The joys of holidays on the Northern and Central Dalmatian coast.

Many of the holidaymakers who head to Croatia – arguably the greatest find of the European tourism market over the last ten years – will book a spot on the captivating Dalmatian coast.
Made up of three regions – Zadar, Sibenik and Split, each revolving around the fascinating cities of the same names – the northern and central part of the destination has plenty to offer visitors.

At the northern end of the coast is Zadar region, an area that is as rich in history and culture as it is in nature and wildlife.

The gleaming white of Dalmatian stone forms much of the landscape in this pretty part of the nation and is complemented magically by the smouldering glow of the sun and the deep greens of the trees and olive groves

Zadar itself is a wonderful place to spend some time, with its 3,000-year-old buildings creating an eye-catching draw for any tourist. The city is centered upon the oldest Roman forum on Croatia’s Adriatic coast and the nearby resort of Nin is home to the world’s smallest cathedral.

TOP 5 things to do in Northern and Central Dalmatia.

1. Visit the ancient destination of Zadar, which dates back more than 3,000 years. Among the plentiful highlights is the largest Romanforum on Croatia’s side of the Adriatic.
2. Go yachting in Sibenik and follow it up with a stroll through the magnificent streets of the town.
3. Travel in the heat of summer for two of Europe’s top festivals. The Garden Festival and the Soundwave Festival both take place during the hottest time of the year, in the coastal town of Petrcane, close to Zadar. For top music acts, boat parties and a great festival vibe, there are few better options in the world.
4. Experience the magical atmospheres and scenery of two of Croatia’s finest national parks. Kornati and Krka are located just 50 km apart.
5. Tour the churches of Zadar, said to be some of the best in the country. St Donatus, St Chrisogonus and St Anastasia are three of the finest examples of Roman architecture around.

The Dalmatian coast has become one of Europe’s tourist gems.

As you travel south, the Sibenik region will come into view – and one of the first sights many tourists in the area are likely to have is of surfers, sailors and boating fanatics going about their business on the deep blue waves of the sea.
Sibenik and its surrounding lands are a yachting paradise to rival any location on the planet, with almost 250 small islands and reefs waiting to be explored by those with a nautical side.

The highlights of Sibenik are not confined to the coast, however, as the zone boasts two of Croatia’s premier national parks – Krka and Kornati. Krka offers magnificent views, waterfalls and lakes that promise to be the highlight of any trip to the countryside, while Kornati is perhaps even more spectacular, thanks to its cliff top panoramas and heavenly island setting.

As visitors head south from Sibenik they will find Split region, which is regarded by many as the sexiest side of Croatia, with a number of world famous models coming from the region. The breathtaking Old Town area located within the confines of Diocletian’s Palace offers visitors a real opportunity to step back in time with many original areas of the Old Town still from the 4th century.

Diocletian himself pinpointed Split as a premier spot back in the year 305 when, while on the lookout for somewhere to relax and spend his leisure time, he marked the city as his preferred choice

It is a resort where modern-day glamour and unbeatable reminders of the past intertwine beautifully.

The majority of visitors are as comfortable sipping champagne or enjoying a soft drink on the pretty and open promenade as they are wandering around some of Split’s ancient treasures.

While almost any destination on the Dalmatian coast is guaranteed to provide a warm, inviting and cultural break, Split may be the ultimate choice for those seeking activity and adventure.