Split

Introduction

Whether it's Split's sun-kissed spot on the Adriatic Sea, or the UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town, it's not hard to see why Split is one of Croatia's most popular tourist attractions. The city's most iconic attraction is Diocletian's Palace, which was built around the turn of the 4th century by the Roman emperor, Diocletian (which he built in preparation for his retirement).

During the 20th century, Split grew in prominence, especially as Yugoslavia's major seaport. When Croatia declared its independence of Yugoslavia in 1991, Split became the site of occasional violence. Today, however, it is a peaceful and remarkable city, where the natural beauty of the Adriatic Sea is complemented by the historic architecture of Old Town.

Sights and Activities

• Marjan hill - Beautiful Marjan hill is also known as lungs of the town. You can enjoy nature and the best view of old town and islands.
• Riva - Split main promenade
• Saint Duje cathedral -
• Split-Vranjic Aquarium - Newly built aquarium in the north harbour part of the town
• Bacvice sandy beach - Split is the town of many beaches but the Bacvice sandy beach is most famous. There are many caffe bars, restaurants and nightclubs in the area. ''Picigin'', which is a famous water recreation sport originating from Split, is often played on this beach (even during winter monthes).
• Split city museum -
• Peristil - Roman square in front of Saint Duje cathedral - one of the main tourist sights in town and a stage for many cultural events (Split summer games and similar).
• Vestibul - Rectangular on the outside and oval on the inside, Vestibul is an ancient imperial antechamber preserved in appearance to the present day.

Old Town

The Old Town with Diocletian's Palace is on the Unesco World Heritage List and makes for a great half day to wander around and enjoy a gelato or coffee at one of many places available.

Events and Festivals

Split Olympic Sailing Week

March in Split sees the arrival of the beautiful people and their equally beautiful yachts for a week of racing along Croatia’s southern coast. People-watching and celebrity-spotting are favorites at this time.

Split Summer Festival

The Split Summer Festival is an open-air feast of plays, concerts, operas, and ballet performances taking place July and August in Diocletian’s Palace, the Basement Halls and many other venues. Outdoor stages are set up for international and Croatian artists and musicians, and the festival attracts a large number of overseas visitors.

Weather

Split has a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny and dry summers and mild but wet winters. Temperatures are usually around 28 °C to 32 °C during the summer months of June to September and 10-14 °C during winter (December - February). Nights average around 20 °C during summer and are still well above zero during winter. Most rain (snow is rare) falls during the winter months.

Getting There

By Plane

Split Airport (SPU) offers a range of flights. Croatia Airlines flies to/from Amsterdam, Belfast, Berlin, Brussels, Dubrovnik, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, London, Lyon, Munich, Paris, Rome, Vienna, Zagreb and Zürich. LOT flies from Warsaw. Several lowcost airlines serve the city as well, with destinations including Bristol, Geneva, London, Lublin and Milan with Easyjet and many other airlines serve cities like Copenhagen, Vienna, Helsinki, Oslo, Stockholm, Moscow, Prague and Luxembourg.

By Train

There are no direct international connections, but there are several daily trains to Zagreb (5.5 hours overnight trains take 8.5 hours), Zadar (3.5 hours) and Šibenik (1.5 hours).

By Car

Split is connected with Zagreb and the rest of the Central Europe via A1 highway. There is also a famous Adriatic route from Rijeka to Dubrovnik (including Split) with best views on Adriatic coast.

By Bus

Buses connect Split to almost all major cities and towns in Croatia, including Zagreb, Rijeka (8 hours), Zadar (3 hours), Dubrovnik (4.5 hours) and Pula (10 hours). There are also many international connections, like the ones to Basel, Berlin, Belgrade, Ljubljana, Trieste, Sarajevo and Mostar. To Mostar there are about 7 daily buses, Sarajevo has 4 buses a day, and Belgrade and Ljubljana daily. Further away, buses usually go once or several times a week.

By Boat

Italy

• Jadrolinija between Split and Ancona.
• From Pescara, crossings by ferry arrive in Split, but only during the summer months of June to September. Check Jadrolinija or SNAV for details.
• SEM Maritime Company between Ancona and Split
• Jadrolinija from Rijeka to Split and continuing to Dubrovnik and Bari (Italy)

Domestic
Jadrolinija is the main ferry company with connections between its many islands and coastal towns. Split tours is the main operator for the area around Split (Hvar and Vis), but of course Jadrolinija has domestic connections from Split as well.
For a full overview check this ferries website.
For all other domestic connections from Split visit Adrialines for full timetables.

