Better Homes and Gardens (Australia)
The Dalmatian Coast it’s the place to go
Croatia is on the tip of nearly every European traveller’s tongue – so don’t you be the cruiser who misses out!
there can be no doubt that one of the hottest European cruising destinations at the moment is the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia. Stretching from its northern border with Slovenia right down to its southern border with the tiny Baltic state of Montenegro, it’s an area steeped in history, culture and geographical wonder.
LOVE ITS HEART, ITS HISTORY
The coastline has been known by many names over the years and has had as many rulers. It’s been a much-coveted piece of land from Roman times, the Venetian Republic and the Austrian Empire and was part of Yugoslavia for many years before winning its independence in 1995.
Geographically, the Dalmatian Coast features approximately
500 islets and is bordered to the east by the Dinaric ranges, which in summer keep the rain of northern Europe out and the warm sunshine of the long summer in.
What that means to a modern cruiser in 2019 is you’re exploring an area full of story, legend and absolute beauty, all surrounded by the most stunning clear waters you’ve ever seen. When people describe water as being impossibly azure, if they’re not talking about Croatia, they’re not telling you the truth.
Dubrovnik first came to mainstream Western attention when its ancient citadel was horribly damaged during
the Serbo-croatian war in the 1990s. Of course, this was only a precursor to many of the tragedies that unfolded during the Balkan War of the 1990s and 2000s.
Now a testament to the world and Croatia’s love for Dubrovnik, today you’d notice little damage and enjoy the walk along its ramparts, which have been lovingly restored. What might strike you, however, is a sense of familiarity.
I KNOW THIS PLACE!
Yes, it’s one of the primary filming locations for the worldwide hit television series Game of Thrones! The most distant inhabited island of the entire Dalmatian Coast, Vis, now has its own claim to fame with its starring role in Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. Here, you can spend a night enjoying a live performance of the musical.
Josip Tito, head of the regional resistance during WWII, used Vis as his secret hideout. Now travellers flock to Vis to sample the lifestyle and taste the wine made from the distinct Vugava grape, which has been cultivated on the island for thousands of years.
But Dubrovnik is the top of every tourist’s list when they come to Croatia and it’s an absolute must. Yet with so many islands, ports and forts, you’ll also see some of the most well-preserved medieval coastal towns, full of bustling restaurants, galleries and bars, as you travel further.
THE BEAUTY JUST GOES ON
Split, the largest of the coastal cities, gives a wonderful insight into the ‘real’ Croatia beyond the tourist areas and is famous for its beaches – so take your swimmers! From here, you’re also closest to many of the real jewel-in-the-crown islands. The Roman Empire is well on display in its narrow, wonderfully polished stone walkways. But its more recent history and current aesthetic date back to Venetian times when it was used as a regional hub, along with nearby Hvar.
If you’re young and want to party hard, there’s no question Hvar is the place for you.
Nowadays, too, curious tourists stroll down the narrow lanes of Korcula, known as ‘Little Dubrovnik’, and meander through its fortified old town with locals ready for festivals. And a secret tip: venture to the recently discovered port city of Sibenik. A massive hub for private charter boats, the city itself has all the historic and aesthetic charms of its more well-known neighbours, but has only a fraction of the tourists and a distinct modern Bohemian feel. Here, you will find vegan restaurants amid the traditional seafood barbecues and clothing boutiques, with local designers amid the ubiquitous chain outlets.
Sibenik is also the access point to the Krka River and its stunning falls. The list of mustinclude itinerary stops doesn’t end there, but we hope this has been enough to whet your appetite!
With the joy of cruising and such a destination, what could be better?