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The best 6 things to do in Split, Croatia-
Croatia has been rising in popularity in the last few years, and for good reason. This Balkan country has1,246 islands, over 1,100 miles of coast along the Adriatic Sea, ancient cities built in Roman times, and mountain ranges ready to be discovered. The capital city of Zagreb, which is in the north, radiates historic charm with a modern touch. Dubrovnik, made famous by the Game of Thrones, is on the very southern tip of Croatia and boasts a historic old town straight out of a fairytale. It is a UNESCO world heritage site and has been pristinely preserved for hundreds of years. But, situated on the coast near the center of Croatia is the country’s second largest city: Split. Split is a captivating city renowned for its rich history, stunning coastal setting, and lively atmosphere. During the summer months the streets and beaches are filled with tourists enjoying all that Split has to offer and during the winter months locals and tourists alike enjoy the quieter streets and holiday advent markets. So, without further adieu, here are the best things to do in Split, Croatia:
1. Visit Diocletian’s Palace
Built in the 4th century AD by the Roman Emperor Diocletian, this sprawling palace complex has served as both a residential and military fortress in the past and is located in the heart of the city. Nowadays, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and visitors can explore the palace’s numerous narrow streets, squares, cafes, shops, and historical sites, including the Cathedral of Saint Domnius, which was originally Diocletian's mausoleum. Attached to the Cathedral of Saint Domnius is a bell tower, which you can climb to the very top for beautiful unobstructed views of Split and the Adriatic Sea. A lot of historical events have happened in Diocletian’s Palace, so taking a walking tour can be a great way to familiarize yourself with the area and learn some cool facts.
2- Go to the beach
This activity does not just apply to the warmer months. Split is home to numerous beaches, all with incredibly clear blue water. Most of the beaches in Split (and all of Croatia) are rocky, but there are two sandy beaches near the city center – Bacvice Beach and Firule Beach. Other notable beaches in Split are Žnjan City Beach, Ježinac Beach, Kasjuni Beach, and Bene Beach. Some of these beaches have beach bars on them during the summer months with DJ’s, cold drinks, and lots of fun to be had. During the winter months, you’re sure to see locals swimming in the chilly sea or a group of people playing Picigin, which is a game played in shallow water with a small ball being batted between a group of about 5 people. This can be very amusing to watch. Personally, in the winter, we like to take card games and board games to the beach and sit on the shore watching the stunning water roll up onto the beach. One piece of advice I have is to wear water shoes if you plan to go into the sea. Sea Urchins are numerous in the Adriatic Sea and it would for sure put a damper on your trip if you were to step on one of these spiky little creatures.
3- Explore Marjan Forest Park
Marjan Forest Park is a huge nature park with countless hiking trails, scenic overlooks, rock climbing, bike paths, beaches, and even outdoor workout spots. You can easily spend a whole day just exploring this park. I mentioned Bene Beach already above, but what I didn’t mention is that there is a beach bar where you can sip a drink or coffee under the pine trees while admiring the beautiful sea just feet away. There are many ways to enter the park, which is free, but the most popular way is via stairs straight from Split’s Old Town. At the top of the stairs is a café and a viewpoint over the entire city and mountains beyond. It truly is stunning!

4- Visit the nearby islands
Okay, this one is not technically IN Split, but Split is a great hub to do some island hopping from, so I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this. All year long there are daily ferries that go from Split to the Šolta Island, Brač Island, Hvar Island, and Vis Island. During the summer months the ferries run more frequently than during the winter, but the islands are magical to visit any time of year and each island is vastly different from the others.
5- Visit Klis Fortress
Klis Fortress is said to be over 2,000 years old and holds a lot of historical significance for Split and all of Croatia. Perched on a rocky hilltop about 9 miles outside of Split’s city center, Klis Fortress is a Game of Thrones filming location and is open to visitors who wish to take tours. There are panoramic views of Split, Kaštela Bay, and the nearby islands from the fortress, which in itself is worth it. Since this is outside of Split, it is possible to reach via Uber or Bolt, personal car, or you can take the city bus (see the Promet Split website or app for route information).
6- Stroll along the Riva Promenade
The Riva Promenade is an area located in Split’s Old Town (just outside the walls of Diocletian’s Palace) that is lined with palm trees, benches, cafes, restaurants, and shops. It is a great place to relax, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy the charming views of the harbor or people-watch. Many locals believe that taking a stroll on the Riva is only to be done when you are dressed your best, so you’ll spot many people dressed in their Sunday best, even if it is mis-week. Since it is an area many tourists also visit, being dressed to the nines is not required, but who doesn’t like a good reason to dress up?
In conclusion, Split, Croatia, is a captivating destination offering a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and modern charm. The city's centerpiece, Diocletian's Palace, stands as a testament to its ancient heritage, inviting exploration through its narrow streets and historical sites. Visitors can bask in the crystal-clear waters of beaches like Bacvice and Firule, engage in local pastimes such as Picigin, or explore the vast Marjan Forest Park with its scenic trails and beaches. Klis Fortress offers panoramic views and a glimpse into Croatia's rich history, while the Riva Promenade beckons with its relaxed ambiance and charming harbor views. In essence, Split promises an unforgettable experience, merging historical allure with modern delights along the stunning Adriatic coast.
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