Sitting on the Adriatic Sea’s edge, Split is Croatia’s second largest city and is home to some of the country’s most sensational historical highlights.
Before the Roman Emperor Diocletian decided to build a grand retirement home here the city didn’t exist. The majestic sphinx-filled palace and garrison he constructed was to form the seed from which all of the city grew and today this remarkably preserved UNESCO World Heritage complex is the brightest jewel of Split’s sparkling crown.
After the Romanscame a long line of conquerors, all of whom have left their mark on this remarkable city. In medieval times Split was ruled by the Venetians and Byzantium Empire, later came the kings of Croatia and Hungary and there is also Austria and Napoleon in the mix too.
As a result the city and its surrounds have inherited some stunning architecture and historical remains which include churches, monasteries, fortresses and luxurious villas. To all of that you can also add some wonderful museums and a diverse arrayof seafood restaurants where you can dine right at the water’s edge or with otherwise breath-taking views.
If you venture a little further you can find national parks filled with waterfalls, other UNESCO World Heritage gems such as the beautiful island-located Trogir and a plentiful supply of filming locations for Game of Thrones fans to explore.
A Morning in Split
What better way to begin your Split day than with an exploration of the enchanting Diocletian’s Palace, once home to a Roman Emperor. After you have taken a pause for coffee your morning continues with a visit to the excellent Archaeological Museum or a discovery of the sculptures of Ivan Meštrović housed in the sea-view villa in which he both lived and worked.
The Diocletian’s Palace
While the title may have you picturing one stand-alone building to enjoy the sensational UNESCO World Heritage-listed Diocletian’s Palace is in reality a small town within a city. One gorgeous labyrinth woven together from courtyards, passageways, tunnels and ancient architecture, the palace complex is home to old Roman temples, a stunning cathedral, sphinxes transported from ancient Egypt and 101 other highlights.
More than 1,700 years old, the palace was the seed from which all Split grew and was originally built as a tranquil but luxurious and fortified retirement retreat for the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Also housing a Roman garrison, the emperor’s palace was where he lived the final six years of his life until 311 AD after giving up the rule of the Roman Empire – the first emperor to voluntarily relinquish power in the empire’s history.
Not simply one of the most significant historic monuments anywhere in the world, the palace is also full of cafes, restaurants and shops along with residences from which people still live out their daily lives. Taken as a whole, the complex is a grand-scale and highly elegant construction of pale limestone and marble while the ornamentation and detailing you will discover as you wander is breathtakingly beautiful.
Without doubt the palace’s number one highlight is the Cathedral of St. Duje or St. Domnius. Sitting right at the heart of the complex, the cathedral’s exterior is plain and somber, constructed originally as the mausoleum of Diocletian. In the 7th century this octagonal tomb was added to and consecrated as a church making it the oldest Catholic cathedral anywhere on Earth. The highly ornate Romanesque five-tiered bell tower, which is the most instantly recognizable symbol of Split and visible on approach from the water, was added in the 12thcentury. In an ironic historic twist, the cathedral was dedicated to St. Domnius, a Christian martyr who had been executed by Emperor Diocletian centuries before. Presumably this was also around the time when the emperor’s sarcophagus was removed or destroyed as no trace of it has ever been found.
Be sure to check out the magnificent doors of the cathedral on entering. Soaring to more than 17ft, the incredibly preserved Romanesque carvings by Andrija Buvina which cover the doors from top to bottom are 800 years old and depict a series of scenes tracing the life of Jesus.Inside the church can be found a wealth of treasures which include a pulpit and artwork from the 13thcentury, a 15thcentury altar and a variety of ancient chalices, reliquaries, clothing and priceless books many centuries old.It is possible to climb the bell tower and doing so is worth the effort.
At the top you are rewarded with sensational views over not just the palace but Split, the Dalmatian coast and the Adriatic Sea.It is thought that all kinds of original Roman treasures were destroyed when the Christians claimed the area, not wishing to preserve what they would have seen as symbols of heresy and worship of heathen gods. The palace during Diocletian’s day was home to several temples which would no doubt have been filled with various priceless objects. All of the temples were destroyed save for the Temple of Jupiter which the Christians turned into a baptistery where on close inspection you can still seean Apollo likeness and some original Roman carvings.
