This is a tour through the Dalmatian interior, also known as Zagora. Zagora translates to "behind the hills." The Dinaric Alps separate the interior from the Croatian coast. Zagora is characterized by its beautiful scenery. The green valleys, high mountains, and rivers characterize the "other side" of Croatia.

Split
Your route begins in Split. There's no shortage of sights here, and you can easily spend a few days exploring the city. Highlights include the gardens surrounding the Peristyle, the Cathedral of St. Dominic, the Temple of Jupiter, and the Golden Gate. It's a maze of narrow streets and alleys that will leave you speechless! You can climb the cathedral's bell tower for one of the best views of the city. And in the mausoleum, you can admire magnificent frescoes and numerous wood carvings.

Burdock
After refueling, take the road northeast. Where the outskirts of Split give way to the village of Klis, a mighty fortress sits on a hill. This remarkable fortress served as a defensive structure during the Middle Ages. Both the fortress and the village have a rich history dating back 2,000 years. From the castle, you also have a magnificent view of the landscape, with vineyards, and the Adriatic Sea. The main reason for many tourists to visit the fortress is its role in the series Game of Thrones. The fortress is a frequent filming location in the series.

Dugopolje (coffee break)
In the center of the bustling town, you'll find a few coffee shops where you can enjoy a cup of coffee. Nearby, there's a cave on private property that's worth exploring. The Vranjaca Cave is still relatively unknown. It's located in the village of Kotlenice, a short distance from Dugopolje. In the past, the Vranjaca Cave served as a shelter for hunters, as evidenced by the wall paintings. During a visit, you'll follow the route past beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, and unique wall paintings. If it's quiet, the owner will give you a tour and tell you all about the history of this unique attraction.

Nutjak
Built in the late 15th century, the fortress reflects strategic efforts to protect the region from ongoing threats. As military strategies evolved, Nutjak's importance declined. Today, the ruins of Nutjak fortress, with its large round tower and the remains of living quarters, underscore its historical significance. Archaeological findings suggest the site was important even in prehistoric times, making Nutjak a symbol of regional resilience and a testament to the complex history of Croatian defense against various enemies.

Sinj (lunch break)
One of the most popular activities in Sinj is the Sinjska Alka (Sinj Alka). The Sinjska Alka is a horse-riding competition held every Sunday in August. Thousands of tourists flock to this unique event each year. During the event, 17 knights on horseback compete in a ring. This medieval festival and tradition is a must-see during a holiday in Zagora. The town naturally boasts a castle on a hill—actually two on two hills, and again with a view.

Lake Peruca
At 20 km long, Lake Peruč is the largest lake in Croatia. The lake is a haven for water sports enthusiasts. Beneath the water lies a centuries-old monastery and three small villages. Occasionally, when the water level is very low, you can see part of the monastery peeking out above the water. Lake Peruč is the second-largest artificial lake in Croatia (after Lake Dubrava) and was created as a result of the construction of a dam and power plant on the Cetina River.

Cetina (church)
The area around the source of the Cetina River, with the Church of St. Spasa, is known as the oldest sacral monument of early medieval church architecture in Croatia. It is also the only church from the 9th century whose tower still stands. Nearly 1,200 ancient Croatian graves containing rich archaeological finds have been discovered around this church. The most valuable piece is a gilded censer belonging to the missionaries who baptized Croatians at the end of the 8th and beginning of the 9th century.

The Cetina spring
The mysterious thing about this blue hole is that it has never been precisely measured. Divers and the Croatian Nature Institute have taken measurements and reached a depth of 155 meters, but that was far from the bottom. The water of the karst spring of the Cetina River shimmers in various shades of blue and green. The crystal-clear water reveals its infinite depth. If you stand in front of the spring, you can see the water being carried away by a small stream. It's so remarkable that this is the beginning of a gigantic river that flows through a large part of Croatia.

Drniš (drink stop)
The town of Drniš, with its approximately 10,000 inhabitants, has a long and turbulent history. For centuries, the town was the scene of conflict between various religions. You'll find well-preserved medieval fortresses, churches, and traditional architecture. The town is known for its Drniški pršut (Croatian prosciutto), local wines, and the legacy of the famous sculptor Ivan Meštrović, who was born here. Want an epic view of Drniš, the surrounding foothills, and mountains? Then head to Drniš Fortress, Gradina. It sits 344 meters above the Čikola Canyon.

Sibenik (end point)
As the third-largest city in Dalmatia, Šibenik is a destination for those interested in history, culture, and architecture. It's less well-known as a holiday destination than many other towns along the Croatian coast, but it's certainly no less beautiful! Many of Croatia's towns have a long history and were founded by the Romans or the Greeks. This isn't the case with Šibenik; it was founded by the Croats themselves in the 9th century AD. They held it for two centuries until it was again conquered by the Hungarians in the 11th century. Then came the Venetians, the Byzantines, the Hungarians again, and the Italians. In 1991, Serbian troops attacked the city, forcing the Croats to defend it with all their might until 1995. So, you can understand why the Croats are very proud of Šibenik!
Šibenik has a long and turbulent history, in which its four fortresses have played a significant role. St. Ivan, St. Michael, St. Nicholas, and Barone Fortresses have effectively protected the city and its inhabitants over the years. The most beautiful fortress to visit is St. Michael's Fortress, whose location on the hill above the city offers stunning views of Šibenik!