All About Split
A city brimming with fascinatingly contradicting personalities, Split is a destination where the grandeur of the past merges with today’s zeitgeist. Located on the Adriatic Sea’s eastern shoreline, this is Croatia’s second most significant city is the largest along its coast.
An integral part of the Dalmatia region, the charm of Split lies in its diverse architectural and historical character. It’s a city with a sheltered port that first gained prominence in 812 under the Byzantine Empire, changing hands intermittently between Venice and Croatia over decades. However, for 350 years, starting in 1420, Venice ruled over and influenced life in Split. From 1797 to 1918 was when the Austrians took command, then the French from 1808 to 1813, and Yugoslavia in 1918 until Croatia gained independence in 1992.
Owing to Split’s dynamic past, it is no surprise that the city’s architecture amalgamates different styles, from Roman to Medieval and Baroque. Moreover, the cultural revolution that spread through the streets of Split in the 1900s further elevated its pizzazz. Now an economically important port city with historical monuments, museums, art galleries, beaches, and famous fine dining restaurants, Split guarantees an inimitable holiday full of captivating discoveries.
Routes and Ferries to Split
Even though the city has excellent air and road connectivity, reaching Split by boat is a truly magical experience. Travelers can book cheap ferry tickets to Split online via Ferryscanner throughout the year. One of the more popular ferry routes is the once-a-week, 11-hour journey from the Italian city of Ancona to Split. Operated by SNAV, tickets to Split for this voyage cost €45 one-way, on average. Boats from Bari to Split are equally popular. Irrespective of your departing port, book your ferry tickets well in advance, especially during the in-demand summer months.
Landing at Split Airport, about 20 kilometers from the center, is the other option for travelers. Most European airlines fly to Split seasonally with a few year-round exceptions, like from Amsterdam. The airport is a half-hour by road from the city. A taxi costs €40, whereas the bus will set you back only €3 per person. During summer, a ferry boat shuttle operates between the airport and the port. Tourists already in the country can reach Split by train or bus. Both take roughly five to six hours from Zagreb, with a bus ride costing around €20 per person.
Port of Split
The origins of Split harbor go back to the 4th century when it was an essential trading post, first under the Greeks and then the Romans. While the Port of Split lost some importance with the development of Rijeka harbor, it continues to be a vital hub and is the largest passenger wharf in Croatia.
Today, the port handles cargo and freight, in addition to welcoming cruise ships and ferries. Ferry tickets to Split bring in much traffic, especially during the warmer months. Disembarking tourists will find that the port offers ample amenities like a designated passenger terminal, ticket offices, ATM, post office, and parking. Furthermore, you can hire a taxi, rent a car, or take the bus or train from nearby.
The port consists of 28 berths, and six basins, each catering to different types of vessels, from large cruiseliners to fishing boats. Moreover, the harbor has a free economic zone with storage and commercial shipping facilities. A noteworthy advantage of arriving with ferry tickets to Split is that the city center is merely 500 meters away.
Best Beaches of Split
Part of Split’s ever-growing popularity is due to the city being an idyllic coastal destination. While the sandy and pebble beaches in Split are every sunseeker’s dream come true, the Adriatic’s refreshing waters provide a restorative respite for summertime.
Bačvice Beach
Bačvice Beach is the most popular seaside in Split, famous for its ankle-high, kid-friendly, shallow entry into the Adriatic. A short walk from Diocletian’s Palace, the hard sandy strip lies in a calm, protected bay. Although it’s a free beach, surprisingly, there aren’t any sunloungers on rental here. However, plenty of activity along the waterfront promises to keep you replenished. Bačvice does have a few sections in the shade, concrete platforms near swimmable deep waters, changing rooms, and showers. The beach’s iconic status, though, is primarily because this is where the acrobatic ball sport of picigin originated. Bačvice also has the liveliest nightlife in town.
