Get to know Split – tourism champion and the heart of Dalmatia

Split is the heart of Dalmatia and unquestionably hot place to visit in Croatia, highly recommended by numerous world eminent media like NYT, Huffington Post, National Geographic etc., and the winner of many national tourism awards.

The city is not just a travelling point for boarding ferries to islands of Brač, Hvar, Korčula, Vis, Šolta and Lastovo, or for sailing adventure kick off, but it’s the central spot of the Dalmatian spirit combined with the historic gems of The Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, UNESCO World Heritage since 1979.

Actually, the whole old town is an ancient scene with hundreds of places to see, explore and taste.

Read about Split history on Wikipedia.

Popularity of Split

In the past five years the popularity of Split just exploded and the city is breaking the records down, all away from no. 1 national tourism awards and acknowledgements to the best Croatian city regarding quality of everyday living.

Why is Split such a big tourism champion making the visitors so enthusiastic?

Just keep on reading and find out.

The old town of Split is a living museum

The old town of Split is located within 1700 years old Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, where is the majority of the sites and the seafront promenade called Riva is just nearby. Actually, it’s an inhabited ancient Roman town – and that’s amazingly exciting.

The vibe in Split is incredibly positive and unique like nowhere in Croatia and nobody complains even when it gets very crowded in the summer.

Get to know the citizens of Split

The citizens of Split adore their city, calling it the most beautiful city in the world, and they are tremendously proud of its beauty and heritage but also very open-hearted to share this gift of history and nature with visitors coming from all around the globe.

In the summer season, especially in middle of July during Ultra Music Festival, the city is totaly occupied, and don’t be surprised if citizens of Split offer you to stay in their home (they will move to friends or family till you leave).

Book your accommodation in Split during the Ultra Music Festival on time (few months earlier!) – if you don’t want to sleep in a park.

Split is a must – visit place in Croatia

Split offers ideal balance between cultural and entertainment experience – from Split Summer Festival with top quality cultural open air events, along with The Days of Diocletian Festival in August offering outstanding performance of town’s ancient history, to Game of Thrones Tour for numerous fans coming to Split from all around the world to see places where scenes from TV show were taken, to mega popular music event Ultra Music Festival attracting party lovers from more than 140 countries!

Need more hints for this must – visit place in Croatia?

Split is full of aces – 7 main reasons for being a tourism champion:

1. The city of Split is a scene of the history with stunning historical sites and culture, along with great entertainment, shopping and numerous activities at the same time.

2. It’s a gourmand paradise from fine dining restaurants to original and exciting street food based on Mediterranean cuisine.

3. The original cafes, cool bars, lovely taverns and night clubs are all around the place

4. In Split you’ll find all types of accommodation for all budgets and tastes – hotels, resorts, private apartments, villas and hostels.

5. Don’t you worry about the weather in Split – lots of sunny days, hot summer season, mild climate in winter.

6. It’s your perfect holiday base to explore Dalmatia, with fantastic day trips possibilities, but you should definitely consider sailing around Southern Dalmatian islands Hvar, Brač, Korčula and Vis.

7. Finally, the city has beautiful surroundings, nature and beaches.

Things to do in Split: Absolute must dos in Split

Sightseeing in Split

The old town is easy to explore since the majority of sights is within Diocletian Palace’s walls.

Top sights in Split:

Peristil -main open space in the Palace, The Cathedral of St. Domnius with bell tower worth climbing for a spectacular view, the statue of Gregory of Nin, The People’s Square, Split City Museum, Mestrovic Gallery, the Maritime Museum, the Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments, etc.

