20 Best things to see & do in Dalmatian Islands

With sheltered waters, a steady breeze, and too-many-to-count uninhabited islands with hidden coves, the Dalmatian islands are made for sailing.

A magical sea cave, illuminated with an amazing shade of luminescent blue at midday when the sun’s rays enter via by a partial submarine hole in the cave entrance.

Dalmatian tradition at its best – a spectacular Mediterranean sword dance between two bands of men, dating back to the 16th century.

A character-filled, Venetian-era old town, with a picturesque main square, a lattice of historic streets, and cultural treasures galore.

One of the most beautiful towns in the Croatian archipelago – steeped in history, graced with superb Venetian architecture and surrounded by the picturesque Pelješac channel.

A blend of Italian and Middle European cuisine, with plenty of fresh fish and seafood, eating out in Dalmatia is always a treat.

A remote island national park with pristine forests for hiking and biking, and emerald-blue saltwater lakes you can kayak on or swim in.

A scattered wine region of family-run vineyards that produce excellent wines. Learn the art of Dalmatian winemaking and sample some excellent labels.

A photogenic 500m-long cape of fine golden shingle, that changes shape with the tide. Lined with sunbeds and good for watersports, it’s a great family beach.

An archipelago of 21 blissful car-free pine-scented islets, famed for secluded coves and fine pebble beaches, with excellent reef and wreck diving.

A gorgeous archipelago of uninhabited islets, surrounded by turquoise seas, lying just offshore from Korcula Town. Perfect for exploring by yacht, motorboat or kayak.

A superb 2-hour hike up the Dalmatian islands’ highest peak for spectacular views over the archipelago, and delicious spit-roast lamb at the summit.

Hearty casseroles cooked in fire embers at Roki’s farm eatery, prepared using an ancient and traditional process still used in rural Dalmatia.

A picturesque, secluded pebble cove, hidden by rocky cliffs and accessible by boat – the perfect getaway beach experience for a secluded swim and snooze.

A beautiful pebble beach with a super-trendy beach club, boasting a lounge bar, DJ and restaurant in a magical setting among the pines. The club opens daily from June to September.

Taste some of Hvar’s best wines in a cellar modelled on the ancient Roman dining rooms used by the Emperor Diocletian. Hvar’s top winemaker.

The home of Croatia’s oldest wine co-operative, the Stina Winery has been in operation since the 1900’s and produces some of the region’s best Posip (white) and Plavac Mail (red). Daily tours and tastings at 5pm and 6pm, pre-booking not necessary.

Perched on a remote mountain cleft on Brac island, the Hermitage dates back to the 15th century, when Ottoman Turks took shelter in a cave. They stayed, built outwards and by the 18th century it was a Hermitage serving three local villages.

Part of the elegant, Relais & Chateau Villa Katerina estate, the vineyard produces a multi-award winning Posip (a crisp white wine) and full-bodied reds. Tastings must be booked in advance.

This charming 2-hour tour in the village Dol on Brac, takes you to visit a 400-year-old castle and discover the secrets of a local family’s wine-making. There’s a small workshop, where you can taste rakija, kvasina and prosek and even try your hand at wine-making.