Split
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.
Understand
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. Locals have a high regard for the donkey because of its past indispensable place in field work and transport across the Dalmatian mountains.
Winters in Split are generally mild for Europe, with temperatures above 0 °C (32 °F), but despite the popular saying that the city experiences snowfall once every 30 years, there is actually at least one snowy day nearly every winter, usually in January or early February. If you find yourself in Split on a day with significant snowfall, expect serious traffic disruption.
Tourist information
Get in
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By plane
- 1 Zračna luka Split (Split Airport SPU IATA) (25 km west of Split, 5 km east of Trogir). Most flights are budget and charter airlines bringing in holiday-makers, highly seasonal. Destinations include Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Belgrade, Berlin SXF & TXL, Cologne, Copenhagen, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Geneva, Glasgow, Gothenburg, Hamburg, Hannover, Helsinki, Katowice, Leeds-Bradford, London LCY LGW LHR Luton & Stansted, Lyon, Madrid, Marseille, Milan MXP, Moscow SVO, Munich, Nantes, Naples, Nice, Oslo, Paris CDG & Orly, Prague, Rome FCO, Stockholm ARN, Toulouse, Venice, Vienna, Warsaw and Zürich. There are domestic flights to Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Pula, Rijeka and Osijek. Enter from the large bus park into the ground floor check-in area next to Arrivals. Go to the first floor for departures; this has a cafe and limited seating, but there's a much larger ground-side seating area and cafe on the second floor. From the first floor go through security and you enter seating for domestic Gates 1 & 2, often empty but with no other facilities. For all international flights go through passport control (Croatia remains non-Schengen) to the open-plan Gates 3-10, with cafes and shops. A coffee costs 16 kn ground-side and 26 kn air-side, which shows what a bargain their "duty-free" prices are. There's free WiFi internet.
Ground transport
- To Split: the Airport Shuttle Bus [dead link] runs at least hourly between the airport and inter-city bus station, taking 30 min. From town it runs 05:00-21:00, into town it runs 07:30-23:00. One-way fare is 30 kn - that's about €5, which they're unlikely to accept.
- Bus 37 plies every 30 min 04:00-00:00 between Trogir, the airport, and Split's local bus station Sukoišan; it doesn't run to the inter-city station. The bus stops are just outside the airport, walk south out of the parking lot onto the highway Cesta Dr. Franje Tuđmana. The stop on the near side is westbound for Trogir, which takes 10 min, fare 13 kn; the opposite-side stop is eastbound via Kaštel Stari and Solin to Split, taking 50 min, fare 17 kn. Just pay the driver, definitely not with euros.
- Further north towards Šibenik, Zadar and Rijeka, buses fly past on the main highway and don't call at the airport, but they do call at nearby Trogir every hour or so. So you can save some time and money by taking transport to Trogir rather than doubling back via Split. In July and August only, there's a direct bus between the airport and Šibenik every couple of hours, taking almost 3 hours.
- Going south towards Makarska and Dubrovnik, simply head for Split and change. For the islands, most ferries sail from Spilt, but those for the Drvenik isles sail from Trogir.
- Taxi: the taxi stand is just left as you exit the terminal. To Split reckon 350 kn, 30 minutes; to Trogir 100 kn.
By bus
Most international services to Split involve a change of buses in Zagreb, but Flixbus have direct buses from Vienna (11 hr), Munich (13 hr) and Mostar (4 hr).
Croatian inter-city buses run north to Sibenik, Zadar, Rijeka and Zagreb, and south to Makarska and (via Neum in Bosnia & Herzegovina) to Dubrovnik.
The long-distance bus station, 2 Autobusni kolodvor Split is next to the railway station and ferry port. It has ticket offices, toilets, left luggage and indoor seating; outside on the quay are lots of little cafes and kiosks. A scrummage of grannies with signs "Sobe / Rooms" will mob arriving backpackers, but they'll only acknowledge places that pay them commission. Those that don't pay, eg Al's Hostel, they'll claim don't exist.
The airport bus runs to this station, but most local services (eg west through Solin to Trogir) depart instead from the local bus station 1 km north, see "Get around".
