Central Dalmatia, with its unique blend of turquoise sea and rugged mountainous interior, has once again come into the global spotlight, this time thanks to the pen of the esteemed American magazine Forbes. In a comprehensive travelogue article titled "Away In Dalmatia, On Shore And Into The Mountains," journalist John Mariani did not limit himself to the well-known coastal postcards but provided readers with a deep insight into the authentic spirit and richness that this part of Croatia offers. His journey covered not only the pearls of the Makarska Riviera but also the hidden gems of the Dalmatian hinterland, such as Sinj and Imotski, creating a story that transcends a classic summer report and invites year-round exploration.

The preserved authenticity of the coast and hinterland

Mariani leads his readers on a journey that begins on the coast, highlighting Makarska as a vibrant center of the riviera, but places special emphasis on Brela. It is the Punta Rata beach, with its distinctive rock covered in pine trees, that is described as one of the most beautiful pebble gems not only of the Adriatic but of the world. He did not fail to evoke the idyllic scenes of the crystal-clear sea lapping against white pebbles, while dense pine trees provide natural shade, creating a perfect balance of sun and shadow. This beach, a multiple award winner and often included in lists of the world's most beautiful beaches, becomes a symbol in the Forbes article of the untouched nature and Mediterranean tranquility that tourists increasingly seek.

However, what makes the article special is the skillful intertwining of stories from the sea with those from the interior. The author recognized that the true soul of Central Dalmatia lies in the synergy of the coast and the Zagora, two worlds that complement each other and form a whole. The trip to the interior is described as a journey into the heart of the region, where tradition is proudly preserved and natural phenomena are breathtaking.

Imotski and Sinj: Gems of the Dalmatian Hinterland

In his exploration of the Dalmatian hinterland, Mariani reflected with special admiration on Imotski and its two natural wonders – the Blue and Red Lake. These two karst phenomena are described not only as geological curiosities but as places shrouded in mystery and local legends. The Red Lake, one of the deepest karst lakes in the world, whose bottom is still considered insufficiently explored, fascinated him with its mystique and steep red cliffs. On the other hand, the Blue Lake, a favorite swimming spot for the people of Imotski, which dries up during dry periods and on whose bottom football is traditionally played, is depicted as a living monument to the coexistence of man and nature. Through these descriptions, Imotski is presented not just as a stopover, but as a destination that offers a unique experience and a glimpse into undiscovered Dalmatia.

His journey then took him to Sinj, a city that breathes history and pride. The central motif of the visit to Sinj was, of course, the Sinjska alka, a knightly tournament held every year to commemorate the victory over the Ottoman army in 1715. Mariani was impressed not only by the attractiveness of the competition itself but also by the deep historical roots and the meaning the Alka holds for the local population. He described the proud alkars in their magnificent uniforms, the clatter of horses' hooves, and the tension of the moment when they aim for the alka with their lances. The fact that the Sinjska alka is inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list further emphasized its value and importance, presenting it as a supreme cultural experience that transcends the framework of a local event.

Gastronomy as a blend of tradition and modernity

An indispensable part of the journey was the region's gastronomic offer, which the Forbes journalist rated as an outstanding blend of tradition and contemporary culinary approaches. Visits to local restaurants and konobas, both on the coast and in the hinterland, revealed to him a wealth of flavors based on fresh, local ingredients. The philosophy of food preparation that relies on heritage was highlighted – from grilled fish and seafood in the Makarska area to the specialties of the Dalmatian hinterland such as arambašići, uštipci, and the widely known Dalmatian pašticada. He particularly praised the authenticity of the "konobas," places where food is served not just as a meal, but as part of a ritual and socializing. Through descriptions of the food, Mariani managed to convey the experience of Dalmatia as a region that offers a sincere and genuine welcome, where every bite tells a story of the climate from which it comes.

Active holiday in the embrace of Biokovo and the Adriatic

The article also devoted significant attention to the possibilities for an active holiday, recognizing Central Dalmatia as an ideal destination for all those seeking more than just lying on the beach. The spectacular massif of the Biokovo mountain, which rises directly above the Makarska Riviera, is described as a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Numerous hiking and mountaineering trails leading to impressive viewpoints, offering unforgettable views of the islands and the coast, were highlighted as one of the key advantages of the region. Attractive coastal promenades and the increasingly popular cycling routes connecting the sea with the interior were also mentioned. Such a portrayal further positions the region as a destination that offers a dynamic and fulfilling holiday throughout the year.

Confirmation of quality and a boost for tourism

A publication in a medium with a global reach like Forbes, whose website records about 78 million readers per month, has immeasurable promotional significance. Leila Krešić-Jurić, director of the Croatian National Tourist Board representation in the United States, emphasized that this article is an additional confirmation of the quality of the Croatian tourist offer. According to her, such publications not only promote already known coastal destinations but also draw attention to less explored areas like the Dalmatian hinterland, which are increasingly attracting guests eager for authentic experiences. This is an incentive for the further promotion of Croatia as a country of exceptional natural beauty, rich history, and superb gastronomy.

The US market, from which the largest number of long-haul guests to Croatia comes, shows continuous growth. In the year to date in 2025, American tourists have made more than 496,000 arrivals and 1.4 million overnight stays. These figures represent a significant increase of 11% in arrivals and overnight stays compared to the same period last year. The greatest interest from American guests was recorded in the Split-Dalmatia and Dubrovnik-Neretva counties, while cities like Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb, Hvar, and Rovinj remain at the top of the list of most visited destinations. Positive trends and the media attention that Croatia receives in prestigious publications like Forbes provide strong optimism for the continuation of a successful tourism story.