Split guide
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?
AI Poem - What did artificial intelligence come up with about Split and its natural beauty?
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. It is a vast complex that includes gates, courtyards, temples and lanes.
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. It originally served as Diocletian's mausoleum, but was later converted into a Christian cathedral. Its bell tower offers a wonderful view of the city.
Peristyle - The main square in the heart of Diocletian's Palace. The former imperial court is today one of the most beautiful squares in Croatia and a place where concerts and cultural events are often held.
Temple of Jupiter - This small but fascinating temple also belongs to Diocletian's Palace. They dedicated it to the Roman god Jupiter. It is one of the best preserved Roman buildings in Split.
Split City Museum - Housed in an old Gothic building, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the city's history, including exhibits related to Split's ancient and medieval past.
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 and the beautiful gardens.
Marjan - The Marjan hill represents an oasis of peace and nature in the immediate vicinity of the city center. It offers wonderful views of Split and the surrounding islands. You can go hiking, cycling or picnicking here.
Riva - Split's famous coastal promenade. It serves as an ideal place for walking, sitting in a cafe or enjoying the view of the sea. One of the liveliest places in the city, it is popular with both locals and tourists.
Split City Museum - Housed in an old Gothic building, the museum offers visitors a glimpse into the city's history, including exhibits related to Split's ancient and medieval past.
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 and the beautiful gardens.
Marjan - The Marjan hill represents an oasis of peace and nature in the immediate vicinity of the city center. It offers wonderful views of Split and the surrounding islands. You can go hiking, cycling or picnicking here.
Gregory of Nin (Grgur Ninski) - This monumental statue of Bishop Gregory of Nin, created by Ivan Meštrović, is one of the most famous sculptures in Split. It is said that if you touch his thumb it will bring you good luck.
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" here.
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.
In summer, the sun burns and the temperatures rise. 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.
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.
A poem about Split written by artificial intelligence
Split, the city under the shining sun,
where the mountains and the sea stand in an embrace,
Diocletian's palace in bleaching stone,
history whispers in the breeze that blows here in the gloom.
The Adriatic quietly drives its waves to the shore,
the blue depths merge with the clear horizon,
the sun above Marjan descends into gold,
the scent of pines wafts over the beautiful morning.
Mosor rises, guardian of eternal peace,
protects the city and its ancient times,
every trail and rock hides a story and a belief,
that Split lives in hearts, in stone, in voice.
Nature and history go hand in hand,
and Split is a testimony of this eternal beauty,
a city by the sea where the stars shine on a clear night through the darkness,
in it one always finds peace and lost times.