Split attractions

Built into the limestone bluffs outside of Split, the imposing Klis Fortress (Tvrdava Klis) was once an important defensive stronghold between the Mediterranean and the Balkans. It housed the seat of many Croatian kings, though nowadays it’s better known as the film location for the fictional city of Meereen in the series Game of Thrones.

Bacvice Beach curves in a half-moon shape around a wide bay just east of Split’s historic Unesco-listed town center. This city beach, popular with residents and visitors alike, is home to a buzzing assortment of beach bars, cafes, pastry shops, and fast-food outlets. A high-end restaurant with views over the Adriatic Sea is also a big draw.

Zlatni Rat Beach (Golden Horn or Golden Cape) is one of Croatia’s most beautiful and unique beaches. Located on the southern end of Brac Island, this narrow sliver of land juts out into the azure sea. Pebble beaches on both sides of this V-shaped promontory are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, and afternoon westerly winds make it a premiere windsurfing spot.

Built as a retirement residence for the Roman emperor Diocletian in the 4th century AD, this massive fortress-like palace makes up about half of old town Split. Although there have been plenty of changes to Diocletian’s Palace over the ages, the original quadrant design still remains with four different gates—the Brass Gate, Iron Gate, Golden Gate, and Silver Gate—that enclose this walled fortress.

Flowing for more than 60 miles (96 kilometers) from its source at Dinara on the Croatia–Bosnia and Herzegovina border all the way to the Adriatic Sea near Split, the Cetina River is a main player in Dalmatia’s adventure-sports scene. Its rushing rapids, waterfalls, and tunnels make it ideal for rafting and canyoning excursions.

Meštrović Gallery (Galerija Mestrovic) is an art museum dedicated to 20th-century Croatian sculptor, Ivan Meštrović. As his former home and atelier, the palace is an appropriate setting for the artist’s most important works, much of it religious, including a pair of walnut Adam and Eve figures and a powerful bronze Cyclops sculpture.

Bisected by the wide turquoise ribbon of the Cetina River, the steep cliffs of Cetina Canyon form a striking landscape just a short drive outside of Split, Croatia’s 2nd-largest city. In a country lush with stunning nature, Cetina Canyon is one of the easiest to reach and offers many opportunities for hiking and adventure sports.

Tucked into a shaded cove in Marjan Forest Park just west of downtown Split, Bene Beach is a peaceful alternative to the busier city beaches. Only accessible by foot, this secluded beach is a popular choice for families thanks to ample shade, lifeguards on duty, and plenty of activities for children, including playgrounds and a water slide.

Located 10 minutes’ walk from downtown Split, Croatia’s oldest museum boasts a 150,000-strong collection of ancient, medieval, and early-Christian objects, making it a must-visit for history buffs. Exhibition highlights include the country’s largest collection of gems, pottery excavated from the waters of central Dalmatia, and armour that dates back thousands of years.

The largest passenger port in Croatia and one of the busiest in the Mediterranean, the Port of Split (Luka Split) connects Croatia’s second-largest city with destinations all over the region, from nearby islands to other countries. The port is located within walking distance to the Old Town, as well as Split’s bus and train stations.

Dating back 1,700 years, Split Old Town is an archaeological jewel set within Croatia’s seaside city of Split. Hemming Split’s Riva seafront, this UNESCO-protected, car-free quarter centers on the semi-ruined Roman Diocletian’s Palace and a tangle of lanes where the city’s residents still go about their daily routines.

One of the scenic highlights of the Dalmatian Coast, Croatia’s Blue Lagoon (Krknjasi Bay) represents the best of this seaside region. A shallow natural swimming hole located off the east coast of Drvenik Veli—and protected by two smaller islands—the lagoon is known for its glass-clear water and turquoise hue. Little wonder it’s an essential stop on island-hopping tours.

Located just outside of Split in Croatia, Salona is an ancient town that brings Greek and Roman history to life. Once the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia, Salona is home to ancient ruins, including thermal baths, an amphitheater, and a Roman aqueduct. The golden light on the stone is reason enough to visit these beautiful Roman ruins.

With sweeping views across the Bay of Kastela and Split, rugged but low-lying Mt. Kozjak (Mali Kozjak) offers hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, and ziplining. There are around 50 miles (80 kilometers) of marked trails through forest and over open ground, some running across to neighboring mountains. Tiny and photogenic chapels add cultural interest to the summits.

Surely one of Croatia’s most bizarre museums, Froggyland is the life’s work of taxidermist Ferenc Mere—a unique project that includes over 500 stuffed frogs arranged into fun dioramas, where they play sports, go to school, and carry out everyday human tasks. Fun, quirky, and utterly captivating, it has to be seen to be believed.

Split’s Ethnographic Museum (Etnografski Muzej) has been showcasing Dalmatia’s rich cultural heritage since the beginning of the 20th century. Located within Diocletian’s Palace, the museum comprises historical exhibits, a 7th-century church and medieval courtyard, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Split Old Town.