Dominated by the whim of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, the center of Split is completely engulfed within the walls of the Diocletian Palace. This is one of our favorite spots in Croatia because even today people live, work, socialize and carry out their daily lives within these palace walls (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) – making it one of the most magnificent pieces of living history in existence!
Situated smack in the center of the Dalmatian coast, Split is strategically located to explore islands such as Hvar, Korcula, Brac and Vis, as well as the interiors of the Croatian countryside.
There are many things to do and see in this charming city. Some of our favorites include a visit to the nearby medieval town of Trogir, a day spent enjoying nature in Krka National Park, and a day trip on a private boat to the islands. A city with a cultural heart, Split is also home to the Ivan Mestrovic Art Gallery which houses some of this artist’s finest sculptures.
For custom luxury travel and tours to Split and Croatia, please contact one of our travel experts.
Split, like the rest of Croatia enjoys long, warm, dry summers and generally wet winters.
The very best time to visit Split is April – June and September – October. The warmest months, also considered peak season months are July and August, leading up to early September. These months can be very crowded and hot for touring, with temperatures in the ’80’s. If you would rather avoid this, then the shoulder months of April – June and September – October might be better options for travel. These months tend to be a bit more relaxed in general.
From November – March the weather can be cooler and rainy at times.
The Dalmatian coast is the country’s most beautiful region, stretching from Dubrovnik, close to the Montenegrin border, all the way to Split, in the middle of the coast. Split is Croatia’s second largest city after the capital, Zagreb. Its historic heart is dominated by the Diocletian Palace Complex, built by the Roman emperor Diocletian, who thought the Bay of Split was one of the most beautiful spots in the world. A few miles to the north is Trogir, another UNESCO jewel with facades ranging from Romanesque to Renaissance and Baroque. A short boat ride away are three very different islands – the relaxed Brac, the buzzing Hvar and the serene Vis.
Let us introduce you to the passionate winemaker, the best seafood restaurant, Croatia’s most celebrated artist of the 20th century, and the beautiful waterfalls of Krka National park. Our Extraordinary Experiences are different and unusual. We can offer insider access that gives your trip a wow factor. Our knowledge is hard to match – from the personally vetted restaurant to the very best hand-selected guides; we offer incredible value and completely customized trip planning.
Our team of travel experts can customize a unique program for you, based on our Essential Dalmatia itinerary. We suggest you allow a minimum of 3 nights in Split
If you are on an Adriatic cruise we can arrange a private shore excursion with your own Exeter hand-picked private guide in Split. Our private shore excursions ensure that you will receive not only the best experience possible, but personalized service throughout, allowing you to maximize your time in port.
Enjoy the freedom of driving yourself and discovering small towns and villages? Croatia is the ideal self-drive destination. Split is featured in our sample Croatia & Slovenia self-drive program. We will provide a pre-programmed GPS delivered to you before you leave home and with the services of our 24-hour local staff. We can craft the perfect self-drive itinerary to fit your taste, pace and budget. Let us introduce you to the essentials of each city and give you suggestions of what to do on your own. Just plug in your Exeter pre-programmed GPS and let your adventure begin!
Croatia combines well with Ljubljana, in the north, and Montenegro, Bosnia and Serbia in the south. Ljubljana is the hidden jewel of the region – the capital of Slovenia with an alpine feel. Montenegro has 45 miles of Adriatic coastline and is home to some of the region’s finest hotels. Bosnia and Serbia are vibrant emerging nations full of the history of their past empires.
One cannot visit Split without stepping into Diocletian’s Palace. Besides visiting the buildings within its boundaries, we recommend that you step inside the Cellars of the Palace and transport yourself back to the times of Emperor Diocletian as you walk through the substructures that once held up his private apartments. As you walk through the impressive barrel-vaulted cellars one can get a sense of what the private chambers above were like, given that the substructures were built in mirror image of these chambers. For those who are fans of Game of Thrones, this is the site where Danaerys kept her dragons and locked up her enemies in the city of Meereen!
Croatia is widely known as the next big foodie destination. With its distinct regional cuisines and growing popularity of its wines, it is the perfect destination to combine history and culture with great food and wine!
While in Split we recommend you stop by for a meal at Tavern MaToni. With a cozy and relaxed dining atmosphere, this restaurant offers traditional Dalmatian and Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist. Enjoy a different range of dishes, including tasty vegan and vegetarian options, and pair them with high quality local wines.
With lavender products, olive oils, and wines being the typical souvenirs of Croatia we wanted to find something different that would remind you of your time in Split. We found an unusual and unique souvenir – a small replica of the Palace made of delicious white chocolate! Made by Kras, the leading Croatian confectionery producer, the company turned its special skills into a precisely shaped Diocletian’s white chocolate palace. As the Palace is the heart of the city, this exclusive souvenir will remind all who have been a guest of Split of this unforgettable cultural monument.