Getting Around

By Public Transport

There are several useful bus lines available within Split including the one to the Roman ruins north of the city and the bus to Trogir, about 45 minutes away, which also travels via the airport.

It is a little known fact that there is a local suburban railway service between Split and Kaštel Stari at the shore of Kaštelanski Zaljev (Kastelanski bay).

By Foot

Although Split is a large city, the places of interest for travellers are in the central core area, including the Old Town and the places adjacent to the Old Town, like the harbour, boulevard and Marjan Hill.

By Bike

There aren't many bycile paths in the town but it is possible to reach all the sights with bike. Rent a bike and enjoy beautiful biking along Split's waterfront (Riva), continue to Marjan hill (approximately 7 km), climb to the top of the hill for great view on the Split town and surrounding islands. You can bike to the east side, along the coast to nearby village of Stobrec. Another great option from Split is to take a day tour to nearby islands of Solta, Brac, Hvar or Vis. You can take the bike on a regular ferry (they leave approximately every couple of hours in the summer season) and bike along quite roads and charming villages, explore great beaches and restaurants and return in the evening to Split!

Hajduk Split mural

© Utrecht

Eat

The most famous local delicates is Soparnik. It originates from nearby Poljica region (formerly known as Poljička Republika or Republic of Poljica in the Middle Ages). It is a dough filled with chard and baked in the fireplace. On top comes olive oil and garlic. You can find it on Pazar (green market).

Italian influences dominate on Croatia's coast, amongst the best are; Risotto with tender white scampi or black calamari, a dish beloved by all Croatians. A wide selection of salumi, magnificent Istrian and Dalmatian hams (Dalmatinski pršut - comparable to Parma or Speck) and cheese from the island of Pag, are well worth trying. Please note; in a world suffocating under the weight of processed foods, Croatia's coastal cuisine is unique in that most of its produce is organic.

Do not miss Dalmatian pašticada s njokama (Gnocchi). Ćevapi or Ćevapčići (diminutive), are small grilled rolls of minced beef, pork, or lamb, or a combination of any of these three. Usually served with chopped onions, Kajmak (similar to clotted cream) or Ajvar (a relish made from bell peppers, aubergines, garlic and chilli). Ćevapi are traditional Bosnian dish and they are popular across the Balkans.

Split's eateries are to be found in a variety of settings, ranging from the romantic to the vibrant. It isn’t difficult to enjoy superb food and wine in a classical environment with good friends and/or family. Plenty of fast food joints between the Old Town and the bus station.

• Nostromo, Kraj Svete Marije 10 (just off Marmontova). Good seafood and salad in a rather smoky ambience with friendly service. Main dish 60-200 kn.
• Picaferaj, Popovica 2 (a block W from Trg Republike). Varied menu, a couple of outside tables Main dish 55-150 kn.
• Cetina, Radunica 16, ☎ +385 21 482 243. Varied menu including local specialities, good value, friendly service (English spoken), no credit cards. Main dish 50-100 kn.
• Kod Joze, Sredmanuska 4, ☎ +385 21 347 397. The traditional family-run konoba serves tasty dishes in style. Prices very reasonable considering the quality and atmosphere. Mains 50-120 kn.
• Panchos, Nepotova 3. Good Mexican place in the land of cevapcici. Staff is friendly, the place is nice, but a bit small. Mains 20-40 kn.
• Buffet Picaferaj, popovica 2. Small side street restaurant run by a young married couple, incredible food at a very fair price. Pasta with prawns and mussels is 70 kn.
• Fino Friško, Čulića dvori 2. Because of its proximity to school, this bakery always has fresh and tasty food.
• Mala kuća, Domovinskog rata 27d, Put firula 39. daily 09:00-00:00. Fast food with delicious marinated chicken grill sandwich (20 kn).
• Popaj, Pojišanska b.b., Šetalište Ivana Meštrovića b.b.. M-Th winter 08:00-00:00, summer 08:00-01:00, F-Sa winter 08:00-13:00, summer 08:00-14:00, Su winter 15:00-12 midnight, summer 15:00-01:00. The most popular fast food in Split with great pizzeta (small pizza, 10 kn) and very big ham sandwich (14 kn).
• Hajduk, Matošića 4. Good ice cream in the old town at 8 kn.
• Pizzeria Bakra, Radovanova 2. 10:00-23:00. Definitely one of the best pizza in town, baked on fireplace.
• Biser Orijenta, Bihaćka 2a (top floor of Lavčević building). 11:30-00:00. Good "European Chinese" cuisine. Not too popular among the locals, but the prices are fair and the service is friendly. Mains 50-70 kn, duck and seafood dishes up to 120 kn.
• Konoba Marjan, Senjska, 1, ☎ +385 98 9346848. Risottos, pasticada (marinaded veal cooked in sauce), and excellent fish. Prices are very reasonable and the staff very friendly. English spoken.
• Fife, Trumbiceva obala 11 (across the bay from the ferry terminal). Lively and busy restaurant with lots of seating and deliciously large Croatian dishes. Mains 40-80 kn.
• Kod Sfinge Vanevropske Zviri, Ulica Kraj Svetog Ivana 2 (Inside Diocletian's Palace, inbetween Jupiter's temple and Peristil), ☎ +385 99 443 8666. A Konoba/Trattoria. Good Dalmatian specialties: Pašticada, Paški sir, etc. Also proposes good seafood catch of the day, but sometimes unavailable. Seems to be operated by a single family: The waiters knows very well the menu! Pašticada for 150 kn.

