Croatia has been popping up everywhere these days! I’ve had clients inquire about spending a 10th anniversary trip there, I’ve been seeing it in my social media feeds, and also on the cover of last month's Virtuoso Magazine.

Croatia became popular due to Game of Thrones a few years back, and it seems like the interest hasn’t died down. Maybe it’s because of the stunning natural beauty of this country. Or maybe travelers are charmed by the history and ancient walled cities like Split and Dubrovnik. Or perhaps everyone is looking for an alternative to Italy?

These are just some of the reasons why Croatia is worth visiting, particularly the southern Dalmatian Coast. The Dalmatian Coast ranges from Split at the north to Dubrovnik on the south. It’s rather easy to get around this part of Croatia whether you are splitting time between mainland and the islands or staying mostly on the mainland. It’s not far across the Adriatic Sea to Puglia in Italy and you’ll discover a lot of similarities to southern Italy in the Dalmatian Coast. And there are options to rent villas if you’re looking for a longer stay with your family or a small group.

I first visited Croatia in 2016 and spent all of my time in Split, Dubrovnik, and the neighboring islands of Hvar and Korcula. This is still one of my favorite trips and favorite places I’ve visited - history, architecture, gorgeous azure water, fantastic food, very friendly locals, excellent local wine...there was nothing I didn’t like (except for the cruise ship crowds in Dubrovnik).

If I haven’t convinced you already, keep reading…

From historic towns to pristine beaches, this coastal paradise offers a wealth of experiences for luxury travelers. The Dalmatian Coast is truly an unforgettable destination that encapsulates the essence of Mediterranean allure. Rich history, tantalizing cuisine, and stunning landscapes await you. Many of our partners have extensive connections in this region so that by working with us, we can craft an itinerary that delivers the best of Dalmatia.

(BTW, all photos in this post are from my 2016 trip to Croatia!)

Natural Wonders

Along the coast, crystal-clear turquoise waters, secluded coves, and pristine pebble beaches create an idyllic backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation. This region is also host to national parks such as Krka and Plitvice Lakes (a bit further north but can be visited from Split), where you can see lush greenery amid the waterfalls. It’s truly breathtaking (and another great place to swim). There are also options to hike around the towns and on the islands for some seriously incredible views over the Adriatic. If that’s not enough adventure for you, there’s horseback riding, sailing,

History

Split and Dubrovnik are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites; Diocletan’s Palace in Split and Dubrovnik’s City Walls date back centuries. Visitors can even ‘walk the wall’ in Dubrovnik for a bird’s eye view into the city. Just strolling around these cities and admiring the cobblestone streets and ancient architecture is a perfect way to spend an afternoon or early evening before dinner. One of the best experiences of my trip to Dubrovnik was seeing Hamlet staged in Fort Lovrijenac (one of the many Game of Thrones settings in town).

The Food

Delight in fresh seafood dishes like black risotto, octopus salad, and Adriatic fish. Indulge in the renowned local wines, Plavic Mali and Pošip, by taking a visit to a vineyard on the nearby island of Korcula for a tour and afternoon tasting. Visit an oyster farm and enjoy some of the harvest with a glass of Croatian wine. Some of the best meals I’ve had were in Croatia - and one of the best parts of working with a travel advisor to plan your trip is that we can make sure you experience the best of the local food and wine.

Luxury Accommodations and Exceptional Experiences

Lavish seaside resorts, boutique hotels, and private villas are nestled amidst stunning coastal landscapes, offering panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. Indulge in world-class amenities, private pools, spa treatments, and impeccable service, ensuring a truly luxurious escape . By working with us, we can find the perfect accommodation to meet your needs and priorities - access to the beach, spa, tennis or fitness facilities, and more. Our partners have relationships with the top 4 and 5 star hotels and resorts in the region.

Nautical Adventures

I still haven’t gotten over the color of the water in Croatia, shades of turquoise and deep blue that I had never seen before. One of the best ways to experience the coast is on a boat or in the water - spend half a day on a private boat or yacht charter exploring the breathtaking islands such as Hvar, Brac, and the Pakleni Islands, each boasting its unique charm and attractions including secluded beaches and famous beach clubs. There are brilliant dive sites around the Coast, water sports are available, or just cruise along the coastline basking in the Mediterranean sun (or watching the sunset with your partner).

The Locals

I can’t not mention the Croats - they are incredibly friendly and welcoming, so happy to have visitors in their country 30 years after a devastating war in the region. We met so many kind and friendly people here, watched the Croatia team among crowds of locals during the Euro Cup, and found quite possibly the world’s friendliest taxi driver. Prepare to be charmed on your visit to Croatia!

Planning Your Visit

I’d recommend visiting Croatia for at least two weeks to have enough time to see the highlights of the country (North and South), but you can certainly spend up to two weeks just on the Dalmatian Coast! Linger on the islands, take your time enjoying the beaches, the fresh seafood, and being charmed by the locals! And if you only have a week, no problem. The Dalmatian Coast is rather small and islands are close together, making it easier to see a lot in a 7 or 8 day trip. It's a perfect summer destination!

We work with many preferred partners in this region that can help create customized itineraries based on your preferences and deliver an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful places you may ever visit. There’s still time to plan a trip to Croatia for this year or, better yet, let’s start planning for next summer!

Exploring the Dalmatian Coast