Still not widely known in the world, Dalmatian Hinterland and its scenic wonders and varied cultural heritage are a true uncut diamond. Discovering its treasures and beauties is a special and unforgettable experience.
The primeval beauty, traditional spirit and authenticity preserved over centuries of isolation have started attracting increasing numbers of visitors to Dalmatian Hinterland throughout the year. Its rivers, mountains and caves, together with its entwined cycling, climbing and hiking trails, are a perfect place for active vacation of adventurers as well as for those who merely want to enjoy beautiful views, clean air and pristine nature.
As the fertile soil of the hinterland is optimal for grape-growing, wine lovers can taste some of the best autochthonous grape varieties such as kujundžuša, debit, pinot, maraština, trnjak and plavac mali. And where’s wine, there’s good food – the Hinterland is well known by its numerous traditional specialties such as Cetina eel and trout, frogs, Sinj arambaši, Vrlika doughnuts, prosciutto, soparnik, bread made under making lid…
Although the world has only begun to discover it, Dalmatian Hinterland boasts eventful history and rich cultural heritage. Stone fortresses and archeological remains scattered throughout it can be seen as evidence of the pivotal events of its history and the authentic customs have been fostered for generations. Nowhere else but here can you see the last European knights who have been performing the Alka of Sinj for 300 years, see the unique silent circle dance and hear ojkanje, the oldest type of singing in Croatia.
Unlike other similar intact destinations, Dalmatian Hinterland is very accessible – urban areas are only half an hour away, a state highway passes through the region and an airport is near, too. In short, there are no reasons for not visiting this magical place and experience it yourself.
River Cetina canyon
Radmanove mlinice
Blue Lake and Red Lake
Source of the Cetina
Museum of Alka of Sinj (UNESCO)
Church of Our Lady of Sinj
Republic of Poljica
Klis and Prozor fortresses
Ancient Roman roads and Tilurium – where football was played more than two millennia ago
Family wineries with centuries-old tradition of winemaking
Cycling, climbing or hiking numerous trails
Tasting wines made of autochthonous grape varieties and drinking them from bukara (traditional wooden wine cup)
Tasting Dalmatian prosciutto and cheese from sheepskin sack
Electing the knez of Poljica or playing Poljica games
Rafting, kayaking or zip lining down the Cetina canyon
Discovering culinary heritage of Dalmatian Hinterland
Learning how to make bread under baking lid or soparnik
Meeting local people and earning their customs
Horse riding in Sinj
Listening to ojkanje singing (UNESCO) or seeing silent circle dance (UNESCO)
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As the biggest Dalmatian city, Split is an embodiment of the life in Dalmatia: the rhythm and energy of the Mediterranean mentality can be felt in the flagstone streets lined with cafés, restaurants and boutiques.
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The view of the town of Omiš, nested at the entrance of the magnificent canyon of the River Cetina, is like a dramatic scene from some great film. No less amazing is its past, exciting stories of the Poljica and legends of Omiš pirates.
Croatia is a land of thousand islands and 74 of them can be found in Central Dalmatia. The inhabited ones among them have been turned into real treasure troves of history, culture and tradition and exploring them is a true pleasure.