High limestone cliffs rise straight from the sea in Split-Dalmatia. This is the Dalmatian Coast scenic drive. You can walk on the Biokovo Skywalk which is a glass bridge high above the water. It feels like you are walking on air. From there you can see the islands of Brač and Hvar far below in the blue water. The road winds through old olive groves and past stone walls that have stood for a thousand years. It is a drive of high peaks and deep water that will take your breath away. The air is warm and smells like the sea.
The road continues through the canyons of Omiš. Here a green river cuts through the solid rock to meet the sea. You can see an old pirate fortress perched on a jagged cliff high above the town. Small pebble beaches are hidden at the bottom of these cliffs. Some are so small they can only be reached by boat. You can take a boat trip into the canyon to see hidden waterfalls and tall stone walls. It is a great reward after a long day of driving along the coast. The water in the canyon is cold and fresh and very clear.
Explore the Diocletian's Palace in Split which is a living Roman city within the old fortress walls. For a mountain detour drive to Klis Fortress where you can see the setting used for Meereen in the Game of Thrones series. Visit the Blue Lake and Red Lake in Imotski which are two massive sinkholes with incredible deep colors. Try the Pašticada which is a slow-cooked beef stew and the Vrgorac strawberries if you pass through in May. The Makarska Riviera offers the best beaches but the "D8" highway through the mountains provides the most dramatic views for photographers.
Split Dalmatia highlights
- Biokovo Skywalk Walk on a glass bridge high above the sea for a thrill and a great view. You can see the islands and the water from a thousand meters up in the air. The road to the top winds through white rocks and old pine trees.
- Blue Lake in Imotski See the giant hole in the ground filled with bright blue water. You can walk the path down to the bottom to swim if the water is high. In summer when it is dry locals sometimes play football at the bottom.
- Red Lake Sinkhole Visit one of the deepest holes in the world with tall red stone walls. The water is so deep that nobody has ever found the bottom of the lake. It is a scary and beautiful sight that shows the power of the earth.
- Klis Fortress Explore the castle on the cliff that guards the mountain pass to the city. It was used in a famous TV show and has a view of the whole coast. You can walk the stone paths where soldiers once stood to watch the sea.
- Omiš River Canyon Drive between the high stone cliffs where the river Cetina meets the sea. You can take a boat into the canyon or visit the pirate fort. The town is famous for its pirate history and the tall jagged rocks.
- Vrgorac Strawberry Fields Pass through the valley filled with sweet fruit and green plants in the spring. The town on the hill has old stone towers and a great view. It is a peaceful place far away from the crowded beaches of the coast.
- Stari Grad Plain Visit the island of Hvar to see the fields that have not changed since the time of the Greeks. The stone walls and paths are very old and protected. You can see olive trees and grapes growing in the ancient soil.
- Sinj Knight Museum Learn about the brave knights who won a great battle and still ride their horses today. The museum has old armor and weapons from the fight. Every year there is a big race where the knights show their skills.
- Zlatni Rat Beach See the famous horn shaped beach on the island of Brač that changes with the wind. The stones are white and the water is a bright turquoise color. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world to see from the air.
- Trogir Stone Streets Walk through the old city on an island that looks like a museum of stone. Every building has a story and the cathedral is full of amazing art. The narrow streets keep the town cool even on the sunniest days.
The local Four
History of Split Dalmatia
The history of this county began when the Roman Emperor Diocletian decided to retire in a massive fortress by the sea. He didn't just build a house; he built a city that is still lived in today. The palace walls have been continuously inhabited for over 1,700 years, with medieval and Renaissance structures built directly into the Roman arches. People still hang their laundry on Roman columns and drink coffee in the middle of a 1,700-year-old palace.
In the mountains of the Dalmatian Zagora, the Sinjska Alka is a tournament that has happened every year since 1715. Knights on horses gallop at full speed to hit a tiny metal ring, celebrating a miracle victory over a much larger army. This tradition is so significant that it is listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, attracting thousands of spectators every August. The interior is also home to the Red and Blue Lakes of Imotski, two of the deepest sinkholes in the world.
The islands of Brač and Hvar were the quarries of the world. The white stone from Brač was used to build the White House in Washington, D.C. This stone is famous for its bright white color and its ability to withstand erosion, making it a favorite for sculptors and architects alike. Hvar is home to the oldest public theater in Europe and a Greek field system that hasn't changed its boundaries in 2,400 years. It is a region where every mile is a different century.