Dalmatian Coast, especially the south, has been the most popular in Croatia. Its rugged coastline, picturesque beaches, hidden bays, crystal clear turquoise sea, romantic seaside towns, and not to mention the historical old town continue to captivate visitors from all over the world.
Last but not least, it is also home to UNESCO Heritage Sites. But the absolute highlight of Split region is its many beautiful islands.
There are several bays and coves dotted around the region, offering safe anchorage for your yacht charter Croatia, sailing yacht charter or motor boat charter.
In short, Split region is a region enjoyed by thrill seekers, beach lovers, wine connoisseurs, and history buffs alike. So book one of our yacht charter Croatia and enjoy your sailing holidays in style.
What’s the climate like in Split region?
Dalmatian coast enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Summers are generally short with clear skies, and winters are long, cold and wet. While it rains throughout the year, November is the rainiest month, and July has the least rain.
Split region generally is a few degrees hotter than its north counterpart. Summer is hot, with warm summer evenings so that you can swim at night. Winters in Split region are warmer than the rest of the Dalmatian coast. Though they rarely go below freezing point, gusts of strong wind (Bura) can make it appear colder than it is.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Split region?
Ideally, the best time to visit Split region is the summer months of July and August. However, they are the peak tourist season, when the hotels are completely booked, streets are full of people, and even the harbours are packed with boats.
In saying that, the shoulder months of May, June, September and October should also work for you. The days are still warm yet not too hot for sightseeing. The Adriatic sea has warmed enough that you can even go swimming. Furthermore, these months are less crowded, and you can enjoy the region without the crowds.
Bays and Coves in Split region
One of the highlights of Split region is its many bays and coves, where numerous yachts lay anchored. These bays offer safe anchorage for your sailing yacht charter, catamaran yacht charter, or motor boat charter.
Krknjasi bay
Located 7 NM from Old Town Trogir, Krknjasi bay is a tropical paradise famous for its beautiful beaches and wild nature. On the beach is a Dalmatian tavern offering a wide selection of authentic Dalmatian dishes.
Gornja Krusica bay
Gronja Krusica bay is a pebble beach situated on the island of Solta. Since it is hidden, it doesn't have many visitors even in peak summer.
Prapatna bay
Prapatna bay is famous among those who seek some peace and relaxed nature. The beach present is ideal for water games such as swimming and snorkelling.
Tourist Destinations in Split region
Split is the largest city on the Adriatic coast and the second largest in Croatia. It sits on the coast of the Adriatic sea and is one of the loveliest in the region.
Besides its beauty, Split is also rich in history with early Roman ruins, cultural institutions and heritage sites. The Diocletian Palace, Europe’s best preserved Roman palace, is also a UNESCO Heritage Site.
Split also has some of the most beautiful beaches in Split region. The picturesque bay and clear turquoise sea attract many travellers to dip their toes in the warm waters.
- Cathedral of St Domnius (Sveti Duje)
- Diocletian’s Palace
- The Golden Gate
- Pjaca Square and ethnographic museum
- Statue of Gregory of Nin
- Fruit Square – Voćni trg
- Ivan Mestrovic Gallery
- Ruined City of Salona
- Klis Fortress
- Maritime Museum
- Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments
- Promenade
Restaurant Sperun, located in the heart of the city, is famous for its Dalmatian dishes, especially the traditional Dalmatian Konoba. For a more modern fare, try Mazzgoon.
Trogir
Also called Adriatic’s Venice, Trogir is a small island connected to the mainland by two bridges. The old buildings, the labyrinth of narrow streets, and palaces talk a lot about its Venetian origin, though you can’t find any canals.
Trogir is home to many historical sights, the most important of which is the Cathedral of St Lawrence. The island has also been a UNESCO Heritage Site since 1997.
Being an island, Trogir is surrounded by beautiful beaches, bays and coves, the most beautiful of which is the Kava beach. It is situated on a secluded part of the island and is surrounded by nature in all its glory.