If you consider to join an organized tour of Split, check the tourist agencies in town or you can book online one of exciting guiding tours offered by renowned tour company Viator (that we highly recommend):

DIOCLETIAN PALACE WALKING TOUR AND OPTIONAL TRIP TO TROGIR

SPLIT WALKING TOUR INCLUDING DIOCLETIAN’S PALACE AND TRADITIONAL LUNCH

ROMAN EMPEROR GUARD SHIFT CEREMONY ON PERISTIL SQUARE WITH COFFE INCLUDED

SECRET SPLIT WALKING TOUR

SPLIT WALKING PLUS WINE TASTING TOUR

Exclusive Game of Thrones Tour in Split

If you are a fan of TV show, you should take an EXCLUSIVE 3.5-hour guided walking Game of Thrones Tour in Split. With your local guide you’ll get behind-the-scenes and learn about places in the fictional city of Meereen and the fortress of Klis. You’ll explore Diocletian’s Palace where Unsullied Army overthrew the masters. Some interesting facts about the show and juicy medieval gossip will be revealed as well.

This tour can’t be booked anywhere else but by Viator. We recommend to book online this tour before you leave home for holidays.

Explore Split out of the Palace’s walls

Varoš, Lučac, Dobri and Manus are charming places in Split with small stone houses, narrow streets and taverns you need to walk through and feel the ambience.

Take a walk along Riva seafront promenade

One of the most popular words in Split is Riva – the seafront promenade in the heart of the city with numerous caffe bars and shops lined up. Walk along Riva all way to the harbor while eating an ice-cream and enjoy your senses.

Feel markets Pazar and Peškarija

Don’t miss to visit Pazar open market full of colors and fresh food, as well as fish market (Peškarija) just for wandering or bargaining.

Split Summer Festival

The biggest cultural and entertainment event in Split with top quality cultural open air performances from drama, opera to ballet, numerous exhibitions and concerts all summer long. You can read more info on Split Summer Festival official website.

Days of Diocletian Festival

In August outstanding performances of town’s ancient history are all around the place. Through the streets of former palace you’ll meet people in togas taking Emperor Diocletian and his suite to the Peristil – the place he spoke to his citizens long time ago.

Take a bike tour of Split

You can cycle with a local guide along the coast, visit Split bays, beaches, harbor, city marina and Park Forest Marjan and learn about the city in a different way.

Read more and book online your exciting 3 -hours bike tour of Split.

Climb Marjan Hill

Marjan Hill is local’s favorite recreational place with many footpaths and jogging trails. It’s located at the city’s peninsula and offers you a wonderful view to the city and the sea.

Culinary tour

Starting with choosing the ingredients for your meal at the local fish and green market, continue with meeting the Chef in the restaurant and deal about meal preparation…
If interested in this original experience of tasting Mediterranean cuisine and Split discovering – don’t think twice about this great opportunity of culinary fun in ancient ambience of Split.

For an evening to remember you can enjoy Marcvs Marvlvus wine and cheese tasting in local Jazz Bar in the Old Town of Split.

Enjoy Mediterranean food

Dining in charming restaurants, taverns or street food bars, watching the crowd passing by or listening to live music coming from somewhere.

Visit the old fortress Klis

Klis is a medieval fortress, located just 15 min from the city that had a huge influence on defending Split from the Ottoman Empire. This is the place with breathtaking view, where some scenes from popular TV show Game of Thrones were filmed.

You can join an organized tour to Klis and Salona for a fabulous historical break near Split for exploring historical sites, museum collections of weapons and uniforms, watching military formation called Kliški Uskoci and sword duel.

Ultra Europe Music Festival

The biggest party of all, the premium world’s festival of electronic music is coming to Split in the past few years. In 2016 opening party is at Giraffe Palm Beach House on 14th of July, followed by three days of partying at Poljud Stadium (15, 16, 17th of July). After Split, Ultra Europe Music Festival is moving to islands Brač (town Bol), Hvar and Vis.

And what to say more about Ultra Europe in Split? Maybe, just a few advices – if you don’t like to party- stay away, if you don’t have tickets- hurry up!, if you don’t have accommodation – what are you waiting for?

Private fitness training

You can enjoy personal 1 on 1 training, mobility workshops, nutritional and workout programming and nutritional counseling. Find out more and book your private training HERE.

