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TravelTips24 : Europe : Mediterranean Europe : Croatia : Dalmatia : Split

Split

Split is a city in Central Dalmatia, Croatia. The city was originally built around the Diocletian palace (a palace/fort built for the retired Roman emperor Diocletian) where the locals sought refuge centuries ago. Wandering the historic center of Split you can still clearly see the Roman walls, squares, and temples.

Culture and History

The most interesting part of Split is the historic center built within the walls of the former Roman palace. This centre is a few minutes walk from the ferry terminals and from the intercity bus station. However, the modern center of Split is elsewhere.

Travel to Split & Visa Requirements

Flights and airtickets to Split

Split Airport is, after Zagreb Airport, the most important in Croatia. Scheduled services fly to major European cities, with summer charter flights from more. The airport is about 25 km west from Split, near the city of Trogir. Buses run direct from the terminal to the waterfront for 30kn (June 2006), but a cheaper option is to take the frequent local buses stopping on the road outside the terminal. Bus number 37 runs approximately every 30 minutes to Split (you purchase tickets from a conductor on the bus). Bus 37 does not take you directly to the historic center of Split and you must change buses to number 9 or 10. The conductor is generally helpful. A shuttle bus run by Pleso Transport Company operates between the airport and the city center, but, since the shuttle bus operates according to Croatia Airlines flight schedule, it is only convenient if you are arriving/departing with Croatia Airlines flight. A single ticket cost 30kn (about 4eur).

Taxis will also take you into town.

If leaving Split by plane, be careful to plan the journey to the airport in advance, as local buses stop running fairly early in the day, and the direct airport buses only run every 90 minutes before particular flights.

Split Airport receives a lot of flights during the summer.

Carriers include:

Croatia Airlines: Zagreb (4/5times daily), Osijek (infrequently), Vienna, Zurich, Frankfurt, Munich, Brussels, Amsterdam, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Frankfurt, Rome

British Airways: London Gatwick

Malev: Budapest

CSA Czech Airlines: Prague

Austrian Airlines: Vienna

Germanwings: Various German destinations such as Berlin and Cologne

Air One: Rome

Adria Airways: Ljubljana

Sky Europe: Budapest, Krakow, Vienna, Prague, Bratislava

Easyjet: London Gatwick (ending Nov. 2008)

Norwegian: Oslo

Various charter flights land at Split airport from around Europe.

By train

Split train station is right in the city center, it is a few minutes walk from the port and from the old town. Expect very friendly grannies to be waiting with signs saying "Sobe" (rooms) at all arrivals and they will jump on anyone with a backpack. The train station is rather basic, because train travel is not much used to Split. Trains run between Split and Zagreb, Split and Perković (where you can change for Šibenik).

Train times are as follows:

Depart Zagreb 06:50 arrive Split 12:19

Depart Zagreb 11:05 arrive Split 16:34

Depart Zagreb 15:22 arrive Split 20:45

Depart Zagreb 21:45 arrive Split 05:54

Depart Zagreb 22:55 arrive Split 06:57

Depart Split 07:34 arrive Zagreb 13:12

Depart Split 10:53 arrive Zagreb 16:17

Depart Split 15:02 arrive Zagreb 20:31

Depart Split 21:00 arrive Zagreb 05:36

Depart Split 22:22 arrive Zagreb 06:31

Trains to Perković through the picturesque valley/village of Primorski Dolac depart 5 times a day and stop in every station taking 1 hour exactly to do the journey. This is a very picturesque journey to make, and although Perković is simply a collection of houses you could get off and have a coffee or go for a walk in the hills before returning to Split. Connecting Trains leave Perković for Šibenik several times a day, and should be marked on the timetable in Split station.

Split-Perković departures: 04:05, 07:07, 07:50,10:24,15:24,19:38 (all trains to Zagreb also stop here) Perković-Split departures: 04:45,05:28,08:25,12:35,17:10,19:20

Buses to Split

Frequent buses run to and from Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Sibenik, Zadar, Rijeka etc. There are also a few buses a day to and from Mostar and Sarajevo.

