Split

Split is a city in Central Dalmatia, Croatia, and the seat of the Split-Dalmatia county. The city was built around the Diocletian palace (a palace/fort built for the retired Roman emperor Diocletian) where the locals sought refuge centuries ago. Wandering the historic centre of Split you can still clearly see the Roman walls, squares, and temples.

Understand


Because of its ideal climate, with 2,800 hours of sunlight each year, local people have a few nicknames for Split: "The most beautiful city in the world" and "Mediterranean flower". Many famous Croatian sports people were born in Split, so locals often nicknamed their city "The sportiest city in the world". The most popular sport institution is the football club Hajduk. Large portions of the city are painted with the club's colors and logo. This is done by Torcida, the oldest supporters group in Europe, established in 1950.

Besides the bell tower of St. Duje, the symbols of city are the Dalmatian dog and a donkey. Locals have a high regard for the donkey because of its past indispensable place in field work and transport across the Dalmatian mountains.

Winters in Split are generally mild for Europe, with temperatures above, but despite the popular saying that the city experiences snowfall once every 30 years, there is actually at least one snowy day nearly every winter, usually in January or early February. If you find yourself in Split on a day with significant snowfall, expect serious traffic disruption.

Ground transport

 * To Split: the Airport Shuttle Bus  runs at least hourly between the airport and inter-city bus station, taking 30 min. From town it runs 05:00-21:00; into town it runs 07:30-23:00. One-way fare is.
 * Bus 37 plies every 30 min 04:00-00:00 between Trogir, the airport, and Split's local bus station Sukoišan; it doesn't run to the inter-city station. The bus stops are just outside the airport, walk south out of the parking lot onto the highway Cesta Dr. Franje Tuđmana. The stop on the near side is westbound for Trogir, which takes 10 min, fare ; the opposite-side stop is eastbound via Kaštel Stari and Solin to Split, taking 50 min, fare . You can pay the driver.
 * Further north towards Šibenik, Zadar and Rijeka, buses fly past on the main highway and don't call at the airport, but they do call at nearby Trogir every hour. So you can save some time and money by taking transport to Trogir rather than doubling back via Split. In July and August only, there's a direct bus between the airport and Šibenik every couple of hours, taking almost 3 hours.
 * Going south towards Makarska and Dubrovnik, simply head for Split and change. For the islands, most ferries sail from Split, but those for the Drvenik Veli i Drvenik Mali sail from Trogir.
 * Taxi: the taxi stand is just left as you exit the terminal. To Split expect to pay, 30 minutes; to Trogir.

By bus
Most international services to Split involve a change of buses in Zagreb, but Flixbus have direct buses from Vienna (11 hr), Munich (13 hr) and Mostar (4 hr). There is also a direct service to Sarajevo which runs multiple times daily.

Croatian inter-city buses run north to Šibenik, Zadar, Rijeka and Zagreb, and south to Makarska and (via Neum in Bosnia & Herzegovina) to Dubrovnik.

The long-distance bus station, is next to the railway station and ferry port. It has ticket offices, toilets, left luggage and indoor seating; outside on the quay are lots of little cafes and kiosks.

The airport bus runs to this station, but most local services (e.g. west through Solin to Trogir) depart instead from the local bus station 1 km north, see "Get around".

By boat
Cruise ships, long distance and short-run ferries all dock at the passenger port next to the bus & railway stations. Ferries run three times a week across the Adriatic to and from Ancona and Pescara (Italy). There is also a large ferry that runs twice a week up and down the coast between Dubrovnik and Rijeka, stopping off at a couple of islands along the way. Split is the main hub for local boats and hydrofoils in Central Dalmatia. Several a day run to and from Brač, Hvar, Šolta, Vis, Korčula and Lastovo.

The major operators here are:


 * Jadrolinija. State-owned sea shipping company. They have regular lines connecting the Croatian shore to its islands and with Italy.
 * SNAV. Italian sea shipping company with ferries from Ancona to and from Split. Tickets starting at for a single crossing without cabin. Operates April-October only.
 * Krilo Shipping Company Croatian private sea shipping company with regular ferry lines connecting Split with islands Brač and Šolta. The ferries offer mediocre views for passengers as they travel, as the ships travel as far as possible from coastlines (except when approaching a port), the ships generally lack any outside deck, and window sight lines often poor.

