Split has long been a pit stop for holidaymakers along Croatia’s turquoise waters, and it’s hard not to see why. With its ancient white stone walls, awe-inspiring architecture and fabulous beaches, there’s something for everyone on the Dalmatian coast.
Arriving in Split, don’t be put off by the busy harbour. Press on through the daily markets with their offerings of fresh fruit, veg and fish and find your way to the historic city gates. Stepping inside the centre of Split is like stepping back in time — if stepping back in time also includes the bustling bars and restaurants. Brimming with history, this is the perfect destination to get your cultural fix, all while lining your stomach with the tastiest Croatian treats.
If you’re holidaying in Split, we’d recommend booking accommodation within the walls of the city to really experience everything this UNESCO word heritage site has to offer.
Four hours away from Dubrovnik, Split mostly escapes the Game of Thrones crowds and when setting up camp here, you get to enjoy the city out with the busy periods of the cruise ship stop overs.
With winding narrow streets paved and lined with white marble, walking around Split is an attraction in itself. Skip the organised walking tours and download the GPSmyCity app that offers four different audio tours. See the sights at your own pace, exploring all the nooks and crannies while making several refreshment stops along the way.
More than half of the walled city makes up Diocletian’s Palace, originally built in 4 AD on the orders of its Roman Emperor’s namesake.
Make sure to visit the vaults of the city that hosts a bustling market filled with tourist trinkets, as well as Saint Dominus Cathedral and the ancient Egyptian sphynx that stands guard outside the entrance of Pjaca, or the People’s Square.
After enjoying an evening meal, make your way down to the People’s Square just before 8pm and find yourself a cushioned seat on the centuries old steps for a free concert of live music that takes place every evening throughout the summer.
After soaking up the atmosphere, we would recommend a night cap at Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar where you will normally find a local or fellow holiday maker continuing the night’s entertainment on the bar’s open piano.
If you’re looking to escape the walls for a while (although we’re not sure why you would!) there’s plenty more to discover just a stone’s throw away.
We’d recommend spending a cooler morning walking up Marjan Hill where you’ll find pretty stone churches and spectacular views of the coast. Once you reach the top, you can continue to follow the trail, where you’ll be rewarded with the breath-taking Kašjuni beach.
Admire the white pebble peninsula and crystal clear waters — why not rent a bed and enjoy the luxury of the beach bar and its table service offering? A taxi back to the city walls takes around 10 minutes and is inexpensive.
Fancy an excursion? Split is the perfect base to explore the islands off the Croatian coast.
The island of Brač is only half an hours sailing on the summer express service, and will allow you to take a trip to the beautiful Golden Horn beach. Or take a coastal walk to the Blaca Hermitage, which is also protected by the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Most major UK airports now fly to Split, and with a flight time of just two hours and 20 minutes from London, there’s really no reason Split can’t be enjoyed over an action-packed long weekend, or a lazy week-long holiday in the sun.
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