Historic Split on the Adriatic Coast

Split is the largest city on the Adriatic coast and the second largest city in Croatia. Split is a stunning 1700-year old city home to unique historical monuments including Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Peristil, St. Doimus’s Cathedral and the Piazza. The City of Split has something for everyone, whether you prefer culture, fine arts, songs, music or sports and recreation. Numerous shops, bars, cafes, hotels, and private houses offer a typical and authentic Mediterranean atmosphere and introduce you to the vibrant and welcoming spirit of the town.

Split also has its wild, natural side, which enchants its many visitors every day. The Marjan Forest Park, known as the “lungs of the city”, proudly guards the urban center. The entire Marjan Peninsula is dotted with black pine trees, Mediterranean plants and herbs, centuries-old churches, and – of course – some of the country’s most beautiful beaches.

History of Split

Although the beginnings of Split are traditionally associated with the construction of Diocletian’s Palace in 305, the city was founded several centuries earlier as the Greek colony of Aspálathos, or Spálathos. The most famous historical development came under the rule of Roman emperor Diocletian who chose Split as a place where he wanted to spend his retirement and ordered a residence to be built for this purpose. 

This residence is better known as the Diocletian Palace. It is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Monument and represents one of the best-preserved monuments of Roman architecture in the world. 

Today, the Palace is home to approximately 3000 people and represents the city’s living heart. Split’s narrow, cobbled streets hide layers of different historical periods, influences, and styles and represent a charming combination of ancient history and modern life. 

Split Croatia is the outdoor adventure recreation capital of Croatia. More information coming soon!

what our guests say

Split Croatia FAQs

Mestrovic Gallery

Dedicated to the leading Croatian sculptor of the 20th century, Ivan Meštrović. Auguste Rodin referred to Meštrović as the greatest phenomenon among sculptors of his generation, and in 1915 he became the first living sculptor to have a one-man exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum. In 1946 he also became the first living artist to exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, USA. This museum opened in 1950 and continues to hold the sculptor’s most comprehensive collection. 

Other Museums to Check out

The Archaeological Museum in Split 

The Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments

Gallery of Fine Arts

If you are looking to experience the colorful, vivid Mediterranean flare of local markets, you must check out the local Green Market & Fish Market.

The Split Green Market is a bustling place to find a stunning selection of fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables, homemade cheeses, flowers, and other products from the surrounding islands and rural Dalmatia.

The Split Fish Market is situated just a short walking distance away, in the middle of famous Marmontova street. You’ll find tourists and locals alike, from all walks of life, pursuing the daily haul from local fishermen.

The best promenade in the city of Split is Riva: it is the most loved of city centers. The locals call it their sitting room. It is an ideal place for having your morning or afternoon coffee and enjoying the harbor and sea views.

Located in the west part of Split, the Marjan park forest—which proudly guards the city—is also called the lungs of the city. This park forest offers its visitors natural beauty and stunning views of the town of Split. The entire Marjan peninsula is dotted with tiny churches many centuries old, large black pine trees, Mediterranean plants and herbs, and the most beautiful beaches. It represents a great destination for people in search of relaxation and recreational outdoor activities.

Split is known as the Sportiest City in the World. The majority of our tours and activities depart from this city as it is a natural outdoor hub for many things.

Did you know...

77 Split Olympians won and brought to their city 96 Olympic medals (19 double Olympic medal winners) in 11 different sports: football, rowing, basketball, water polo, swimming, tennis, weightlifting, handball, athletics, taekwondo, sailing.

Move over, Mother of Dragons! We love that our beloved city of Split was used for this fan-favorite. Learn more.

Goran Ivaniševic: tennis player, Wimbledon winner.

Dino Rađa: Boston Celtics NBA player, introduced into the Basketball Hall of Fame.

Toni Kukoč : NBA Chicago Bulls player.

Blanka Vlašić: Croatian high-jump athlete, second-highest female jumper of all time with 208 cm reached.

And many others!

Learn About Croatia

Related Blog Posts

Dubrovnik Croatia - AndAdventure

Welcome to Croatia Adventure

Croatia is a land of beaches, sunshine, nightlife and heritage and adventure. A land where tourism exists in so many facets, from the more obvious beach holiday to the road less travelled.

Read More →
Sail of a sailing regatta

Sailing in Croatia – Insider Tips on What You Need to Know

What Sailing in Croatia is Like – Insider Tips Sailing …

Read More →
Scroll to Top