Split is a city for everyone – beach-goers can relax on its sandy shores while history lovers will find historical buildings to explore and nearby national parks that provide nature enthusiasts with plenty of outdoor adventure.
Diocletian’s Palace and Old Town have been listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list since 1979, most often starting or ending their tours from its Peristyle public square containing Diocletian’s own Temple of Jupiter as well as Cathedrals, mausoleums and mausolea.
Beaches
Split’s beaches offer the ideal way to spend summer days, offering visitors a chance to soak up some rays in crystal-clear waters that will leave them feeling revitalized and exhilarated. There’s an array of sandy, pebble, and rocky beaches in Split each with their own special appeal.
Bacvice Beach in Split is easily one of the city’s most beloved spots, located only minutes from its downtown core. A favorite among both locals and tourists alike, it provides ample room to spread out on and soak up some sun while being close to sunbathers and aquatic activities. Plus it features snack stands, souvenir stands, cafes and trendy restaurants for some great people-watching opportunities as well.
Ovcice Beach is another favorite among guests at Bacvice, offering visitors an alternative experience without abandoning its amenities. This small cove features soft sand and shallow waters ideal for families with children; in fact, someone is usually playing picigin – Croatia’s popular beach ball game – all the time on this beach.
Znjan Beach in Split is another picturesque and relaxing beach, conveniently situated nearby Trstenik and Radisson Blu Hotel. While some areas of Znjan are managed by Radisson Blu for guests exclusively, others are open and public with plenty of chairs and umbrella rentals to help find your ideal spot. Furthermore, restaurants and bars can be found along the beachfront to take a break while swimming and enjoy some liquid refreshment or snack.
For an enjoyable day trip from Split, hop aboard one of the several ferry companies offering services to Hvar from there. Enjoy seeing some of the area’s finest sites while on board one of these ferries that run throughout the day and take about one hour to arrive there from Split.
Nightlife
As nightfall falls, Split’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town comes alive with an irresistibly magnetic energy all its own. Each venue adds their unique thread of after-dark adventures that fill out Split’s nightlife tapestry. Here, ancient history mixes seamlessly with contemporary culture while the beautiful horizon serves as the setting for nonstop revelry that lasts until dawn breaks.
Riva’s seafront promenade offers locals a place to gather, while bars, swanky restaurants and charming cafes fill its cosmopolitan heart. If you want an experience that blends sightseeing with tasty drinks and delicacies from Riva’s seaside promenade promenade promenade promenade promenade promenade is where locals congregate. Join one of many tasting tours that run through the city center; expert guides will lead you through historical highlights while visiting wine-focused eateries that specialize in sampling selection of wines under supervision of an expert sommelier while learning all about grape harvest and winemaking processes!
Make memories and experience something truly amazing by enrolling in a cocktail-making class in Split and discovering how to craft your signature drink at one of the city’s premier bars – Bar Sistema has an unforgettable design, and their cocktails offer an experience unlike any other, featuring exotic combinations of flavors, scents and colors from around the world that take you on an incredible sensory journey!
Booking a pub crawl can help you experience some of the hippest bars while meeting new people. These guided pub crawls typically last a few hours and include access to unlimited drinks at multiple venues as well as free pizza or snacks – and don’t forget the chance to compete in drinking games like Slap Cup and Beer Bong while being entertained by an experienced party host!
Legends Bar is another wonderful spot worth checking out, catering to those looking for more intense sounds than Central has to offer. Playing rock’n’roll, there are often live performances by local bands and artists here too!
History
Split has an extraordinary heritage that extends well beyond Diocletian’s palace walls. Explore Croatian art at Ivan Mestrovic Gallery or gain more insight into its fascinating past at City Museum; there is something here for all visitors!
Split was first established as Aspalathos and Spalatum during Emperor Diocletian’s construction of his luxurious palace there around 300 AD. Following Diocletian’s death, its inhabitants included those from Salona who fled nearby Avars and Slavs for safety in Split; over time the town developed to meet its residents needs – giving sightseeing in Split its unique character.
Many remnants from this era still stand today, including Cathedral of Saint Dominus – once used as Roman mausoleum of Diocletian and boasting real Egyptian Sphinxes as well as believed to be one of the oldest cathedrals worldwide.
Diocletian’s Palace, protected by UNESCO, can be found in the southeastern area of Split along with many historic buildings and the Ethnographic Museum of Split which boasts an extensive collection of items that celebrate local traditions and beyond.
In the 16th century, Split had to withstand Ottoman aggressions by fortifying itself with massive fortifications resembling star-shaped arrangements built with immense fortifications that still dominate its centre today. You can explore them on tours.
Sports in Split are immensely popular, particularly the local rugby union club RK Nada who pioneered rugby union here in Croatia. Today they remain one of the strongest clubs in Croatia with numerous famous players among their ranks. Additionally, baseball was introduced here by sailors from US ships back in 1918 before local school teachers established Salona Baseball Club later.
Food
Split is known for its diverse culinary culture, featuring traditional dishes such as Pasticada and Black Risotto as well as sweet treats like Krostule and homemade gelato. You’ll also find an extensive selection of wines and spirits for purchase here.
Finding authentic food can be challenging in Split, particularly the old town where most restaurants serve tourists only. There may be hidden gems if you know where to look; we suggest asking your tour guide or local for their recommendations!
Pimpinella serves traditional Dalmatian cuisine in an inviting family-owned atmosphere, while Villa Spiza features daily-changing menus in an elegant yet casual dining space. If you want a hearty meal, look no further than Pimpinella; for hearty meals head to Villa Spiza where they feature daily-changing menus in an elegant yet informal dining space. Bota Sare serves delicious seafood dishes like Mali Ston Bay oysters and bluefin Adriatic tuna served on wooden boards that adds rustic charm.
Seafood lovers will surely delight in taking a trip to the fish market with one of Split’s local chefs, to gain an insider perspective on their diet as well as learn new recipes to prepare their own dishes. This experience is available through many culinary tours available within Split and can provide you with an unparalleled way of experiencing all that this city has to offer.
Konoba Fetivi is an ideal spot for those who are seeking authentic Croatian cuisine in an less touristic atmosphere. This family-run tavern offers delicious meals such as black risotto and grilled meat at very reasonable prices – make this experience one that won’t break the bank!
Brujet (Brodetto in Split dialect), is a classic fish stew served at many restaurants throughout Split. This classic Mediterranean recipe includes angler fish, grouper fish, monkfish and moray/conger eel with mussels added for additional flavoring and seasoning with herbs such as parsley rosemary and nutmeg to give a wonderful experience in every bite.