Split – A city not to miss in Croatia

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Lying on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, Split is one of the oldest in the region.

It’s Croatia’s second-largest city and a top tourist destination with a lot to offer.

The hugely impressive Roman Palace of Diocletian, the seaside suburbs, and the great weather!

The city was founded in Greek times, but the Romans put it on the map.

They built the Diocletian’s Palace from the end of the 3rd century into the 4th century.

Today this remains one of the city’s top attractions.

How to get there

Split is easy to get to by road, air, train, and boat, so there are many choices to come to the city.

Arriving on water is always a wonderful way to be introduced to a city.

There are numerous ferry services going back and forth between the port and Italy.

You can also get to and from here to some of Croatia’s beautiful islands such as Brac, and Hvar.

Split Airport is the second or third largest airport in the country.

24 kilometres (15 miles) outside the city and linked by bus, taxi, or rental car.

A majority of flights are seasonal. So if you’re planning to visit outside the summer season you will be quite limited for flight options.

In season though there are many airlines operating with flights from all across Europe.

Croatia Airlines from hubs like London, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt, also Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, and Germanwings are among the other airlines.

Attractions and what to see in Split

The Palace of Diocletian is the main attraction, but there are many more architectures around the city from different historical periods.

There are museums too if you want to discover more about the city’s background.

Split is not all about the city centre; There is a lovely forested area on the western tip of the peninsula.

Also, there are many beaches to relax on, right by the city centre and in the suburbs.

Cathedral Saint Duje

Diocletian also built a mausoleum for himself at the turn of the 3rd century.

This mausoleum remains part of the Cathedral of Saint Duje, also known as the Cathedral of Saint Domnius.

It’s recognised as the oldest cathedral in the world, and as well as the mausoleum section of the church, two additions were made in later years – the bell tower in the year 1100 and a chorus in the late 17th century.

You should climb the bell tower to enjoy fabulous views over the Palace and other parts of Split!

Marjan

This forested hill is a popular public space where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a while.

The dense Mediterranean pine forest smells lovely as you walk along its paths in the summer heat, with canopies providing shade from the warm sun.

If you get to the top of the hill, there are great views over the city and the sea, and after a walk, you can cool off in the ocean from one of the beaches.

If you’re visiting with children, also visit Split Science Museum and Zoo on Marjan Hill.

It may be one of the smallest zoos in the world, but it offers a pleasant diversion!

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Diocletian Palace and Historical Centre

In the heart of the historic centre, you will find the city’s best-known and most visited attraction.

When we think of a palace, usually one large building comes to mind, but Diocletian’s Palace is more like a small city in itself, walled from invaders and made up of numerous different buildings. As the name suggests, it was built for the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who wanted a haven and place to relax in his retirement, which was set to begin on May 1, 305 AD.

When the Romans left the palace, it was empty for several hundred years until local citizens began using it to protect against invading barbarians.

Gradually they moved their businesses inside the palace walls, and today restaurants, stores, and even some homes can still be seen here.

Spend several hours wandering around inside the palace walls to experience this place.

It is still amazingly intact and well preserved considering its age, and unsurprisingly it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in one of the earliest sessions in 1979.

Destination

Check-in date

Mon 29 May 2023

Check-out date

Tue 30 May 2023

I don't have specific dates yet

Where to stay in Split ?

5 – 4 star and luxury

To enjoy a 5-star service, you can look at Luxury Apartment Matkovic.

It’s only a few steps from the centre and Diocletian’s Palace.

Some 4-star hotels right within the walls and exceptionally located to see the city’s major tourist attractions are three good hotels you could choose from;

Jupiter Luxury Hotel – Hotel Diocletian and Palace Augubio.

Both Beach Resort and City

A combination of staying by the beach and a 30 minutes walk from the center can be a great option if you want to stay longer and enjoy the beachlife.

A hot tips and our recommendation is Radison Blue Resort just 2,5 kilometers from the center. Just by the beach and lovely pool and excellent service and facilities