Central Dalmatia
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Central Dalmatia - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Blaca Hermitage
Built into a cliff face overlooking the sea by Glagolitic monks fleeing Ottoman invaders in the 16th century, the Blaca Hermitage is one of Brač's most serene sights. From the bay below the complex, it's a 2-km (1-mile) hike uphill and well off the beaten path as it's only reachable by foot. The hike is well worth the experience to understand the sacrifice the monks made in constructing the site without modern amenities. You can also arrive by car from Nerežišća over Vidova Gora to Dragovoda and then walk about 30 minutes up to the monastery (either way, don your hiking shoes). The monks who built the hermitage also grew rich vineyards and lush olive groves, despite the wild and arid landscape. Inside, visitors can see a fine collection of period furniture including a piano and telescope which belonged to Father Nikola Miličević (1887-1963), Blaca's last hermit and an avid astronomer. In its heyday, the hermitage had a printing press, a school, and an observatory. There are no longer any monks living there; today, it functions as a museum, where a guided tour is well worth the expense.
Brac, Splitsko-Dalmatinska, Croatia091-516–4671Sight Details
Rate Includes: 40 Kn -
2. Cathedral of St. Lawrence
The Cathedral of St. Lawrence, whose first construction dates back to the early 13th century, is a remarkable example of Romanesque architecture. The most striking detail is the main (west) portal, adorned with superb Romanesque sculpture by the Croatian master known as Radovan. The great door, flanked by a pair of imperious lions that form pedestals for figures of Adam and Eve, is framed by a fascinating series illustrating the daily life of peasants in a kind of medieval comic strip. In the dimly lit Romanesque interior, the 15th-century chapel of Sveti Ivan Orsini (St. John Orsini) of Trogir features statues of saints and apostles in niches facing the sarcophagus, on which lies the figure of St. John. The bell tower, built in successive stages—the first two stories Gothic, the third Renaissance—offers stunning views across the ancient rooftops. An entrance ticket includes a visit to the cathedral, treasury, and the bell tower. Be sure to also look down as you stroll through and gaze at the amazing structures at eye level and below—the marble sculptures and checkerboard floors make for a memorable view.
Trg Ivana Pavla II, Trogir, Splitsko-Dalmatinska, 21220, Croatia021-885–628Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, June–Sept., daily 8–6; May and Oct., daily 8–noon and 4–6; Nov.–Apr., phone in advance -
3. Krka National Park
A series of seven waterfalls are the main attraction here, the most spectacular being Skradinski Buk, where 17 cascades of water fall 40 meters into an emerald-green pool. Moving upriver, a trail of wooden walkways and bridges crisscrosses its way through the woods and along the river to the Roški Slap waterfall, passing by the tiny island of Visovac, which is home to a Franciscan monastery that can be visited by boat. On the islet, there is also an old mill with a museum that demonstrates the different ways the mill was used centuries ago. From here, one can better understand how the power of these waters inspired Nikola Tesla, whose boyhood home is not far from the national park. In 1895 the first hydroelectric plant became operational here, only two days after Tesla’s hydroelectric plant on Niagara Falls. This made the residents of Skradin the first Eastern European citizens to have electricity. More than 860 species of plant life have been identified throughout the park and more than 200 bird species live there, making it one of the most valuable ornithological areas in Europe. Something many visitors miss is a hawk training center where you can observe birds of prey being trained by ornithological experts. For bird enthusiasts there is also the Guduća Nature Reserve, where various species are closely studied and can be observed from boats. The Krka National Park office is located in Šibenik. For more active travelers, there is a 8½-km (5-mile) hiking trail, going Sitnice–Roški Slap–Ozidana Cave, that takes about 2½ hours and has educational panels along the way that explain plant and animal life, geological phenomena, and historic sites.There are several entrances into the park, but the easiest and most impressive route of arrival is to drive from Šibenik to the town of Skradin, then take a 25-minute boat ride up the Krka River on a national-park ferry (price is included in the entrance fee). The ferry will bring you to the park entrance close to the Skradinski Buk waterfall, and from there you can get off and take a walk along the wooden bridges and explore the park further. There are a couple of snack bars, plus wooden tables and benches for picnics. However, for a full-blown meal, your best bet is to return to Skradin, a town that dates back to Roman times, which is itself well worth a look.
View Tours and ActivitiesLozovac, Šibensko-Kniniska, Croatia022-201–777Sight Details
Rate Includes: 200 Kn June–Sept., 100 Kn Oct. and Apr.–May, 30 Kn Dec.–Mar., May–Oct., daily 8–7; Nov.–Apr., daily 9–5 -
4. Modra špilja
Hidden away on the islet of Biševo (5 nautical miles southwest of Komiža), the Blue Cave is 78 feet long and 39 feet wide. Sunlight enters through the water, reflects off the seabed, and casts the interior in a fantastic shade of blue. Throughout the summer, local fishermen and agencies take tourists (some coming from Split and Hvar by speedboat) into the caverns. It can be a long wait in summer when there's a line of small boats waiting to enter the cave. Ask at the marina or the tourist information office to see who is offering trips. Sometimes, small boat operators will wait at the entrance of the cave for visitors arriving on sailboat or yacht (which are too large to enter the cave).