Ovčice Beach
Further east of Bačvice is one of the most favored beaches in Split. Ovčice is a family-friendly pebble strip that stays busy during summer. Those wishing to sunbathe should make a beeline for the coveted concrete areas. Ovčice’s fame is partly due to its proximity to the center and because it offers all beach-going conveniences such as toilets, changing rooms, a children’s playground, free showers, and loungers for rent. On top of that, the beautiful blue water calls for a refreshing dip. At the same time, the cafes nearby satiate any gastronomic cravings.
Plaža Firule
Firule is a quaint little beach in a sheltered cove, a few minutes walk from Ovčice. It’s quite a busy spot having a shallow sandy shoreline, ideal for families, but also paved sections. Other attractions at the beach range from cafes and a pier for jumping into the deep to trees for shade, showers, public toilets, and parking. A marina next door keeps the atmosphere vibrant, while those into tennis can opt for a game or two at the next-door courts.
Plaža Ježinac
After arriving with ferry tickets to Split, it’s only a five-minute drive to Ježinac Beach from the port. The mostly pebble beach with some sandy and cemented sections stays quiet and is an excellent option for families wanting to be away from the crowds. Ježinac has pine trees for shade and a lovely walking trail with old cannons on display. Although a small strand, there are a few bars nearby, parking, changing rooms, and showers here. The sea is blue and inviting, but it’s best to bring water shoes since the floor is a bit rocky.
Kašjuni Beach
Kašjuni Beach’s location at the foot of Marjan Hill makes it a stunning natural getaway, enhanced further by minimal commercialization in the area. You can hop onto Bus Line 12 from the center to reach here. The trip to the beach takes about 12 minutes and costs €1.20. Otherwise, it’s a 45-minute walk. Facilities at Kašjuni include a couple of beach bars, parking, showers, and changing rooms. A section of this perpetually quiet strip is for dog walkers, while nudists often sunbathe on the rocks. The water is clear and clean, and you can rent sun loungers at Kašjuni for approximately €23 per person.
Neighborhoods of Split
The different neighborhoods of Split undoubtedly capture the essence of the ancient port town. At the same time, they add their own uniqueness to the urban landscape, giving the city a genuinely eccentric quality.
Grad (City Center)
The most visited neighborhood of the city is also one you can reach within minutes from the port of Split. The highlight of Grad is Diocletian’s Palace, along with the possibilities to indulge in retail therapy, visit the Game of Thrones museum, and admire ancient relics around every corner. Riva, the town’s main boardwalk, is a spirited spot lined with waterfront eateries serving the freshest seafood.
Veli Varoš
Located west of the city center, Varoš is an expansive neighborhood comprised of residential areas, beaches, natural escapes, Medieval churches, and Marjan Hill. Attractions in the region consist of Ivan Meštrović’s 16th-century estate, now a museum featuring his sculptures, the Marjan Forest Park, and some of the best fine dining restaurants in Split.
Spinut
Just north of Varoš, Spinut is a quiet residential neighborhood of Split. It still remains pretty busy because of several hostels and popular cafes like Kavana Procaffe by the marina, arguably the best place for coffee in the city. Spinut is also home to Bene Beach, which offers plenty of hiking opportunities and has the Archaeological Museum. Furthermore, in the adjoining district of Poljud, there’s the 34000-capacity Poljud Stadium, where one can enjoy regular football games and concerts.
Žnjan
Located east of the city center, Žnjan is where you’ll come across traditional houses and modern apartment blocks with sea views. Not surprisingly, the neighborhood is popular among tourists as it offers a wide range of accommodation options, especially for budget travelers. A stay in the area is incomplete without spending an entire day at Žnjan Beach. The seaside and promenade are perfect for long walks, water sports, and kite surfing.
Gripe
Ambling around the neighborhood of Gripe, you’ll see the atmosphere is in complete contrast to next door Grad. While a little easy-going and less congested, Gripe isn’t without its fair share of attractions. Family-centric activities include Perivoj Vidilica park with peacocks, the maritime museum Hrvatski Pomorski, and a sports center. Gripe also has an excellent culinary reputation, with Pub Plan B, Den-si, Duje, and Baraka BBQ being some of the popular eateries in the area.
