The area of North Dalmatia is characterised by the Velebit mountain range that protects the littoral from Lika’s winter and, at the same time, brings in air that is colder compared to other parts of the Croatian coast. Velebit ends with Ravni kotari – an arable valley that enables survival on this Karst area.Most of the accommodation on offer is made up of private apartments and rooms and several hotel complexes. The tourist offer is diverse and adjusted to all ages – from children’s playrooms to extreme sports and nightclubs, which are amongst the best in Croatia.
North Dalmatia extends from the island of Pag in the north to Primošten in the south, and is proud of no less than three National Parks and two Nature Parks. The National Park Kornati is composed of an archipelago of 140 islands, islets and cliffs, and due to its well-indented coast and rich sea life, is an ideal destination for sailors and adventurers. Almost all the islands are uninhabited, but there are a few tourist locations that offer genuine local products and accommodation.
The river Krka waterfalls are the next National Park in the area; the river alone is a natural attraction, because of the unimaginable shapes its course carves out in the Karst . The easiest way to reach the National Park Paklenica is to start from Starigrad; the protected area extends over two canyons – Velika and Mala Paklenica, with steep cliffs that are 400 metres high. The Nature Park Vransko jezero is the largest natural lake in Croatia. There is a well-known ornithological reservation hiding up to 224 species of birds. Another not to be missed destination isthe, Nature Park Telaščica on the island of Dugi Rat with a salt lake Mir (meaning “peace”) and is an exceptional natural phenomenon.
The principal coastal cities are Šibenik and Zadar, known for their local architecture of high artistic value, which originates from the era of the Roman Empire. Zadar is the educational and tourist centre of North Dalmatia, and has excellent road connections with the rest of Croatia, ferry lines to the nearby islands and a special overseas route to Italy, that is, Ancona. Amongst the other towns there are Biograd na moru, Sv. Filip and Jakov, Primošten, Rogoznica, Skradin, Pirovac and Vodice.
Northern Dalmatia has the largest number of islands, such as Pag (a favourite destination for the young), Ugljan, Pašman, Murter, Vir and Dugi otok, where each one is unique because of a particular craft that people perform even today. The position of these islands’ follows the mountain ranges on the coast, thus creating a unique geographical shape – recognized as a Dalmatian type of the coast.
Specific natural beauties and phenomena mark North Dalmatia and make a visit to the region an unforgettable experience. Enjoying the nature and the wild night parties are the best reasons to visit.
