Split travel guide
Bačvice Beach: Sandy Shallows & Playing Picigin
Bačvice is Split's city beach: a sandy, shallow bay 10 minutes' walk east of the palace, and the home of picigin, the local beach game. This page covers what the beach is like, how picigin works, when to go to avoid the crowds and what to expect with children.
While figuring out your Bačvice beach day is a critical piece of the puzzle, you will need to plan the rest of your itinerary, dining slots and sightseeing routes. Before you set out, make sure to read our definitive Split travel guide to map out your entire stay.
Bačvice at a glance
| Where | 10 minutes' walk east of the palace, past the ferry port |
|---|---|
| Surface | Sand |
| Getting in | Very shallow and gentle |
| Shade | Little |
| Facilities | Showers, changing cabins, cafés and bars |
| Crowds | Very busy on summer afternoons |
| With children | Good: shallow water, but go early |
Picigin: Split's beach game
Picigin was invented in Split more than a hundred years ago, and Bačvice is its home. A few players stand in the shallows and pass a small ball with the palm of the hand, splashing and diving to keep it in the air without letting it touch the water. There is no score and no winner; the point is to look good doing it.
The firm, shallow sand at Bačvice is what makes it work, and the locals play all year, even in winter. Split's tourist board calls it probably the only beach game protected as cultural heritage.
When to go
- Morning: the calmest time, and the best with small children.
- Summer afternoons: very busy; arrive early if you want space.
- Evening: the bars around the bay open and Bačvice turns into a nightlife spot.
- Out of season: many beach bars close outside summer, but the beach and the picigin players stay.
Bačvice with children
- Water: very shallow and gentle, among the best in Split for small children.
- Shade: little, so go in the morning or bring your own.
- Facilities: showers, changing cabins, cafés and bars.
- Calmer option: Firule, just past Bačvice, has sand and fine shingle and is calmer.
Staying near Bačvice
Bačvice and Firule are the beach quarter east of the port, 10 to 15 minutes from the palace: good for beach days, groups of friends and early ferries, but lively at night near Bačvice. Compare the areas in where to stay in Split.
What to plan next for your trip
Once you have sorted out your Bačvice beach day, it's time to explore the rest of Dalmatia - Split. To compare it with the other city beaches, read our Split beach guide. For a bigger beach day, take the ferry over with our Brač travel guide.