On all intercity buses you pay a fee for luggage. This fee of about 0.5 to 1 euro per piece of luggage is paid to the driver upon boarding. Some drivers are rather picky about being paid in exact change in the correct currency (sometimes a local currency, at other instances requesting to be paid in euros) and sometimes also refuse to be paid in too small coins. So keep some change ready.

Local buses run to and from Trogir and Solin.

New Split city bus and boat tour

By boat

Ferries run daily across the Adriatic to and from Ancona and Pescara (Italy). There is also a large ferry that runs twice a week up and down the coast between Dubrovnik and Rijeka, stopping off at a couple of islands along the way.

Local Boats - Split is the main hub for local boats and hydrofoils in Central Dalmatia. Several a day run to and from Brac, Hvar, Solta, Vis, Korčula and Lastovo.

Tours & Getting around Split

Central Split is quite compact and most sights can be easily seen and best experienced on foot, but there are frequent local buses to outlying attractions and the airport.

  • Diocletian Palace tour. An informative and relaxed walk, in a small-group setting through which you can explore Diocletian Palace – one of a kind Imperial Palace that was enlisted in UNESCO’s World Heritage since it’s one of the most significant original structures of the late ancient architecture. 80 kn per person Start point is Perystile - (in front of the tourist office) Look for the blue panel or blue umbrella. Departure: every day at 10.30, 12.00, 14.00, 19.00 to go on a Diocletian palace tour. Tickets are available only on the spot from your guide.
  • Split Bike tour For those who want to discover Split in a relaxed way we offer daily guided tours that lead you to all «must see» places. You will visit: Riva, old harbour Matejuška, Sustipan, Mestrović Gallery, Marjan Park where you will enjoy great panoramic view and many more… every day at 18.30 from Riva ( Split promenade)

Internet access

  • There are several Internet cafés by the harbor - just north of the train station - one of which provides Ubuntu Linux.

Split attractions and sightseeing

  • Diocletian Palace (UNESCO heritage site) - the historic center of Split is built around the remains of this Roman palace. You only need to wander around to experience it but you can also pay to visit the excavated remains of the basement of the palace. The palace has well preserved main streets cardo and decumanus. Roman palace is enriched with some gothic and reinassance buildings which makes a perfect match. Palace has 4 monumental gates Porta Aurea (Zlatna vrata, Golden gate), Porta Argenta (Srebrna vrata, Silver gate), Porta Ferrea (Željezna vrata, Iron gate) and Porta Aenea (Mjedena vrata). It is probably the best preserved Roman palace in general.

  • St. Duje's cathedral - originally built around 305. A.D. as a mausoleum of Roman emperor Diocletian (the oldest cathedral building in the world). Cathedral is also a very beautiful mixture of Roman temple and Catholic church. It also has a beautiful belltower which provides you a great panoramic view of Split, nearby islands and Marjan hill.
  • Peristil square (Peristylium) - main square of Diocletian's palace with well preserved Roman architecture.
  • Jupiter's temple - ancient Roman temple which became St. John's church.
  • Two original Egyptian sphinxes. One is located on Peristil square, and the other in front of Jupiter's temple or St. John's church. They were brought from Egypt by Roman emperor Diocletian.
  • Riva is the main city promenade. Since 2007. Riva has a new, "modern" look, which is not accepted by most of the people.
  • Marjan - a hill situated on the west of Split. Marjan is an oasis for many people who look for a natural stress relief, a great place for long walks, jogging, and bike rides. Marjan's peak, Telegrin is 174 m high and gives a wonderful panoramic view of Split. South cliffs are popular within alpine climbers. St. Nicholas church is situated on the east of Marjan, on it's south side are beautiful St. Jeronimus church and "Gospe od Betlema" church(Madonna of Betlehem). House building is strictly forbidden in order to save Marjan - the lungs of Split.
  • Varoš - one of the oldest parts of town. A place where lived most of the city peasants and fishermen. Charming streets and and beautiful small houses.
  • Galerija Meštrović - gallery contains works of Ivan Meštrović, famous Croatian sculptor.
  • Archaeological Museum - the oldest museum in Croatia(1820.), about 20 minutes walk north of the old town (entry 20 kn). Many artefacts and monuments from Roman colonies Salona and Narona.
  • Salona - ancient Roman colony, one of the biggest towns of Roman Empire. It had a population of nearly 60000 people. It was a capital of Roman province Dalmatia. Well preserved amphitheater, theater, basilica, cemetery and many other Roman buildings. Situated near town of Solin, 10 minutes bus ride from Split.

