Dalmatian Coast
Croatia's Dalmatian Coast runs from Split to Dubrovnik past limestone islands, pebble coves and Roman and Venetian old towns. UK travellers come for island-hopping by catamaran, clear swimming water and walled Dubrovnik. June and September give warm seas without the August crush; from November to April many island hotels close and ferry timetables thin out.
Overview
Most trips fly into Split or Dubrovnik and link the two by catamaran, stopping on Hvar, Brač or Korčula, or by road, about three and a half hours. Split suits people who want a lively city base with day trips to Krka's waterfalls and the islands; Dubrovnik is pricier and busiest when cruise ships dock. Hvar Town draws a younger, late-night crowd, Korčula and Vis are calmer, and the Makarska Riviera has long pebble beaches for families. Swimming season runs from June to early October, when the Adriatic sits at about 21–24°C. Spring and late autumn suit sightseeing, but many island hotels close.
Map of Dalmatian Coast
Highlights
- 1History
Diocletian's Palace, Split
Built around AD 300 as the retirement home of the Roman emperor Diocletian, the palace is now Split's old town, with shops, bars and homes inside its walls. The emperor's mausoleum became the cathedral; climb its bell tower early.
- 2Architecture
Dubrovnik's city walls
Nearly 2 km of walls ring the old town, with views over terracotta roofs and the Adriatic from every bastion. Start the circuit at opening time or in the late afternoon to avoid the heat and the cruise-ship groups.
- 3Nature
Krka National Park
Travertine terraces and waterfalls on the Krka river, best seen from the boardwalks around Skradinski Buk. Swimming beneath the falls has been banned since 2021, but arriving by boat from Skradin is still the nicest approach.
- 4Beach
Zlatni Rat, Brač
A spit of fine pebbles off Bol on Brač that shifts shape with the wind and currents, with clear water on both sides. Afternoon winds make it a reliable windsurfing spot; reach it by catamaran from Split.
- 5History
Korčula Old Town
A compact walled town on a peninsula, its streets laid out in a herringbone pattern to catch summer breezes and block the bora wind. Locals claim Marco Polo was born here, and the moreška sword dance is performed in summer.
Where to stay
Split
The practical hub, with the airport, ferry port and the widest choice of restaurants; suits first-timers wanting island day trips and city life in one.
Hvar Town
Yachts, beach clubs and late bars; suits groups and couples who want nightlife, with the quieter Pakleni Islands a short taxi-boat ride away.
Makarska Riviera
A long string of pebble beaches under the Biokovo mountains, with good-value apartments; ideal for families who want an easy beach week.
Dubrovnik
Stay in Lapad or Ploče for sea views and swimming spots; suits couples focused on history, with easy trips to Lokrum, Cavtat and the Elaphiti Islands.
When to go to Dalmatian Coast
Best time: Jun, Sep.
Average climate in Split
How much does Dalmatian Coast cost?
Per person per day excluding flights. Return flights from London typically cost £120 off-peak and £380 in school holidays.
Visas & entry for Dalmatian Coast
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area, which includes Croatia, for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel: as a tourist; to visit family or friends; to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events; for short-term studies or training.
The requirements for working in Croatia are different.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Tetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- RabiesTick-borne encephalitis
- Yellow fever certificate
- No yellow fever certificate is required to enter.
- Malaria
- No malaria risk
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Croatia
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Sun 1 Nov 2026 | All Saints' Day |
| Wed 18 Nov 2026 | Remembrance Day |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Sat 26 Dec 2026 | Saint Stephen's Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Wed 6 Jan 2027 | Epiphany |
| Sun 28 Mar 2027 | Easter Sunday |
| Mon 29 Mar 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| Thu 27 May 2027 | Corpus Christi |
| Sun 30 May 2027 | Statehood Day |
| Tue 22 Jun 2027 | Anti-Fascist Struggle Day |
| Thu 5 Aug 2027 | Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and Croatian Veterans Day |
| Sun 15 Aug 2027 | Assumption Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Know before you go
- Book Split–Hvar and Split–Dubrovnik catamarans online a few weeks ahead for July and August. With a car, reserve a timed sailing where Jadrolinija allows it, such as Split–Stari Grad, and arrive an hour early.
- Beaches are almost all pebble or rock and sea urchins are common, so pack water shoes. Check Dubrovnik's cruise-ship calendar and save the old town for quieter days.
Plugs, money, phrases, emergency numbers and more: see our Croatia guide.
Sardinia
Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos)
Azores