Split is located in the central part of the Croatian coast between Zadar and Dubrovnik, dividing Dalmatia into two parts. It is the second largest city in the country and is located on the peninsula Marjan, between the Gulf of Kaštela and the Split Canal, at the foot of the Mosor Mountains, 25 km from the airport. The resort has fine, sandy beaches and its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Split is surrounded by the archipelago of the islands of Brac, Solta and Drvenik and beyond them are Hvar, Vis and Bishevo.

Glass and concrete modern buildings rub shoulders with houses from the 15th and 19th centuries, while trendy boutiques line the ancient town square. Croats consider Split a city of unique architecture, home to every imaginable style. Its 17-century history is punctuated by dramatic events and the presence of many different civilizations.

Islands

After swimming in the sea and exploring the town far and wide, Split's guests usually head to the nearby islands for further excitement.

Hvar Island, otherwise known as Adventure Island, is a must-see if you love sailing, rock climbing or simply enjoy hiking through the beautiful countryside. End the day in peace, gazing out at the setting sun or have a raucous party in one of the many bars.

St. Andrew Island, seemingly lost in the vastness of the sea, is ideal for those who appreciate the pristine beauty of nature. Civilization arrived here long ago and the local hotels meet all international standards, but tourists are scarce.

Marjan Hill, on the peninsula of the same name, is often visited not only by tourists but by the people of Split themselves. And no wonder: it's hard to find a better place for a picnic or a leisurely stroll along the coast. The main attraction of the hill is the magnificent palace, built during the time of the Roman emperor Diocletian.

Hotels in Split

There is no shortage of hotels of varying levels in the city. You can stay in one of the five-star hotels: Palace Lidija, Hotel Atrium, Hotel Park Split, and Apartments Felicitas. However, the price for a simple room starts at 100 EUR per night.

Smaller hotels will cost at least 1.5 times cheaper, and the service quality is practically unaffected: the range of services is almost the same everywhere, and rooms are maintained in excellent condition by all market players (taking advantage of the serious competition for guests). A room for two in a 3* hotel in the historic centre costs 40-50 EUR. Breakfast is not normally included.

While in Split, make sure to check out some of the city's hotels. There are a variety of hotels to choose from, whether you're looking for a 5-star luxury experience or a more budget-friendly option. Some of the most popular hotels: Hotel Amfora Split Hvar Grand Beach Resort, the The Westin Zagreb, and the Hotel Luxe Split. No matter which hotel you choose, you'll be able to enjoy stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. Plus, many of the hotels are situated within walking distance of the city's main attractions. So, whether you're looking for a place to relax after a day of exploring or a place to stay while in Split, there's a hotel that's perfect for you.

There are many Hostels in Split, and all of them offer a different experience. Some Hostels are in the heart of the city, while others are a bit further out. No matter where they are located, all Hostels offer a great way to save money and meet new people. The Hostels in Split are a great way to see the city, and they offer a variety of services and amenities.

Transport

The main means of public transport in the city is the bus. There are not many routes and it does not take a lot of effort to find your way around. Buses are spacious and comfortable. The bus fares are slightly lower than the European average - you can get a ticket for about 1,65 EUR from the driver and 1,50 EUR at the kiosks next to the bus stops. Luggage fees are often high (around EUR 0.50 per item).

There are several taxi stands within the city. Getting on and off costs 1.50 EUR and 1 EUR per kilometre. As with buses, you'll have to pay extra for your luggage. Nighttime fares are the same.

The city has an excellent infrastructure for cycling. An hour's bike hire costs approximately EUR 3 and a day's hire is EUR 20. Long-term rentals get a discount: you can ride for a week for 80 EUR.

You can also take a boat taxi - the Split Boat Taxi. However, it is used almost exclusively by tourists and more for entertainment than as part of the transport infrastructure. A half hour hire of a motorboat costs 130 EUR.

Car hire

Getting around Split by car is comfortable and not too expensive. The roads are of an acceptable quality and on the highways the speed limit is 130 km/h. The traffic jams are very limited. There are practically no traffic jams. Parking costs are low (in those places where it is paid, which is mainly in the historic city centre).

