Getting Oriented
Split is Croatia's second-largest city (after its capital, Zagreb) and one of the best hubs for exploring the Dalmatian Islands. Although it's the most connected city to popular islands like Brač, Hvar, Vis, Šolta, and Korčula, it's also an incredible city to explore on its own.
There are many unique ways to experience Split. In the center of the city, encompassing nearly its entire Old Town is the 4th-century Diocletian's Palace. Besides modern boutiques, bars, and cafes, you'll find grand colonnaded squares, romanesque churches, and a 1500-year-old Egyptian-inspired temple. Split is also known for its dazzling Riva waterfront promenade and the forested Marjan Park with incredible city views.
As a hub, Split offers visitors opportunities to see some of Croatia's most historical sites and beautiful national parks. Spend your time walking the marble streets, tasting delicious cuisine, discovering cultural traditions, and exploring ancient history.
Indulge Your Senses
One of the best ways to explore a city is through your tastebuds. Not only do you get to enjoy delicious bites, but you also mingle with locals and get a front seat to the cultural norms and traditions of a country.
Wine Tasting & Lunch near Klis Fortress
After exploring the 2,000-year-old Klis Fortress, enjoy time in the surrounding vineyards. The fortress has served many purposes throughout history, mostly as a stronghold to protect the region's rulers, including the Illyrian tribe, the Romans, and several Croatian kings. Because of its importance, many hilly vineyards encompass the fortress, and you'll enjoy a traditional Croatian lunch and wine tasting at one of them. Read More
Authentic Croatian Cooking Class
Join a local chef as you peruse Split's markets, searching for the best ingredients for an authentic Croatian meal. Your host will tour you around the produce and fish markets as you brush shoulders with the locals doing their own shopping. Then settle in the kitchen and roll up your sleeves! While sipping a glass of regional wine, learn the secrets behind traditional cooking in Croatia, including using a peka iron dome. Once finished, you'll sit down to enjoy your creations with good company. Read More
Afternoon Food Tour
Wander around Split with the help of a local foodie who will take you to all the best spots, including local markets, bakeries, cafes, and restaurants. Highlights of this tour include tasting Dalmatian prosciutto and cheese paired with the local brandy liquor, rakija; watching the masters create soparnik, a swiss-chard-filled pastry thought to be the prototype of Italian pizza; and enjoying a traditional dinner at a beloved restaurant. Read More
Bike Tour of Split & Marjan Hill Park
Combine an active bike ride with a city exploration, getting off the beaten path to explore less crowded areas of Split, including Marjan Hill. Highlights of the bike tour include Sv. Jere Church on Marjan Hill, secluded vistas with views out into the sea, and Diocletian's Palace. Enjoy the stunning views, feel the wind on your face, and inhale the salty sea spray. Stop at several sites as you learn more about Split's history and culture and see local life in action by getting off the beaten path. Read More
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Explore the Region
A perk of visiting Split is exploring the scenic region that surrounds the city. This includes the beautiful Dalmatian Islands, national parks, charming medieval towns, and ancient fortresses.
Ancient History in Trogir, Klis, & Solin
Close to Split are three historic sites with a day trip. Start in the medieval seaside town of Trogir, with its narrow stone streets and highlights such as Garagnin-Fanfogna Palace, Cathedral of St. Lawrence, Radovan's 13th-century Romanesque Portal, and Kamerlengo Fortress. Then head up into the hills to explore the 2,000-year-old Klis Fortress and the Roman remains of Solin. Read More
Discover Krka National Park
One of Croatia's most beloved highlights is Krka National Park, known for its waterfalls, swimming lagoons, historic watermills, and Visovac, a small islet in the middle of the Krka River with a Franciscan monastery. Besides enjoying nature, you'll discover how people once lived within the park and along the banks of the river. Explore the restored ethnic village near Skradinski Buk (the largest waterfall) and learn how the area was home to Europe's oldest power plant from 1895. Read More
Sail to Brač & Hvar Islands
Spend a day sailing among the Dalmatian Islands, stopping to discover Brač and Hvar Islands, plus the scenic archipelago, the Pakleni Islands. One highlight of this boating excursion is a stop at Brač's famous Zlatni Rat Beach, where you can swim, snorkel, and lounge on its "horn" of golden sand. You'll have plenty of time to enjoy the water at other beaches, and hidden coves, plus have lunch at a local eatery recommended by your skipper. Read More
How to Craft the Perfect Split Itinerary
With its own airport, Split is a popular destination in and of itself, often acting as the center of many Croatian itineraries. So whether you start or stop in Split, use the city as a hub to explore Southern Dalmatia, or pop in to explore on your way down the coast, you can easily build an incredible trip around your time in the historic hotspot.
How much time you spend in Croatia depends a lot on what you want to see and do. To fully explore all that the city has to offer, give yourself at least 3 full days. Split is a big city, so you'll need time to enjoy the Old Town and discover its historic surroundings. Plan for one week if you'd like to add in a few day trips or overnights on the islands. For longer trips through multiple Croatia regions, two weeks or more is best.
Past kimkim travelers enjoyed the following trips that included experiences in Split: