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Plan Your Trip to Split: Best of Split Tourism

Split, Croatia

Thanks to its many former rulers (Roman, Austrian, and Yugoslav, to name a few), Split is a European city unlike any other. What you get is a one-of-a-kind mix of architecture and history on every cobblestoned corner: ancient ruins, open-air flea markets, centuries-old cathedrals—it’s a city seemingly frozen in time. And just beyond you’ll find the Adriatic Sea, home to pretty beaches and tranquil turquoise waters. Split is a walkable city and people tend to hang outdoors. The Riva, known as Split’s living room, is the city’s seaside promenade and a popular place to have an espresso and people watch. Relax at Kašjuni or Bačvice Beaches or use them as a launching-off point to other nearby islands. There’s lots more to do and we’ve got recs below.
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Essential Split

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How to do Split in 3 days

Sapphire seas, Roman ruins, and a courtyard café
Read on

A local food tour of Split

Every time I’m in Croatia visiting my family, I try to make a stopover in Split, solely to eat. The food in this coastal city is to die for—and the restaurant scene really comes alive in the summer. (This joie de vivre is called gusti in Croatian.) From kebabs to fish stew, here are my favourite local bites in Split.
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  • Bokamorra Pizzaurant & Cocktails
    855
    This hip hangout has excellent cocktails and the best pizza in town. Not to mention the ambiance—it is the place to see and be seen. They serve a variety of Neapolitan-style pies that will satisfy the pickiest of pizza snobs, from a margherita made with fior di latte mozzarella to slices topped with shrimp tails and black truffles. My personal go-tos are the caramelized onion pie and the mortadella with arugula and pistachio pesto.
  • Artičok
    1,009
    I will return to Artičok again and again not only because it’s one of the liveliest rooftops in Old Town but also because the food always hits the spot. The menu is elevated but unfussy, with a particularly strong risotto and pasta section. I highly recommend Dalmatian specialties like the aged cheese starter and the traditional fish stew, called gregada.
  • Kantun Paulina
    881
    You can’t visit the coast of Croatia (or really anywhere in the country) without coming across ćevapi—aka the national kebab. And Kantun Paulina is the perfect street food counter to order this delicacy for the first of the thousandth time. Get a traditional ćevapi sandwich in lepinja bread and make sure to add a side of ajvar (bell pepper and aubergine jam), kajmak (white cheese schmear), and some raw onions (if you can handle it).
  • Konoba Fetivi
    1,964
    A konoba is a homey tavern you’ll find in every Dalmatian town (yes, even the tiniest ones). In Split, Fetivi stands out thanks to its daily fresh catch specials. The restaurant is run by a family who has lived in the region for 300 years. Their expertise is evident in every detail, from the local wine and small-batch homemade olive oil to the bread that’s still warm from the oven.
  • Os Kolac
    133
    Hot take: This pastel-hued bakery has the sweetest patisseries and cakes in Split. Though you can’t go wrong with any of the options, I highly recommend the signature Barba Cicak (olive oil sponge cake), the lemony Sjor Limun, and the mango passionfruit cheesecake. And don’t forget to grab an espresso or a latte to wash your dessert down!
  • Kinoteka
    296
    Tucked away in one of Old Town’s leafy courtyards, Kinoteka is ideal for a romantic dinner or in the daytime, a cool boozy brunch. As for the food, it’s an interesting mix of rustic Croatian fare, like slow-cooked veal and pasta with cabbage, and trendier bites such as tempura, kimchi, and lobster chips. The craft cocktails are on point, too.
  • Villa Spiza
    1,850
    This place embodies Croatian culture—it’s all about family, food, and live music. Although Villa Spiza is small (it’s divided between two outposts across the street from each other), it packs a punch of personality and authenticity (you might even befriend a local). The seasonal menu changes often, but some staples are regularly available. I suggest sampling grilled shark, monkfish stew, prawn pasta, or a steak selected by the local butcher.
  • Gelateria Emiliana
    357
    Alright, I’ll admit it. I’ve been to Rome and the Amalfi Coast, but Emiliana is hands-down the best gelato I’ve ever tasted. Whenever I’m in Split, I make a beeline here to treat myself to a freshly baked waffle cone with a scoop (or two) of unique flavours like fig and ricotta, pistachio, or orange.
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Split travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Bus Services

According to forum posts, bus services are a common transportation option in Split, with routes connecting to Dubrovnik, Rijeka, Zagreb, and Novalja. Some travelers suggested using specific bus websites to book trips that include scenic routes along the coast via Omiš and Makarska.

Catamaran Options

For many users, catamarans are another viable option, particularly for travel between Split and Dubrovnik. Companies like Krilo and Jadrolinija offer services, with the operating season extending into late October for some lines.

Airport Transfers

Some travelers have recommended using Uber for quick and reliable transfers from Split airport to the city center, citing concerns over the pricing practices of local taxis. The airport shuttle bus service is another frequently mentioned option, with routes connecting to the main bus terminal at the city's harbor.

Alternative Transport

For those traveling with bicycles, forum posts indicate that FlixBus is one of the few companies that accommodate bicycles, potentially requiring special arrangements or fees.

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Island Recommendations

According to forum posts, popular islands for day trips from Split include Hvar, Brac, and Solta. Hvar is accessible by catamaran, and Brac, known for the Zlatni Rat beach, offers easy exploration options like a small tourist train. Solta provides a quieter experience and can be enjoyed by catching a bus to the village of Maslinica after arriving by ferry.

