Split holidays

Popular holidays

Fly direct to Croatia and discover the forested beauty of the country's second-largest city. Holidays to Split take you to the Dalmatian coast, with Adriatic views from all sides of the peninsula. This UNESCO-listed town offers the perfect blend of shopping, sunbathing, and outdoor adventure.

The Old Town

Split’s Old Town was given UNESCO World Heritage status for its well-preserved ruins of the Palace of Diocletian. The palace is believed to have been built in the 3rd and 4th centuries. It’s also noted for its huge range of different architectural styles. As you stroll through the narrow streets, you’ll find great examples of Renaissance, Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque buildings, many with classic terracotta-coloured roofs.

Outdoor activities

The very tip of the Split peninsula is dominated by the Marjan Forest Park. This is an amazing place for outdoor enthusiasts. There are a huge number of walking trails that meander up, over, and around the hills. If you’re feeling particularly energetic, challenge yourself to climb the 314 steps that lead up to the park’s highest point at 178 metres, Telegrin. Keep your eyes peeled for the church built into the rock face.

Museums

Split is bursting with museums. It’s easy to learn about the city’s rich history, with a maritime museum, natural history museum, art museum, and city museum. But be sure not to overlook some of the more unique attractions in the Old Town. In the heart of the city you’ll find a Game of Thrones museum. There's also a museum dedicated to taxidermied frogs positioned into human poses and real-life scenarios.

Popular hotels in Split

Top things to see and do in Split

Beaches

Sandy beaches

Croatia’s well known for is pebbly coastline, but things are switched up a little in Split. The beach offering here also includes belts of sand, with a few of the city’s best-rated swathes within strolling distance of the centre.

The big beach

Bacvice Beach is the big name on Split’s seaside scene. It’s pitched a 15-minute walk from the historical centre, so flipping between sights and sea swimming is super easy.

The secret beach

Jezinac Beach is a 25-minute stroll from Split’s centre, so it tends to stay a little less crowded than the closer-to-town spots. A thin strip of sand provides space for sunbathers, and there’s a handful of bars on hand for drinks in between dips.

Shopping

Bargain buys

The Diocletian’s Palace in Split’s Old Town is a sure stop for souvenir shopping. The cellars of this age-old building make way for stalls, where you can pick up handmade jewellery and paintings and sculptures made by local artisans.

Mid-range buys

The Mall of Split features a list of international names on its roster. It’s the biggest shopping centre along the Dalmatian Coast, so there are plenty of stores to pick from.

Designer buys

The Mall of Split features a list of international names on its roster. It’s the biggest shopping centre along the Dalmatian Coast, so there are plenty of stores to pick from.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

There’s no shortage of seafood restaurants in Split, and they’re a perfect pick for laidback evenings. Heads up – you’ll probably need to pre-book a table if you’re after a spot along Bacvice Beach.

Lively evenings

The seafront promenade that runs the length of Split’s Old Town is the place to head once the sun starts to set. It’s a popular spot in the summer, with open-air terraces and live music on the cards most nights of the week.

Food & drink

Gregada

Thin slices of potato and onions create the base for this dish, with saltwater fish layered on top. Water and wine’s poured over the mixture before its baked in an oven.

Brudet

You’ll see lots of different variations of this seafood stew, with different fish used depending on what’s available. It’s usually the catch of the day, and the fish is cooked in a tomato-based sauce and white wine, before its topped with parsley and served up piping hot.

Mandulat

This traditional cake is made with honey, sugar and egg whites. The ingredients are heated together in a pan before the mix is poured over wafers and left to set overnight.