The baptistery is also home to a sculpted font which dates back to the 11thcentury. The Cathedral borders the beautiful courtyard known as the Peristil which is still today what it has always been, even in the emperor’s days -the complex’s main hive of activity and its central square. This is where you will find one of the emperor’s sphinxes –around 3,500 years old -which were all plundered from Luxor in Egypt during the Roman Empire’s invasions ofthose lands. Surprisingly to many visitors, the palace is also home to a 16thcentury synagogue –one of Europe’s oldest still-functioning religious institutions for the Jewish faithful. It is known that Jews have lived in Split’s palace since the 7thcentury after fleeing persecution in nearby surrounding areas.
The original synagogue, which historians believe may have been many centuries old, was destroyed in a 16th century fire which was when the existing one was built above medieval houses. During restoration work in 2014 various ancient leftovers were uncovered including an inscription tablet from Roman times which you are welcome to see for yourself if no ceremonies are in progress. Croatia, as Game of Thrones fans will be well aware of, was used extensively for filming the sensationally successful series and the Diocletian’s Palace was used many times over, most often doubling as Meereen.
Head to the cellars to see where Daenerys kept her dragons during her time in the slaver city.
If local markets are something which interest you be sure to check out the Split Old City Market which can be found bordering the outer eastern edge of the palace. A colorful array of fruits and vegetables, this bustling collection of stalls is also the place to shop for local honey, olive oils, cured meats, cheese and other regional delicacies.
Morning Coffee in Split
Should the need for a morning pause strike while you are still exploring the Diocletian’s Palace you won’t have far to go to satisfy your coffee cravings. The palace is home to several cafe choices, one of which is the Lvxor. Sonamed for the ancient Egyptian sphinx which sits a stone’s throw from its doors, this was also once the site of a Roman temple dedicated to Venus. While this venue doesn’t always receive rave reviews in its guise as a restaurant if it is atmospheric location you are looking for this spot is unbeatable.
Set at one side of the beautiful Peristil courtyard where the oldest cathedral in the world is located, the Lvxor is a prime venue to surround yourself in Roman splendor. Simply grab a coffee and sit yourself on the steps in front to enjoy the view. Alternatively, and if you prefer a real seat, the Lvxor’s ancient and elegant interior of stone walls, columns, arches and brightly painted ceiling hung with a huge chandelier is no less splendid.
If the quality of the coffee is your priority when pickinga cafe venue the palace is also home to D16. This highly respected establishment, known for its friendly staff, roast their own beans and employ skilled baristas to ensure their products retain their high quality from one end of the process to the other. The space here is bright and contemporary with some wonderful wall art.
For an entirely different view but one which still registers on the lovely scale, make your way to the palm-lined waterfront strip which runs from palace to sea known as Riva. Dating back to the Napoleonic area, this stretch is a series of cafes, bars and restaurants and is always full of locals both strolling and taking refreshment pauses in their day. Adriatic Sea views here are typically beautiful and the Caffe Bar St-Riva is no exception.
Choose a table right off the street or head upstairs to the terrace for an elevated view.
Another choice here –and one for those expecting quality coffee -is the especially gorgeous Brasserie on 7 which offers a sensational sea view surrounded by flowers. For those who need something sweet to accompany their coffee this is also a great choice as this restaurant has a delectable selection of homemade cakes and desserts.
The Archaeological Museum
Happily refueled you can now head a little north of the center and continue your morning’s explorations of Split. A short walk will bring you to the excellent Archaeological Museum which is the country’s oldest.
Split and Croatia generally have known human habitation since Paleolithic times. In the thousands of years which followed it has also been settled by ancient Greeks, ruled by the Roman Empire and had periods, among others, where it was in the hands of the Venetians and Ottomans. Such a rich and ancient back history has left the land strewn with countless remnants and Split’s Archaeological Museum is where most of the treasures uncovered in the region have ended up.
The basis of the museum’s collection was first put together two centuries ago and has been added to ever since. As you wander the exhibits you will discover a multitude of classical sculpture, Greek pottery, inscribed stone tablets, Roman mosaics, armory, sarcophagi, coins and exquisite glassware from both Greek and Roman periods. The most ancient collection displays artifacts from the Paleolithic to the Iron Age while an entire collection is also devoted to treasures salvaged from shipwrecks.
A Museum Alternative –The Meštrović Gallery
Located close to the ACI Marina can be found the world-class art museum known as the Meštrović Gallery. Ivan Meštrović is widely considered the country’s greatest ever sculptor and this venue is especially poignant as it is the sea-view villa which he himself designed to serve as private home, work studio and display space for his work in the 1930s. Ten years before his death, this famous Croatian son bequeathed both property and art collection to the state who have preserved it ever since.