By train
Trains run to Split from Zagreb once daily (with a second train mid-summer) taking six hours, and once overnight. Zagreb has trains from Vienna and Budapest, and connections across the rest of Europe. From Rijeka (which has trains from Zagreb, Ljubljana and elsewhere) there is one daytime and one overnight service changing at Ostarije, seven hours. From Šibenik there are five services changing at Perković, taking a couple of hours. During summer season, Regiojet runs a sleeper service from Prague, Brno, Bratislava and Budapest, arriving in Split at lunchtime.

The main railway station (Kolodvor Split) is next to the bus station and ship terminals. The station is grubby and basic but has left luggage. Many of these trains also stop at Split Predgrađe station in the north of the city.



Get around


Central Split is quite compact and most sights can be easily seen and best experienced on foot, but there are frequent local buses to outlying attractions and the airport.

By bus
Public transport is run by Promet. Most of the city buses in Split are new, but some are very old and dilapidated. You can find routes and schedules from Easyway journey planner. The station for town and local buses is - these don't use the main station 1 km south by the harbour. To transfer between stations use Bus 9 / 10 or just walk.

The fare is determined by the number of zones traveled, ranging from for within Split to  between Split and Trogir one way. These can be purchased from the driver, at a kiosk, or using the Promet ticket app from a smartphone. Two-way tickets cost, but you have to buy them in blocks of 5 or 10 from a kiosk. A one-month ticket is.

Local buses you might use are Bus 37 to the airport and Trogir described earlier, and Bus 60 to Omiš and Ravnicki Most which runs every 30 min. Long-distance buses from the inter-city station also pass through Omiš en route to Makarska.

By bike
Rent a bike and enjoy beautiful biking along Split's waterfront (Riva), continue to Marjan hill (approximately 7 km), climb to the top of the hill for great view on the Split town and surrounding islands. You can bike to the east side, along the coast to nearby village of Stobrec. Another great option from Split is to take a day tour to nearby islands of Solta, Brac, Hvar or Vis. You can take the bike on a regular ferry (they leave approximately every couple of hours in the summer season) and bike along quite roads and charming villages, explore great beaches and restaurants and return in the evening to Split!

Older but rideable mountain bikes are available for €2/hour (March 2012) at the northern entrance to Marjan hill (near Mandalinski put).

By boat
Speed taxi boat is an excellent solution for fast transportation of passengers on whole Adriatic. Said service is available through Dalmatia-express for direct transportation from airport Split to Split Riva or from Split Riva to Dalmatia islands.

If you don't know how to sail, there are a few companies that offer skippered charters in the area..

By train
A suburban train uses the main line from Split as far west as Kaštel Stari. It doesn't reach the airport: they've announced an extension there by 2025, but have yet to identify funding so it's probably more like 2035.

Diocletian's Palace
The historic centre of Split is built around the remains of this Roman palace. Most probably this one of a kind Imperial Palace was built from 298-305 AD and is one of the most significant original structures of the period mostly because so much of it has been preserved. It is probably the best preserved Roman palace in the world. Later this Palace contributed to the broadening of the town because as the city evolved beyond its walls. You only need to wander around to experience it but you can also pay to visit the excavated remains of the basement of the palace. The palace has well preserved main streets cardo and decumanus. Roman palace is enriched with some gothic and reinassance buildings which makes a perfect match. The palace has four monumental gates Porta Aurea (Zlatna vrata, Golden gate), Porta Argenta (Srebrna vrata, Silver gate), Porta Ferrea (Željezna vrata, Iron gate) and Porta Aenea (Mjedena vrata). The unique substructure halls were newly explored and each year more of them are opened to the public. Some have fascinating artefacts on display. May - Oct 10:00-19:00. Nov-Apr, opens at 11:00, duration 90 min. In English language. Starts in front of the tourist info centre, please arrive 15 min before tour is due to commence.


