Camping in Dalmatia
Why we love holidays in Dalmatia
Enticing old towns and sparkling seas animate the island-studded Dalmatian coast. Inland, magical natural parks are made for carefree days out. Where land meets sea, kayaking, cycle rides along the shore and pony trekking adventures await, creating the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
This is a land where cascading waterfalls tumble through emerald national parks, where medieval walled cities guard ancient secrets, and where 147 pine-clad islands beckon from crystal-clear waters. From the Roman ruins of Zadar to the UNESCO World Heritage wonder of Plitvice, Dalmatia offers the perfect holiday mix of natural beauty and cultural treasures that captivate couples and families alike.
The essence of Dalmatia
Wonder-filled islands
The Dalmatian coast is fringed with inviting islands and Dugi Otok, in the Adriatic, is even prettier than most, boasting hilltop villages, cute fishing bays and unspoilt beaches. Or there's livelier fun to be had in Pag, with its beaches made for sporty days and lively nights.
National treasures
Krka national park, with its cascading waterfalls, lies just inland. It's truly a magnificent sight, and another reason to fall for this magical corner of Croatia. It's proof that this country values and protects its hugely impressive natural landscapes for all to enjoy.
Old town charms
From the tiny island communities of Pag to the vast modern metropolis of Split, the capital, Croatian towns and cities have charm to spare. Even Split itself hides a secret: a walled old town of immense appeal. Lose yourself in the labyrinthine walkways, or spend the day in Dubrovnik for ultimate old town charm.
Our favourite Dalmatia beaches
Punta Skala is one of the most beautiful little beaches in Dalmatia, located near the peaceful village of Petrčane. This beautiful peninsula with rich vegetation offers panoramic views of the sea and islands – perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Cista Beach, Pag Island is one of the most beautiful beaches on this gorgeous island, featuring warm clear sea shallows enough for little ones to paddle in, and easy access.
Great for a family day at the seaside, complete with some sandy areas. Zrće Beach, also on Pag Island offers a stretch of beach nightspots that rival Ibiza in summer, offering lively entertainment alongside beautiful coastal scenery. There are heavenly spots to seek out in Biograd na Moru and north from Zadar, too.
Our favourite things to do in Dalmatia
Fun days out
All the fun awaits at the thrilling theme park in Biograd – spin on the Ferris wheel or swing on the pirate ship with rides to suit all ages. Dalmatia Aquapark is one of the best aquaparks on this stretch of Adriatic coast, featuring colourful slides, chutes, spray grounds and kids' pools alongside Solaris Beach Resort.
The bizarre Zadar Sea Organ features 35 organ pipes built into wide steps by the sea, powered by wind and waves – a strangely uplifting sound you'll never forget. The Museum of Glass in Zadar contains the world's best collection of Roman glass, showcasing it to dazzling effect.
Getting Active
Scramble through the treetops on highwires, zip-wires, rope bridges and scramble nets at the adrenalin-pumping course in Kožinski prilaz, Zadar, with a little version for kids. Hire a speedboat or cruiser at Kožinska cesta for a day's sailing along the coastline and islands on your mini Robinson Crusoe adventure.
Take an exhilarating kayak safari on the stunning Zrmanje river, with trips lasting between two and a half and four hours covering up to 14.5km. The Croatian coast is made for bike rides with peaceful, traffic-free roads, good surfaces and plenty of cool water for rest stops – try the lovely roads on Vir island, reachable via causeway.
Cultural hotspots
Plitvice National Park, granted UNESCO World Heritage status, features sixteen crystalline blue lakes interconnected by waterfalls – the largest 70m high through forests and gorges. Krka National Park offers outstanding natural beauty with several entrances for exploring on foot, boat, or bike, where you can marvel at mountains, inhale lavender aromas, and swim in seven majestic waterfalls.
The island village of Nin features a small but perfectly-formed ninth-century cathedral, The Church of the Holy Cross, accessible via quaint ancient bridges with Roman ruins nearby.
Our favourite things to see in Dalmatia
Historic sites
The impressive Land Gate in Zadar, built in 1543, provides the best starting point to explore this small town's big history, including Roman forum columns dating to 1 BCE and a soaring 56-metre white bell tower. While Zadar Cathedral dates back to the 4th century.
Šibenik's 15th-century citadel houses the impressive Cathedral of St. James, decorated with 71 sculpted faces, while the Šibenik City Museum occupies the 14th-century Prince's Palace. Pag town occupies a narrow piece of land between hills and bay, peppered with narrow lanes, stone houses and churches including the Church of Assumption with its wonderfully ornate stone rose window.
Cities and towns worth seeing
Small-scale Zadar offers fantastic restaurants, summer festivals, and a pleasing hotchpotch of Roman, Byzantine, Arab and Venetian ruins – the walls and gates made it the largest fortress in the Venetian Empire.
Split is a real a tale of two cities with its rambling old town walled off from the busy modern capital, featuring peaceful wandering past tempting bars and cafes in the ancient heart, plus stylish shopping and waterfront restaurants along the sleek modern waterfront. Gorgeous coastal Šibenik serves as the embarkation point for day trips to the Kornati Islands and was so well preserved it was used as a Game of Thrones backdrop.
Natural wonders
The Kornati Islands – all 147 of them – are mostly pine-clad with smooth sun-warmed rocks for bathing and warm clear waters, each perfect for solitary contemplation with colourful coral formations and coastlines indented by hundreds of bays.
Dugi Otok in the Adriatic boasts hilltop villages, cute fishing bays and unspoilt beaches, while delightful Vir island features hilltop villages, russet-red sands, pebbly beaches, fishing bays and unspoilt countryside accessible via causeway bridge.
Travelling to Dalmatia
Nearest airports
- Dubrovnik Airport
- Split Saint Jerome Airport
Nearest train stations
- Split Railway Station
- Zadar
Nearest ports
- Bari, Italy
All parcs in Dalmatia
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