WELCOME ΤΟSplit

By far, the most famous and main attraction in Split, Croatia is the Diocletian Palace. This historic roman era palace forms the old town city center and was built for the famous Roman emperor Diocletian during the fourth century AD. What makes this site so famous is that it is one of the best-preserved Roman architectural monuments in the world! However, the palace today varies greatly from its original structure due to city inhabitants modifying and repurposing its buildings for the past several hundred years. Yet, you'll still find original stoneworks scattered throughout the Old Town in ruined form. Therefore, when you are walking through the Old Town of Split, you are actually walking through the palace itself!

Old Town Split has changed considerably since the days of Diocletian. While its ruins and iconic buildings are the main sites, you'll also find some of the best restaurants, bars, and cafes in this area. That's because Split is one of the only ancient Roman fort cities that is still being used as a residential area!

Marjan Hill is a small, forested hill located on the western side of Split's Old Town. Officially known as the Marjan Forest Park, this protected slice of nature is the perfect place to go to escape the busy city crowds. Climbing to the stone-paved observation deck at the top of Marjan HIll takes less than half an hour from the Riva, and offers travelers great views of the city and harbor below.

If you ask any Croatian, they'll tell you that there are dozens, if not hundreds of different blue lagoons scattered throughout the islands of Croatia's Dalmatian Coast. However, the official, or at least the most famous Blue Lagoon is located just 14 nautical miles from Split on the small island called Drvenik Veli . As a result, this magical, clear water lagoon is the best place to swim close to Split city! If you rent or charter a speedboat or yacht, you can easily make your own way here, as we did on our first visit. Otherwise, there are plenty of half-day island-hopping trips that visit the beautiful shallow waters of the Blue Lagoon and nearby islands.

Just 27 kilometers (16 miles) from Split is the tiny, historic island city of Trogir. Famous for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Venitian architecture, visiting this beautiful walled city is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon in Split. The easiest way to get to Trogir is to visit as part of a Blue Lagoon and 3 Islands trip. However, it's also possible to get here via the local bus number 37. Just keep in mind that this bus leaves from the Sukoisanska bus terminal, which is not the main near the harbor and requires a 1.5 kilometer walk from the city center.

Many rate Croatia's incredible Plitvice Lakes as the country's most beautiful natural attraction . Plitvice Lakes National Park is another UNESCO World Heritage Listed site located in central Croatia near the Bosnia and Herzegovina border. At a massive 296.8 square miles (114.6 sq mi), this is one of Croatia's largest national parks! The park is famous for its otherworldly, turquoise-colored lakes and endless levels of waterfalls. While the journey is quite far from Split (2.5 hours), it is possible to visit Plitvice Lakes on a day trip. In fact, despite the distance, this is still one of the most booked activities in Split!

Lovers of history will definitely want to visit The Fortress of Klis, a medieval hill fortress found just behind Split's modern city. This remarkable fortification boasts a near 2000-year old history, from its origins as an Illyrian stronghold to a royal castle held by many Croatian kings. At just 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from the ceter of Split, visiting the fortress is easy for travelers with a car.

If it's your first time in Split, you'll be excused for thinking that there are no beaches here. The port harbor isn't exactly the most inviting place to swim. However, just around the corner are two very beautiful beaches. The first and most famous is Bacvice Beach, just a 15-minute walk from Split's Old Town. The shores are lined with a concrete boardwalk, and the beach itself is a thin strip of small pebbles leading into pristine waters.

Continuing around the corner, just a short walk from Bacvice Beach, you'll arrive at Firule Beach. In my opinion, this is a better option than the first, as it is less crowded but still has amazingly clear water. During our time in Split, we'd walk down to Firule almost every day! In my opinion, this is the best beach in Split for a daily swim and short bake under the warm summer sun.

The Split Riva promenade walk is the waterfront pathway stretching along the front of the Old City from Split Harbor to the edge of the Marjan Forest Park. This is a great place to take a stroll, browse the street markets, and watch the boats come and go.