Discover our members' favourite villages in Dalmatia. Feel free to publish your own reviews to take part in this collaborative ranking.
Just 12 miles south of Dubrovnik, Cavtat is a quiet coastal town defined by its Roman roots and preserved historic center. You can walk the cobblestone streets to see the Račić Mausoleum or explore the Vlaho Bukovac Museum for a deep dive into local art. The town is surrounded by accessible coves and nature trails that offer a relaxed alternative to the crowds nearby.
A tangle of deep green forests and brilliant blue water, the island of Mljet is the southernmost of the major islands in Croatia. Since 1960, more than one third of the island has been protected as a national park. Its landscape is defined by five distinct forest ecosystems. According to The Odyssey, this is where the nymph Calypso lived and kept Ulysses captive for seven long years.
Your trip begins at the docks in the villages of Pomena and Polače. You will find remnants of Illyrian fortifications here, alongside the ruins of one of the largest Roman palaces in Croatia. These villages serve as the trailheads for the Mljet National Park. During peak season, entry to the reserve costs 125 EUR (about $135). Within these woods, nature created two saltwater lakes, Veliko Jezero (the large lake) and Malo Jezero (the small lake), which are connected to each other and the open sea by narrow channels.
In the middle of the larger lake, you can explore a 12th-century Benedictine monastery perched on the islet of Saint Mary. The boat shuttle to reach the islet is included in your park entrance fee. Local lore credits the monks with the early preservation of the island's natural heritage. You can circle the lakes on foot or by bike, and swimming is permitted.
Near the village of Babino Polje, visit Ulysses' Cave. It is a natural karst formation with a collapsed ceiling, creating a deep pool filled with seawater. It is said to be the very spot where Ulysses took refuge after battling the rough currents of the Adriatic.
Mljet is well-suited for hiking. From the small village of Pristaniste, you can take a trail that climbs for about forty minutes to the top of the Montokuc viewpoint. From there, you get a clear view of the island, the surrounding coastline, and the deep blue sea.
If you have a car, head to the eastern half of the island to find sandy beaches, which are rare enough in Croatia to be notable. Sablunara beach offers several amenities, while for those seeking quiet, Blace beach is a solid spot to relax.
Mljet has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and plenty of sunshine from March through October. Be aware that July can see intense heat waves. Winters can be rainy.
Numerous tourist boats and catamarans serve the island, docking in Pomena and Polače. You can make the crossing from Dubrovnik, the Peljesac peninsula, and the neighboring islands of Hvar and Korcula.
There are also car ferry connections from Dubrovnik to the island's largest town, Sobra, operated by Jadrolinija. These trips take about two hours and allow you to bring your own vehicle.
During your trip to Croatia, make sure to explore the island of Brač and one of its most charming towns, Bol. This Dalmatian island is a collection of Croatian treasures, and Bol itself is a signature site on the Adriatic Sea. You only need to see the view of the Zlatni Rat beach, or Golden Horn, and its V-shaped sandbar to understand why.
Start your visit by walking along the small fishing port, which has managed to hold onto its traditional character. If you enjoy historic architecture, head to the Church of Our Lady of Carmel, then stop by the small Saint Anthony Chapel and the fortified palace that now houses the Branislav Dešković contemporary art gallery. For lunch, you will be just steps away from the town market, which stocks plenty of local products.
The rugged surroundings of Bol are a playground for hikers of all levels. Feel free to wander along the many walking paths. The most popular trail, Zlatnog Rata, takes you past several hidden coves. You can also hike to the summit of Mount Vidova Gora, which towers over the town. Expect spectacular views of the island and the surrounding archipelago.
If you are looking for history and authenticity, head to the Blaca Hermitage, founded in the 16th century. For an entry fee of about 5.50 EUR (approximately $6), you can take a guided tour of the hermitage and see its original facilities, including the church, library, school, armory, and astronomical observatory. The site also features a museum with a collection of Venetian furniture and paintings.
If you are looking for nightlife, you will find it here. Just a short distance from Zlatni Rat beach is the epicenter of partying on Brač. A cluster of hotels, bars, and clubs will keep you dancing until dawn. Bol also offers a variety of water sports, with windsurfing and kitesurfing being particularly popular due to the consistent coastal winds.
For more adventure, you can book excursions through local tour agencies. A trip to the Dragon's Cave will bring you to a stunning carved grotto once occupied by Glagolitic priests in the 15th century. Alternatively, take a boat trip to see the famous Blue Cave, known for its intense blue light, on the neighboring island of Bisevo.
Bol enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine from March through November. Just be aware that July can bring intense heat waves.
During the high season, the island is easily accessible by air via Croatia Airlines, which operates flights to its small airport from Zagreb in about 50 minutes.
The best way to reach Bol is by ferry. You can either take a ferry from Split to Supetar, the largest town on the island, and then take a bus or rent a car, or take a direct ferry from Split to Bol.
Starigrad offers a quiet pace, sitting right at the base of Paklenica National Park with a rugged, undeveloped coastline. It is a solid pick if you want to swap crowded tourist hubs for a more grounded side of Dalmatia, where your day shifts from mountain canyon hikes to secluded Adriatic swims. Expect a straightforward, balanced stop that lets you decompress without missing the main draw of the region.
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