Things to Do in Split

In a country full of scenic landscapes, epic countryside and incredible coastal views, Cetina Canyon still manages to stand out. Travelers who venture to this destination where placid turquois waters meet sheer rock cliffs will find stunning natural beauty and a true state of ultimate calm and relaxation.

Travel by private speedboat across the river to a tiny restaurant area where it’s possible to enjoy a bite or a drink with a serious view. Dare devils can fly across the landscape on the Omis Zipline or descend the cliffs on a canyoning adventure.

Hidden away at the foot of Marjan Hill just west of downtown Split, Bene Beach makes a tranquil alternative to the busy city beaches. It’s a scenic spot, with its rocky shore bordered by pine trees and only accessible on foot, and makes a popular choice for families in the summer months thanks to its patrolled swimming area.

As well as cooling off in the ocean, Bene Beach is a starting point for kayaking tours, while the surrounding Marjan Forest Park offers tennis courts, football pitches and ample opportunities for hiking or cycling. The beach itself is equally well equipped, with a terrace restaurant, changing rooms and showers, plus children’s playgrounds and a water slide.

Built as a retirement residence for the Roman emperor Diocletian in the 4th century AD, this massive fortress-like palace makes up about half of old town Split. Although there have been plenty of changes to Diocletian's Palace over the ages, the original quadrant design still remains with four different gates"”the Brass Gate, Iron Gate, Golden Gate, and Silver Gate"”that enclose this walled fortress.

Today, entering Diocletian's Palace through any of the four gates will lead you to the central square of Peristil. Each gate has its own unique architecture, and you'll likely want to experience them all.

Most tours enter through the Bronze Gate first, which is on the south side of the palace and opens directly to the sea. The Golden Gate, the largest and most ornate, was once the main entryway for the emperors. The Silver Gate, meanwhile, leads directly to the popular produce market areas of Split. Lastly, the Iron Gate houses the lovely 10th-century Church of Our Lady of Belfry.

Diocletian's Palace is located in the center of old town Split. Most visitors arrive by car, bus, or ferry and then set off to explore the palace gates on foot. The palace is most easily accessed on foot via the Bronze gate, which is located at the eastern end of the Riva promenade.

The Gates of Diocletian's Palace are fascinating any time of the year. Summer is the busiest tourist season, so consider visiting early in the day to avoid both the heat and the mid-day crowds. Better yet, visit in May, early June, or September to enjoy pleasant weather but fewer crowds.  

Entering through the Bronze Gate of Diocletian's Palace, you'll find yourself in the ancient cellars where you can tour the underground tunnels and learn about their former functions. Make sure to visit the Cathedral of St. Domnius and climb to the top of the bell tower for fantastic views of old town Split. Hit up the Split Market to browse the colorful fruit and vegetable stands and catch a glimpse of local life.

Fruit’s Square (Trg Brace Radic) is named after the busy fruit market once held in the square; considered one of the most beautiful squares in Split, Fruit’s Square today is home to a number of historic landmarks, bars, restaurants and shops. On one side of the square is a Venetian castello, or castle. Visitors should look for an arched passageway in the structure that features two etched Christian crosses—legend says that anyone who points their fingers at the points of the cross and makes a love-related wish while closing their eyes will see that wish come true.

 

On the other side is the 17th-century Milesi Palace, one of the most impressive examples of Baroque architecture in the Dalmatian region. Known for its arch-shaped windows on the ground level, the palace today hosts lectures and cultural events. In front of the palace is a statue of Marko Marulic, a 15th-century poet who is considered the father of Croatian literature.

Fruit's Square can be visited as part of a city walking tour of Split including stops at the Roman Emperor Diocletian's Palace and the local markets, as well as a walk along the Riva promenade.

With its startling blue light and luminescent waters, it's easy to see how the Blue Cave earned its name. The natural wonder is hidden in the sea cliffs along the coast of Bisevo Island and is made even more enticing by its remote, difficult-to-reach location. The effort is rewarded with stunning scenery and endless photo opportunities.

The only way to explore the Blue Cave is by boat, and the most convenient way to visit is as part of a guided tour of the surrounding islands. Full-day speedboat tours leave from Split, Trogir, and Hvar, and often take in the five islands of Vis, Hvar, Bisevo, Ravnik, and Budikovac, stopping at attractions such as Stiniva Cove, Smokova Bay's beach, and the Green Cave. For a more personalized experience, opt for a private or small-group tour.

The Blue Grotto is located in Balun Bay on the Croatian island of Bisevo along the Adriatic Coast. The only way to reach the island is by small boat from the island of Vis. From Split, it's roughly a 2.5-hour journey by speedboat to Vis, followed by a short transfer to Komiza on the island's west coast, which is the departure point for official Bisevo boats. 

