44 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.

The main body of this cathedral is the 3rd-century-AD octagonal mausoleum designed as a shrine to Emperor Diocletian, and a peek inside and a trek up to the bell tower are well worth the views. During the 7th century, refugees from Salona converted the space into an early Christian church. Its interior contains a hexagonal Romanesque stone pulpit from the 13th century with rich carvings, and the elegant, 200-foot-tall Romanesque-Gothic bell tower was constructed and reconstructed in stages between the 13th and 20th centuries. Climb to the top of the bell tower (sometimes closed in winter and during bad weather) for a spectacular view of the entire palace, Split, and the surrounding Adriatic Sea.

In this remarkable example of Romanesque architecture, whose first construction dates back to the early 13th century, the most striking detail is the main (west) portal, adorned with a 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 St. John Orsini (Sveti Ivan 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. Note that tickets can't be purchased online.  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.

The home of Split's thriving Old Town, Diocletian's Palace is a marvelous maze of restaurants, cafés, shops, and boutiques, as well as stunning ancient structures. The palace dates back to the late 3rd century AD and originally served as both a luxurious villa and a Roman garrison. Its rectangular shape has two main streets—Dioklecijanova Ulica, which runs north to south, and Poljana Kraljice Jelene, which runs east to west—that divide the palace complex into four quarters. Each of its four walls has a main gate, the largest and most important being the northern Zlatna vrata (Golden Gate), which once opened onto the road to the Roman settlement of Salona. The entrance from the western wall was the Željezna vrata (Iron Gate), and the entrance through the eastern wall was the Srebrena vrata (Silver Gate). The Mjedena vrata (Bronze Gate) on the southern wall directly faces the sea and likely served as an entryway for sailors who docked by it during Roman times. More than 1,000 people still live within the walls, though the number is diminishing as the area becomes more tourism-focused. Hire an experienced private guide who can give you a walking tour in the early morning to experience the history of the palace walls without the crowds.

During the 25-minute climb to see the breathtaking views from this 16th-century hilltop fortress, a symbol of Hvar Town, you get to take in the aromatic Mediterranean plant garden. Once you've made it to the top, you can explore the fortress's stone walls and behold the city below, along with the sea and islands stretching over the horizon as far as the eye can see.

A series of seven waterfalls are the main attraction here, the most spectacular being Skradinski buk, where 17 cascades of water fall 40 meters (131 feet) 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, 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, it's easier to 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 Europe's most valuable ornithological areas. 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–Oziđana Cave, that takes about 2½ hours and has educational panels along the way explaining plant and animal life, geological phenomena, and historic sites.

Of the five entrances into the park, 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 (included in the price of entry). 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.  Note that swimming is not allowed in the park. There are several restaurants and snack bars, plus wooden tables and benches for picnics. For a full meal, your best bet is to return to Skradin, a town that dates back to Roman times and is well worth a look.

A 25-minute walk from the Riva, this must-see gallery dedicated to Ivan Meštrović (1883–1962), one of Europe's greatest 20th-century sculptors, is in a tranquil location overlooking the sea and surrounded by extensive gardens. Meštrović originally designed this building as his summer residence during the 1920s and '30s. Some 200 of his sculptural works in wood, marble, stone, and bronze are on display, both indoors and out. The gallery features an open-air café that is frequented by families and children during the day and young locals in the evening. It's a great place to escape the crowded city streets and enjoy a refreshing drink surrounded by a stunning collection of the master's work.

Located at a stunning viewpoint, this statue by Ivan Meštrović honors legendary 16th-century heroine Mila Gojsalić, born in Poljice at a time when Croatia faced Ottoman attacks. Myth says she seduced an Ottoman general and then set fire to his camp after he fell asleep. Per legend, she perished in the fire or evaded capture by jumping to her death from the cliffside where the statue now stands. The site, a still relatively well-kept secret, offers awe-inspiring views of the town and the mouth of the Cetina River. It's an eight-minute drive north from Omiš center via an uphill road with four hairpin turns; going by car is safer than the 80-minute hike up the road. Parking is limited.

