Split Dalmatia

Split Dalmatia

High limestone cliffs rise straight from the sea in Split-Dalmatia. This is the **Dalmatian Coast scenic drive**. You can walk on the **Biokovo Skywalk** which is a glass bridge high above the water. It feels like you are walking on air. From there you can see the islands of Brač and Hvar far below in the blue water. The road winds through old olive groves and past stone walls that have stood for a thousand years. It is a drive of high peaks and deep water that will take your breath away. The air is warm and smells like the sea. The road continues through the **canyons of Omiš**. Here a green river cuts through the solid rock to meet the sea. You can see an old pirate fortress perched on a jagged cliff high above the town. Small pebble beaches are hidden at the bottom of these cliffs. Some are so small they can only be reached by boat. You can take a boat trip into the canyon to see hidden waterfalls and tall stone walls. It is a great reward after a long day of driving along the coast. The water in the canyon is cold and fresh and very clear. Explore the **Diocletian's Palace** in Split which is a living Roman city within the old fortress walls. For a mountain detour drive to **Klis Fortress** where you can see the setting used for Meereen in the Game of Thrones series. Visit the **Blue Lake and Red Lake** in Imotski which are two massive sinkholes with incredible deep colors. Try the **Pašticada** which is a slow-cooked beef stew and the Vrgorac strawberries if you pass through in May. The **Makarska Riviera** offers the best beaches but the "D8" highway through the mountains provides the most dramatic views for photographers.

Split Dalmatia highlights

Part of these road trips

Follow the routes that cross this destination

The Scenic Route
The Heritage Drive
Is this a good destination for road trips?

We're curating expert road-trip insights for this destination — check back soon.

When is the best time to visit?

Detailed seasonal travel advice is coming soon.

How long should I spend here?

Our itinerary team is building personalised duration guides — coming soon.

What are the top attractions nearby?

A curated list of must-see nearby highlights is on its way.

History of Split Dalmatia

The history of this county began when the Roman Emperor **Diocletian** decided to retire in a massive fortress by the sea. He didn't just build a house; he built a city that is still lived in today. The palace walls have been continuously inhabited for over 1,700 years, with medieval and Renaissance structures built directly into the Roman arches. People still hang their laundry on **Roman columns** and drink coffee in the middle of a 1,700-year-old palace. In the mountains of the Dalmatian Zagora, the **Sinjska Alka** is a tournament that has happened every year since 1715. Knights on horses gallop at full speed to hit a tiny metal ring, celebrating a miracle victory over a much larger army. This tradition is so significant that it is listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, attracting thousands of spectators every August. The interior is also home to the **Red and Blue Lakes** of Imotski, two of the deepest sinkholes in the world. The islands of Brač and Hvar were the **quarries of the world**. The white stone from Brač was used to build the White House in Washington, D.C. This stone is famous for its bright white color and its ability to withstand erosion, making it a favorite for sculptors and architects alike. **Hvar** is home to the **oldest public theater** in Europe and a Greek field system that hasn't changed its boundaries in 2,400 years. It is a region where every mile is a different century.
Monk's Travel Secrets

Insider road trip tips,
straight to your inbox.

New routes, hidden stops, and seasonal guides —
written for people who travel by car, not by flight.

No spam, ever. Unsubscribe in one click. Read by 12,000+ road trippers.