🇭🇷 Croatia · Places to discover
What to see in Split ?
26 places curated by Hozy - landmarks, nature, hidden restaurants and activities.
MAP · OVERVIEW
Split resembles no other Mediterranean coastal city: its historic centre is literally built inside Diocletian's Palace, a fourth-century Roman complex where thousands of people still live today. Flats, bars and corner shops are interwoven between ancient columns, giving the old town a density and authentic life that any static archaeological site never could.
The best time to visit is May or September: the heat is bearable, prices reasonable and the Riva, the main waterfront, remains lively without being saturated. Two days are enough to explore the palace and climb up to Klis fort just outside the city. From Split, ferries to the islands run frequently and cheaply-it's the real way to get about. Skip restaurants right on the Riva: the bill doubles for no good reason.
Landmarks & heritage (9)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAJupiter's Temple
Landmark
A small intact Roman temple converted into a baptistry, nestled in an alleyway within the palace. One of the most intimate and least-visited spaces of the ancient complex.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAIvan Meštrović Gallery
Landmark
Villa-museum of Croatia's greatest sculptor, designed by himself as both residence and gallery. The permanent collection of outdoor sculpture and interior spaces possess a rare artistic coherence.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAVestibule of Diocletian's Palace
Landmark
Open-air rotunda where local singers sometimes perform a cappella klapa chants. The acoustics and atmosphere are otherworldly, especially in the evening.Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SADiocletian's Palace
Landmark
One of the best-preserved Roman palaces in the world, still inhabited today. Getting lost in its alleyways at dawn, before the tourist crowds, reveals a living city embedded within antiquity.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SARoman Ruins of Salona (Solin)
Landmark
Former Roman capital of Dalmatia, 15 km from Trogir, with an amphitheatre, baths and necropolises sprawling across hectares. Less visited than Split, grass grows between the stones — an atmosphere of singular archaeological character.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SAArchaeological Museum of Split
Landmark
One of Croatia's oldest museums, founded in 1820, housing an exceptional Roman epigraphic collection. The open-air stone garden is often overlooked by hurried visitors.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SASaint Domnius Cathedral
Landmark
Diocletian's former burial chamber transformed into a Christian cathedral – a fascinating historical paradox. Its bell tower offers an unobstructed view over the palace roofs and the sea.Baptistery of Split (Crkva sv. Ivana)
Landmark
Small medieval church adjoining the cathedral, featuring a remarkable 11th-century Roman relief depicting a Croatian king. A hidden gem in the heart of the palace.Golden Gate (Zlatna Vrata)
Landmark
The most imposing of the palace's four gates, on the north side, adorned with sculptured niches. Ivan Meštrović's statue of Gregory of Nin stands just outside – local tradition holds that rubbing his thumb brings good fortune.Nature & parks (3)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAMarjan Hill
Nature
Split's green lung overlooking the sea, with hiking trails, hidden coves and panoramic views of the Dalmatian islands. Locals come here to run or picnic far from tourists.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAJadro River (Source near Solin)
Nature
Fifteen kilometres from Trogir, the Jadro source is a refreshing oasis with otherworldly blue-green waters. Locals from the region picnic here in the shade of century-old plane trees during high summer.
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAChapels Trail (Marjan)
Nature
Path connecting several small medieval chapels carved into the Marjan rock. Melancholic atmosphere and sea views amongst Mediterranean pines.Viewpoints (4)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAPeristyle of Diocletian's Palace
Viewpoint
The central courtyard of the palace, surrounded by Roman columns, where locals still gather in the evenings. In summer, klapa concerts are held here – a unique experience amongst ancient stones.
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SARiva Promenade
Viewpoint
Split's waterfront, an essential place for locals to stroll at any time of day. The cafés beneath the palm trees are perfect for observing Dalmatian life at the pace of the local dolce vita.Vidilica Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Panoramic terrace on the heights of Marjan with a classic view over Split and Kaštela Bay. A popular café with local joggers and morning walkers.Telegrin Viewpoint (Marjan Summit)
Viewpoint
The highest point of Marjan park at 178 metres, with 360° views of Split, the islands of Brač, Šolta and Hvar. A legendary sunset spot for locals.Activities (4)
Wikipedia (en) - CC BY-SABačvice Picigin Court
Activity
Every morning, local players practice picigin, a water sport inscribed on UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list. A free and fascinating spectacle, symbol of Split's identity.Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SACrypt of Diocletian's Palace
Activity
The palace's basement preserves intact the Roman structure from the 4th century. The space is now used for contemporary art exhibitions—a striking contrast between antiquity and modernity.Mornar Kayak Club (departing Bačvice)
Activity
Kayak and SUP rentals from Bačvice Beach to paddle along the Marjan coastline. Unique views of Split from the sea, away from the crowds.Pazar Market (Pazarska tržnica)
Activity
The open-air market that runs every morning just east of the palace walls. Fruit, vegetables, cheeses and lavender from Hvar – the daily pulse of the city, far from souvenir shops.Beaches (3)
Jezinac Beach
Beach
Shingle and rocky beach at the foot of Marjan, accessible on foot from the centre. Frequented by neighbourhood families, with remarkably clean water.Kaštelet Beach (Špinut)
Beach
Small rocky cove at the foot of Marjan Park, frequented by neighbourhood residents. Crystal-clear water, peaceful atmosphere, away from the seafront hustle.Bačvice Beach
Beach
Fine sandy beach, exceptionally rare in Dalmatia, birthplace of picigin – a distinctly Split water game played whilst standing in shallow water. Authentic local atmosphere, especially in the morning.More to discover (3)
Wikipedia (fr) - CC BY-SAVaroš Neighbourhood
Place
The old working-class quarter at the foot of Marjan, with paved alleyways, stone houses and flower-draped stairways. Less photographed than the palace but absolutely authentic.Bar Stari Plac (Stari Grad)
Place
Discreet wine bar in a vaulted cellar of the palace, run by enthusiasts of Dalmatian viticulture. Ideal for discovering Plavac Mali and Pošip away from touristy cocktail bars.Bregovita Market (Spinut Market)
Place
Small neighbourhood market in the residential area of Spinut, away from tourist circuits. Where locals do their shopping in Split.