At this popular sight hidden away on the islet of Biševo (5 nautical miles southwest of Komiža), sunlight enters through the water, reflects off the seabed, and casts the interior in a fantastic shade of blue. The Blue Cave is 24 meters (78 feet) long and 12 meters (39 feet) wide, and throughout the summer, local fishermen and tour agencies take tourists—some of whom come from Split and Hvar by speedboat—into the caverns. It can be a long wait in summer when a line of small boats is waiting to enter the cave. Ask at the marina or the tourist information office ( www.tz-komiza.hr/home-eng) to see who is offering trips. Sometimes, small boat operators will wait at the entrance of the cave for visitors arriving by sailboat and yacht (which are too large to enter the cave).

As its name suggests, Stari Grad, or Old Town, is among Europe's first towns. Founded in the 4th century BC, this is the site of the original Greek settlement on Hvar, then known as Pharos. While much of the attraction in Stari Grad focuses on its ancient history, the city is still very much alive, especially during the summer. 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.

The obvious spot for swimming and sunning here is the glorious Zlatni Rat (Golden Cape or Golden Horn) Beach, complete with a café and snack bar, plus sun beds and parasols. Paddleboats and Jet Skis can be rented through peak season, when the beach can get crowded. Regular taxi-boats run from the Old Town harbor to Zlatni rat; walking distance is 20 minutes. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; sunrise; sunset; swimming; windsurfing.

The largest beach area in Split, a 10-minute walk east of the Old Town, has a shallow swimming area and is one of the few sandy beaches on the Dalmatian coast. If you don't mind the crowds, you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas, and you can also enjoy a string of cafés and bars along this stretch of coast. Amenities: food and drink; parking (fee); toilets. Best for: swimming.

At this quieter rocky cove west of Split's Old Town, on the north side of Marjan Hill and a 20-minute drive from Diocletian's Palace, you can engage in a number of sports such as kayaking or tennis (there are courts). Bene is one of a string of beaches and coves dotting the Marjan Hill peninsula. Amenities: food and drink; showers; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking. 

Behind Makarska, a large area of the rocky heights that form the majestic Mt. Biokovo has 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 the mountain is primarily limestone with little green coverage. It's possible to reach the highest peak, Sveti Jure (1,762 meters, or 5,781 feet) in 5½ hours from Makarska. However, this is a strenuous hike, especially in summer, for which you will need good boots and plenty of water. Hiking the mountain on your own is not recommended; group excursions are a safer choice. The park has a few information centers, with one in Markarska (Franjevački Put 2A, generally closed October–April). Park entry includes the Skywalk, a glass-bottom walkway off the main road, which extends out from a cliff face.  You must buy admission tickets in advance on the website, though you can't purchase them more than five days before your visit. Don't wait until the last minute, as slots sell out.

In a fine Baroque building on the seafront, the gallery displays more than 300 paintings and sculptures by big-name 20th-century Croatian artists who drew inspiration from the sea and landscapes of Dalmatia. The intimate gallery was named after Brač-born sculptor Branislav Dešković (1883–1939), whose works are on display along with those of Ivan Meštrović, Ivan Rendić, and others.

Šibenik's most famous piece of architecture, the Cathedral of St. James was built in several distinct stages and styles between 1431 and 1535, and it's been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000. The lower level is the work of Venetian architects who contributed the finely carved Venetian-Gothic portals, whereas the rest of the building follows plans drawn up by local architect Juraj Dalmatinac, who proposed the Renaissance cupola. Note the frieze running around the outer wall, with 74 faces carved in stone from the island of Brač. One of the cathedral's highlights, the tiny baptistery with minutely chiseled stone decorations was designed by Dalmatinac but executed by Andrija Aleši. Admission includes entry to the worthwhile interpretation center Civitas Sacra, which has an interactive exhibition of sacral treasures and art. It's a three-minute walk from the cathedral in the Galbiani Palace ( Kralja Tomislava 10).

The small chapel of this museum contains a magnificent collection of 20th-century sculptor Ivan Meštrović's work, produced over 40 years, that depicts the life of Christ in a series of bas-relief wood carvings that many consider among his finest work. Viewing the entire series should not be rushed, and it's worth visiting in conjunction with his other works in the Meštrović Gallery, a five-minute walk away.

