And if you went on an adventure, to an original and sunny destination 2 hours from France ? Famous for its tourist towns Makarska, Split and Trogir, for its Biokobo massif as well as for its riviera and its paradisiac islands, the Central Dalmatian region (in Croatia) sows the invitations to come and discover its most beautiful faces. Also known as Splitsko-Dalmatinska, this destination enjoys an international reputation among holidaymakers in search of sumptuous landscapes and discovery.
Start your stay with a visit to the largest cities in the region. Split, Croatia's second city after Zagreb, is a must for anyone wishing to discover Central Dalmatia. Its old town is not lacking in charm, in particular thanks to the Palace of the Emperor Doiocletian which is the most popular monument in Split. The best preserved building of the Roman period, this palace built opposite the port and divided into several parts (a military camp and a luxurious villa) is crossed by two large streets and a labyrinth of alleys, ideal for strolling. More than 1700 years old, the latter are very flowery, covered by arches and made of big stones that will bring you a little freshness during your peregrinations; it is also the place where you will find the majority of the bars, shops and restaurants of the city. Walk up the Marjan hill for a breathtaking view of the whole city, and climb up to Sustipan Park to enjoy breathtaking views of the nearby islands of Brac and Solta. Stroll through its fish, fruit and vegetable markets, have a coffee on the Riva facing the sea, or in one of the cafés in the Place du Peuple, visit the temple of Jupiter, the peristyle (the old centre of the Palace), the underground passages of the city to find a bit of freshness, and finally, as the tradition in Split wants, touch the big toe of the statue of Gregoire de Nin (a 10th century bishop) : they say here that it brings luck, so don't forget to make a wish !
Succumb to the charm of the medieval city of Trogir : UNESCO World Heritage Site, this old town nestled on a small islet is part of the "must-see" of your stay in Central Dalmatia. Trogir is rich in a very important architectural heritage and is appreciated by holidaymakers for its calm. Visit its historic centre on foot, from St. Dominic's church to St. Mark's Tower, the Kamerlengo fortress, the town hall with its beautiful engraved staircase, the old court, the Cipiko Palace (pronounced "tchipiko") and St. Lawrence Cathedral. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, it is famous for its portal surmounted by a lion, statues of Adam and Eve as well as biblical representations and fantastic animals. Known to be one of the most beautiful masterpieces of Croatia, this portal contains a magnificent chapel, made of sculptures of angels, cherubs and saints.
Culminating at 1762 meters above the Adriatic, the Natural Park of Bikovo will please the amateurs of excursion and beautiful landscapes. We advise you to put on your sneakers from daybreak, to watch the sun rise on its peaks and enjoy unforgettable moments filled with grace and tranquility, facing the colors of dawn.
Direction the islands of Central Dalmatia : it is there that the region will reveal its most beautiful attire. Hvar la fertile, is famous for its fields of lavender which côtoient the vineyards, the pine forests and the immense olive groves. Its Renaissance buildings, its Napoleon fort, its theatre and the Franciscan monastery are among the most popular. Its immense dream beaches, ideal for rest and water sports, are very popular with visitors and jet-setters : nestled in the hollows of turquoise bays and surrounded by pine forests, most of these beaches are made of sand or gravel. You can scuba dive, boat or pedal boat under the blazing sun (the island is the sunniest in Croatia). The island of Brac is the largest Dalmatian island. Famous for its quarries which can boast of having produced the stones used in the construction of the White House in Washington, it is better known by holidaymakers for its magnificent pebble beach (the beach of the Golden Horn, in Bol). Favourite destination for kitesurfing and windsurfing enthusiasts, each year it gathers the aces of sliding from all over the Adriatic. Its crystal clear waters, its olive groves, its Blaca desert, Mount Vidova and its immeasurably beautiful bays make it an address of choice for long afternoons of idleness and discovery. Further away than the two previous islands, the island of Vis is the most Mediterranean of them all : both wild and authentic, it abounds in small restaurants and very lively bars. From its port, embark for a day by boat in the direction of the blue cave and the bay Stiniva to discover landscapes of exceptional beauty and idyllic coves, where you can swim in peace. Finally, rent a bike or a scooter to go around the island hair in the wind to enjoy its climate, definitely ideal for a sunny vacation.
