Day Trip to Dalmatian Hinterland - Sibenik Countryside

In this blog, we`ll bring you closer to Dalmatian Hinterland, a part of Dalmatia ideal for a day trip and activities such as hiking, mountaineering, bicycling, rafting or just driving and admiring the rugged region. The word "Hinterland" in the Croatian language is “Zagora” meaning “behind the hill”. This name perfectly describes the region, sheltered from the sea with hills and mountains.

Where is Dalmatia Hinterland

Just a half-hour drive from Dalmatian tourist centers like Split, Trogir, Sibenik, or Makarska, the Dalmatian Hinterland is a gem worth discovering.

Dalmatian Hinterland, author: Cacvina, source: Wikimedia Commons

The geographical area of Dalmatian Hinterland incorporates the southern inland area of Croatia region Dalmatia, separated from the narrow coastline by the mountain range of Kozjak, Mosor, Omiska Dinara, Biokovo, and Rilic to the south.

Dinara Mountain, author: Martin Broz, source: Wikimedia Commons

The highest mountain in Croatia, Dinara, makes the northern frontier that follows today’s international border between Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Krka River borders the region on the west and Neretva on the east.

Dalmatian Hinterland, source: Pixabay

Dalmatian Hinterland consists mainly of relatively low altitudes and small valleys with bare hills covered in thickets and low forests.

History of Dalmatia Hinterland

The name Dalmatia comes from the tribe Dalmatae.

According to historical sources, Dalmatae inhabited the area between the Krka and Cetina rivers. Their capital was Delminium, which in Old Illyrian means "a place of grazing, pasture." Their name was preserved in the modern-day town of Tomislavgrad (also known among locals as Dumno or Duvno). In Albanian, Delme or Dalme still means sheep.

This region was part of the Roman province Illyricum, later renamed Dalmatia after the warlike and fierce tribe of Delmatians.

After the Roman Empire collapsed, this region was at the borders of great empires (Holly Roman Empire and Byzantium, the Austro–Habsburg monarchy, and the Ottoman Empire). Map of Illyric tribes, author: Hxseek, source: English Wikipedia

For this blog, we`ll divide it into three parts.

Firstly, we will introduce the western part of the Dalmatian Hinterland which is ideal for a day trip from Sibenik. It is positioned between river Krka on the west and the Dinara mountain range on the north. A larger population area is around the towns of Drnis, Vrlika, and Knin.

In our second blog, we describe Split Hinterland. It's the middle part of the Dalmatian Hinterland and the towns of Sinj and Trilj. It's best to visit this region on a day trip from Split.

Finally, in our third blog, we visit the eastern part of the Dalmatian Hinterland with the towns of Imotski and Vrgorac. It's also known as the Makarska Hinterland.

Sibenik Hinterland

A day trip to the western part of Dalmatian Hinterland should include Krka Waterfalls National Park and Visovac Island.

Krka Waterfalls

Other locations you should not miss are the towns of Drnis, Vrlika, and Knin. Each has a lot to offer to its guests.

Krka Waterfalls National Park

Krka Waterfalls National Park consists of seven waterfalls. The most famous and photographed is Skradinski Buk. You'll experience an immensely rich flora and fauna, and breathtaking scenery.

Krka Waterfalls

You can find around 860 plant species and 222 bird species here which puts Krka Waterfalls National Park on the map of most valuable ornithology places in Europe.

Chimney Bellflower,author H. Zell, source: Wikimedia Commons

Well-marked trails all around the park are ideal for hiking and bicycling. Boat tours on the Krka River are also an excellent way to explore the park.

For more information about Krka Waterfalls National Park please read our blog “Worth a visit: Krka Waterfalls National Park in Croatia.”

Visovac Island

While visiting Krka Waterfalls National Park stop by Visovac Island.

Island Visovac, source: Pixabay

This small island has a beautiful 17th-century Franciscan monastery and museum. The monastery keeps a very valuable collection of books, works of art, and various other documents.

Skradinski buk waterfall source: Pixabay

You can take a boat excursion from Skradinski buk, including a 30-minute island tour.

Drnis

Drnis, author: gorchfin, source: Wikimedia Commons

The small town of Drnis is half an hour from Sibenik, surrounded by Promina, Svilaja, and Mosec mountains.

Drnis Attractions

Gradina Fortress, author: Roberta F., source: Wikimedia Commons

A day trip to Drnis should include a visit to Gradina Fortress which offers a great view over the parts of Drnis and the Cikola River canyon.

Mausoleum of Ivan Mestrovic, source: Pixabay

The Mausoleum of Ivan Mestrovic, a famous Croatian sculptor whose works are placed worldwide, is located 10 minutes by car outside Drnis.

Burnum Amphitheater, author: Carole Raddato, source: Wikimedia Commons

Old Roman town Burnum, originating from a Roman military camp, with an arena, is a 30-minute drive from Drnis.

Zipline, source: Pixabay

If you want a more adrenaline-fused visit to Drnis, we recommend a zip line over Cikola River Canyon or exploring the canyon on foot.

Exploring the Cikola Canyon and river bed is available only during summer when the river bed is dry. Visitors also enjoy cycling or hiking on Promina Mountain.

