July 4, 2022, 2:42 am | Read time: 6 minutes

1. Great Coastal Location

It’s the seaside location that makes Split a trendy city destination in Europe. Situated in southern Croatia on the Adriatic coast, you can start a coastal road trip through the country from here. Or, thanks to affordable flights, you can simply visit for a weekend. In summer, for instance, Eurowings flies directly from Düsseldorf (DUS) and Berlin (BER) to Split (SPU), while Croatia Airlines and Lufthansa offer flights from Munich (MUC) to the Croatian hotspot. Easyjet flies several times a week from Berlin and Basel-Mulhouse (BSL) to Split between April and October.

2. Combine City and Beach Vacation

If you can’t decide between a city or beach vacation, you can have both in Split. While the small city beaches like Bačvice, Ovcice, and Jezinac don’t offer enough variety for an extended beach holiday, they’re perfect for a quick dip in the sea after sightseeing or shopping. Beautiful coves can also be found in Split on the small peninsula of Marjan. Although these are not sandy beaches, as is often the case on the Adriatic coast, they offer great spots surrounded by pines to refresh yourself.

Also interesting: The 17 Most Beautiful City Beaches in the World

More tips and inspiration about Split are provided by Anna-Marija Bacak in the following podcast episode of In 5 Minutes Around the World:

3. Stroll Along the Promenade, Riva

Riva is a promenade right by the water and the place where everyone gathers: to stroll, visit a café, shop in the side streets, or simply watch the arriving sailboats and cruise ships in the distance.

Also interesting: The Best Tips for Istria, Croatia’s Most Beautiful Peninsula

4. Diocletian’s Palace

A palace as a retirement residence for the emperor: That’s Diocletian’s Palace, named after the Roman emperor who lived here after his office from 305 AD. A part of the structure still stands today, and it’s a must-see on a city trip to Split—and you can’t really miss it. The south side of the palace faces the sea, with the entrance directly via the famous Riva promenade.

The Peristyle is the central square in the palace, featuring an original, albeit small compared to the statue in Giza, 3,500-year-old Egyptian sphinx. If you’re exploring the ancient halls without a guide, it’s worth glancing at the old plans now and then—you might suddenly find yourself where the emperor’s dining room once was.

5. Croatia’s Narrowest Street

Pusti Me Proć, which translates to “let me pass,” is the name of Croatia’s narrowest street. It’s located right next to the Temple of Jupiter in the palace. And because tourists push through here in droves during the peak summer months, few notice the famous alley they’re walking through.

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Also interesting: World’s Steepest Street Becomes an Internet Sensation

6. Excellent Dalmatian Cuisine

The south and southeast of Croatia—and thus Split—belong to the Dalmatia region, known for its hearty food. Local restaurant menus feature meat dishes with veal or lamb, or fresh fish and other seafood, accompanied by potatoes or fries. As an appetizer, you’ll typically find air-dried ham, olives from the surrounding islands, and Pag cheese made from sheep’s milk.

Traditional dishes also include Peka, a dish of meat and vegetables cooked for several hours under a cast-iron bell in a fire pit.

If you want to enjoy authentic Dalmatian cuisine in Split, you can do so at Konoba Varos. The city’s trendiest spot is Bokeria, offering excellent service and a vast wine list.

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If you’re just looking for a quick, yet truly delicious snack, head to Kantun Paulina: Here you’ll find the tastiest Ćevapčići in bread in Split—some even say they’re the best in all of Dalmatia.

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7. Sail to Nearby Islands

The most beautiful way to explore Croatia is by sailboat. After a few days of city vacation in Split, you can set sail from here to the nearby islands. If you have a sailing license, simply charter a boat and set off. For everyone else, there’s the option to hire a skipper along with the boat. They not only handle the navigation but also know good mooring spots and hidden beaches.

Also interesting: 7 Things You Always Wanted to Know About Sailing Vacations (But Were Afraid to Ask)

Some of the most beautiful islands near Split include Brač, Šolta, Hvar with the harbor Palmižana, and Vis. Especially in late summer, you should pay attention to the weather forecast, as strong currents can occur around the island of Vis. In October, it can also rain, be cold, and storm heavily.

8. Nightlife

Even though Novalja is the party hotspot for teenagers, Split offers numerous bars and clubs worth staying up late for. According to TripAdvisor, the five best nightlife locations are: (links lead to reviews and photos)

1. Marcvs Marvlvs Spalatensis
2. Charlies Bar
3. ShotGun Shooters Bar
4. Leopold’s Delicatessen Bar
5. Crozzies

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This trip was supported by the Croatian National Tourist Board. Our standards of transparency and journalistic independence can be found at www.axelspringer.de/unabhaengigkeit