Split is the second-largest city in Croatia, and its history stretches back over 1,700 years to the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Split perfectly blends tradition with modern life, where a backdrop of dramatic mountains meets the serene sea, creating a stunning and atmospheric setting for visitors.

Discover the historic Diocletian’s Palace, one of the largest and best-preserved Roman palaces in the world. Stroll along the bustling waterfront promenade called the Riva, and explore the winding back streets of the Old Town.

Orientation

Split is a city of distinct neighborhoods, with the historic Old Town at its heart. The Old Town is a pedestrianized zone that includes the Diocletian’s Palace, the Riva waterfront, and numerous squares like People’s Square and Fruit Square. To the west lies the exclusive Marjan Peninsula and Marjan Forest Park, while to the northeast is the Gripe neighborhood. Bacvice is the neighborhood immediately southeast of the Old Town, known for its beach. The city is easily walkable, but a local bus system and taxis can take you further afield.

Shopping

As a major commercial center, Split offers a wide range of shopping opportunities. For exclusive designer brands, look no further than Marmontova ulica in the Old Town. You can find large shopping centers like the Mall of Split and Joker Split outside the city center.

For uniquely Dalmatian souvenirs, there are numerous shops in the Old Town that sell handmade products by Croatian artisans, from nautical bracelets to local pottery. The Pazar, an open-air market, is a great place for fresh produce and local goods.

Gastronomy

Split’s gastronomy is a feast for the senses, with its fresh seafood and Dalmatian cuisine. The city’s bustling Riva waterfront and the squares of the Old Town are lined with cafes and restaurants, perfect for a meal or a coffee.

The city has become a foodie destination, with several restaurants recognized for their culinary excellence in the Michelin Guide. The local markets offer a wide variety of fresh food, and you can always find a place to stop for a snack.

Nightlife

Split’s nightlife is a blend of vibrant entertainment and relaxed social gatherings. The evening scene begins in the Old Town, with bars and cafes on the Riva and in People’s Square.

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The party continues on in the Old Town until late, or it moves to the nightclubs on Bacvice Beach, the city’s main party hub. Bacvice offers a variety of clubs and bars right on the sand. For live music, be sure to take in a performance at a wine bar or cafe near Peristyle in Diocletian’s Palace

Museums

Split is rich in cultural and historical institutions. The Split Ethnographic Museum, located adjacent to the cellars of Diocletian’s Palace, offers a look at the region’s traditions. The Mestrovic Gallery, dedicated to the father of modern Croatian sculpture, Ivan Mestrovic, is a must-see for art lovers. For those interested in seafaring history, the Croatian Maritime Museum is located inside Gripe Fortress. The Church and Monastery of St. Francis also house thousands of religious artifacts dating back hundreds of years.

Other Highlights

Beyond its central attractions, Split offers many other memorable experiences. For breathtaking views, a hike up Marjan Hill is a must, with trails winding through the scenic Marjan Forest Park. A visit to the Klis Fortress, a cliffside fortress that was a home base for Croatian dukes and kings, provides a glimpse into the region’s history. The Diocletian Aqueduct is a well-preserved Roman aqueduct that brought water to the palace. You can also explore Strossmayer Park, which contains a statue of Gregory of Nin.

Additional days in Split

Consider taking a catamaran to Brac Island, 21 miles southeast of Split. The largest town on Brac Island is Supetar, named for St. Peter, which is also the namesake of the parish church and town square. Bol, on the western side of the island, is another sizable resort town, located just two miles from some of the most coveted holiday shoreline in Croatia, the Zlatni Rat, or the `Golden Cape`. Take time to explore the impressive stone facades of the village of Pucisca, the products of generations of stonemason expertise.

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Split also offers direct catamaran service to Solta Island, 12 miles to the southwest. Solta, an island with a population of 1,700, is very sleepy, and many residents still work on fishing boats and in vineyards. The main port which will be your point of arrival is Rogac, and the largest fishing town is Maslinica. The oldest village on the island is called Grohote, and buildings here are hundreds of years old and built completely out of stone.

Finally, head further south on the catamaran and make a stop at Hvar Island, one of the top ten island vacation destinations in the world according to Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. Imagine beautiful fields of Croatian lavender and rolling green hills and you would be imagining the Stari Grad Plain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The plain sits between two sizable towns, Stari Grad and Jelsa, which are full of history and charm. The largest town, Hvar Town, sits on the southwest coast. The fully-pedestrianized city center buzzes with activity both day and night as a city known equally for its history and its heady nightlife

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Your Last Day in Split

Depart your hotel and head to the airport for your return home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer; if so, a representative will meet you at the hotel in time to take you to the airport for your flight out. We hope you enjoyed the noteworthy sights of historic Split!