Split Things To Do

Trip to the islands
A trip to the islands should be top of any things-to-do list on a city break in Split. Jadrolinija, the ferry company, has regular services that connect the city with different islands, including Brac, home to Supetar, with its glorious beaches, water sports, restaurants, bars, shops and Bol, famous for its marble stone.

Cathedral of St Dominius
The core of the cathedral is a third-century octagonal mausoleum, built for Diocletian. It became a church in the seventh century, when refugees from nearby Salona dedicated it to their former bishop, ironically a victim of Diocletian's anti-Christian campaign. Today, the interior bears Romanesque and Venetian-Gothic details.

Maritime Museum
The museum presents Split’s historic connection with the sea within the walls of the 17th-century Gripe Fortress. Exhibits include scale models of ships, seafaring paraphernalia and the world’s first torpedoes; a fascinating stop on any sightseeing itinerary.

People’s Square
Linked to Diocletians Palace by the Zeljezna Vrata (Iron Gate), this pedestrian-only space has been Split’s main square since the 14th century. Paved with white marble, it is circled with open-air cafes. The centrepiece is the 15th-century Town Hall with three Venetian-Gothic arches, which houses a modest Ethnographic Museum.

Diocletian's Palace
Designed as a retirement home for Emperor Diocletian in AD 295, this vast complex is based on a rectangular plan and has four outer walls. Diocletian’s private quarters overlooked the water, while the northern half accommodated soldiers and servants. Much of the palace is now a labyrinth of stone buildings and paved alleys added from the 14th century onwards.

Marjan Forest Park
Towering pine trees shelter multiple walking trails – a pleasant escape from the bustling city – and characterise the Marjan Forest Park. A popular activity for Split residents is a stroll up the Marjan Stairway, which provides access to the vantage point of Telegrin where the views out to sea are spectacular.