The view of Split and the Marjan hill
Split is a busy port city and an important hub from which you can explore a number of beautiful islands of the Croatian coast, as well as catch a boat to cross the Adriatic to Italy. It is the second largest city in Croatia, and it offers a number of fascinating sights to see and great places to stay, from 5 star hotels to modest private accommodations. This city is located under a dramatic mountain backdrop and opens out onto a vast expanse of sea.
It offers a wealth of museums and Roman ruins that will kindle the historian in you.
There are many islands that lie just offshore to be explored. This port city is a raw and boisterous place with heaps of Mediterranean and Adriatic style.
Its Old Town that lies within the Diocletian’s Palace walls is an exhilarating maze of buildings with plenty of interesting sights.
A Little Bit of History
Split became famous between 295 and 305 when the Roman Emperor Diocletian built his retirement palace here. After his death, Roman rulers used this palace as a retreat.
In the 7th century, the neighboring colony of Salona was abandoned and many of its inhabitants fled to this port city. Their descendants continue to live here.
The Republic Square in Split, Croatia
The historic Old Town includes the Diocletian’s Palace and its medieval streets run west of the Palace as far as Veli Varos. This Palace is not a museum, but a populated walled village in the heart of Split.
If you like to be in the center of things, then it is better to stay here. People of Split are very dynamic and there is always some celebration going on.
The traditional Carnival, the Croatian Theatre Festival, Croatia Boat Show, International Flower Fair, Festival of Popular Music, Split Summer Festival, Film Festival are some of the celebrations here.
The locals love singing, good food and drink, and are very devoted to sports. A number of well-known Croats come from Split, such as former soccer stars Slaven Bilic and Igor Stimac. The 2001 Wimbledon Champion, Goran Ivanisevic, is from this port city, as well as basketball stars Toni Kukoc and Dino Radja.
Where is Split?
- 256 miles/ 412 km from Zagreb, Croatia
- 291.4 miles/ 469 km from Pula, Croatia
- 54.6 miles/ 88 km from Sibenik, Croatia
- 98.1 miles/ 158 km from Zadar, Croatia
- 155 miles/ 249 km from Ancona, Italy
- 369 miles/ 594 km from Venice, Italy
- 280.8 miles/ 452 km from Ljubljana, Slovenia
- 14.9 miles/ 24 km from Split Airport, Croatia
What to See
- Town Museum
- Diocletian’s Palace
- Archaeological Museum
- Statue of Gregory of Nin
- Gallery of Fine Arts
- Daily Market
- Bacvice complex
Beaches
- Bacvice Beach
- Kasjuni
- Bene Beach
- Brela, Zlatni Rat Beach and the island of Solta.
Excursions
- Brac Island
- Makarska
- Solin
- Trogir
The mixture of ancient monuments and the easy-going lifestyle of this port city will make you want to explore all the treasures it offers, especially the surrounding islands – well worth a visit.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!