Perched on Croatia’s charming Dalmatian coast is Split, a vibrant coastal city that is considered a booming summer destination, drawing nearly a million travellers annually.
Split is arguably best known for its lively nightlife, party-oriented sailing boats, as well as the stunningly beautiful islands that are scattered around its coastline.
Sure, a party from time to time is fun, but this wasn’t my motive to visit Split.
Instead, I chose Split because it serves as a perfect base to explore the surrounding highlights, Including Krka National Park, Klis Fortress, as well as the islands of Hvar and Korcula.
Throw in the fact that it is home to the ‘picture-perfect’ Diocletian’s Palace and plenty of excellent stretches of beach, and Split makes an excellent base to start any Croatia itinerary.
In this guide, you’ll find my take on the best things to see and do in Split, including day trips, beaches and where to stay – perfect for three days of relaxing and exploring.
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Where is Split
Where to stay in Split
Split is the second-largest city in Croatia and extremely popular among travellers, resulting in a wide array of excellent accommodations, suiting any budget and travel style.
City hall apart&rooms | A cosy apartment only a short walk away from the action, offering spacious rooms, great design, air-conditioning and comfortable beds. Perfect for those who prefer staying just outside the city (Split is famed for its lively nightlife).
Ciri Biri Bela Boutique Hostel | Situated in the heart of the city, Ciri Biri Bela is a welcoming hostel that offers comfortable shared rooms for an excellent price. The hostel is spacious, has air-conditioning, and is surrounded by a great selection of the best things to do in Split. They also have an excellent restaurant in-house, so make sure you add breakfast to your booking.
Alternatively, use booking.com to find accommodations in Split.
9 Wonderful things to do in Split, Croatia
1. Marvel at the interior of Diclotian’s Palace
Built as an imperial residence and fortified town for Roman Emperor Diocletian, the eponymous Diocletian’s Palace is considered to be among the most majestic Roman structures in the world.
Dominating the heart of Split Old Town, the extraordinary palace still reveals the grandeur that it initially had, and wandering through its imposing interior feels as though you’ve stepped back in time.
The heart of all the action is the Peristyle, a large central square that is encircled by the palace’s most impressive structures, including the Cathedral of St. Dominus, Vestibule, the temple of Jupiter, as well as the entrance to the intriguing cellars of the palace.
Morning walks around Diocletian’s Palace were my absolute favourite thing to do in Split. There’s just something mesmerizing about wandering through what appears to be an open-air museum, showcasing the most impressive Greek and Byzantine architectural-style buildings.
It is, therefore no wonder that the ancient Palace is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
For the best experience, I highly recommend walking the palace just after sunrise, when the streets are still ‘relatively’ empty.
Where | Diocletian’s Palace, Split
Recommended tour | This 2-hour walking tour takes in the most impressive structures of the palace.
2. Admire the gushing waterfalls of Krka National Park
Croatia is home to some of Europe’s most fascinating National parks, and Krka National Park is in my opinion up there with the very best of ‘em.
Situated along the Krka River, only an hour away from Split lies the beautiful Krka National Park, an extensive, untouched nature reserve that has no shortage of gushing waterfalls, distinctive lakes, and rippling rapids & rivers.
The best known of these waterfalls is Skradinski Buk, a series of 17 waterfalls dotted over a roughly 800-meter stretch, all flowing in the direction of a large centrally positioned basin.
Unlike Plitvice Lakes National Park, it is still (until January 21) allowed to swim here, adding up to the excellence of the park. So, make sure to bring swimming gear.
But Krka National Park is so much more than its number one attraction.
It’s a park of sheer natural beauty, with several other points of interest that deserve equal recognition, including Roski Slap, Visovac Island, and the viewpoint at the Ozidana Pecina cave, just to mention a few.
Krka National Park makes the perfect day trip from Split and can be visited by yourself, or as part of an organized tour. I joined this Krka National Park + Sibenik tour, and was pretty pleased with how it turned out.
Where | Krka National Park
Opening hours | Daily 08:00 – 20:00 during high season, more information here
Cost | Entrance fee single 200 HRK (€26,50) per person | Groups 150 HRK (€20,-) per person
Tour | This day trip brings you to the best waterfalls at Krka National Park as well as Sibenik.
3. Take in the views from Marjan Hill
Perched on the edge of Split Old Town, overlooking the red roofs and white-washed walls that lay below, is Marjan Hill, a picturesque hill that is forested by lush cypress and Mediterranean pine trees.
Whether you’re after the most incredible panoramic views over Split, or just trying to escape the sounds of the city, Marjan Hill is beyond doubt your best bet.
The roughly 170-meter high hill is home to several excellent hiking trails, stunning viewpoints, and some of Split’s lesser-known landmarks, including the Jewish cemetery, Church of St. Nicholas, and Karepić’s Tower, which I unfortunately heard of once I left Split for Hvar.
