
SPLIT
GETTING THERE
BUS
The first time we were in Croatia, we took the 5 hours bus ride from Dubrovnik to Split and back; and highly recommend it. We got a gorgeous view of the Croatian countryside, and even passed through Montenegro on our way to Split.
FERRY
Croatia’s robust ferry system allows you to get from just about any point A to point B, by sea.
PLANE
Split airport code is SPU, and has many inbound flights. If flying into Zagreb or Dubrovnik, you can catch a connecting flight to Split. Then take a bus, taxi, or uber from the airport to your stay.
GETTING AROUND
WALKING
In “old town” Split, aka Diocletian’s Palace, the best way to get around is by walking. Wandering the narrow streets and alleyways formed by the ruins of the old palace. you can stumble across a hidden oyster bar, or even sneak yourself into a wine tasting. Though, we recommend booking ahead of time as they fill up, quickly.
WHEN TO VISIT
MAY – SEPTEMBER
We suggest early-mid September for optimal crowds and weather.
We recommend early September, or go for Yacht week during the summer!
WHERE TO STAY
Definitely try to stay in Diocletian’s Palace aka Old Town Split. There are some amazing apartment rentals and hotels in the area. In the off season, you can stay for well under $150/night with a once-in-a-lifetime view.
TOURIST CENTER
In some places, we found the tourist center to less than helpful. But, in Split, we found them to be extremely helpful and recommend the Tourist Center as one of your first stops. They have discounts, deals, and advice for you.
When coming from the bus terminal or ferry port, walk left toward old town Split and the boardwalk/port promenade. Passing The Green Market on your right, walk about a block further, until you’re right at the beginning (or end) of the seaside Marina walk, and the Tourist Center be on your right. Pop on in for a map, tickets, and advice!
WHAT TO WEAR
DRESS “NICE”
As an American, you can’t overdress in Croatia. You will see all types of people and travelers, but NO ONE will be wearing leggings or denim booty shorts if they’re from there.
LAYERS
For sun protection and cool nights, pop down to The Green Market to get a silk scarf. I ended up getting a bunch as souvenirs for my besties! The delicate, lightweight, quality makes them perfect for a summer hair scarf, sarong, or top!
FOOD
SPECIALTIES
Seafood, pasta, pizza, risotto, digestive shots, gastronomy
SPLIT RESTAURANTS
Our favorite restaurants in Split, Croatia
Articok
Delicious pastas made fresh daily in house. You can watch the cooks make your food! Funky, Modern Art vibe. Great food and wine, great for lunch (***Nicole and Jerome told us to go here)
Pizzeria Galija
Great old pizza and pasta. Perfect comfort food, packed with locals having dinner or drinks at the bar. Pretty lighting at night and during the day, makes a great photo op. With a canopy of ivy dripping over the outdoor seating area
Mini Bota Oyster and Sushi
This tiny hidden gem makes a perfect stop while wandering the streets of Split. Pop in, order some fresh sushi or oysters, and have a bite at the tiny bar along the wall!
THINGS TO DO AND SEE
THE GREEN MARKET
Shopping!!! huge market with too many things to list! sketches, paintings, leather goods, silk scarves, antiques, olive oils and vinegar, meat, nuts, fruits, lavender, traditional croatian candies, clothing, backpacks, towels, aqua socks (for Skradinski Buk)
DIOCLETIAN’S PALACE
You could skip it. But it was cool to go underground and go inside the cathedral. Though, we thought the most impressive things to see were outside, walking around, and free.
On the other hand, staying in Diocletian’s Palace is a must. We highly recommend trying to snag a room with a view of the Port. We cherished waking up to such a heavenly site each morning.
SPLITZKA RIVA
Splitzka Riva is the promenade along the Port. It’s long stretch of benches and palm trees lined between The Port and Diocletian’s Palace make the perfect spot for people watching, or snagging some limoncello and souvenirs from one of the street vendors.