Exploration Tips

Some travelers mentioned that while islands like Hvar and Brac are great for shorter visits, exploring them without a transport plan can be challenging. It's suggested to have a transportation method arranged, such as a car rental or organized tours, to fully enjoy the islands.

Additional Island Info

For a more extensive exploration, users have recommended considering multi-island boat tours that cover various smaller islands and attractions like the Blue and Green caves, although these tours are more expensive. These tours are particularly valued for their comprehensive itineraries and the convenience of not having to plan logistics independently.

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Ferry Companies

According to forum posts, the primary ferry companies operating between Split and Hvar include Krilo, Jadrolinija, and TP Line. These companies offer various routes and schedules that cater to travelers looking to make this popular journey.

Ferry Types and Routes

Travelers have mentioned that there are both catamarans and car ferries available for the journey from Split to Hvar. Catamarans typically travel directly to Hvar Town, providing a faster service, while car ferries go to Stari Grad on Hvar Island, from where passengers can take a bus or taxi to Hvar Town.

Schedule and Frequency

Forum contributors have indicated that the ferry schedules are quite reliable and have returned to a frequency similar to pre-COVID times. This regularity helps accommodate the high number of tourists traveling between these two popular destinations during the tourist season.

Additional Travel Tips

Some users advised checking the official websites of the ferry companies like Jadrolinija and Krilo for the most accurate and up-to-date scheduling and pricing information.

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Water Activities in Summer

According to forum posts, popular water activities in Split during the summer include beach-based activities due to the hot and crowded conditions. Some travelers recommended boat trips to nearby islands like Brac and engaging in water/beach activities there.

Adventure Water Sports

For many users, adventure water sports are a significant draw. Activities like river rafting and ziplining in Omis, as well as sea kayaking tours that often include snorkeling and cliff jumping, are highlighted as must-do experiences.

Off-season Water Activity Queries

Some travelers inquired about the possibility of water activities during the off-season, particularly whether such activities are available in November. However, responses indicate that water activities generally cease during this time, coinciding with cooler weather and reduced tourist traffic.

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Travel Options

According to forum posts, visiting the Blue Cave from Split typically involves a speedboat tour due to the distance, with most tours covering additional islands and lasting a full day. Some users have mentioned the possibility of using a car ferry to Vis, then taking a bus to Komiža and a short speedboat ride to Biševo, which might be suitable for those avoiding long speedboat rides.

Tour Duration and Considerations

Travelers have called out that there are no half-day tours directly to the Blue Cave from Split due to its remote location. The cave is more accessible from closer islands like Hvar. The inside time in the Blue Cave is usually around 10-15 minutes, which can be a deterrent considering the extensive travel time involved.

Alternative Suggestions

For those looking for a shorter or more flexible trip, some travelers suggest visiting the Blue Lagoon near Trogir or exploring nearby islands like Hvar or Vis independently, which can offer a more relaxed experience without the strict scheduling of a guided tour.

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Location Preferences

According to forum posts, Split is generally preferred by travelers who are looking for a vibrant city with more activities and dining options. It is the second largest city in Croatia, offering a richer nightlife and more sightseeing opportunities, including historical sites such as Diocletian's Palace.

Accommodation and Accessibility

Some travelers suggested that Trogir, being smaller and closer to the airport, might be a more convenient option if you seek a quieter stay or have an early flight. Trogir's old town is described as charming and more relaxed, which could be preferable for a more laid-back experience.

Day Trips and Activities

For those interested in day trips, Split serves as a better base due to its direct connections to nearby islands and attractions like Krka National Park. Users have noted that while Trogir is picturesque, it might be more suited for a short visit rather than a long stay.

Overall Recommendation

Most users lean towards recommending Split over Trogir for stays longer than a day, primarily due to its extensive range of activities, accessibility to other tourist destinations, and vibrant urban life.

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Main Attractions

According to forum posts, Krka National Park is renowned for its stunning waterfalls, including Skradinski Buk and Roski Slap. Some travelers highlighted that these main falls are a significant draw for visitors.

Additional Features

Travelers have called out that beyond the waterfalls, Krka also offers boat rides, a monastery, a cave, and several fortresses. These additional features provide a full day of activities and sightseeing opportunities within the park.

Crowding and Experience

For many users, the experience at Krka can vary with the season, with peak times being particularly crowded around the main falls. However, visiting early in the morning can mitigate some of the crowd issues, enhancing the enjoyment of the park’s natural beauty.

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Tour Options

According to forum posts, there are several tour options to Krka National Park from Split. Some travelers have discussed tours that include a visit to Šibenik along with Krka, or a cruise from or to Skradin with free time to explore Skradinski Buk. Variations of these tours might also include a winery visit.

Transportation and Itinerary

Many users have mentioned that these tours often provide transportation starting from the entrance at Lozovac, facilitating a short walk to the park entrance, followed by an optional boat ride. Another tour option involves more hiking around the park without including the boat ride.

Additional Features

Some tours offer additional attractions such as a visit to Roški Slap, where travelers can dine on local meats and cheeses, or a stop in the charming town of Šibenik. Another option includes wine tasting in the village of Plastovo and a visit to Skradin.

Considerations

Travelers have noted that not all tours allow enough time for a boat tour to Visovac, which can take about 2 to 4 hours depending on the specific route included in the tour.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.