Top 10 Things to Do in Dalmatia This Summer
Dalmatia, the coastal strip stretching between Split and Dubrovnik, is one of the most beautiful regions in Croatia.
As a very popular area, there are a variety of activities that everyone should do when visiting here for the first time.
In this post, I’ve picked the 10 best and most exciting things to do in Dalmatia for an unforgettable summer!
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)
1. Step Back in Time in Dubrovnik’s Old Town
Dubrovnik’s Old Town has been a European UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
Encircled by nearly 2 km of medieval walls, it preserves Renaissance and Baroque palaces, churches, and monasteries that tell the story of its past as an independent maritime republic.
Top recommendations include strolling down the Stradun, walking the city walls, and discovering gems like Sponza Palace and Onofrio’s Fountain, which transport you through centuries of power and splendor.
The Cathedral of Dubrovnik – whether you’re religious or not – is also a highly recommended stop.
For the best experience and to ensure you don’t miss a thing, join a guided Old Town walking tour.
2. Swim in The Blue Cave on Biševo
The Blue Cave on the island of Biševo glows sapphire thanks to a small underwater opening that lets sunlight in, reflecting off the seabed and lighting up the entire grotto.
Besides private boat rentals, there are boat tours from Hvar, Split, or Komiža that typically last all day and include stops at other caves and virgin beaches, though time inside the Blue Cave itself is only about ten minutes.
Tours you might find interesting:
3. Sail Along The Dalmatian Coast
The Dalmatian coast is one of the top sailing spots — not just in Croatia, but in all of Europe. You can rent a boat in Trogir or Split and explore the central Dalmatian islands, such as Brač, Hvar, Šolta, and Vis.
Brač, in particular, is one of the country’s most fascinating islands, thanks to the various civilizations that have ruled it and left their mark.
Boat rental prices vary widely: sailing yachts range from €155 to €600 per day; motorboats from €90 to €300, and catamarans start at around €355 per day.
4. Go Wine Tasting on The Island of Hvar
If you stop in Hvar during your boat trip, you can enjoy a wine-tasting experience.
This island – also known as the “Island of Wine” – offers half-day tours that take you to two of its best family-owned wineries, where you can sample regional varieties such as Plavac mali, Pošip, and Bogdanuša, accompanied by local snacks.
More exclusive options include viewing the island from a submerged cave by boat, tasting wines beneath stalactites, and enjoying a picnic by the sea.
5. Bike The Car-Free Island of Mljet
Mljet, designated a National Park, is famous for its two saltwater lakes connected to the sea. Given its layout, it’s perfect for a cycling adventure.
The easiest route is the nine-kilometer loop around Veliko Jezero, which is almost entirely flat and takes about four hours, complete with dedicated bike paths and hidden coves for swimming.
For those wanting a longer ride, traverse the island from end to end—a 43 km route ascending to its highest point at 513 m. It’s best suited for fit cyclists and is not recommended in July and August due to extreme heat.
6. Explore The Beaches of The Makarska Riviera
The Makarska Riviera, with its 60 km of coastline, is home to some of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches. Among them, Punta Rata in Brela stands out for its iconic rock and the pine forest that reaches the water’s edge.
If you prefer wilder, crowd-free nature, Nugal Beach is especially appealing. Accessible only by a 45-minute coastal hike, it rewards determined visitors with a secluded beach and crystal-clear waters.
7. Relax in a Natural Mud Spa at Queen’s Beach
The Nin Lagoon next to Queen’s Beach is Croatia’s largest medicinal mud deposit.
This mineral-rich peloid is applied to the skin and then rinsed off in the sea, combining therapeutic mud treatments with open-air thalassotherapy.
Used since Roman times to alleviate joint and skin conditions, Nin’s mud tradition continues today in summer clinics run by local health institutions.
8. Hike Up to The Fortress Above Omiš
Overlooking the town of Omiš stands the Starigrad Fortress, built in the 15th century to guard the entrance to the Cetina River.
There are three trails: a via ferrata (for the equipped and experienced), a hard route (30–45 minutes), and an easy route (1–1.5 hours). Many hikers ascend via the hard path and descend the easy one for a looped experience.
From the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the Cetina canyon, the Adriatic Sea, and the Pelješac Peninsula – priceless for any hiking enthusiast!
9. Kayak to Hidden Caves & Beaches
Another one of the best things to do in Dalmatia this summer is to join kayaking tours from Dubrovnik.
You’ll paddle along the dramatic city walls of the Old Town, explore sea caves like Betina, and discover hidden beaches where you can swim, snorkel, and soak up the sun.
It’s the perfect mix of adventure, sightseeing, and relaxation on the water.
Tours you might find interesting:
10. Explore The Roman Ruins of Salona
Just 6 km from Split in Solin, the archaeological site of Salona was the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia.
Here you can wander among walls, martyr necropolises, a 15,000–18,000-seat amphitheater, and temple remains, all nestled amid vineyards and orchards.
Admission costs €6 (which includes entry to the Split Archaeological Museum) and lets you delve into over 2,000 years of history that gave birth to modern Split.
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Do you want to travel like me?
Here are some of my favorite travel tips and resources:
Flights: I prefer using CheapOair to book flights. I often search for “Anywhere” to uncover the best flight deals!
Accommodation: Booking.com is my favorite site to find some great hotel deals.
Travel Insurance: There are many reasons why travel insurance is important and I never travel without one. I use the simple and flexible one from SafetyWing that protects me against unforeseen events.
Tours: I love taking tours to explore destinations like a local. My favorite website to book them in advance is GetYourGuide.
Camera Gear: I use a Nikon D5300 camera with an 18-105 mm and a 10-20 mm wide-angle lens to take my photos.
