Founded by the Roman emperor Diocletian in the 4th century AD, Split, Croatia quickly became an ancient playground for the wealthy and a modern feast for all things historical and cultural. Referred to as the “sportiest city in the world’ due to its high number of Olympic medals per capita, Split was also the site where the last legitimate Western Roman Emperor, Julius Nepot, was murdered in 480 AD, an event that effectively marked the end of the empire. Depending on when they visit, guests can enjoy a variety of cultural festivals that celebrate everything from contemporary pop music to long standing traditions. In alignment with its beautiful Mediterranean climate, Split also boasts a long history of fishing. Visitors won’t want to miss local dishes like pasticada (marinated beef). With 2,800 hours of annual sunshine, Split is an outstanding location to travel with Gray Line!
Tour Expert, Gray Line Split
Built at the beginning of the 4th century AD, Diocletian’s Palace was designed as a retirement residence for the Roman emperor Diocletian after his abdication. Split was chosen as the location due to its proximity to the emperor’s birthplace of Salona. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, the palace exhibits a blend of Roman and Hellenistic architectural styles, which itself reflects an influence of earlier structures in the region. The complex covers about 320,000 square feet and consists of over 200 structures. The palace itself is surrounded by massive fortifications with four main gates and 16 towers. One of the more popular tour spots is the Peristyle, a large open courtyard that served as a communal gathering space and public event venue.
Split’s Riva Promenade serves as the main waterfront area of the city and spans about 400 meters along the Adriatic Sea. The promenade features beautifully laid glazed white tiles rimmed with palm trees that imbue the scene with a tropical Mediterranean feel. Numerous cafes, restaurants, and stores dot the walkway, and Riva is often regarded as the social heart of Split – a place where locals and visitors could relax, socialize, and engage in various activities. Cultural events and festivals use the promenade as a performance space, and guests can snap spectacular sunsets dipping below the Adriatic’s blue waters. Riva is also a convenient gateway to many nightlife options in Split.
Reaching a height of 584 feet, Marjan Hill soars over Split’s landscape. Covering about 340 hectares, the spot is a beloved urban green space used by residents and visitors alike. As a protected natural reserve, the hill is home to diverse flora, including Mediterranean pine trees and the Aleppo pine. Guests can enjoy an array of walking paths flanked by dry stone walls while looking out over the panoramic views of the city, port, and nearby islands like Brac, Hvar, and Solta. For history buffs, Marjan is the site of multiple historic structures, including the remains of a 16th-century Jewish cemetery and several small hermitage churches. Visitors wanting a workout can try out the “trim staza,” or fitness trail complete with exercise stations positioned along the pathways.
Klis Fortress dates back over 2,000 years and was initially built by the Illyrian tribe called the Dalmatae. After being conquered by the Romans, the fortress itself was established as the royal seat of Croatian Duke Mislav in the mid-9th century. Positioned on a pass between the Mosor and Kozjak mountains, Klis Fortress controlled crucial trade routes between the Mediterranean and Balkans. Experiencing numerous sieges throughout its history, the fort was eventually captured by the Ottomans in 1537. The architecture of Klis Fortress represents the styles of multiple time periods, including elements from Roman, Venetian, and Ottoman designs. Today, the fortress is still intrinsically tied to Croatian national identity and symbolizes resistance and resilience against foreign invasion.
Tracing the Krka River in Sibenik-Knin County, Krka National Park was established as the seventh national park in Croatia in 1985. The park is particularly famous for its seven cascading waterfalls, including Skradinski Buk, Veliki Slap, and Roski Slap. Within the park lies Visovac Island, home to the Franciscan Monastery of Our Lady of Mercy built between 1445 and 1460. Besides its historical appeal, Krka National Park also serves as a wildlife haven and features over 1,200 plant species. The park’s landscape is termed “karst topography” for its dissolved limestone that forms canyons and various natural rock formations. Take advantage of the 21 hiking trails that cater to different skill levels and start exploring with your travel buddies.
Found just 1.3 kilometers from Split, Bacvice Beach is known for being one of the few sandy beaches in the city’s vicinity. As a result, Bacvice is highly popular with locals and visitors, which can make it a bit crowded in warmer months. However, families can enjoy playing with little ones in the beach’s shallow water and trying their hand at picigin, a local ball game played in water. In contrast, Stiniva Beach is located on Vis Island and is known for its dramatic cliffs and secluded atmosphere. Beachgoers must embark on a short hike through the hills or access the waterfront by boat. With pebbly shores and clear waters, Stiniva Beach is a veritable dream for photographers and can offer a nice counterpoint to the more easily accessible Bacvice Beach.
Founded in 1820, the Archaeological Museum in Split holds the title of the oldest museum in Croatia. Its establishment was prompted by the visit of Habsburg Emperor Francis I to Dalmatia in 1818 as part of a broader effort to preserve historical monuments. Home to approximately 150,000 artifacts that encompass various cultural eras and span into prehistoric days, the museum particularly showcases relics from Salona, the ancient capital of Dalmatia. Visitors can view collections that include stone inscriptions, Greek Hellenistic ceramics, Roman glass artifacts, and medieval coins (among others). A popular display is the museum’s underwater archaeological collection filled with findings from excavations under the sea.
Marmontova Street is named after General Auguste de Marmont, a French military leader who promoted urban development in Dalmatia between 1806 to 1813. Since its founding, Marmontova Street has played a crucial role in the urban layout of Split and represents a profound shift towards modern city planning. The street is completely pedestrianized and is a popular shopping hub for residents and tourists, particularly since it is home to many international brands like Zara and Bershka. One end of the street is marked by the Croatian National Theatre, a cultural landmark established in 1893. Visitors also have easy access to Split’s traditional fish market (Ribarnica) and dozens of local marketplaces. In warmer weather, cafes flanking the street often provide outdoor seating, which is perfect for those keen to people watch.
The Blue Cave is one of Croatia’s most incredible natural attractions. Located on the island of Bisevo, the Blue Cave was formed by wave action that eroded the limestone rock. The resulting flooded cave measures about 24 meters in length with a depth of 10-12 meters. Small boats can slip through the cave’s access point, which is the primary way the over 10,000 visitors a year get to experience the Blue Cave themselves. The cave is known for its enchanting blue glow, which is visible around midday. The azure hue is caused by sunlight entering through the cave’s natural opening and reflecting off the water surface. All access to the Blue Cave must be provided via professionally guided tours, and visitors should be aware that the cave isn’t accessible year-round. Make sure to work with Gray Line to see the magnificent feature for yourself!
Dating back to the 15th century, the Varos neighborhood in Split was originally a community for fishermen and peasants. The area is characterized by narrow, winding streets – locally known as “kaleta” – and traditional stone houses. As much as is possible in the modern city, Varos encapsulates the traditional Dalmatian way of life within a community of small, close-knit homes. The neighborhood evolved to center around the Church of St. Nikola, which was first mentioned in religious records from 1056 CE. In another historical tidbit, Varos was also part of the fortified walls of Split and served as a defense against invasions.
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I booked this trip in England and was kept well informed of the tour details. I was staying in Trogir so about 6 of us were transferred to Split at 06:30 where we joined others who were staying in Split. There were about 15 of us in total on a comfortable minibus. We met our tour...
From Trogir: Mostar and Herzegovina Tour with Kravica Waterfall
Plitvice Lakes (PL) was listed on many people's "must see" lists, and I have to agree with that rating. What made this deal irresistible was the fact that the visit to PL was followed by transport to Split, a city we wanted to visit as well. It was basically a two-for-one deal. ...
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