 * Two original Egyptian sphinxes- One is located on Peristil square, and the other in front of Jupiter's temple or St. John's church. They were brought from Egypt by Roman emperor Diocletian.
 * Two original Egyptian sphinxes- One is located on Peristil square, and the other in front of Jupiter's temple or St. John's church. They were brought from Egypt by Roman emperor Diocletian.
 * Two original Egyptian sphinxes- One is located on Peristil square, and the other in front of Jupiter's temple or St. John's church. They were brought from Egypt by Roman emperor Diocletian.
 * Two original Egyptian sphinxes- One is located on Peristil square, and the other in front of Jupiter's temple or St. John's church. They were brought from Egypt by Roman emperor Diocletian.
 * Two original Egyptian sphinxes- One is located on Peristil square, and the other in front of Jupiter's temple or St. John's church. They were brought from Egypt by Roman emperor Diocletian.
 * Two original Egyptian sphinxes- One is located on Peristil square, and the other in front of Jupiter's temple or St. John's church. They were brought from Egypt by Roman emperor Diocletian.



Beyond the Diocletian's Palace

 * Riva is the main city promenade. Since 2007, Riva has a new, more modern appearance, which isn't up to the taste of some who used to it's authentic look.
 * Marjan - a hill situated on the west of Split. Marjan is an oasis for many people who look for a natural stress relief, a great place for long walks, jogging, and bike rides. Marjan's peak, Telegrin is 174 m high and gives a wonderful panoramic view of Split. South cliffs are popular within alpine climbers. St. Nicholas church is situated on the east of Marjan, on its south side are beautiful St. Jeronimus church and "Gospe od Betlema" church (Madonna of Betlehem). House building is strictly forbidden in order to save Marjan - the lungs of Split.
 * Varoš - one of the oldest parts of town. A place where most of the city peasants and fishermen lived. Charming streets and beautiful small houses.

Do



 * Watch football ie soccer at
 * Seabob. Explore some beaches above or below water with a SEABOB.
 * Watch football ie soccer at
 * Seabob. Explore some beaches above or below water with a SEABOB.
 * Seabob. Explore some beaches above or below water with a SEABOB.


 * Go white river rafting on the beautiful river Cetina.



Sailing
There are lots of companies running boats, such as Busabout, RAFT Croatia, Topdeck and Contiki.

The majority of sailing charters start from the city of Split. There are many charter agencies where you can charter a sailing or motor yacht which are based in Split. Most of them operate from ACI marina Split, marina Zenta or marina Spinut. There are also many charter agencies based in marina Kastela which is based in the vicinity of Split.

When you charter a yacht through a charter agency and arrive to the designated marina there are a few things that need to be done.

The most important thing is the yacht check in (usually Saturday around 16:00). Take your time doing yacht check in. Familiarise yourself with the chartered yacht and with the yacht equipment. The rule of thumb is the more time you take for the yacht check in, the less time you will need for the yacht check out.

After that you have to do the shopping for the charter vacation. Don't neglect the groceries shopping because the sea is unpredictable and you don't want to get stuck on the boat without sufficient provisions of food and drink.

You can do the shopping in a marina although the prices are usually much higher there, or you can order from yacht provisioning services who usually deliver the products to the marina at no extra fee. In Jam Yacht Supply offer an online provisioning catalogue and you can order from a large selection of groceries and other products months in advance, everything you order awaits for you at the marina.

Shopping malls

 * Joker Put Brodarice 6. Opened in 2007. 50 shops on 4 floors with Tommy supermarket, DM, Hervis sports shop, Deichmann and a McDonalds. 15-20 min walk from the city center with buses stopping near the front of the centre. There is a cinema on the first floor. The top floor has fitness club, restaurant and a sky bar with an outdoor swimming pool.
 * Joker Put Brodarice 6. Opened in 2007. 50 shops on 4 floors with Tommy supermarket, DM, Hervis sports shop, Deichmann and a McDonalds. 15-20 min walk from the city center with buses stopping near the front of the centre. There is a cinema on the first floor. The top floor has fitness club, restaurant and a sky bar with an outdoor swimming pool.
 * Joker Put Brodarice 6. Opened in 2007. 50 shops on 4 floors with Tommy supermarket, DM, Hervis sports shop, Deichmann and a McDonalds. 15-20 min walk from the city center with buses stopping near the front of the centre. There is a cinema on the first floor. The top floor has fitness club, restaurant and a sky bar with an outdoor swimming pool.

Eat
Italian influences dominate Croatia's coast: a sample of the best of their legacy is risotto with tender white scampi or black calamari, a dish beloved by all Croatians. Dalmatinski pršut ("Dalmatian ham", comparable to Parma or speck) and cheese from the island of Pag are well worth trying, as is the large variety of excellent Croatian wines and beers.

