Split

Vibrant aerial view of Split, Croatia, showcasing the coastline, harbor, and surrounding mountains.
Jan Tang, Pexels

Split, Croatia, is a captivating destination where the grandeur of ancient Roman history, centered around Diocletian's Palace, harmoniously blends with a vibrant modern urban spirit and stunning coastal beauty, serving as an excellent base for exploring the Dalmatian region.

The Old Town, encompassing Diocletian's Palace and the bustling Riva promenade, serves as a primary social hub, filled with lively cafes, bars, and hostels that attract a diverse mix of international visitors and backpackers. For those seeking energetic nightlife and a popular beach scene, the Bacvice neighborhood offers numerous options. Additionally, the historic Radunica area provides a more local atmosphere with budget-friendly eateries, appealing to travelers looking to connect with the city's authentic pulse.

Top 7 Things to do in Split

Visitors to Split can immerse themselves in ancient history, enjoy scenic natural beauty, partake in exhilarating outdoor activities, and relax on beautiful beaches.

1. Explore Diocletian's Palace and Old Town

Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diocletian's Palace, a living ancient Roman palace that forms the core of Split's Old Town. Discover its labyrinthine streets, Roman architecture, and various historical points of interest such as the Peristyle, Vestibule, and the Cathedral of St. Domnius. The palace walls now house shops, cafes, and restaurants, blending history with modern life, offering a unique cultural immersion.

Cost: Free to enter the palace grounds. Entrance to specific sites like the Cathedral of St. Domnius bell tower or the Substructures (cellars) typically costs around €5-€10 per site. A combined ticket for the Cathedral, Bell Tower, Crypt, and Treasury might be approximately €10-€15. Guided walking tours are also available for a deeper insight, often costing €20-€30 per person.

Transport: The palace and Old Town are centrally located and entirely walkable.

2. Stroll along the Riva Promenade

Experience the vibrant social hub of Split by taking a leisurely walk along the Riva, the city's main waterfront promenade. Lined with palm trees, cafes, and restaurants, it is perfect for people-watching, enjoying a coffee or ice cream, or simply soaking in the Adriatic atmosphere. It offers lovely views of the harbor and Marjan Hill, providing a quintessential Dalmatian experience.

Cost: Free to stroll. The cost of drinks or food at cafes on the Riva is typical of a European city.

Transport: The Riva is centrally located and entirely walkable from Diocletian's Palace.

3. Hike Marjan Hill

Escape the city's bustle with a hike up Marjan Hill, a lush nature reserve located just west of the city center. It offers numerous walking and jogging trails, providing a peaceful retreat and spectacular panoramic views of Split, the Adriatic Sea, and the surrounding islands. There are several viewpoints, including one with a cafe, making it an ideal spot for locals and visitors to enjoy nature and scenic vistas.

Cost: Free to access and hike.

Transport: Marjan Hill is within walking distance west of the city center, approximately a 15-20 minute walk to the first viewpoint. Taxis or local buses can take you closer to various entry points on the hill.

4. Relax at Bacvice Beach

Enjoy the sun and sea at Bacvice Beach, Split's most famous sandy beach, known for its shallow, crystal-clear waters. It is a popular spot for both locals and visitors, particularly for playing picigin, a traditional local ball game played in the shallow water. The beach area also features numerous cafes and bars, making it a lively destination for relaxation by day and nightlife during the summer months.

Cost: Free public beach access. Sunbed and umbrella rentals are available for a fee, typically ranging from €10-€15 for a set.

Transport: Bacvice Beach is approximately a 15-minute walk (about 1 km) east from Diocletian's Palace and the city center. Taxis are also readily available.

5. Day Trip to Krka National Park

Discover the stunning natural beauty of Krka National Park, famous for its magnificent cascading waterfalls, clear emerald pools, and rich biodiversity. Walk along wooden boardwalks that wind through the park, offering close-up views of the waterfalls and diverse flora and fauna. Boat excursions within the park are also available seasonally, providing another perspective of its serene landscapes.

Cost: Entrance fees vary significantly by season: approximately €7 in winter/late autumn, €20 in spring/early autumn, and €40 in summer (June, July, August, September) for 2025. Organized tours from Split typically cost €50-€70 and often include transport, but visitors should confirm if the park entry fee is included. For self-driving or public bus, bus tickets to Skradin or Lozovac are around €10-€15 one way. From Skradin, a boat takes you into the park, or from Lozovac, a bus takes you to Skradinski Buk; both transfers are included in the park ticket price seasonally.

Transport: Krka National Park is about an hour's drive from Split. Many tour operators offer bus transfers. For public transport, take a bus from Split's main bus station to Skradin or Lozovac.

6. Island Hopping Tour (Hvar & Blue Cave)

Embark on a speedboat tour to experience the beauty of Croatia's islands. Popular tours often include a visit to the Blue Cave on Biševo Island (weather permitting), known for its magical blue light phenomenon. Continue to explore charming islands like Hvar, famous for its vibrant town, historic fortress, and beautiful coves, and perhaps swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Pakleni Islands or near Brač. These tours provide an excellent opportunity for swimming and enjoying the picturesque Adriatic coastline.

Cost: Speedboat tours for a full day (often including the Blue Cave and Hvar) typically range from €80-€150 per person, depending on inclusions such as lunch or drinks. Private tours are available at a higher cost. For self-exploration, ferries and catamarans regularly depart from Split to various islands, with one-way tickets to Hvar for instance, costing around €10-€20.

Transport: Tours depart from Split's port. For independent travel, ferries and catamarans depart regularly from Split's port to various islands.

7. Whitewater Rafting on Cetina River

For an exhilarating adventure, take a whitewater rafting trip down the Cetina River. Paddle through a picturesque canyon, experiencing a mix of calm sections and thrilling rapids (Grade 2-3). This activity is suitable for beginners and families with children (usually ages 6 or 8 and above). Many tours include additional opportunities for cliff jumping, swimming in clear waters, and exploring hidden caves behind waterfalls, providing a memorable outdoor experience.

Cost: Tour prices typically range from €50-€100 per person, often including round-trip transfer from Split, necessary rafting equipment (helmet, life jacket, wetsuit if needed), and a professional guide. Some packages also include refreshments or a picnic.

Transport: Most tours include convenient round-trip transfers from Split, as the starting point for rafting (near Omiš/Blato na Cetini) is approximately a 45-minute to 1-hour drive away.

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