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City Breaks in Split

Croatia
Split accommodation
Map

Stephanie Murray, City Breaks Specialist

"Split is set amongst coastal mountains and cobalt waters making Split a beautiful city break and an eventful one with its dozens of bars, restaurants and shops in the Riva promenade. If you’re wanting to know the best places to take pictures, then I recommend the view from the bell tower over the Riva. If you’re a history buff, then head to the UNESCO Diocletian’s Palace, a striking Roman monument or for art lovers, the Mestrovic Gallery which showcases sculptors and small paintings by the artist!"

Split at a glance

Home to significant historic sites, a dramatic landscape and a bustling nightlife, Split embraces the charm and vibrancy of the Mediterranean while boasting its own unique attractions.

Croatia’s second largest city, Split’s history dates back to the 4th century BC, making it one of the oldest cities in the region. Remnants of its eventful past can be found in historic sites such as Diocletian’s Palace, a popular World UNESCO Heritage site; Jupiter’s temple, an ancient Roman site converted into a church; and Varoš, a charming section of the old town where the city’s peasants and fisherman once lived. There are also numerous museums and galleries in Split displaying artefacts and artwork from the city’s rich past

The Adriatic Coast provides several beautiful beaches in the region great for sunbathers. Cafes and restaurants line the popular seafront promenades and offer a perfect setting to enjoy a taste of local cuisine and nightlife.

Perfect if you’re looking for:

  • Beach front attractions 
  • Weekend short break
  • Historic attractions 

Getting around

The attractions and sights of Split are compacted into an easily accessible area and are best enjoyed by foot. For travels further abroad, a local bus network operates from the city centre to outlying areas.

Nightlife

Irish pubs, live music bars and beachfront nightclubs bring Split alive every night, especially during the summer months, with Bacvice beach being one of the more popular destinations for clubs and bars. Open-air parties, concerts, and organized events all over the city add to the nightlife.

Dining in Split

Authentic Croatian cuisine is one of fresh, organic ingredients that has been heavily influenced by its neighbor, Italy. Attune to its coastal region, fresh seafood is popular here, along with staple favourites such as gnocchi, locally produced cheese and of course, Croatian wine. 

Must-try local dishes

  • Soparnik – a golden bread filled with mangold vegetables baked on a fireplace 
  • Cevapi  - grilled small rolls of meat, usually beef, pork or lamb, served with onions
  • Palacinke – pancakes often served with marmalade, chocolate sauce or walnuts

Shopping in Split

The main shopping street in the centre is Marmont Street which includes Bershka and Zara. The shopping malls which are worth noting down are the City Centre One, Joker and Mall of Split.

Get your tailor-made city break itinerary

Osprey Holidays can create a fabulous short break designed completely around your needs. We can arrange whatever you need, including:

  • All travel and transfers on days of your choice
  • Accommodation from our handpicked range of hotels, to suit your budget and requirements

Our award-winning team can provide expert advice and recommendations, from general questions to tiny details. Contact us now for your tailor-made itinerary.

Important information
Population 188,694
Languages Croatian
Currency Croatian Kuna
Visa Information No visa required for EU citizens
Average temperatures

(monthly highs °C)

Interesting facts

Make sure you visit the Riva, especially at night, as the seafront offers the perfect place to enjoy a taste of the local cuisine and nightlife.

Featured accommodation
Le Meridien Lav Split
5.0 out of 5

Read more

Distance from airports
Split Airport 23 km

Excursions In and Around Split

Grand Split Walking Tour

This comprehensive walking tour of Split’s old town takes in all the main sights including Diocletian Palace, St Duje Cathedral, Peristil, statue of Gregory Nin, the Golden Gate, Vestibul, Riva, City Clock and City Hall. Your local guide will take you back in time, sharing stories of Split’s fascinating history, art and architecture.

Diocletian's Palace Tour

Explore this UNESCO-listed palace complex with your guide. Originally built as a lavish home for the Roman Emperor Diocletian the palace became more of a city as buildings were added through the ages, including a network of subterranean tunnels, Cathedral of St Duje, Temple of Jupiter and finishing at Split Market.

City Bike Tour

Enjoy a leisurely cycle around Split in a small group, admiring 1700 years of architecture and views over the Adriatic sea. You will pass through the old town with its fish market, National Theatre and Ottoman-time fortifications and cycle along the seaside promenade. Head out to Marjan cape for breath-taking views and visit the 15th century chapel built into the cliffs.

Krka Waterfalls and Sibenik

This day tour combines the beautiful historic city, and UNESCO World Heritage Site, of Sibenik and Krka National Park. Home to cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear water, this tour takes you to the Skradinski Buk area of the park where you can explore the trails with your guide, relax amid stunning scenery and take a swim in the many pools.

Plitvice Lakes Day Trip

Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located around four hours from Split and is the largest and oldest of Croatia’s national parks. Set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, you will make the most of your time with a guided hike that offers sweeping views, a ride across one of the lower lakes by electric boat and a panoramic tour by bus or electric train.

Blue Lagoon Boat Tour

Spend the day island hopping, snorkelling, swimming and sightseeing on this full-day boat tour of the Blue Lagoon and other islands in the Adriatic Sea, including Drvenik Mali and Drvenik Veli. There are plenty of stops at beaches and fishing villages throughout the day, giving you the opportunity to relax, explore and enjoy lunch at your leisure.

We would be happy to arrange an excursion for you. To discuss options with a member of our knowledgeable team or to book, please contact us on 0131 243 8098.