By boat
Cruise ships, long distance and short-run ferries all dock at the passenger port next to the bus & railway stations. Ferries run three times a week across the Adriatic to and from Ancona and Pescara (Italy). There is also a large ferry that runs twice a week up and down the coast between Dubrovnik and Rijeka, stopping off at a couple of islands along the way. Split is the main hub for local boats and hydrofoils in Central Dalmatia. Several a day run to and from Brac, Hvar, Solta, Vis, Korčula and Lastovo.
The major operators here are:
- Jadrolinija. State-owned sea shipping company. They have regular lines connecting the Croatian shore to its islands and with Italy.
- SNAV. Italian sea shipping company with ferries from Ancona to and from Split. Tickets starting at €30 for a single crossing without cabin. Operates April-October only.
By train
Trains run to Split from Zagreb once daily (with a second train mid-summer) taking six hours, and once overnight. Zagreb has trains from Vienna and Budapest, and connections across the rest of Europe.
From Rijeka (which has trains from Zagreb, Ljubljana and elsewhere) there is one daytime and one overnight service changing at Ostarije, seven hours.
From Šibenik there are five services changing at Perković, taking a couple of hours.
The main railway station (Kolodvor Split) is next to the bus station and ship terminals. The station is grubby and basic but has left luggage.
Many of these trains also stop at Split Predgrađe station in the north of the city.
Get around
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.
By bus
Public transport is run by Promet. Most of the city buses in Split are new, but some are very old and dilapidated. The station for town and local buses is 3 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.
Split city is Fare Zone 1 (11 kn), Solin and the burbs are Zone 2 (13 kn), the airport is Zone 3 (17 kn), while Trogir to the west and Omiš to the south are Zone 4 (21 kn); cash only, plus 5 kn per big bag. Two-way tickets cost 17 kn, but you have to buy them in blocks of 5 or 10 from a kiosk. A one-month ticket is 290 kn.
Local buses you might use are Bus 37 to the airport and Trogir described earlier, and Bus 60 to Omiš and Ravnicki Most which runs every 30 min. Long-distance buses from the inter-city station also pass through Omiš en route to Makarska.
By bike
Rent a bike and enjoy beautiful biking along Split's waterfront (Riva), continue to Marjan hill (approximately 7 km), climb to the top of the hill for great view on the Split town and surrounding islands. You can bike to the east side, along the coast to nearby village of Stobrec. Another great option from Split is to take a day tour to nearby islands of Solta, Brac, Hvar or Vis. You can take the bike on a regular ferry (they leave approximately every couple of hours in the summer season) and bike along quite roads and charming villages, explore great beaches and restaurants and return in the evening to Split!
Older but rideable mountain bikes are available for 15 kn/hour (March 2012) at the northern entrance to Marjan hill (near Mandalinski put).
By boat
Speed taxi boat is an excellent solution for fast transportation of passengers on whole Adriatic. Said service is available trough Dalmatia-express for direct transportation from airport Split to Split Riva or from Split Riva to Dalmatia islands.
If you don't know how to sail, there are a few companies that offer skippered charters in the area. If you are seeking something affordable, Antlos enables you to book boat holidays with local Skippers that offer trips around Split's coastline and visits to the neighbouring islands and if you're looking for something upmarket, there are many superyacht charter agencies such as Y.CO, Burgess Yachts, Navis Yacht Charter and Camper and Nicholsons.
By train
A suburban train uses the main line from Split as far west as Kaštel Stari. It doesn't reach the airport: they've announced an extension there by 2025, but have yet to identify funding so it's probably more like 2035.
See
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Diocletian's Palace
UNESCO World Heritage Site The historic centre of Split is built around the remains of this Roman palace. 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. Roman palace is enriched with some gothic and reinassance buildings which makes a perfect match. Palace has 4 monumental gates Porta Aurea (Zlatna vrata, Golden gate), Porta Argenta (Srebrna vrata, Silver gate), Porta Ferrea (Željezna vrata, Iron gate) and Porta Aenea (Mjedena vrata). It is probably the best preserved Roman palace in the world.
- 1 Peristylium (Peristil square). Main square of Diocletian's palace with well preserved Roman architecture.
- 2 Katedrala sv. Duje (St. Duje's cathedral). Built around 305 AD as a mausoleum of Roman emperor Diocletian's (the oldest cathedral building in the world). The cathedral is also a very beautiful mixture of Roman temple and Catholic church. It also has a beautiful belltower which provides you a great panoramic view of Split, nearby islands and Marjan hill. 25 kn.
