The 28-mile narrow and winding road of the Amalfi Coast has tempted tourists by the droves for years and after nearly three years of living in Italy, we finally ventured south of Rome to the famed coastline earlier this year. While the Amalfi Coast was pretty and we thoroughly enjoyed our time in Ravello (and we certainly indulged as we ate our way along it!), we think the Amalfi Coast- GASP! -ain’t got nothin’ on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast!
We drove the entire length of the Dalmatian Coast from Italy to Montenegro. It is a mix of craggy cliffs, hidden coves and beaches, islands dotting the horizon as far as the eye can see, thousands of inlets, olive groves, and pine forests. As we rounded each bend in the road, openings between Cyprus trees gave way to the sea in an array of shades of blue. Dare we say that this is Europe’s most beautiful coastline?
If that doesn’t paint a picture for you and have you immediately adding a road trip down the Dalmatian Coast to your bucket list, then here are 8 reasons why we think you should!
1. Hidden coves.
Each summer our fellow European residents flock to the beaches in droves and we find ourselves vying for a towel-sized spot of sand to soak up some rays after taking a dip in either the Adriatic or Mediterranean. Along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, we spied hidden cove after hidden cove with nary another soul in sight.
2. Thousands of islands.
Okay, 1,246 to be exact. Most of the islands are small and uninhabited but there are a number that are easily reached on day excursions or by ferry. We particularly enjoyed our day sail to Solta, where we found our own little slice of beach perfect for enjoying the crystal clear water. And had we had more time, we spotted some beaches as we sailed around Lokrum Island we would have liked to relax on.
3. Stunning views.
Definitely skip the freeway and drive the coastline. You won’t be sorry! Around each bend in the road was another picturesque view. Sometimes it was a church bell tower punctuating the blue of the Adriatic, other times it was national parks and lakes like Bacina Lakes.
4. Historic towns.
Split surprised us with its’ lovely ruins and easy accessibility to beautiful islands. And Dubrovnik knocked our socks off with its’ Medieval walls and stunning old town. We also found its’ more recent history fascinating and left with a different take on the world after watching videos of a city under lock-down as it was shelled consistently for nearly one year barely 20 years ago.
5. Take a leap of faith.
Off the Šibenik Bridge near Split, that is! And if that sort of adrenaline rush just isn’t your thing, stop by and watch others throw themselves off the bridge and live to tell about it.
6. Traffic. What traffic?
Come July and August we are guaranteed to double the amount of time it takes to drive just about anywhere in Italy. In fact, leaving on this road trip we were stuck in traffic on the autostrada just trying to get out of Italy. But it was smooth cruising and we didn’t hit a spot of traffic from the Croatian border to the Montenegrin border.
7. Budget friendly.
While July and August are the most expensive months to visit because tourist season is in full swing, Croatia is still a budget friendly destination. Apartment rentals are readily available for less than $100 per night and give the flexibility of being able to eat some or all meals in.
And if you’re into camping, there were certainly no shortage of beach-side auto camps along the entire Dalmatian Coast. Campsites offered shower facilities and some even had on-site restaurants.
September is one of the best months to visit while the sea is still warm enough to swim yet the crowds have thinned out with children returning to school. Off-season accommodation rates are also in place.
A suckling pig freshly put over the spit-fire
8. Spit-fire roasting pigs.
We’ve just got to add the roasting pigs to our list! Barbecue Eastern European style, these pigs can be seen slowly rotating over a spit-fire from Slovenia to Montenegro. We tried it in the village of Drage between Zadar and Split and it was the perfect balance of moist meat and crispy skin. Paired with Croatian potato salad, it was the perfect meal before an afternoon at the beach.
Would you add a road trip along the Dalmatian Coast to your bucket list?
Katryna Marshall Robertson says
Just got back from staying at a Villa for Labor day weekend in Isteria with 4 of our 5 children and loved it. Would you think the weather would be good enough in October (when work has slowed down) to do this trip? How long were your driving days, wondering b/c of our children?
Thanks!
Ali says
Ok, I still want to see the Amalfi Coast (I haven’t been there yet) but this does sound pretty great. I love that the Dalmatian Coast is less crowded, that definitely sounds appealing. If I can ever figure out how to get a German driver’s license without having to sell a kidney, I might see about doing a road trip like this someday.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
I’d love to get a small group of bloggers together and sail or yacht down the coast and to the islands!
Amanda says
I only got a brief taste of the Dalmatian Coast this summer, but I think I would have to agree – it definitely gives the Amalfi Coast a run for its money!!
The fact that it’s less crowded and lots cheaper than its Italian rival definitely makes it more attractive to me!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Definitely agree, Amanda! I know I want to spend some more time along the Dalmatian Coast and exploring the Dalmatian islands next summer. Such a gorgeous area!
Dan says
Oh and Google these hidden treasures. Town of Betina on the Island of Murter, Sibenik, the Kornati archipelago, Vodice., the amazing island of Losinj, Rab, Primosten, Cres. Everyone goes to the usual of Rovinj, Hvar , Dubrovnik, Split , Makarska. But Croatia has so much to discover
Lisa at Amalfi Blue says
Since my upcoming book affirms where my soul’s home lies, I am sold on the Amalfi Coast. But, Croatia is on the to-do list this spring. Your pics make me want to go right now!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Thanks, Lisa! I must admit I feel like a very bad resident of Italy saying the Dalmatian coast is better.
Shamis @ Gawaya Travel Blog says
Looks like I’ve been reading a lot about beautiful destinations lately. I love beaches and Dalmatian Coast seem to offer lot more than just beaches. Going to add this to my bucket list. Thanks for a great read!