Drink

Dalmatia is well known for its world class wines, but when in Split it is a must to try soda drinks called Pipi and Orela, produced by local beverage manufacturer Dalmacijavino.

Lots of outdoor cafés are to be found along the Riva seafront.

• St Riva (Riva seafront). Has an upper story that overlooks the promenade. 20 kn a pint.
• Shook, Mihovilova sirina 4 (In the heart of Old Town). Chill out cafe/bar with electronic beat in a busy passageway. 15 kn a pint.
• Gaga Bar (tucked away in a corner, just off Narodni Trg). Cosy atmosphere, long list of cocktails, latin music. Ask for a bill, because one round is 100 kn, and then second one (the same one) may be 150 kn. Atmosphere is nice, but the waiters are not. More tourists than locals. Pint 20 kn, cocktails 20-35 kn.
• Tonik Juice Bar, Ban Mladenova 5 (one block west of Riva's end). Fresh made juices, smoothies and coffee. Smoothie 30 kn.
• Buffet Picaferaj, Popovica 2. A small restaurant on a side street that serves fresh seafood dishes. Run by a young married couple. Pasta with fresh prawns and mussels is 70 kn.
• Na kantunu, Dominisova 9 (within the Diocletian palace). After 3 rounds waiter will bring traditional rakija with honey (medica)-nice and strong. Supporters of Hajduk Split are there, so when there is a match in Split it may become too crowded. It is probable the smallest bar in Split with 8 tables inside in a 15 m² space. Great atmosphere and a cappuccino is 8 kn. In front of the cafe bar there are few tables where you can sit if the weather is nice. Karlovačko beer only 12 kn a pint, Velebitsko beer is 15 kn a pint.

Sleep

There is a wide variety of private accommodation available in Split, as well as a few hostels. Some of the best prices can probably be obtained by going to the bus station or ferry terminal and haggling with the many people there offering accommodation - even fairly late at night, there are still many people offering beds.

