When thinking of Split, we usually imagine Diocletian’s palace, coffee drinkers on the riva, restaurants tucked in alleyways and open air markets. What many may often dismiss or overlook is that largely lush green hill to the west of the riva, in clear view of you most all of the time: Marjan. Considered to be the lungs pumping oxygen into Split, Marjan is the perfect escape from busy high season crowds. For locals, Marjan is a peaceful temple for serenity, and for tourists, Marjan is like finding the golden egg at an Easter egg hunt – unexpectedly joyous.
Marjan is a hill on a peninsula that stands 178 meters above sea level. Densely populated with thick mediterranean pine forest and wholly surrounded by the city and the Adriatic sea, Marjan makes for a truly unique setting. There are more than a few ways to tackle Marjan, and depending on what strikes your fancy, there really is something for everyone here.
There are two main walking paths to Marjan. One path begins on the northern side of Split, and ends with one of Split’s most popular beaches, Bene. This path offers bike rentals and wraps around the hill with meandered surfaced paths. The other (southern) path leads you directly to the top of Marjan. This path begins in Vidilica and reveals a hefty 314 steps to the top of Telegrin (but don’t be too alarmed, in true Dalmatian fashion there is a cafe bar for you to rest in).
Marjan boasts stunning panoramic lookout points, 13th century churches, one of the oldest Jewish cemeteries in the region, botanical gardens, park benches to relax on, old stone houses, and beaches that are to die for. You’ll come across fitness enthusiasts, joggers, roller skaters, bicyclists, tennis players, watersports, and your everyday tourist with a packed lunch and a bottle of water fully embracing the atmosphere surrounding them.
All in all, Marjan is an attraction you don’t want to miss. Whether you are a local and don’t take advantage of it as much as you should, or a tourist with not enough time in Split, find a way to incorporate Marjan into your life, schedule, or day plan. It may take you a full day to tear into all of it with over 6 kilometers of walking, or you may only make it up for a cup of coffee and a breathtaking view of Split, but in the end we promise you won’t be sorry.
