Split, the second largest city in Croatia, is beautifully nestled on a peninsula just off the coast of Dalmatia. The city offers a perfect blend of ancient history and modern life. But if you think that’s just about its significance, well, Split is also a World Heritage City in Croatia.
Where Croatia is a beautiful country in itself, this quaint little town is one of its gems which serves as a perfect hideout for a serene getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Throughout the year, Split attracts thousands of tourists and travellers of every kind and welcomes them with abundant sunshine, stunning Renaissance and Gothic architecture, thrilling adventures, and obviously the sun, sand, and waters.
A tour of the city will certainly give you the opportunity to live the Dalmatian lifestyle. You will get once in a lifetime opportunity to indulge in those amazing experiences and fun things to do in Split, Croatia if you have the right information to guide you on your trip.
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Table of Contents
Best Time to Visit Split
Split attracts tourists throughout the year as it is one of the most affordable European holiday destinations. It’s the summer season in Split that witnesses a heavy footfall of tourists as it is the peak season. The season begins in the month of June and lasts until August.
The summer season can be a bit hot with the maximum temperature ranging somewhere around mid-thirties. Although the temperatures are hot, Split is still a great place to visit in the summer.
The Dalmatian coast opens up for people from April to October/November and summer is the only season when the coast remains operational throughout its months. Besides delving into water sports, this is also the ideal time to do hiking and cycling activities.
Winter is also considered the ideal time to visit Split since the city has a Mediterranean climate which means that winter isn’t very cold. It begins in December and lasts until February. The weather is quite breezy during this time and pleasant enough to roam around the city.
Planning Your Trip
We use the below booking platforms to plan our trips. We hope you find them useful too!
Where to Stay in Split
Due to how popular Split is, there is a good variation of accommodation. The below accommodations are all central.
Luxury – Galeria Valeria in a UNESCO-protected building a short walk from the beach. The property offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. A panoramic view of the Adriatic Sea is available in some of the rooms and a continental breakfast is available each morning.
Mid-Range -At Stay in Meta Mate, you will be close to popular attractions such as the beach and the town centre. This accommodation also has a garden and all rooms come with free wifi and air conditioning. The rooms are very spacious and bright and come complete with a kettle and mini bar.
Read more about Meta Mate and book you stay right here.
Budget – La Perla Luxury Apartments might not sound like a budget option, however the costs are actually relatively low to stay in this comfortable apartment. It is located only a 2 minute walk from the beach and each room has a private bathroom, air conditioning and a TV.
Read more about La Perla Luxury Apartments and book you stay right here.
If you are more into the hostel scene when you travel, there are an unbelievable number of funky, cheap, and social hostels spread through the country. Browse the full range of hostels that Split has to offer and book your stay right here.
Best Things to Do in Split
Explore The Old Town
There can’t be a better way to start off your Split tour than exploring the Old Town. The area is known as a historical and cultural centre and has a maze of streets and cobblestoned lanes that together adds up to its charm.
There are plenty of things to do and experience in this part of the city. The very famous Diocletian’s Palace is also located in the Old Town of Split. The palace is one of those UNESCO world heritage sites in Croatia.
Not ony this, the Old Town is also home to the World’s oldest Catholic cathedral – the Cathedral of Saint Domnius. Along with exploring the iconic attractions and soaking in the vibes, you can also hop into one of those cosy cafes or laid-back restaurants, or can even go for a drink at one of those bars in the Old Town.
Traverse Back Into the Time at Diocletian’s Palace
Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can set higher expectations with Diocletian’s Palace. The palace dates back to 293 AD and is one of the most significant historical attractions in Croatia.
Even if you are not into history or architecture, a visit to this place is a must. There is nothing like the architecture of Diocletian’s Palace. Today, it partly serves as a luxury residence and part military garrison.
Not only this, the palace complex is also referred to as one of the best preserved Roman architectures in the present time. Being one of the top Split attractions, Diocletian’s Palace attracts hundreds of visitors every day.
Visit St. Domnius Cathedral and Bell Tower
The most popular and highly revered religious attraction in Split is St. Domnius Cathedral. This is another attraction located within the vicinity of Diocletian’s Palace.
Apart from its high sacred significance, the cathedral is also known for marvellous architecture which dates back to the 12th century. However, the main structure of the cathedral traces its history from 3AD which makes it the oldest of its kind in the world.
Another significant highlight of the cathedral is the Bell Tower which serves more as an emblem of the city. St. Domnius Cathedral plays a crucial role in the day-to-day lives of the citizens of Split.
Apart from the stunning exterior, the interior of the cathedral is equally appealing to see. Inside the church, there is an altar of St. Anastasius which dates back to 1448. On the right, you will see St. Domnius’ altar who was the patron saint of the city.
