Split

Split suits travellers who crave a Mediterranean city where ancient stone meets sea and mountains. History lovers, scenery seekers, photographers, hikers, romantics and city‑breakers will all find easy, unforgettable viewpoints across Split. Expect postcard panoramas with minimal effort—or big rewards for those who go higher.

• History lovers: Survey Diocletian’s Palace from the St. Domnius Bell Tower and gaze from Klis Fortress where the panorama tells the city’s Ottoman‑era survival story.
• Scenery seekers: Catch golden‑hour views from Marjan Hill (Vidilica & Telegrin), then watch the whole waterfront unfurl as the ferry to Brač pulls away.
• Active travellers: Climb the Marjan stairs or tackle Mosor’s Vickov Stup for vast sea‑to‑mountain vistas that most visitors never reach.
• Photographers: After a bura, the air turns crystal‑clear—shoot sunrise from Žnjan and sunset from Sustipan or Vidilica for crisp, island‑studded horizons.
• Romantic couples: Stroll the Riva, then steal a quiet sunset at Sustipan Park, a cliff‑edge hideaway with sweeping harbour views.
• City‑breakers: Big views with minimal effort—10–15 minutes to Vidilica, a quick bell‑tower climb, or a short taxi to for a dramatic city‑and‑islands panorama.

Day 1: Diocletian’s core, rooftops and the waterfront

Ease into Split with its Roman heart and the sea at your feet. Keep the pace unhurried so you can absorb the textures of the palace and the changing light on the harbour.

• Morning: Wander Diocletian’s Palace before crowds, pausing at the Peristyle and the Vestibule (look up through the oculus). Climb the bell tower of St. Domnius for a 360° city-and-sea panorama; go at opening time, wear proper shoes, and mind the bells on the hour.
• Midday: Linger over coffee on the Riva like a local; people‑watch and let the view do the work. If the jugo wind brings haze, favour museums or shady Varoš lanes and a leisurely lunch.
• Afternoon: Take the ferry to Supetar (Brač) and back for a slow‑motion, ship’s‑eye view of Split; sit starboard on departure. On crisp post‑bura days visibility is exceptional—pack a light layer for the wind on deck.
• Evening: Stroll the West Coast promenade for golden hour, then dine by the water. Cap it with a rooftop drink (e.g., Cornaro Hotel terrace) for tiled roofs at dusk; on heavy cruise‑ship days, time this after departures to restore the harbour view.

Day 2: Marjan Hill, beaches and sunset lawns

Today is about Split’s “lungs”—Marjan—where locals walk, run and think. Views shift from postcard‑perfect panoramas to pine‑framed coves, so bring water and trainers.

• Morning: Climb the Marjanske skale to Prva Vidilica for the classic city panorama and a coffee at the terrace. Continue via St. Nicholas to Telegrin (the summit); expect about 314 extra steps, greet fellow walkers with a simple “Dobar dan,” and start early in summer heat.
• Midday: Descend to Kašjuni (southern coves) or Bene (northern pines) for a swim and casual lunch; Bus 12 loops the hill if you’re footsore. In winter, swap the swim for a marina‑side walk and warm bowl of brodet.

By Air

• Split Airport (SPU), Kaštel Štafilić – approx. 23 km west of the city centre.
  • 30–45 minutes by taxi/ride‑hail (Uber/Bolt) depending on traffic.
  • Airport shuttle bus to Split main bus station (by the ferry port): ~30–40 minutes, timed to flights.
  • Local bus 37 (Airport–Trogir–Split): 45–60 minutes; in Split it terminates at Sukoisan bus terminal (15–20 minutes’ walk or short local bus ride to the ferry port).
  • Year‑round flights mainly via Zagreb; extensive seasonal direct flights across Europe.
• Alternative airports:
  • Zadar (ZAD) – ~120 km (1.5–2 hours by car/coach via A1).
  • Dubrovnik (DBV) – ~230 km (3–4 hours by car/coach).
  • Zagreb (ZAG) – ~410 km (4–5 hours by car/coach; frequent domestic flights to Split).
  • Brač (BWK, seasonal) – on Brač island; onward ferry/catamaran to Split (1–2+ hours total depending on connections).

By Train

• Split train station (Kolodvor Split) sits next to the main bus station and ferry port.
• Direct services to Zagreb (HŽPP) year‑round; typically 5.5–7 hours by day, plus a seasonal overnight option. Connections onward from Zagreb to major Central European cities.
• Rail is slower and less frequent than coaches but scenic; check seasonal timetables.

