Split is the second-largest city in Croatia. It faces the sparkling Adriatic Sea with mountains for a backdrop. Always buzzing, Split has the perfect balance of tradition and modern life. You can relax and wander around the city at your own pace.
The city offers some of the best ruins dating back to the Roman Empire, a bustling waterfront, and fresh seafood. The maze of narrow alleys is sprinkled with boutiques, restaurants, and galleries. It is also Dalmatia’s nautical and transport hub, for trips to Hvar, Vis, Brac and Korcula, which is the reason most yachts start or end their cruise in Split.
Split is the perfect place to witness real Dalmatian life.
The best time to visit Split is from April to June and September to November. In the summer, the city gets very busy. If you have no other option but to visit during the peak season, expect higher prices, hot weather, and more crowds.
Split Old Town is a cultural and historical center in Croatia. It received its UNESCO World Heritage classification in 1979. The Old Town is compact with small alleys, rich in winding streets, and imploding with with history. Get up early and you can see most everything.
A UNESCO heritage site, the Diocletian’s Palace ruins are still in use by the residents. Approximately 3000 people still live within the walls of the palace. This massive complex sits in the center of the Old Town of Split and over the centuries, the city of Split has grown around the palace.
Entrance to the Diocletian’s Palace is free. Paying to explore the substructure of the palace, the Bell Tower, and others is well worth it. This allows you to explore the massive vaulted substructures where dragons were kept as well as Daenerys’ throne room for Game of Thrones.
Try to also visit at nighttime when everything is magically lit.
The cathedral was built as a mausoleum for the Emperor Diocletian. The cathedral is made up of two parts, the church and the famous Bell Tower. Inside the church there are alters dedicated to Croatian icons.
The top of the Bell Tower stands at 57 meters. As the tallest building in the area you get a 360-degree unimpeded view of the entire Split area. The entrance fee for the bell tower is about 5 EUR and it takes about 10 minutes to climb up the spiral staircase.
Riva Promenade makes it easy to access all of Old Town as it spans the length of the Old Town and Diocletian’s Palace. The promenade is lined with palm trees and features many restaurants, cafés, and bench seating on the edge of the harbor.
It is the quintessential spot to have a drink, coffee, ice cream, or a great spot to relax in the shade while doing some serious people watching.
Located outside the Golden Gate is the iconic statue of the 10th century bishop, Grgur Ninski, created by the renowned Croatian sculptor, Ivan Meštrović. Grgur Ninski was an important figure, who fought for the right to conduct his religious ceremonies in the old Croatian language.
Not only is this statue famous for Ninski’s good work, but visitors from all over the world stop by to rub Ninski’s big toe for good luck!
Just to the west of Old Town is Marjan Hill. It is popular with the locals for walking, running, cycling, and rock-climbing. It is a peaceful spot to escape the hustle and bustle.
A short walk to the base of the trail, you can either relax at the café bar overlooking Split Harbor or continue onward and upwards on a 30 minute walk to the top. Once you reach the top you are rewarded with a panoramic view of the city center.
Klis Fortress, a short drive northeast of Split, was built into a limestone cliff and offers beautiful views of Split and the Adriatic Sea. This fortress might look familiar to Game of Thrones fans. It was the location where Daenerys freed the slaves from their masters.
Here are a few beaches located near in Split:
- Bačvice beach · located 1.1 km from the city center · ideal for children and non-swimmers · playground, paddleboat, and volleyball · little shade · several bars and restaurants
- Firule beach · located 1.6 km from the city center · beach bar · no rentals · shower and changing cabins
- Jezinac beach · located 1.6 km from the city center · beach bar serves refreshments · shower · no rentals · not much shade
- Kasjuni beach · located 3.6 km from the city center · row of trees provides some shade · showers · no rentals · beach bar
- Znjan beach · located 8 km southeast from the city center · under construction and not accessible to bathers for the 2024 season
To read more detailed information on top beaches in Split is click here.
No matter which beach you choose to visit, don’t forget your water shoes.
Speedo Women’s Water Shoe Surfknit Pro · Engineered to offer the ultimate support, breathability and comfort · For my beach wear in Croatia these water shoes saved my feet
Split’s most eccentric attraction is a small museum of amphibians. The collection consists of 507 European stuffed frogs within 21 exhibits. The collection, a legacy of a Hungarian taxidermist named Ferenc Mere, dates back to 1910. The stuffed frogs are thematically displayed in various everyday situations.
The Pirja Fountain, also known as Figa i Pirija, is located on Marmontova Street in Split. Designed by the renowned Croatian sculptor Kažimir Hraste, the Pirja Fountain is a bronze sculpture of a clenched hand with the thumb positioned between the index and middle fingers. This particular hand gesture, known as the “figa” sign represents resilience. Since 1988, when the fountain was unveiled it has become a beloved landmark of Split.
Near Old Town and Riva is Gelateria Marmont. They offer vegan ice cream flavors: mango, pineapple/lime, strawberry, and dark chocolate. They also have vegan cones. Delicious!
Everyone knows pizza originally came from Italy, however Croatians have deliciously adopted this poor man’s concoction. Bakra was recommended as the best pizza in Split by one of the deckhands on our ship. I can say it did not disappoint. The crust was thin and slightly crunchy. The balance of tomato sauce and mozzarella was perfect. The most popular Dalmatian pizza, the “pizza capricciosa”, comes with tomato sauce, oregano, cheese, baked ham, and mushrooms.
Split was the final port of our 8-day small yacht cruise and the perfect way to end our time in Croatia. The city offered a glimpse of true Croatian life.
Until next time…
· izzy
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