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Split, one of Croatia’s most enchanting cities, where the Adriatic Sea blends with ancient history. This city is vibrant and timeless; visiting it captures all the senses. Alongside Roman-era monuments, modern culture thrives, making Split an ideal destination for those seeking both seaside relaxation and historical exploration.
Love at first sight! The city is like no other in Croatia. An ancient walled modern coastal metropolis – this is how Split can be described. Wandering through Split is like traveling back in time. Every corner echoes the city’s eventful, centuries-long history. Split’s old town is a labyrinth of alleys, unmatched in its charm. Getting lost here is simply part of the city exploration.
TIP: Split Blue Lagoon Shipwreck & Šolta Tour with Food & Drinks
History
Split’s history dates back to the 4th century AD when Roman Emperor Diocletian built an impressive palace here. This palace was not just a residence but also a retreat for the emperor. Over the centuries, a city grew around the Diocletian Palace, influenced by the Illyrians, Venetians, Austrians, and Yugoslavs. Throughout its history, the city served as a trade hub, leaving a mark of diverse cultures, making Split a truly multifaceted city today.
Attractions
Diocletian’s Palace: One of Split’s most famous landmarks, built by Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 3rd century as his retirement home. The architecture of the palace has been modified and expanded over the centuries, but the Roman influence remains unmistakable. The Diocletian Palace (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) consists of numerous structures, each a unique attraction.
Cathedral of St. Domnius: Originally the mausoleum of Diocletian’s Palace, this cathedral is now a symbol of Split. Its bell tower offers an unmissable experience with stunning panoramic views of the city and the sea.
Peristyle: Split’s most imposing and beautiful square. With its Roman elements, this place exudes a magical and unique atmosphere.
Other highlights include:
• Vestibule: The striking atrium of the old imperial chambers
• Podrumi: The palace’s cellars
• Various gates, such as the Golden Gate and the Silver Gate
TIP: Split Walking Tour
Split 1-Hour Walking Tour of Diocletian’s Palace
Riva Promenade: This seaside promenade is the city’s central hub and a meeting place for both locals and tourists. The rows of cafés and restaurants provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle of the city.
Marjan Hill: Split’s green heart, an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts. The hill offers several viewpoints with stunning views of the city and the surrounding islands. The most famous viewpoint, located closest to the old town, is just a 15-minute walk from the city center (or the cathedral).
Bacvice Beach: Split’s most popular urban beach, featuring fine sandy shores for visitors. The highlight here is the chance to try the local traditional beach game, picigin.
Islands and Excursions
From Split, the islands of Hvar, Brač, and Vis are easily accessible, offering breathtaking landscapes and authentic Dalmatian lifestyles.
Trogir, just 30 kilometers from Split, is a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite being a tourist hotspot, we recommend a trip to this charming town. Trogir is small and manageable, and we suggest planning about 3–4 hours to explore the old town. The best view in Trogir: Climb the bell tower of St. Lawrence Cathedral for a small fee and enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the old town from 47 meters high – it’s breathtaking!
TIP: Split-Trogir Blue Cave, Mamma Mia Hvar, and 5-Island Tour
Omiš, located just 25 kilometers southeast of Split, is another easily accessible destination. This picturesque town is uniquely situated between the Adriatic Sea and the Cetina River estuary amidst rocky landscapes. During the Middle Ages, the town served as a famous pirate base, with its memory preserved in the old town’s remaining stone buildings and former pirate fortresses. The top of the Omiš fortress offers breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding mountains – perfect for hikers and history lovers alike. The Cetina River’s picturesque valley is ideal for excursions and water sports like rafting or canyoning, while sandy beaches along the coast offer tranquil relaxation. Omiš combines a wild, adventurous spirit with a peaceful ambiance, offering a unique experience for visitors.
Krka National Park
Krka National Park is easily reachable from Split. This park is one of Dalmatia’s most popular natural attractions, where visitors can wander among beautiful waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and lush forests. The Skradinski Buk waterfall is one of the most famous sights, set in a picturesque environment, and even offers the chance to swim at its base. The park is an excellent destination for day trips from Split, especially for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
TIP: From Split: Krka Waterfalls Day Tour
Cuisine and Wine in Split
You wouldn’t believe how many young, modern restaurants, cafés, and bars have opened in Split over the past few years. Split is a true paradise for food lovers in Dalmatia! Split is famous for its seafood and Dalmatian specialties, such as pasticada (a dish made from marinated beef). Split and its surroundings boast a rich wine culture, particularly thanks to Dalmatia’s renowned wines, which have long been a part of the Mediterranean flavor profile and Croatian tradition. The key grape varieties here are plavac mali and pošip, which lend distinctive flavor notes to the wines. You can read more about this here
Split and its surroundings, particularly in Mediterranean climate zones like the areas around Omiš and Trogir, are ideal locations for pomegranate tours. The pomegranate thrives exceptionally well in these parts of Dalmatia, as the hot, sunny summers and mild winters are perfect for this fruit. On some local farms and plantations, tours are organized where visitors can learn about pomegranate cultivation you can read more about it here.
Split offers a perfect blend of historical discovery and modern relaxation. Whether you’re seeking a laid-back seaside holiday or cultural experiences, Split is a magical place guaranteed to leave you with unforgettable memories.