Crowd-light but experience-rich, Split pairs everyday Dalmatian life with grand Adriatic scenery.

• Atmosphere: A lived-in port city where locals linger over kava on the Riva and greet each other on Marjan; stone lanes of Varoš, fishermen at Matejuška, and klapa harmonies in the Palace’s Vestibule keep things authentic rather than staged.
• Scenery: Grandstand views without the scrum—golden hour at Vidilica on Marjan, 360° from St. Domnius’ bell tower, cliff-top calm at Sustipan, and epic panoramas from Klis Fortress.
• Food & value: Honest Dalmatian flavours in family-run konobe (think fresh Adriatic fish, peka, and slices of soparnik), hearty marenda near Pazar market, and rooftop sunsets that are kinder on the wallet than in glitzier resorts.
• Pace & access: Easy to roam on foot or by local bus/ferry; hop to Brač for a sailor’s-eye view or hike Mosor for alpine horizons—short escapes that trade queues for quiet.

These are Split’s unmissable scenic highlights. They deliver the city’s most iconic panoramas, from Roman rooftops to Marjan pines and out across the Adriatic.

• Walk up to Marjan’s Vidilica viewpoint for the definitive city-and-islands panorama, best at golden hour.
• Explore the Bell Tower of St Domnius for a 360° look over Diocletian’s Palace, the Riva and the harbour.
• Visit Klis Fortress for a dramatic, history-soaked vista across Split, the sea and the Dalmatian islands.
• Take the ferry to Supetar (Brač) to watch Split’s waterfront recede with Marjan rising behind it.
• Hike to Telegrin, Marjan’s summit, for sweeping views from the Kozjak and Mosor mountains to the archipelago.

These are Split’s unmissable scenic highlights. They deliver the city’s most iconic panoramas, from Roman rooftops to Marjan pines and out across the Adriatic.

• Walk up to Marjan’s Vidilica viewpoint for the definitive city-and-islands panorama, best at golden hour.
• Explore the Bell Tower of St Domnius for a 360° look over Diocletian’s Palace, the Riva and the harbour.
• Visit Klis Fortress for a dramatic, history-soaked vista across Split, the sea and the Dalmatian islands.
• Take the ferry to Supetar (Brač) to watch Split’s waterfront recede with Marjan rising behind it.
• Hike to Telegrin, Marjan’s summit, for sweeping views from the Kozjak and Mosor mountains to the archipelago.

Split’s food culture is coastal, seasonal and social: think olive oil, grill smoke and market-fresh seafood. Expect simple flavours done well, shared slowly in family-run konobas and on the sunlit Riva with a long coffee.

• Pašticada – slow-braised beef in a prunes-and-wine sauce with gnocchi; best savoured in cosy stone-walled konobas over an unhurried lunch.
• Crni rižot – inky squid risotto, briny and silky; order at harbour-side taverns and watch boats drift past from terrace tables.
• Peka (under-the-bell) – octopus or lamb baked under embers for hours; pre-order at rustic countryside konobas for a long, communal feast.
• Dalmatian wines & rakija – crisp Pošip, bold Plavac Mali, and herby travarica; sample in intimate wine bars or relaxed café-bars tucked into Varoš lanes.

Split’s food culture is coastal, seasonal and social: think olive oil, grill smoke and market-fresh seafood. Expect simple flavours done well, shared slowly in family-run konobas and on the sunlit Riva with a long coffee.

• Pašticada – slow-braised beef in a prunes-and-wine sauce with gnocchi; best savoured in cosy stone-walled konobas over an unhurried lunch.
• Crni rižot – inky squid risotto, briny and silky; order at harbour-side taverns and watch boats drift past from terrace tables.
• Peka (under-the-bell) – octopus or lamb baked under embers for hours; pre-order at rustic countryside konobas for a long, communal feast.
• Dalmatian wines & rakija – crisp Pošip, bold Plavac Mali, and herby travarica; sample in intimate wine bars or relaxed café-bars tucked into Varoš lanes.

Choosing the right area in Split shapes your whole trip, more than the specific hotel. Each neighbourhood offers a distinct pace, access to views or beaches, and different noise levels. Pick the vibe you want first.

