📷 Hrvoje_Photography 🇭🇷 / Unsplash (Unsplash License)
A seven-day road trip through the heart of Dalmatia, with no ferries and no long drives. Starting from Diocletian's Palace in Split, passing through UNESCO-listed Trogir and Omiš, nestled between the Cetina canyon and the Adriatic Sea, the route leads to Makarska beneath the impressive slopes of Biokovo. The highlight of the journey is the Skywalk with its views over the Makarska Riviera and the islands, while the final day is reserved for the most beautiful beaches of the riviera — Brela, Punta Rata, and Tučepi. Distances are short, the sea is always within reach, and every day ends with a leisurely stroll along the waterfront. Best from May to October.
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The route begins in the heart of Split, within Diocletian's Palace, a unique Roman imperial residence where people still live, work, and sip coffee today. The Peristyle, the palace cellars, and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius reveal how the ancient palace grew into a living city over the centuries. The afternoon is reserved for a stroll along the Riva seafront and the narrow stone streets of the old core, while the evening brings a lively atmosphere of terraces and restaurants beneath historic facades.
The combined ticket for the cathedral and bell tower costs around 7 EUR. Climbing the bell tower (separate ticket ~4 EUR) offers an excellent view of the Peristyle and the surrounding area. The church is active, so visitors should be mindful of their dress code and ongoing masses.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
The ticket costs around 5 EUR and can be purchased on-site. Audio guides are also available as an add-on. Arriving in the morning hours is recommended to avoid crowds in the narrow corridors.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
The ticket includes entry to the gallery with Ivan Meštrović's collection of sculptures and paintings. It is recommended to arrive in the morning to avoid crowds.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
The ticket allows you to visit Meštrović's Kaštelet fortress and the Chapel of the Holy Cross with its renowned wooden reliefs. A combined visit with the Meštrović Gallery using a joint ticket is recommended.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
The ticket covers access to the entire fortress with panoramic views of Split and the surrounding area. It is recommended to arrive by bus or car, as the fortress is located away from the center of Split.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
The second day takes you beyond the walls of Diocletian's Palace. The morning is reserved for a walk on Marjan, a green peninsula with viewpoints offering views of Split, the sea, and the surrounding islands. Next comes Klis Fortress, for centuries the most important defensive stronghold of Dalmatia, with a panorama encompassing the entire Split basin. The day ends at Bačvice beach, where at sunset you can witness picigin — a unique game played in shallow water that has become one of the symbols of Split.
A short drive leads to Trogir, whose historic core is entirely under UNESCO protection. The Cathedral of Saint Lawrence with its famous Radovan Portal, the Kamerlengo fortress by the sea, and the City Loggia are all found within just a few hundred meters, among narrow stone streets best explored on foot. The day ends with a stroll along the Trogir waterfront promenade by the canal toward the island of Čiovo, in a more relaxed Mediterranean rhythm than Split.
The ticket includes entry to the cathedral and access to the bell tower. It is recommended to arrive in the morning before group tours begin.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Entry is nominal. In summer, evening events are frequently held for which a separate ticket is required. The space is open-air and uncovered — best suited for sunny days.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
The ticket covers the permanent exhibition on the history and culture of Trogir. Arriving before noon is recommended to avoid larger crowds.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
The route leads to Omiš, a former pirate town nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the impressive canyon of the Cetina river. The climb to the Mirabela fortress in the old town center and the Fortica fortress above the city rewards visitors with a panoramic view of the Cetina estuary, mountain cliffs, and the Dalmatian coast. The afternoon is reserved for exploring the canyon – rafting or zip-lining for adventure enthusiasts, or a leisurely drive and walk along the river for those seeking a more peaceful experience.
Tickets available on-site. Guides available on request, with prior notice. The museum is air-conditioned — a great option during the hottest part of the day.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Arrival in Makarska, the heart of the Makarska Riviera beneath the steep slopes of Biokovo. The walk leads through the old town with the Church of Saint Mark and the Franciscan Monastery, then along the palm-lined promenade to the town's pebble beach. The day unfolds at a relaxed Mediterranean pace, as Makarska becomes the base for the next two days of exploring Biokovo and the riviera.
The Shell Museum is accessible with a small entrance ticket; the church can be visited free of charge. A visit before noon is recommended when it is cooler and less crowded.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Entry to the park is charged upon arrival by car; the Skywalk is included in the ticket price. Tickets are purchased at the toll booth. Warm clothing is recommended as the temperature at the top is significantly lower than at the coast.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
The ticket covers the permanent museum display with collections on the history and culture of the Makarska Riviera. It is recommended to check the opening hours before visiting, as they change seasonally.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
Prices and availability are on the partner's website.
The highlight of the route leads along a panoramic road through the Biokovo Nature Park to the famous Skywalk, a glass platform extending over steep cliffs. From the viewpoint, a spectacular view opens up over the Makarska Riviera, the islands of Brač, Hvar and Korčula, and on exceptionally clear days the Italian coast can also be glimpsed. Due to the narrow and winding mountain road, a visit to Biokovo is planned as a full-day excursion, with a return to Makarska in the evening hours.
The last day is reserved for the most beautiful beaches of the Makarska Riviera. Brela with its famous Punta Rata and the distinctive pine-covered rock, and Tučepi with its long seaside promenade and a string of pebble beaches, provide a relaxed end to the journey. Short drives between towns, with no ferries or complicated logistics, leave plenty of time for swimming, strolling, and enjoying the Mediterranean atmosphere. A perfect ending to a seven-day Dalmatian route.
Everything you need for Central Dalmatia in 7 Days — Split, Trogir, Omiš and Makarska in one place