In terms of the best viewpoint, I would recommend aiming for Marjan Hill’s first lookout, named Prva Vidilica Na Marjane. Here you’ll be spoiled by arguably the most charming view of Split.
Additionally, you could walk up to the summit that lies around 178 meters above sea level. But, don’t expect better views, as Split is mainly hidden behind a dense forest of pine trees from here.
Where | Marjan Hill, Split
4. Visit the Medieval Klis Fortress
Although the Klis Fortress is located slightly off the beaten path compared to other things to do in Split, I firmly believe this ancient stronghold deserves to be part of this guide.
Located on the edge of a steep cliff, rising above a gorge is the Klis Fortress, a medieval citadel that originates from the time that the Illyrian tribe Dalmatae was ruling the area.
Due to its strategic position, the fortress played an important role in the protection of Split, as well as controlling who had inland access to the Dalmatian coast.
As a result, there were many battles to conquer the stronghold throughout its turbulent history – it is said that the Klis fortress has been under Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, Venetian, and French rule, before the flag of the Republic of Croatia was raised in 1990.
Luckily, the fortress is now on peaceful ground, and offers well-preserved medieval architecture, as well as the most incredible panoramic view of both Split and the islands that are dotted throughout the Adriatic.
But despite its rich history, Klis fortress is best known for its role as slave city Meereen in HBO’s blockbuster series Game of Thrones, resulting in a tremendous gain in its popularity.
So whether you’re keen to learn about the fortress’s captivating history, or solely a huge GOT fan, a day trip to Klis fortress is one of the things you absolutely should be doing when in Split.
Where | Klis Fortress
Opening hours | Daily 09:00 – 22:00
Cost | Entrance fee 60 HRK (€5,30) per person
5. Try delicious contemporary cuisine at Fig Split
Nestled in a picturesque courtyard in the lively streets of Split Old Town lies Fig, a contemporary restaurant that is slowly becoming a fixture for travellers who visit Split.
After an active day of exploring the streets of Split Old Town and Klis Fortress, I was desperately in need of a nourishing meal, and after doing some proper research, I decided to pay Fig a visit.
It did not disappoint.
As soon as I arrived, I felt enthusiastic about Fig’s creative menu, and after a short chat with the friendly waitress, I decided to start with a glass of dense red wine, before inviting my dear friends Maaike and Sander to join.
It ended up becoming a true feast, where we sampled incredibly delicious Chimichurri Potatoes, savoury tomato and onion jam flatbread, and creamy chicken Korma.
Something we unanimously noticed, was the quality of the ingredients, as well as the distinctive flavours that were used to compose the dishes.
That said, if you ever find yourself tempted to give in to a random craving, make sure you have Fig in the back of your mind. You simply can’t go wrong here!
Where | FIG Split
Opening hours | Daily 10:00 – 14:00 and 18:00 – 22:00
6. Walk the pretty streets of Split Old Town
The old town (Dicoltians’s palace is obviously part of this) makes up Split’s most historic and picturesque area, and it’s where you’re likely to spend the majority of your time too.
Split Old Town, with its well-preserved Roman architecture and twisting laneways, is lively and abuzz, as well as home to a wide array of excellent cafes, bars, and restaurants.
Although I wouldn’t recommend using the map when you roam through the ‘picture-perfect’ streets of Split Old Town, there are two places that I want to bring to notice.
People’s Square | When wandering through the cobblestone streets of Old Town, you’ll inevitably stumble upon the popular People’s Square, a large open square that is packed with cafes and restaurants.
Surrounded by Venetian and Renaissance architecture, including a towering Romanesque clock, the Venetian-Gothic Cambi Palace, and the Town Hall building, the square really is a beautiful place to admire.
All this makes People’s Square the perfect place for an afternoon of drinks and people-watching.
Though I wouldn’t recommend eating here, as most restaurants sell overpriced food – plus you’ll discover way better options when strolling through the adjacent streets.
Let Me Pass Street | I often write about my affection for walking the narrow streets of an undiscovered place, and it felt as though it all built up to this particular moment.
Situated on the left of the temple of Jupiter is the Let Me Pass Street, a narrow alleyway that is considered the smallest street in the world, allowing only one person to pass at a time.
Though it isn’t the most spectacular thing to do in Split, it’s certainly unique – plus it takes a little additional effort to visit.
7. Walk the Split Riva
If there’s one thing that provokes the feeling of being on a holiday, it must be a calming walk along the seafront promenade, locally known as the Split Riva.
The palm-lined Riva is lined with cafes and restaurants, and on a hot summer day, it is teeming with locals and travellers alike.
Honestly, it felt a little too touristic for my liking.
If you do however decide to sit down for a drink or bite, expect considerably higher prices than elsewhere in Split. But hey, the incredible view makes up for a lot!