The Bell Tower dates back to 1100 and beautifully boasts the Romanesque style. You can climb up all the way to the top of the Bell Tower to capture the astonishing views of the city.
Take a Tour of Diocletian’s Cellars
Diocletian’s Palace was also a prominent filming location for the famous series, Game of Thrones. If you are its biggest fan then Diocletian’s Cellars is an unmissable attraction for you.
Have you remembered the scene where Daenerys was locked up in a cellar and also where she trained her dragons? Well, that was the Diocletian’s Cellars.
These cellars are a huge network of vaulted cellars and hallways that were used in the past for storing food, wine, and other essential goods. A part of these cellars is operational for the general public.
There is even a museum, souvenir shops, and art exhibitions for people to explore and shop. There is a central passageway which connects Peristyle and Riva Promenade together and is absolutely free of charge.
Go Snorkelling in the Blue Lagoon
Believe it or not, a trip to the Blue Lagoon should be a must-do experience while vacationing in Split, Croatia. Even if you are not much of a nature lover, the Blue Lagoon is an exotic paradise that you will surely love.
On the southeast coast of Drvenik Veliki, this is a shallow lagoon with glimmering sand, translucent turquoise waters, and a white pebble beach. This is a popular spot amongst divers to satiate themselves with an amazing snorkelling experience. The ocean is home to more than 6000 aquatic plant species and around 7000 marine creatures.
You can spend a whole day here snorkelling, swimming, and even unwinding while soaking up the sun and scenery around you. A visit to Blue Lagoon can definitely be the highlight of your Split tour.
Explore the Island of Hvar
If you are planning to explore Split in the summer season then you must add Hvar Island to your to-do list as it serves as a perfect summer resort around Split. The island is not just about beautiful beaches, but more enthralling things to do as well.
However, to make the best out of your Hvar tour, make sure to spend at least a few days here. There is an Old Town in Hvar where you can discover unique architectural constructions, impressive churches, beautifully paved streets, and a stunning waterfront promenade.
There is also a Spanish Fortress which is one of the key attractions on Hvar Island. Built in the 13th century, the fortress offers a picturesque view of the city from the rooftop.
There are also plenty of beaches on Hvar Island. Malo Zarace, Dubovica, and Pokonji Dol are some popular beaches in Hvar where you can just relax, unwind, and enjoy the best of your time in Croatia.
Admire The Uniqueness of Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site that you must add to your Croatia itinerary.
Plitvice Lakes National Park is unlike any other national park and that is why this place is a must see in Split.
It is a combination of fourteen lakes and each one of them is connected with the next by a natural waterfall and pools. To get the best sight of these waterfalls, we recommend you to follow the boardwalks.
Be a Little Adventurous With Rafting on the Cetina River
If you are an adventure seeker, how about going rafting on the Cetina River for a thrilling experience whilst you are in Split. Ideal even for beginners, rafting on the Cetina River gives you the opportunity to experience the rapids of the longest river in Croatia.
Along the route, you will be treated with beautiful nature which is the key highlight of the rafting experience on the Cetina River.
Hike Through Krka National Park
Croatia is home to beautiful waterfalls and a majority of them are cascading in the Krka National Park. If you want to ditch the hustle and bustle of city life, then Krka National Park is the perfect hideout.
You can spend as much time as you want to wander through the trails, hiking, rafting, cruising, swimming, or cliff jumping here in Krka National Park. The key highlight of the national park is a series of 7 waterfalls.
There are a few local vineyards in the region that are often covered by some tours. If you are lucky enough, you can land at one of these vineyards and can enjoy one of the best free things to do in Split, tasting the local wine.
Go Ziplining in the Kozjak Mountains
Of all the adventurous things to do in Split, ziplining in the Kozjak Mountains will probably give you the most surreal experience. There are 6 zipline excursion options in the Kozjak Mountains with a total length of 2500 meters.
The site is located some 25 km from the downtown of Split in the heart of the Kozjak Mountains. The activity is definitely worth of high-speed thrill and will offer you spectacular views over the city of Split.
The zipline tours operate throughout the year and require a short hike to reach all the way up to the site.
Walk Along the Riva Waterfront
In case you don’t know, Riva is a prominent harbour of Split. The area has a vibe and is dotted with palm trees and vibrant buildings. This is a popular spot to take a stroll around and soak in the beautiful atmosphere, especially on summer’s day.
You can spend an evening with your loved ones along the Riva Waterfront. There is a walkway that offers beautiful views of Croatia’s coastline. Adding up to your leisure stroll, there are the city’s best-rated cafes, restaurants, and bars. This is also a popular nightlife spot.
