Split, Croatia Travel Guide 2026: Diocletian's Palace & Islands

Split is Croatia’s second city and the main gateway to the Dalmatian islands. Its Old Town is built inside and around Diocletian’s Palace - a 3rd-century Roman emperor’s retirement complex that people have lived in continuously for 1,700 years. Less polished than Dubrovnik, more lived-in, and a better base for longer stays. All prices in euros (€).

What makes Split different

Unlike Dubrovnik, Split is a working city with real residents. The Old Town is both a UNESCO heritage site and a place where locals shop, eat, and go to work. The cafés, restaurants, and markets along the Riva (harbourfront promenade) have a day-and-night cycle anchored by Croatian coffee culture - long morning coffees that merge into lunch and evening drinks.

Key sights

• Diocletian’s Palace - the entire Old Town is built within and on top of this Roman complex; free to walk
• Cathedral of St. Domnius - converted from Diocletian’s mausoleum; the bell tower gives panoramic views (€5)
• Peristyle - the central courtyard of the palace; the heart of the Old Town
• Riva harbourfront - the 500m waterfront promenade, lined with cafés and ferry ticket booths
• Meštrović Gallery - a significant collection of work by Croatia’s most important sculptor (€10)
• Klis Fortress - a hilltop fortress above Split, used as Meereen in Game of Thrones (€10)

Day trips from Split

Split is the best base for Dalmatian day trips:

• Hvar: 1 hour by catamaran - the most fashionable island
• Brač (Zlatni Rat beach): 50 minutes by car ferry
• Krka National Park: approx. 1.5 hours by organised bus (€80 including entry)
• Blue Cave (Biševo Island): 3–4 hours by organised speedboat tour (€80–110)
• Vis: 2.5 hours by catamaran

Food and drink

Split’s food scene is stronger than Dubrovnik’s for everyday eating - better value and more variety. Dalmatian classics (pašticada, grilled fish, black risotto, peka) are everywhere; the Riva and the streets behind it have the best café concentration.

Split also has Croatia’s best dedicated vegan restaurant scene outside Zagreb - Barakokula, VEG, and Zrno bio bistro are all serious options.

• Best restaurants in Split
• Food to try in Split
• Vegan food in Split

Where to stay

The best areas are the Old Town (Diocletian’s Palace area), Bačvice (10 minutes’ walk, near the famous picigin beach), and the Meje/Žnjan hotel strip for resort stays.

• Where to stay in Split
• Best hotels in Split

Getting there and around

• Airport: Split Airport (SPU), 25km from the centre; bus to city €7; taxi €30–40. For a hassle-free arrival, book a Welcome Pickups transfer from SPU to your hotel.
• Ferry terminal: Directly on the Riva - walk off the ferry into the city
• Local buses: Cover most of the city; €1.60 per ride
• Taxis and Uber: Available and more affordable than Dubrovnik

Practical notes

• Currency: Euro (€)
• ATMs: Widely available throughout the city
• Best months: May–June and September - warm, good ferry connections, manageable crowds
• July–August: Very busy; plan ahead; prices higher

Split guides

• Things to do in Split
• Best restaurants in Split
• Best hotels in Split
• Best cafés to work in Split
• Vegan food in Split

See also

• Croatia travel guide
• Dubrovnik
• Croatian coast road trip
• Dubrovnik vs Split
• Sailing in Croatia
• Best beaches in the Balkans
• Day trips from Split
• Split airport transfer
• Split Summer Festival

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Plan your trip: Browse guided tours of Split to see what’s available, from walking tours to day trips. Hire a car if you want flexibility for the surrounding area, and cover your journey with Balkans travel insurance.