Tony says
We stayed 5 weeks in a small town about an hour south of Split… the Dalmatian coast is AMAZING! Couldn’t agree with you more.
Incredible coast line, super nice people, and some of THE best Italian food we’ve eaten anywhere.
So somebody else agrees!
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Lucky you, Tony, to stay for 5 weeks! We were saying we could totally live in any of the little towns we drove through. We’re very bad Italian residents to say so, but we think the Dalmatian Coast is better. It’s just more pure, more natural. Not over commercialized.
D.J. - The World of Deej says
I would have to see both in order to compare, but it looks like Dalmatian could give Amalfi a run for its money:)
Turtle says
That’s a big call, declaring it to be the most beautiful coastline. But from your photos it looks like you might be right. Looks like I’m going to have to go and check it out for myself to be sure!! 🙂
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Don’t get me wrong. The Amalfi Coast is beautiful, but there is just something about Croatia’s unspoiled coastline that makes it even more beautiful.
Lauren says
Hey Jennifer! I am heading to croatia this summer and I am excited to compare the beautiful amalfi coast to dalmatia! I came across your blog looking for restaurant recs-any great restaurant recommendations in split or dubrovnik?
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Everywhere we ate in Split and Dubrovnik were delicious! We enjoyed the ambiance at Kavana Duje, which is located in the court of Peristyle where the ruins and aint Domnius Cathedral are. Proto is a good one in Dubrovnik and they serve fresh oysters from Ston. Orsan in the port is great too and if you like squid, I recommend trying it there.
Kathleen Barry says
We are thinking of visiting Italy before we fly to Ireland. We would only have 3 days for Italy. I have heard of the Dalmatian Coast, Italy and would love to stay in a town where we could walk to explore, dine and shop.
Where would you suggest? Could you give me several towns to pick from? This holiday will be at the end of September into October 2016. I must say after reading about the coast skipping Ireland and staying in Italy is something we should really consider______ Appreciate your help.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Hi Kathleen, I think it’s the Amalfi Coast you mean in Italy. The Dalmatian Coast is in Croatia. September will be nice since the temperatures will be pleasant and the crowds will have significantly thinned. Here’s everything we recommend for the Amalfi Coast: https://luxeadventuretraveler.com/italy-amalfi-coast/
Three days would be fine in one town. I’d pick Ravello, which is our favorite. You definitely cannot walk between towns though and you really need a car to get around as there isn’t public transportation on the Amalfi Coast.
Scott says
we just returned (July) from the Amalfi Coast. I recommend staying in Positano over Amalfi.
more to do.. although the population in Amalfi is higher. More tourists in Positano, thus shopping and restaurants.
you can take day trips via ferry from Positano to Amalfi. then take a taxi or bus to Ravello ( highly recommend). you also can take a ferry to Isle of Capri, and then a chairlift to Ana Capri.
3 -4 days is plenty for Positano ( Amalfi ). Do not rent a car. parking is tough, lots of walking , small streets, lots of scooters ( rent for a day ok ) and small lanes, winding roads etc…
bring your walking shoes !
Dan says
Ashley Judd’s series called missing was set in Rovello as per the bottom of the screen often displayed but was actually footage filmed on the Croatian island of Hvar. That tells you something. Italy is just traditionally well known but Croatian coast is nicer and has just been in the background because it was a communist country. Still in top 16 visited countries in the world and probably top 10 per capita
Steve says
The fact that this article compares the entire length of the Dalmation coast to – far and away the most beautiful stretch on the Italian coast – is testimony enough to just how beautiful Dalmatia is. I have traveled the Length of Italy and in truth Only the Amalfi coast is what I would call truly beautiful..The east coast is like a landing strip – think Southend in the sun. Much of the west coast of Italy is also simply not worth considering for a coastal holiday – there are a few spots around Liguria and also south of Amalfi on the Cilento coast that are gorgeous too, but real natural beauty is few and far between.
A fair comparison would be to compare the Peljesac peninsula just north of Dubrovnik with the Amalfi coast – and there really is no comparison at all.
Peljesac beats it hands down and in every way. More dramatic, far less developed, a much much much cleaner sea ( we are talking Seychelles clarity here ) also far more pretty at beach level – it’s simply a coast that nowhere in Europe can compare to. Let the crowds descend on Dubrovnik and the island of Hvar. If you want to imagine it, think of how the best parts of Tuscany AND the Amalfi coast would look were they crushed together about 300 years ago and you start to get the picture.
Jennifer Dombrowski says
Thanks for weighing in, Steve! Croatia is beautiful and we still feel that it is far less visited than Italy, making the Dalmatian Coast more appealing than the always crowded Amalfi Coast.
Russel says
Hello Jennifer…
I read that you drove form Italy all the way down to Montenegro…
Did you drive a rental car from Italy ?
Heard that most italian car rental companies have rules regarding driving their cars into Montenegro,
ok for Croatia, but restricted for Bosnia and Montenegro…
We’re planning the round-trip, Venice to Montenegro, ferry Bar to Bari…
Jennifer Dombrowski says
No, we lived in Italy and drove our own car. Yes, there are often restrictions for driving rental cars in Bosnia, but we have not heard of any for Montenegro. When renting cars in Italy, we would definitely recommend renting with well-known companies like Budget, Avis or Hertz. Some of the smaller companies are less expensive, but can be a huge pain with wanting to upsell you on everything and place huge deposits on your credit card if you decline their insurance.