Split
Visited in April 2017
At a glance
- Country
- Croatia
- Region
- Split-Dalmatia County
- Population
- 160,577
- Best time to go
- May to June, September
- Main airport
- Split (SPU)
- Coordinates
- 43.51°N, 16.46°E
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Overview
Split grew up inside the walls of a Roman emperor's retirement palace, and people still live, eat and drink among its columns and courtyards. The old town is a maze of polished limestone lanes opening onto the palm-lined Riva.
It's Croatia's second city and a working port, so it feels lived in rather than preserved. Ferries leave constantly for the islands, and the wooded Marjan hill gives you trails and swimming coves within walking distance.
Things to see
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Photo: Dennis G. Jarvis, CC BY-SA 2.0 Diocletian's Palace
Built around 300 AD, its walls, cellars and Peristyle square now form the heart of the old town.
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Photo: Berthold Werner, CC BY-SA 4.0 Cathedral of Saint Domnius
Originally the emperor's mausoleum; climb the bell tower for views over the roofs and harbour.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0 The Riva
The broad seafront promenade below the palace walls, made for a coffee in the morning and a stroll at sunset.
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Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0 Marjan Hill
A forested park on the peninsula west of the centre, with viewpoints, small chapels and rocky swimming spots.
Things to do
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Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 4.0 Island hopping
Catamarans and car ferries reach Hvar, Brač and Vis, ideal for a day trip or a few nights.
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Photo: Airin, CC BY-SA 1.0 Swim at Bačvice
The sandy town beach is shallow and sociable; watch locals play picigin, a splashy ball game.
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Photo: Rkoster, CC BY 4.0 Day trip to Krka National Park
Waterfalls and river walkways about an hour and a half north by road.
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Photo: Općina Klis, CC BY-SA 4.0 Klis Fortress
A dramatic hilltop fortress guarding the pass above Split, with sweeping views to the islands.
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Where to stay
Old Town
Sleep inside the palace walls for atmosphere, though it can be noisy at night in summer.
Hotels in Old TownVaroš
A quieter old quarter of stone houses at the foot of Marjan, a short walk from the Riva.
Hotels in VarošBačvice
Close to the beach, the ferry port and the bus and train stations.
Hotels in Bačvice
Getting around
The centre is compact and mostly pedestrianised; local buses reach the suburbs and Klis.
The airport is near Trogir, about 25 km west; shuttle buses run to the harbour by the old town in around 30 to 40 minutes.
When to go
May, June and September have warm seas and fewer crowds. July and August are hot, busy and the ferries fill up, while winter is mild and quiet but many island services shrink.
Plan your trip to Split
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.