Saying that I wasn’t charmed at all is utterly unfair, the Riva is truly picturesque, I just thought it was a bit too much.
Where | Split Riva
8. Swim at Split’s incredible beaches
Split might be best known for its cultural and historical heritage, it is the picturesque stretches of beach that interests travellers during the sunny summer days.
And let’s be honest, what could be better than a lazy day on the vibrant Dalmatian coast, when your only worries are reading a good book, or taking a refreshing dip in the Adriatic.
Luckily, Split has some incredible beaches scattered along its coastline.
Some of the best Split beaches include:
Kasjuni Beach | In my opinion, the best beach in Split is Kasjuni Beach, a hidden gem that is located just beneath the pine tree-lined Marjan Hill.
This secluded beach is famed for its breathtaking scenery, and has the most crystal clear water – plus there is barely anyone to enjoy it, but you.
There’s also an excellent beach bar, changing rooms, showers, as well as sunbeds & umbrellas for hire, making it perfect for an afternoon of relaxing by the sea.
Where | Kasjuni Beach, Split
Bacvice Beach | Situated at only a 10-minute walk away from Split Old Town is Bacvice Beach, a small sandy bay that is extremely popular due to its convenient location close to town.
This stretch of beach was awarded a blue flag, symbolizing a clean beach with the most crystal clear water.
On top of that, Bacvice Beach is home to a handful of excellent bars, restaurants and pastry shops, meaning you don’t have to do a lot of effort grabbing a quick refreshment or bite.
Where | Bacvice Beach, Split
9. Admire the statue of Grgur Ninski
Just before entering Diocletian Palace through the prestigious Golden Gate, you’ll be welcomed by a gigantic statue of Grgur Ninski, a medieval Croatian bishop who fought for the right to use the national language in religious services.
Until this act of valour, services were only held in Latin, making it practically impossible to practise and understand the majority of Croatian people.
At present, the towering statue, sculpted by Ivan Meštrović, is said to bring a dose of good fortune.
By visiting, you’ll notice that his left big toe is all shiny and polished, which is no surprise since Croatians are taught from an early age that rubbing Gregory’s big toe will grant a wish.
If you’re a traveller in search of authentic local stories and legends, make sure to stop by the statue of Grgur Ninski – you might, after all, receive some good fortune.
Where | Statue of Grgur Ninski
Things to do in Split | The essentials
Weather in Split | The best time to visit Split, Croatia
Although Split has fine weather year-round, I believe the best time to visit the charming coastal town is during the shoulder seasons that run from April to June and from September to October.
During these months the weather is pleasant and the days are long and sunny. On top of that, you’ll notice smaller crowds, as well as slightly lower prices than during the peak months of July and August.
My favourite day tours & activities in and activities in Split
If you’re after an organized tour to discover Split and surrounds, here are some of my favourites.
How to get to Split
As a booming summer destination, Split is pretty straightforward to get to, as Split Airport (Resnik Airport) is serviced by the majority of European and international airlines.
Although it’s most common to fly to Split directly, there are plenty of other options, including busses, and ferries.
By plane | Flights to Split arrive and depart at Split Airport (Resnik Airport), about 40 minutes from the city.
During the peak season that runs from June to September, Split is serviced by the majority of European and international airlines.
For flights to Split, I would recommend Skyscanner. Their website is user-friendly, has a large variety of airlines, and offers the possibility of finding good rates.
Resnik Airport is located 25 kilometres west of Split and is serviced by bus company Promet Split.
From the airport, make sure you take bus line 37 in the direction of the Split main bus station. Tickets cost around 23 HRK (€3,-), and the bus leaves every 30 minutes, starting from 04:30.
By bus | During my trip through Croatia, I was pretty surprised by the amount of bus travel options available.
My favourite though was Flixbus, an excellent company that services all major cities in Croatia, as well as a great selection of cities in the neighbouring countries.
If you’re keen on visiting Split by bus, I’d recommend booking tickets in advance, especially during the peak months.
For booking tickets online, availability and travel departures & information, visit the Flixbus website.
By ferry | If you started your Croatia trip in Dubrovnik, and thereafter ended up on one of the beautiful islands, the best option to get to Split is by taking a ferry.
There are two ferry companies that operate between Split and the islands, Krilo for foot passengers only, and Jadrolinija for both car and foot passengers.
Both ferry operators offer excellent services and operate the area regularly throughout the day, while also being affordable, comfortable, and on time.
I would recommend booking your tickets in advance, especially during the active summer months – this can be done at the ticket booth in the harbour or online.
Safety in Croatia | Travel insurance
While Croatia is completely safe for travellers, I always aim to enter a foreign country with my travel insurance sorted out, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.
Where we prefer to assume that everything runs smoothly during our travels, the reality is often that something can go wrong at any given moment – when that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full COVID-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.
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