The ultimate guide to Split, Croatia

For true peace and quiet, you can’t go far wrong with a stay at Vestibul Palace. With just seven rooms total, this boutique hotel is modern but unpretentious, conveniently located right by Split’s Old Town. 

Staff are particularly friendly and available around the clock to help you plan dinner reservations, excursions or simply provide you with that extra towel. 

Marvie Hotel has a similarly relaxing atmosphere, with the added bonuses of a rooftop infinity pool, onsite spa and health clinic and high-quality restaurant with plenty of balanced-diet options. Wellness never looked so good. 

Vegans and veggies rejoice—Split’s Mediterranean diet makes it a great destination for those with specific dietary requirements. For a quick lunch on the go, stop by Daddy Cool, a street-food vendor known for it’s chunky falafel wraps and skin-on, well-seasoned fries. Collect your food and head down to the waterfront to enjoy it with a view. 

For something more formal, Bokeria Kitchen and Bar is as well known for it’s sweet treats (think Nutella Panna Cota and Pistachio Cheesecake) as it it’s squid ink risotto and fresh fish dishes. Served in a spacious, rustic dining hall, it’s the sort of restaurant where you can feel comfortable enjoying a leisurely meal. 

When the sun has gone down, go in search of your preferred aperitif along the Riva Harbour. A bustling marina, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a traditional Croatian cocktail or glass of Rakija, a colourless grape liquor. 

Split is well known for it’s walking tours, a great way to get your bearings and also pack in some exercise. A popular company meets at the Golden Gate for several trips daily, taking in Diocletian’s Palace, St Domnius Cathedral and many more notable buildings across 75 minutes. Book in on your first day, and make notes of anywhere you’d like to return to on the rest of your trip. 

If you’d rather go it alone, Split is full of museums, galleries and untouched examples of roman architecture. Head to the Old Town historic centre for picture-perfect cobbles and backdrops, as well as Republic square, a stunning artefact of neo renaissance and a great meeting spot between all the alleys and archways. 

Heat of the day getting too much? Head into the cool surrounds of the Museum of Fine Art, or entertain kids at the Museum of Senses, full of interactive exhibits. 

Looking for souvenirs to take home? Split has plenty of independent boutiques to peruse. Judita is chock-full of local wines and snacks that make great gifts, as is Art studio Naranca, selling prints of Croatian artists work on t-shirts, mugs and more. 

Split market is the place to be for bargain hunters, selling clothes, accessories and more as well as the usual fruit and veg. 

For those looking to feed their passion for fashion, Split is home to both the City Centre One and Mall of Split. Book in for a massage, recline at the cinema or take in a blend of familiar European brands and unique Croatian boutiques. 

Bacvice is the perfect beach with clean sand and shallow water depths; perfect for those who aren’t the most confident of swimmers. Arrive early to mark out your spot and enjoy blue skies before the heat is at it’s highest. If Bacvice is too busy, Kasjuni beach is a little further out but noticeably less populated by tourists. 

To catch a sunset, climb to Marjan Hill Park. The path may be steep, but when you reach the top, you’ll be grateful of the effort. Full of lush greenery and offering excellent views across the city, it’s a wonderful place to sit and take stock of your holiday. Head up in the late afternoon or very early morning, and be sure to take plenty of water. 

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