Don’t Skip Split | Croatia

Reasons to stay and see Split

Look at a map of Croatia. It’s like a big boomerang across the Adriatic from Italy. Head to the southern end along the sea. This is Dalmatia. And it is lovely. At the center of Dalmatia is the town of Split. It sits as the starting point for visits to the surrounding string of islands off shore. The Dalmatian Islands pull visitors from all over the world to their crystal blue waters.

But don’t jump on that ferry so fast. Stay. Linger awhile. There are many lovely reasons to not skip Split. We loved it.

11 Reasons to Not Skip Split | Croatia

1. FIND HISTORY AT Diocletian’s Palace

Split is 17 centuries old and you can see this history through the ages best at Diocletian’s Palace. Even if you aren’t an ancient Roman history buff and don’t care much for old emperors, you will be hard pressed to miss the Palace. The walls encircle the old city and give it a weighty sense of time.


2. MARVEL AT THE CATTEDRALE DI SAN DOMINO

The beautiful Romanesque bell tower of the Cattedrale di San Domino sits like a beacon in the middle of Split. Climb to the top for stunning views over the city, the surrounding seaside and all those orange tile roofs.


 3. CLIMB THE BELL TOWER AT SUNSET

Warning: the climb might be a little scary for those with height issues. But the view from the top is worth the small price. Views out to the Riva and the Harbor and Park Marjan in the distance.


4. TAKE A STROLL on the RIVA

The Riva is the beautiful walking and cafe area along Split’s waterfront. It is most people’s first impression of the city. Find a beach and smell the salt air, but don’t eat here unless you are limited on time. These restaurants cater to tourists.


5. EAT fresh seafood AT A KONOBA

Croatian food is delicious. Being a coastal town, there is, of course, lots of seafood on the menus. Sit outside at a cafe in the Pjaca, or People’s Square. Or better yet, try the black risotto at a local Konoba.

 


6. SOAK UP THE SLOW LIFE ON THE PJACA | THE PEOPLE’S SQUARE

Walk through the winding alleys of Diocletian’s Palace and you’ll find yourself in the Pjaca. Familiarly known as the people’s square it is constantly bustling and full of life.


7. Wander the Waterfront

Down from the Riva, a harbor beckons. Take a walk along the water. Classic Croatian fishing boats line the way.


8. BASK IN THE SUN AT BAČVICE

A 10-minute walk from the old town and you can be at Bačvice Beach. A wide, flat shallow and sandy bay is perfect for littles. Or make your way down the pier and rent a lounger. Cold beverages and ice cream from the string of cafés can keep you fueled while soaking up the sun.


9. MAKE YOUR WAY TO MARJAN PARK

Just out of town and worthy of a hike is the beautiful Marjan peninsula. Swim clubs and beach cafés along the water make the effort worth it.


10. Meet the Locals


11. SWIM IN THE SEA

The water stays warm here until into the fall. The Adriatic Sea is lovely.

 

So stay. In Split. And see for yourself. It is a perfect place to start.

11 Reasons to Stay and See Split Croatia | Oregon Girl Around the World

 

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53 thoughts on “Don’t Skip Split | Croatia

  1. Wherejogoes

    We can fly from our local airport to Split at certain times of the year but haven’t managed to do so yet! I’d love to visit Croatia and Split looks the perfect place to start. It has all the things I love on holiday, sea swimming, good food, fine views and local culture. Perfect! #FarawayFiles

    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      It was a beautiful path right along the water and ended with cold drinks and a swim in the sea. Perfect!

  2. Pingback: Faraway Files #27 - oregon girl around the world

    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      I know! I seriously considered spending our anniversary here but other islands called louder! 😉

  3. Trish @ Mum's Gone To

    I’ve never been to Croatia but I’m always entranced when I read about it. Split sounds like a wonderful place to stay – and that view from the top of the bell tower! Wow!
    #farawayfiles

    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      I absolutely adored Croatia. More than I ever expected. It was unique, but familiar. The food amazing and the people so friendly. I highly recommend! Cheers from Copenhagen, Erin

    2. Shanna Dixon

      Croatia was our last big trip 3 years ago and it was so incredible. Split is fantastic! We also loved the Ivan Mestrovic museum in Split. Someday, we will return to Croatia when we learn how to sail. I left my heart in Korcula though. Onto Denmark next!

