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An insider’s guide to Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast

International Traveller
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.

Croatia Cruising
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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5 things every hotel needs for a more restorative stay

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    Wellbeing means different things to different travellers. Here’s how to pick a hotel that gets it right for you.

    The best wellness holidays aren’t necessarily spent wrapped in a spa robe. Sometimes they’re found around a dinner table in Cambodia, on a hiking trail in New Zealand or after finally beating jet lag on the other side of the world. The hotel you choose is what makes them happen.

    1. Easy access to good food

    meals from Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20
    Taste delicious meals at Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.

    One of the quickest ways to derail healthy habits on holiday is to spend half of it working out where to eat instead of digging into the culture around you. Thankfully, Novotel has done much of the hard work already, with chefs building menus that lean into the flavours, ingredients and traditions of each destination.

    In Sihanoukville, Cambodia, Korkor soup – often dubbed ‘Cambodian ratatouille’ – sits alongside raw blue crab dressed with lime and chilli, best enjoyed with views across the Gulf of Thailand.

    In the lovingly chaotic city of Bangkok, the presence of food cranks up the sociability. At Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20, you can settle in with mango sticky rice and stranger-turned-friends beside the pool at Sky on 20 rooftop bar, or bring them along to tackle river prawns and stir-fried crab with holy basil at the buzzing Crab Paradise Dinner Buffet.

    Then Novotel Dubai Al Barsha welcomes you with a laidback twist on the level of indulgence the Middle Eastern city is best known for up on Deck Se7en. Looking towards Burj Al Arab, the rooftop lounge has everything from Mediterranean-style dishes like seabass ceviche to Italian prosecco sundowners.

    At the other end of the scale, in the hills that surround the Novotel Bali Ubud Resort, calm comes from nature. At Siralada restaurant, Balinese traditions shape the menu while thunder rumbles over the surrounding jungle – proving the setting is as nourishing as the food itself.

    While at Novotel Nha Trang, chef Kieu Thi My Hanh and her team showcase Vietnam’s knack for balancing freshness, texture and fragrant herbs. Pho remains a favourite, while seafood salad with pomelo and mango brings those flavours together in one bright dish.

    It’s all an approach backed by partnerships with expert food creators such as Alfie Steiner, whose plant-forward recipes prove healthy food should never taste plain.

    2. Better sleep options

    Novotel Bali Ubud Resort room
    Sleep deeply with Novotel.

    There are few travel experiences more disappointing than arriving in a new country, determined to seize the day, only to fall asleep fully clothed by 3pm.

    For Australian travellers, jet lag is often an unavoidable part of the journey. That’s one reason Novotel runs sleep-focused initiatives that help guests adjust quickly without compromising on health. We’re talking partnerships with Sydney-based sleep specialist Olivia Arezzolo, known for her advice on everything from better sleep habits to beating jet lag, alongside features like pillow menus, in-room yoga content and tailored sleep guidance.

    The sooner you’re operating on local time, the sooner you can get back to more pressing matters – like deciding which spa treatment to book.

    3. More ways to move

    woman hiking around queenstown new zealand
    Stay at Novotel Queenstown Lakeside and explore local hiking trails. (Credit: GettyI mages/ naruedom)

    Every place in the world has its own way of getting you moving: whether that’s hiking up ice-bitten mountains before a sauna or gentle stretching by the pool before a facial. From fitness centres to spas, Novotel recognises that wellbeing rarely looks the same.

    At Novotel Queenstown Lakeside, activity is inescapable. Here, hiking trails, ski fields, bungee jumps, and white-water rafting have made the region famous. The hotel’s location on the shores of Lake Wakatipu means less time spent organising yourself and more time out there experiencing them. To top it all off, you can book a private hot tub for the evening before heading back into the wilderness tomorrow.

    Bali, of course, takes a softer approach. At Novotel Bali Ubud Resort or Novotel Bali Nusa Dua, movement is less about conquering a mountain and more about a dance class between the tropical gardens and lagoon pools. Afterwards, the spa takes over, with traditional treatments like a Lulur body scrub: a combination of rice, turmeric, sandalwood, ginger and jasmine that’ll soothe muscles already relaxed by the Balinese heat.

    4. Better connections

    Novotel Sharm El Sheikh
    Kids will love a stay at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh.

    One of the best things about travel is that it gives your family stories you’ll be telling for years. Novotel helps create them with activities that bring everyone together, whether that’s trying something new, learning a local skill, or simply spending more time together.

    Go for a distinctly Thai twist at Novotel Phuket Vintage Park, where many of the family activities draw on local culture. Kids can try everything from beginner Thai boxing and language lessons to umbrella painting and – a pastime beloved by children the world over – pool foam parties. Everyone is welcome to join in, whether that’s getting splashed, covered in paint, or simply watching their children discover a new side of Thailand during the dedicated Family & Kids Day.

    A different adventure awaits at Novotel Sharm El Sheikh. Kids could be perfectly content with discos, drawing classes and new holiday friends, but the Red Sea has other ideas. Sitting on the edge of Naama Bay, days here might involve snorkelling colourful reefs, taking a boat trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or heading into the desert by quad bike or camel for a Bedouin-style dinner beneath the stars.

    5. Location is everything

    Surin Beach, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket, Thaiföld
    Explore Phuket’s gorgeous beaches. (Credit: Bence Biczo)

    Everyone’s idea of wellness looks a little different. With more than 600 hotels across 65 countries, Novotel gives guests the freedom to choose the destination that suits them best. Whether that’s a beachside escape in Phuket, an alpine expedition in Queenstown or a city break in Bangkok, there’s a good chance a Novotel isn’t far away.

    All that’s left? Choosing your version of wellbeing.

    Discover stays to inspire your everyday at novotel.accor.com.