- 3 St. Duje's bell tower. Beautiful belltower which provides you a great panoramic view of Split, nearby islands and Marjan hill. 30 kn.
- 4 Jupiter temple (Cathedral's baptistry). Ancient Roman temple which became St. John's church. 5 kn.
- 5 Getski vrtal, Ul. Dominisova. is the smallest park in Split, situated in the Diocletian's palace at the Dominisova street (Marko Antonio De Dominis street). In that park are beautiful traditional Dalmatian tiramolas. During the summer these are full of clothes drying in the sunshine. In every guidebook about Split you have pictures from the Getski vrtal. It is the location of a 500-year-old stone house which was destroyed during World War II.
- Two original Egyptian sphinxes- One is located on Peristil square, and the other in front of Jupiter's temple or St. John's church. They were brought from Egypt by Roman emperor Diocletian.
- Basement halls of Diocletian's Palace. Exceptionally well preserved substructure of Diocletian's Palace now open as a museum. One of the locations in Game of Thrones. 45 kn.
Beyond the Diocletian's Palace
- Riva is the main city promenade. Since 2007, Riva has a new, modern appearance, which isn't up to the taste of some who used to it's authentic look.
- Marjan - a hill situated on the west of Split. Marjan is an oasis for many people who look for a natural stress relief, a great place for long walks, jogging, and bike rides. Marjan's peak, Telegrin is 174 m high and gives a wonderful panoramic view of Split. South cliffs are popular within alpine climbers. St. Nicholas church is situated on the east of Marjan, on its south side are beautiful St. Jeronimus church and "Gospe od Betlema" church (Madonna of Betlehem). House building is strictly forbidden in order to save Marjan - the lungs of Split.
- Varoš - one of the oldest parts of town. A place where most of the city peasants and fishermen lived. Charming streets and beautiful small houses.
- 6 Galerija Meštrović. The gallery contains works of Ivan Meštrović, famous Croatian sculptor.
- 7 Archaeological Museum. The oldest museum in Croatia (1820), about 20 min walk north of the old town (entry 20 kn). Many artifacts and monuments from Roman colonies Salona and Narona.
- Old graveyards. Sustipan and old Jewish cemetery
Do
- 1 Split city beach (Continue south past the busstation, 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 mins 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.
- Sunbathe and swim on the beach at Bačvice. To reach this beach walk south along the waterfront from the bus station and then follow the road that crosses the railway line. There are many cafes and places to eat ice cream. This is certainly not the best beach in Croatia (it is packed solid most of summer), but it will give you a feeling of 'real' Croatia as the vast majority of people who go there are from Split. There are also beaches around hill Marjan. Most popular are Kaštelet, Kašjuni and beautiful pine forest beach Bene. On Bene beach there is a restaurant and a recreation centre. Bus No. 12 travels there.
- Climb the campanile bell tower next to the palace mausoleum. The stairs cling to the inside of the tower, and in places the steps cross the large open window spaces. The ascent is certainly not for those with vertigo, but the views from the top are marvelous. It costs 10 kn to go up the bell tower.
- The historic core of Split with Diocletian palace is among the first urban complexes to enter the list of the UNESCO world heritage in year 1979. 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. Later this Palace contributed to the broadening of the town because as the city evolved beyond its walls. The unique substructure halls were newley explored and each year more of them are opened to the public. Some have fascinating artefacts on display. May - Oct 10:00-19:00. Nov-Apr, opens at 11:00, duration 90 min. In English language. Starts in front of the tourist info centre, please arrive 15 min before tour is due to commence.
- Green Market (Pazar). Split's Pazar is the place to go for a variety of wares such as fruits and veggies, clothing and other odds and ends. Lots of local colour and excitement.
- Picigin, Bačvice. Traditional beach game with a small ball (Bačvice beach). In summer every year there is a world championship in picigin.
- Grgur Ninski. It is said that if you touch the big toe of the statue and make a wish your wish will come true.
