Split blends living history with an easy beach rhythm. The city grew from Emperor Diocletian’s Palace. Today the old Roman walls still pulse with cafés, markets, and music. Beyond the stones, pine trees and sea fill your days with swims, hikes, and island hops. This guide helps you plan a smooth, memorable trip with short, readable tips.
Visiting Split and getting your bearings
Split is a working city with a holiday soul. You get a UNESCO‑listed historic core and a lively waterfront. You can climb a bell tower in the morning and swim by noon. Ferries and catamarans connect you to nearby islands. Trails on Marjan Hill deliver views without long drives. Food is Mediterranean, fresh, and simple.
The center is compact. The Palace and the medieval streets around it form the core. Southeast sits the ferry port and the main bus station, right by the waterfront. West rises Marjan Hill with forests and coves. South and east stretch urban beaches such as Bačvice and Žnjan. Public buses and ride‑hailing help when your feet need a break.
Good to know
The UNESCO site is the Historic Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian. It covers the old core, not the whole modern city.
The Riva is the palm‑lined promenade. It is the city’s living room.
Tap water is safe to drink. Cards are widely accepted, but carry some euro coins for small purchases. Croatia uses the euro (€).
Top highlights in Split
Diocletian’s Palace
This is not a museum box. It is a living neighborhood inside fourth‑century Roman walls. Walk through its gates and you switch centuries in a few steps.
What to see inside the Palace
Peristyle (Peristil): The main courtyard. Columns, sphinx, and stone steps create a natural stage. Come early for calm light. Come late for warm evening tones.
St. Domnius Cathedral: Often cited as the oldest cathedral still in its original structure. Climb the bell tower for wide views.
Temple of Jupiter: Now a baptistry. Look for the carved ceiling and the headless sphinx.
Vestibule: A round, open‑air hall with perfect acoustics. Stop and listen to the echoes.
Cellars of Diocletian’s Palace: Vaulted rooms under the Palace floor. Great for understanding the Roman plan and cooling down in summer.
The Gates: Golden, Silver, Brass, and Iron. Use them as your compass points.
Tip: The Palace stays magical after sunset. Stone glows. Music spills into courtyards. It feels like a film set you can touch.
Riva and beyond
The Riva frames the southern wall of the Palace. Coffee is a ritual here. Sit, watch ferries, and plan your next move. In the evening, the promenade fills with families and street performers.
Just outside the Golden Gate stands the giant bronze Gregory of Nin by Ivan Meštrović. Rub the big toe for luck. If you want more of his work, head to the Meštrović Gallery set in his former villa, with gardens and seaside paths.
Marjan Hill
Marjan is Split’s green cape. Cypress, pine, stone steps, and lookouts fill a half‑day with ease.
Marjan essentials
Vidilica viewpoint: Quick reward above the Varoš quarter. Café with views over the Old Town and islands.
Forest paths: Waymarked trails loop to small chapels and viewpoints. Keep water with you.
Beaches: Bene, Kašjuni, and Kaštelet sit at the foot of the hill. You can swim and then hike back up.
Bus tip: City bus No. 12 runs toward Bene and Kašjuni in season.
Best beaches in Split
Split offers both sandy and pebbly choices. The water is clear and usually calm.
Bačvice
The city’s famous sandy beach. Shallow water is perfect for a traditional ball game called picigin. Locals play it all year. The vibe is lively, especially in summer.
Firule
A smaller sandy cove east of Bačvice. Family‑friendly. Protected from wind.
Kašjuni
Scenic cove under Marjan’s cliffs. Pebbles, clear water, and a dramatic backdrop. Arrive early on weekends.
Kaštelet (Obojena)
Pebbly, with blue‑green tones and easy sea access. Great for a late swim after a Marjan walk.
Bene
Shaded by pines at the far end of Marjan. Facilities, playground, and relaxed vibes.
Žnjan
A long modern seafront with wide pebble beaches and ramps. Better for accessibility and families who like space. Cafés and beach clubs line the shore.
Beach etiquette
Use reef‑safe sunscreen. Rocks can be sharp, so water shoes help.
Respect signed zones. Watch for sea‑urchins near rocky edges.
Neighborhoods and where to stay
Inside the Palace / Old Town
You sleep inside living history. Everything is close. Expect stairs, narrow lanes, and some night noise. Great for first‑timers.
Varoš and Marjan slopes
Stone houses, leafy lanes, and quick access to viewpoints. Calm at night. Good balance between old‑town charm and nature.