Located in a 17th-century building, Restaurant Vanjaka is famous for its Dalmatian fare and tasteful selection of Croatian wine. Another restaurant of note is the Restaurant Bocel which offers fresh seafood overlooking the Marina.
Seget Donji
Located not far from Trogir, is Seget Donji, an idyllic seaside destination. Once a famous fortification, the coastal village is currently renowned for its many beaches.
A quaint fishing village in winter, Seget Donji is a popular destination in summer. There are many beaches, bays and coves lining the (barely) 2 km coastline. Most are fine pebble beaches with crystal clear water and clean shore.
There are many restaurants nestled in the small fishing port offering regional delicacies, fresh fish, Croatian wines or just coffee. Frankie’s Seafood Restaurant is the go-to place for fresh seafood prepared the Dalmatian way.
For fine dining, go to Don Dino, the only fine dining restaurant in the village. However, it stays true to its roots by serving traditional Mediterranean fare.
Kaštel Gomilica
Kaštel Gomilica is the second largest town in Dalmatia county. Located on the Bay of Kaštela, Kaštel Gomilica is the second of the seven castle settlements built in the 15th and 16th centuries to protect the Dalmatian coast.
Kaštel Gomilica is the filming location for the popular series “ Game of Thrones”. Though there's a plethora of beaches, cafes and restaurants, it doesn't attract the usual tourist but the ‘cultural travellers’.
Šolta
Despite being closer to Split, Šolta is one of the lesser-known islands but not less pretty. Stunning natural landscapes, enchanting little villages and a picturesque waterfront are the main attractions in Šolta.
The real highlight of Šolta is its stunning natural bays and many beaches that offer a memorable swimming experience on the Adriatic Sea.
Dvor is a small family restaurant located close to Bačvice Beach. The restaurant functions as a cafe and restaurant, with guests sitting either in the conservatory or the terrace. Another restaurant of note is Volat offering fresh seafood and great value.
Brač
Brač is the largest island in Dalmatia and the third largest on the Adriatic coast. It is one of Croatia’s most popular summer destinations, thanks to its 2700 hours of sunshine every year.
Unique landscapes with hilly areas, beautiful coast, breathtaking natural bays, high mountains, and fascinating beaches are some of the trademark features of Brač island.
Brač is also home to Zlatni Rat, a landmark beach often depicted on postcards and travel magazines.
Being a famous resort town, Brač has quite a few restaurants and cafes. Konoba Mlin, situated close to the harbour, is a mill tavern with excellent food and a romantic sea view.
Nono Ban is the go-to place for Dalmatian cuisine. The chef treats you to fresh food (only that’s available at the market) prepared the Dalmatian way.
Hvar
Hvar is the fourth largest island in all of Croatia, with close to 2800 hours of sunshine per year.
In addition to its sunshine, Hvar is also considered to be one of the chicest destinations in Croatia. It is home to picturesque beaches, fishing villages, historic old towns, delicious wines, and vibrant nightlife. And as such, there’s so much to see on Hvar island.
With more than 300 km of coastline, Hvar has some of the most amazing beaches in all of Croatia, most of them being rocky, pebbly and surrounded by pine trees. However, there are also natural sandy beaches, often shallow and found in deep bays.
With the lush, fertile land and the surrounding Adriatic sea, there’s no lack of fresh ingredients. And as such, you can find many restaurants in this region that offer a wide variety of cuisines from all around the world.
Konoba Luviji is the go-to choice for traditional Croatian and Dalmatian cuisine. Konoba Menego, Giaxa, and Gariful are other restaurants offering traditional Dalmatian cuisine.
For a more modern fare, there’s always Fig Cafe Bar, Mizarola and Dalmatino.
Hvar is also well-known for its nightlife, particularly Hvar town. Pink Champagne Hvar, Hula Hula Beach Bar, and Carpe Diem, amongst others, are the trendy night pots on the island.
Vis
Vis is one of the most exciting tourist destinations in all of Croatia. Unfortunately, the island was used as a naval base in the days of Yugoslavia and was closed to foreigners until 1989. The upside is that Vis island is pristine and untouched, preserving its many natural beauties.