Weather permitting, it's possible to visit the Blue Cave year-round, but the most popular time is during the summer months of June to September. Visiting in high season means you will likely have a wait time of up to an hour to enter the cave. Low season visitors will probably be able to head straight inside, although fewer choices for tours and boat departures are available at this time of year. For the most spectacular views and photographs, plan your trip between 11am and 12pm, when the sunlight hits the water at just the right angle.

One of 26 natural caves dotted around Bisevo island, the Blue Cave was accessible only to divers until 1884, when an artificial opening was created to allow small boats to cruise through. At certain times of the day, the mesmerizing light, created by sunlight refracting through the water and bouncing off the white limestone floor, appears to coat the entire cave in iridescent blue.

Built into the limestone bluffs outside of Split, the imposing Klis Fortress was once an important defensive stronghold between the Mediterranean and the Balkans. It housed the seat of many Croatian kings, though nowadays it’s better known as the film location for the fictional city of Meereen in the series Game of Thrones.

 

History buffs and Game of Thrones fans will enjoy a Klis Fortress tour. Wander the windy tunnels and towers of Croatia’s largest defensive structure on your own or explore the fortress on a Game of Thrones-themed tour.

 

Enjoy incredible panoramas of Split and the Adriatic Sea down below, and tour the museum’s collections of historical weapons and armor. On a Game of Thrones tour, learn how the series was filmed and get insider info about the cast.

 

 

Klis is only 9 miles (14 kilometers) north of Split. Most visitors arrive by car, public bus transport, or as part of a guided tour from Split. The simplest way by bus is no. 22 from the HNK (theater) station in Split, which drops you off in the village of Klis right below the fortress. Bus 22 only runs on weekdays.

 

Klis Fortress is not overly crowded, so anytime is perfect for a visit. Klis is one of the few Game of Thrones filming locations not jam-packed with tourists, but arrive early when the fortress first opens or later in the afternoon for the best chance of having the place to yourself. Go late in the day if you’re visiting during the winter for the chance to capture incredible panoramas of Split at sunset.

Visit Klis Fortress as part of a Game of Thrones tour to see the areas of the fortress used during filming. Get behind-the-scenes insight into how this medieval fortress was turned into the fictional city of Meereen. Tours may also include other Game of Thrones film locations, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Diocletian's Palace and King’s Landing in Dubrovnik.

A short walking distance from Diocletian's Palace, this hilly peninsula is a recreational park for both locals and visitors. A protected nature reserve since 1964, the park is dotted with pine trees and Mediterranean shrubs. 

Some of Split's best beaches are at the foot of Marjan hill and are easily reachable by bicycle which you can rent at the entrance. To enter the natural preserve, just follow the steps from the Veli Varos neighborhood. Keep climbing and you'll reach the Telegrin belvedere -- on a clear day you can see as far as Vis Island. You'll get some of the most spectacular views of the island and the Adriatic Sea from the top of the hill. 

There are many other cultural spots on the hill, including Split's most interesting museums, such as the Mestrovic Gallery and the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments. Many churches are dotted on the site, including the Church of St George, situated on the western slopes, with the Oceanographic institute next door. Families will enjoy the zoo.

A short cab ride from downtown Split, the Mestrovic Gallery is an art museum dedicated to the life and work of 20th-century sculptor, Ivan Meštrović, who has been compared to Rodin.  Formerly Mestrovic’s house and atelier, the holdings now contain 192 sculptures, 583 drawings, 4 paintings, 291 architectural plans and two furniture sets. There are also 168 works of art owned by Meštrović’s heirs. 

The house and garden hold some of the artist's best work, including a pair of huge walnut Adam and Eve figures and the powerful bronze Cyclops. Mestrovic's religious art comprises much of the gallery's permanent exhibits.    

You will discover the family archive found inside the house, which contains letters and personal documents of family members and friends, as well as builder Marin Marasovic’s archives (which include the building of The Most Holy Redeemer Church in Otavice and the erection of the Monument to Unknown Hero on Avala). 

Don’t miss the 16th-century Kastelet, a Renaissance-style summer house on the gallery property purchased and remodeled by Mestrovic in 1939 as a showcase for his "Life of Christ Cycle" reliefs. The room-sized wood carvings line Kastelet's Holy Cross Chapel. If you have a ticket to the main gallery, there is no extra charge to enter Kastelet. It’s a quick walk up the road to Setaliste Ivana Mestrovica 39. 