Fly by seaplane over the coast

Flying over Dalmatian coast and islands by seaplane –unique experience for fantastic aerial view of coast and spending some time on the island.

You can find more info on this great adventure of Dalmatian Islands Scenic Flight and book online.

Split flea market

Maybe you’ll find hidden treasure at Split flea market open every Sunday morning and very easy to find – it’s based in old army field called Dračevac, just off the road toward Dugopolje and A1 motorway.

Beaches in Split

Hit the beaches in Split to relax or having fun on a hot summer day! The most crowded beach with water sports and fancy beach bars is Bačvice, just 15 min walk from Diocletian Palace, but if you prefer more peace and relax you will find less crowded beaches just beneath Marjan Hill (beaches Ježinac, Bene, Kasjuni). Also, Žnjan Beach is one of the most favorite bathing place in Split, located on the east of city center, very suitable for families with children.

You can explore several Split beaches in one day and have a great time with joining Split Beaches Tour with hop-on hop-off Retro Bus!

Day trips from Split

Thanks to its location and excellent transport connections, Split is a perfect base for day trips and travelling around Dalmatia, spreading your holiday experience by visiting many other fabulous places without wasting too much time on travelling.

The choice of day trips from Split is absolutely fantastic since the tour organizers are very enthusiastic in offering the best experiences possible for their guests. That’s why we made for you a selection of organized and guided day trips from Split, all of them available for online booking on Viator website (the renowned global tour operator), and if you have enough time don’t limit yourself just to one tour.

Just keep on reading and choose what suits your interests the best, although it won’t be easy for you when you see our day trips recommendation list:

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Explore stunning natural beauty of Plitvice Lakes National Park on small-group day-long trip from Split. The small group, limited to just 15 people, ensures plenty of attention from the guide and a more intimate experience.

Read more and book online Plitvice Lakes Tour.

Unique experience of Blue Cave plus islands Hvar and Vis by motor yacht

This is one of the most popular boat tours. After pleasure boat ride by motor yacht to Biševo Island and witnessing the natural phenomenon of Blue Cave, you’ll continue ride the waves to Komiža, a small fishermen’s village on the Island of Vis. There will be a plenty of time for sightseeing and having a lunch, as well as stopping at outstanding bay of Stiniva. On the way back to Split, your next stop is town of Hvar – one of the most popular places in the world.

Read more on day trip to Blue Cave and Hvar Island  – and book online.

Krka National Park and old town of Šibenik

Spend a memorable day by visiting amazing Cathedral of St. James in Šibenik, UNESCO World Heritage and Krka Waterfalls at the same day!
Also you will have the opportunity for a lunch in a typical Dalmatian tavern and taste local delicious traditional food like prosciutto, cheese, wine and local fruits and vegetables.

Read more about amazing Krka plus Šibenik Tour here and book online.

Trogir walking tour

Discover the historic town of Trogir, UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, a historical gem of Croatia recently named in top ten island-cities in the world by National Geographic! Let professional guides take you back in time and show you all the secrets of this marvelous Dalmatian town located just a short distance on the north from Split.

Read more about Trogir Walking Tour and book online –lunch and free admission to top attractions INCLUDED.

Day trip to the world’s famous beach – Golden Horn in Bol

Enjoy swimming in the clear blue water, wind surfing and water skiing while relaxing in the afternoon summer breeze.

Book online your fantastic Day cruise to Golden Horn Beach on Brač Island.

Speedboat day tour to Hvar and Pakleni Islands

This is a great way to explore the most popular neighboring islands of Split in one day. Visit Milna, authentic Croatian town on Brač Island and enjoy wine tasting of locally produced wines. Discover Hvar’s historical background during a sightseeing tour local tour guide and swim in one of beautiful bays of Pakleni Islands.

For more info on Day tour to Hvar and Pakleni Island and bookonline. 

