you’ll find the Riva promenade, a smart new waterfront area made for evening strolls.

Beach resorts

Head south out of the city to the Makarska Riviera and you’ll find the sort of pine-edged beaches you see on Croatian postcards. The towns of Brela, Tucepi and Zivogosce line up pebbled coves and bays, and calm, gin-clear waters that are ideal for swimming.

Island daytrips

The waters off the Dalmatian coast are speckled with islands. Head to A-list hangout Hvar for chic restaurants and trendy waterside bars. Alternatively, pack your towel and make for Brac – the island’s home to one of Croatia’s most famous beaches.

Popular hotels in Dalmatian Coast and Islands

Top things to see and do in Dalmatian Coast and Islands

Beaches

Beach-hop in Zivogosce

Zivogosce lines up six kilometres of beach, split up into a necklace of bays and coves. Some are popular spots, others are more secluded, but they’re all postcard-pretty, with smooth white pebbles and backdrops of pines and olive groves. They’re great for families, too, thanks to the calm, clear waters.

Spend a day on Punta Rata beach

Brela’s Punta Rata Beach is a popular spot – its good looks once saw it given the best beach in Europe tag by Forbes magazine. This stretch of pebbles and gravelly sand is on the edge of town, with a backdrop of bottle-green mountains and a sprinkling of cafés and restaurants.

Pick a cove at Berulija Beach

Berulija, in Brela, is a three-in-one beach, made up of a trio of pebbly coves. There aren’t any parasols for hire, but all three beaches are fringed by pines so there’s plenty of shade. As for lunch and drinks, there are a couple of cafés and food kiosks nearby.

Shopping

Bargain buys

The beach towns along the Makarska Riviera offer plenty in the way of inexpensive souvenir shops and arts and crafts stores. Look out for local olive oil, lavender-scented goodies and products made from Brac marble.

Mid-range buys

In Brela, Tucepi and Zivogosce, you’ll find local artists hawking their paintings on the pavements. Split is home to Dalmatia’s biggest shopping mall, City Centre One. The directory of shops includes familiar fashion and footwear brands, like H&M, Mango and Monsoon.

Designer buys

You won’t find any high-end names along the Makarska Riviera, but head to Split and you’ll find a cluster of designer boutiques and homeware and jewellery stores. There are a handful of big names in the City Centre One mall, including Lacoste and Swarovski.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Low-key evenings in Brela, Tucepi and Zivogosce centre along their seafront promenades, where you’ll find a generous helping of restaurants and konobe serving hearty mixed grills and fresh fish cooked in olive oil. They’re all west-facing, too, so they’re perfect for sunset-spotting.

Lively evenings

The Makarska Riviera isn’t really a party-all-night kind of place. Instead, you’ll find a handful of late-night bars in the beach towns, many with live music and terraces for al fresco drinks.

Top Hotels in Dalmatian Coast and Islands

Facts about Dalmatian Coast and Islands

Currency

Euro

(EUR)

Language

Croatian

Time zone

GMT +1

Flight duration

2 hours 30 minutes from Gatwick

FAQs

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

What travel adapter do I need for Dalmatian Coast and Islands?

When visiting the Dalmation Coast, you'll need a European-style two-pin plugs, known as Type C or F. Most hotels use the standard European 230V sockets, but it's wise to pack a couple of adapters for your devices.

What are the best beaches in Dalmatian Coast and Islands?

Dalmatian Coast and Islands feature varied beaches from pebble shores to hidden coves. Zlatni Rat on Brač shifts shape with the tide and offers watersports. Stiniva Cove on Vis provides dramatic cliffs and clear water, accessible by boat or a steep path.

Are there any local customs I should know about in Dalmatian Coast and Islands?

When visiting Dalmatian Coast and Islands, locals appreciate a friendly greeting with dobar dan for good day. Dining is relaxed with meals often lasting hours. Beachwear is fine at the coast, but cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches or inland towns.

Where can I try local food in Dalmatian Coast and Islands?

You'll find traditional Dalmatian cuisine in local konobas, family-run taverns, throughout the coast and islands. We recommend trying seafood dishes like peka or black risotto in coastal towns. For authentic inland flavours, look for restaurants serving pašticada, a beef dish. If you're staying at a resort, ask your TUI rep about nearby eateries offering Dalmatian specialties. Local markets are also great for sampling regional produce and delicacies.

What's the nightlife like in Dalmatian Coast and Islands?

The Dalmatian Coast offers lively nightlife, especially in summer. You'll find lively bars and clubs in Split and Hvar town, known for their bustling party scenes. Many resorts host evening entertainment, while coastal cities offer everything from relaxed wine bars to energetic nightclubs playing a mix of local and international music.

Where are the best places to shop in Dalmatian Coast and Islands?

In the Dalmatian Coast and Islands, explore Split's Diocletian's Palace for local artisan shops selling jewellery, lavender products and traditional Croatian crafts. Dubrovnik's Stradun is lined with boutiques offering handmade items and local artwork. Many coastal towns feature markets selling olive oil, honey and handwoven textiles.

Should I tip in Dalmatian Coast and Islands?

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in the Dalmatian Coast and Islands. In restaurants, it's common to round up the bill or leave 10-15% for good service. For other services like taxis or hotel staff, small tips are welcome if you're satisfied with the service.

What should I pack for Dalmatian Coast and Islands?

When packing for the Dalmatian Coast and Islands, bring swimwear, sun protection essentials, and comfortable walking shoes. Include light, breathable clothing for hot days, a light jacket for evenings, and a day bag for exploring the beautiful coastal towns and islands.