Vacation and Trips in Picturesque Resort Towns in Dalmatia, Croatia
Beaches in Croatia
Croatia's main attraction is its wonderful Adriatic beaches stretching along the entire length of the country. The Adriatic Sea is as calm as a swimming pool, crystal clear and clean (its waters are considered the clearest in all of Europe), and dotted throughout with islands of all shapes and sizes.
Cities, Towns, and Nature Parks
In the middle of this enchanting coastal strip, in the Dalmatia region, are scattered several small and picturesque resort towns that serve as an ideal starting point for many star tours in Croatia, as well as for an active vacation and getting to know the unique atmosphere and culture of the area. One of the charming towns in the area is Sv. Filip i Jakov (quite a long name for a small town...). It is close to three national parks: Kornati Islands (KORNATI), a cluster of 140 islands with landscapes reminiscent of moonscapes located out at sea about a two-hour boat ride away; Krka National Park (KRKA), abundant with waterfalls and rivers (where swimming is permitted); and Paklenica National Park (PAKLENICA), a deep canyon between two steep cliffs particularly suitable for rock climbers and extreme sports enthusiasts.
Recommended Places to Stay
In the town of Biograd na Moru, adjacent to Sv. Filip i Jakov, as well as in the smaller towns throughout the region, there is a tremendous variety of accommodation options of all kinds. From the town, you can embark on star trips to the three national parks mentioned above. Here are several recommendations:
Crvena Luka Hotel & Resort
A 4-star resort featuring 165 guest units, vacation apartments, and villas. Options range from double rooms and family suites to 2-3 bedroom apartments (some with sea views) accommodating up to 8 guests. The resort has a private bathing beach, sports courts, and a spa. It also features an activity-filled kids' club and water sports facilities.
Hotel IN
A 4-star hotel situated at the marina of Biograd. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with balconies, an indoor swimming pool, a gym, and a rooftop terrace with a hot tub.
Apartment Gotovina
Four vacation apartments of various sizes, ranging from a double studio to a three-bedroom apartment with a living room accommodating up to 8 guests.
Luxury Apartments Elisabeth
Three modern, well-equipped apartments accommodating 4-5 guests.
For those looking for a different style of accommodation, it is possible to charter a yacht and live aboard it instead of staying in an apartment, sailing with it among the numerous islands and along the coast.
Active holiday fans will be able to embark on kayaking trips, rafting (also suitable for families), all kinds of boat excursions, bicycle rides, and even rock climbing. You can also rent bicycles on a daily or weekly basis and ride independently along the many cycling paths in town and its surrounding area. The town boasts excellent beaches (where you can rent pedal boats with small slides that lead straight into the calm water) and a long, well-kept promenade. During the summer months, numerous festivals and events take place in the town center, making it vibrant and bustling in the evening hours. It is highly recommended to stay in the area for at least five days (preferably a week!).
Another recommended town worth staying in is Pakostane, which is uniquely located between the sea and a lake. It is a pleasant and friendly small town of 2,200 residents, offering a wide array of restaurants, all types of bathing beaches (tucked inside groves, with concrete platforms, and sandy ones), and many sports and recreational facilities, including boat rentals of all kinds: from pedal boats with a small slide to motorboats. In the center of town, there are plenty of market stalls and small shops. The town also features several campgrounds.
Pakostane has B&Bs (zimmerim) and vacation apartments for rent.
It is recommended to stay here for a full week because of the abundance of attractions in town and its immediate surroundings, though those short on time can also stay for a shorter duration.
Krka National Park:
Krka National Park features walking trails, impressive waterfalls, and a large natural pool where swimming is permitted.
The City of Zadar
The city of Zadar (population approx. 80,000) has an interesting old town. The city faces the islands of Kornati National Park.
Guided tours depart from Zadar to the beautiful islands of Kornati Park:
To order from the Viator website:
♦ Sailing Day Trip from Zadar to Kornati National Park Islands Excursion to Kornati National Park from Zadar
Includes breakfast, lunch, and snorkeling equipment.
♦ A private guided tour lasting about six and a half hours on Pag Island (the tour departs from Zadar): Private Day Trip To Pag Island and Nin Saltworks from Zadar
The tour includes a visit to the town of Pag and its main sights, a tour of the Sirana Gligora cheese factory located in the town of Kolan, and a tour of the salt pans.
Zadar:
Biograd na Moru
The town of Biograd, which can serve as a base for star trips to the national parks, is a large resort town.
Near the town are islands, some of which are inhabited, such as Vrgada Island or Pasman Island, which have many excellent bathing beaches that can be reached by rented boat or regular ferry service.
Trogir
Another recommended trip is to the preserved town of Trogir, built on a small island and honored as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Guided tours depart from Trogir to the gorgeous islands nearby.
♦ To order from the Viator website: Recommended Day Tour from Trogir or Split to Five Islands:
Five Island Speedboat Tour Featuring the Blue Cave and Hvar
In the town of Trogir, there are holiday apartments of all sizes and styles, some featuring balconies with spectacular views of the islands.
Recommended Tour and Meal in a Reconstructed Dalmatian Village
A very successful tour in a typical reconstructed Dalmatian mountain village takes place near the city of Sibenik (between Trogir and Biograd) at a place called Etnoland Dalmati.
This is a fascinating and entertaining guided tour suitable for everyone. You walk among historic stone buildings and enjoy tastings of liqueur, wine, and cured meats, accompanied by live demonstrations and interactive storytelling.
At the end of the approximately one-hour tour, you enjoy a delicious, authentic meal featuring veal, lamb, and potatoes slow-cooked in a traditional bell-shaped vessel (peka) following the finest Dalmatian traditions. Prior to this main course, you begin with a platter of cheeses and cured meats (considered the best in Dalmatia), and after the main course, finish with a traditional dessert of apple and cherry pie.
Highly recommended—a must-do experience for anyone visiting the Dalmatia region! Fascinating, educational, and undoubtedly one of the best meals you will enjoy in Croatia.