• Adria Hostel, Bajnice (near the main coastal road between Split and Omis, about 12 km south of Split. Take bus #60 or contact the hostel to arrange pickup), ☎ +49 177 7368595, +385 21 873028, e-mail: [email protected]. Check-in: 11:00, check-out: 09:30. Right next to the Adriatic Sea. Dorm bed: €15-25; bed in private room: €18-28.
• Al's Place, Petra Kružića 10 (inside the city walls), ☎ +385 98 918 2923, e-mail: [email protected]. A great hostel (and the first in Split) run by a British expat named Al, a guy who is passionate about travel and wants his guests to get the most from their stay in Split. He even goes out for a beer with guests sometimes. The hostel is in an 800-year old stone house inside the city walls, small and cozy with only 12 beds in 2 en suite rooms. There is also kitchen (for guests), and common area, A/C, and laundry. Dorm bed: 110-130 kn.
• CroParadise Split Hostel, Culica Dvori 31. LCD televisions and computers with free internet access in every room. Dorm bed: from 70 kn.
• Guesthouse Split, Lovretska 1 (next to the archeological museum). Free WiFi, private rooms available dorm bed €13-18.
• Hostel Split Mediterranean House, Vukasoviceva 21, ☎ +385 98 987 1312. The hostel has been built into an old stone house just outside of the historical centre. Free wifi. Dorm bed: 80 kn (low season).
• Old Town Hostel, Dominisova 3, ☎ +385 91 920 1539, e-mail: [email protected]. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 12:00. Free wifi, 1 shared computer, flat screen TV with a collection of movies.
• Pletkovic Hostel, Poljana Kneza Trpmira 1.
• Silver Central Hostel, 1 Kralja Tomislava. Dorm bed: 110-180 kn.
• SilverGate Hostel, Hrvojeva 6 (A 5 min walk from the train/bus/ferry terminals), ☎ +385 21 322 857, e-mail: [email protected].
• Situs Hostel, Starčevićeva 3. Dorm bed: 110-150 kn.
• Guesthouse Vrlic, Držićeva 7, ☎ +385 99 2152 352. US$76-125.
• Hotel Atrium, Domovinskog rata 49a, ☎ +385 21 20 0000.
• Hotel Dalmina, Kopilica 5, ☎ +385 21 35 00 00.
• Hotel Globo, Lovretska 18, ☎ +385 21 481 111. US$140-228.
• Hotel Luxe (Hotel Luxe Split), Kralja Zvonimira 6, ☎ +385 21 314 444. US$110-221.
• Hotel Park, Hatzeov perivoj 3, ☎ +385 21 406 400.
• Hotel Peristil, Poljana kraljice Jelene 1, ☎ +385 21 329 070.
• Hotel San Antonio, Grljevacka 30, Podstrana (7 km towards Dubrovnik, on the right hand side, right on the beach), ☎ +385 21 336 111, e-mail: [email protected]. 54 rooms and 3 suites. €48-95.
• Hotel Vestibul Palace, Iza vestibula 4, ☎ +385 21 329 329. US$175-263.
• Le Méridien Lav, Grljevacka, 2A, Podstrana, ☎ +385 21 500 500.
• Marmont, Zadarska 13, ☎ +385 21 308 060. US$359.
• Radisson Blu, Put Trstenika 19, ☎ +385 21 303 030. €68-171.
• Villa Varos Hotel Split, Miljenka Smoje 1, ☎ +385 21 483 469. US$75-114.
• Rva Apartments, Alijesijeva 6, ☎ +385 914 45 45 43, e-mail: [email protected]. On the 'Riva' waterfront promenade with south-facing views of Split Bay.

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Learn

• Split University

Keep Connected

Internet

Internet cafés are available in all major cities. They are relatively cheap and reliable. A free Wi-Fi signal can be found virtually in every city and can be found in cafés, restaurants, hotels, some libraries, schools, colleges etc. Mostly it's free, but sometimes a fee is required or you can use it for a limited time only. Internet connections with unlimited downloads costs 178 kn (€24) per month via T-Com and just 99 kn with some other providers like Metronet or Iskon.

Phone

See also: International Telephone Calls

The country calling code to Croatia is: 385. To make an international call from Croatia, the code is: 00.

Croatia uses the GSM 900/1800 system for mobile phones. There are three providers, T-Mobile (also operates the Bonbon prepaid brand), Vip (also operates the Tomato prepaid brand) and Tele2. Over 98% of the country's area is covered. If you have an unlocked phone, you can buy a prepaid SIM card for 20 kn. There have been promotions in which SIM cards were given avay for free with newspapers (7 kn) and sometimes even literally handed out on the street. GSM phones bundled with T-Mobile or Vip prepaid SIM cards can be found in post offices, grocery stores and kiosks at varying prices.

An alternative to using a mobile phone is Calling Cards which can be found in postal offices and kiosks, there are two providers, Dencall and Hitme. You can buy cards from 25 kn.

Post

Hrvatska Posta is the national postal service of Croatia and has pretty fast and reliable service throughout the country and internationally. It takes several days by airmail to other countries in Europe, but over a week to the US for example. They have a direct link to the pricelist, where you can see the prices of sending postcards, letters and parcels both domestically as well as to other countries. Post boxes are yellow in Croatia and the times of collections are indicated on the box. The opening times of post offices vary, but mostly they are open from 8:00am to 7:00pm Monday to Friday and until 2:00pm on Saturdays, though some might keep shorter or even a longer hours, just ask around. You can buy stamps here, or at newsstands. Prices start at around 10Kn for sending a letter or postcard to neighbouring countries, a few more further away. If you want to send packages internationally, it might be better to check companies like FedEx, TNT, DHL or UPS. They are reliable, fast and usually not much more expensive than Croatia's postal service.

External Links

• Official Governmental Website
• Tourist Information
• Official Toursit board