Split is a city in Central Dalmatia, Croatia, and the seat of the Split-Dalmatia county. The city was built around the Diocletian palace (a palace/fort built for the retired Roman emperor Diocletian) where the locals sought refuge centuries ago. Wandering the historic centre of Split you can still clearly see the Roman walls, squares, and temples.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Because of its ideal climate, with 2,800 hours of sunlight each year, local people have a few nicknames for Split: "The most beautiful city in the world" and "Mediterranean flower". Many famous Croatian sports people were born in Split, so locals often nicknamed their city "The sportiest city in the world". The most popular sport institution is the football club Hajduk. Large portions of the city are painted with the club's colors and logo. This is done by Torcida, the oldest supporters group in Europe, established in 1950. Besides the bell tower of St. Duje, the symbols of city are the Dalmatian dog and a donkey.
Central Split is quite compact and most sights can be easily seen and best experienced on foot, but there are frequent local buses to outlying attractions and the airport. Public transport is run by Promet. Most of the city buses in Split are new, but some are very old and dilapidated. You can find routes and schedules from Easyway journey planner. The station for town and local buses is 5 Kolodvor Sukoišan - these don't use the main station 1 km south by the harbour. To transfer between stations use Bus 9 / 10 or just walk. The fare is determined by the number of zones traveled, ranging from €2 for within Split to €4 between Split and Trogir one way.
UNESCO World Heritage Site The historic centre of Split is built around the remains of this Roman palace. Most probably this one of a kind Imperial Palace was built from 298-305 AD and is one of the most significant original structures of the period mostly because so much of it has been preserved. It is probably the best preserved Roman palace in the world. Later this Palace contributed to the broadening of the town because as the city evolved beyond its walls. You only need to wander around to experience it but you can also pay to visit the excavated remains of the basement of the palace. The palace has well preserved main streets cardo and decumanus.
1 Split city beach (continue south past the bus station, follow the road which goes by the tracks, and from the bridge over the tracks you can take a stairs down to the beach). If you have a longer stop-over in Split, 5 min south of the passenger terminal and the train and bus stations lies Split's city beach where you can take a plunge in the Adriatic. free. 2 Picigin, Bačvice. Traditional beach game with a small ball (Bačvice beach). In summer every year there is a world championship in picigin. (updated Sep 2022) Grgur Ninski. It is said that if you touch the big toe of the statue and make a wish your wish will come true.
Italian influences dominate Croatia's coast: a sample of the best of their legacy is risotto with tender white scampi or black calamari, a dish beloved by all Croatians. Dalmatinski pršut ("Dalmatian ham", comparable to Parma or speck) and cheese from the island of Pag are well worth trying, as is the large variety of excellent Croatian wines and beers. Do not miss Dalmatian pašticada s njokama (gnocchi).
Dalmatia is well known for its world class wines, but when in Split it is a must to try soda drinks called Pipi and Orela, produced by local beverage manufacturer Dalmacijavino. Lots of outdoor cafés are to be found along the Riva waterfront. St Riva (Riva seafront). Has an upper story that overlooks the promenade. €2.70 a pint. 1 Sanctuary Bar, Poljana Stare Gimnazije 1, ☏ +385 95 896 1199. 09:00-00:00. The beachhead of craft cocktails in Split, with a selection of craft beers as well. Run by US expat, Tristan. (updated Jan 2019) Gaga Bar (tucked away in a corner, just off Narodni Trg). Cosy atmosphere, long list of cocktails, Latin music.
Do not go to striptease bars because they are a tourist trap. For LGBT+ friendly places consider to consult locals first as Ghetto is the only gay-owned bar-club. Alternative youth club Kocka is also gay-friendly location for concerts and parties. Walking through the historic centre in swimwear or shirtless is prohibited. Police issue on-the-spot fines of €150 for violating the dress code. Split-Dent Dental treatment, visitors to the city are welcome.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Split typically sees ~31°C daytime highs and 7 rainy days.
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