Bačvice & Firule
Near sandy beaches and casual eateries. A good pick for families and swimmers. The walk to the center is flat and pleasant.
Žnjan and Trstenik
Modern seafront with space, ramps, and new hotels. Easy swimming zones and parking. Slightly farther from the old core.
Booking tips
In peak months reserve well ahead.
Check air‑conditioning, floor level, and noise notes.
Ask hosts about building access and luggage help.
Top Rated Hotels in Split
🔍Cora Hotel
Review score: 9.3 — 1,089 reviews
Contemporary hotel in Split with terrace and bar; Bačvice Beach is 2.6 km away. Guests praise the modern design and helpful staff.
Neighborhood: Bačvice Beach (2.6 km)
Key facilities: Concierge services, allergy-free rooms, terrace, free Wi-Fi, bar
Why it stands out: Fresh, modern base with standout service.🔍Hotel Ambasador
Review score: 9.4 — 1,927 reviews
Waterfront hotel in Split’s Marjan area with pool, parking and fitness centre. Guests love the harbour views and excellent breakfast.
Neighborhood: Marjan, Split
Key facilities: Seasonal outdoor swimming pool, private parking, fitness centre, terrace
Why it stands out: Stylish seafront hotel steps from the Old Town and marina.🔍AC Hotel by Marriott Split
Review score: 9.3 — 1,441 reviews
Modern high-rise stay 600 m from Park Mladeži Stadium and 2.5 km from Bačvice. Guests highlight comfort and service.
Neighborhood: Park Mladeži Stadium (600 m), Bačvice Beach (2.5 km)
Key facilities: Free Wi-Fi
Why it stands out: International-brand comfort close to stadium and city sights.🔍Heritage hotel Santa Lucia
Review score: 9.3 — 1,084 reviews
Heritage-style property set right in Split Old Town. Guests love the central location and generous breakfast.
Neighborhood: Split Old Town
Key facilities: Free Wi-Fi, private parking, room service
Why it stands out: Historic-centre address that puts everything on your doorstep.🔍Marvie Hotel & Health — Score: 9.0 (1,490 reviews)
A wellness-focused hotel opened in 2017, located 1.5 km from Diocletian’s Palace and 650 m from the beach. It features a spa centre, rooftop pool, and restaurant, making it ideal for health-oriented travelers.
Facilities: spa centre, rooftop outdoor pool, restaurant.
Why it stands out: Combines wellness facilities with close beach access.
Top Rated Villas in Split
🔍CroBeauty Villa — Score: 9.4 (92 reviews)
Located in Split City Center, just a short walk from Gregory of Nin and Old Town attractions. Guests highlight the excellent location and cleanliness, making it a great base for exploring.
Neighborhood: Split City Center, near Gregory of Nin.
Why it stands out: Central position with consistently high guest ratings.🔍Beach Villa at Split top location — Score: 9.2 (21 reviews)
A recently renovated villa featuring an outdoor swimming pool, garden, and barbecue facilities. Guests praise the spacious pool area and proximity to the beach, ideal for families and groups.
Facilities: outdoor pool, garden, barbecue.
Why it stands out: Combines a private pool with easy beach access.🔍Villa AS MOON with pool — Score: 8.9 (29 reviews)
Spacious and recently renovated villa in Split offering a private pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, and on-site parking. Well-suited for families or groups seeking comfort and convenience.
Facilities: pool, free Wi-Fi, private parking.
Why it stands out: Modern villa with pool and secure parking close to city attractions.🔍Antique Garden Villa — Score: 9.7 (46 reviews)
A central Split villa with a tranquil garden atmosphere, offering privacy and comfort near the city’s main sights. Guests rate it among the best villas in Split.
Neighborhood: Central Split.
Why it stands out: One of the highest-rated villas in Split for location and charm.🔍Holiday Home Riva Promenade — Score: 9.2 (103 reviews)
Situated in Split, this villa provides a convenient central base with consistently strong reviews. Popular among travelers looking to stay close to the waterfront.
Neighborhood: Split center, near Riva promenade.
Why it stands out: Excellent review volume and location near the seafront.
Top Rated Apartments in Split
🔍Apartment Angelina
Review score: 9.8 — 53 reviews
Near the beach and about a 15-minute walk to the Old Town, this apartment is spacious and well equipped. Guests highlight its closeness to both the seaside and central Split, making it ideal for beachgoers and families.
