With so many places to choose from around the world, why take a holiday in Split? More people are visiting the Dalmatian capital each year, staying more days, and coming out of season. With EU entry around the corner and more than 80 destinations connected to the city from 43 airlines, Split has never been more accessible. Here are ten reasons to visit:
1. Heritage
Pride of place in the sightseeing stakes is the 1,700 year-old Diocletian’s Palace, built for a Roman Emperor, and very much a thriving community today. Take a tour of the palace and learn the considerable secrets of its colourful and past. Or explore on your own, and discover quaint little squares and delightful hidden cafes. Unlike many other ‘museum’ old towns, the atmosphere in the old town is vibrant. There is plenty more hertitage in and around Split, but Diocletian’s Palace is the place to start.
2. Adventure
From rock climbing and hunting, to sailing and kayaking, white water rafting and spearfishing, to hiking, horse riding and cycling, Split is an exceptional base from which to enjoy an active adventure holiday. With the Adriatic Sea, River Cetina, Biokovo mountains and spacious inland Dalmatia all within close proximity, there can be few destinations which offer such a varied activity programme.
3. Wine
Croatian wine is attracting increasing international attention, with the wines of Dalmatia among the wines attracting the most plaudits. A relative of Zinfandel, the Plavac Mali grape is now exported from California to China. Wine bars are opening in Split, and some excellent and innovative wine day trips are now available both on the mainland and islands such as Hvar, a great opportunity to experience the Dalmatian wine story first hand. With 130 indigenous grape varieties in Croatia, there is plenty to learn.
4. Laganini Lifestyle
The Split waterfront is a place of style, sun and relaxation. Laganini, they call it. There are few cities in the world where the waterfront is packed most of the day, every day. When locals find time to work is a question, when there is all this stylish relaxing and people watching to enjoy on the waterfront. The opening of the new West Coast riva in April 2013 has even more laganini opportunities.
5. Culture
Split is a city of culture, with an excellent range of museums and art galleries celebrating the history, enthnography, heritge and art of the city. From the Croatian National Theatre to the oldest children’s puppet theatre in Croatia, there is plenty to enjoy in a lively cultural scene. Check out the latest news and events with a visit to the tourist board.
6. Food
The Dalmatian menu has a major focus on fresh and seasonal quality. A quick visit to two of Split’s most famous markets are testament to that. The fish market is a tourist attraction in itself, and some palace walking tours include a stop, where visitors can choose their own for preparation for lunch in a nearby restaurant after the tour, while the green market often astonishes visitors with its colour, variety and seasonal freshness.
7. Island Hopping
Formally known as the Gateway to the Islands, before tourists discovered the considerable joys of Split, those islands have not gone away. Hvar, Brac, Vis and Solta are all manageable in a day trip – or longer – and a combination of dividing a holiday with the attractions of Split and the beaches of the islands offer great possibilities to create the perfect holiday.
8. Festivals
From the 60,000 people expected at this year’s inaugural Ultra Europe music festival to the annual Days of Diocletian, Split has a full programme festival throughout the year, which continues right up to New Year’s Even with Silvesta Salsa, the biggest dance party in Europe that night. For five festivals not to miss, click here.
9. National Parks
Croatia is a country of astonishing natural beauty, and visitors to Split have the options offered by the sea, the mountains and the national parks. Among the most popular day trips are visits to Plitvice Lakes, Krka Waterfalls and Kornati National Park.The combinations of a Spilt holiday are limitless. Trips to other stunning coastal cities, such as Trogir, Sibenik and Omis are all easily organised.
10. Inland Dalmatia
The most underrated and under promoted aspect to being based in Split. Inland Dalmatia is a combination of raw beauty, agro-tourism, a rich and turbulent history, adrenaline sports and fabulous food and wine. Fascinating towns such as Sinj and Trilj are little more than a 30 minute drive from Split, and offer a completely different insight to this astonishing region.
So visit Split! We are waiting for your visit!
