One of the main spots tourists have on their wishlist for Croatia is Split. There are so many things to see in Split, attractions to visit, day trips to enjoy, it might feel hard to choose at first. To help you out, here’s a quick overview on what the real hotspots in Split are.
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Split attractions
St. Domnius Cathedral
St Domnius Cathedral is the oldest Catholic cathedral in the world! It dates all the way back to the 7th century A.D., so it’s a definite must see in Split, Croatia!
Once there, climb up to the top of the Bell Tower for one of the best views you can get of the sprawling, orange roofed city of Split, Croatia.
The earlier you visit, the better your chances of not having to fight for space with many tourists.
Diocletian’s Palace
Next on any list for the best Split sights is Diocletian’s Palace. It was built for Roman Emperor Diocletian in 305 AD. This enormous complex sits right in the center of Split’s magnificent Old Town and you can’t miss it.
Diocletian’s Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it has been flawlessly preserved as modern day Split has grown around the decadent palace.
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, get excited. The palace’s cellar was used as the location where Daenarys kept her dragons while in Meereen.
Be sure to sign up for a Game of Thrones walking tour of Split in order to get all the gritty details what shooting for the show here was like. Book your spot here*.
Riva Promenade
Split, Croatia is a coastal town surrounded by the crystal-clear blue waters that Croatia has become so famous for. Take a leisurely walk down the Riva Promenade to get stunning views of the Adriatic Sea on one side, and Split’s colourful architecture and swaying palm trees on the other.
A walk down this bustling harbour is the perfect way to get a taste of all that Split has to offer, and potentially meet new friends to explore the city with and locals who can give you insider tips.
Marjan Hill
For an awe-inspiring view of Split, Croatia, make the climb up Marjan Hill. This hill is covered with dense Mediterranean pine forest. It is entirely surrounded by city and sea, making it a very unique place to visit on your trip.
Walking, running or biking up the hill is the best way to take a break from the often hectic, bustling city life down below. There are also several hiking trails of varying difficulty that you can take to enjoy everything that Marjan Hill has to offer.
Consider climbing the hill for sunrise or sunset for the best views and photographs. After all, Croatia has epic sunsets to offer and I really enjoyed the view from up here as well.
Klis Fortress
Klis Fortress is over 2,000 years old, and was the site of many major battles over the years. It was an important battleground for clashes with the Mongols, Ottomans, Knights Templar, and many other famous ancient empires.
Klis Fortress lives in a small village on the outskirts of Split, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. From the top of this well preserved medieval fortress you’ll get a truly amazing view of all of Split, the Adriatic Sea, and many of the surrounding islands.
One of the best parts of Klis Fortress is that you can explore it freely – you won’t find any locked doors or rope guards here.
Putalj Winery
While in Croatia, you absolutely cannot miss out on their world famous wine, and Split is one of the best places to have a glass or three.
The Putalj Winery is only a twenty minute drive outside of Split. This family run vineyard offers daily tours, that even include transportation to and from your accommodation.
While tasting many of their delicious wines, you’ll also have the chance to sample local cheeses, prosciutto, and extra virgin olive oil.
Attractions near Split
Island hopping
Travelling from Split to nearby islands is ideals as it is a ferry spot.
Definitely take at least a day trip to the lavender island Hvar. (Just make sure you know when the last ferry leaves). It has a gorgeous historic city of the same name, where you can stay overnight for a more relaxed trip.
There are many other islands and water activities to enjoy too.
One of my fave things is that the island of Vis was actually of the filming locations for Mamma Mia, which were not just in Greece).
Trogir
Trogir is not technically located in Split, but it’s one of the most fun day trips you can take from Croatia’s biggest city. The small town of Trogir is about half an hour from Split by car, or one hour by ferry.
Trogir is most famous for its old town, which is entirely on an island that connects to the mainland and the island of Clovo through bridges.
The architecture of Trogir is an extremely well preserved mix of Renaissance, baroque, and Romanesque buildings, making it a super unique place to visit.
Trogir has countless amazing cathedrals and castles, as well as stunning, less crowded beaches to keep you occupied all day long before returning to Split for a fun night out.
Krka National Park
Located an hour from Split, Krka National Park is a jaw droppingly beautiful park that follows the Krka River.
Give yourself as much time as possible to cool off in the Stradinski Buk, a giant natural pool, between exploring the 17 different waterfalls the area has to offer.
While in the area, be sure to visit Visovac Island, which is full of many other beautiful sites including a well preserved monastery from the 15th century.
I hope you liked these suggestions of what to do in Split. Which is your favourite?
More travel tips for Croatia
- What to see in Dubrovnik
- The best time to visit Plitvice National Park
- See my full video of my trip through Croatia
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