Try Croatian Food
No list of things to do is ever completed without the local food. In Split, you can find plenty of restaurants to savour the local food. Seafood is quite popular in Croatia as it is right on the coast.
Kanoba Fetivi, Ma:Toni, St Burek, Villa Spiza, Konoba Marjan, and Konoba Kod Joze are some popular places to eat amongst locals. Make sure to check out the restaurant before visiting if you require to book a table in advance.
How to Prepare for Your Visit to Split
Before you set off on your trip to Split, there are a number of things you will need to organise to ensure a smooth and successful trip. These include what to pack for Split and what is the best travel insurance for your trip. Both of these will be discussed in the following section.
What is the Best Travel Insurance for Split
Regardless of what type of trip you are heading on, one thing that is essential for everybody is good travel insurance. Accidents can happen anywhere and at anytime and unexpected hospital bills will ruin a holiday. Remove the stress from your next adventure and get covered for the worst.
World Nomads Travel Insurance provides budget reliable travel insurance that will keep you covered for any level of adventure.
You can get your quote before you leave on your trip right here.
What Should You Pack for Split?
What you need to pack for Split will rely highly on when you make your trip there. During the Spring and Autumn months, temperatures and weather patterns vary wildly between beautiful sunny skies and rainy days. During the Summer, you are pretty much guaranteed nice weather with temperatures ranging from 20-35 oC. The hottest months are July and August, so these will be the most popular for a Summer holiday.
During the winter months in Split, the rain will become more frequent and the temperatures will drop to between 10-20 oc. If you need more inspiration on what to pack for your trip, check out our full packing guides for all-weather conditions over here.
When it comes to toiletries, we recommend that you don’t forget to pack sunscreen. The sun in Split is very strong, especially during the summer months. Apply a lot of suncream regularly to prevent a nasty burn from ruining your trip. We use this specific sunscreen to protect us as it is not as oily and irritating as other sunscreens.
Given the beautiful sights and scenery that you will see in Split, we highly recommend packing a good camera for your trip. If you want to read more about the cameras we use and why we love them, check out the link below.
Photography Equipment
Main Photography Camera – Sony A7v Mirrorless Camera and Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera
Microphone – Sony Mic ECM-B1M
Main Lens – Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens – Tamron 70-180mm f/2.8
Camera Tripod – ZOMEI Z669C Camera Tripod
Gorilla Pod – JOBY JB01507-BWW GorillaPod
Action Camera – GoPro Hero 11 and Insta 360 One RS
Drone Camera – DJI Mavic Pro 3
Camera Bag – Wandrd PRVKE 41L and The Nest by Tropicfeel
Phone Tripod – Manfrotto MKPIXICLAMP-BK, Mini Tripod with Universal Smartphone Clamp
Sturdy Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick – ATUMTEK 61″ Selfie Stick Tripod, Sturdy Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote
Hard Drives – LaCie Rugged Mini, 5TB, 2.5″, Portable External Hard Drive
SSD – SanDisk Extreme Pro 1TB Portable NVMe SSD
Travel Adapter –Worldwide Travel Adapter Universal Travel Plug with 4 USB Ports+Universal AC Socke
Where to Stay in Split
Due to how popular Split is, there is a good variation of accommodation. The below accommodations are all central.
Luxury – Galeria Valeria in a UNESCO-protected building a short walk from the beach. The property offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. A panoramic view of the Adriatic Sea is available in some of the rooms and a continental breakfast is available each morning.
Mid-Range -At Stay in Meta Mate, you will be close to popular attractions such as the beach and the town centre. This accommodation also has a garden and all rooms come with free wifi and air conditioning. The rooms are very spacious and bright and come complete with a kettle and mini bar.
Read more about Meta Mate and book you stay right here.
Budget – La Perla Luxury Apartments might not sound like a budget option, however the costs are actually relatively low to stay in this comfortable apartment. It is located only a 2 minute walk from the beach and each room has a private bathroom, air conditioning and a TV.
Read more about La Perla Luxury Apartments and book you stay right here.
If you are more into the hostel scene when you travel, there are an unbelievable number of funky, cheap, and social hostels spread through the country. Browse the full range of hostels that Split has to offer and book your stay right here.
So there you have it, a guide to the things to do in Split. If you have visited Split recently, let us know what you thought of it, or if you have any suggestions let us know in the comments below.
As always, sharing is caring so make sure to share this photo guide with your family and friends and inspire them to head off on their own Croatia adventure. If you are planning the trip for yourself, make sure you have a look at the rest of our Croatia content for more inspiration.
When you set off on your own adventure, be sure to tag us in your photos on Instagram and we will share them with the rest of our community. In the meantime, why not follow us over there to see what we are currently up to and keep up with us on our Instagram Stories.
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