- Watch football ie soccer at 2 HNK Hajduk Split, Stadion Poljud, Osmih mediteranskih igara. They play in Prva HNL, the top tier of football in Croatia; indeed they've never been out of it, and have won it several times. Their home ground of Poljud stadium (capacity 34,000) is 1 km north of the main bus station, harbour and old city. Don't go for the cheapest seats as these are in the north stand, the Torcida bastion of home fanatics.
- Seabob. Explore some beaches above or below water with a SEABOB.
Sailing
There are lots of companies running boats, such as Busabout, Topdeck and Contiki.
The majority of sailing charters start from the city of Split. There are many charter agencies where you can charter a sailing or motor yacht which are based in Split. Most of them operate from ACI marina Split, marina Zenta or marina Spinut. There are also many charter agencies based in marina Kastela which is based in the vicinity of Split.
When you charter a yacht through a charter agency and arrive to the designated marina there are a few things that need to be done.
The most important thing is the yacht check in (usually Saturday around 16:00). Take your time doing yacht check in. Familiarise yourself with the chartered yacht and with the yacht equipment. The rule of thumb is the more time you take for the yacht check in, the less time you will need for the yacht check out.
After that you have to do the shopping for the charter vacation. Don't neglect the groceries shopping because the sea is unpredictable and you don't want to get stuck on the boat without sufficient provisions of food and drink.
You can do the shopping in a marina although the prices are usually much higher there, or you can order from yacht provisioning services who usually deliver the products to the marina at no extra fee. In Jam Yacht Supply offer an online provisioning catalogue and you can order from a large selection of groceries and other products months in advance, everything you order awaits for you at the marina.
- Daily boat tours, ☏ +385 95 6129 500. Daily boat tours from Split to Hvar, Brac and other attractions such as Blue Cave, and Green Cave.
- Daily sailing tours, ☏ +385 21 717 813, info@hvar-adventure.com. Daily sailing tours from Split to Brac, Hvar and other nearby destinations.
- Yacht charter Split, Rogač, ☏ +385 1 4882 209, info@sailingeurope.com. 08:00-19:00. One of the most popular yacht charter spots, Split is considered by many to be the starting point to any exploration route of the central Dalmatian coast.
- Catamaran charter Split, +385 95 869 6420 , e-mail: info@catamaran-charter-split.com . Most popular way to explore islands in the Split area.
- Speed boat tours from Split, Obala Lazareta 1, ☏ +3859777447417, info@bluecavetour.com. 07:00-23:00. Best way to visit more than 1 island in a day. Starting from the strict city center- waterfront promenade "Riva"- Right in front of the Diocletian Palace’s southern basements entrance. Day speed boat tour to the Blue cave, Hvar island, Brač island & Vis island.
- Yachting ACI Marina in Split, Uvala Baluni 8 HR-21000 Split, ☏ +385 21 398-599, splito@aci.hr. 08:00-19:00. ACI Marina in Split is located on the left side of the bay in Split. It is purposed for touristic sailing yachts and motorboats not longer than 20 metres. Bigger boats and gullets are not allowed to anchor there - they should stay in main Split harbour. Marina is equipped with parking places, small market. GPS coordinates for sailors: N 43° 30' 155 E 16° 25' 801.
Buy
- 1 Pazar, Stari Pazar 2. Green market with perfect fruit, vegetables and more. The best time to visit the market is Saturday morning.
- 2 Ribarnica, Obrov 2. Fish market.
- 3 Marmontova. Shopping street in the centre.
Shopping malls
- City Center One, Vukovarska 207. daily 09:00-21:00, cinema and caffe bars 09:00-23:00. Opened in 2010. 3 floors (5 garage levels) and Cineplexx cinema.
- Joker Put Brodarice 6. Opened in 2007. 50 shops on 4 floors with Tommy supermarket, DM, Hervis sports shop, Deichmann and a McDonalds. 15-20 min walk from the city center with buses stopping near the front of the centre. There is a cinema on the first floor. The top floor has fitness club, restaurant and a sky bar with an outdoor swimming pool.
Eat
The most famous local delicacy is Soparnik. It originates from nearby Poljica region (formerly known as Poljička Republika or Republic of Poljica in the Middle Ages). It is a dough filled with chard and baked in the fireplace. On top comes olive oil and garlic. You can find it on Pazar (green market).