    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      If you like seafood and Mediterranean flavors – the food can’t be beat! I would love a dish of that black cuttlefish risotto right now!

  4. tracystravels10

    I have been writing a post about Split since my visit last summer – I absolutely loved it! It has become my second favourite city in Europe – I thought it was magical! Lots of great reasons to visit in your post! I should get on and finish mine!

    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      Haha! This post has been sitting around since last October! I think it was difficult to distill it down – so much to love! It is such a great place. Cheers Tracy!

  5. We’re spending a night and day in Split (admittedly as a stopover between Plitvice and Hvar) but these sound like an amazing way to spend that day, I’m looking forward to checking out the harbour, the park and most of all the food!

    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      For more traditional food try Konoba Hvaranin or want a little more upscale? Try the fantastic Bokeria. Yum. When do you go?

  6. We just started watching a show (Below Deck: Mediterranean) and it’s based out of Split this season. Croatia has been on my bucket list forever! It looks like such a beautiful country! The food looks so good and I heart seafood so that’s totally up my alley!

    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      The food is amazing! We loved Croatia and we went off-season in October, so lovely.

  7. jphowze

    I love Croatia but have never been to Split, and have never seen the sights of Split described so succinctly and temptingly. Can’t wait! #FarawayFiles

  8. I’d love to visit Croatia. Tried to convince hubby when we lived in the uk, but we didnt really have the $$ … now we could, but its too far away! One day hopefully

  9. I’ve heard more and more people recommending Split as a less crowded alternative to Dubrovnik recently and while I think I’d like to visit both eventually, Split definitely seems to have a very unique charm!

  10. I’m convinced! Actually, I’ve been really wanting to visit Croatia, and I think we’ll be able to grab a ferry over, so it must happen soon!

  11. I’ve never heard of Split before, although I’ve also never been to Croatia either. That cathedral tower and the view from it are definitely something special though. And I wouldn’t mind the seafood at all. #FarawayFiles

    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      I loved Croatia – what a magical place. I can’t recommend it more. It was one of our favorite trips in Europe.

  12. Split looks like a really good place to visit towards the end of summer when tourist crowd has reduced, weather and sea water are still warm 🙂 Lovely pics, Erin! #farawayfiles

    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      Exactly. Tourism is a big consideration when planning a trip to increasingly popular Croatia. We had no trouble in Split in October, but could not say that about Dubrovnik which was covered in cruise ships.

  13. Ruth

    I have only heard good things about Split. If I visit Croatia, I will stop for sure. In some way, it is better that some people skip it so it is not as overcrowded as other destinations. The place is all for those who really want to visit. #FarawayFiles

  14. WHOA! These photos are so gorgeous, and while I already had Split on my list, reading this makes me want to move it up to the top! #farawayfiles

  15. Croatia is definitely on my hot list and Split looks wonderful. I love the look of the Peoples’ Square – what a great photo! And of course, the sea and beaches look incredible. #farawayfiles

  16. Clare Thomson

    I love your photos and you’ve definitely tempted me to visit Split. How crowded was it? The only thing putting me off visiting Croatia are the crowds – it’s such an ‘in’ place at the moment. That photo of your children walking beside the sea is exactly like the paths around Hvar, the only Croatian island we’ve visited. #FarawayFiles

  17. Oh I’ve often seen Split listed on the flight destination board at airports, but I had no idea what it looked like – it looks gorgeous! I get a bit restless on beach holidays – so a lovely beach so close to such an interesting town looks like a winning combination. #farawayfiles

    1. oregongirlaroundtheworld

      We loved Split, were frustrated with crowds in Dubrovnik. Croatia was a wonderfully beautiful place!

  18. I have been increasingly reading about posts on Split, that I have added it to my travel list. Beautiful photos, especially the one with the local 🙂 #FarawayFiles

  19. I’m slowly plotting a Croatia getaway…here’s another place I need to add to the list! Great photos. Thanks for the inspiration #farawayfiles

  20. Croatia. On the list, just trying to figure out a non-touristy way of experiencing its beautiful towns and bizarrely clear seas. Split looks gorgeous – thanks for informing me!

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