What to do in Split Croatia?
Wondering what to do in Split Croatia? This sun-soaked city on the Dalmatian Coast offers a mix of ancient history, beautiful beaches, tasty food, and outdoor fun. As Croatia’s second-largest city, Split balances its rich past with modern life in a way few places can match. Built around the remains of a Roman emperor’s palace, Split lets you walk through living history while enjoying modern comforts.
The clear blue waters of the Adriatic Sea wash against its shores, while pine-covered hills rise behind the city. With friendly locals and good weather most of the year, it’s no wonder this Croatian city draws visitors from around the world.
Explore Diocletian’s Palace
When thinking about what to do in Split Croatia, start with Diocletian’s Palace. Built in the 4th century for Roman Emperor Diocletian, this massive structure now forms the heart of Split’s Old Town. Unlike many ancient sites kept empty as museums, people still live and work inside these 1,700-year-old walls.
Walking through the palace feels like stepping back in time while staying in the present. Shops, homes, restaurants, and bars fill the narrow stone streets and open squares. Look for:
- Peristyle Square – The main meeting spot with impressive columns
- The Cathedral of Saint Domnius – Once Diocletian’s tomb, now a church with a bell tower you can climb
- The Vestibule – A domed room with amazing acoustics where singers often perform
- Underground Halls – Cool basement rooms that Game of Thrones fans might recognize
The palace has four gates named after metals: Gold, Silver, Iron, and Bronze. Each leads to different parts of the old city worth exploring – hence one of the best things to answer “what to do in Split Croatia”.
Stroll Along the Riva Promenade
When looking for what to do in Split Croatia that lets you enjoy the sun, head to the Riva. This wide walkway runs along the harbor in front of the palace walls. Lined with palm trees, benches, and cafes, it’s perfect for people-watching.
Locals and visitors alike come to the Riva to see and be seen. Grab an ice cream, find a spot to sit, and watch boats come and go while the sun sparkles on the water. As evening falls, the promenade lights up and fills with even more people enjoying the cool sea breeze.
Climb Marjan Hill
For those wondering what to do in Split Croatia that involves nature, Marjan Hill offers a green escape right next to the city. This forest park rises above Split’s western side, providing paths for walking, running, or biking.
The climb to the top rewards you with amazing views of Split, nearby islands, and the blue Adriatic Sea. Along the way, you’ll find:
- Small churches built into the hillside
- Lookout points for photos
- Quiet beaches hidden along the shore
- Exercise areas where locals work out
Pack some water and snacks for a half-day adventure exploring Marjan’s trails and coves.
Visit the Archaeological Museum
To learn more about Split’s long history, visit the Archaeological Museum. As the oldest museum in Croatia, it houses objects from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages.
When planning what to do in Split Croatia that helps you understand the area’s past, set aside a couple of hours for this museum. The collection includes Greek pottery, Roman glass, early Christian artifacts, and stone carvings from nearby ruins.
Relax on Bačvice Beach
Just a short walk from the city center lies Bačvice, Split’s most famous beach. This sandy spot stays busy from morning until night with swimmers, sunbathers, and people playing picigin—a local game where players keep a small ball from touching the water.
If you’re wondering what to do in Split Croatia on a hot day, joining locals at this beach gives you a true taste of daily life. The shallow water stays warm and calm, making it good for families with children.
The area around Bačvice has many places to eat, drink, and dance, so you can easily spend a full day and night here.
Sample Local Food and Wine
Croatian food mixes Mediterranean flavors with Central European cooking styles. When figuring out what to do in Split Croatia for meals, try dishes like:
- Peka – Meat and vegetables slow-cooked under a bell-shaped lid
- Black risotto – Rice colored with squid ink
- Fresh seafood caught that morning
- Pašticada – Beef marinated in wine and cooked with prunes
- Soparnik – A thin pie filled with Swiss chard
Local wines, especially those from nearby islands and coastal vineyards, pair perfectly with these foods. Ask servers to recommend wines from grape types like Plavac Mali or Pošip.
Take a Boat Trip to Nearby Islands
The waters around Split hold many islands worth visiting. Day trips by ferry or small boat top many lists of what to do in Split Croatia. Popular island destinations include:
- Hvar – Known for lavender fields and nightlife
- Brač – Home to the famous Zlatni Rat beach that changes shape with the current
- Šolta – A quiet island with olive groves and small villages
- Vis – The furthest island with amazing blue caves
Each island has its own character, from party spots to peaceful retreats. Check ferry schedules or book a tour depending on how much time you have.
Discover Game of Thrones Filming Locations
Fans of the TV show Game of Thrones might recognize parts of Split from the series. The basement halls of Diocletian’s Palace became the place where Daenerys kept her dragons. Nearby Klis Fortress served as the city of Meereen in the show.
