Top 10 Split Travel Tips: Palace, Islands, Sunshine
“Split is not just a city on the Adriatic; it is a living history book where every stone has a story to tell.”
Split, the heart of the Dalmatian coast, is a city built literally within the walls of a Roman Emperor's retirement home. Diocletian's Palace remains one of the world's most impressive Roman monuments, yet it is far from a stagnant museum; it is a vibrant neighborhood where locals live, shop, and drink coffee among 1,700-year-old columns.
Navigating this coastal gem requires a balance between exploring the ancient labyrinth of the Old Town and embracing the slow-paced Mediterranean lifestyle known as "fjaka."
1.
Diocletian's Palace Navigation
The palace is the city center, not a separate site. Many travelers get lost in the narrow, winding alleys that were once the Emperor's private quarters. Use the four main gates—Golden, Silver, Iron, and Bronze—as your primary navigational landmarks to orient yourself within the labyrinth.
The Rule: Download an offline map of the palace area, as GPS signals can become erratic and unreliable deep within the thick stone walls.
2.
The Art of Fjaka on Riva
Riva is the city's main promenade and its social heart. To experience "fjaka"—the local state of mind where you do nothing and worry about nothing—you must sit at one of the many cafes for at least an hour. It is the perfect spot for people-watching and enjoying the sea breeze.
The Tip: Do not expect quick service at the Riva cafes; the culture encourages long stays over a single drink, and rushing is considered uncharacteristic.
3.
Rub the Toe of Grgur Ninski
Just outside the Golden Gate stands the massive statue of Gregory of Nin. Local tradition dictates that rubbing the statue's big toe brings good luck and ensures your return to Split. Over the years, the toe has been polished to a bright gold by millions of visitors.
The Hack: Visit early in the morning to take photos without the crowds that usually gather for their turn to rub the lucky toe.
4.
Sunset Views from Marjan Hill
Known as the lungs of the city, Marjan Hill offers a peaceful escape from the urban crowds. A short climb from the Varos neighborhood leads to the first "Vidilica" viewpoint, providing a panoramic view of the harbor and the islands of Brač and Hvar.
The Tip: If you have more energy, continue hiking to the Telegrin peak for a 360-degree view of the entire Split peninsula and the Mosor mountains.
5.
Ferry Terminal Logistics
Split is the main hub for Adriatic island hopping. The ferry port is one of the busiest in the Mediterranean during summer. If you are taking a catamaran to Hvar or Vis, book your tickets online days in advance as they sell out quickly.
The Warning: Double-check if your ferry departs from the main terminal or the secondary piers further down the coast to avoid missing your boarding time.
6.
Fresh Flavors at the Pazar
The Green Market (Pazar) is located right against the eastern wall of the palace. It is the best place to buy seasonal fruits, local honey, and authentic Dalmatian olive oil. It is a sensory explosion of colors and smells that defines the local lifestyle.
The Rule: Arrive before noon, as vendors start packing up their stalls by 1 PM, and always bring small Kuna (or Euro) cash for transactions.
7.
Picigin at Bačvice Beach
Bačvice is the city's main sandy beach and the birthplace of "Picigin," a local amateur sport played in shallow water. You will see groups of men leaping into the water to keep a small ball from touching the surface, a practice that is part of the local cultural heritage.
The Hack: The water at Bačvice is very shallow and stays warm late into the season, making it the best spot for a quick dip close to the city center.
8.
Evening Music at Peristyle
Peristyle is the central square of the palace, surrounded by ancient Roman columns. In the evenings, the "Lvxor" cafe places cushions on the stone steps, and live musicians play everything from opera to jazz in the open air.
The Tip: You can enjoy the music for free by standing nearby, but sitting on the cushions usually requires ordering a drink from the cafe.
9.
Klis Fortress Day Trip
Just 20 minutes outside the city, the Klis Fortress sits on a mountain pass. It served as the filming location for the city of Meereen in "Game of Thrones." It offers dramatic history and some of the most spectacular views in the region.
The Hack: Take the local bus number 34 from the terminal near the National Theater for a much cheaper alternative to organized tour buses.
10.
Water and Hydration
The tap water in Split is safe to drink and of high quality, sourced from the Jadro River. You will find several historic public fountains throughout the city where you can refill your bottle for free.
The Tip: Look for the fountain in the middle of Prokurative (Republic Square) for a cold, refreshing refill while exploring the western part of the center.
Ready to explore another destination?
Dive into our other Top 10 guides and find your next great location.
