Dalmatian Coast, Croatia Guide

The Dalmatian Coast is a uniquely beautiful region in Croatia and is a sought-after destination for a luxury vacation in the Adriatic Sea region. Running from Zadar in the North down to Dubrovnik in the South, the Dalmatian Coast features enchanting beaches, spectacular scenery and the warmest of welcomes.

On a coastline that stretches almost 400 kilometers and with 1,000 islands, the Dalmatian Coast delights discerning travellers with its incredible natural landscapes where majestic mountains and spectacular waterfalls invite the visitor for some exciting outdoor adventure. Beaches and hidden bays with crystal clear sea are ready to be explored. 

The stunning world-famous port cities of Dubrovnik and Split offer visitors their rich history and culture. With the finest restaurants, boutiques and art galleries, along with stunning architecture, these captivating cities are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Croatia, officially known as the Republic of Croatia, is a small country located in southeastern Europe. It borders Slovenia, Hungary, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro, and has a long coastline along the Adriatic Sea.

The history of Croatia dates back to the 7th century when it was part of the Kingdom of the Croats. The Croats were a Slavic tribe that settled in the area and adopted Christianity in the 9th century. In the 10th century, they formed the Kingdom of Croatia, which was ruled by various dynasties until the 12th century when it became part of the Hungarian Kingdom.

During the Middle Ages, Croatia was a key player in the struggle for power between the Hungarian Kingdom and the Republic of Venice. Croatia was also affected by the Ottoman Empire’s expansion in the Balkans, and in the 16th century, a large part of the country fell under Ottoman rule.

In the 19th century, Croatia became part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which brought significant economic and cultural developments to the country. However, the desire for independence and self-governance grew among the Croatian people, and in 1918, Croatia declared its independence as part of the State of Slovenes, Croats, and Serbs. This was short-lived as the country soon became part of the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which later became known as Yugoslavia.

During World War II, Croatia was occupied by the Axis powers, and a puppet state called the Independent State of Croatia was established. This period was marked by the brutal rule of the Ustaše regime, which committed numerous war crimes against Jews, Serbs, and Romani people. After the war, Croatia became part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia under the communist rule of Josip Broz Tito.

In the early 1990s, Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia, leading to a bloody war with Serbia and the break-up of Yugoslavia. The war lasted for four years and resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and the displacement of hundreds of thousands. In 1995, a peace agreement was signed, and Croatia became a sovereign state.

Since gaining independence, Croatia has made significant strides in rebuilding its economy and infrastructure. It joined the European Union in 2013 and has become a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, historic cities, and stunning natural landscapes.

Today, Croatia is a democratic country with a rich cultural heritage and a growing economy. Its history is marked by struggles for independence and self-determination, but the resilience and determination of its people have shaped Croatia into the vibrant and diverse country it is today.