Want to learn more than just what to do in Split, Croatia, to plan your trip? Great, because this one-stop-shop travel guide comes first-hand from my Split solo travel to get you ready. Covering essential tips like the best time to go, where to stay, how to get around, day trips, budget tips, and more. Traveling beyond Croatia? Check out all of my Travel’s blogs and subscribe to get the best in budget travel guides, itineraries, and tips that, yep, all come from my actual travel. All right, let’s get you ready for your unforgettable vacation in Split!
Why visit Split, Croatia?
Why visit Split? Croatia’s second-largest city, Split, hails from the establishment of Diocletian’s Palace in the fourth century by the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Today, it rests in the heart of Old Town and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient city’s history and Roman ruins beg to be explored. The Croatians’ knowledge and enthusiasm for their home are infectious; ask any local about Split, and they will probably regale you with historical facts and stories, not to mention great recommendations on what to do in Split. Nestled between mountains and the Adriatic’s crystal-clear waters, Split’s stunning landscape provides an abundance of land and water activities. It’s a jumping-off point to explore local islands and some of the best beaches in Europe, as well as incredible cuisine and wine. As the locals like to point out, the region is the origin of the Crljenak Kaštelanski grape. I love Split. Trust me, you’ll be planning your visit back to this Dalmatian coastal city before you even leave.
Best time to visit
Time of year, holidays, and events affect the best time to visit Split. Temperatures average from the high 30s to high 80s Fahrenheit. Peak season months are June through August, which have the warmest air and water temperatures, the least amount of rain, and the longest days, but also the most tourists, causing crowded beaches and higher travel costs. Low season months are November through March, which have the coldest air and water temperatures and the shortest days, but also the fewest tourists and the lowest travel costs. Shoulder season months are April, May, September, and October, which are the best times to travel due to the long days, warm water and weather, and fewer tourists, allowing for more space on the beach and lower travel costs than peak season. Festivals and events happen year-round and can impact costs, so check Split’s schedule when planning your itinerary.
How to getting in Split?
All flights arrive at Split Airport, which has one terminal and is 23 km from the Split city center. Split has two train stations: the Pragaida and the Split Main Train Station, which is the most convenient, being located close to all ferry departure and arrival points and a 5-minute walk to Old Town. Buses arrive at the Autobusni Kolodvor, or main bus station, next to the main train station. The largest passenger port in Croatia, Split receives multiple cruise line ships every day, docking at the Split Riva Pier, making it busy, so plan plenty of time for your arrivals and departures. International, domestic, and various routes pass through Split’s ferry port for both passenger and car ferries.
How to getting around?
To get around Split, let’s start with getting from Split Airport to the city center. Without a hotel shuttle, the quickest and most convenient way is by vehicle. Uber and Bolt ride-shares pick up at the airport main road next to the public bus stop and cost about €25 to €30. Taxis are at the entrance and cost about €30, and both take about 25 minutes to reach the city center, depending on traffic. Private transfers could cost the same or more but can be arranged online in advance; see some links to private transfer services below for your convenience. The Plava Lagura Airport Shuttle is €6, paid online or to the driver. It runs from 7:30 AM to 11 PM and takes about 30 minutes to reach the main Split bus station. The number 37 public bus costs only €2.50 but is not as convenient as the airport shuttle. Water taxi rides take 20 minutes to the city center but it’s a 10-minute walk to the taxi dock and costs about €10. You can rent a car at the airport, but it’s really not worth the cost or the trouble of finding parking.
