Split guide 

Split will enchant you with its combination of ancient history, Mediterranean charm and lively atmosphere. The city grew up around Diocletian's Palace, one of the best preserved Roman monuments in the world. Stroll along the Riva promenade, enjoy the local beaches or enjoy the view from the tower of the Cathedral of St. Domnius. Split is also an ideal base for trips to the surrounding islands, such as Hvar or Brač, making it an unforgettable destination for everyone.

Sights and attractions - What should you visit in Split? Diocletian's Palace, Peristyle, Cathedral of Saint Domnius.

Accommodation - Where to stay in Split? In the historic center or near the beach? In a luxury hotel, guesthouse, hostel or campsite?

Typical food and drink - What you should try in Split - pašticada, brudet, risotto.

Practical tips - Here you will find out when is the best time to visit Split, how to get around the city, where to shop and more.

Weather - What temperatures and rainfall to prepare for in the four seasons in Split?

Personalities - What famous personalities lived and worked in Split?

Split, the second largest city in Croatia, is one of the most important cultural, historical and tourist centers on the Adriatic coast. It is located in central Dalmatia, on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters, Split is an attractive destination all year round, not only for beach activities, but also for cultural and historical tours.

Its rich history dates back to antiquity. Split became famous for Diocletian's Palace, a monumental building from Roman times, which was built at the turn of the 3rd and 4th centuries as the seat of the Roman emperor Diocletian. This palace forms the historical core of Split and you can find it on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Other notable monuments include the Cathedral of St. Domnius, located directly in Diocletian's Mausoleum, and the Prokurative, a beautiful square surrounded by historic buildings. Split also offers pleasant promenades, such as the famous Riva - a popular place for strolling with cafes and a lively social scene.
Split also functions as an important port and starting point for cruises to nearby islands such as Brač, Hvar or Šolta.
The city has a rich cultural tradition, with many theaters, galleries and music events, such as the Split Summer Festival.
Athletes can also enjoy themselves in Split. For example, the football club Hajduk Split, which has a rich history and a large fan base, is based here.

Sights and attractions

Diocletian's Palace - The largest and most famous monument in Split. This monumental Roman palace was built by Emperor Diocletian at the turn of the 3rd and 4th centuries as his residence. Today, the palace is not only a historical monument, but also a living part of the city where people live and work. Over 3,000 people live within its historic walls. It is a vast complex that includes courtyards, temples, alleys and four main gates: the Golden, Bronze, Silver and Iron Gates. The palace was inscribed on the UNESCO list in 1979.
Address: center of Split.

Cathedral of St. Domnius (St. Duje) - The cathedral is located inside Diocletian's Palace and is one of the oldest still functioning churches in the world. Its bell tower offers a magnificent view of the city. It served as Diocletian's mausoleum from 305 AD, but was converted into a Christian cathedral in the 7th century. Emperor Diocletian, known for his persecution of Christians, is now buried in the same place as Saint Domnius, the patron saint of Split, who was one of his victims.
Address: Kraj Svetog Duje 3, Split.

Peristyle - The main square in the heart of Diocletian's Palace. The former imperial court is now one of the most beautiful squares in Croatia and a frequent venue for concerts and cultural events. The peristyle is surrounded by a colonnade of Corinthian columns with intricate stone carvings and sculptures. Here you can find, for example, a black Egyptian sphinx, which dates back to the 15th century BC and was brought from Egypt during the construction of the palace123.
Address: Trg Peristil BB, Split.

Temple of Jupiter - This small but fascinating temple is also part of Diocletian's Palace. It is one of the best preserved Roman buildings in Croatia. It was built between 295 and 305 AD as part of Diocletian's Palace and was dedicated to the god Jupiter, whom Diocletian considered his "divine father". The temple underwent a transformation with the advent of Christianity - it was converted into the Baptistery of St. John the Baptist.
Address: Ulica Kraj Svetog Duje, Split.