Split city tours

Sailing

  • Croatia sailing charter [3].
  • Gajeta Falkusa Comeza Lisboa info@lifejacketadventures.com [4] Tied-up on the waterfront promenade (the riva) is a small Dalmatian wooden fishing boat. It is one of the few remaining traditional boats. Day tours are available to Brac Island and a sunset cruise is also offered. It is an excellent way to discover the 'true' Adriatic Sea for those spending a short time in Split.
  • Sunbathe on the beach at Bacvice. To reach this beach walk along the waterfront and follow the road that crosses the railway line and there you will be. There are many cafes and places to eat ice cream. This is certainly not the best beach in Croatia (it is packed solid most of summer), but it will give you a feeling of 'real' Croatia as the vast majority of people who go there are from Split.

There are beaches on the north side of Split, a 30 minute walk to Marjan hill. These beaches are much less busy than Bacvica. However they face the industrial zone and this somewhat detracts from the beautiful pine forests they they are situated in.

  • Climb the campanile belltower next to the palace mausoleum. The stairs cling to the inside of the tower, and in places the steps cross the large open window spaces. The ascent is certainly not for those with vertigo, but the views from the top are marvelous. It costs only 10 kuna to go up the bell tower.

  • Diocletian palace tour [5]

The historic core of Split with Diocletian palace is among the first urban complexes to enter the list of the UNESCO world heritage in year 1979. Most probably this one of a kind Imperial Palace was built from 298. till 305. AD. and it is one of the most significant original structures of the late ancient architecture mostly because of it’s preservation.

Later this Palace contributed to the broadening of town because the city evolved on its walls. The unique substructure halls were newley explored and each year they show more to the public. The Cellars of the Palace are pearl of wonders with many fascinating artifacts displayed there and that is why we guide you in basement halls! Time: May - October - 10.00, 12.00, 19.00 November - April - 11.00 Duration: 90 min Language: ENGLISH Starts: in front of the tourist info center (15 min before tour)

Split souvenirs & shopping

Shoes!

Also checkout the little market, on main exit from the Palace to the harbor, for affordable local art and crafts.

A large shopping mall called Joker was opened in October 2007.

Large food market is situated west from the palace. It offers fresh fruits and vegetables.

Split Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

For those tourists lacking an adventurous soul, the city of Split possesses two McDonald's restaurants. However, they are completely and effortlessly outclassed by a host of old family run restaurants, bars and cafés ranging from the sophisticated to the quaint and rustic.

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. 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, or cottage cheese / Ajvar (a relish made from bell peppers, aubergines, garlic and chilli), Ćevapi are popular across the Balkans. A wide selection of salami's, Istrian and Dalmatian hams (comparable to Parma or Speck) and cheese from the island of Pag, are well worth trying, as are the large varieties of excellent Croatian wines and beers. Please note; in a world suffocating under the weight of processed foods, Croatia's coastal cuisine is quite unique in that most of its produce is organic.

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 ambient with friendly serviceMain dish Kn 60-200.  edit
  • Picaferaj, Popovica 2(A block W from Trg Republike). Varied menu, a couple of outside tablesMain dish Kn 55-150.  edit
  • Cetina, Radunica 16, ☎ 021/482 243. Varied menu including local specialities, good value, friendly service (English spoken), no credit cardsMain dish Kn 50-100.  edit
  • 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 Kn 50-120.  edit

Split nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

Lots of outdoor cafés along the Riva (seafront), one of them

  • St Rita. also has an upper story that overlooks the promenade.20 Kn a pint.  edit
  • Shook, Mihovilova sirina 4(In the heart of Old Town). Chill out cafe/bar with electronic beat in a busy passageway15 Kn a pint.  edit
  • Gaga Bar, (Tucked away in a corner, just off Narodni Trg). Cosy atmosphere, long list of cocktails, latin music.Pint Kn 20, Cocktails Kn 20-35.  edit
  • Tonik Juice Bar, Ban Mladenova 5(One block W of Riva's end). Fresh made juices, smoothies, coffee. Varied.0,6 l Smoothie Kn 30.  edit

Split cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

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. The "AK Tours" travel agency at the bus station has a range of private rooms on offer, starting from 180 Kn for a single room with shared bath.

