Is Split in Croatia Worth Visiting? A Guide To Enjoying a Holiday

Split is a coastal city in Croatia, and there are plenty of reasons to visit. It is on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, and the city has an interesting history dating back to Roman times. There are historic sites to visit in Split, including a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many activities take place outdoors, on the city’s coastline, on beaches and in the nearby countryside.

Split is popular with tourists and can get busy. During the three Spring visits we had, we had some lovely weather, and the city was rather quiet and very enjoyable to explore. It is also a good city to visit with a dog, with many pet-friendly places. Split has plenty of bars, cafes and restaurants. The local cuisine features fresh seafood, such as pastas, risottos, and stews.

Split Croatia Travel Guide

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Some information to help you have a wonderful holiday in the coastal city.

What Makes It Worth Visiting?

Split is one of those cities that ticked many boxes for me, which made it well worth visiting. First, there is a wide range of things to do, including historic attractions. The most famous is Diocletian’s Palace. There is also a good selection of museums, including the famous Game of Thrones museum.

The city is on the coast and has a variety of beaches for holiday fun. I visited various beaches on coastal paths. The coastal paths are also good for a walk, and the further you get from the city, the quieter it gets. If you like a long walk, Marjan Hill is a lovely part of the city. We found various trails and scenic spots in the park to sit and chill while appreciating views of the Adriatic. We also watched the pretty sunsets in Split.

What’s Nearby?

If you are staying for a while, you have options for day trips to other places in Croatia. The top choices are to visit Plitvice Lakes National Park or Krka National Park. You can also take boat trips to nearby islands, including Hvar, the most popular. There are many companies selling day trips from the city with posters in various places. You can also pop into the tourist information centre to find out more. If you like to be organised, you can book these in advance from the GetYourGuide or Viator websites.

What About Eating Out?

We really enjoyed dining out in the city, including at restaurants with a sea view. During our holiday, the focus of dining out was fresh local seafood and Croatian cuisine.

My favourite was the seafood at Kavana Zona and the views from Adriatic Grašo. We consistently had good food wherever we went in the city, which enhanced our stay. There were also some late-night takeaways when we fancied them.

Drinks Out

Split has a laid-back bar and cafe scene, and you can find somewhere for a coffee or a beer in most parts of the city. I found the establishments on the seafront to be the most expensive. My favourite cafe-bar for Croatian beers with a view was at Bobis in Trg Republike. As a bonus, many of these were dog-friendly.

Self-Catering Holiday

My preference when travelling is self-catering accommodation, which means I can cook some meals. Split has some fantastic places to purchase food, including various supermarkets and small shops. The city also has a few markets where you can buy fresh local food. The fish market was one of my first ports of call when cooking. I enjoyed having fresh seafood to cook at my holiday home.

Where to Stay?

We have stayed in four areas of Split, and each has its upside. On our latest visit, we chose to stay in the old town near all the fun stuff, which was enjoyable, especially on a short break. We have also stayed in Veli Varos with its narrow side streets and quiet nature. Another area we thoroughly enjoyed was Spinut, which had easy access to the quieter coast paths on Marjan Hill, perfect for a longer stay. I have reviewed these in my dog-friendly guide.

Travel to Split in Croatia

There are many ways to get to the city, from flying to driving. You can also take a direct train from Zagreb, Croatia’s capital. FlixBus also has many routes into Croatia, including to Split and the rest of the Adriatic coast. This is one of the cheaper methods of travelling.

Many visitors visit as part of a cruise in the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas. Finally, there are ferries from various ports on the Adriatic Sea in the summer. This includes boats from the Croatian Islands and others from Italy.

The Boring Stuff

There are many things to consider when on holiday, especially if you travel light or for longer periods. For starters, cash is sometimes required, and I have created a guide to free ATMs in Croatia. Sometimes your clothes need a refresh; thus, I have written a blog post about the laundrettes in Split.

Is Split Worth Visiting?

Split is well worth visiting for a variety of reasons. It is a beautiful, historic city with a good mix of attractions. The coastline is ideal for relaxing or walking. Seafood in the city is fantastic and served in most restaurants. Also, if you like the party vibe, the city has some trendy bars. As a popular holiday destination, there are organised day trips by bus or by coach to nearby places of interest.