The most comprehensive collection of this famous sculptor’s works in bronze, wood and marble can be found over the two floors of the grand villa and spread around the elegant grounds while exhibits also include hundreds of drawings, original plaster castings and architectural plans. Besides the works by Meštrović the museum also displays art pieces which are part of the personal collection of the surviving Meštrović family.
The mansion’s dining roomis a highlight as it is arranged much as it would have been in the artist’s lifetime, containing a furniture set constructed according to Meštrović’s own plans.
Lunch in Split
When it comes to dining Split is a wonderful mix of both old and new. Traditional konobas can still be found where the fare is homely, the tables few and the prices often the lowest to be found but so too will you discover an array of contemporary venues intended to bring the region’s cuisine into a new age. Each has their bonuses and it is really up to your personal choice as to which best matches your idea of the ideal lunch spot.
Split also offers a collection of areas where the restaurants cluster –the most buzzing of these being the Riva which lines the waterfront and serves as something of the city’s beating heart. The major bonus with any of the Riva choices are that all give you views of palm trees and the sparkling Adriatic, generally from a street-side alfresco terrace.
The city’s beach – Bačvice – also has a collection of restaurants at either end of its bay and again dining here typically comes with a sea view.If you finished your morning at the Meštrović Gallery you are also close to yet another waterfront areadotted around with restaurants –the ACI Marina -located just a 15 minute stroll along the water’s edge from the historic center. One of the restaurants here is the decidedly upscale Michelin-starred and seafood-focused Zrno Soli which can boast an impressive list of past celebrity diners including international rock stars and royalty.
Also at this western side of town can be found the atmospheric quarter of Veli Varos where Konobo Matejuska can be found. A wonderful choice for those who want to experience an authentic old tavern serving traditional fare, this small restaurant has an intimate and rustic ambiance which surrounds you with bare stone walls and wooden furniture.
For some killer views from above of Split and its Roman palace as you lunch, make your way to Veli Varos’s hill. On climbing a series of steps blissfully shaded by pines you will arrive atop Marjan hill which is where you will find the Vidilica restaurant and without doubt the most sensational sea-view terrace in the entire city. Perched on the edge of a sheer drop with just a stone balustrade separating you, there is absolutely nothing to interrupt that jaw-dropping view of city, sea and islands.
With surprisingly reasonable prices for such a prime spot, this casual venue serves steak, seafood and a variety of lighter lunch choices.
Of course if you have your heart set on lunch amid the ancient splendors of Split’s Roman palace there are several choices. One of these is the wonderful Diocletian Wine House which serves some Dalmatian specialties paired with the best of the country’s wines. The setting is all that you might imagine dining in an ancient palace should be; here you have the choice of a Roman terrace or a romantic interior which is so atmospherically and visually perfect it could be straight from a movie set.
An Afternoon in the Surrounds of Split
While the center of Split offers some unsurpassable gems to explore thesurrounding region is also crammed to bursting with incredible destinations to visit. Choose from a waterfall-filled national park which is also home to ancient monasteries and scenic mills or the exceptionally lovely island
town of Trogir with its multitude of historical jewels and Game of Thrones filming locations.
A third option is one for foodies –the family run Stella Croatica Ethno Village where you can feast your way through this producer’s delicacies ranging from delectable sweet treats to olive oils.
The Krka National Park
Located just over an hour away from Split can be found the stunning Krka National Park which is littered with spectacular sites of both the Mother Nature-crafted and man-made variety. With the Krka River flowing through its heart, this wildlife-rich area is best known for its collection of magnificent waterfalls and all but one of them are home to historic watermills which can be visited. All of the waterfalls are the result of the river’s gradual erosion of the soft limestone bedrock it flows over, creating over tens of thousands of years a dramatic canyon which at its deepest measures 200m.
Southernmost of the waterfalls is that which is widely considered its most picturesque and certainly its most accessible – Skradinski Buk. Actually a series of drops on stepped terraces over 800m rather than one single unbroken cascade, Skradinski Buk is breathtakingly beautiful and while many simply gaze other visitors take the opportunity for a refreshing swim in the lovely crystal-clear pool which sits at the foot of the last drop. Like most of the park’s waterfalls Skradinski Buk is the site of several old mills where you can see some displays of artifacts and watch traditional tradespeople at work while old mill cottages have becomecraft workshops, shops and cafes.