Italian influences dominate on Croatia's coast, amongst the best are; Risotto with tender white scampi or black calamari, a dish beloved by all Croatians. A wide selection of salumi, magnificent Istrian and Dalmatian hams (Dalmatinski pršut - comparable to Parma or Speck) and cheese from the island of Pag are well worth trying, as are the large varieties of excellent Croatian wines and beers.
Do not miss Dalmatian pašticada s njokama (Gnocchi).
Please note; in a world suffocating under the weight of processed foods, Croatia's coastal cuisine is unique in that most of its produce is organic.
Ćevapi or Ćevapčići (diminutive), are small grilled rolls of minced beef, pork, or lamb, or a combination of any of these three. Usually served with chopped onions, Kajmak (similar to clotted cream) or Ajvar (a relish made from bell peppers, aubergines, garlic and chilli). Ćevapi are traditional Bosnian dish and they are popular across the Balkans.
Split's eateries are to be found in a variety of settings, ranging from the romantic to the vibrant. It isn’t difficult to enjoy superb food and wine in a classical environment with good friends and/or family.
Plenty of fast food joints between the Old Town and the bus station.
- Nostromo, Kraj Svete Marije 10 (just off Marmontova). Good seafood and salad in a rather smoky ambience with friendly service. Main dish 60-200 kn.
- Kod Joze, Sredmanuska 4, ☏ +385 21 347 397. The traditional family-run konoba serves tasty dishes in style. Prices very reasonable considering the quality and atmosphere. Mains 50-120 kn.
- Panchos, Nepotova 3. Good Mexican place in the land of cevapcici. Staff is friendly, the place is nice, but a bit small. Mains 20-40 kn.
- Buffet Picaferaj, popovica 2. Small side street restaurant run by a young married couple, incredible food at a very fair price. Pasta with prawns and mussels is 70 kn.
- Fino Friško, Čulića dvori 2. Because of its proximity to school, this bakery always has fresh and tasty food.
- Mala kuća, Domovinskog rata 27d, Put firula 39. daily 09:00-00:00. Fast food with delicious marinated chicken grill sandwich (20 kn).
- [dead link] Popaj, Pojišanska b.b., Šetalište Ivana Meštrovića b.b.. M-Th winter 08:00-00:00, summer 08:00-01:00, F-Sa winter 08:00-13:00, summer 08:00-14:00, Su winter 15:00-12 midnight, summer 15:00-01:00. The most popular fast food in Split with great pizzeta (small pizza, 10 kn) and very big ham sandwich (14 kn).
- Pizzeria Bakra, Radovanova 2. 10:00-23:00. Definitely one of the best pizza in town, baked on fireplace.
- Biser Orijenta, Bihaćka 2a (top floor of Lavčević building). 11:30-00:00. Good "European Chinese" cuisine. Not too popular among the locals, but the prices are fair and the service is friendly. Mains 50-70 kn, duck and seafood dishes up to 120 kn.
- 1 Konoba Marjan, Senjska, 1, ☏ +385 98 9346848. Risottos, pasticada (marinaded veal cooked in sauce), and excellent fish. Prices are very reasonable and the staff very friendly. English spoken.
- Fife, Trumbiceva obala 11 (across the bay from the ferry terminal). Lively and busy restaurant with lots of seating and deliciously large Croatian dishes. Mains 40-80 kn.
- 2 Kod Sfinge Vanevropske Zviri, Ulica Kraj Svetog Ivana 2 (Inside Diocletian's Palace, inbetween Jupiter's temple and Peristil), ☏ +385 99 443 8666. A Konoba/Trattoria. Good Dalmatian specialties: Pašticada, Paški sir, etc. Also proposes good seafood catch of the day, but sometimes unavailable. Seems to be operated by a single family: The waiters knows very well the menu! Pašticada for 150 kn.
Drink
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 seafront.
- St Riva (Riva seafront). Has an upper story that overlooks the promenade. 20 kn a pint.
- 1 Sanctuary Bar, Poljana Stare Gimnazije 1, ☏ +385 95 896 1199. 9 AM - Midnight. The beachhead of craft cocktails in Split, with a selection of craft beers as well. Run by US expat, Tristan.
- Shook, Mihovilova sirina 4 (In the heart of Old Town). Chill out cafe/bar with electronic beat in a busy passageway. 15 kn a pint.