Things To Do Around Split
As with most metropolitan cities, there are plenty of exciting places to visit in Split. However, the town’s well-preserved ancient architecture gives it an unmatched edge. Consequently, the many things to do in Split combine its historical significance and seaside charm with the region’s natural beauty and current status as an iconic location.
Walk around Diocletian’s Palace
The 4th-century Diocletian’s Palace being near the port means visitors don’t have to walk far to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site. A grand palace, it is a reminder of the region’s Roman past and reflects architectural elements from empires that came thereafter. Used by Emperor Diocletian as a residence and for military purposes, the castle consists of winding alleyways brimming with quaint shops, houses, cafes, and prominent monuments. Covering an area of 30,000 sq meters, the fortress has a rectangular shape with four watch towers on each corner and another four along the boundary. Additionally, one can marvel at ancient constructions, such as the Temple of Jupiter, Iron, Silver, Gold, and Brass entry gates, and the bell tower that you can climb to witness panoramic views. The palace’s underground structure, accessible through tours, is truly remarkable and an unmissable excursion.
Shop at the Green Market
Known simply as the Pazar, the city’s Green Market allows total immersion into the region’s culture. An authentic farmer’s market, residents visit the daily marketplace to buy everyday necessities, flowers, fruits, and vegetables and catch up on the latest buzz. A stroll around the neighborhood is an excellent way to interact with locals, purchase artisanal souvenirs, and take in the alluring aromas of fresh produce. Green Market opens from 6:30 in the morning until late in the evening.
Take a day trip to Trogir
The one-hour bus ride from Split to Trogir begins a fantastic day with interesting finds and adventures. One of the top tourist destinations in Dalmatia, Trogir has a mellower ambiance compared to Split. However, its inherent gorgeousness, diverse architectural styles, cobblestone streets, and culinary options have led to the town becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famously called ‘Little Venice’, Trogis connects to the mainland via a bridge. Once on-site, don’t forget to visit the Cathedral of St Lawrence and Kamerlengo Fortress. Plan your ferry tickets to Split for July to enjoy energetic celebrations by attending the annual KulaKula and Moondance Festivals in Trogir.
Climb up Marjan Hill
A green getaway in the heart of the city, the 540-foot-high Marjan Hill makes for an idyllic hiking destination. Different trails from every direction lead to the top of the hill, where you can catch astounding views of the surroundings. Along the way, you’ll also come across a Jewish Cemetary dating back to 1573 and the Church of St Nicolas. If you don’t feel like going to the top, stop midway at Vidilica, a romantic terrace restaurant serving delectables like risotto, lamb chops, seafood, and beer.
Take a Game of Thrones tour
Split is no less than a pilgrimage for Game of Thrones fans. Whether you like the books or the series, Split’s aura perfectly mirrors the bewitching world of George R. R. Martin’s creation. With many scenes filmed around town, you can take from two-hour to more extended tours, visiting locations like the Daenarys throne room and the streets of Meereen. Typically included in the walk is the entrance fee to the cellars of Diocletian’s Palace, where several key moments in the fourth season were captured.
Transportation Around Split
Passengers arriving with ferry tickets to Split find it extremely convenient that the Old City is right by the port and easy to walk around. Moreover, the central neighborhood is pedestrian, further limiting any vehicular traffic. Should you wish to explore some of the nearby areas, renting a bicycle is a great option.
Additionally, Split does have an extensive bus network, ideal for covering various neighborhoods and suburbs of the city. The buses run from morning till late at night. Tickets are available at kiosks or on the bus. Although one can rent a car as well, it’s only advisable if you plan on traveling outside city limits, especially since parking is an issue within Split. Otherwise, taxis and Uber are easy to book and not too expensive. As for tourists wishing to see some of the other Dalmatian islands, there are regular ferries from the port throughout the year.
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