From these falls you can head off for a looped nature trail walk, all of it on well-maintained boardwalks, which lead you over bridges to river islets.If you haven’t had your fill of waterfalls and have plenty of time you can take a boat from here which heads upriver to Roski Slap. The walking trail which loops these falls offers some sensational views of the park while the restored Friar’s Watermill has been kitted out with period furniture and artifacts which give you a window onto the world of a milling family of long ago.
While the majestic waterfalls tend to act as the park’s biggest magnet for visitors they are not its only highlights.It also has two ancient monasteries – Our Lady of Mercy upstream of Skradinski Buk and the Krka Monastery at the park’s northern extreme. Our Lady of Mercy and its adjoining church sit on a lush island in the middle of Lake Viskovac –a wide section of the Krka River. The monastery as it is seen today was the work of 15thcentury Franciscan monks fleeing persecution during the Ottoman invasion although the original history stretches even further back. The monastery is home to some interesting archaeological exhibits and ecclesiastical relics.
The park’s second monastery –this time Serbian Orthodox -which sits in a picturesque river bay is known to date from at least 1402, founded on the site of an even earlier monastery just as Our Lady of Mercy was. Displaying both Mediterranean architectural styles and the Byzantine style of its church, the Krka Monastery sits atop ancient Roman catacombs which can be explored by visitors.
Other park highlights include the ruined Roman amphitheater just 6km from the Krka Monastery and the lovely little town of Skradin which is not far from the Skradinski Buk waterfall. Besides its picturesque collection of old stone houses painted in a variety of shades and ancient churches you can also visit the ruined fortress above the town. Game of Thrones fans might be interested to learn that Krka National Park wasused to represent the countryside of Westeros, most extensively when the Hound is traveling with Arya.
Trogir
Just over half an hour’s drive from Split brings you to the enchanting coastal-located Trogir. With an ancient history woven from multiple cultural elements including Greek, Roman, Venetian, Napoleonic forces and Austrian, Trogir has an exceptional old town which is sited entirely on an island. Crossing the bridge which connects Trogir to the mainland brings you to a UNESCO World Heritage-protected area filled with historical palaces, towers, monasteries, fortresses, churches and a collection of medieval buildings constructed by the Venetians during their 400 years of domination. When walking along the ancient cobblestones here you are literally treading in the very footsteps of those who lived and worked here hundreds of years ago.
Although this town made up of weaving narrow passageways first built many centuries ago is tiny its worthwhile sights are so plentiful you will really need an entire afternoon to explore it fully.
Entry to the Trogir historical quarter is made via one of its beautiful gates in the surrounding walls – the Baroque-styled North Gate from the 17th century which is reached via a stone bridge from the mainland and the South Gate which connects to the island of Ciovo. This latter, rather remarkably, still has it wooden doors from the 1500s.
Dominating the historical landmarks of Trogir is the beautiful 13th century Cathedral of St. Lawrence which took 400 years to complete. Such a vast time gap has adorned it in a diversity of architectural styles according to what was fashionable at the time although its principle appearance is a blend of Gothic and Romanesque.
Generally considered one of the leading examples of exceptional sacral architecture in the whole of the country, St. Lawrence’s most historically significant feature, even on a global scale, is its main portal. Carved by master sculptor Radovan – the most famous artisan of his kind in the medieval era –and finished in 1240 this exquisite arched stone doorway is a feast of intricate detailing and incorporates animals, religious figures, angels and even dragons.
The cathedral’s other most physically striking feature is its ornate 47m high bell tower – the town’s highest point. Like the cathedral itself the tower exhibits a range of architectural styles relating to the expanse of years it took to complete. Its oldest part – the base – dates from the 14th century while its highest level dates from the 16th and 17th centuries.
The cathedral’s majestic interior is as fascinating as its exterior and has a wealth of medieval features, paintings and detailing which include a Gothic baptistery and sacristy from the 1400s and a Renaissance chapel.
The square in which the cathedral is found is also home to the somewhat plain Gothic-styled 15thcentury Town Hall which once served as the duke’s residence and also for a time in the 17thcentury as a theater. Arguably this building’s loveliest feature besides its squat clock tower is the inner courtyard with its romantic stone staircases and Gothic balconies.
