4 Best Sights in Central Dalmatia, Croatia

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. Experiencing the hike helps you understand the monks' toil in constructing the site without modern amenities. You can also arrive by car from Nerežišća across Dragovode (now a ghost town) and then walk about 30 minutes up to the monastery. Either way, don hiking shoes and bring water, especially in summer. The monks also grew rich vineyards and lush olive groves, despite the wild and arid landscape. Inside, the fine collection of period furniture includes a piano and telescope that 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. Monks no longer liver here; today, it functions as a museum, where a guided tour is worth the expense.

This fortress dating back to the 11th century guards the city below from atop a steep rocky hill. Re-fortified over the years, it was once the city's main point of defense. A climb to the top grants you vistas of the sea, surrounding islands, and the medieval town. On occasion, special events and concerts are held on an open-air stage in the fortress.

Standing at the entrance of Šibenik's St. Anthony's Channel, the Fortress of St. Nicholas sits on the islet of Ljuljevac and is an imposing Renaissance-era Venetian-style building. Constructed in 1540, the fortress was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2017. It is definitely worth a visit from land—or better yet, from the sea via kayak.

Formerly the main entrance into Diocletian's Palace, the northern Golden Gate is the most visited of the palace's four gates, and just outside it stands Ivan Meštrović's gigantic bronze statue of Grgur Ninski (Bishop Gregory of Nin). During the 10th century, the bishop campaigned for the use of the Slav language in the Croatian Church, as opposed to Latin, and found himself at odds with Rome. This statue was created in 1929 and first placed on the nearby Peristil, then moved here in 1954. Note the big toe on the left foot, which is considered to be a good luck charm and has been worn gold and smooth through years of rubbing.