Private boat tour to Šolta Island

This tour provides lots of free time for swimming, snorkeling and enjoying the untouched nature. Private tours means that everything can be custom made to your wishes. This excursion is the best for families with children and people who just want to enjoy Mediterranean nature.

Read more on Private Boat Tour to Šolta Island.

More of beautiful Šolta Island – tour by bike!

Travel by ferry to quiet Šolta island, known for its honey, olives and wine, and enjoy a leisurely cycle through the countryside by  bike. Enjoy personalized attention from your guide on this Private 5-hour bike tour of Šolta Island.

Discover the gorgeous Kornati National Park

This is an amazing and relaxing tour to the Croatian island paradise with more than 140 islands and islets. Kornati Archipelago will surprise you with its raw natural beauty. Kornati Islands are situated in North Dalmatia close to towns Zadar and Šibenik.

Read more about this great day trip to Kornati Archipelago and book online.

Day trip to Dubrovnik

Although Dubrovnik is not just around the corner, you should consider visiting it from Split for a day trip, especially if you are not sure when will you be back to this part of Europe. Dubrovnik is “the pearl of the Adriatic”, the outstanding old town that will take your breath away while discovering its City Walls and Fortresses, as well as walking in the main Stradun Street.

Read more about Small group day trip to Dubrovnik and book online.

Canyoning on Cetina River

Adventure for everyone! The canyon is situated near the village of Zadvarje in the country side of Omiš. In some places canyon cliffs rise up to 180 meters of height. Basic canyoning is the combination of walking, hiking, sliding down the rapids, swimming in crystal clear natural water pools, walking through the tunnels and swimming under the highest waterfall on Cetina River.

Read more on Canyoning adventure with transfer from Split and book online.

Zipline extravaganza over Cetina River

Get adventurous across a canyon of extreme but safe heights – 492 feet (150 meters) in the air. Hop off and hop on up to eight different stable platforms and have drink with an amazing view from the platforms during this 3-hour tour. The Zipline over Cetina River is limited at just 10 people and you’ll have a great Zipline experience over Cetina River.

Jeep Mountain Safari Kozjak

An unique ride with the Land Rover Defender through the Kozjak Mountain where you will enjoy the magnificent views on the city of Split and the islands. You will experience an unforgettable adventure driving up the mountain Kozjak and get to know its natural and cultural heritage.

Read more about Jeep Mountain Safari Tour with Lunch from Split and book online.

Secrets of Vranjača Cave Private Tour

The Vranjača Cave is located in the heart of the Dalmatian hinterland, at the base of Mosor Mountain, just 30 min from the city of Split. Discover the richness of the cave in your own individual way. Your professional driver will pick you up at your address and take you to the Vranjača Cave, a protected geo-morphological natural monument.

Day trip to Mostar and Međugorje

Experience Bosnia and Herzegovina on a day tour visiting the unique Old Bridge in Mostar, UNESCO World Heritage site and pilgrim place Međugorje. Discover their interesting history and must see attractions with professional tour guide. On the tour you will have the opportunity to visit walled town of Počitelj and enjoy the beauty of Kravice Waterfalls.

Read more about Mostar and Medjugorje Discovery Day Trip from Split.

Snorkeling adventure around islands Šolta and Čiovo

Enjoy snorkeling in some of the most beautiful locations in Dalmatia, especially around the area of islands of Šolta and Čiovo. While snorkeling, you’ll face colorful walls overgrown with all kinds of corals, sponges, gorgonian (yellow and, very rare red gorgonian), caves, wrecks and rich flora and fauna.

Read more on this amazing snorkeling adventure and book online.

Diving adventure around islands Šolta and Čiovo

This exciting adventure is organized for diving amateurs as well as for professionals, in the area of islands of Šolta and Čiovo. While diving, you’ll explore the colorful walls overgrown with all kinds of corals, sponges, gorgonian (yellow and, very rare red gorgonian), caves, wrecks and rich flora and fauna.

Read more info on this diving adventure and book online.

