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An insider’s guide to Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast

There are few places hotter in travel than the Dalmatian Coast Croatia…

Here’s all you should know about this Adriatic Sea jewel from Ino Kuvacic, author of Dalmatia – Recipes From Croatia’s Mediterranean Coast.

What is the one thing people should know about the Dalmatian Coast before visiting so they can get the most out of it?

The Croatian coast has over 1000 islands and reefs and the Adriatic sea on the Croatian side is very clean and clear. In the summer, seawater reaches 25 degrees Celsius and it’s very pleasant to swim in – and, due to the high salinity and mineral content in the sea, it is very beneficial for your skin. The best beaches in Dalmatia are around the towns of Makarska, Brela and Tučepi.

What are the three things visitors should do when they are there to see the best of Dalmatia?

Dubrovnik, the town of Korčula and the Diocletian’s Palace in Split (Split evolved around this Roman palace of Emperor Diocletian, built in 305 AD; large portions of the 1700-year-old palace are still there, and Peristil, the main square of the palace is still intact) are just some of the places that I recommend visiting.

Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Is there a sight in Dalmatia that only locals from these parts know about, and that visitors should search out?

The Blue and the Green caves of the island of Vis are very popular destinations. There are daily speedboats tours from Split harbour that end with lunch at the historic town of Hvar.

Where do locals like to eat and drink?

Locals eat at konobas, traditional Dalmatian eateries. Try ‘black risotto’, grilled calamari or fish; tripe is a local favourite. Also, Dalmatian prosciutto is as good as its Spanish or Italian counterparts.

What is the one Dalmatian specialty that people would never have heard of that they must try when there?

Peka is a traditional slow roast under the iron bell, that’s cooked covered with hot coals. It can be seafood (octopus with potato is my favourite) or meat (suckling lamb is magic).

What is your favourite lesser known museum or attraction in Split?

Next to the Temple of Jupiter in the city centre you’ll find the world’s narrowest street, called Pusti me da prođem – Let Me Pass Street – since only one person can get through at a time. The Ivan Mestrović Gallery, dedicated to the renowned Croatian sculptor, is a great place to visit if you like fine art.

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The Pearl of the Adriatic; The picturesque back alleyways of Hvar

What neighbourhoods or areas should people explore?

I recommend taking a walk through the forest of Marjan hill, on the western side of Split. Only 10 to 15 minutes’ walk from the city centre, you will find the best panorama of the city and islands from the Prva Vidilica lookout.

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What do you recommend doing for the perfect Sunday in Dalmatia?

Catching a ferry to one of the islands around Split, spending a day at one of the many secluded beaches and having lunch in one of the local restaurants.

What is the one thing visitors should take home with them?

I love wines and Dalmatia has some of the world’s best. I recommend Pošip and Plavac as unique tastes of Dalmatia. And you can’t help but take memories of the crystal clear azure of the Dalmatian sea home with you.

 

Shhhh… Get the insider’s secrets to these cities too:

– Munich

– Rome

– Florence

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What the European heatwave means for your summer travel plans

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
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    Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK. 

    Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

    And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

    Why is it so hot in Europe?

    Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

    France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

    In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

    The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

    Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

    How travel is impacted

    A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius
    A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

    During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

    If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

    Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

    people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris
    People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

    With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

    Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

    How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

    Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

    Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

    Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.