Travelers who are looking for the perfect way to spend an afternoon soaking up the beauty of Croatia’s idyllic coastline will find exactly what they’re after on the Riva Promenade. This incredible stretch of walkway runs the entire length of the old town and offers up incredible views of the surrounding harbor, European-style apartments and remote island’s are some of the city’s most picturesque.

Visitors will find some of Split’s best restaurants, cafes and nightlife along the promenade, which is also near to the city’s largest port. The famed walkway is flanked by towering palms and lined with glazed white tiles that lend some serious European-flare to this coastal destination.

As a revered local monument and protected heritage site, Poljud Stadium is on the itinerary for most sightseeing tours of Split and is just north of the city’s historic UNESCO World Heritage-listed center. It was built in 1979 for the Mediterranean Games and was opened by then-President of former Yugoslavia, Marshall Tito. Designed as a multi-purpose facility by Croatian architect Boris Magaš, the stadium’s main function today is as the beloved home of Hajduk Split football team, which plays in the European Champions League and is followed by avid fans across the region.

The stadium is a seafront landmark that appears at its most beautiful when illuminated by hundreds of floodlights by night. Constructed with two stands forming an arched, shell-like layered concrete exterior, Poljud has a seating capacity of 35,000 and among other events, hosts athletics matches and music festivals, including August’s annual Ultra Europe dance-music extravaganza.

Dedicated to the Ancient Roman king of gods, the Temple of Jupiter was constructed in the 3rd century as part of Diocletian's Palace and is considered to be one of the most well-preserved Roman temples in the world. Diocletian believed he was the reincarnation of Jupiter, who was highly worshipped until the Roman Empire was taken over by Christian rule.

The Temple of Jupiter may be small, but it offers a lot to see, including the headless sphinx that guards the entrance, the huge baptismal font, the many sculptures depicting Roman Gods, and sarcophagi of archbishops buried within. The temple is most often visited on a walking tour of other Diocletian’s Palace sites such as the underground cellars, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and Peristyle Square.  

The Temple of Jupiter is located within the walls of Diocletian’s Palace near Peristyle Square, the palace’s central courtyard, and opposite Diocletian’s mausoleum. Diocletian’s Palace is a pedestrian-only zone, so the only way of getting to the temple is by walking.

Diocletian’s Palace can be quite busy during the high summer season (July and August), so visit early in the morning to escape both the crowds and the midday heat. Although the Temple of Jupiter is open year-round, it may have reduced hours in winter—be sure to check in advance.

The headless black granite sphinx that looks as though it’s guarding the entryway to the temple was one of 12 sphinxes brought from Egypt, as ordered by the Romans. During the fall of the Roman Empire, Christians were thought to have destroyed the head because they thought it represented a pagan symbol.

Peristil Square is Split's main square, the former entry hall in Diocletian's Palace. It is derived from a Roman architectural term called the peristyle, an open colonnade surrounding a court.

The spacious central courtyard is flanked by marble columns topped with Corinthian capitals and richly ornamented cornices linked by arches. There are six columns on both the east and west sides, and four more at the south end, which mark the monumental entrance to the Vestibul. Most of the structure is made of white stone from the nearby island of Brač; however, the columns are made of Italian marble and siennite from Egypt.

The Vestibul is a cavernous open dome above the ground floor passageway; a foyer that leads you into the emperor's residential quarters. The Vestibul provides great acoustics allowing klapa bands to perform traditional a capella songs there in the mornings.

The head of Peristil, the prothyron, connecting the public square to the private quarters was the only place a commoner would see the emperor as he addressed his people. On either side of the prothyron you will find a little chapel stemming from far after the time of Diocletian; Our Lady of the Belt (1544) and Our Lady of Conception (1650). Note the black granite sphinx standing guard outside the cathedral. It was one of 11 acquired by Diocletian during battle in Egypt. 

Peristil is the host to various events through the year most notably the Split Summer Festival where the square converts into an open-air opera theatre. On May 7, the feast of St. Dominus is celebrated here. Occasional live concerts are also held here. During the day, the ruins and cathedral coexist with boutique hotels, shops, cafes and bars blasting live music at night. 

Located inside the gates of Diocletian’s Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius is a massive octagonal cathedral built in Roman times as the Mausoleum of Diocletian. The structure was converted to a church in the 7th century and mass is still held here today, making it one of the oldest Catholic cathedrals in the world still in use in its original structure.  

The Cathedral of St. Domnius is most often visited on a tour of Diocletian’s Palace. Admire the cathedral’s massive wooden doors, which are carved with scenes depicting the life of Christ, view the 15th-century altar of St. Anastasius, and browse the cathedral treasury’s wide array of gold and silver artifacts, including shrines containing the remains of various saints.