Six tips for day trips from Split in your own arrangement

Almost all the places and day trips from the section above, that we mentioned to visit in an organized and guided tour, you can visit and explore by yourself. If you prefer travelling around in your own arrangement here are some tips for your better travelling experience:

TIP 1. If you travel by car, you can easily reach many coastal places by hitting the main motorway A1, in any direction, south or north. You can take a day trip to North – to towns Šibenik or Trogir, Klis Fortress just above the Split, or to South – to town Omiš  and beautiful Cetina River for canyoning, or down to Makarska Riviera.

TIP 2. If you travel to Šibenik don’t miss to explore nearby Krka Waterfalls.

TIP 3. Visiting Plitvice Lakes National Park from Split is a little far away but close enough for a day trip, and worth of ride.

TIP 4. If you plan a day trip to the island Brač, Hvar, Šolta or Korčula, you should leave the car in mainland – it is an unnecessary waste of time while waiting for boarding a ferry in the harbor but also a waste of money for ferry car tickets. The best way to visit and explore islands is on a scooter, but you can definitely go without any vehicle – although the public traffic (buses) on the islands is not perfect, you can always take a taxi for some places that might be out of the reach.

TIP 5. For buying ferry or catamaran tickets just go to national company Jadrolinija, the main building is in the harbor, or to several other Jadrolinija ticket spots in the city. If travelling by ferry to islands, or all way down to Dubrovnik, you can also board another ferry and catamaran company Kapetan Luka. Both companies sell ferry tickets online.

TIP 6. Finally, if you plan to make your day trips by bus, there are numerous bus companies travelling to all places around and you just have to pick a date and time. For more information check bus timetables on official Split Bus Terminal .

If you plan to make day trips from Split by own car, or you consider renting a car, please read our Getting around Croatia by car and learn about general traffic law and many other useful information.

Accommodation in Split – where to stay

If you are travelling to Split for the first time, you’ll be very very surprised by superb accommodation and plenty of incredible staying options in this ancient city. In recent years the popularity of Split is huge and you can choose between numerous possibilites for all budgets and tastes.

We believe Hotelscombined.com will be a great help to find you the best accommodation deals and to get the most out of your booking!

With Hotelscombined.com you can COMPARE ALL TOP TRAVEL SITES IN ONE SEARCH (including Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, Hotels.com, Venera, Laterooms) and find exactly what are you looking – EASILY and QUICKLY.

To make it easier for you, we made a SELECTION OF ACCOMMODATION IN SPLIT, all mostly located in the heart of the city for your best experience of exploring the sites and attractions, shops, bars, fine dining and food restaurants. The city’s sandy beach Bačvice can be reached within a 15-minute walk from the most of accommodation on our list, if you are too lazy for beaches discovering in the surroundings.

Selection of 4 stars accommodation in Split

Radisson Blu Resort Split
Just steps away from a beautiful pebble beach and only 3 kilometers from the city center, Radisson Blu Resort provides the best of natural beauty and a bustling downtown. Several on-site restaurants and bars give guests plenty of options for dining or cooling off with a refreshing beverage. At Radisson Blu Resort you can enjoy a drink at Door, before enjoying a meal at Fig Leaf. In the evening, guests are welcome to relax in the cosy lounge bar.

Cornaro Hotel
The location of Cornaro Hotel is great and its ancient ambience, along with interior elegance, are complemented by the latest technology integrated throughout each room and hotel facilities. Unique combination of design, personal touch and charming atmosphere make your stay at the Cornaro Hotel fantastic vacation experience. They offer dining at the in-house restaurant, conveniently based for those who want to stay close by at mealtime. Each evening, guests can relax in the comfortable lounge bar.

Prior Suites Split
Located in the heart of the Old Town of Split, Prior Suites Split is only 100 m from the UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace and the Riva promenade. Housed in a renovated 18th century house, each room is individually decorated in vivid colours and dark hardwood floors. Prior Suites Split offers modern accommodation in the individually-decorated rooms with in-room closet. Guests can relax in Prior Suites Split’s bar and try international and local style food in the restaurant.