For those interested in what to do in Split Croatia related to the show, several tour companies offer guided walks to filming spots. Even if you haven’t watched the show, these tours take you to interesting places with great views and history.
Visit Klis Fortress
Speaking of Klis, this fortress sits on a mountain pass about 20 minutes from Split. Built to guard the approach to the city, it changed hands many times over centuries of wars.
When researching what to do in Split Croatia beyond the city itself, Klis offers history and stunning views. From its walls, you can see all the way to the islands on clear days. The small museum inside explains the fortress’s importance through different time periods.
Explore Trogir
Just 30 minutes from Split lies Trogir, a small island town connected to the mainland by bridges. Its preserved medieval center earned UNESCO World Heritage status for its Venetian architecture and narrow stone streets.
If you have a day to spare while planning what to do in Split Croatia, Trogir makes for an easy side trip. The Cathedral of St. Lawrence with its remarkable carved portal and the Kamerlengo Fortress are must-see spots here.
Attend a Festival or Event
Depending on when you visit, you might catch one of Split’s many festivals. The Split Summer Festival brings theater and music performances to historic settings. Ultra Europe draws electronic music fans from around the world. Days of Diocletian features people dressed in Roman clothes reenacting ancient times.
Check local event calendars when deciding what to do in Split Croatia during your stay to see what might be happening.
Try Adventure Sports
The area around Split offers many options for active travelers. Those wondering what to do in Split Croatia for thrills can try:
- Rock climbing on the cliffs near the city
- Zip-lining over the Cetina River canyon
- White water rafting or kayaking
- Scuba diving to underwater caves and shipwrecks
- Mountain biking on Marjan Hill or in the nearby mountains
Tour agencies in the city center can arrange these activities with transportation and equipment included.
Take a Day Trip to Krka National Park
About an hour’s drive from Split, Krka National Park showcases some of Croatia’s most beautiful waterfalls. Unlike at Plitvice Lakes National Park, visitors can swim in the clear water at the base of Skradinski Buk, the park’s largest waterfall.
When planning what to do in Split Croatia that includes natural beauty, many visitors set aside a day for Krka. The park has wooden walkways that lead you past seven major waterfalls and through lush greenery.
Compare With Other Travel Destinations
While enjoying all that Split has to offer, you might wonder how it compares to other popular travel spots. For those who have visited or plan to visit the United States, there are some interesting contrasts:
If you enjoy coastal towns with character, what to do in kennebunkport in Maine offers a very different but equally charming seaside experience with New England flair instead of Mediterranean style.
For those who prefer mountain settings over coastal views, exploring what to do in north conway in New Hampshire’s White Mountains region provides outdoor adventures in a completely different landscape.
If you’re planning a winter trip to America, check out what to do on christmas day in NYC for ideas on experiencing one of the world’s most famous cities during the holiday season.
For travelers who have experienced African safaris and want to expand their horizons, what to do besides a safari offers ideas for rounding out your adventure travel experiences.
If you’re drawn to Split’s coastal charm but want to explore similar environments in the US, what to do in rockport ma will introduce you to a picturesque New England fishing town with its own unique appeal.
Visit the Mestrovic Gallery
Ivan Meštrović, one of Croatia’s most famous sculptors, built a summer home in Split that now serves as a gallery showing his work. The villa itself, with its sea views and beautiful garden, is worth seeing even without the art inside.
For those interested in what to do in Split Croatia related to culture and art, this museum offers a peaceful break from busier sites. The powerful stone and bronze sculptures show both religious and historical themes.
Taste Local Spirits
Croatia makes several distinct spirits worth trying. When deciding what to do in Split Croatia in the evening, sample drinks like:
- Rakija – Fruit brandy that comes in many flavors
- Maraschino – Cherry liqueur first made in nearby Zadar
- Travarica – Herb-infused rakija with medicinal claims
- Prosek – Sweet dessert wine (not to be confused with Italian Prosecco)
Many restaurants offer small glasses of house-made rakija at the end of meals, sometimes free of charge.
So the Answer to What to do in Split Croatia is…
From Roman ruins to modern beach clubs, Split offers something for every type of traveler. The city’s unique blend of ancient and new creates an energy you won’t find anywhere else. You can touch stones placed by Roman hands in the morning and dance in a waterfront club that night.
When planning what to do in Split Croatia, mix the must-see historic sites with time to wander and discover your own favorite spots. Allow yourself to get lost in the maze-like old town, sit in a cafe longer than planned, or take an unscheduled swim when you find a perfect cove.
The relaxed pace of life here reminds visitors that sometimes the best travel experiences come not from checking items off a list but from soaking in the atmosphere of a place. And with its beautiful setting between mountains and sea, Split offers plenty of atmosphere to enjoy.
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