• Diocletian’s Palace (Old Town) — Car‑free Roman lanes with Peristyle buzz and bell‑tower views; perfect for history lovers and first‑timers who want everything on the doorstep (but expect crowds and nightlife noise).
• Varoš & Marjan slopes — Stone cottages and pine‑scented paths to Vidilica/Telegrin; ideal for romantics, runners and view‑chasers who don’t mind steps and a short walk to the centre.
• West Coast (Zapadna obala) — Smart waterfront with sunset promenades and rooftop bars; suits style‑seekers wanting harbour views, easy Riva access and quick ferry connections.
• Bačvice & Firule — Beachy, family‑friendly vibe with sandy Bačvice and calm coves; great for swimmers, kids and low‑key nightlife away from the Old Town crowds.

Choosing the right area in Split shapes your whole trip, more than the specific hotel. Each neighbourhood offers a distinct pace, access to views or beaches, and different noise levels. Pick the vibe you want first.

• Diocletian’s Palace (Old Town) — Car‑free Roman lanes with Peristyle buzz and bell‑tower views; perfect for history lovers and first‑timers who want everything on the doorstep (but expect crowds and nightlife noise).
• Varoš & Marjan slopes — Stone cottages and pine‑scented paths to Vidilica/Telegrin; ideal for romantics, runners and view‑chasers who don’t mind steps and a short walk to the centre.
• West Coast (Zapadna obala) — Smart waterfront with sunset promenades and rooftop bars; suits style‑seekers wanting harbour views, easy Riva access and quick ferry connections.
• Bačvice & Firule — Beachy, family‑friendly vibe with sandy Bačvice and calm coves; great for swimmers, kids and low‑key nightlife away from the Old Town crowds.

Split is straightforward to visit: the old town is compact, transport links are plentiful, and key sights are close together. A few practical details on costs, transport and timing will make planning smoother.

• Affordability: Expect mid‑range mains €12–€18, coffee €2–€3 and local beer €3–€5; private rooms/apartments from about €70–€130 per night and hotels €90–€180+ (July–August at the top end), with shoulder‑season prices notably lower.
• Transport: The historic centre is very walkable; city buses reach beaches and suburbs, Uber/taxis are easy to hail, ferries connect to Brač, Hvar and Šolta, and Trogir/Klis are simple day trips by bus or car (a rental helps if exploring the hinterland).
• Language: Croatian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourism, hospitality and transport, and most visitor signage is bilingual.
• Safety & comfort: It’s generally very safe for families and solo travellers; use normal precautions against pickpocketing in crowded spots like the Riva and markets, carry water and sun protection in summer, and note that winter’s bura wind can feel sharply cold.
• Crowds: July–August are peak (cruise‑ship days can pack the Palace and waterfront), May–June and September–October are lively but comfortable, while November–April is quiet with some seasonal closures yet great value and crystal‑clear views after windy days.

Split is straightforward to visit: the old town is compact, transport links are plentiful, and key sights are close together. A few practical details on costs, transport and timing will make planning smoother.

• Affordability: Expect mid‑range mains €12–€18, coffee €2–€3 and local beer €3–€5; private rooms/apartments from about €70–€130 per night and hotels €90–€180+ (July–August at the top end), with shoulder‑season prices notably lower.
• Transport: The historic centre is very walkable; city buses reach beaches and suburbs, Uber/taxis are easy to hail, ferries connect to Brač, Hvar and Šolta, and Trogir/Klis are simple day trips by bus or car (a rental helps if exploring the hinterland).
• Language: Croatian is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourism, hospitality and transport, and most visitor signage is bilingual.
• Safety & comfort: It’s generally very safe for families and solo travellers; use normal precautions against pickpocketing in crowded spots like the Riva and markets, carry water and sun protection in summer, and note that winter’s bura wind can feel sharply cold.
• Crowds: July–August are peak (cruise‑ship days can pack the Palace and waterfront), May–June and September–October are lively but comfortable, while November–April is quiet with some seasonal closures yet great value and crystal‑clear views after windy days.

Seasonality in Split brings distinct scenic conditions: sunny, crowded summers, mellow shoulder months with great light, and crisp winter days when the bura wind yields exceptional visibility. For the best vistas, aim for golden hour and post-bura clear spells.

• Shoulder Season (Apr–May & Sep–Oct): Warm but comfortable, clearer skies, fewer crowds; easy-going local vibe and superb golden hours for photography.
• High Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and bright with long days; busiest period with lively waterfront events, but expect heat haze and cruise-ship congestion.
• Winter (Nov–Mar): Cool and quiet; bura winds clear the air for razor‑sharp views, though daylight is short and some venues run reduced hours.

