Split, Croatia

The pretty city of Split has a rich history. Since ancient times it has, in various guises, served as the economic and administrative centre of the beautiful Croatian Adriatic coastal region, today called Dalmatia. The city sits mainly on a peninsula on the eastern part of the island of Ciovo, although it has nowadays spread onto the mainland and encompasses the mouth of the River Cetina. From the 5th to the 2nd century BC Greek colonists settled the mainland and adjacent islands. Later came the Romans, in particular the Emperor Diocletian, who, being of Dalmatian origin, elected to build a huge palace at a spot then called Salona, in the year 303. A town grew up around the palace, and eventually, by the Middle Ages, the city of Split had begun to develop.



The Diocletian's Palace still stands in the very heart of the old part of Split, which charms visitors with its cobbled streets and Roman architecture. The greater Split area is characterised by its lush vegetation and green areas, particularly Marjan Hill on the west of the peninsula with its ancient indigenous forest. The city makes an ideal base from which to explore the islands, beauty spots, and historic villages in central Dalmatia.

Split is also world renowned among seafarers for the quality, and quantity, of its marinas. There are 44 of them in the city area altogether, drawing yachts and catamarans from all over Europe and making it a great cruising destination in the Adriatic.

Split Attractions

Split is an ancient and attractive city with centuries of history bolstering its modern appeal. As with many Croatian cities, the richest concentration of tourist attractions in Split can be found in the oldest area of the city, around the famous Diocletian's Palace. This magnificent ancient palace was built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in 303 AD and it is a privilege to explore. There are numerous walking tours on offer for the palace complex and the surrounding old area of the city, which can be very informative. Usually included in these tours will be the impressive Cathedral of St Domnius and a climb up its rather scary bell tower, which earns you spectacular views of the area. Also, be sure to look up as you walk by the West Gate so that you don't miss the remarkable clock which has been keeping time in the city for over 100 years.

There are numerous other things to see and do in Split and the Archeological Museum, the oldest museum in Croatia, is a popular attraction. The museum collects and displays artefacts from all eras of Split's long history and is a joy for history buffs. On a more contemporary note, travellers will enjoy a stroll along Riva Harbour which has a pretty promenade lined with bars and is a great place to meet locals, who favour the spot for evening walks and recreation.

Split is also a convenient base for excursions to myriad other beautiful islands and villages and visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to day trips. The nearby islands of Brac and Hvar offer stunning beaches and charming little towns, and the coastal villages of Makarska and Sibenik are enduring Croatian favourites. The magical walled town of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is situated on a tiny island between Ciovo and the mainland, and tops the list of many a Croatian travel itinerary.

Diocletian's Palace

Roman Emperor Diocletian, having abdicated his throne in AD 305, decided to spend the last years of his life in Dalmatia and built a palace for that purpose on the bay of Aspalathos, on the south side of a peninsula extending into the...  see full details

Archaeological Museum

Founded in 1820, the Archaeological Museum in Split is the oldest museum in Croatia. Its displays include many archaeological artefacts from prehistoric times, the Greek colonial period, and from the Roman, early Christian and Medieval ages. Most of the relics found in excavations of...  see full details

Split Day Trips Hvar Island Off of the coast of Split, just 15 nautical miles (24km) from Baska Voda and accessible by ferry, is the island of Hvar, which abounds with Romanesque and Renaissance buildings and a true Mediterranean atmosphere. Hvar has been populated since prehistoric times; archeologists have found evidence of life on the island dating back to 3500 BC. The island is noted for its fertile soil and was the site of the world's first parcelling out of arable land by the ancient Greeks, who farmed there. It is now mainly a wine-growing area. The island's main towns are Vrboska and Jelsa, famed for their Dalmatian wines. Hvar is dotted with picturesque villages, many of which remain fairly untouched by tourism. Must-see attractions in Hvar include the incredible Hvar Fortress which can't be missed by history buffs and anybody who appreciates a great view! It is a bit of a climb to get to the old fortress but from the site you can see the whole town and harbour, and there is a lovely, reasonably priced cafe for refreshments. If you are a seeker of beautiful beaches then you can't visit Hvar without making the short trek to Dubovica beach, which is often delightfully free of crowds.