Dream Beaches and Diocletian’s Legacy: Why Split Should Be Your Next Destination
Nestled opposite the Italian coast, Split lies right on the Adriatic coast of Croatia and serves as a first-class seaside resort. Its charm lies not only in its breathtaking beaches but also in its thousand-year history that dates back to the age of Diocletian. Beyond its cultural treasures, Split thrives with festivals, film and theater events, and traditional folk celebrations. Split is the ideal destination for a Mediterranean holiday, full of history, culture, traditions, folklore, and nature. To avoid the tourist crowds, consider visiting in late spring or late summer.
What to Visit in Split
Diocletian’s Palace is the crown jewel of Split, serving as the city’s symbol alongside its iconic red roofs. Despite centuries of alterations and renovations, this impressive structure overlooking the port still retains its classical charm and is remarkably well preserved. Essentially a citadel, its interior is intersected by two streets that create four distinct districts, filled with numerous buildings.
Along the palace’s perimeter are its famed fortified gates: Golden Gate, Bronze Gate, Silver Gate, and Iron Gate, each named according to Venetian tradition.
The Temple of Jupiter, now a baptistery, offers another window into the past, as does the Cathedral of St. Domnius, the most important religious site within the ancient citadel. Be sure to also explore Martonmova Street, Riva, and Matejuška, which are the historic street, the vibrant waterfront, and the old fishermen’s port respectively—all are worth visiting.
How Big is Split?
Split is the second largest city in Croatia after Zagreb, covering approximately 79 square kilometers. With its whitewashed streets and red rooftops, the city sits proudly along the Adriatic, giving its name to the surrounding peninsula. The ancient Roman city is positioned in central-southern Dalmatia, bordered by Zadar to the west and Dubrovnik to the south. Framed by a series of spectacular beaches, Split is a quintessential seaside destination.
Where to Go to the Sea in Split
Split boasts a variety of beautiful beaches, each sinking into crystal-clear waters and many of them awarded Blue Flags. The mistral breeze adds a pleasant touch to hours spent under the Mediterranean sun. The coastline stretches over 10 kilometers, attracting families due to its accessibility by foot or car. Sandy beaches dominate the southern area from the port to the village of Podstrana, while the Mount Marjan area features rocky, green bays.
Bacvice is the most famous beach, situated at the foot of the old town and beside the port. Its sandy shores and clear waters are perfect for swimming. The area offers plenty of beach amenities, restaurants, and bars. Ocvice and Firule are also sandy, though with a few more pebbles, and offer several dining options. South of Ocvice, Znjan beach extends for a kilometer, featuring well-equipped facilities and ample parking. For a livelier vibe, young people flock to Kastelet at the base of Mount Marjan, where pebbled shores meet beach bars with music and refreshments.
What to Do in the Evening in Split
Split truly comes alive at night. When the sun sets, street artists fill the air with lively entertainment, and the nightclubs offer cocktails and music. Hotspots like Gaga, Ghetto, and Teak are perfect for enjoying drinks and tunes. If you are looking for places to dance until dawn, Paradox and Zinfandel are ideal. The city’s waterfront, Riva, serves as the heart of Split’s nightlife, while Imperium at the port often features world-famous DJs. For a different vibe, O’Hara offers two levels of entertainment at Zenta Bay, and Hemingway, set along the slopes of Marjan, is Split’s most luxurious club.
Throughout the year, Split hosts a variety of festivals and events, especially in summer. The Split Summer Festival is the city’s premier cultural event, occurring from July to August, featuring open-air music, theater, dance, and opera. In August, the Nights of Diocletian is a classical re-enactment infused with music, food, and festivities.
How to Get to Split
The fastest way to reach Split is by plane. Airlines like Croatia Airlines, Volotea, Vueling Airlines, Wizz Air, and EasyJet connect Split to cities all over Europe.
How to Get Around Split
Split is best explored on foot, as most of its attractions are concentrated around the historic center and the Riva promenade. To explore further afield, Promet Split operates a reliable bus system with over 50 lines, running Monday to Saturday from 6 am to 11 pm. Service is limited on Sundays, and there is no night service. The city is divided into four zones, with Zone 1 tickets covering the city center and suburbs. For more flexibility, renting a car or scooter is recommended.
