lapping its coastlines, the bleached white fortresses of Dubrovnik, Diocletian’s Palace in Split, and classy museums in its cosmopolitan capital of Zagreb.

 

Take another look at those shorelines and plan a trip to a particular clutch of islands in the Dalmatian region.
Dubbed “The heart of the Adriatic,” Dalmatia is the latest darling in that corner of Europe that has passed through many empires – from Roman to Austrian, to Venetian and more.

 

Most notable for modern travelers, however, is that this destination boasts seven month-long summers and 2,700 hours of sunshine each year, making it one of the sunniest regions in Europe. Summer runs from April to November.
Those months cover shoulder seasons in other places, and translate into lower prices, fewer crowds and less frenzied tripping from one place to another.

 

 

Adriatic Coastline
Beyond the stunning six UNESCO designated sites out of the 10 in all of Croatia, there are 1,246 islands scattered along the azure-blue Adriatic coastline that hug the region of Dalmatia.

 

Its crystalline waters tend to be almost tepid in summer, yet inviting enough to be refreshing. Jump off any vessel you find yourself on in the middle of the Adriatic and you won’t regret it – buoyant and pristine.

 

Technically, Dalmatia straddles Croatia and Montenegro along the eastern shore of the Adriatic. As is the case with most Balkan nations, its history is a scintillating patchwork of cultures – from the Roman Empire, the Kingdom of Croatia, the Republic of Venice, the Austrian Empire as well as the passersby like Hungary, but with the dissolution of Yugoslavia, it became part of the Republic of Croatia.

 

 

Island Hopping Options
A fabulous way to explore the region is from the sea: Starting from Split, island hopping is a natural way to visit the region: from stops in Makarska, Hvar to Brac and Vis.

 

There are tons of boat products from which to choose: from joining a group for a day-long boat party to multi-day private yacht charters or rent a dinghy to cruise around smaller islands outside Hvar with friends. A pricier more luxurious option might be to charter a fully-staffed yacht.

 

 

Best Clients for Dalmatia
Regarding the “best match client” for a trip to Dalmatia, Bailey Lammon, who was inspired enough by her travels in the region to become a travel advisor 3.5 years ago (her company B. Aventuras just celebrated its third anniversary; she is part of the FORA network as well) gave JF a short profile of the “ideal” traveler.

 

“It’s not the kind of place where you pick one resort/beach and hang out on it for the week, but a destination where you can get a well-rounded, exhilarating, and relaxing vacation all wrapped up in a breathtaking (and relaxing when you want it to be) environment,” says Lammon.

 

“The best match travelers would be those seeking an adventurous/active coastal vacation that have finer tastes but don’t want to pay top dollar for it,” she adds.

Or, hire a speedboat for the day, suggests Lammon. This options keeps spontaneity in the trip and could include stops to tiny, secluded bays and a winery to enjoy the serenity of the sea but also the gourmet foods that are scattered across the islands—“And of course,” says Lammon, “they should be free to jump into the sea as often as possible!”

 

Advisors may access this website to find the right vessel for their clients. Many of the products suggest the age range they may appeal most to. www.tourradar.com/vi/region-adriatic-boat Four-day trips run about $650 or so with stops in Split, Makarska, Mljet Island, Dubrovnik to eight-day programs for ages 15 to 99! Stops might be a combination of Split, Hvar Island, Korcula Island, Dubrovnik for about $2,100.

 

The distances between islands are short so the “stay-put” vacation model may not apply as it often does from large cities where clients organize daytrips.

 

To conclude, JF could not resist asking Lammon why she became a Travel Advisor. She had this to say: “…because I believe there is nothing more transformational than adventurous and authentic travel abroad and helping people do it is my way of making the world a better place.”

 

Veteran advisor, Margot Cushing, CTC at Frosch who is a well-known expert on France and Italy echoed some of Lammon’s observations. “I know several people who chartered yachts and had an excellent experience.”

 

The shoreline, she adds, is very accessible by boat, the food and wine are a big plus and most of all, the prices are lower than in Italy across the Adriatic.

 

Below is a short description of just three of the Dalmatian islands:

Hvar: is known as the sunniest spot in Croatia with 2,800 hours of sunshine a year, this island is a sophisticated mix of heritage and modern luxury. Also known as the “Island of Wine,” Hvar boasts six UNESCO-listed cultural heritages. Explore cultural landmarks like St. Stephen’s Square, the Oldest Public Theatre in Europe, and the 16th-century Fortica Fortress.

 

 

Losinj: You don’t hear much about this island also known as the “Island of Miracles.” Once an exclusive 19th century health resort, Lošinj (pronounced Lo-sheen-ya) is inviting commoners to pamper themselves the way Austro-Hungarian royals once did. Back then, trendsetter Archduke Charles Stephen of the Hapsburg family, made this his winter residence. This 29-square-mile island has what any wise doctor might order: sweet, salt sea air, piney aromas of lavender and rosemary, crystal clear waters, and languid sails around Cikat Bay through the Lošinj archipelago – Cres, Ilovik, Susak and Unije. The designated “health zone” starts with fully certified outpatient health care.

 

 

Dugi Otok: Is even more of a secret especially to Americans. On the southern side, the 160-meter cliffs of Telašćica Nature Park overlook endless Adriatic vistas; the northern side reveals the breathtaking beauty of Sakarun Beach, a stretch of soft white sand lapped by turquoise waters, and the historic Veli Rat lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in the Adriatic. “Hikers, sailors and foodies love this area and report a high satisfaction rate,” says Cushing.

 

For more information please visit the Croatia National Tourist Board at: https://croatia.hr/en-gb