Grgur Ninski - This monumental statue of Bishop Gregory of Nin, created by Ivan Meštrović, is one of the most famous statues in Split. The statue is 8.5 meters tall. It is said that if you touch the big toe of his left foot, it will bring you good luck.
Address: Near the Golden Gate, the northern entrance to Diocletian's Palace, Split.

Split City Museum - Founded in 1946, the museum offers a glimpse into the rich history of Split from Roman times to the 20th century. It is housed in the late Gothic and early Renaissance palace of the Papalić family. Among the exhibits are city statutes, seals, coins, medieval weapons and sculptures from various periods. The museum also includes a gallery of Emanuel Vidović, a prominent Croatian painter of the 20th century.
Address: Papalićeva 1, Split.

Ivan Meštrović Gallery - This gallery presents the works of one of the most important Croatian sculptors, Ivan Meštrović. In addition to the sculptures, you can also admire the building itself, which the artist designed himself, and the beautiful gardens. Here you will find an extensive collection of Meštrović's sculptures in marble, bronze, wood and plaster, as well as his drawings and architectural plans. The Meštrović Villa was built between 1931 and 1939. It originally served as a family residence, work studio and exhibition space. In 1952, Meštrović donated the villa, along with many of his works, to the Croatian people, making it possible to establish the gallery.
Address: Šetalište Ivana Meštrovića 46, Split.

Riva - The famous seaside promenade in Split serves as an ideal place for walking, sitting in a cafe or enjoying the sea view. One of the liveliest places in the city, it is popular with both locals and tourists. It hosts both cultural and sporting events. The promenade is located in front of Diocletian's Palace and offers beautiful views of the harbor and the surrounding islands. The current appearance of the Riva dates back to the early 19th century, when it was expanded during the French rule. It underwent reconstruction at the end of 2006.

Marjan - Marjan Hill is an oasis of peace and nature in the immediate vicinity of the city center. It offers magnificent views of Split and the surrounding islands. You can go hiking, cycling or picnicking here. In addition to its natural beauty, Marjan is also rich in history and culture, with many chapels, ancient ruins and the 15th-century Church of St. Jerome. The highest point of Marjan, Telegrin, reaches a height of 178 meters and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and the Mosor and Kozjak mountains.

Bačvice - One of the most popular beaches in Split. On the sandy coast you can not only relax and swim in the sea. Locals often play the traditional Dalmatian game "picigin". Every year the Picigin World Cup is held here, which attracts many visitors. Bačvice Beach has also been awarded the Blue Flag, a symbol of quality and cleanliness of the sea.

Accommodations

In Split, you can choose from almost 2,000 different accommodation capacities. Apartments are the most represented, followed by boarding houses, hotels, holiday homes and villas, as well as hostels. The most popular areas include accommodation in the Old Town or by the Bačvice beach.

The 4* Murum Heritage Hotel offers accommodation right in the historical heart of the city in Diocletian's Palace. At the constantly open reception, they can arrange car rental, bike rental or transfers on request. If you have your own car, they will park it for you. In the building you will find a cafe and a restaurant.

The 4* guesthouse Kaša rooms 2 offers accommodation with breakfast not far from Stobreč beach. All double rooms have a balcony. The guesthouse offers a garden and a sunny terrace, a restaurant and a bar. You can park for free in the area. On request, they can arrange a transfer from the airport.

Kalsick 3* guesthouse Kokolo Town house is located in the center of Split. This guest house is located in a beautiful historic house in a country style. Some accommodation units offer a private kitchen, while others have a shared kitchen. You can also use the terrace with outdoor furniture or the mini market in the building.

If you like camping, you can stay at Camping Stobreč Split by Stobreč beach. The camp offers various types of mobile homes with full equipment including a kitchen and a terrace with outdoor furniture. All guests can use the garden, restaurant, bar, cafe, children's playground or animation program.

Accommodation in a hostel near the city center is offered by Hostel Dvor, for example. You can choose between accommodation in a mixed room or a private double room. Guests have access to a shared kitchen, an outdoor terrace with furniture or a common room.

For a complete offer of accommodation in Split, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com or Booking.com.

