Welcome to Split! In this blog I’ll be sharing my experience on a 5-day city trip to Split, Croatia. Split is a beautiful coastal city located in the heart of Dalmatia, known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and Mediterranean climate. Join us as we explore what this city has to offer.
Day 1:
Arriving in the late afternoon we headed straight to our Airbnb, which was conveniently located near the city center and Marjan Hills. We dropped our luggage in our apartment, which also had a nice view, and went into the city to have some dinner. Here we were already able to catch a glimpse of all the beautiful things Split has to offer. After our dinner, we took a small stroll through the city center to get an impression of all the things to see and do.
Day 2:
On the second day, we went for a morning walk to explore the hills of Marjan Hill. This natural park, located in the heart of the city, has various hiking and cycling trails that can be explored. The different viewpoints on the hill offer stunning views of the city and its surroundings. After our walk, we took a short break at Kasjuni beach. After this brief pause, we walked back to the center of Split via a road along the coast that passes by several beaches. In the city we visited the historical center and enjoyed a delicious lunch. In the evening, we returned to the city center to have dinner and enjoyed a drink on one of the many terraces that the center has to offer.
Day 3:
About a 30 minutes’ drive from Split is the town of Omis. Surrounded by high mountains and steep cliffs, this is one of the most beautiful locations I have been to for zip-lining. With this morning-long excursion, you fly over rivers and green valleys. Highly recommended if you enjoy a bit of adventure. Back in Split, we took a refreshing dip at one of the many beaches that the city has to offer. In the evening, we went back to the old town for dinner and experienced Split’s nightlife.
Day 4:
Off the coast of Split, there are several islands that can be visited. You can take a ferry service or rent a (speed)boat and go on an adventure yourself. Through one of the many day tour agencies, we booked a boat trip for a fun day on the water. During the trip, there is plenty of opportunity to take a dip in the azure blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. We also visit Trogir, a historic town that is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A fun fact is that some scenes were also filmed for the HBO series Game of Thrones. After we returned, it’s already time for dinner, and we have a small drink to end the day.
Day 5:
As our flight back home is not until late in the evening, we still had a full day to enjoy. We rented a car and explored the surroundings of Split. We visit Solana (Solin), where remarkably many ancient Roman ruins are scattered throughout the city, which is definitely a must-visit if you’re into history and archaeology. A visit to Krka National Park with its enchanting waterfalls is also a must-do. We enter the park at the Skradin entrance and go on a boat trip to the waterfalls.
When it’s time to head back to Split, we made a short stop in Trogir (which is near the airport) to quickly enjoy some food at the local food truck festival before flying back home.
To conclude
Split is definitely worth a visit as a city trip. It has something to offer for everyone. Beautiful historic buildings and architecture. Nature lovers can enjoy the beautiful surroundings. If you prefer sun, sea and beach, you will also find plenty to do. Furthermore, the city has great places to eat well and deliciously, and of course plenty of places where you can have fun until the early hours. In short, be sure to put this city on your to-do list!
Hopefully this article inspired you to take a trip to this wonderful city. Already been there? Leave a comment and share your own experience. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Happy travels!
Good to know
- Currency: From January 2023 the official currency in Croatia is the Euro (used to be the Croatian Kuna (HRK)). Don’t expect that Croatia to be a cheap country. Prices are comparable to countries in Western Europe.
- Language: The official language is Croatian, but also English is widely spoken and understood in Split, especially in tourist areas.
- Transportation: Split has an efficient public transportation system that includes buses and taxis, but also Uber is available in the city. You can purchase bus tickets at newsstands, kiosks, or on board the bus.
- Weather: Split has a Mediterranean climate, which means summers are hot and dry, and winters are mild and rainy. The peak tourist season is from June to August, when the weather is the warmest and the city is the busiest.
- Accommodation: There are plenty of accommodation options in Split, including hotels, hostels, apartments, and private rooms. The Old Town is a popular area to stay in, but there are also great options in other parts of the city.
- Food: Croatian cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean and Eastern European influences, and seafood is a staple in Split. Some popular local dishes to try include grilled fish, squid ink risotto, and pasticada (beef stew).
- Drinking water: Tap water in Split is safe to drink, but if you prefer bottled water, it’s widely available at supermarkets and convenience stores.
- Safety: Split is generally a safe city, but it’s always a good idea to take common sense precautions like avoiding dark alleys at night and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
- Sightseeing: There are plenty of sights to see in Split, including the Diocletian’s Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Riva promenade. A guided walking tour is a great way to see the highlights of the city or rent a bike.
- Day trips: Split is a great base for day trips to nearby islands and national parks. Some popular destinations include Hvar, Brač, and Krka National Park. You can book tours and excursions at tourist agencies or online.
