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Northern Dalmatia

Western Balkans Travel Guide

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Water cascading into one of Plitvice’s upper lakes.

Mark Read

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Overview

Serving the classic Dalmatian cocktail of historic towns, jewel-like waters, rugged limestone mountains, sun-kissed islands, gorgeous climate and Mediterranean cuisine, this region is a holidaymaker's dream. Yet it's the cities and islands further south that hog all the limelight, leaving Northern Dalmatia, if not quite undiscovered, then certainly less overrun. Yachties can sail between unpopulated islands without a shred of development, lost in dreams of the Mediterranean of old, while hikers can wander lonely trails where bears and wolves still dwell, and explore three of Croatia's most impressive national parks, which shelter in the hinterland.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Caves and waterfalls

    Plitvice Lakes National Park

    Plitvice Lakes National Park

    By far Croatia's top natural attraction and the absolute highlight of Croatia's Adriatic hinterland, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is a glorious…

  • Main door of cathedral, Santiago de Compostela

    St James' Cathedral

    Šibenik

    The crowning architectural glory of the Dalmatian coast and the undisputed masterpiece of its principal designer, Juraj Dalmatinac, this World Heritage…

  • Climbing in Paklenica, Croatia; Shutterstock ID 87656320; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; Project no. or GL code: 56530; Network activity no. or Cost Centre: Online-Design; Product or Project: 65050/7529/Josh Vogel/LP.com Destination Galleries

    Paklenica National Park

    Northern Dalmatia

    Covering 95 sq km of the Velebit Range that divides continental Croatia from the Adriatic coast, Paklenica National Park contains some of the country’s…

  • Teenage girl descending an idyllic lake at the Dalmation coast, named Dragon's eye - stock photo
Dragon's eye lake, (Zmajevo Oko) in Rogoznica, Croatia. Natural salt water lake in the middle of nature, not far from the beach. The lake is in the middle of nature and freely accessible to all. Many people take a swim there as well.

    Dragon's Eye Lake

    Northern Dalmatia

    One of Northern Dalmatia's most striking natural phenomena, Dragon's Eye Lake is a 10,000-sq-metre oval encircled by 4m- to 24m-high cliffs. Connected to…

  • Pozdrav Zuncu (Sun Salutation) monument by architect Nikola Basic, Zadar, Zadar county, Dalmatia region, Croatia, Europe

    Sun Salutation

    Zadar

    Another wacky and wonderful creation by Nikola Bašić (the local architect who designed the nearby Sea Organ), this 22m-wide circle set into the pavement…

  • Krka Monastery

    Krka Monastery

    Krka National Park

    This isn't just the most important Serbian Orthodox monastery in Croatia; it's one of the faith's most important sites full stop. Featuring a unique…

  • Young people sunbathing on pier, listening to Sea Organ, Zadar, Croatia

    Sea Organ

    Zadar

    Zadar’s incredible Sea Organ, designed by local architect Nikola Bašić, is unique. Set within the perforated stone stairs that descend into the sea is a…

  • Krka National Park

    Krka National Park

    Krka National Park

    Stretching from the western foot of the Dinaric Range into the sea near Šibenik, the 73km Krka River and its wonderful waterfalls define the landscape of…

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