Split Travel Checklist: The BEST Places to Visit
So, you’re stopping by in Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, which is perfectly positioned along the dreamy Adriatic Coast. You’ve made a fantastic choice!
What is there to do, you wonder? Read ahead to discover the many dreamy places to explore and visit in Split.
Old Town
Elsewhere, Split’s old town is the perfect place to explore and get lost as you meander the incredible narrow cobblestone streets and back alleys teeming with shops and restaurants. Don’t miss Pjaca Square, a large plaza just outside the palace with beautiful tiling and Venetian-era renaissance architecture including the old town clock.
1. Diocletian’s Palace
I think it’s safe to say that Split surprised us. We weren’t fully aware of its historical significance prior to visiting, so it was exciting to see this for ourselves.
The existing old town is effectively built around the old Diocletian’s Palace, which dates back to the 4th Century. It was originally built as a retirement residence for the Emperor, the coastal location was actually chosen based on the healing elements contained within the water!
I think it’s safe to say that Split surprised us. We weren’t fully aware of its historical significance prior to visiting, so it was exciting to see this for ourselves.
The existing old town is effectively built around the old Diocletian’s Palace, which dates back to the 4th Century. It was originally built as a retirement residence for the Emperor, the coastal location was actually chosen based on the healing elements contained within the water!
Split is a fantastic location to take advantage of the many day trips on offer from Split. We recommend the following:-
2. Krka National Park
The Lozovac – Skradinski Buk waterfall trail is ideal because it’s not too strenuous and allows you to take the scenic route down. There are some incredible sights along the way, including views of countless waterfalls, the Krka / Čikola Rivers, along with an array of plant species.
The attractive setting with the wooden walkways mean that you can experience being surrounded by soothing running water and mini waterfalls at almost every point. It’s nature therapy at its best- we think the photos can do the talking here!
3. Day Trip To Plitvice National Park
Plitvice is further away from Split than its younger sibling Krka, approximately 2.5 hours (242 km) to the north. It is, therefore, a full-day trip if you factor in around 4-5 hours to fully appreciate the Park.
Plitvice is of a much larger scale, with an incredible 16 lakes that are linked by numerous waterfalls and cascades. The park is split into two parts, the Gornja Jezera (Upper Lakes) and Donja Jezera (Lower Lakes).
Every corner you turn in the Upper Lakes there seems to be another waterfall cascading into the stunning turquoise-coloured pools below. Many parts of the walk are on raised wooden platforms as the water flows directly beneath your feet. Be sure to have that camera fully charged as this place is a photographer's dream.
The trail of the larger lower lakes of Plitvice takes you up close to the incredible emerald blue waters. The lower lakes trail culminates at the Veliki Slap (quite simply named ‘Big Waterfall’). This is one of the highlights at Plitvice and I think you’ll understand why.. it's the tallest in Croatia at 78m high!
Not sure which National Park to visit? Check out our blog post to help you decide (coming soon).
4. Day Trip to Hvar Island
Hvar Island is just a short 50-minute catamaran ride away and well worth a day trip.
A walk around the picturesque old town was one of our favourite things to do, the cobbled streets and architectural beauty is something that everyone can admire. Dominating Hvar’s main square is St Stephen’s Cathedral, which in part consists of a former 14th-century church but also has an attractive 17th-century bell tower.
Towering above the old town is the Spanish Fortress (Fortica) which was built in the early 16th Century when Hvar was under Venetian rule. Climb the steps up from the northern part of the main square for gorgeous panoramic views! You will see a multitude of terracotta rooftops and the Pakleni islands surrounded by dreamy blue waters. We found that the best viewpoint for photo opportunities was near the cannon (you’ll know what we mean when you see it!).
If you have time, it may be worth taking a trip to Stari Grad on the other side of the island. As a self-proclaimed history nerd and lover of all things old, it broke my heart to give this one a miss. It is one of Croatia’s oldest towns, dating back to around 385 BC!
If you are planning to spend a few days on the island, Check out our blog post to find out more (coming soon).
5. 5 Islands Boat Trip
The island hopping boat trip to Vis and the Pakleni islands is an experience you must not miss, the beauty spots are simply sensational and can be done from either Split or Hvar.
The comprehensive tour first includes a visit to the mesmerising Blue Lagoon where you will have the chance to snorkel around and simply admire the beauty of its varying contrasting colours.
If you’re a fan of mystical, luminous blue waters then the Blue Cave shouldn’t disappoint. You are taken into this natural wonder (which looks like it has come from a fantasy book) on a small boat of just 6 people. Just as a heads up, you will need to duck as the entrance/exit is small!
Check out our blog post on the Blue Cave and islands boat trip to find out more (coming soon).
Stiniva Bay was one of the highlights for us, with its secluded setting resulting from the cliff opening. There is this gorgeous green glow around the edge of the bay which contrasts well with the brilliant clear blue waters. Plus, this hidden gem is actually not so secretive having been featured in a popular movie...
6. Day Trip to Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik is approximately 230 km south of Split and is a very popular day trip destination. It is also a very pleasant 3-hour scenic drive along the Dalmatian coast with stunning panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea.
Dubrovnik's Old Town is quite simply a masterpiece. Having been built during the 11th and 17th Centuries, this Medieval city is one of the best preserved of its kind in the world boasting outstanding architecture. It's really no wonder that Dubrovnik received a UNESCO World Heritage site listing and has earned the nickname 'Pearl of the Adriatic'.
Everywhere you look, there are narrow limestone paved streets layering onto various levels, with countless steps leading to hidden eateries. Stradun is the main street where there are various restaurants in addition to a number of shops selling souvenirs, clothing, confectionery etc.
Make sure to stroll around the famous city walls to enjoy fabulous views of the city and the famous landmarks on the 2km circular route.
Check out our blog post on Dubrovnik to find out more (coming soon).
If you're even a tiny bit interested in Game of Thrones, you should take one of the many walking tours on offer in Dubrovnik. Book yourself a 2-hour Game of Thrones walking tour here and get an insight into various filming locations and inside stories into what the cast members got up to off set!
7. Day Trip to Mostar
For something a little different, try a day trip to Mostar which is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes drive away.
The old town of Mostar has an unusual mix of architectural styles. Particularly obvious was the Turkish influence, as a result of historic invasions by the Ottomans. The 17th Century Koski Mehmed Pasha Mosque is one of the city's architectural beauties, boasting an iconic dome exterior with a parapet and an array of glimmering colours reflecting through the beautiful stained glass windows.
The most famous landmark is the ‘Stari Most’ (Old Bridge). It was built by the Ottoman Turks during the 1500s and is another fine example of Mostar Islamic architectural gems. It is a well-known Mostar tradition for local men to jump off the old bridge for a 25 euro payment from tourists.
Mostar really is a "must" when it comes to the best places to visit from Split - we would highly recommend exploring this one!
Check out our blog post on Mostar to find out more (coming soon).
Conclusion
Well, that's a wrap! I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post on the best things to do in and around Split during your stay. Let me know which of these amazing places you will be choosing for yourself :)
Tag me on Instagram @ceejyloves and it would be fab to hear your thoughts!