What to Eat in Drnis

After all the fun activities, try out some of the local delicacies in one of the restaurants in the Sibenik hinterland.

We warmly recommend Konoba Vinko, an excellent local tavern listed in a Michelin guide.

Prosciutto

If you find yourself in the Drnis area, you absolutely must try Drnis prosciutto and sheep milk cheese. Sheep cheese is preserved for approximately two months in a bag of specially processed sheep skin to ferment. This process gives its unique taste.

Interestingly, Drnis prosciutto was served at the Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation celebration in 1952. For the Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years on the throne, prosciutto was sent as a gift to the Queen and a letter of thanks from Her Majesty is kept in Drnis City Museum.

Vrlika

The picturesque town of Vrlika is nicely nestled between the Svilaja and Dinara mountains.

Vrlika and Prozor Fortress, author: BiljanaST, source: Wikimedia Commons

In recent years, it has become more popular among tourists seeking untouched nature and a more active vacation. It is a half-hour drive from Drnis and an hour-and-a-half drive from Split.

Vrlika Attractions

We recommend a visit to the Cetina River spring. This 115-meter deep spring is called the “Eye of the Earth” because of the shape and colors that flow through the crystal-clear water.

Cetina river spring, author: Mladen Bozickovic, source: Wikimedia Commons

A newly built lookout point above the spring lets you observe the spring from a bird`s eye view and take spectacular photos to share with your family and friends.

Cetina river spring

The oldest pre-Romanic church in Croatia, the Church of Holy Salvation, is a short walk from the Cetina River spring.

Church of Holy Salvation, author: Stjepko Krehula, source: Wikimedia Commons

It was built in the 9th century. This church is also the only pre-Schism church constructed with a bell tower which is still standing.

Towering above Vrlika, fortress Prozor offers impressive views over the surrounding area. It was built in the 14th and 15th centuries as a defense against the Ottomans.

From here you have an undisturbed view of Peruca Lake and Dinara Mountain.

Dinara Mountain, author: Inatan, source: Wikimedia Commons

Dinara is surely the most impressive landmark of Vrlika.

It is part of the Dinaric Alps, stretching from Slovenia towards Albania in the west-east direction. The highest peak Troglav at 1913 meters is in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Highest peak on the Croatian side is Sinjal (also called Dinara) at 1831 meters.

The easiest route to the top is from Glavas, near Kijevo, which takes about 4-5 hours (one way). Once there, the views and surroundings are absolutely mesmerizing.

The area around Vrlika is ideal for a weekend getaway or one-day trip filled with many outdoor activities such as hiking, bicycling, mountaineering, horseback riding, fishing, and hunting.

What to Eat in Vrlika

You can expect fresh and seasonal ingredients while visiting the Dalmatian Hinterland and Vrlika is no different.

If you visit Vrlika, try the Vrlicki donut. It's considered a culinary trademark of the Vrlika area.

Knin

Knin, the region's administrative center, is a one-hour drive from Sibenik. Since the early medieval period, Knin has been of great importance because of its position as a crossroad leading from the hinterland to the coast.

Knin Fortress, author: Aleksandar Topuzović, source: Wikimedia Commons

Knin's nickname will reveal its importance as history books often call it "The Royal Town", "The Key to Croatia" or "The Gate to Dalmatia".

Knin Attractions

For a day trip to Knin, you should definitely climb the Knin Fortress.

At 345 meters above sea level and some 100 meters above Knin, it's the second-largest military fortification in Europe preserved to this day. Offering amazing views over Knin and surroundings Knin Fortress also includes a museum, exhibition galleries, and a restaurant.

The view from Knin Fortress, author: SmirnofLeary, source: Wikimedia Commons

The Days of Zvonimir is a medieval reenactment of life in this region during the 11thcentury. In the days of manifestation, the locals and visitors learn about the rich history of Knin through various workshops and local handcraft activities.

River rafting, source: Pixabay

If you are more inclined to spend a day in nature, you are at the right place. The Knin surroundings are ideal for outdoor activities.

Krcic waterfall, author: Gaytom1983, source: Wikimedia Commons

Bicycling along the Krkcic River and admire the amazing Krcic Waterfall.

Hiking on Dinara mountain, author: ZovkoM, source: Wikimedia Commons

Take a hike across Dinara mountain or visit the spring of Krka River on foot or by bicycle while visiting Knin.

What to Eat in Knin

Knin's gastronomy is mostly based on meat dishes as it's a continental town.

Grilled trout, source: Pixabay

If you choose Knin for a day trip, try local specialties such as Count stew and grilled trout.

Luxury Accommodation in Sibenik Area

Of course, If you want to experience this part of Dalmatia, we recommend staying at one of the luxury villas in the Sibenik area.

Villa Silence

Luxury Villa Silence with a Heated Pool is one of the best luxury accommodations in the area.

Located near Sibenik, this luxurious mansion is an excellent starting point for unveiling the beauties of the Dalmatian Hinterland.

Villa Silence

Hopefully, this short guide on what to see and do in the Dalmatian Hinterland while vacationing in the Sibenik area will provide you with the best possible experience.

Be sure to write back and share your impressions with us.