Things to do in  Dalmatia

With its startling blue light and luminescent waters, it's easy to see how the Bisevo Blue Cave (Modra Spilja) earned its name. The natural wonder is hidden in the sea cliffs along the coast of Bisevo Island and is made even more enticing by its remote, difficult-to-reach location. The effort is rewarded with stunning scenery and endless photo opportunities.

A cluster of islands and islets along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, the Elafiti Islands (Elaphites) are a popular day trip from nearby Dubrovnik. The largest three islands—Kolocep, Lopud, and Sipan—are the focal point of most archipelago tours. Across these islands, explore caves, beaches, villages, and walking trails, or take to the sea to swim, snorkel, or kayak.

Located at the southern tip of Croatia, perched above the rocky coastline of the Adriatic Sea, the enchanting city of Dubrovnik attracts visitors with its medieval architecture and labyrinth of limestone-paved streets. Its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains surrounded by 14th-century fortified stone walls.

Less than 0.5 miles (800 meters) off the shores of Dubrovnik, the car-free island of Lokrum makes a peaceful escape from the city. At the center of its protected forest lies a medieval Benedictine monastery complex with botanical gardens, highlighting tropical and subtropical plants; on the rocky shoreline, you’ll find a number of picturesque swimming spots.

With its emerald-green lakes, rocky caves, and cascading waterfalls—all framed by soaring limestone cliffs, ancient woodlands, and fields of wild orchids—Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of Croatia’s most postcard-worthy natural playgrounds. The UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises more than 73,000 acres (20,500 hectares) of unspoiled landscapes and boasts a chain of 16 lakes and 90 waterfalls, all linked by a network of hiking and biking trails.

Mostly uninhabited and untouched, pristine Budikovac Island (Veliki Budikovac) is an ideal place to experience Croatia’s natural beauty. The island, off the coast of Split, is a great destination for getting out of the city and relaxing, thanks largely in part to its quiet bay, clear turquoise water, and pebbly beaches.

With their imposing watchtowers looming over the medieval city and dramatic fortifications edging the sea cliffs, the Dubrovnik Ancient City Walls deserve their star-attraction status. Dating back to the 10th century, the remarkably preserved walls mark the perimeter of Dubrovnik’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offer magnificent views across the city.

Spanning 42 square miles (109 square kilometers) of lush woodlands, waterfalls, and travertine cliffs, it’s easy to see why Krka National Park is one of Croatia’s natural highlights. Near the Dalmatian coast, Krka is a retreat for hikers, cyclists, nature lovers, and anyone veering off Croatia’s tourist trail. But along with the pristine water and deep canyons, it’s also home to the Krka Monastery, with layers of history throughout (and beneath) the centuries-old complex.

Stiniva Cove is a crescent-shaped cove formed thousands of years ago when a sea cave collapsed. The cove is enclosed by steep sea cliffs, which means that it's calm enough for swimming and completely shaded in the afternoon. It’s located right on the island of Vis, famous for its stone fortress and charming marina.

Stretching from Old Town’s western entrance at the Pile Gate to the harbor in the east, the Stradun (or Placa) was once a shallow sea channel that divided the small island on which Dubrovnik was built from the Republic of Ragusa on the mainland. In the 12th century, the Stradun was filled to create the main street in Dubrovnik’s Old Town.

Just minutes offshore from fashionable Hvar Island along Croatia’s Dalmatian coast lies the Pakleni archipelago (Pakleni Otoci). It’s the perfect destination for an island-hopping tour with 17 beautiful islands fringed by pebble beaches and lush pine forests.

Constructed in 1537, this sturdy gate on the west wall of Dubrovnik’s Old Town was once locked nightly—and the wooden drawbridge leading to it was raised—to prevent intruders from gaining access to the city. More recently, the gate served as a filming location for Game of Thrones, as the site where King Joffrey was unceremoniously pelted with cow dung.

Dubrovnik’s distinctive orange cable cars speed 2,500 feet (778 meters) in about three minutes, from the lower station just north of the city walls to the top of Mount Srđ. During the ride, you can enjoy amazing views of Dubrovnik’s terracotta rooftops, the coastline of Dalmatia, and archipelagos sprinkled across the Adriatic Sea.

Off the coast of Croatia, Solta island is one of the country’s under-the-radar hideaways. While it’s a popular haunt for mainland locals, it’s still an undeveloped pocket of paradise, with pinewoods, farmland, and maquis-coated hills tumbling to tiny harbors, pebble beaches, and azure bays.

Overlooking the Adriatic Sea from a cliff-top perch, the St. Lawrence Fortress (Fort Lovrijenac) is a Dubrovnik icon. Thought to be around 1,000 years old, the 121-foot (37-meter) fortress was used to defend the city for centuries. Today, the fort is better-known for its theatrical shows, coastal views, and starring role in HBO’sGame of Thrones.