Now, in the city center, let’s talk about getting around. Split is very walkable, with many of the top things to do accessible on foot. The Old Town and Palace are comprised of narrow stone pedestrian streets filled with restaurants, bars, hotels, and shops. A large portion of Split is flat, so you can explore outside the Old Town by bike, e-bike, scooter, or Segway. The public bus network is extensive and runs daily from 5 AM to midnight, making it another great way to go beyond Old Town. Buy a ticket for the entire day and explore the parks, historical sites, beaches, and more. Serviced by eight companies, Split ferries go to 26 destinations, making it easy to explore the surrounding islands like Hvar, Brač, and Korčula, which are full of history, culture, food, wine, more beaches, and water activities. You can explore Split and beyond using any of these methods, self-guided, or learn more about Split and the region while meeting other travelers by participating in a food, wine, or historic walking, biking, e-biking, Segway, or island tour, all of which are fun at any age
Safety Tips
Split’s crime rate is very low, and on of my female friend she is a solo traveler. She told me never felt unsafe walking alone, day or night, as a female solo traveler. Still, always practice general safety precautions like walking in well-lit areas and keeping your belongings on you at all times, with back pockets closed and no cash or valuables in your pockets, especially in crowded or touristy areas. Drink water, stay hydrated, and keep alcohol consumption at a moderate level, especially if you expect to be diving or doing other water activities. Wear sunscreen always during the shoulder and peak season months, and don’t stay on unpopulated beaches alone or past sunset. Bring only essentials with you and never leave them unattended. Other than that, Split is considered one of the safest places to travel.
Travel Essentials
Make your Croatian travel as easy as possible and bring these travel essentials: a VPN service for data security, portable Wi-Fi or a Croatia SIM card, a solar charger so your devices are always charged on the beach, boating trips, or other excursions, a reusable water bottle to fill from the tap to stay hydrated, reduce costs, and minimize waste, a hat for any time of year, comfortable walking shoes for walking, hiking, and the Croatian pebble beaches, sunglasses with UV protection, a money belt to keep your valuables safe and stay hands-free while traveling, a waterproof waist pouch to keep your items with you in the water instead of unattended on the beach, and a thermal phone case to keep your mobile device from overheating in the sun. I have links to some of these travel essentials for you in the video description below for your convenience.
Where to stay?
The Split city center or Old Town is where it’s at for first-time stays, offering quick access to must-do attractions, dining, nightlife, and transportation outside the city. When visiting Split, I look for a central location for easy walking, good prices, amenities, free cancellation, breakfast, overall ratings, and a travel sustainable rating or at minimum a variety of sustainable practices. Checking all of these boxes and more, my top hotel choices to consider in Split are:
- Cornaro Hotel
- Jupiter Luxury Hotel
- Heritage Hotel Santa Lucia
- Hotel Slavija
- Starlight Luxury Rooms
I stayed at Starlight Luxury Rooms on my last trip to Split. It is conveniently located close to Diocletian’s Palace. I had a large, comfortable room and bed, an incredible concierge, a nice breakfast, and a reasonable price. I would definitely stay there again. If you prefer the hostel route with great options and either a private or dorm room, try Hostel Split or Hostel 101 Dalmatinac.
Foods and Entertainment
Split’s Adriatic location and long history are reflected in its cuisine, with Italian, Turkish, and Hungarian influences offering a diverse culinary experience. Seafood is a staple in Split, so don’t miss dishes made from scampi, mussels, crab, and octopus, often served with sides of spaghetti, gnocchi, or risotto. Sample the local cheeses, Dalmatian prosciutto, fresh olives, and, of course, dipping fresh bread into delicious Croatian olive oil. Pair with Dalmatia’s renowned wines, like whites made from the Pošip grape or luscious reds like the Plavac Mali. For dessert, try powdered sugar fritters called fritule or whatever satisfies your sweet tooth.
Split is blessed with a plethora of dining locations; beaches have cafes and bars so you can lounge all day without having to go anywhere. Fresh produce like local grapes and figs are a must-try at the Green Market. For authentic Dalmatian dining and rustic charm, hit the local konobas. The Diocletian’s Palace and Old Town streets hold quaint cellars, bars, and an eclectic mix of outdoor cafes and bistros. For a blend of Mediterranean and international flavors with picturesque Adriatic views, dine at any of the waterfront promenade restaurants. There’s a lot to try; wander the streets to read menus or just ask your concierge, waiter, or a local for their recommendations.
When the sun sets, Split’s nightlife scene ignites. The lively Riva promenade has trendy bars and cafes for sipping cocktails by the water, as well as beachside taverns and nightclubs with DJs for dancing. Although not customary in Split, it’s good to check if your bill has a tip included, and if not, you may round up the bill to the next Euro or tip around 5% for casual dining or 15% for fine dining if you feel you had good service. I always tip cash, which you can leave on the table.