- Gaga Bar (tucked away in a corner, just off Narodni Trg). Cosy atmosphere, long list of cocktails, latin music. Ask for a bill, because one round is 100 kn, and then second one (the same one) may be 150 kn. Atmosphere is nice, but the waiters are not. More tourists than locals. Pint 20 kn, cocktails 20-35 kn.
Nightclubs
There are many clubs on Bačvice beach
- [formerly dead link] Vanilla Club, Poljudsko šetalište b.b.. Fancy place by the swimming pool with popular domestic and foreign music.
- 2 Hemingway Bar, VIII Mediteranskih igara 5. Extremely fancy club.
Sleep
There is a wide variety of private accommodation available in Split, as well as a few hostels. Some of the best prices can probably be obtained by going to the bus station or ferry terminal and haggling with the many people there offering accommodation - even fairly late at night, there are still many people offering beds.
Budget
- Al's Place (Hostelsplit), Petra Kružića 10 (inside the city walls), ☏ +385 98 918 2923, info@hostelsplit.com. Hostel open Easter to Oct run by British expat Al. The hostel is in an 800-year old stone house inside the city walls, small and cozy with only 12 beds in 2 en suite rooms. There is also kitchen and common area, A/C, and laundry. Dorm €20-25.
- CroParadise Green Hostel, Culica Dvori 31, ☏ +385 91 444 4194. Has several units scattered across Old Town, lacks communal area for socialising. LCD televisions and computers with free internet access, some rooms dingy and noisy. Dorm €11, double room €30.
- Old Town Hostel, Dominisova 3, ☏ +385 21 355 144, info@oldtownsplit.com. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 12:00. Free wifi, one shared computer, flat screen TV with a collection of movies. Dorm €25.
- Hostel Split (formerly Pletkovic Hostel), Poljana Kneza Trpmira 1, ☏ +385 21 717 170, hostel1700@gmail.com. Very central, between bus station and old town. With 8-bedded dorm and private rooms. Dorm bunk €15, private room €50.
- SilverGate Hostel, Hrvojeva 6, ☏ +385 21 322 857, silvergatehostel@gmail.com. This appears to be closed for winter 2019 / 20.
- Situs Hostel, Starčevićeva 3 (500 m north of harbour), ☏ +385 98 314 299. This appears to be closed for winter 2019 / 20. Dorm bed: 110-150 kn.
Mid-range
- Guesthouse Vrlic, Držićeva 7, ☏ +385 99 2152 352. Small central place. B&B double €50.
- Villa Varoš, Miljenka Smoje 1 (200 m west of palace), ☏ +385 21 483 469, jdonlic@yahoo.com. Clean comfy small hotel, very central, friendly helpful hosts. B&B double €60.
Splurge
- 1 Hotel Atrium, Domovinskog rata 49a, ☏ +385 21 20 0000. Modern hotel in business district, with 124 rooms. B&B double €250.
- Hotel Mondo (formerly Hotel Dalmina), Kopilica 5, ☏ +385 21 35 00 00. Business hotel in an industrial part of town, free parking. B&B double €100.
- Hotel Globo, Lovretska 18 (1 km north of harbour), ☏ +385 21 481 111. Workaday neighbourhood but hotel is clean & well-run, close to central sights. B&B double €100.
- Hotel Luxe, Kralja Zvonimira 6, ☏ +385 21 314 444. Decent place in town centre, some street noise, some rooms are in Annex 500 m away. B&B double €150.
- Hotel Park, Hatzeov perivoj 3 (200 m east of ferry piers), ☏ +385 21 406 400, hotelpark@hotelpark-split.hr. Good central hotel, claims to be 5 star but it's more like 3 / 4, and the room rates are in line with that. B&B double €130.
- Hotel Peristil, Poljana kraljice Jelene 1, ☏ +385 21 329 070, booking@hotelperistil.com. Friendly small place within the old palace. B&B double €130.
- Hotel Vestibul Palace, Iza vestibula 4, ☏ +385 21 329 329, info@vestibulpalace.com. Within the old palace, so some rooms are small and you'll regret trying to bring a car, but excellent service and a comfy modern place in the centre. B&B double €120.
