Split
Split, Croatia, is a city with a rich history, particularly known for Diocletian's Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Originally a Greek colony called Aspálathos, it later became a Roman settlement, with Salona (now Solin) as the main city, and Split as a smaller settlement around the harbor. After Salona's fall, refugees settled within Diocletian's Palace, leading to Split's growth. The city has been under various rulers throughout history, including the Byzantines, Venetians, Austrians, and Yugoslavs, before becoming part of Croatia. During Venetian rule, Split flourished as an important maritime and trading center, which is still reflected in its architecture and cultural traditions. In the 20th century, Split played a key role in the industrial development of Yugoslavia and remains one of Croatia’s most vibrant cities, blending ancient history with modern urban life.
💡Split: Good to Know
🛂 Visa: most European countries plus Canada, Australia, the US, Korea, and Japan are visa-exempt for a stay of up to 90 days
✈️ Closest Airport: Split Saint Jerome Airport (SPU)
💬 Language: Croatian, but English is widely spoken
🏷️ Price Level: The price level in Croatia is considerably lower than in the United States
🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / Croatia US$ 6.02
💰 Currency: Euro (EUR)| 1 USD = ca. 0.90 EUR)
☀️ Best Times to Visit: The best time to visit Split is during the shoulder seasons, May to June and September to October
🚘 Transportation: city buses and taxis
🔌 Adapter: Croatia uses type C and F plugs. No adapter is needed if you are from Europe but it is needed when coming from the US
🛜 WiFi: widely available; the city has installed free WiFi hotspots in various public areas, including buses
🏧💰ATM and “Cash or Card”: While some small stores take only cash, payments with cards are generally accepted; ATMs are available throughout the city
💸 Tipping: Tipping is appreciated, especially in restaurants — 5–10% is typical. Round up in taxis and leave a euro or two for hotel staff.
🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: Obala Kneza Domagoja, Split, Croatia (docked)
✈️ 🚇🚕 Getting There and Around
🎟️ In Split, you can pay for bus tickets in a few ways: via the Promet Split app, at ticket kiosks, or from the bus driver. Buying tickets on the app or at kiosks is generally cheaper than buying from the driver.
✈️ Split Saint Jerome Airport (SPU) is located approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) from the city center. To get from Split Airport to the city center, the most common and convenient options are the airport shuttle bus, local bus, or taxi/Uber. The airport shuttle bus (one-way 8 EUR), operated by Croatia Airlines, is a direct route to the main bus station near the port and takes about 30 minutes. Local bus #37 is another option (2-4 EUR), though it involves a transfer to the train station before reaching the city center.
🚇 The Port of Split is located very close to the city center. It's a short, approximately 15-minute walk to the heart of Split
🚌 The Hop On Hop Off bus from City Sightseeing operates three lines- the red city center line as well as the blue and green lines that will go further outside the city (more info here)
⭐️ Top Sights in Split
"The Republic of Venice acquired the city of Split in 1420."
📸 Diocletian's Palace: Diocletian's Palace, located in Split, Croatia, was a massive complex built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian for his retirement in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries. It served as a fortified residence, combining imperial apartments, a military garrison, and a town, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The palace's original structure has been adapted over the centuries, with parts of it becoming the heart of the modern city of Split.
📸 Peristyle: The Peristyle in Split, Croatia, is a historical open-air square within Diocletian's Palace. Originally, the central courtyard served as a public gathering space and an area where the Emperor would appear to his subjects. Today, it's a popular tourist attraction and a venue for cultural events, known for its unique architecture and lively atmosphere.
📸 Cathedral of Saint Domnius: The Cathedral of Saint Domnius in Split, Croatia, is a unique structure built from Emperor Diocletian's mausoleum. It's considered the oldest cathedral in the world still in use in its original structure, though the bell tower is a later addition. The cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, while the bell tower is dedicated to Saint Domnius.
📸 Temple of Jupiter: The Temple of Jupiter, originally built as a Roman temple dedicated to Jupiter, is now a baptistery and part of Diocletian's Palace. It was constructed between 295 and 305 AD and is located near the Peristyle, the central square of the palace. The temple features a barrel-vaulted ceiling, a black granite sphinx at the entrance, and is known for its well-preserved state and historical significance.
📸 Klis Fortress: Klis Fortress is a medieval fortress with a rich history spanning over 2,000 years. It's known for its strategic location on a pass between mountains, its role as a royal residence, and its importance in defending the region. The fortress is also famous as a filming location for the "Game of Thrones" series, specifically the city of Meereen.
📸 Riva Promenade: The Riva Promenade, also known as Riva Split Waterfront, is a vibrant and bustling waterfront walkway in the heart of Split, Croatia. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding islands. Lined with palm trees, cafes, restaurants, and shops, it's a lively place to stroll, relax, and soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere.
📸 Marjan Forest Park: Marjan Forest Park is a large, forested park situated on the Marjan peninsula in Split. It's a popular recreational area known for its lush pine forests, walking paths, and stunning views of the city and Adriatic Sea. Visitors enjoy hiking, jogging, cycling, and exploring historical sites like chapels and ancient hermitages. The park is considered the "lungs of the city" and offers a welcome escape from the urban environment.
🍽️😋 Regional Specialties
Split, is known for its fresh seafood and Mediterranean cuisine, deeply influenced by its Dalmatian coastal location. Popular dishes include grilled fish, octopus salad, and black risotto (crni rižot). Other local specialties include pašticada (beef stew), soparnik (chard pie), and various pasta dishes. The use of local olive oil, herbs, and fresh ingredients is a hallmark of Split's food culture.
🍽️ Black risotto (Crni Rizot): Black risotto, or "Crni rižot," is a Croatian dish made with cuttlefish ink and risotto. The cuttlefish ink gives the risotto its signature black color and a briny flavor. It's a popular dish in Dubrovnik and other Croatian coastal regions, offering a unique and flavorful take on risotto.
🍽️ Peka: In Split, "Peka" refers to a traditional method of slow-cooking food, typically meat (like veal, chicken, lamb, or octopus) and vegetables, under a bell-shaped iron lid called a "peka" in an open fireplace. The dish is cooked with hot coals and embers placed on top of the lid, resulting in tender, flavorful food.
🍽️ Dalmatinska Pašticada: Pašticada is a braised beef dish cooked in a fragrant, sweet, and sour sauce, popular in Croatia. It is often called Dalmatinska pašticada because it originates in Dalmatia, where it is served at festivities and gatherings.
🍽️ Soparnik: Soparnik is a traditional Croatian savory pie, originating from the Poljica region in Dalmatia. It's known for its simple ingredients and preparation method, often involving baking on an open fire covered with hot coals. The pie features a filling of Swiss chard, onions, and parsley between two thin layers of dough. It's considered a cultural trademark and has been recognized as intangible cultural heritage by the Croatian Ministry of Culture.
🍽️ Fritule: Believed to have originated from ancient Roman cuisine, fritule have evolved over centuries, adapting to local tastes and customs. In Croatia, they have become synonymous with holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and especially Carnival season, known locally as "Fašnik."
🥤 Rozulin: Rozulin is a sweet, rose-based liqueur traditionally made in Croatia. It's known for its unique flavor and is a key ingredient in the traditional Croatian dessert, Rozata. Rozulin is crafted using Rosa centifolia (centifolia rose) petals, which are added to sugar and alcohol before being sun-exposed for several weeks.
📍🗺️ Maps, Apps & Links
🌐 Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour
🚕 Uber
🚕 Bolt