Water cascading into one of Plitvice’s upper lakes.

Mark Read

Northern Dalmatia

Serving the classic Dalmatian cocktail of historic towns, jewel-like waters, rugged limestone mountains, sun-kissed islands, gorgeous climate and Mediterranean cuisine, this region is a holidaymaker's dream. Yet it's the cities and islands further south that hog all the limelight, leaving Northern Dalmatia, if not quite undiscovered, then certainly less overrun. Yachties can sail between unpopulated islands without a shred of development, lost in dreams of the Mediterranean of old, while hikers can wander lonely trails where bears and wolves still dwell, and explore three of Croatia's most impressive national parks, which shelter in the hinterland.

01 / Attractions

Must-see attractions

Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park
By far Croatia's top natural attraction and the absolute highlight of Croatia's Adriatic hinterland, the Plitvice Lakes National Park is a glorious…
St James' Cathedral
&Scaron;ibenik
The crowning architectural glory of the Dalmatian coast and the undisputed masterpiece of its principal designer, Juraj Dalmatinac, this World Heritage…
Paklenica National Park
Northern Dalmatia
Covering 95 sq km of the Velebit Range that divides continental Croatia from the Adriatic coast, Paklenica National Park contains some of the country’s…
Dragon's Eye Lake
Northern Dalmatia
One of Northern Dalmatia's most striking natural phenomena, Dragon's Eye Lake is a 10,000-sq-metre oval encircled by 4m- to 24m-high cliffs. Connected to…
Sun Salutation
Zadar
Another wacky and wonderful creation by Nikola Ba&scaron;ić (the local architect who designed the nearby Sea Organ), this 22m-wide circle set into the pavement…
Krka Monastery
Krka National Park
This isn't just the most important Serbian Orthodox monastery in Croatia; it's one of the faith's most important sites full stop. Featuring a unique…
Sea Organ
Zadar
Zadar’s incredible Sea Organ, designed by local architect Nikola Ba&scaron;ić, is unique. Set within the perforated stone stairs that descend into the sea is a…
Krka National Park
Krka National Park
Stretching from the western foot of the Dinaric Range into the sea near &Scaron;ibenik, the 73km Krka River and its wonderful waterfalls define the landscape of…