Quick Guide: Split — What to See and How to Get There

Discover Split, Croatia's stunning Dalmatian gem — ancient Roman ruins, crystal-clear Adriatic waters, and vibrant nightlife all in one city.

Split is one of the most captivating cities on the Adriatic coast. Built around the UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace, this 1,700-year-old Roman emperor's retirement home is now the living heart of the city — with locals still living, working, and socializing within its ancient walls. Split perfectly blends history, nature, and Mediterranean warmth.

Why Visit Split

Unlike many European heritage cities where history is preserved behind museum glass, Split wears its past openly. You can wander through Roman-era corridors that now house boutique shops and trendy bars, step out onto the Riva waterfront promenade to watch the sunset over the Adriatic, and hear street musicians echoing through stone alleyways that date back to the third century AD.

Split is also a gateway to some of Croatia's most spectacular islands and national parks. From here, day trips to Hvar, Brač, Vis, and even Plitvice Lakes National Park are easy to organise — making it an ideal base for exploring the entire Dalmatian coast.

The city has a genuine, unpolished energy. Despite growing tourism, Split remains a working city where locals vastly outnumber visitors, especially outside peak summer months. The food scene is excellent — from fresh seafood on the Riva to truffle pasta in a hidden konoba — and prices remain lower than most Western European cities of similar cultural weight.

What to See and Do

  • Diocletian's Palace: The beating heart of Split, this sprawling Roman palace complex covers nearly half the Old Town. Walk through Peristyle Square, explore underground cellars, and climb the Cathedral bell tower for panoramic views over the city and sea.
  • Cathedral of Saint Domnius: One of the oldest Catholic cathedrals in the world still in use in its original structure, converted from Emperor Diocletian's mausoleum in the 7th century. Climb the octagonal bell tower for sweeping Adriatic views.
  • Marjan Hill: A forested peninsula rising above the city, Marjan Hill offers the best views in Split. Hike or cycle through fragrant pine forests to lookout points, secluded beaches, and small chapels tucked into the cliffs.
  • Bačvice Beach: Split's most famous beach and a local institution, Bačvice is best known as the birthplace of picigin — a uniquely Croatian ball game played in shallow water. Join in, or just enjoy the lively beach bar scene.
  • Island Day Trips: Take a ferry to the glamorous island of Hvar, sail to the Blue Cave on Biševo, or join a five-island speedboat tour taking in the Blue Lagoon, Vis, and Pakleni Islands. The Adriatic is your playground from Split.

How to Get There

By Air: Split Airport (SPU) is well connected to major European cities, especially during summer. From Portugal, Ryanair and other carriers operate flights from Lisbon (LIS) and Porto (OPO), often with a connection through another European hub. Flights typically take 3–5 hours depending on layovers.

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By Ferry: If you're already in Italy, ferries from Ancona and Bari cross the Adriatic overnight to Split — a scenic and relaxing alternative to flying. Jadrolinija and Blue Line operate regular services.

By Bus: FlixBus and regional coach operators connect Split to Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and cities across the Western Balkans. From Zagreb, onward connections to Vienna, Munich, and beyond are available.

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Practical Tips

Best time to visit: May–June and September–October offer the ideal balance of warm Mediterranean weather, calm seas, and thinner crowds. July and August are peak season — expect higher prices, busy beaches, and a festival atmosphere. Winter months (November–March) are quiet and cheap, perfect for exploring the Old Town without the crowds.

Average daily budget: Split is affordable by Western European standards. Budget travellers can get by on €50–70/day including accommodation, food, and local transport. A meal at a traditional konoba costs around €13–20, while coffee in the Old Town can be as little as €1.30. For mid-range travel, expect €100–150/day.

Local transport: Split's Old Town is easily walkable. For Marjan Hill, bikes are available to rent along the waterfront. Local buses connect the city centre to Split Airport. For island-hopping, Jadrolinija ferries and local catamaran services depart regularly from Split's ferry terminal.

Currency: Croatia uses the Euro (€) since joining the Eurozone in 2023. Card payments are widely accepted, though carrying a small amount of cash is handy for smaller konobas and market stalls.

Language: Croatian is the official language, but English is widely spoken throughout Split, especially in the tourism sector. Learning a few words of Croatian — hvala (thank you), molim (please) — always goes down well with locals.