Other town highlights include the Town Loggia – formerly a courthouse – and the Cipiko Palace which can only be admired from the outside as it isn’t open to the public. This latter 15thcentury Gothic structure, tall and narrow in appearance and wedged between other buildings, was the private residence of the town’s most eminent and powerful family.
Another ancient leftover can be found on the western edge of the island –the Fortress Kamerlengo. Dating from the 1400s, this irregular-shaped fortified structure was the work of the Venetians and features four towers, the oldest of which pre-dates the main fort construction by a century. You can walk around the top, following in the footsteps of Venetian sentries of long ago and it is also possible to climb the oldest tower for some stunning views of the whole island.
Today this ancient citadel serves as an atmospheric space for performing arts, cultural events and open-air cinema.
While it is possible to reach Trogir by road perhaps the loveliest way to arrive is by boat. Your journey from Split to Trogir travels along the Split Riviera and has some gorgeous coastal views. Additionally, many of the boat trips include a stop-off on the way back, typically at one of Ciovo Island’s hidden away beaches.
The Stella Croatica Ethno Village
If a journey through the region’s gastronomic delicacies appeals more than one through the natural environment or history your afternoon can be spent at the wonderful Stella Croatica Ethno Village.
Located in Klis and operated by the Polic family –one of the area’s most respected producers of Dalmatian delicacies –your time here can be divided between exploring the places where the produce is grown and sampling the delectable wares.
The range of boutique produce grown and created by the Polics is diverse and includes high quality olive oil, honey, fruit preserves, liquors, cakes and cookies, herbs and spices, traditionally baked bread and a array of typical regional desserts made from figs, fruit and nuts.
Your time in this unique place begins with a guided stroll through the beautiful olive groves and orchards and on through the scent-filled Aroma Park where a range of herbs and spices are grown, many of them only found in this region. As you go you will learn about how each of the plants and trees are tended and what each of the crops are used for.
The cluster of stone buildings known as the Ethno Village are where your tasting sessions will take place surrounded by gorgeous scenery. The Polic family’s goal is to preserve old traditional methods and the way of life which ran alongside it. Tour the stone units and see historic furniture and traditional equipment with explanations of how each was used and learn how significant various parts of the houses were to the whole process.
Your time also includes demonstrations of this region’s ages-old method of baking bread and the hand-crafting of Dalmatian desserts according to recipes which are now centuries old along with learning how to recognize the highest quality olive oil and all about its multiple health benefits.
Pre-Dinner Drinks and Dinner in Split
From cocktails in the palace of a Roman emperor to seafood feasts on a waterside terrace, Split isn’t short of drinking and dining venues offering everything from cozy and quaint to the high end of elegance.
Pre-dinner Drinks
Both the Riva and palace are drinking venue hotspots and any wander in either of these two places will bring you to the doors and terraces of a number of options in every guise. For those who believe sundowners are best at the beach Split can deliver that too at Bačvice.
The bars and restaurants are mainly clustered at each end of the bay but the Cafe Bar Žbiracis found at about the midway point. Here you can grab a table at the elevated terrace and watch the sun sink gradually in the sky and over a swathe of beach umbrellas spread about the beach.
If pre-dinner drinks for you means hunting down a wine bar Split has some great choices. While wine bars are not such a rare creature in the city these days it was not always so. Paradox – one of the city’s few open rooftop bars – introduced Split to the cheese and wine bar concept a few years ago and is still arguably the best of the choices.
Wine is not just a theme here but a passion; the owner’s guiding principle from the very beginning was to create a venue which perfectly marries an inviting social space with an informed and quality wine culture in which Dalmatian wines reign supreme. And this is exactly what it does in its contemporary bar, offering its customers over 120 labels of Croatian wines along with some other old world choices from France, Italy and Germany with trained sommeliers always on hand to help guide you in your choices.
To complement your wines there are a choiceof cheese, meat and seafood small dishes which can all be enjoyed from a glorious roof-top terrace beneath billowing white sails.
While the Paradox leads the way for wine appreciators the Caffe Bar Sanctuary amid the splendors of the palace does exactly the same for cocktail connoisseurs. Just like the Paradox, this bar was born from a desire to give the city something specific that it didn’t have –in this case true craft cocktails. It is also something of a magnet for whiskey-lovers while craft beer fans are not left out either.
The Sanctuary offers an incredible 60 different cocktails which include traditional and classic mixes first created in the Prohibition era, through the range of tropical staples and onto some modern innovations. Everything is expertly mixed and perfectly presented in the appropriate glassware with artistic garnishes, as only the best cocktail bars can do.