Neighborhood: Seaside area, walking distance to Old Town Split
Key facilities: Private garage parking, air conditioning
Why it stands out: Exceptional rating with beach and Old Town convenience.🔍Apartment Center
Review score: 9.3 — 38 reviews
Located on Mažuranićevo šetalište, this apartment is just a short walk from Old Town. Clean, spacious, and well equipped, it’s best suited for travellers who enjoy exploring the city on foot.
Neighborhood: Old Town Split and bus station nearby
Key facilities: Free Wi-Fi (rated 10/10)
Why it stands out: Strong Wi-Fi and a central base for sightseeing.🔍byGRACE Apartment
Review score: 9.3 — 150 reviews
Set in Split’s Old Town inside a renovated historic building, this stylish apartment offers a hot tub and private entrance. Guests praise its fantastic location, steps from main attractions, making it perfect for couples.
Neighborhood: Cathedral of Saint Domnius, Peristyle
Key facilities: Hot tub, private entrance
Why it stands out: Characterful Old Town stay with boutique touches.🔍North wall apartment
Review score: 8.9 — 71 reviews
Centrally located just 100 m from Diocletian’s Palace and about 1 km from Bačvice Beach, this apartment includes free Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Guests love its amazing location and spacious layout.
Neighborhood: Diocletian’s Palace, Bačvice Beach
Key facilities: Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning
Why it stands out: Old Town doorstep convenience at a solid value.🔍Feel like an Emperor Apartments
Review score: 8.8 — 120 reviews
A 4-star apartment set close to Bačvice Beach and Diocletian’s Palace, combining comfort with a prime location. Guests particularly note the excellent facilities and central setting.
Neighborhood: Bačvice Beach, Diocletian’s Palace
Why it stands out: Stylish 4-star stay near Split’s headline landmarks.
Food and drink
Dalmatian food follows the sea and the seasons. Expect grilled fish, olive oil, and fresh herbs. Meat lovers get slow‑cooked stews and lamb from nearby hinterlands.
Tastes to try
Gregada or brudet: Fish stews with local variations.
Peka: Meat or octopus baked under an iron lid. Pre‑order.
Pašticada: Beef slow‑cooked in wine and spices. Served with gnocchi.
Fritule and rožata: Sweet bites to end the night.
Local wines from Central Dalmatia pair well with seafood.
Cafés and nightlife
The day flows with coffee. Start at the Riva, then explore small squares inside the Palace. Nightlife is casual in most of the city. Summer weekends bring open‑air gigs and DJ nights, especially during festivals.
Culture, festivals, and seasons
Split Summer Festival
From mid‑July to mid‑August the city hosts drama, opera, ballet, and concerts. Performances use courtyards and open‑air stages across the old core.
Ultra Europe
A mid‑July electronic music festival draws global crowds. Expect higher prices and packed hotels. If noise is not your thing, choose calmer dates.
Best times to visit
Spring (April–June): Mild weather. Wildflowers on Marjan. Sea warms up.
Autumn (September–October): Warm seas with fewer crowds. Great hiking light.
Winter: Quiet streets and lower rates. Some island routes and venues reduce hours.
Things to do in one to three days
One‑day snapshot
Morning: Palace walk – Peristyle, Cathedral, Temple of Jupiter.
Lunch: Dalmatian bites in the old streets.
Afternoon: Riva coffee, then Marjan viewpoints.
Sunset swim: Kašjuni or Kaštelet.
Evening: Back to the Palace for wine in a stone courtyard.
Two days
Day 1: Palace, Riva, Marjan.
Day 2: Museums and galleries. Add a beach hop (Bačvice to Firule). Explore Varoš lanes.
Three days
Day 1: Palace deep dive, Cellars, bell tower.
Day 2: Day trip to Trogir or Klis Fortress and Salona.
Day 3: Island hop, or relax on Žnjan with a long swim.
Classic day trips from Split
Day trips from Split are easy to plan. Group them by theme:
Heritage
Trogir (UNESCO): A gem 30 minutes away by bus or boat. Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance layers crowd a tiny island.
Klis Fortress: A ridge‑top stronghold with wide views over Split and the islands.
Salona (Solin): Roman capital of Dalmatia with basilicas, city walls, and an amphitheatre.
Nature
Krka National Park: Waterfalls, boardwalks, and river scenery. Start early to avoid crowds.
Islands
Brač (Bol, Zlatni Rat): Famous horn‑shaped beach and stone‑cutting heritage.
Hvar Town: Venetian facades, hilltop fortress, and a chic harbor scene.
Vis & Blue Cave: Sea caves and crystal water, timed with the light.
