Dalmatia is an historic region on the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea. Most of Dalmatia is now part of Croatia, only the very southern Bay of Kotor is part of Montenegro. The inland portion of Croatia is outside of Dalmatia. The region was named for the Dalmatae, an Illyrian tribe that controlled the region in the first millennium BC. Southern Dalmatia is a narrow band of Croatian coast from the Peljesac Peninsula south, with the largest city being Dubrovnik. The islands of Korcula and Mljet are part of South Dalmatia.

 

 

History

In general, Dalmatia was subdued by the Roman Empire, Goths, and Byzantines. After a confused medieval history it was ruled by Venice, the Ottomans, Napoleon and Austria. It was part of Yugoslavia until that country disintegrated in 1991. The local history is tied to the city of Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik managed to remain an independent merchant republic until Napoleon’s rule. It had established trade relations with Turkey, India, Africa and England.

 

Arts & Museums

On the island of Mljet one can see the impressive remains of a Roman palace at Polace, Roman baths, two churches, an arsenal and underwater dockyard remains. On Korcula is a 16th century church, St. Rok, and several castles. There is a town museum on Korcula with historical relics. Dubrovnik is known for a summer arts festival of music, dance and theatre. In October there is an International Film Festival. The Museum of Modern Art holds more than two thousand works of art of Croatian and international significance.

 

Nightlife

Dubrovnik offers many evening options, including several bars and three Irish pubs. One can enjoy jazz, Latin, and pop music, or visit dance clubs. There are both areas which are casual, and those where one would want to be more dressed up. The city is friendly to backpackers and sophisticates, and although there is plenty to do at night the atmosphere is not wild. Life on the islands is quiet, but cafes and bars may be found in the villages.

 

How to get there

Dubrovnik has an airport with flights from Great Britain. Several daily buses and trains run from Zagreb along the coast. A pleasant mode of summer transportation is by ferry from Rijeka, which makes stops at several islands along the way. Also in summer one can take a ferry from Italy.