View Tours and ActivitiesBiševo island, Splitsko-Dalmatinska, CroatiaSight Details
Rate Includes: 50 Kn; extra for a dock if you\'re sailing -
5. Stari Grad
As its name suggests, Stari Grad, or Old Town, is one of the oldest towns in Europe, with some locals claiming it to be the oldest. Founded in the fourth century BC, this is the site of the original Greek settlement on Hvar, called Pharos by the Greeks. While much of the attraction in Stari Grad focuses on its ancient history, the city is still very much alive throughout the year. It is the entry point to the island for bus transportation from the mainland, as well as the car ferry terminal. It features a beautiful, walkable riviera and forest path, as well as a number of cultural attractions, such as the 15th-century Dominican Monastery of St. Peter the Martyr. The town is about 23 km (14 miles) east of Hvar Town.
Stari Grad, Splitsko-Dalmatinska, 21460, Croatia -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Biokovo Nature Park
Behind Makarska, a large area of the rocky heights that form the majestic Biokovo Mountain have been designated as a nature park. Part of the Dinaric Alps, which run from Slovenia down to Montenegro, Biokovo abounds in rare indigenous plant species, and is primarily limestone with little green coverage. It's possible to reach the highest peak, Sveti Jure (5,781 feet) in five and a half hours from Makarska. However, this is a strenuous hike, especially in summer, for which you will need good boots and plenty of water. It is not recommended to hike it alone. It is best to organize an excursion through Biokovo Active Holidays, a company that offers fun organized trips up the mountain, traveling part of the way by jeep.
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7. Branislav Dešković Art Gallery
In a fine Baroque building on the seafront, the Branislav Dešković Art Gallery displays over 300 paintings and sculptures by big-name 20th-century Croatian artists who were inspired by the sea and landscapes of Dalmatia. The gallery was named after Brač-born sculptor Branislav Dešković (1883-1939), whose works are on display along with those of Ivan Meštović, Ivan Rendić, and more.
Bol, Splitsko-Dalmatinska, Croatia091-635–2700Sight Details
Rate Includes: 20 Kn, June–Sept., Tues.–Sun. 9–2; Oct.–May, Tues.–Sat. 9–2 -
8. Franciscan Monastery
A short walk east of town, along the quay past the Arsenal, lies Hvar Town's Franciscan Monastery. Within its walls, a pretty 15th-century Renaissance cloister leads to the former refectory, now housing a small museum with several notable artworks, including a beautiful fresco of the Last Supper, while the grounds outside make a relaxing place for a stroll among centuries-old cypress trees.
Križa bb, Hvar, Splitsko-Dalmatinska, 21450, CroatiaSight Details
Rate Includes: 30 Kn, May–Oct., daily 10–12 and 5–7. Outside tourist season 10-12. -
9. Jelsa
Hvar's third main town is often overlooked, but that makes it all the more delightful once you do discover it as a more peaceful alternative to Hvar Town. On the northern coast of the island you will see many structures from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, though St. Mary's Church dates back to the early 1300s. A tower built by the ancient Greeks overlooks the harbor; it dates to the 3rd or 4th century BC. About 1 km (0.6 mile) east of the modern town is the older Grad, with the original fortified area that was protected by the fortress called Galešnik, and now stands in ruins. This small town is surrounded by a thick forest of pine trees, several resorts, and many swimmable beaches—including some the island's most popular nude beaches. The town is also famous for its annual Za Križen procession, a 500-year-old, UNESCO-protected Easter tradition during which a shoeless cross-bearer and a crowd embark on a 25 km (16 mile) overnight walk. Carrying the cross is considered very prestigious, and the wait time to do so can last decades.
Hvar, Splitsko-Dalmatinska, 21465, Croatia -
10. Sutivan Nature Park
After spending a few days swimming and lying on the beach, Sutivan Nature Park is a great place to make an afternoon picnic with kids. There is a small animal park that shelters a wide variety of domestic animals including ducks, pigs, goats, turtles, peacocks, parrots, and cows. There are even donkeys and horses available for riding with a professional guide. The park is located about 3 km (2 miles) from Sutivan toward Mlin and has a large playground, a barbecue area, and a botanical garden with a fountain, as well as an amphitheater for performances and events. The restaurant only serves drinks, but meals can be prepared if you make a reservation ahead of time.
Krtine bb, Sutivan, Splitsko-Dalmatinska, Croatia098-133–7345
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