Croatia - South Dalmatia by Jan Skov

South Dalmatia has been a main road and a cross road for centuries, when armies and nations have moved north-south or east-west. This is apparent in people, culture and the architecture. You will find all sorts here, Nordic, Greek, Italian, German and remains from cultures that span from ancient Greek, to Roman, Italian and French.

The narrow coastline is bordered by massive mountains with few entrances to the interior. Looking at a map, you may wonder about the borders, but on seeing the landscape itself, you can understand why the coastal zone and the islands have developed a culture of their own, where food, songs and traditions sometimes remind you of Italy.
 

There is not much real tourist industry here and may there never be! The friendly people regard tourists as guests, and since they themselves have no need for golf courses and adventure parks, it has never crossed their mind that it should be part of a holiday experience. They are very aware and proud of their beautiful country and clean sea, and will expect you to be content with that too.

There are tourist attractions and sightseeing buses on the road, but they seem to concentrate on the larger attractions like Dubrovnik and Ston. Recently it has also dawned on the local people that many visitors are as interested in wine as they are themselves, and a “wine street” is under preparation on Peljesac Peninsular, where they grow a very interesting indigenous grape called Plavac Mali. It is believed to be the mother of the better known Zinfandel.
 

The lack of tourist “traps” is sometimes a little bit too much. You may drive past remains of roman villas, Illyrian burial grounds and fortifications used and re-used for centuries – and there is not a single description or sign. But then - how much more exciting, isn’t it, to make the discovery yourself; when you tell your host about what you have found, he will probably just say “oh yes, this is everywhere”, and will wonder why you don’t spend more time on the beach.
 

Even if you do agree with your host and want to spend your time swimming, snorkelling and relaxing, there is one place you absolutely must see. Byron called it the "Pearl of the Adriatic", and it is a miracle that Dubrovnik has survived in its present state since medieval times. The old town is unique, and is crawling with visitors in the summer, but even if it has a long tourist tradition with museums, festivals, taverns and restaurants, you will find that everything blends in beautifully with the original architecture, the Adriatic Sea and surrounding mountains. Bernard Shaw said: "Those who look for a paradise on earth should come to Dubrovnik". Please go and see for yourself.
 

 

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