Split and Dalmatia County apartments - holiday apartments throughout Split and Dalmatia County

SPLIT AND DALMATIA COUNTY

Split

Throughout history, the Dalmatian coast’s central position on the eastern flank of the Adriatic Sea has been coveted by colonists, including the neighbouring Venetians, who have left a rich an indelible mark on much of regions art and architecture. From the 5th to 2ndcentury B.C., the Greeks settled at various points along the mainland and throughout the area’s extraordinary archipelago. Later came the Romans, and the largest Roman relic in all of Europe is to be found at Split, the buzzing, picturesque town located in the middle of the coast that is an ideal starting point for your Dalmatian adventure.

Read our mini guide to Split and Dalmatia County

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The Diocletian's palace is classified as a UNESCO world heritage site and now forms the very backbone of Split’s historic centre. Over the centuries, other buildings were constructed inside the complex, many (particularly from the Medieval period) featuring outstanding examples of the type of masonry work the area is renowned for. Split’s large port is an ideal place from which to start your exploration of the coast’s famed islands. A modern ferry service will whisk you to most of them and boat charter is also popular. All in all there are nearly 1,200 islands, islets and reefs along the Dalmatian Coast, making it a sea-lovers paradise.

The four major islands are Brac, Hvar, Korcula, and Mljet. Flanked by the crystalline blue waters of the Adriatic and featuring pretty harbour coves, fine swimming and diving spots, historic villages and vineyards, they are rank among the Mediterranean’s finest. Havar is particularly charming and has the honour of receiving the highest amount of sunshine in all of Croatia. Hvar town, crowned by an impressive castle-fort, is a maze of porticoes, marbled squares, three and four story houses (many of which contain first-floor shops and restaurants) and cobbled streets leading down to the delightful boat-filled harbour. Another little gem is Brac, whose buildings feature the same white sandstone used for Diocletian's palace in Split. Korcula, which lies about half way between Dubrovnik and Split, is (according to local legend) the birthplace of Marco Polo. The island’s town, with its medieval streets and clusters of red-roofed houses is also typical of the region, but the main square is truly Venetian. Its cathedral is even called St. Mark’s and inside are two paintings by Tintoretto.

Landlubbers will delight in the mountainous interior fringe of the coastline and its four national parks: Kornati, Brijuni, Mljet and Krka. The latter boasts the spectacular Skradanski waterfall, accessible via boat along the Krka River and is a haven for local bird life. The lake that lies at the base of the 45-metre waterfall is also a popular swimming spot.

Just south of the mouth of the Krkna River lies Sibenik, a pretty coastal town noted for its fine merchant houses, stone fortress and the Cathedral of St. Jacob, which dates from the Venetian period. Sibenik also hosts the International Children’s Festival in early July: a week- long, outdoor puppet, theatre and dance fest for young ones.

Split

Ryanair runs a flight from London-Stansted to Pescara/Ancona in Italy where there is a daily ferry service to Split. The same airline also flies to Trieste (Italy) from where you can catch a train/bus to the Dalmatian Coast. In the summer only, there is a ferry service from Venice to Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, from where you can also make your way by public transport to Dalmatia.

Split

Needless to say, aquatic activities reign supreme along the coast. With its picturesque ports and steady winds, yachting is hugely popular. Most resorts offer diving facilities and will point you the way to various shipwrecks and underwater caves including the famous Blue Grotto near Bisevo Island. Krk Island offers excellent rock climbing opportunities.