Dalmatian Coast
June 6th, 2008Dalmatian Coast is geographically largest region on Croatian coastline and it’s also historically one of the oldest regions in the area, with its origins dating back to pre-Roman times.
But it’s the Roman emperor Diocletian (Guy Aurelius Valerius), born in the year 243 and died in the year 316 AD, who left perhaps one of the most lasting and most recognised monuments in Dalmatia - the Diocletian Palace, still standing in Split. The city of Split is the regional centre of Dalmatia and the largest city in that region. It’s also the second largest city in Croatia.
The emperor Diocletian had the palace built around the year 300 AD, for his retirement years. Eventually, after 21 years as Roman Emperor (from 284 - 305) he moved to the palace with his wife. He spent there his last years, until his death in the year 316 AD. The palace these days is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Split.
Other large cities in Dalmatia, starting from the north, are Zadar, Sibenink, then Makarska (south of Split) and further down south the well known walled city of Dubrovnik. But if you travel along the Dalmatian coastline, you will be passing through dozens and dozens of small and medium size towns, each one offering a unique holiday experience.
Some of the largest and best known islands on Dalmatian coast are, again starting from the north, Dugi otok (translated: Long island), Kornat, Brac, Hvar, Vis, Korcula, Lastovo and near Dubrovnik, Mljet. There are literally hundreds of other islands along this coastline, from the small unpopulated ones to the large ones with established townships and villages. As you learn more about Dalmatia and Croatia in general, through these blogs and via our growing web site, you will get to know why this area has always been one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mediterranean and Europe.