Jupiter Luxury Hotel
Hotel Jupiter is settled in the middle of 1700 years old Diocletian’s Palace, near the Jupiter Temple and the Peristil.. It is a place for your romantic getaway, perfect location for exploring the culture and art of this city full of life. If you want accommodation surrounded by centuries-old history in the villa of the Roman emperor, don’t look further. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and offers views of the city.

Hotel Marmont
Marmont Hotel is located in the heart of the Old Town of Split, only one minute away from Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The elegant rooms all feature dark walnut furniture, oak wood floors, a large work space and a minibar. A local cuisine and daily breakfast with fresh fruitare served in the hotel restaurant, which features authentic 15th-century walls. The Marmont Hotel’s lounge bar has an open-air terrace overlooking the old town’s rooftops.

More fantastic 4 stars accommodation in Split

Vestibul Palace
Heritage Hotel Diocletian
Starlight Luxury Rooms
Boutique Hotel Zephyrus Split
Priuli Luxury Rooms

Dalmatian Apartment Lavanda Split
Antique Split Luxury Rooms
Divota Apartment Hotel
Apartments Priska

Palace Judita Heritage Hotel
Hotel Luxe
Piazza Luxury Rooms

Selection of 3 stars accommodation in Split

Borna and Franko Rooms
Located within the walls of the UNESCO-protected Diocletian’s Palace, Borna and Franko Rooms is only a short walk away from all Split’s main historic sights. Decorated with hardwood floors and stone walls, all rooms come with air conditioning and a flat-screen cable TV. Numerous restaurants, cafés and bars are few steps away.

Captain’s Apartments
Wonderful and charming Captian’s apartments, ideally located in the heart of the city, are gems of Split accommodation. All modern-style apartments are featured with fantastic decorations and details, stone wall elements and hardwood floors. This is simply fantastic experience beyond your expectations for unforgettable vacation.

Best of Split Apartments
Set in the heart of the city, Best Of Split Apartments offers easy access to Split’s popular shopping and sightseeing areas. Apartments are situated at various locations inside Diocletian’s Palace or in Split’s old town, offering fully-equipped kitchenette, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
You can enjoy your breakfast at one of the nearby bistros.

Hotel B&B Villa Kaštel 1700 3 stars
Located next to the pedestrian promenade of Split, in the town centre, Hotel B&B Kastel 1700 offers an amazing sea view or a view of the Mediaeval square. It’s situated in the south of Diocletian’s Palace, the location is outstanding and 30 years of tradition will make your stay to remember.

Other great 3 stars accommodations in Split:

Palace Tower Apartments
Split Inn Apartments
Apartments Banica
Rooms & Apartments Matkovic
Malena Apartments

Hostels in Split

Design Hostel Goli & Bosi, 3 stars, provides an art deco setting while in Split. It is close to Diocletian’s Palace, eateries and shops. This chic hostel was named one of the best hostels in the world. Check out why…

Tchaikovsky Hostel, 3 stars, is a cosy accommodation with easy access to Split’s main shopping areas and tourist attractions. The modern rooms have common garden, wireless internet access and heating. Guests staying in the rooms also have access to a communal bathroom.

Diocletian’s Palace Hostel, 3-star, is a trendy hosteloffering modern rooms with in-room closet, a hair salon, and miuch more for your enjoyable stay. On-site dining options include a restaurant, which is an ideal spot to have a meal. Guests can relax and enjoy a drink at the wine bar.

Hostel Spalatus, 3 stars, is located just a short walk from Diocletian’s Palace, provides spacious comfortable rooms equipped with heating and a flat-screen TV. They offer airport shuttle, laundry facilities and luggage storage and other essentials to ensure your enjoyable stay.

