About Dalmatia

Most Americans are not familiar with Dalmatia. For ages, it has been a prized region along the eastern Adriatic under a variety of flags. Today, it is Croatia's jewel and seaside province. The area comprises thousands of islands along the sparkling Adriatic coast, touching the slopes of the steep Dinaric Alps.

Dalmatia has been at the crossroads of culture, cuisine and politics. The environment has lent itself to simple, yet flavorful dishes that have nourished renowned tradesmen, such as Marco Polo, Saints, crusaders, Venetian Doges, Emperors and the present Pope. With its ideal Mediterranean climate, the area boasts delicious indigenous seafood, citrus goods, maraschino cherries, hearty olive oil, red wine, pure mountain water and bountiful livestock. For generations, Dalmatians have combined their culinary heritage and resources to exploit digestibility and simple preparation. They have perfected cooking techniques to include uncomplicated grilling, roasting and the use of whole foods that minimize the need for complex preparation, additives or fat.

First time visitors see first hand how the bountiful countryside and plentiful Adriatic have lent itself to superior cuisine. They find a variety of local dishes, prepared with the freshest of ingredients, including indigenous vegetables, virgin olive oils and wines. Dalmatia is rich in grains, game, dairy (including unique island cheeses), fresh seafood (John Dory), shellfish (mussels, clams) and lamb.

Visitors also note how the region's unique mixture of Latin and Slavic cultures have shaped its beautiful landscape, people, architecture, culture and cuisine. This colorful mélange has complimented Dalmatia's centuries-old recipes steeped in Roman, Venetian and Eastern European cooking methods. Dalmatian cooking remains today rich in flavor from its past and present, but continuously simple, whole and healthful.

Many, including The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, Matt Laurer and GQ Magazine have called the Dalmatian Coast the "New Riviera."

World renowned Oceanographer, Jacques Cousteau, proclaimed the Adriatic so crystal clear, that it may be the cleanest sea in the Mediterranean.

With its perfect climate, clean water, and centuries of culinary artistry, it is no surprise that the finest food products originate and are cultivated along the coast of Croatia.

Dalmatia Photos

Zadar Skyline	TerraFirma Gate, Zadar	Borik, Ceraria
Calle Larga, Zadar	Dalmatian Sunset	Courtesy of PhotoCroatia
Our Canine Cousin	Courtesy of PhotoCroatia	Courtesy of PhotoCroatia
Courtesy of PhotoCroatia	Courtesy of PhotoCroatia	Nana's school: Liceo
Adriatic Sailing	Sailing Zadar	Courtesy of PhotoCroatia
Piazza Dining	Courtesy of PhotoCroatia