Travelling the entire Croatian coastline by car is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The road that traverses the entire Dalmatian coast is one of Croatia's main attractions and, at the same time, travelling by car, at your own pace and stopping anywhere you want, offers complete freedom. In this article, we tell you some of the unmissable places on this driving tour along the Dalmatian coast.
Driving along the Dalmatian coast: everything you need to know
The cities of Split and Dubrovnik are the typical start and end points for all tourists who decide to explore the Croatian coast. If this is true for you, the best option is to rent a car in Split and return it in Dubrovnik, so you don't have to worry about anything but enjoying your trip.
Split: the heart of the country
The city of Split is one of Croatia's most important cities due to its strategic location. Centrally located, it is more than a mere link between Zagreb and southern cities like Dubrovnik, it is also a large fishing port that connects Croatia with the outside world.
Among the most important tourist hotspots in Split we can highlight Diocletian's Palace (emperor originally from Split), the Temple of Jupiter and the Cathedral of St. Diomo or St. Duje. And, due to the importance of its port, the Maritime Museum, situated in a 17th-century fortress, is another of its main attractions.
Hvar: an island in the Adriatic Sea
From Split, you can make a stop on the island of Hvar, which you can reach via ferry. This is one of the most picturesque islands of the Dalmatian coast, and spending the day walking its streets is a great plan. Buildings that mix different styles and places like the Cathedral of St. Stephen explain the city's history.
In addition, Hvar has several stunning beaches that you can access, one of the best known being the beach of Stari Grad, a seaside town that is famous for being the place chosen by some of the most well-known Croatian poets to rest.
Brac: the largest island of Dalmatia
Another option is to take a ferry to Brac, the largest island in the Dalmatia region. Here, the most visited spot is Zlatni Rat beach, also known as the Golden Horn because of its curling tongue of white sand. You can also visit some of its small fishing villages, including Bol, Skrip and Sumartin.
Podrače Beach: one of the most photographed spots
On your route along the Dalmatian coast, one of the most beautiful stops is the beach of Podrače, in the municipality of Brela and near the beach of Punta Rata, another of the most important points of this area. Further on, another town worth stopping in is Makarska, where the Franciscan Convent of the Holy Cross and the peculiar collection of shells that can be seen in its museum are interesting sights.
Korcula and Mljet: nature and vegetation
Before you reach Dubrovnik, we recommend two essential stops. First, the island of Korcula, said to be the birthplace of Marco Polo and famous for its vineyards. Second, Mljet National Park, the oldest marine park in Croatia.
This island is nature at its finest, where it is also possible to visit buildings such as the monastery of St. Mary, located on a small island within one of its lakes.
Ston: the wall of Europe
On the way back toward Dubrovnik, we recommend a stop in Ston, a town where you can marvel at an impressive 5km (3.1 mile) long wall with a steep ascent. Of course, the views from the top are priceless.
In addition, Ston is known for the quality of its oysters, which is one of the main local economic activities.
Dubrovnik: the last stop
The city of Dubrovnik is the last stop on this route by car along the Dalmatian coast, where the best known and most popular area is its historic centre. Known as "the pearl of the Adriatic", this city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and no wonder. In this article we give you more details about what you can't miss if you visit Dubrovnik and spend a few days there.
A road trip along the Dalmatian coast is one of the most enjoyable in Europe if you’re into a mix of sightseeing, culture, beaches, and leisure. Rent your car in Croatia with OK Mobility and get ready to explore it at your own pace. We provide the vehicle that best suits your needs so you can make the most of your journey and turn it into unforgettable memories.
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