Founded in 1475, the Dominican monastery on the western edge of Bol has beautiful gardens overlooking the sea. The monastery church is home to a valuable 16th-century painting by Tintoretto, and the small on-site museum displays ancient Greek coins and amphorae found on the nearby islands of Hvar and Vis. In addition to maintaining the museum and church, the monastery's priests actively study and carry out the Dominican mission throughout Croatia and Europe.

Occupying a splendid location within the walls of Diocletian's Palace, this museum displays traditional Dalmatian folk costumes and local antique furniture, among other objects that give visitors a look into everyday life in historic Dalmatia.

Born in Šibenik, Faust Vrančić (1551–1617) was an inventor, polymath, philosopher, and lexicographer whose legacy is examined in this modern museum in Prvić Luka. He is thought to have invented the first functional parachute, outlining it in a drawing titled "Homo Volans–Flying Man" in his book of inventions Machinae Novae (New Machines). Born well-off, Vrančić spent summers in his family mansion on Prvić, where he also escaped to avoid the plague that hit Šibenik several times during this period. He passed away in Venice, but he was buried on Prvić according to his wishes.

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.

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. The grounds outside make a relaxing place for a stroll among centuries-old cypress trees.

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.

This is the island's regional museum, located within its oldest settlement, called Škrip. Škrip comes from the Latin scrupus, referring to large sharp stones. The area was inhabited by the ancient Illyrians around 1400 BC and later by a Roman community. Today the museum displays artifacts from both of these eras and much more.

On the northern coast of the island, Hvar's third main town is often overlooked, but that makes it all the more delightful once you do discover this more peaceful alternative to Hvar Town. Jelsa has 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 (½ mile) east of the modern town is the older Grad, with the original fortified area that was protected by Galešnik, a fortress that now stands in ruins. The 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. Jelsa 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. Chosen locals can be on the waiting list to carry the cross for decades, as it's considered a significant honor.

Located on the upper floor of the Arsenal, the Kazalište opened in 1612, making it the oldest institution of its kind in Croatia and one of the first in Europe. Hvar Town's theater is still open for shorts today. The Arsenal building, where Venetian ships en route to East Asia once docked for repairs, dates back to the 13th century but was reconstructed after damage during a Turkish invasion in 1571. It reopened in 2019 following renovations. Note that tickets must be purchased in person.

This sandy beach sits in a cove on Brač's northern coast, offering a more low-key alternative to Zlatni rat that's worth a visit for its clear waters and views of the Dinaric Alps on the mainland. Crickets chirp from the surrounding pines, which also offer shade from the sun. Above the beach are ruins from the 5th-century Basilica of St. Lawrence, which pilgrims visit on August 10, the saint's feast day. The beach is a 10-minute drive (about an hour walk) east of Postira following the main road, which turns to dirt for the last few miles.  Amenities: food and drink; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; solitude; swimming; walking.

Situated on a 3½-km-long (2-mile-long) peninsula covered with pine trees and Mediterranean shrubs, 178-meter (584-foot) Marjan Hill has been a protected nature park since 1964. It's known as the "lungs of the city" because of all its greenery and the fact that locals flock to it on weekends as a nearby recreational area. Stunning views await at the top, with rocky beach areas circling the peninsula. Paths crisscrossing the grounds are suitable for biking and jogging. Eight small churches also dot Marjan Hill, including St. Jerome (sv. Jeronim), which was built in the 15th century into a rock face and includes Renaissance-style stone reliefs on the walls. Beaches on Marjan are more relaxed and offer shade, but there is limited access for cars, which helps preserve the wilderness of the park. Bike rentals and water sports are available.

One of the oldest Croatian museums houses more than 20,000 Croatian archaeological artifacts, only a quarter of which are regularly on display. Among the most interesting exhibits are fine stone carvings decorated with traditional plaitwork designs. In the garden are several stećci, medieval monolithic tombstones. The museum also conducts archaeological excavations in the southern Croatian regions between the Cetina and Zrmanja rivers and has a large collection of cultural and historical guidebooks on early medieval monuments in Croatia.