Dalmatian Coast and Islands Holidays

The Dalmatian Coast takes up a big portion of Croatia’s southern shoreline. Historic Split and Makarska are the big sisters, while towns like Tucepi and Podaca are the younger, sleepier siblings. Plus, the coast’s bumped up a kilometre or two by a sprinkling of beachy islands.

If you’re not a fan of sandy toes, you’re in for a treat here. The Dalmatian Coast champions pebbly beaches – the smooth, white kind. Top billing goes to Tucepi Beach – a long, shingle sweep backed by Mount Biokovo. Podaca also gets an honourable mention for its sunbed-free arc. Meanwhile, Brac Island’s the exception to the rule. It’s got sandy beaches, plus the famous Zlatni Rat.

City-wise, everything revolves around Split. This place swiftly outgrew its original home – inside the Roman Diocletian’s Palace, and its streets are now chockfull of churches, bars and shops. Plus, it’s on the coast, which means you’ve got a stylish waterfront to strut down.

If you thought Split was chic, try Hvar on for size. This A-list island’s capital, Hvar Town, has a yacht-filled harbour, Gothic palaces and a restaurant-lined main square to gloat about. On the natural side of things, Split’s only an hour’s drive from Krka National Park. This is where you’ll get that postcard snap of Croatia’s most well-known waterfalls.