Dalmatia Beer Map

When you first think of Croatia, you think of the Dalmatian coast. Sapphire water, pebbly beaches, warm Mediterranean climate and isolated islands bring thousands of tourists here every summer. The old white walls of the fortresses in Dubrovnik and Sibenik, and the views they have over the blue sea, are unforgettable.

However, in the words of one of Zagreb’s craft bar owners, Dalmatia is a “craft beer desert.” The average tourist is fine with a skunky Ozujko lager or a glass of white wine (I’ll take the wine), but a hardcore beer geek will feel lost. In particular, heavy stouts and porters don’t favor the hot climate, so most breweries stick to light, drinkable lagers.

If you are thirsting for a decent beer, you’ll need a car to travel around the Dalmatian coast. Zadar and Split, the large cities, are the best places to start. Yet some small towns, like Tisno, have hidden gems. Brewpubs are quite common, so try to pair a spicy Saison with some fresh seafood.

If you have 48 hours to drive around Dalmatia, click here for a suggested craft beer tour.

If you have more time to spend around Dalmatia, here’s a list of the craft beer bars, brewpubs and breweries in the area. Below, is an interactive map with their locations.