Rent a car as soon as you arrive at the airport and you can find the offices of Avant, Enterprise, UniRent and ORYX (there are a few in the city). You can hire a car and quickly get to most of the tourist attractions around Split (except for the ones on the islands).

A B-Class car rental costs from about EUR 20 per day. A minivan will cost about 30 EUR. The deposit, which can be blocked on your card or taken in cash, usually does not exceed EUR 300.

Paid parking spaces are marked in blue and free parking spaces are marked in white. One hour of parking in the historical centre costs EUR 2 and you can save money by parking your car at one of the coastal car parks.

Communications and Wi-Fi

If you're planning on spending a lot of time in Split and don't want to limit yourself to telephoning, it's worth buying a local SIM card. An international calling plan starts at 15 EUR. Most plans include a certain amount of internet traffic. You need a valid passport for applying for a SIM card.

You can also call home from a pay phone if you need to at a post office or newsagent's. You won't be able to get a free internet connection everywhere. You will find Wi-Fi hotspots at the airport, in selected shops and restaurants and in some hotels.

Split's beaches

Split's beaches are both sandy and shingle. The beach is equipped with everything you need for a comfortable holiday, such as changing booths, sun loungers, and umbrellas. Entrance to the beaches is free, as are the sun loungers, but there are often not enough for everyone. The water is incredibly clear, and the entrance is very smooth almost everywhere.

The most popular beach in the city, Bacvice, just a kilometre from the historic centre, regularly hosts parties and youth festivals. Leisurely beach lovers can rent a jet ski. There are several cafés and restaurants with stunning views of the sea on one side and pine forests, sometimes right on the water's edge, on the other. Massages are also available.

The other beaches are less crowded, but are just as good as Bacvica in terms of facilities. The quieter and more peaceful stretches of beach are worth exploring if you're looking for peace and quiet.

Diving

The clearest water, providing 20-30m visibility, an unusual marine fauna and plenty of shipwrecks, make Split and its neighbouring towns very attractive to divers. There are plenty of diving centres along the coast. The most famous one is Opensea. Diving prices start from 35 EUR per person (incl. equipment rental).

Certified divers will be offered to explore coral reefs, caves, shipwrecks (no strong underwater currents, shipwrecks retain their appearance for a very long time). No additional diving permits are required. Unaccompanied however, diving is highly undesirable and you risk a fine of about 1000 EUR from the anti-poaching coast guard. Proving to the local environmentalists that you are a diver on your own is not an easy task.

Shopping

There are three large shopping malls in Split: Mercator, Joker Center and Emmezeta. All offer much the same range of goods, so there's no sense in visiting all of them.

For a taste of the real atmosphere of the city, head to the market. One of the largest, Stari Pazar, is between Diocletian's Palace and the bus station. In local souvenir shops you can buy everything worth taking along as a souvenir: a silk tie (5-15 EUR), "Vuce Dove" (about 5 EUR), a miniature replica of an Istrian farmhouse (3-6 EUR), items made of Brač stone (from 4 EUR) and many other interesting things. Authentic Croatian wines and rakija, as well as surprisingly delicious cheese are also sold here.

Seafood lovers shouldn't miss the Peskarija specialized market. This is where most locals come to buy freshly caught fish and other seafood. The market opens at 6:30 and leftovers are sold at half price in the afternoon.

What to try

It's a gastronomic crime to go to the Adriatic coast without tasting some seafood. The first thing you should try upon arrival in Split is a fish stew, the brodet, which is stewed in red wine and dressed with hot spices. The dish is traditionally served with polenta, the Italian equivalent of grits. Fans of the unusual will appreciate black risotto - rice with seafood and cuttlefish ink. The classics are fish soup (available at almost any restaurant) and octopus salad. Fresh oysters from nearby farms are perfect as a subtle accompaniment to the local wines. If you prefer meat to fish, the prsut (cured or smoked pork ham) and the rostil (grilled meat) are a must.

Aside from the wine, dried maraschino cherry liqueur has a slightly bitter flavour. Aperitifs include rakija, a traditional strong alcoholic drink on the Balkan Peninsula. A few of the sweetest delicacies include white cherry and quince jam, dried figs, rab cake (named after the island of Rab, where it was invented) and lavender honey.