Other Hostels in Split

Downtown Hostel Split
CroParadise Hostel & Apartments
Dujam Hostel
Hostel Split Backpackers
Backpacker’s Fairytale

Where is Split and how to get there

If you have never been travelling to this part of Europe, where is Split? is pretty understandable question to ask. The famous Split, largest coastal city in Croatia, is located in the heart of Croatian Adriatic coast, just on your way to Southern Dalmatian Coast and islands.

Simply, there’s no excuse to skip Split if travelling to Southern Dalmatia since it’s reachable by all ways.

Travelling to Split by car

If you travel to Split by car you’ll drive the motorway A1 (Dalmatina) probably. The road adventurers who want to explore places, or just want to avoid paying toll, will drive along Adriatic road – picturesque and curvy road connecting Rijeka and Dubrovnik.

If you travel to Split from south, from Dubrovnik or Makarska, first you’ll drive on Adriatic road to Ploče when you continue your journey on motorway A1 (direction north) to Split. Or you can just drive Adriatic road all the way from Dubrovnik to Split.

Flights to Split from Europe

Numerous European airlines serve flights to Split Airport but mostly during the summer season but many of them fly to Split from May till end of October.

Croatia Airlines, British Airways, GermanWings, Smartwings, Norwegian, SAS, Estonian Air, Finnair, Norwegian, Easyjet , Wizzair, jet2.com, Volotea, Air Berlin, Condor, Eurolot, Air Serbia, Iberia, Edelweiss , Skywork

Daily flights to Split via Zagreb year-round

The national company Croatia Airlines has daily flights from Zagreb to Split year round. When it comes to flights in summer season, the frequency is very high with many lines from Europe flying to Split via Zagreb.

Read more info on transfer from Split Airport to town centre on our Flying around Croatia page.

Travelling to Split by train

Travelling to Split by train is possible from almost all European cities, although the majority of routes include train switch in Zagreb. For better planning travelling from Europe to Split by train check the Die Bahn website and Croatian Railways website.
If you travel to Split by train from Istria for any reason, and we hope it’s a good one, you will need to put some effort in your journey planning and definitely more travel time comparing to other travel options. For sure you will need to get to Rijeka Train Station first, but try to avoid any Istria-to-Dalmatia-By-Train-Route if possible.

Getting to Split by bus

Since many bus companies operates routes from Europe to Split year-round (from Germany, Austria, France, Hungary, Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden), travelling to Split by bus is one of the best options, and very comfortable at the same time.

The most of these lines operate via Zagreb route, what is pretty reasonable since the motorway A1 to Split starts in Zagreb. If your home town or country is out of these routes, you can get to Zagreb first where you’ll easily catch one of the buses from Zagreb to Split since they leave almost every hour during the whole year.

Finally, if you want to get to Split by bus from Croatian southernmost towns Dubrovnik or Cavtat, just take a bus at Dubrovnik Bus Terminal.

For more info please check Split Bus Terminal or Zagreb Bus Terminal.

Ferry from Ancona to Split

The national ferry company Jadrolinija, operates route from Italy (Ancona) to Split year round.
In summer season two more ferry companies connect Italian coast to Split – companies SNAV and Blue Line.

Car rentals in Split

Renting a car for travelling around Split is a great idea! The motorway A1 will take you to numerous fantastic places in any direction, to north or south. The most important is to plan your travelling in advance and book your car on time, especially in main summer season!

We recommend you to arrange you car hire with Rentalcars company – the world’s biggest online car rental service.

Rentalcars.com deals with all the major car hire companies around the world in 169 countries checking which local supplier is offering the best prices for the car you want on the date you need it whilst ensuring everyone they deal with offers a great level of service.

Before you hit the road, get to know general traffic law, toll charges, your driving license validity, Green Card Car Insurance, etc. All these answers and more information for your better driving experience and safety, you’ll find on our Car rentals page and Getting around Croatia by car page.

We recommend you to Download FREE CROATIA TRAFFIC INFO APP from iTunes with detailed traffic and travel information including roadside assistance service (available in English, Italian, German and Croatian).

Map of Split