Day trip from Split
Split will inspire you to want to see more of Croatia, trust me. Fortunately, Split is ideal for participating in half and full-day excursions and tours to enjoy more cuisine, natural landscapes, history, and culture. You can start with any of the surrounding islands such as Hvar or Brač, with the renowned Golden Horn beach, or go beyond with a day trip to Krka or Kornati National Park. Also, doable are full-day trips to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or Dubrovnik. There are more day trip locations to choose from; many can be done self-guided, by private tour, or group tour, which makes it easier to see more of Croatia while meeting other travelers. I have great, highly rated day trip tour links for you below to get you started planning.
Budget tips
Split is not as expensive to travel as some other European cities. Still, if you’re traveling to Split on a budget, keep the following in mind:
- Visit in the shoulder or off-season months.
- Travel during the week, avoiding holidays and large events.
- Book your accommodations very early and/or stay outside the city center but within walking distance or close to a bus stop. Depending on the time of year, location, and amenities, a hostel dorm room can start at €15, and a private room at €45 a night.
- Take the airport shuttle bus to and from the airport.
- Avoid dining in high tourist areas like Old Town by shopping at a local market and booking a room with a refrigerator.
- Purchase a Croatia or Europe SIM card instead of a costly international plan through your local carrier.
- Bring cash to avoid pricey ATM fees.
- Take advantage of Split’s beaches, parks, and free historical and cultural sites.
Eco-friendly Travel
Travel Croatia with your eco-friendly foot forward and the planet in mind by using any of these easy Eco travel tips that do make a difference:
- Look for flights that emit less CO2 through your airline or through Skyscanner’s greener flights filter.
- Purchase carbon offsets through your airline or a third party to lower your flight’s carbon footprint.
- The less you pack, the lighter the plane and the less fuel it uses, plus traveling carry-on saves time in the airport.
- In addition to Booking.com’s travel sustainable properties, Green Globe and Green Key Global also have eco-friendly certified lodging options.
- During all phases of travel, including on a food tour, reduce your plastic trash and carbon footprint by bringing your own reusable shopping bags, water bottle, and bamboo travel utensils, which take up very little space in your carry-on bag.
- Bring marine-safe sunscreen with you to protect the Adriatic waters.
Pro Tips
If you’re still with me, here are some valuable pro travel tips just for Split:
- Croatia has switched from the Kuna to the Euro.
- The water is safe to drink, and Split’s beaches are pebbly, not sandy. Many beaches will have eateries, cafes, or bars, outdoor showers, restrooms, and lounge chairs and umbrellas for rental, but they will go quickly in the peak season.
- Split has free Wi-Fi in the airport, public buses, and in many public areas and beaches. Heads up: there are some nude beaches.
- Some places only accept cash, so bring plenty with you.
- The locals are very friendly and helpful; ask them for recommendations on anything to do or avoid.
- Drink plenty of water in the peak and warmer shoulder season months.
- The best time to visit Diocletian’s Palace is first thing in the morning during peak season to avoid the crowds.
- Many smaller establishments and activity offices use WhatsApp for communication and notifying of any scheduling changes.
- Locals may speak English; however, it’s common courtesy to lead the conversation in Croatian if they speak English in return. That is a courtesy.
How many days in Split?
So, how much time do you need in Split? The amount of time to spend depends on your interests and the activities you wish to undertake. Split’s Old Town is compact, making it possible to see attractions in just one day. However, for a fuller mix of historical sites, beaches, water sports, cultural and dining experiences, and additional day trips, and to relax, a week in Split would be ideal. If you don’t have a week, however, I recommend spending a minimum of 3 days in Split to be able to engage in the local top things to do, with at least one day trip.
I really hope you enjoyed all of my travel tips for Split, Croatia. If you liked this article, share it so others can benefit from it. I also have other articles for Croatia; check those out too. Also, subscribe to our website. It’s absolutely free, and you will get all the important tips and tricks from my experience.