Generally, we do not recommend the restaurants along the promenade at the Marina for dinner. While, Splitzka Riva makes a great spot for people watching or drinks and apps at sunset. We found the restaurants to be more late night bar and party focused. If you walk a block or two off the water, you can find much better food.
WINE TASTING
UJE OIL BAR
We stumbled across this little gem while wandering the streets of Split. We were drawn in by its unique, updated-traditional vibe with great selection of exclusively local items. Pop in like we did, to pick a glass or two of wine to choose yourself and taste. Have it with some of the best local olive oil and vinegar. Or call ahead, for a personal Croatian wine and olive oil tasting appointment.
PLAN AHEAD! There are many places to choose from, if you plan even a day or two ahead of time. During high season, we recommend booking about one month in advance.
DAY TRIPS
1. KRKA WATERFALL DAY TRIP
SKRADINSKI BUK
The Krka National Park Waterfall, known as Skradinski Buk, in Croatia, is the second most popular waterfall in Croatia; Plitvice being the first.
So, why did we choose the hidden gem in central Croatia vs the country’s national pride further North?
Easy, we wanted to swim! Out of the two, the Krka Waterfall, or “Skradinski Buk” pool, is the only one, of the two, you can swim in. (This is why we research, people!)
If you’re going to be in the area, DON’T MISS THIS!
GETTING THERE
We highly recommend taking a tour to the area. However, we ended up skipping the tour, and taking the public bus, to save some cash… just make sure not to get caught up in your dinner, and miss the last bus back like we did! …Whoops!
GETTING THERE | BY BUS
First, buy a ticket at the bus station just off the port from Split to Skradin, hop on the bus, and take the ride. It might be running late.
The bus will drop you off in Skradin, where you can explore the town, sit by the swans in the water, and buy your ticket to the ferry to the waterfall, Skradinski Buk. This is the only way to get there. Whether taking a self-guided or an official tour, you will take the Skradin ferry.
THE FERRY
The ferry runs from the town of Skradin to Skradinski Buk every hour. Hop on, and enjoy the stunning natural landscape on the 15 minute, serene ride to Skradinski Buk.
LOCKERS
If you want to go swimming in the pool in front of the waterfall, you can buy a locker to store your things while you swim. The lockers are located behind one of the two buildings closest to the waterfall. One is full of souvenirs, the other, for lockers and such.
FOOD AND BEER
There’s a great spot for a pint… or a liter of beer on the path between the Ferry dock and the waterfall. Great place to stop for a drink or a bite after you take a dip in the water!
Before or after the ferry ride, you may have the opportunity to eat in Skradin, and we recommend it! We had a fantastic sunset meal with a view of the marina at Family Restaurant Skala.
Just make sure not to miss the last bus back to Split for the night, like we did! We ended up calling an uber and spending over $100 to get back to the city that night… oops!
2. DAY TRIP | NEARBY BEACH
BEACH JEZINAC
3. DAY TRIPS | NEARBY ISLANDS
HVAR
(Hvar City and Jelsa)
SOLTA
(Uvala Tatinja)
KORCULA
TROJIR
SHOPPING
THE GREEN MARKET
Don’t miss it!
Shopping list: Original art, 100% silk scarves, backpacks and purses, clothing, water shoes, towels, and hats. All local lavender, olive oil, vinegar, charcuterie/picnic supplies, and so much more.
• • •
- 4 FREE Nights in Okinawa, Japan, Including Flights — How to Take Your Vacations Like us, for Free!TRAVELING FOR FREE People are always asking us how we can afford to travel the way we do. When they do, we love nothing more than to share exactly how….
- What Are You Doing This Evening?Booking a Ryokan in Kyoto TRIP UPDATE! Our trip to Japan is sneaking up on us! So, it’s time to finalize accommodations. BOOKED SO FAR 3 NIGHTS IN TOKYO 4…
• • •
Searching for more travel inspiration?
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST!
EXCLUSIVE CONTENT COMING SOON
Thanks, for checking out our site and socials!
Sign up below for upcoming content,
and to follow our upcoming trips!