
An atmospheric Adriatic jewel
Far more than just a gateway to islands like Brač and Hvar, Split itself has a huge amount to offer. A lively hub of history and culture, it boasts beautifully preserved Roman and Venetian architecture, a vibrant nightlife scene and culinary gems aplenty, from rustic taverns serving Dalmatian classics to some of the best pizza and pasta restaurants you’ll find outside of Italy.
Allow ample time to meander through the labyrinth of cobblestone streets that twist and turn around Diocletian’s Palace, the focal point of the Unesco World Heritage-listed Old Town. Riva, the palm-lined waterfront promenade, buzzes with activity day and night, while Marjan Hill offers a refreshing contrast, with hiking and cycling trails winding through tranquil pine forests. Fancy hitting the beach? Bačvice, Ježinac and Kasjuni are prime swimming and sunbathing spots nearby.
For a mixture of exploration, relaxation, gorgeous weather and a down-to-earth ambience, you can’t go wrong with Split.
Allow ample time to meander through the labyrinth of cobblestone streets that twist and turn around Diocletian’s Palace, the focal point of the Unesco World Heritage-listed Old Town. Riva, the palm-lined waterfront promenade, buzzes with activity day and night, while Marjan Hill offers a refreshing contrast, with hiking and cycling trails winding through tranquil pine forests. Fancy hitting the beach? Bačvice, Ježinac and Kasjuni are prime swimming and sunbathing spots nearby.
For a mixture of exploration, relaxation, gorgeous weather and a down-to-earth ambience, you can’t go wrong with Split.
Your Split questions, answered
Absolutely. Although many people fly to Split and take the ferry straight out to one of the islands, the city itself shouldn’t be overlooked. As well as the atmospheric Old Town, with its hidden courtyards, mazy alleyways and lively bars, there are plenty of gorgeous beaches within walking distance. If you’re up for a change of scene, why not take a hike up Marjan Hill or hop on a ferry to the island of Brač for a day?
Warm and sunny, the vast majority of the time. June through to September is the opportune window to visit, when temperatures typically hover around the mid-to-high 20s in the day and it’s still comfortably warm enough to eat and drink outside at night.
Fresh seafood, meat dishes (such as the traditional braised beef stew, pašticada) and pasta feature heavily in Croatian cuisine, but you’ll also come across many other foodie delights, ranging from sushi bars and Italian restaurants to vegan cafes and artisan ice cream stalls. Drinks wise, you’ll also be spoilt for choice – take your pick from craft beer pubs, intimate wine cellars, cocktail bars and more.
Bačvice is the most popular among locals, largely due to its proximity to the city centre. It also tends to be the busiest, though, so Ježinac, Kasjuni and Firule are all good alternatives if you prefer something a little more low key.
The area in and around the Old Town is ideal, as you’ll be close to the main attractions and places to eat and drink. However, if you don’t mind staying a little outside the centre, the Veli Varos neighbourhood, on the lower slopes of Marjan Hill, is a quieter but no less charming alternative.
As the centre of Split is fairly compact, you can easily get around on foot. The Old Town is completely pedestrianised, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll. There are also regular public buses that run to numerous places around the Marjan peninsula and nearby beaches, and the ferry port is in the centre, with multiple daily routes to several islands.