Zdravo & Welcome to Split!

Split is the best place to begin exploring the famed islands and coast of the picturesque Croatian Adriatic.

The largest city on the eastern Adriatic coast, Split is home to about 200,000 residents. It is Croatia's second largest city and is the administrative and commercial centre of Middle Dalmatia. Split was a city of importance in the former Yugoslavia too. The city has a fascinating story; it is believed to have grown from the palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian, and there is a lot to see and do in Split.

Diocletian's Palace has survived various periods in history and the city's most significant cultural and historical buildings exist within the walls of the palace. UNESCO declared the historical complex of Split and the Diocletian Palace as a World Heritage Site in 1979. There are old churches, museums, the National Theatre and several archaeological sites that lie beyond the palace walls and are equally popular among tourists. However, it is best to find a Split hotel close to the town centre, as the northern neighbourhoods of the city are fairly dull and not very attractive.

During the 7th century, inhabitants of the ruined Roman and Greek city of Salonae (today's Solin) sought protection within the walls of Diocletian's Palace. Split grew most rapidly during those years. The ruins of Solin still exist outside Split and are a popular place to visit on a Split tour.

Split has an international airport and regular ferry services connect the busy port city with Greece, Italy, north and south Adriatic and the nearby islands. Passenger and merchant ships built in the shipyards of Split are sailed in practically every sea in the world. Split is quite rich agriculturally too with lush green fields surrounding the city. The stunning landscapes, seascapes and the city's rich culture have made Split a paradise for tourists.

Many visitors use Split as a base to explore the rest of the Split-Dalmatia County and the neighbouring islands. Baska Voda, Brac, Brela Beach, Makarska, Omis, Solin, Solta and Trogir are all reachable within an hour from Split, whilst the popular islands of Hvar and Korcula are also just a short ferry ride away. The huge transport hub located east of the Diocletian Palace is a hotbed of activity where buses, ferries and trains continuously come and go.

The Bronze Gate is the best place to begin a tour in Split. It was once the entry to a sea route that led to a maze of caves built to raise the palace. Oil and vegetables were stored in the caves during the Middle Ages and today, they are used as exhibition and craft stands. Narodni Trg, called Pjaca by locals, is a beautiful square that houses a Romanesque clock tower and a city hall built in a Venetian style. It is located outside the palace walls and became the focal point of the city in the 14th century. The Peristil or open space at the centre of the palace was earlier the heart of the city. The Pjaca is a wonderful place to relax with a cup of coffee after a delicious local Croatian meal.

Finding a place to stay in Split won't be a problem as there are a number of welcoming guesthouses and hotels in Split. Many of the Split hotels offer amenities, facilities and views which you'd expect to pay a lot more for, allowing your travel dollars to go further. You can also use our map of Split to choose your hotel in Split based on its location.