Central Dalmatia – Roman towns, riviera and islands
Central Dalmatia around Split is Croatia's classic holiday region: two UNESCO old towns (Split and Trogir), the long pebble beaches of the Makarska Riviera beneath Biokovo, and offshore the islands of Brač, Hvar, Šolta and Vis. Split is the transport hub with an airport and the country's biggest ferry port – from here you can combine several islands in one holiday.
Split city break with beaches, base for island-hopping
Trogir & Čiovo culture and beach, close to the airport
Omiš rafting, zipline and a sandy beach on the Cetina
Brela the most beautiful pebble beaches under pines
Makarska & Riviera classic family beach holiday, nightlife in Makarska
Hvar lavender, wine, nightlife in Hvar Town, peace in Stari Grad and Jelsa
Brač Zlatni Rat, windsurfing, stone villages
Vis remote, authentic, spectacular coves
Nature
Biokovo Nature Park with the Skywalk and Sv. Jure peak (1762 m) rises right above the coast. The Cetina gorge near Omiš is a playground for rafting and canyoning, and the Vis archipelago is a UNESCO Global Geopark with the Blue Cave on Biševo. Inland lie the source of the Cetina and the town of Sinj with its Alka knights' tournament.
Getting there and ferries
The A1 runs from Zagreb to Split in about 4 hours, then on towards Makarska and Ploče. Split Airport is at Kaštela between Split and Trogir. Ferries and catamarans link Split with Supetar and Bol (Brač), Stari Grad and Hvar Town, Vis, Šolta and Korčula; from the Makarska Riviera ferries go to Sumartin (Brač) and Sućuraj (Hvar). In peak season buy car ferry tickets early and arrive at the port in good time.
Best time to visit
June and September are ideal – warm sea, fewer crowds, reasonable prices. July and August are hot and busy, especially in Split, Hvar Town and Makarska. May and October suit hiking, cycling and city trips; Split is a lively city in winter too.
Places to stay: Central Dalmatia
Valentin BungalowHoliday home · Brač · up to 4 guestsfrom €99 / night
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Valentin BungalowHoliday home · Brač · up to 4 guestsfrom €99 / night