Castles and fortresses of the Croatian coast

The Croatian coast was fought over for two thousand years — by Illyrians, Romans, Venetians, Ottomans and Habsburgs — and every commanding hill and harbour mouth still carries the stone to prove it. These are the castles and fortresses worth the climb.

Klis Fortress, above Split

The most dramatic of them all: a fortress strung along a rocky ridge in the pass behind Split, controlling the only inland route for centuries. It held off a Mongol army in 1242 and was a Game of Thrones location (Meereen). A short bus ride from the city, with a panorama back over the coast.

Šibenik's four fortresses

Šibenik is ringed by forts. St Michael's crowns the old town and hosts summer concerts; Barone and St John's climb the hills behind; and out in the channel, the UNESCO-listed St Nicholas sea fort guards the entrance — one of the finest Renaissance fortifications on the Adriatic.

Kamerlengo, Trogir

The 15th-century Venetian Kamerlengo fortress anchors the corner of the UNESCO island-town of Trogir, a short hop from Split. Climb the walls for a view over the harbour and the old roofs.

Lovrijenac & the walls of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is one vast fortification. Beyond the famous city walls, Fort Lovrijenac rises on a sheer rock outside them (the Red Keep on screen), while Fort Imperial on Mount Srđ now holds the Homeland War museum — see our Dubrovnik museums guide.

Trsat, Hvar's Fortica and more

Above Rijeka, Trsat Castle gives the best view over the Kvarner bay. The Fortica (Spanjola) looks down on Hvar Town; the Venetian Kaštel crowns Pula; and inland, the huge Knin Fortress — one of the largest in Croatia — guards the old Dalmatian frontier.

The Walls of Ston

On the neck of the Pelješac peninsula, the Republic of Dubrovnik built a defensive wall nearly 5.5 km long to guard its precious salt pans — the longest fortified walls in Europe, and second in the world only to the Great Wall of China. You can walk the ramparts between Ston and Mali Ston, then reward yourself with Ston oysters and the centuries-old salt works below. An easy add-on to a Dubrovnik trip.

Most coastal fortresses involve a steep, exposed climb — go early or late, take water and a hat, and wear proper shoes. Many double as summer concert venues, so check what's on after dark.

Pair a fortress day with a base on the coast — browse our boutique stays across Croatia.