City in Dalmatia
Split
- Best time to go
- May, June, Sept, Oct
- Part of
- Dalmatia
Croatia's second-largest city grew up inside a Roman emperor's retirement palace.
Diocletian built it around 1,700 years ago, and today people still live, shop and drink coffee within its walls, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Split is also Dalmatia's main ferry hub, so it works both as a city break and as the base for island hopping.
Things to do
Don't miss in Split
- Walk through Diocletian's Palace: the Peristyle, the vaulted cellars below and the Cathedral of St Domnius, whose bell tower you can climb for views over the rooftops.
- Rub the big toe of Ivan Meštrović's statue of Grgur Ninski (Gregory of Nin) outside the Golden Gate; locals say it brings good luck.
- Stroll the Riva waterfront promenade, then go inland to the Green Market (Pazar) and the fish market for a taste of daily life.
- Climb the steps from Varoš to Marjan, the forested hill park at the tip of the peninsula, for the classic view over the city and the islands.
- Swim at Bačvice, the sandy city beach where locals play picigin, or find quieter coves such as Kašjuni below Marjan.
- See Ivan Meštrović's sculptures at the Meštrović Gallery, his former summer home in Meje.
- Drive or bus 15 minutes inland to Klis Fortress, which guarded the road to Split for centuries.
Where to stay
Pick your neighbourhood
Old town (Diocletian's Palace)
first-time visitors without a car who want to step out into the sights; lively and noisy in summer
Varoš
quieter stone lanes right next to the old town and the steps up to Marjan
Bačvice and Firule
beach days and nightlife, a ten-minute walk from the palace
Meje
calmer, greener streets with sea views below Marjan, close to the Meštrović Gallery
Žnjan
families and drivers who want a long beach, newer apartments and easier parking
Tours and getting around
Day trips from Split
Split is the easiest place to start a day trip: by boat to Hvar, Brač or the Blue Cave on Biševo, by road to Krka National Park or Trogir, or rafting on the Cetina river near Omiš. In the old town, walking tours cover the palace's history and its Game of Thrones filming spots.
You won't need a car in the city; the old town is pedestrian and parking is limited. Rent one for day trips to Krka, Trogir or Klis, or a scooter for the beaches. To reach the islands on your own schedule, rent a boat, with or without a skipper.
Getting there
How to get to Split
Split Airport (SPU) is in Kaštela, about 25 km west of the city; shuttle buses, city buses and taxis run to the centre. The ferry port, main bus station and train station sit side by side at the edge of the old town, so you can walk from the palace to a ferry for Brač, Hvar, Šolta or Vis. By car, the A1 motorway connects Split with Zagreb in about four hours.