The Dalmatian coast in Croatia is known for its beautiful islands, clean water, and cultural influences. It has a rich history of being ruled by various empires and kingdoms, but is now a popular tourist destination with attractions such as Diocletian’s Palace and Dubrovnik’s walls.
The Dalmatian coast is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful places to visit in Europe. It is a stretch of coast, dotted with hundreds of islands, on the western side of Croatia (Hrvatska), bordered by the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. The Dalmatian coast is known for its lush and forested islands, sparkling clean water, fairytale towns and cities, and diverse cultural influences. The largest city in the north is Split and in the south, Dubrovnik. Other major cities in this region are Dubrov, Sibenik and Zadar, and among the larger islands are Brač, Hvar, Korčula, Mljet and Dugi Otok.
The beauty, unique geography and temperate climate have made the Dalmatian coast a hotly contested region for centuries. Its Mediterranean, karst or limestone climate, geography and coastal access are highly desirable. The name comes from the Dalmatians, an Illyrian tribe that inhabited the region during the first millennium BC. Starting around 220 BC, the Roman Empire slowly gained power over the region, and by the time of Christ, the region was almost completely Romanized.
After the fall of Rome, the region was successively ruled by the Goths, the Byzantine Empire, the Avars, the Slavs and the Ottoman Empire. Due to numerous changes of government, as well as many wars and rebellions, the Dalmatian coast became a fragmented kingdom, with numerous principalities and states. The Romanised Dalmatians continued to struggle to hold on to power, but in the 10th century the Venetians attempted to assert power. The enduring vestiges of Byzantine, and especially Venetian, influences are evidenced by the culture and architecture of the coast.
In modern times, the Dalmatian coast has been controlled by the French, Hungarians, Serbs and Austrians, even as its people have continued to struggle for unification. After the First World War, the Dalmatian coast was fractured again. Most of the region was part of a unified Yugoslavia until its fall in 1991, and has become what we know today as Croatia.
Today, peace has returned to the Dalmatian coast and it has gained popularity among tourists thanks to its remote but easily accessible islands with charming towns and beautiful marinas. Boating, swimming and fishing are favorite pastimes of locals and visitors alike. The Dalmatian coast has a lot to offer the visitor in its culture, architecture and natural beauty. Diocletian’s Palace in Split is famous for its architecture and the city of Dubrovnik is revered for its walls and tiled roofs. In addition to the wonderful man-made attractions of the Dalmatian coast, the proximity of unique and unrivaled national parks, both on the coast and inland, attracts people from all over the world.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
