Dalmatia occupies much of the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. This is one of the most beautiful and exotic coastlines in all of Europe. It occupies the whole coastline of Croatia, and includes a small part of northern Montenegro. Dalmatian coast is among the most indented in Europe and only Norway can boast such a diverse coastline. The islands are about 1185. This number includes large inhabited islands as well as small uninhabited rocky islets, which barely protrude beyond the surface. Numerous picturesque peninsulas and bays form an astonishing array of land and water that man is hard to imagine.
Dalmatia is a geographical area, but is also characterized by common cultural and architectural features. It is not an administrative area.
The name comes from the ancient Albanian word “delme” which means “sheep”. Dalmatia is famous also for the well known Dalmatian dogs, which bear the name of the area because they derived from this part of the world.
The most famous cities of Dalmatia are Split and Dubrovnik. Both are located in southern Croatia. Split is the second largest city with a population of about 190,000 people, and Dubrovnik, which is four times smaller is considered to be one of the jewels of southern Europe.
The town whose population barely reaches 45,000 residents has an excellent old city center with red roofed stone buildings and medieval fortifications. This part of Dubrovnik is World Heritage Site and is under the auspices of UNESCO.
Dalmatian coast is extremely beautiful and is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Europe. Here the waters of the Adriatic Sea are the most pure and transparent, and the sea surface in the numerous secluded coves is so calm that reflects the sky like a mirror.
On the Dalmatian coast beaches are covered mostly with white or beige oval stones, which is the main reason for the transparency of the seawater. Besides pebble beaches in Croatia there are also great sandy beaches, but are found much more rarely.
Among the thousands of islands during the summer months is filled with yachts of wealthy tourists who want to enjoy this wonder of nature. The view that reveals from the water is just amazing.
The steep slopes, covered with dense Mediterranean vegetation contrast with the bare beige or gray cliffs. Dalmatia offers the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful coastal towns that have barely changed over the centuries.
This is the perfect destination for travellers seeking tranquillity and pure nature. For this reason, here most often spend their summer vacation young families with children.
Dalmatia offers excellent opportunities not only for lovers of beautiful scenery, but also for lovers of history, ancient architecture and delicious food. Cultural heritage of Dalmatia is due to the specific location of the area between Italy and the Slavic countries of Eastern Europe.
Makarska Riviera is one of the places that are really worth visiting while you are on the Dalmatian coast. It stretches about 60 kilometers, and the center of this tourist area is the resort town of Makarska.
It is nestled between the Adriatic Sea and Biokovo mountain, which rises next to the beach. Mountain slopes are often covered with clouds, while the town is bathed in sunlight.
The city has beautiful beaches that attract tourists from May to late September. Furthermore, near the town of Makarska, there are other beautiful and attractive resort towns like Baska Voda, which is located about 7 miles north and the small town of Gradec, located about 35 km south of Makarska.
The atmosphere in the small Croatian coastal towns will remind you of Italy. Through many of the narrow and shady streets can not pierce even a small car.
Dalmatia is known for its unique southern spirit. In many old buildings you will find small cafes and restaurants, from which comes a pleasant and enticing aroma of Mediterranean cuisine.
Exhausted by long walks, tourists usually sit to relax, eating delicious, freshly caught seafood or just to drink a cup of coffee or cold beer.
The climate of Dalmatia is subtropical Mediterranean with warm, sometimes hot summers and mild, rainy winters. The daily temperatures range between 10 and 15°C in January and February to about 28 – 29°C in July and August.
From May to October temperatures are above 20°C. Even in the coldest winter nights the thermometers rarely show less than 5°C, so many plants remain green throughout the year.