Camino Central Dalmatia opens – Croatia’s new pilgrimage route joins European network

Camino Central Dalmatia

A centuries-old European pilgrimage tradition has found a new home in Central Dalmatia. On Saturday, a symbolic walk from Kaštel Sućurac to Kaštel Štafilić will mark the official opening of the Camino Central Dalmatia – a new leg of the famed Camino de Santiago route.

This new 127-kilometre route stretches from Cista Velika and the Camino Imota region, passing through Trilj, Sinj, Dugopolje, Klis, Kaštela, and Seget, before reaching Marina. From there, it connects with the wider Camino network towards Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

“Camino in Croatia is more than just a path – it’s a return to our roots, a chance for spiritual renewal, and an important cultural and tourism project,” said Marija Pražen, project coordinator from the Brotherhood of St. James Croatia. “This route places Croatia on the official Camino map of Europe and offers Central Dalmatia a path that links people, faith, history, and nature. We hope it brings peace and blessings to all who walk it.”

Pražen also expressed gratitude to all involved, especially the Archdiocese and local partners, for their continued support and future care for pilgrims.

Camino Central Dalmatia

The Camino Central Dalmatia has been developed through close collaboration between the tourist boards of Kaštela and Sinj, the municipalities of Klis, Dugopolje, Seget, and Marina, and under the expert guidance of the Brotherhood of St. James Croatia.

This organisation leads the Camino Croatia initiative and is a member of the Federation of Camino Europe Compostela, which oversees the preservation and revival of St. James’ routes across Europe.

Camino de Santiago, or the Way of St. James, has brought pilgrims together from across the continent for centuries, guiding them towards the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. Croatia was historically a part of this network, and with the opening of this new route, that heritage is being revived.

Camino Central Dalmatia

The Camino Central Dalmatia includes seven recommended stages connecting inland Dalmatia with the coast, passing through historical sites, churches, and the region’s stunning natural landscapes. However, pilgrims are encouraged to walk at their own pace, with no set timeline – some may complete it faster than others.

Throughout the journey, pilgrims can collect stamps in their pilgrim passport, which grants access to specially priced accommodation with registered “Pilgrim-Friendly” hosts. At the end of the route, the passport can be presented to receive the Compostela – the official certificate of completion.

Camino Central Dalmatia

Accommodation providers wishing to host pilgrims, especially during the off-season, can register their property for free on the official Camino website. Once registered, their listings will be available to the growing number of international and domestic pilgrims walking the Croatian Camino routes.

To register, visit the following link:
https://forms.gle/4t12m8Ts9nmXefpZ9