Though the island’s history dates as far back as 397 BC, there’s nothing much to see except one of its many beaches like Stoncica, Srebrna and Stiniva. Or you can head to the other interesting sites like the submarine tunnels you can swim in.
And if you have time, hire a motorboat charter and plan for a day trip to Bisevo, a tiny island off of Vis. It is famous for its Blue Cave in Balun Bay, including 26 other caves.
Another island worth visiting is the Ravnik off the coast of Vis. It is home to the Green Cave, where a natural phenomenon causes the water to glow green. Despite its history, there's a thriving restaurant culture in Vis.
- Fort George, an abandoned British fort, is also home to a bar and restaurant offering Mediterranean fare with a seaside view.
- Riblji Restoran in Komiza is famous for its fresh seafood squid ink (black) risotto and octopus, fisherman’s style.
- Konoba & Bar Lola, a relatively new entry to the restaurant scene, is famous for its Dalmatian cuisine but with an innovative twist.
- And finally, there's the Bejbi Bar, a quirky place still open and bustling even when all the others have closed for the night.
Pakleni Otoci
Pakleni islands (or Pakleni Otoci in Croatian) is a small group of islands a short boat ride from Hvar island. Also called Hell’s islands, the island group is home to the most beautiful bays and unspoilt beauty.
Of the 16 islands in the archipelago, only 3 of them are worth visiting, starting with Sveti Klement. Being the largest island, it is home to three settlements, lush greenery, pine trees, and not to mention beaches.
Jerolim island is a well-known nudist destination. In addition, the Kordovon beach on the island has been named one of the most beautiful naturalist beaches.
Marinkovac island is a land of contrasts with beautiful beaches and trendy clubs on the other. Marinkovac Island is also popular as a clubbing destination and has the best parties after dark.
Zori in Palmižana bay is an upmarket restaurant serving Dalmatian and contemporary European cuisine. Their pašticada (beef stew) and gregada (fish with potatoes) are to die for. Laganini Lounge Bar & Fish House is another restaurant in Palmižana bay famous for its seafood prepared in the traditional Dalmatian way.
Baška Voda
Situated at the foot of the Biokovo Mountains is Baška Voda, a small municipality. With its historic old town, picturesque beaches, and romantic harbour Baška Voda is a popular vacation spot for travellers.
Baška Voda is known for its long white pebble beaches and crystal clear waters, perfect for swimming. Nikolina and Ikovac are some of the famous beaches in the town.
Del Posto Restaurant is an upscale establishment located within the premises of Hotel Slavia. From seafood to steak and desserts, they serve simply the best. But, for something different, Madre Kitchen is the one. They serve Swedish and European dishes any time of the day.
Bahari Lounge & Beach Bar and Juznjacka Utjeha are popular beach bars that offer cocktails by the sea. The latter even has DJs on select nights.
Makarska
Makarska, with its many idyllic beaches, scenery, and stunning bays, is one of the most beautiful cities in Makarska Rivera. Apart from its unspoilt beauty, it is also rich in cultural heritage and Baroque architecture.
The highlight of Makarska is its stunning beaches, namely the Nugal beach.
Brač and Hvar islands are just a stone’s throw from Makarska and are also home to lovely beaches.
For a small city, Makarska has vibrant nightlife. Most of its bars and clubs are clustered on Lištun Street. However, the deep Makarska disco, located just out of town, is also known for its fun parties set inside a seaside cave.
Makarska is rife with dining spots that serve traditional Dalmatian cuisine, especially along the Promenade.
Jež restaurant is a fine dining establishment well known for its seafood fare, especially the swordfish dish.
Jeny restaurant is another upscale dining spot famous among tourists. They serve a mean 7-course degustation menu complete with Croatian wines.
Ploče
Ploče is an industrial town and a notable seaport in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County of Croatia. Though not a tourist destination, it is home to many attractions making your visit worth it.
Teta Olga and Restoran Pecina are famous for their Mediterranean and Dalmatian fare. And do not miss Fulin, a restaurant operating for close to 48 years. Their local Dalmatian dishes are to die for.