Do not miss Dalmatian pašticada s njokama (gnocchi).

In a world suffocating under the weight of processed foods, Croatia's version of a traditional Mediterranean cuisine is one that is completely reliant on local produce, most of which is organic.

Additionally, as any major city in the Balkans, Split is also a locus of general Balkans-style eating: Ćevapi/ćevapčići (diminutive), a ubiquitous Bosnian dish, are small grilled rolls of minced beef, pork, or lamb, or a combination of any of these three. Usually served with chopped onions, kajmak (similar to clotted cream) or, sometimes, ajvar (a relish made from bell peppers, aubergines, garlic and chilli).

Split's eateries are to be found in a variety of settings, ranging from the romantic to the vibrant. It isn't difficult to enjoy superb food and wine in a classical environment with good friends and/or family.

There are plenty of fast food joints between the Old Town and the bus station.

Drink
Dalmatia is well known for its world class wines, but when in Split it is a must to try soda drinks called Pipi and Orela, produced by local beverage manufacturer Dalmacijavino.

Lots of outdoor cafés are to be found along the Riva waterfront.



Nightclubs
There are many clubs on Bačvice beach



Sleep
There is a wide variety of private accommodation available in Split, as well as a few hostels. Some of the best prices can probably be obtained by going to the bus station or ferry terminal and haggling with the many people there offering accommodation - even fairly late at night, there are still many people offering beds.

Stay safe
Do not go to striptease bars because they are a tourist trap.

For LGBT+ friendly places consider to consult locals first as Ghetto is the only gay-owned bar-club. Alternative youth club Kocka is also gay friendly location for concerts and parties.

Dentist

 * Split-Dent Dental treatment, visitors to the city are welcome.

Connect
Split has good 4+G and 5G speed from Telemach, A1 and T-Mobile. Wifi is widely available in public places around center and most caffes.

Internet Club 100 with print service is at Sinjska ul 2/4 north side of the old city, open Monday to Friday 09:30-15:30.

Go next

 * Salona - ancient Roman colony, one of the biggest towns of Roman Empire. It had a population of nearly 60,000 people. It was a capital of Roman province Dalmatia. Well preserved amphitheater, theater, basilica, cemetery and many other Roman buildings. Situated near town of Solin, 10-20 min bus ride from Split.
 * Hvar - A day trip by boat to this island is well worth the effort. Car ferry leave for Stari Grad five times a day in peak season (July–August), three times a day outside this period (a single trip costs about to Stari Grad on Hvar). There are also high speed passenger ferries that sail to Hvar town. Hvar town is small but extremely attractive, with numerous large yachts moored in the harbour. If using the left luggage service, make sure you thoroughly check the prices and conditions of use. Check ticket prices, schedules and timetables on RAFT Croatia website.
 * Brač - An alternative could be the boat to the island of Brač which is just the other side of the water. Split is well connected with Milna, Sutivan, Bol and Supetar Brač. KSC ferry company sails year round to Brač. The last ferry back to Split leaves at 22:45 from Supetar. Try renting a bike or scooter for exploring the island. When renting, take into account that the rental service normally closes rather early but when you ask for it, they are quite flexible as most people are in Split. A return ferry ticket should cost about, depending on the destination.
 * Šolta is another gorgeous island easily reachable by ferry from Split within an hour. It's more laid back than Hvar and less touristy than Brač, mostly frequented by Croatian tourists. Great bays, clear water, historic towns and local honey, wine and olives.KSC ferry company also provides ferry lines to Stomorska and Rogač that sail year round.
 * Horse Club - in village called Donje Ogorje you can ride a horse in the nature. It will cost you for one hour. There is also an option for riding and sleeping in the nature for several days.
 * Makarska - a popular resort town with beautiful beaches, 60 km southeast of Split. Frequent buses (price one way).
 * Bosnia and Herzegovina - possible day trips by regular scheduled bus include Mostar, Međugorje, Livno, Bugojno, Ljubuški, Travnik and even Zenica.
 * Makarska - a popular resort town with beautiful beaches, 60 km southeast of Split. Frequent buses (price one way).
 * Bosnia and Herzegovina - possible day trips by regular scheduled bus include Mostar, Međugorje, Livno, Bugojno, Ljubuški, Travnik and even Zenica.