Holidays to Split
Split highlights
The Riva
During your holiday to Split, soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere with a stroll along the Riva. Lined with palm trees and historic buildings, this busy waterfront promenade is awash with sights and sounds; watch yachts go by and listen to street performers. It’s the perfect spot to sip a coffee, enjoy an ice cream or have a leisurely meal.
Island hopping
Voyage to the islands dotted along the coastline on your holiday to Split. Explore the natural beauty of Brac with its pretty villages and the gorgeous Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach. On Hvar (known as The Island of Wine) tread the ancient streets and visit the Plenkovic Winery to sample a glass or two of local wine.
Croatian cuisine
Take a food-lover’s journey through Croatian cuisine on your holiday to Split. Indulge in a traditional bowl of ‘pasticada’ (beef stew marinated in wine, served with gnocchi) or bite into a slice of ‘soparnik’ (thin pastry pie with Swiss chard and onion) with a side of ‘ajvar’, a smoky red pepper relish.
Split: Know before you go
| Language | Croatian |
|---|---|
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) and UTC+2 (CEST) |
| High season | June – August |
| Low season | December – February |
Find the best time to go to Split
Weather in Split
March – May: Spring in Split combines mild days with warming water. Cool winds from the northwest are common, making for perfect sailing conditions.
June – August: Temperatures climb to 30°C during the dry months. But Adriatic breezes keep the humidity in check. Swim your heart out — the water is perfect.
September – November: The days (and the crowds) cool off in autumn, and the water stays warm throughout October. November is the wettest month of the year, so pack an umbrella.
December – February: The sea keeps temperatures above freezing in Split. But you can expect a fair amount of wind and rain.
Events in Split
Feast of Saint Domnius (May): This popular feast day honours ‘Sveti Duje’ (Saint Domnius) and the city of Split itself. Celebrations feature a procession and public mass, plus a week of musical performances and a local craft fair.
Ultra Europe (July): Some of the top names in EDM descend on Split for three nights of high-energy performances. The main stage is in Park Mladeži stadium, but look for related events and after-parties across the city and nearby Dalmatian Islands.
Mrduja Regatta (October): Join the crowds along the marina or in Sustipan Park to watch hundreds of sailboats compete in one of Europe’s oldest regattas.
The best neighbourhoods in Split
Bacvice
Home to one of the most popular (and Blue Flag rated) beaches in Split, Bacvice offers the best of both worlds: a laid-back beach holiday vibe, with easy access to the historic city core. With lots of places to eat and drink, plus a thriving nightlife, Bacvice is where to stay in Split for lively beachfront clubs and partying until dawn.
Good for: Sandy beaches, cafes, nightlife
Old Town
Stay at the heart of history in the Old Town of Split. Nestled within the ancient walls of Diocletian’s Palace, this area is like a living museum. Explore the labyrinth of narrow lanes, with quaint shops, busy markets and cosy cafes. It’s the best neighbourhood in Split for a true taste of culture and history.
Good for: Ancient ruins, shopping, cafes
Varos
Tucked away from the bustling city centre, Varos is a maze of winding streets, stone houses and colourful flowers. Enjoy living like the locals, eating authentic Croatian cuisine at family-run taverns and savouring the simple pleasures of Mediterranean life. If you’re put off by the high prices in Old Town, Varos is where to stay in Split on a budget that still offers an Old Town feel.
Good for: Quaint streets, architecture, traditional cuisine
Things to do in Split
Shopping
Treat yourself to some retail therapy as you shop for souvenirs at the Pazar (green market) or outdoor Old Market. Head to the Mall of Split for local and international brands. Or buy a traditional silk cravat and discover its history (the necktie was invented in Croatia) at the CROATA store in Old Town.
Places to eat
Split’s culinary scene is thriving, so you won’t be disappointed by the restaurants in Split. Book to eat at the family-run Konoba Hvaranin and try the traditional ‘rozata’ creme caramel dessert. Enjoy seasonal Mediterranean fare at Uje Oil Bar, a rustic restaurant with a Dalmatian focus or eat fresh fish at Dvor, a coastal restaurant with island views.
Take in the culture
The museums in Split are treasure troves of culture, art and history. See stunning classical sculptures and mosaics from Ancient Roman settlements at the Split Archaeological Museum. Visit the Ethnographic Museum to understand traditional Dalmatian life, or the Split City Museum for a journey through time showing how the city developed.
Beaches
Enjoy the best beach days the Adriatic has to offer at Bacvice Beach with its shallow water. For a quieter beach, head to Kasjuni, beneath the shade of Marjan Hill (there is a nudist area too). Or try Kastelet, one of the beaches in Split favoured by locals as it’s easy to get to by car or on foot.
Nightlife
Discover the city after dark, from cosy taverns with local wines to busy beachside clubs. Drink cocktails amongst books at the Marvlvs Library Jazz Bar. Or dance with locals until the early hours at the Jungla Club near the ACI Marina, famous for rock, house and underground techno music.
Family friendly things to do
There are plenty of things to do with family in Split. Step back in time and explore the ancient Diocletian’s Palace and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius; climb the bell tower for panoramic views. Hike up Marjan Hill, a gorgeous green space with several walking trails and a park for the little ones.
Get ready for Split
Budget
Holiday hotspots on the Dalmatian Coast usually come with a heavy price tag. But a cheap holiday to Split is still very doable. Save money on sightseeing with a free walking tour of the Old Town. You can even sample Split’s famous nightlife on a budget. A domestic beer costs around four euros (€), and a meal at an inexpensive restaurant is about €15.
Day Trips from Split
Just up the coast, Trogir is a walled medieval town packed with incredible preserved architecture and Renaissance art. Drive or catch the bus to Krka National Park to see some of Croatia’s most beautiful waterfalls. Hike, swim or take a boat tour up the Krka River to the ruins of Trošenj and Nečven Castles.
Getting Around Split
Getting around Split couldn’t be easier. Explore the heart of the city on foot, by hiring a bike or by catching Promet Split buses — there are 19 routes in the city. Buses are also available for journeys outside the city. There are even ferry and catamaran routes to nearby islands. For convenient nights out, take a taxi.