- Marmont, Zadarska 13, ☏ +385 21 308 060. Central in old town, most rooms are small and dark, and parking is difficult. But it's clean and simple and has A/C. B&B double €220.
- 2 Radisson Blu, Put Trstenika 19 (2 km east of ferry port), ☏ +385 21 303 030. Bland modern building, but a well-run resort hotel with beach club and good grill restaurant. With spa, but the indoor pool is closed indefinitely for repairs. One repeat visitor was impressed by the low staff turnover. B&B double from €200.
- Rva Apartments, Alijesijeva 6, ☏ +385 914 45 45 43, info@riva-apartments.com. Self-catering apartments on Riva promenade looking out to Split Bay. Double room €140.
Out of town
- Adria Hostel, Bajnice (near the main coastal road between Split and Omis, about 12 km south of Split. Take bus #60 or contact the hostel to arrange pickup), ☏ +49 177 7368595, +385 21 873028, info@hostel-adria.com. Check-in: 11:00, check-out: 09:30. Right next to the Adriatic Sea. Dorm bed: €15-25; bed in private room: €18-28.
- Hotel San Antonio, Grljevacka 30, Podstrana (7 km towards Dubrovnik, on the right hand side, right on the beach), ☏ +385 21 336 111, info@hotel-sanantonio.com. 54 rooms and 3 suites. €48-95.
- Le Méridien Lav, Grljevacka, 2A, Podstrana, ☏ +385 21 500 500.
Stay safe
Do not go to striptease bars because they are a tourist trap.
Dentist
- Split-Dent Dental treatment, visitors to the city are welcome.
Connect
Internet access
There are internet cafés in the old centre of the city
- Internet club Net Com P. Grgura Ninskog 9, [dead link]. Internet and international calls.
- Smokvina Travel Majstora Jurja 3.
There are several more Internet cafés by the harbour just north of the train station. One provides Ubuntu Linux.
- DenCall internet-Split, ☏ +385 21 345 014, domagojeva@dencro.net. 08:09-23:00. 17 computers, connection speed: 1.5 Mbit, printing b/w, camera to CD/usb transfer, call centre, international calling cards, rent-a-bike, luggage storage.
There is free internet via WiFi in the People's Square next to the Lacoste store. Search for "Split Hotspot"
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- Salona - ancient Roman colony, one of the biggest towns of Roman Empire. It had a population of nearly 60,000 people. It was a capital of Roman province Dalmatia. Well preserved amphitheater, theater, basilica, cemetery and many other Roman buildings. Situated near town of Solin, 10-20 min bus ride from Split.
- Hvar - A day trip by boat to this island is well worth the effort. Boats leave five times a day in peak season (July–August), three times a day outside this period (a single trip cost about 42 kn to Stari Grad on Hvar). Hvar town is small but extremely attractive, with numerous large yachts moored in the harbour. If using the left luggage service ensure you thoroughly check the prices and conditions of use.
- Brač - An alternative could be the boat to the island of Brač which is just the other side of the water. Boats leave up to 10 times daily and it takes you 1 hr to Supetar. The last ferry back to Split leaves at 22:45. Try renting a bike or scooter for exploring the island. When renting, take into account that the rental service normally closes rather early but when you ask for it, they are quite flexible as most people are in Split. A return ferry ticket should cost about 70 kn and has no time restrictions within the same day.
- Šolta is another gorgeous island easily reachable by ferry from Split within an hour. It's more laid back than Hvar and less touristy than Brač, mostly frequented by Croatian tourists. Great bays, clear water, historic towns and local honey, wine and olives.
- Krka National Park - one of eight national parks in Croatia. Enjoy in beautiful waterfalls and visit old monastery on the island Visovac.
- Omiš - this little town is situated on the mouth of Cetina river and its magnificent canyon. It is ideal place for rafting and canyoning.
- Horse Club - in village called Donje Ogorje you can ride a horse in the nature. It will cost you 100 kn for one hour. There is also an option for riding and sleeping in the nature for several days.
- Makarska - a popular resort town with beautiful beaches, 60 km southeast of Split. Frequent buses (price 40-50 kn one way).
- Bosnia and Herzegovina - possible day trips by regular scheduled bus include Mostar, Međugorje, Livno, Bugojno, Ljubuški, Travnik and even Zenica.