Split

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.
• Afternoon: Amble Marjan’s quieter southern paths to smaller vidikovci, or pause at the Old Jewish Cemetery for a reflective city‑over‑stones view. Photographers: bura = razor‑sharp vistas; jugo = softer tones, so shoot closer subjects.
• Evening: Spread a picnic at Sustipan and watch the sun sink behind boats and Marjan’s silhouette; mind the cliff edges with children. In July/August, check for San sustipanske noći concerts; dine back in Veli Varoš and embrace the local habit of lingering over one kava.

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 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.

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.