Budget

  • Al's Place, Kruziceva, 10 (inside the city walls), Tel+385 98 918-2923, mailto:info@hostelsplit.com , [6]. A great hostel (and the first in Split) run by a British x-pat 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 them sometimes The hostel is in an 800 year old stone house inside the city walls, small and cozy with only 12 beds in 2 dorms, each with bathroom. There is also kitchen (for guests), and common area, air-con, and laundry, beds are from €14-€19 They also offer private rooms and apartments.
  • Hostel Split Mediterranean House, Vukasoviceva 21, ☎ +385 98 987 1312(info@hostel-split.com), [7]. The cozy hostel has been built into an old stone house just outside of the historical centre. They also offer a private rooms and apartments, sleeping in a 6-bed dorm is good value for money. Free internet WiFi for those traveling with notebooks!!!  edit

Mid range

  • Apartment Split, Dvornikova 7, 00 385 (0)98 858141, [8] [9] Apartment in the center of city, close to Roman Diocletian palace and 300 m from the famous sandy beach. Includes two rooms, kitchen and bathroom with WC+ balcony. Has CATV connection.
  • Apartments Split, Mazuraniceva 8 , 00 385 (0)98858141, [10]
  • Apartments Galija, Split, Podstrana, Poljičkih knezova 24, + 385 (0)91 423 0133, [11], [12]. Private accommodation in new 4* apartments, for up to 7 persons, SAT-TV, WLAN.
  • Apartments Gajeta, Domilijina 2, 00 385 (0)21 394449, [13] [14] Apartments in the very center of Split, 80 m from the new Riva and only 50 m from the Diocletian´s palace. apartments for 2, 3 and 4 persons, newly decorated, with SAT-tv, DVD and wireless internet.
  • Villa Matejuška, (100 meters from the Diocletian Palace), [15]. Old stone house, free Wifi.€ 80-133 including breakfast.  edit

Splurge

  • Hotel Atrium Domovinskog rata 49a, tel. +385 (0)21 200000, fax +385 (0)21 200100 [16].
  • Hotel Park Hatzeov perivoj 3, tel. +385 21 406400, fax +385 (0)21 406401 [17].
  • Hotel San Antonio Grljevacka 30, Podstrana, 21312,7 km towards Dubrovnik, on the right hand side, right on the beach, +38521336111, info@hotel-sanantonio.com, fax +38521335348 [18].
  • Le Méridien Lav, Split Grljevacka, 2A, Podstrana, 21312, tel. +385 21 500500 [19].
  • Hotel Dalmina, Split, Kopilica 5, tel. +385 (0)21 35 00 00, fax +385 (0)21 35 00 01 [20].

Stay healthy

  • Split-Dent [21] offers dental treatment to tourists.

Get out

A day trip by boat to Hvar island is well worth the effort. Boats leave five times a day in peak season (July–August), three times a day outside this period (a single trip cost about 42kn to Stari Grad on Hvar). Hvar town is small but extremely attractive, with numerous large yachts moored in the harbour. Beware the extortionate daily left luggage charge of 40kn (June 2006). An alternative could be the boat to the island of Brac which is just the other side of the water. Boats leave up to 10 times daily and it takes you 1 hour to Supetar (last ferry back to Split leaving at 22h45). Try renting a bike or scooter for exploring the island! When renting, take into account that the rental service normally closes rather early but when you ask for it, they are quite flexible as most people are in Split. A return ferry ticket should cost about 70kn and has no time restrictions within the same day.

This page was last edited at 13:56, on 4 November 2008 by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by David, Niels Elgaard Larsen and Colin Jensen, Wikitravel user(s) Eiland, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others.

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