Cafés and restaurants in Split

Split isn't exactly Croatia's culinary capital, but it offers plenty of places to eat after a busy day. You won't have trouble finding a decent pizzeria, Japanese restaurant or even an American-style burger joint. If you want to try something new, you can go to places serving typical Croatian dishes.

One of the best known (and most expensive) of these places in Split is Dvor. Anyway, even here a good dinner for two with good wine will not cost more than 60-70 EUR. You can get well within 30-35 EUR in simpler places. A snack in a fast-food place will cost 5-10 EUR (for example, a hamburger, french fries and coffee - about 8 EUR).

Do not skimp on portion sizes in cafes and restaurants - it is unlikely that you can order a prsut or a rotisserie and go home hungry. The menu is usually a kind of fusion of Mediterranean and European cuisine (of course, with adjustments for local peculiarities).

Entertainment and attractions

Getting around is all about Split and you can climb up the 60-metre-high bell tower of St Domnja Cathedral to descend into the ancient crypts, stroll along the promenade or take a trip in a small submarine. A trip to Split is worthwhile if you want to visit the Diocletian's Palace. It's the site that gave rise to the city's founding. Built in 305, it was perfectly protected and therefore attracted more and more people of different estates. The architectural ensemble has lost most of its structures, but it continues to be a favorite destination for travelers to Croatia. Back in 1979, the palace was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Split's museums also hold a wealth of archaeological and cultural treasures. The most interesting ones are the Museum of the Croatian Archaeological Monuments and the Ethnographic Museum.

The heart of tourist Split and a traditional meeting place is Peristil Square. This is where city life bustles, concerts and festivals take place and excursions start. Its iconic architecture is the landmark of the city. There are several ancient churches here, including the oldest of the presently active Catholic cathedrals, St. Domnius. Relics of Christian saints and a 15th century Gothic-style altar can be seen there. Mount Marjan also boasts several other unique places of worship, including the churches of St. Nicholas and St. Jerome, built directly into the rock. Nightlife enthusiasts will also find plenty to do in Split. The most popular entertainment centre in town, Bacvice, is a 10-minute walk from the main promenade and offers entertainment for all tastes - discotheques, cafes with live sporting events and cinema.

10 things to do in Split

1. Get a tan at one of the many beaches in the city.
2. Take a dip in the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.
3. Relive the grandeur of the Roman Empire at Diocletian's Palace.
4. Take in the cityscape from one of the viewing platforms.
5. Stroll through the narrow streets of the historic centre, with architecture as beautiful as that of the Venetians.
6. Go to a beach party at night.
7. Haggle and bargain heartily at the local market.
8. Debate with the football fans about the progress of Hajduk.
9. Taste fresh oysters and octopus salad.
10. Enjoy a Mediterranean sunset, with a glass of Croatian wine in hand.

Split for kids

Split has a small private aquarium with small sharks, lobsters, morays, stingrays and other marine life (address: Obala pomoraca, 21211 Vranjic). An adult ticket costs approximately EUR 6 and a children's ticket EUR 3.

Another interesting place is the zoo in Marjan Park, which has the title of the smallest in Europe. The zoo itself doesn't particularly stand out, but the road to it, which winds its way down a gentle slope, has several viewing platforms offering spectacular views of the surrounding area. An adult ticket costs 2 EUR, a children's ticket costs 1 EUR.

The Carobni Grad entertainment centre, on the northern part of Split, is an attraction not to be missed. The spacious room contains a two-level arcade with themed sections. A huge maze, football and basketball halls, a climbing wall and a puppet village are there to keep the children entertained. While they are having fun, parents can grab a coffee and a bite to eat in the cosy café at the Carobni Grad.

The weather

Split has a Mediterranean climate with warm, humid winters alternating with really hot summers with minimum precipitation. The most pleasant time for visitors is from the beginning of May to the end of September.

July is the hottest and driest month. The water gets as warm as possible in August and does not drop below +15°C even in the coldest month, January, so the bathing season can start almost at any time. The region is known for its abundance of sunshine. The number of sunny days per year is around 215.