The Cathedral of St. Domnius is located in the heart of Diocletian’s Palace at the intersection of the two main streets, Cardo, which runs north to south, and Decumanus, which runs east to west.  You can only visit the Cathedral of St. Domnius on foot, as the cobblestone streets of Diocletian's Palace is a pedestrian-only zone.

The Cathedral of St. Domnius can be visited year-round, although the cathedral does have limited visiting hours in winter. Diocletian’s Palace can get very busy during the summer months, so visit first thing in the morning if you wish to avoid the crowds.  

Diocletian was known for his brutal treatment of Christians and, rather ironically, a section of the mausoleum he built to glorify his life and legacy now serves as a mausoleum for Christians massacred during his ruling. Diocletian’s remains were removed from the mausoleum when it was being converted to a cathedral in the 7th century, and no one knows what happened to them. 

A 10-minute walk north of Split's historic downtown is Croatia's oldest museum, which was founded in 1820.  

The incentive for the establishment of the museum was provided by the visit of Emperor Francis I to Dalmatia in 1818, which also included visits to Split and Solin (formerly Salona). The original museum building was erected in 1821 next to the eastern walls of Diocletian's Palace, but soon became too small to house the growing number of monuments.

The Archaeological Museum is a repository for artifacts -- jewelry, coins and pottery -- mostly unearthed at Salona in the hills above Split. The collection includes many religious objects used by the people who fled to the palace from Salona during the Avar-Slav invasion in the 7th century. It also displays heavier stone objects such as sarcophagi outdoors.

These 150,000 artifacts (ranging in date from prehistoric times, the period of Greek colonization of the Adriatic, the Roman and Early Christian periods to the early Middle Ages and the period of Croatian popular rulers) are arranged in separate collections. 

Notable exhibitions include the collection of stone inscriptions from Salona (around 6,000) and the collections of Graeco-Hellenistic ceramic objects, Roman glass, ancient clay lamps (around 1,600), bone and metal articles, as well as the collection of gems (the largest in the country). In addition, the museum houses an extensive collection of ancient and medieval coins (over 70,000) and a rich library with an archive.

Since the late 19th century, the bustling Republic Square (known by locals as Prokurative) has been serving as a gather place, people-watching spot, and town center for residents of Split. Its unique architecture-constructed as a nod to buildings in Venice-proves a remarkable departure from what is found in the rest of the city. 

Travelers will find dozens of quiet cafes, tasty restaurants and quiet shops located in close proximity to this central square. Epic views of the nearby harbor and easy access to the Riva Promenade make it an idea place to spend a perfect morning in the sun, or an afternoon or evening taking in the local character of Split.

Lying just east of Split’s historic UNESCO World Heritage-listed center, Bačvice is the most popular city beach with residents and visitors alike. Made of sand and shingle, it curves in a half moon around a wide bay and is backed with an assortment of buzzing beach bars, clubs and cafés, pastry shops and fast-food outlets. There’s also a top-end restaurant with views over the Adriatic Sea to be found in the Art Deco-style pavilion built in 2004 on the eastern flank of the beach.

A favorite with local families, Bačvice Beach is fully supervised by lifeguards, while sun loungers and blue parasols can be hired for a small fee. It offers play parks, table tennis, inflatable castles and water slides for young children along with mini-golf and paddleboats; other water-sports facilities include wind surfing, jet skiing, parasailing and banana-boat rides. The beach is also home to a peculiarly Croatian game; picigin resembles a game of volleyball played in the sea – there’s no net and the aim of the game is to prevent the ball from hitting the water.

An easy way for visitors to get to Bačvice Beach is to take Split’s hop-on, hop-off tour bus; it is also featured on walking tours of the city. The beach is also a recommended stop off on multi-day trips through Croatia and the Balkan.

Salona is an ancient town just outside of Split, Croatia. Originally set up by the Greeks and later conquered by the Romans, it was once the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia. It was Diocletian's hometown before he retired to his newer palace in Split. The town was mostly destroyed by invaders by Avars and Slavs in the 6th and 7th centuries, and today only the ruins remain. There is a 1st century Roman aqueduct that brought in water from the River Jadro as well as the remains of thermal baths. 

Salona also has ruins of early Christian graveyards and basilicas. Several of the city's old gates are still in good condition. Visitors can admire what was once an amphitheater that could seat up to 20,000 people. Unfortunately Venetians raided the amphitheater in the 17th century, taking much of the marble to build a palace. Many relics and artifacts uncovered in Salona are now on display at the Archaeological Museum of Split.