Split is the second largest city in Croatia, located on the Adriatic coast, at the foot of the Mosor Mountains. Modern Split is a museum city with a 17-century history. When you enter its Old Town, you feel as if you are traveling back in time – moving from the palace of the Roman emperor to the medieval cathedral, next to which stands the ancient Temple of Jupiter. Life is in full swing around the ancient quarters – local residents are no less proud of the Hajduk football club than they are of their Roman heritage, and they know a lot about gastronomy and fun holidays. We will tell you what to do and where to go in Split to make your trip memorable for a long time.
1. Travel back in time in the Old Town
The entire historical center of Split is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a reminder of the city’s former greatness. The palace of Emperor Diocletian and the Temple of Jupiter, built in the 3rd century, are perfectly preserved here. The Roman Peristyle Square, surrounded by columns, is in full swing with life – concerts and fairs are constantly taking place here, meetings are scheduled and excursions start. The architecture of all styles and eras complements each other: a Roman mausoleum turned Gothic cathedral stands next to a Renaissance palace, surrounded by bars and restaurants.
2. Try the freshest seafood
Split is famous for its fish and seafood dishes – they are bought early in the morning from sailors, at the market next to the Mausoleum of Diocletian. We recommend going to one of the small family restaurants and trying fish soup, cuttlefish ink risotto and octopus salad. And also the traditional stew “fermented” – it is prepared from a dozen types of fish and seafood, which are stewed in red wine with hot spices. And if you don’t like fish, then order smoked Dalmatian ham “prosciutto”, served with onions and olives, spicy sheep cheese Pazhski and Rabski cake.
3. Relax and have fun on the city’s beaches
All city beaches are free (including sun loungers with umbrellas),
The water is warm and clear, the entrance to the sea is gentle. On the central beaches you can rent a jet ski, sit in a cafe and play “pichigin” in the shallow water – this is a fun game with a small ball and not strict rules. More remote beaches are surrounded by pine forests. The most popular beach “Bacvice” regularly hosts themed parties and concerts, and there is also one of the best nightclubs in the city, Ropic club.
4. Descend to the imperial mausoleum and climb to the bell tower of Saint Douai
Saint Douai Cathedral is the oldest functioning cathedral in the world. The basis of the cathedral is the mausoleum of Diocletian, who mercilessly persecuted Christians during his reign. The emperor’s tomb was destroyed in the 7th century, but the columns, sculptures and bas-reliefs are perfectly preserved. After the tomb, explore the cathedral – it is famous for its Gothic altar, carved doors and manuscripts. And from the bell tower of the cathedral you will have the best view of the Old Town of Split.
5. Explore the sunken ship
The area around Split is an ideal place for diving. There are diving courses and schools, equipment rentals and crystal clear seas. 10-15 kilometers from Split there is a sunken fishing boat (Ribolovac) and the ship Paio,
where divers of all skill levels dive. In the east of the island of Brac there is another favorite place for drivers – the huge underwater cave Lućice. There, at a depth of 30–40 meters, there are rare fish.
6. Visit the villa-museum of Ivan Meštrović
Ivan Meštrović is one of the best Croatian sculptors. At the beginning of the 20th century, he studied in Vienna and Paris, was friends with Rodin, became famous, but was forced to flee the country when the Second World War began. Shortly before leaving, in 1939, he built a villa on Marjan Hill according to his design. He bequeathed the villa with the workshop, all the drawings and sculptures to the city. Now his museum is located there. In addition to the Meštrović Museum, on Marjan Hill there is a zoo, a natural history museum and caves where hermit monks lived in the 15th century. The best view of the city from the hill is from the terrace of the Vidilica cafe.
7. Visit the islands of Hvar and Brac
There are more than a thousand islands off the coast of Croatia, and one of the most beautiful is Hvar. The island has untouched nature – rare flowers, many songbirds. There are excellent sandy beaches, lavender and pink oleanders grow everywhere, which bloom in early summer. In addition to lavender and beaches, the island has the oldest public theater in Europe and a Renaissance cathedral. The island of Brac is home to vineyards and olive groves, and the quarries produce ivory-colored limestone. Brac attracts tourists with excellent rose wine, Vidova Mountain – the highest in Croatia and water sports (water skiing, sailing, windsurfing, diving).