Ferry and catamaran note
Split is the main Dalmatian ferry hub. Services are frequent in summer and reduced off‑season. Fast boats link Split with Hvar, Brač, Korčula, and other ports. Journey times vary by operator and route.
Getting there and around
Arriving by air
Split Airport (SPU) sits west of the city. You can reach the center by shuttle bus, local bus, taxi, or ride‑hailing. Shuttle coaches connect the airport to the main bus station year‑round.
Ferries and catamarans
Passenger catamarans and car ferries connect Split with the islands and coastal towns. Schedules change by season. Arrive early for popular routes.
Buses and trains
The main bus station is next to the ferry port. Intercity buses run along the coast and inland. A limited train line connects to Zagreb. For local trips, city buses cover beaches and suburbs.
Getting around the center
The historic core is pedestrian‑friendly. Wear good shoes for polished stone. Taxis and ride‑hailing help at night or with luggage. Cycling is possible on the seafront and toward Žnjan.
Practical tips for a smooth trip
Dress code: Shoulders covered inside churches. Carry a light scarf.
Heat: Midday sun can be strong. Plan indoor sights for early afternoon.
Cash vs card: Cards are widely accepted, but carry some euro coins for small purchases.
Swimming gear: Water shoes help on pebbles. A dry bag keeps phones safe.
Local habits: Coffee is slow. Join the pace.
Safety: Split is generally safe. Watch your bag in crowded spots.
Responsible travel notes
Stay on marked Marjan paths. Pine forests are sensitive to fire.
Use refillable bottles. Tap water is fine.
Choose reef‑safe sunscreen. Avoid touching sea life.
Respect quiet hours in the Old Town. Locals live behind those walls.
Suggested mini‑itineraries by interest
History focus
Palace loop: Peristyle → Temple of Jupiter → Cathedral → Cellars.
Museum hour: City Museum or Meštrović Gallery.
Add Salona and Klis for a full heritage day.
Nature + swim day
Morning hike on Marjan. Lunch at Vidilica. Afternoon swim at Kašjuni. Sunset coffee on the Riva.
Family day
Sandy time at Bačvice or Firule. Ice cream in the Palace. Easy bus to Žnjan for ramps and playgrounds.
Island taster
Early catamaran to Hvar Town. Fortress view, swim, and lunch. Return by sunset.
Local glossary
Peristil: Main courtyard in the Palace.
Riva: Waterfront promenade.
Varoš: Old fishermen’s quarter west of the Palace.
Kaštelet/Obojena: Pebbly cove on Marjan’s south side.
Peka: Slow‑baked dish under an iron lid.
Frequently asked questions
Is Split worth visiting? Yes. You get a UNESCO‑listed Roman core, beaches within walking reach, and easy day trips. It is a perfect base for Central Dalmatia.
How many days do I need in Split? Two to three days cover the highlights and a beach or two. Add extra days if you plan island hops or national parks.
Can I swim in the city center? Yes. Bačvice and Firule are sandy and close. Kaštelet and Kašjuni sit under Marjan and are a short ride away.
Where is the best view of Split? Vidilica on Marjan gives a postcard angle of the Old Town and islands. The St. Domnius bell tower offers a bird’s‑eye view from inside the core.
What is picigin? A traditional shallow‑water ball game played at Bačvice. The aim is to keep the ball in the air with acrobatic saves. It is part of local heritage.
How do I reach the beaches by public transport? City buses run to Bačvice, Firule, Žnjan, and Marjan coves. In summer, Bus No. 12 serves Bene and Kašjuni more often. Check current timetables on arrival.
Can I visit multiple islands in one day? Yes with fast boat tours, though time on each place is short. For a slower pace choose one island and stay longer.
Is Split walkable? The historic core is very walkable. Surfaces are polished stone, so wear grippy shoes.
Are ferries year‑round? Yes on main routes, but frequency drops in winter. Plan around seasonal schedules.
What about parking? Street parking near the old core is tight. Choose paid garages or stay in areas with private parking, such as Žnjan or Trstenik.
Conclusion
Split invites slow mornings, salty afternoons, and evenings among glowing stone walls. The city blends Roman heritage with Adriatic ease.
Final travel checklist
Comfortable shoes for stone streets.
Swim shoes and a quick‑dry towel.
Modest clothing layer for churches.
Refillable bottle and reef‑safe sunscreen.
Offline maps and ferry schedule notes.
Split is ready when you are. Step through the Roman gates, follow the sound of the sea, and let the city set the pace.
Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. This means that we get a small commission from any purchase you make, at no additional cost to you!