You have a choice of both indoor lounge seating or outdoor tables to choose from to match the vibe which best suits you for enjoying your perfectly prepared drink.
Another cocktail choice if you enjoy artsy spaces is the Academia Ghetto Club which is consistently ranked as one of the city’s best bars. Located in the atmospheric palace, this relaxed and cultured bar is the haunt of both locals and visitors and surrounds you with wonderful murals and music while also offering a lovely courtyard garden to enjoy your drinks alfresco. The bar also functions as a cultural space for art exhibitions and various events which take place in the upstairs gallery on a regular basis.
Dinner
Split is right on the cusp of a modern wave of culinary transformation. This means you can still find the more traditional tavern-like options if that appeals but so too can you pick from anarray of thoroughly modern restaurants that are pushing the boundaries into creative contemporary territory.
One such in this latter category is the Uje Oil Bar which is a seafood-focused bistro and gastro-shop run by a local olive oil producer. As you might expect the olive oil here is second to none as are its signature dishes which include such things as prawn and fennel bruschettas, cuttlefish Venetian style and home-made olive oil ice-cream. Dishes are Dalmatian in origin but each has been given a thoroughly modern twist while the venue itself is elegant and understatedly refined. Located in the gorgeous palace, the restaurant is sited away from the main bustle which means a quiet dinner amid the light woods is all part of the ambiance. There are also some tables set directly on the ancient cobbles outside for those who want to dine alfresco.
Another way to escape the Split bustle if you are hoping for an intimate and romantic dinner isto head five minutes along the coast to the Spinut Port. Here you will find the gorgeous and long-established Lucica set right on the waterfront which can be fully appreciated from the lovely terrace spread beneath a pine tree canopy. The food is high quality here but as it is a little removed from the center its prices are surprisingly reasonable for somewhere with such an idyllic setting.
Should you have something special to celebrate or simply feel like treating yourself to a high-class meal while on vacation it is hard to beat the Adriatic Graso. The cuisine and wine choices are distinctly high-end but it is really the million-dollar setting which has attracted the Adriatic Graso such international attention. A short stroll from the city center brings you to the restaurant’s Sustipan cliff spot where from a luxurious terrace your view is nothing but sea, city lights and islands.Expect faultless service, a cool sea breeze and the chance of watching fellow diners propose to each other in this most romantic of spots.
An Evening in Split
Like many destinations around Croatia which have something spectacular to visit – such as the sensational Diocletian’s Palace here – mornings and afternoons are often filled with day trippers who have come to see the sights. However, once evening descends many of these tourist numbers return to wherever they came from which leaves things generally quieter and more relaxed.
Exploring the palace at night is especially lovely and even if you visited during the day you should still come to see the ancient streets, flower-tumbled balconies, carved columns and historic buildings lit in such a way which makes everything truly spellbinding. Additionally, there are many street artists amid the weaving alleys and courtyards at night and you can expect anything from toga-clad performers to musicians setting up on the cobbles and entertaining passers-by.
Live music generally is not hard to find, especially in the summer months and while anything could spring up anywhere at any time there are some venues which offer regular possibilities. These include the beautiful Lvxor Cafe‘s piano and jazz performances which you can enjoy as you sip your drink amid ancient Roman columns and arches.
The Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar is another option which has an incredible book collection and an ultimately quirky and chilled atmosphere.
Split’s epicenter of bustle at any time of day is the seafront Riva and for the majority of both locals and tourists this is where they will head in the evenings. Dating back to the days when Napoleon held power here, the Riva is lined with restaurants and bars, most of which have wonderful Adriatic views. The Riva is also where the locals stroll for strolling’s sake and in the warm summer evenings the city’s visitors can often be found doing the same. After your evening amble you can simply pick a spot and see the evening out with a favorite drink to hand to watch the comings and goings in general and the varied skills of street performers.
If you still have any energy left after your day of packing in Split’s many highlights a very different way to round off your day is to go for an evening paddleboard tour. Suitable even for those who have never set foot on a paddleboard in their life, this rather magical experience leads you along the coast and then between the banks of a tranquil river. Boards are equipped with LED lights which not only add a distinct element of enchantment and romance but also allow you to see the fish and shells underwater.
If you’re ready to experience the beauty of Croatia in person, contact one of our vacation planners today!