Typical food and drink

Typical food and drink in Split, as in the whole of Dalmatia, is influenced by Mediterranean cuisine, rich in fresh fish, seafood, vegetables and olive oil. The local cuisine combines traditional recipes with modern elements and focuses on simplicity and freshness.

Pašticada - One of the most iconic Dalmatian dishes. It is slow-braised beef that is marinated in vinegar, wine and spices, then served with gravy and homemade gnocchi. This dish is often prepared for festive occasions.

Brudet - Fish stew, prepared from various types of fish and seafood, which are stewed with tomatoes, onions, garlic and spices. It is traditionally served with polenta or bread.

Risotto - Dalmatian risotto is often prepared from seafood, especially cuttlefish. You can recognize it by the typical black color that comes from sepia ink. It is called "crni risotto" (black risotto).

Soparnik - Traditional Dalmatian savory pie filled with spinach and onion, which is baked in the oven and then brushed with olive oil and garlic. This popular dish has a long tradition here.

Fritule - Small sweet fried doughnut-like balls that are prepared especially during holidays and festivals. They are flavored with vanilla, lemon peel and sometimes brandy.

Wines - Split and Dalmatia are famous for their excellent wines. The most famous varieties include the red wine Plavac Mali and the white wine Pošip. Local wines go especially well with fish dishes.

Prošek - Traditional Dalmatian sweet dessert wine made from dried grapes. It is often served with sweet dishes or as a stand-alone drink after a meal.

Practical advice for the trip

Split has its own international airport (Resnik), which is located about 25 km from the city center. You can get to the city from the airport by bus, taxi or private transfer.
City buses are the main means of transport. You can buy tickets at newsstands, a machine at a bus stop or directly from the driver (more expensive).

There are not many parking spaces in the center of Split. If you are traveling by car, it is better to park on the outskirts of the city and walk or use public transport.

Split has many cobblestone streets and historic sites, challenging for walking. Therefore, it pays to have comfortable shoes. Be careful, the stones can be slippery after rain.

In summer the sun is scorching and temperatures rise above 30°C. Don't forget sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.

Although most shops and restaurants accept cards, some smaller businesses, markets and cafes only accept cash.

Visit the city's markets, such as Pazar, where you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, cheeses and other local products.

To visit Split, we recommend spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October), when you can enjoy pleasant weather, fewer tourists and lower prices. Summer (July-August) tends to be very hot and Split is full of tourists.

During the summer, Split hosts several festivals, such as the Split Summer Festival, which offers concerts, theater performances and operas in the historic surroundings of the city.

The most famous beach in Split, Bačvice, is usually crowded. If you're looking for a quieter spot, try beaches on the outskirts of town, such as Kasjuni.

From Split, you can easily reach the beautiful Dalmatian islands such as Hvar, Brač or Vis by ferry, ideal for day trips.

Weather

Split has a Mediterranean climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters.

In summer (July-August) temperatures often reach 30°C, but the sea breeze helps to cool down. It hardly rains during this period.

In winter (December-February) average temperatures drop to 10-15°C and it often rains.

Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit thanks to pleasant temperatures around 20-25°C.

You can read current information and the weather forecast for Split for the next 7 days in our table:

Famous personalities

Diocletian (244? - 316) – the Roman emperor who had the famous Diocletian's Palace built in Split at the turn of the 3rd and 4th centuries A.D. The palace today forms the heart of the historic center of Split and was listed in UNESCO. Diocletian came from Dalmatia.

Ivan Meštrović (1883 - 1962) – a world-renowned Croatian sculptor and architect who lived and worked in Split. Today, people know his works not only in Croatia, but also all over the world. His former house in Split today houses a gallery bearing his name.

Goran Ivanišević (1971) – famous Croatian tennis player and Wimbledon winner (2001). He was born in Split and is considered one of the most important sports figures in Croatia.

Marko Marulić (1450 - 1524) – an important Croatian Renaissance poet. Croats consider him the "father of Croatian literature." He was born and lived in Split and his work "Judita" is one of the most important works of Croatian literature.