Split is one of the few Dalmatian towns that stands out as being genuine and vibrant, built into Diocletian’s fourth-century retirement palace and boasting an old town that bustles with life.
Concept stores such as Break Time and Jaman Art offer beautiful handmade nautical bracelets and limited edition paintings of the city in limited quantities.
History
Few places make history such an integral part of daily life as Split does; its Old Town was originally established by Roman Emperor Diocletian more than 17 centuries ago, becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site and making a stopover a must on any tour of Croatia.
Split is located on the Adriatic coast and serves as an excellent home base for exploring its numerous beaches, coves, and islands. As well as beach activities, Split also boasts many cultural attractions; Diocletian’s Palace was constructed during the 3rd century AD – one of the greatest examples of Roman architecture – using limestone, granite, marble, and tufa materials with 7 feet thick walls 72 feet high at seaside section and four major gates for access.
After Roman colony of Salona was destroyed by Avars in the 7th century, people took shelter behind its high walls of Palace Diocletian. Over time, this settlement gradually evolved into what is now medieval city of Split; and its mausoleum became cathedral as part of poetic act of justice featuring stunning frescoes and Romanesque pulpit.
Following the fall of Byzantium Empire, Split was nominally governed by Croatian kings but retained its independence. Under their rule, its center developed into an attractive people’s square that today is surrounded by stunning Venetian buildings; Christian influence can also be found here as evidenced by numerous churches built throughout Split during this period.
Venetians conquered Split in the 15th century and brought with them their influence to its language and cuisine, including Mediterranean-influenced diet of fresh vegetables and fish as staples; visitors can sample wines produced locally such as Dalmatian wine region. Sports is an integral part of life here – catch one of KK Split’s basketball matches at Gripe Sports Hall or HNK Hajduk Split’s matches at Poljud Stadium to feel Croatian sporting excitement at first-hand!
Beaches
Split’s breathtaking beaches provide something for everyone. Enjoying the sunshine, swimming in crystal-clear waters or playing beach games such as picigin are all options available at its beaches – plus many are easily reachable via walking from city centers!
Bacvice (pronounced Batchweetseh) is the premier sandy beach in Split and attracts many locals looking for fun in the sun. Rent deck chairs and umbrellas for an unforgettable beach experience while playing picigin – an ancient beach game of Split, or just soak up some rays.
Kasjuni Beach is an immensely popular beach, providing visitors with numerous options. Sheltered by lush green hills, this pebbly beach welcomes naturists as one of the few. This beach also features Joe’s Beach Bar for drinks and light summer snacks.
Nemira Beach lies just minutes south of the city center, boasting a peaceful cove setting against stone-built villages. It provides the ideal place to unwind with an iced coffee or glass of wine in hand.
Marjan Hill beaches provide another unique beach experience in Split. Their crystal-clear waters make swimming easy while its rugged shore offers unique jumping opportunities from rocks into the water below.
There are also numerous pet-friendly beaches nearby. Jezinac Beach in the heart of the city center stands out as an impressive option with its fine pebble beach, gorgeous palm trees, and breathtaking turquoise sea colors. Not far behind lies an enticing pine forest offering showers, changing cabins and beach bars nearby.
Lucac is an elegant historic neighborhood perfect for anyone seeking proximity to beaches while remaining walkable. Not far from Diocletian Palace and home to numerous restaurants and budget-friendly hotels like Jupiter Lux.
Food
Croatia’s second city is experiencing a culinary revolution. New and stylish eateries are opening regularly, turning Split into one of Croatia’s top culinary destinations with mouth-watering cuisine that will satisfy any palette.
Local cuisine largely features Mediterranean flavors with an abundance of seafood and vegetables flavored by olive oil. Popular dishes include grilled whole fish served with Swiss chard; stews made from various legumes (e.g. squid stew with broad beans or lamb stew with chickpeas); as well as grilled or fried small fish dishes and tantalizing pasta dishes.
Due to Split’s coastal location, it offers an abundance of fresh seafood that makes its specialties all the more tempting. Cibo poljana, an irresistibly mouthwatering stew consisting of angler fish, grouper, moray eel, conger eel as well as mussels and clams is an unforgettable meal that is served at most restaurants throughout Split.
Octopus salad, another iconic seafood specialty from Split’s Adriatic coast, is another refreshing delight that highlights this city. Combining tender octopus with potatoes, garlic, parsley and olive oil for a light lunch option or as an appetiser for starters – the dish provides the ideal starter dish or light lunch option!
Peka is a traditional Croatian dish consisting of the cooking of meat and vegetables in an iron bell-shaped vessel covered with hot coals. While popular throughout Croatia, this delicious traditional meal is particularly memorable in Split due to its closeness to the sea. Peka here usually uses lamb, veal or chicken; but can even include octopus!
Cevapi, a Balkan-style dish consisting of tiny grilled sausages, is an immensely satisfying snack in the city. Diners can enjoy this savory treat sandwiched between pillowy somun bread and raw onions with an accompanying pepper sauce known as ajvar for an unforgettable dining experience.
Make sure to sample some of the city’s delectable cakes and sweets as dessert – such as sirnica (Easter bread), mandulat (similar to nougat), and breskvice – shortbread half moon cookies filled with almonds! These treats will delight any visitor!
Nightlife
Split boasts an exciting nightlife scene with many venues for revellers to dance away the evening. Choose between sipping drinks on the beach or relaxing at an exquisite rooftop bar; there are numerous choices. Or join one of Split’s pub crawls around its bars and clubs in search of hidden gems while meeting fellow travellers!
Riva promenade comes alive at night during summer nights, bursting with festivals and street performances along its palm-fringed walkway. Bar-lined streets also provide plenty of drinking and dining venues; many feature alfresco seating with prime harbour views.
Central Club is one of the city’s best known clubs that provides more energetic music, just outside the old town walls and offering concerts, DJ sets, theme nights and much more. Though an entrance fee may apply, Central Club provides one of the best nightlife experiences in Split!
Fabrique, a new bar that has quickly become one of the go-to spots among younger visitors, provides an intimate and welcoming environment, enhanced by live jazz, rock, indie, and indie music. Serving cocktails and craft beers alongside barbecue fare and pub food makes Fabrique an excellent place for socialising or engaging in intimate dialogue.
For visitors seeking to sample some of the traditional bar culture in Split, there are various bars which cater specifically to locals’ needs. Ghetto Club stands out as an icon of Split nightlife due to its lively environment; for a more sedate experience there’s always Leopold’s pub on Dosud Street which boasts an impressive variety of local craft beers.
If you’re in the mood for something more energetic, head to Tropic Club on Bacvice beach where an array of bars and clubs play popular dance music. Or visit Vanilla Club with its variety of indoor and outdoor bars featuring international as well as local tunes – it is particularly popular after bars in old town have closed!