Croatia's Dalmatian Coast by Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

Venice rises proudly from its lagoon, a city with history stretching back to the 6th century. You may think you already know it, but its charm always surprises. Explore iconic sights like Saint Mark’s Square, the basilica, Doge’s Palace, the Grand Canal, and the gondolas gliding through the water. Venture into quieter streets and hidden canals, wander across squares, and step inside historic churches. After discovering the city’s treasures, enjoy a refreshing Spritz and a few tramezzini while soaking in the atmosphere.

Rovinj sits in Istria, close to the Slovenian border, and its history shows in the old cobblestone streets. You’ll notice Venetian influence everywhere, from the winged lion on the Balbi Arch to the bell tower next to Saint Euphemia Cathedral, modeled after Saint Mark’s in Venice. Climb the tower to take in panoramic views of the historic district. Stroll through streets painted in ochre and sepia, wander into lively squares, and relax at terraces shaded by canvas awnings to fully enjoy the town’s charming atmosphere.

The old fortified city of Zadar stands on a peninsula in Northern Dalmatia. It has survived since Antiquity, as the ruins of a Roman forum illustrate. Beside these ruins, the architecture of the church of Saint Donat is Byzantine while the bell tower of the Cathedral of Saint Anastasia is of Italian design. Your walks in the old town will be punctuated by diverse encounters with history. As you reach the shoreline, you’ll be brought back to the modern day because this front is animated by two contemporary architectural creations. Maybe you will hear the sound of the “Sea Organ” music played by the surf and the “ Sun Salutations ” solar light installation reflecting its luminous rays.

Located south of Sibenik, Primosten is a picturesque village on the Dalmatian Coast, whose charm is distilled, via its narrow streets, through pretty stone houses and an architectural heritage influenced by the Venetian Republic. Built on a rocky peninsula, the historic city was connected to land by a mobile bridge from which it earned its name in the 16th century: in Croatian, primostiti means “to bridge”. The high point of the village, the Church of St. George watches over the stunning bay enveloped in crystal-clear waters while, to the north of the peninsula, the charming beach of Raduca reveals itself between the skies and the pine forest. Further on, the vines of the renowned babić varietal, protected from erosion by low stone walls, complete this idyllic setting.

On the Dalmatian coast, the town of Split offers cultural visits in a seaside atmosphere. Close to the seafront, shaded by palm trees, the historical center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts a unique building: the Diocletian’s Palace. Here you will explore its galleries, courtyards with carved columns, as well as a former mausoleum converted into a church, namely Saint Domnius Cathedral. If you get peckish, stop off at a terrace in the Pjaca, the main square in the old town, where you can try a palacinka, a kind of pancake topped with melted cheese.

Off the coast of Split, Hvar will surprise you with its traditions that have not changed since Antiquity. The country’s oldest town, Stari Grad, is here on this Dalmatian Island. The town nestles by a cove on the northwest coast, surrounded by dry stone wall structures on the Stari Grad plains. These have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site because they were built in the time of the Ancient Greeks.  From these parcels of land come wines and olive oil manufactured manually. In the upper part of town, it is possible to discover hams and cheeses made by local producers. 

This harbor town has a very special location, presiding on a spur on the northeastern coast of the island of Korçula. The ramparts in its medieval district provide perfect vantage points over the Peljesac peninsula. To get there, you can take the monumental staircase in the Revelin Tower. Another way is to climb the steps in the shade of palm trees from the MorskaVrata (Marine portal). As you make your way through the little streets, you’ll see the bell tower of Saint Mark’s Cathedral rise above you. This landmark will help you locate the house where Marco Polo was born. The island also has some of its famous wines like the red Plavac and the white Posip.

Discover Mljet Island off the Pelješac peninsula. Known for its national park and its protected forests, this Croatian splendid, pristine island offers many opportunities for walking with bays linked to two saltwater lakes. On the largest lake, Veliko Jezero, a small island is home to an old Benedictine monastery.

Situated in one of Montenegro’s most beautiful bays, the medieval city of Kotor is a small town full of charm, truly imbued with the traditions and stories of another time. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, this village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has preserved many historical monuments from this epoch. During your stop, be sure to admire the impressive castle that dominates the town, and let yourself fall under the charm of its maze of small streets and intimate squares on which folk festivals featuring magnificent colorful costumes are often organized.

Emblem of the Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is magnificently positioned on a rocky spur. History is sovereign here, in this ancient city, now a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. You will perhaps be surprised by the proportions of La Placa, the central drag through the city. The sheer width of it can be explained by the fact that it straddles a former lagoon. The elegant houses along La Placa are built in the legendary travertine stone. At Pile gate, you will be greeted by the statue of the patron saint of Dubrovnik, and you can admire the coastline as you walk along the ramparts. But what’s inside Fort Saint John, adjoining the outer walls? A maritime museum and an aquarium featuring rare fish from the Adriatic.