History and urban cool in Croatia
A crumbling Roman palace with a backdrop of the Dinaric Alps, fringed by the Adriatic Sea’s turquoise waters and urban beaches – it’s hard to find a more sublime setting for a city break than Split. The largest city in Croatia’s Dalmatia historical region, it’s a maze of cobblestone streets that unfurl into charming alleyways. Taking time to appreciate the city’s history is a must-do on Split city breaks, whether it’s to wonder at the remains of Diocletian’s Palace (part of a Unesco World Heritage Site) or pore over classical sculptures and Palaeolithic artefacts at the Archaeological Museum.
A visit to Croatia’s second-largest city doesn’t have to be one long history lesson though, as Split is also home to some of the country’s best cuisine and atmospheric cocktail bars. The city’s haphazard layout makes for a fun bar crawl – but, be warned, you may not be able to find the same place again come the next day. City breaks to Split aren’t complete without a visit to Bačvice beach. Although you’ll find wilder beaches a short drive away, Bačvice is a great family spot. Want to explore further afield? Catch a boat to the islands of Hvar, Brač and Vis from Split’s ferry port. For a city break that combines seaside cool with a ancient charm, Split’s a sure-fire winner.
All resorts in Split
Three tips for a top trip
Hire a carThe rugged landscapes surrounding Split are beautiful, so think about hiring a car in order to visit the nearby Mosor mountain range or Split-Dalmatia County’s stunning interior.
Meander up MarjanMarjan is the name of the tree-covered hill on the tip of the Split peninsula. It’s a steep climb to the top, but worth it for the city vistas.
Step into a film setAlthough Dubrovnik is known as King’s Landing, ‘Game of Thrones’ fans are often surprised to learn that Split was also used as a prominent filming location.Best attractions to see in Split
The palace walls
The Unesco-protected Diocletian’s Palace is a remarkable sight. Walk its lattice of cobbled streets, or drink a cup of coffee in one of its cute cafés.
Klis Fortress
Just north of the city are the historic ruins of Klis Fortress, which stand on a 360-metre-high hill. Spend time climbing over the fortifications before visiting its small museum.
Cathedral Sveti Duje
Set in the mausoleum of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, Cathedral Sveti Duje is a remarkable building. For a small fee, climb to the top of the bell tower and enjoy fabulous views.
Your Split questions, answered
Without a doubt, the Roman palace is Split’s most famous attraction. But it’s also known for its ferry port, connecting the mainland to Hvar, Brač and Vis islands.
Families love Split’s central beach Bačvice for the convenience, but it can get rather busy – quieter beaches are just a short drive away from the city.
Thanks to its balmy Southern European climate, Split remains temperate throughout the year. In summer, it’s nearly always sunny, and it’s milder but pleasant in other seasons.
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