Seasonality in Split brings distinct scenic conditions: sunny, crowded summers, mellow shoulder months with great light, and crisp winter days when the bura wind yields exceptional visibility. For the best vistas, aim for golden hour and post-bura clear spells.

• Shoulder Season (Apr–May & Sep–Oct): Warm but comfortable, clearer skies, fewer crowds; easy-going local vibe and superb golden hours for photography.
• High Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot and bright with long days; busiest period with lively waterfront events, but expect heat haze and cruise-ship congestion.
• Winter (Nov–Mar): Cool and quiet; bura winds clear the air for razor‑sharp views, though daylight is short and some venues run reduced hours.

Day 3: Fortresses, high country and a farewell glow

Step back to the frontier at Klis, then choose between mountain air or more sea time. Aim for clear morning light for the longest views.

• Morning: Head to Klis Fortress for opening time (Bus 22 from HNK or taxi). Wear sturdy shoes, expect uneven stones and some unfenced drops; on clear post‑bura mornings you’ll pick out Brač, Šolta and the full sweep of Split below.
• Midday: Feast on traditional lamb in Klis or return to town for a light seafood lunch; shade is scarce at the fortress—bring a hat and sun cream. History lovers can add a brief stop at Salona on the way back.
• Afternoon: Choose your finale: hike an easy Mosor trail from Gornje Sitno to the mountain lodge for alpine‑style views, or stay seaside with a swim and gelato at Žnjan. Hikers should pack layers—weather shifts quickly in the hills.
• Evening: Take a last look: either a calm sunset reprise at Vidilica or a rooftop nightcap over the old town. If you skipped the bell tower earlier, a late climb is cooler and usually quieter.

By Bus

• Split Main Bus Station (Autobusni kolodvor Split) is beside the ferry port and train station.
• Very frequent intercity and international coaches.
  • Zagreb: 5–6 hours (multiple operators daily).
  • Zadar: 3–4 hours; Šibenik: 1.5–2 hours; Makarska: 1.5–2 hours.
  • Dubrovnik: 4–5 hours.
  • International examples: Mostar/Sarajevo, Ljubljana, Trieste, Vienna (frequencies vary by season).
• Coaches are generally the fastest and most frequent public transport option within Croatia.

By Ferry

• Split is the main Dalmatian ferry hub (Jadrolinija, TP Line, Krilo/Kapetan Luka).
• Islands:
  • Brač (Supetar): ~50 minutes (car ferry); Bol: ~1 hour (catamaran).
  • Hvar: Stari Grad ~2 hours (car ferry); Hvar Town ~1 hour (catamaran).
  • Vis: ~2 h 20 min (car ferry).
  • Šolta (Rogač): ~1 hour (car ferry).
  • Seasonal catamarans also link Korčula, Mljet and Dubrovnik.
• International: overnight ferries to Ancona (Italy) operate year‑round on select days.

By Car

• A1 motorway (E65) links Split with Zagreb and northern Croatia.
  • Zagreb–Split: ~4–4.5 hours (toll motorway).
  • Zadar–Split: ~1.5–2 hours; Dubrovnik–Split: ~3–4 hours (coastal D8 or via A1 to Ploče).
• Summer traffic can be heavy at weekends and near resort towns.
• Parking is limited and regulated near the old town/ferry port; use marked car parks/garages.

Split suits travellers who crave a Mediterranean city where ancient stone meets sea and mountains. History lovers, scenery seekers, photographers, hikers, romantics and city‑breakers will all find easy, unforgettable viewpoints across Split. Expect postcard panoramas with minimal effort—or big rewards for those who go higher.

• History lovers: Survey Diocletian’s Palace from the St. Domnius Bell Tower and gaze from Klis Fortress where the panorama tells the city’s Ottoman‑era survival story.
• Scenery seekers: Catch golden‑hour views from Marjan Hill (Vidilica & Telegrin), then watch the whole waterfront unfurl as the ferry to Brač pulls away.
• Active travellers: Climb the Marjan stairs or tackle Mosor’s Vickov Stup for vast sea‑to‑mountain vistas that most visitors never reach.
• Photographers: After a bura, the air turns crystal‑clear—shoot sunrise from Žnjan and sunset from Sustipan or Vidilica for crisp, island‑studded horizons.
• Romantic couples: Stroll the Riva, then steal a quiet sunset at Sustipan Park, a cliff‑edge hideaway with sweeping harbour views.
• City‑breakers: Big views with minimal effort—10–15 minutes to Vidilica, a quick bell‑tower climb, or a short taxi to Klis for a dramatic city‑and‑islands panorama.