Split is the biggest town in Dalmatia and one of the oldest. Like other cities in the area it has a long history of wars and occupation by other nations. The historic city centre is another UNESCO World Heritage Site but outside of the fairly small old centre, the city comprises an urban sprawl of houses and apartments with extensive industrial areas.
The town sits on a peninsula with the main tourist area contained beside the busy harbour with a really nice waterfront aspect and a promenade, Riva, which has apparently seen a lot of investment in recent years. It’s a lovely place to sit and watch the world go by.
The central area facing the Riva is dominated by Diocletian’s Palace which was built as Diocletian’s retirement home around 1700 years ago and is now a warren of buildings which have been extensively added to over the centuries. The Palace is now a mish-mash of architectural styles and it’s not the prettiest building but some of the ancient features remain with a maze of narrow streets with shops selling tourist tat alongside others selling high end clothing and jewellery leading into squares and courtyards lined with restaurants.
The pictures below are inside and outside of Diocletian’s Palace and the neighbouring streets. Beyond this area there is little of interest to tourists outside of the beaches, water sports etc and Marjan Park.
Marjan Hill
Overlooking the city and reached by various pathways from the centre is Marjan Park. This was a highlight for us with some really nice walking up Marjan Hill to give some great views over the town and it’s harbour. The walk to the top is a decent workout but there is a resting point with cafe/restaurant half-way up and those not inclined or unable to walk up can take a taxi or join one of several available town tours which include Majan in the itinerary. A rather modern crucifix sits on top of the hill and from the summit tracks lead off in all directions down to various points on the coast road that encircles the peninsula. We spent a day walking up the hill taking a random track down the in the direction opposite the town and then walked the coast road for a couple of hours back into town passing some nice beaches en route.
We spent 3 nights here in Split in a small studio flat, Fabio Residence, in the old town.
The apartment was small but ultra modern and really cleverly and well kitted out. We were impressed.
Travellers with less time (or those who want to tick off as many visits to as many towns as possible in double quick time) could easily see all that Split has to offer in a day or even half a day if necessary but it would be a shame not to spend at least a night or two here.
We enjoyed our visit but after 3 nights we were ready to move on – to Trogir.