Are you ready to escape in Central Dalmatia this summer? For those who are considering a complete getaway from the urban asphalt or to get rid of accumulated annual stress and seeking absolute peace and tranquility, here is my list of the quietest places to stay.
For those who do not tolerate summer noise and bustle or don’t want to partake in arguments about where to place a piece of towel on the crowded beaches, and would instead like to enjoy their hard deserved vacation, hear only the sounds of sea waves or crickets songs, here’s how to find ideal proposals for a summer getaway.
It’s not always easy to find an ideal place where one escapes for total relaxation for a week or two, but the nature has been generous in scattering a thousand gems in form of a numerous islands, islets and cliffs, everywhere along the Adriatic coast.
Below are descriptions of Lastovo, Vis, Solta, and Hvar islands. These are all very quiet and relaxing places which are perfect for your escape from everyday life.
Lastovo Island
Although geographically Lastovo does not belong to Central but to South Dalmatia, this outermost island is an absolutely stunning realm of solitude and peace.
Due to its distance from the mainland Lastovo Island seems isolated, like it plunges into the blue sky and open sea. It is 10 km long and 5.8 km wide, with a total area of 56.2 km2.
The Romans called it the Imperial Island because of its numerous fields, rich forests, beautiful islets and rocks that surround it, countless hidden coves and an abundance of sea fish.
This peaceful island is the ideal refuge for anyone looking for complete relaxation, without massively crowded beaches and vibrant nightlife. If you are looking for or an active holiday in untouched nature, Lastovo is the right getaway island for you.
The island of Lastovo and the archipelago around it, immersed in the sea, is far away from the mainland and therefore far away from any “pollution” caused by artificial lighting. Anyone who has been here will testify that nowhere else they have seen a night sky so spotted with stars. Millions of stars… leaving the observer breathless.
Reaching Lastovo island:
- From Split by car ferry in low season and high season.
- From Split by fast catamaran, only foot passengers.
- From Dubrovnik by fast catamaran, only foot passengers.
Vis island
My proposal for a tranquil getaway in Central Dalmatia wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the island of Vis.
It’s another southern beauty, an island that has always challenged the curiosity of many visitors who enjoy generous natural beauty rich in vineyards and olive groves, luxurious stone houses preserved from the past, and most of all numerous lonely beaches and sea caves.
The most alluring attractions of the island of Vis are its sea caves and secluded beaches scattered all over the island.
The most famous is Blue Cave, which is located on the eastern side of the island Bisevo. Bisevo island is 5 km south-west of the island of Vis.
Cave’s peculiarity lies in the sun’s rays penetrating through an underwater opening, illuminating the cave with magnificent dark blue color.
Don’t spend your holiday on Vis just bathing, sunbathing, or trying the gastronomic delights. There’s plenty of activities and day trips on Vis island to make your trip eventful and memorable, and Vis is equally ideal for solo travelers or family vacations.
Besides the numerous excursions (Blue Cave, Green Cave, Queen’s Cave, a visit to former military areas as well as a visit to the remote open-sea islands such as Svetac, Palagruza, Brusnik), Vis island offers many outdoors activities like walking on well marked paths, biking, diving, and particularly recommended kayaking as the best way to explore the island. You can find more ideas for activities on my dedicated Vis island page!
The reason for choosing this island as a perfect escape to Central Dalmatia is the island’s atmosphere, significantly different from the islands of Hvar, Brac and Korcula. Its value is primarily in the pristine nature and simplicity of living even through the most chaotic tourist periods.
It also important to emphasize much lower prices for all kinds of accommodation on this island and very good car ferry or fast catamaran connections from Split capital.
You can compare accommodation prices in Vis and Komiza town, the principal island’s towns.
With affordable accommodation pricing and far less tourists compared to some other islands or towns, Vis island can make a wonderfully relaxing destination.
Solta island
The nearest quiet getaway destination in Central Dalmatia is the small Solta island, only one hour by boat from Split city.
You will be surprised how this tiny island can be an ideal shelter for everyone who loves small fishing villages which kept the original spirit of Dalmatia as it used to be. Even emperor Diocletian was in love with Solta, and regarded the island as a good place to find a peaceful place.
In one of the island bays (near Necujam village), Emperor also instituted fish farming ponds with his summer residence. Today some fish pond rests are visible at the bottom of the bay entrance.
Solta island can be a perfect getaway island in Central Dalmatia but on the other hand, being only a step away from Split, it’s also an ideal place if you are longing for some famous Split nightlife venues.
Hvar
You may be surprised with my idea of Hvar as a top place for a calm island getaway in Croatia. Many consider Hvar (town) only as a fashionable center of celebrity visitors with numerous cocktail beach bars and private luxury beaches.
While the above is true, Hvar is much more than that. Hvar is a rich treasure trove of botanical splendor, particularly the lavender fields and famous Pakleni islands with numerous secluded beaches.
Visiting all the treasures and particularities of the island including its beaches can easily take a whole week, but I assure you all lovers of solitude and silence can find the right place for relaxing holidays on Hvar island.
My personal advice is, don’t miss Hell’s islands (Pakleni islands) on your trip to Central Dalmatia. If you’re looking for a quiet and relaxing vacation spot, these islands are perfection.
If you decide to visit Central Dalmatia and Hvar, and because this town and island are often considered expensive (rightfully so), here are some special offers for your stay in Hvar town!
Hotel Palace:
Hotel Palace is the oldest hotel in Hvar, a grand dame framed by Gothic and renaissance architecture.
- Double room sea view standard, bed & breakfast 3 beds – pricing from € 73,20
- Double room standard sea side single use with bed & breakfast – starts at € 65,20
You can check availability and book here.
Dalmacija Hvar Villa Hotel:
Hotel Dalmatia, 3 stars hotel is located in small bay not far from downtown.
- Double room single use standard garden view with BB – prices from € 39,90
- Double room standard garden view with bed & breakfast – starts at € 47,80 per night 2 persons.
You can check availability in Hotel Dalmacija and book here.
