1. Go sightseeing in Dubrovnik

 

At every corner of Dubrovnik, history comes alive again, like here at the old harbor. © Spencer Davis

The entire old town has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1979. The city is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Mediterranean. It's a meeting place for the international jet set and high society. The red-tiled roofs, winding streets and alleys, and its location by the sea attract tourists from all over the world. In addition to the old city walls, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the 412-meter-high Mount Srđ and the city harbor are worth seeing as well. The latter dates back to the 15th century and is reserved for local fishing boats.

 

2. enjoy peace and nature at the national park

 

A worthwhile day trip: Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of UNESCO's oldest natural monuments. © Pascal Habermann

Technically, the Plitvice Lakes National Park isn't really part of Dalmatia. The largest national park in the country in terms of area is mostly located in the Lika-Senj region, about 120 km northeast of Zadar. However, a trip from the coast is always worthwhile as the oldest national park in southeastern Europe beckons with cascading lakes that glow in beautiful hues in the sun. The huge national park is also home to a diverse flora and fauna. When the Plitvice Lakes became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, they were one of the first natural monuments in the world.

 

3. discover foreign worlds

That show made the streets of Dubrovnik a worldwide attraction was Game of Thrones. The Lovrijenac Fortress was transformed into the Red Keep, while Gradac Park across the street served as the wedding spot for King Joffrey and Lady Margaery Tyrell. Multiple scenes were filmed from the bay through the years as well. The town also served as the backdrop for almost all of King's Landing's outdoor scenes.

TV fans can wander the streets from Game of Thrones and experience King's Landing up close and personal. © Shutterstock

But even before GoT, Dalmatia was a popular film location. For example, the island of Vis served as a Greek island in the first Mamma Mia, and some key scenes for The Last Jedi (2017) as well as Robin Hood (2018) were also shot in Dubrovnik. Game of Thrones fans will probably catch glimpses of Dubrovnik again as its upcoming prequel House of the Dragon also filmed many of its scenes there.

 

4. explore the blue grotto

 

The mysterious Blue Grotto is not just a hit with visitors in Capri. © Shutterstock

The island of Biševo, west of the already mentioned island of Vis, boasts several caves. The most famous of them is Modra špilja. It's located on the eastern side and is famous for its blue coloring, which happens on sunny days, when the light penetrates through an opening under the water. If you dive below the surface, you can see the silver shimmer of the rocks below. Small groups can visit the cave on organized tours.

 

5. See things from a new perspective

 

Exploring the city by hand: kayak tours make it possible. Most of them schedule stops for snorkeling. © Shutterstock

If you've had enough of exploring the – albeit pretty – streets of the old town on foot, take to the water. On guided kayak tours, participants can paddle around the medieval fortress walls, and cross the canal to nearby Lokrum Island. Top tip: during the evening tours, the tour providers Adventure Dubrovnik offer wine on the beach to enjoy the sunset at the end of the tour.

 

6. walk to the waterfalls of Krka

 

Skradinski Buk is the longest of seven waterfalls. It's located 14 km downstream. © Shutterstock

About halfway between Zadar and Split lies the Krka National Park with its numerous hiking trails, monastery and castle ruins. However, the nature reserve is especially famous for its seven waterfalls. Unlike the Plitvice Lakes, you can even go swimming here in some places. A must on any Dalmatia bucket list!

 

7. listen to the sea organ

 

The interplay of the wind, waves and tides makes every day sound differently. We could sit here and just listen for hours. © Shutterstock

Zadar is home to a very special building, the Morske orgulje ("sea organ"). It's a kind of musical instrument whose sounds are produced by the movement of the waves of the sea. It was opened in April 2005 and won the "European Prize for Urban Public Spaces" a year later. Depending on how high the waves are, a melody is created by the water being pressed into organ pipes of different pitches.

 

8. bathing on surreal beaches

 

This beach may as well be located on a distant planet – yet, it's on the island of Pag. © Shutterstock

In Metanja on the enchanting island of Pag lies the pebble beach Plaža Ručica, that looks like a piece of the moon with its barren, yet fascinating environment. Those who plan to stay a while should bring a beach umbrella and a sun bed. Bathers are rewarded with incredibly clear water. The bay shimmers in the most beautiful shades of blue and turquoise.

Continue reading: Why Dalmatia Is One of Our Summer Hotspots

 

9. lose yourself in the Middle Ages

 

Cobbled streets, winding alleys and plenty of history: Trogir beckons with medieval adventures. © Shutterstock

Dubrovnik and Split are both beautiful cities that score points for their medieval architecture. But Trogir, about half an hour north of Split, takes it up a notch. Its preserved old town combines Renaissance, Baroque and Romanesque buildings. It's located on a small island that can be reached by bridges from the mainland. Many churches, narrow streets, restaurants and bars make this historic town a popular part of any Dalmatia bucket list.

 

10. eat on the city wall

 

Marijo Curić spoils his guests with excellent food and views from the St. Luka fortress. © Veronica Arevalo

Those who want to dine with the best views and in an exceedingly romantic setting can do so at the Restaurant 360 , the first fine dining restaurant in Dubrovnik to be awarded a Michelin star. You can choose from 5-course tasting menus or à la carte meals. The wine list includes 450 labels.