About Split

The City of Diocletian

A living, breathing ancient monument where Roman walls, Venetian palaces and modern café culture coexist in extraordinary harmony on the Adriatic coast.
"All images on this website were generated by Gemini."

Split harbour aerial view
Overview

Croatia's Second City

Split (Croatian: Split, Italian: Spalato) is the second-largest city in Croatia and the largest in the Dalmatia region, situated on a peninsula on the eastern Adriatic Sea.

What makes Split truly unique is that its historic centre is built inside the walls of Emperor Diocletian's ancient palace — a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Thousands of people live, work and socialise within the palace walls, making it one of the world's most extraordinary inhabited ancient monuments.

Beyond its Roman heritage, Split is a vibrant modern city — Croatia's main ferry hub, a thriving university city, and the gateway to over 50 Dalmatian islands.

👥
178,000
City population
🏛
305 AD
Palace completed
☀️
2,800
Sunshine hours/year
🏝
50+
Islands within reach
In Pictures

A Glimpse of Split

From the ancient palace walls to the golden hour light on the Riva — Split is one of Europe's most photogenic cities.

Geography & Location

Where Is Split?

Split sits on a peninsula backed by the Mosor mountains, perfectly positioned as a hub for the Dalmatian coast and islands.

Getting Your Bearings

🇭🇷 Country: Croatia (EU & Schengen member)
🗺 Region: Split-Dalmatia County
✈️ Airport: Split (SPU) — 25 km west
🚢 Ferry port: Central, adjacent to Old Town
Mountain: Mosor — 1,339 m backdrop
🏙 Zagreb: ~415 km · 4.5 hrs by road
🌡 Climate: Mediterranean — hot dry summers, mild winters
Neighbourhoods

Areas of Split

Each neighbourhood has its own distinct character — from ancient Roman streets to belle époque villas, lively student bars to quiet beachside café culture.

Palace interior — peristyle

Diocletian's Palace

The ancient heart

A 4th-century Roman palace where people actually live. Narrow marble streets, restaurants in ancient cellars, and the Cathedral of Saint Domnius. The best place to stay to be in the thick of it.

Varoš stone streets

Varoš

The bohemian village

The oldest neighbourhood outside the palace walls — stone houses, cats on doorsteps, fig trees from walls, and some of Split's best traditional konoba restaurants.

Marjan Hill forest path

Marjan Hill

Elegant & green

The most prestigious residential area — grand villas, the Meštrović Gallery, and the forested Marjan Hill with paths, viewpoints and secluded coves. Ideal for families.

Bačvice sandy Beach

Bačvice

Beach & nightlife

Famous for its shallow sandy beach and the uniquely Dalmatian sport of picigin. By night, the beach complex becomes Split's most popular nightlife strip.

Lučac local market

Lučac & Manuš

Local & residential

Where Split's residents actually live — real local bars, the daily market, and considerably cheaper accommodation. Great for longer stays on a budget.

Spinut Marina

Spinut & Firule Marina

Modern & relaxed

Modern districts with sports facilities, a large marina and quieter beaches. Firule has a lovely sheltered bay popular with families — authentic everyday Split.

Climate

Weather in Split

Split enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate with nearly 2,800 sunshine hours per year — one of the sunniest cities in Europe.

Average monthly climate in Split, Croatia
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High °C 10 11 14 18 23 27 31 31 26 21 15 11
Low °C 5 5 7 11 15 19 22 22 18 14 9 6
Sea °C 14 13 13 15 18 22 25 26 24 21 18 16
Rain mm 80 65 68 58 46 25 20 28 68 95 120 105
Sun hrs 118 130 186 222 270 306 352 328 258 192 126 104
🌞 Best for beaches
June–September — sea 24–26°C, rain is rare. Peak: July–August.
🌿 Best for sightseeing
April–May & Sep–Oct — warm, fewer crowds, lower prices.
💶 Best value
Nov–March — mild winters, low season prices, authentic atmosphere.
Culture & People

Life in Split

Split has a distinct identity — proudly Dalmatian first, Croatian second. Life is lived outdoors, at a relaxed pace, with fierce local pride.

Language & Useful Phrases

Croatian is the official language but English is very widely spoken, especially among younger people. A few Croatian phrases go a long way — locals appreciate the effort.

  • Hello: Bok / Dobar dan
  • Thank you: Hvala
  • Please / You're welcome: Molim
  • Cheers: Živjeli!
  • How much?: Koliko košta?
  • Where is…?: Gdje je…?

Food & Dining

Dalmatian cuisine is defined by simplicity and freshness — olive oil, fresh fish, grilled meats, local cheese and excellent wine are the pillars of every meal.

  • Peka: Lamb or octopus slow-cooked under embers — the signature dish
  • Buzara: Mussels or prawns in white wine & garlic sauce
  • Pasticada: Slow-braised beef in sweet Dalmatian wine
  • Grilled fish: Ordered by the kilo, simply prepared with olive oil
  • Local wine: Plavac Mali red, Pošip & Grk whites from the islands