October 1, 2019 – Need something to do in Split when the sun isn’t shining? A closer look at rainy-day activities in the Dalmatian capital.
If you follow Croatian tourism, chances are, you’re aware that the Croatian National Tourist Board and Ministry of Tourism are moving their focus towards ‘year-round’ tourism, and primarily, tourism that doesn’t need the ‘sun and the sea’.
Split is one of Croatia’s top destinations, the bustling capital of Dalmatia, and is known for its waterfront promenade and accessibility to many of Dalmatia’s islands. Namely, it is the spotlight of a summer holiday.
However, with autumn in full swing (though this extended summer weather might say otherwise), we thought we’d run through everything possible in Split without the sunshine.
The Cinema
Let’s start with an easy one – going to the cinema. Known to be a favorite activity for the cozier months, this pastime has never lost its touch. Fortunately, those of you in Split have quite a few cinemas to choose from, like the Cineplexx at City Center One, where you can enjoy 3D and the new MX4D technology, the Cinestar at the Joker Shopping Center, or Mall of Split’s Cinestar 4DX, which was named the best new cinema in Europe in 2018. However, if you’re looking for something central and a bit more modest, you can always visit Kino Karaman, or see what’s playing at Kinoteka Zlatna Vrata.
Ivanisevic Ivan – ivanisevicivan.com
Shopping Malls
Did you know that Split has three shopping malls, one of which is the largest shopping mall in Dalmatia? If you feel like splurging on some of the world’s leading fashion brands or diving into the food court comfort of McDonald’s, Burger King, or Chinese, you won’t find it hard to kill some time outside of the sunshine here. You can choose between Joker, which is the closest shopping centre to the old town (10 mins on foot), the Mall of Split, which is accessible by public transport buses 1, 5, 6, 10, 16, 18, and 22, or City Center One, which can be reached by the 18, 3 or 6. If you’re not up for shopping or eating, you can enjoy the casino, go-karting, and the Museum of Senses.
Croatian National Theatre
The new season at the Croatian National Theatre in Split begins this month and features two operas and four drama premieres, two ballets, and many reruns and concerts. The opera premieres will include Giuseppe Verdi’s opera Rigoletto and Verdi’s Lombardi, while the ballet premieres include Piazzolla/Stravinski and Barak Marshall’s Monger. Drama fans will be able to enjoy Lepurica by Ana Prolić and Bambina by Ana Tonković Dolenčić which brings Neno Belan’s hits to the big stage. Little Floramye, Splitski Akvarel, Ero s onoga svijeta, Parallel Worlds, The Crucible, The Imaginary Invalid, The Taming of the Shrew, Coppelia, The Nutcracker, Death and the Dervish, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Requiem have all been announced this season. You can see the full HNK Split schedule here.
HNK Split
Museums and Galleries
If you can’t be at the beach, soaking up Split’s history and art should be a close second. Not only will you find that this rainy-day activity is quite affordable, but you’ll gain a bit of knowledge, too. Perhaps Split’s most favorite museum is the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery, which is housed in a villa steps away from the beach and includes works by the 20th-century Croatian sculptor. The Split City Museum, which is located inside the Gothic-Renaissance Papalic palace, boasts 2,000 years of the city’s history. The Gallery of Fine Arts holds over 5,200 works from the 14th century to present day, while the Ethnographic Museum, located right next to Peristyle, presents extremely valuable ethnographic collections that give us a look into the former life of the inhabitants of Split, the islands and deep into Dalmatia’s hinterland. And that’s just part of it.
Explore Diocletian’s Basement
Whether you enter from the Riva or Peristyle, you’ll want to check out Diocletian’s basement (or cellar). While tacky souvenir shops take up part of the substructure, buy a ticket and take the ride through the palace’s substructure. Known to Game of Thrones fans as the place where Daenerys Targaryen kept her dragons in the popular TV series, the basement is also the best-preserved remains of the Palace. While it’s empty now, this area was once used as storage during Diocletian’s time – and we’re certain you’ll find the acoustics pretty impressive, too. If you’re lucky, you can visit during one of the many events held there, from art exhibitions and live classical music shows to wine and flower fairs, and many other social and cultural happenings.
Copyright Romulic & Stojcic
Enjoy Split’s Specialty Coffee
Coffee culture is synonymous with Split, so much so that you’ll use the phrase ‘meeting for a coffee’ as a cover for just about any type of meeting. Whether its a casual chat with friends or you’re closing a big business deal, chances are, you’ll be at a cafe (but whether you’re actually drinking coffee is debatable). So, why not visit one of Split’s specialty coffee shops to call home during rainy weather? New to the Split coffee scene this year is Kava 2, the second location in the Kava family after Hvar. Not only do they roast their beans, but they’ll offer specialty drinks such as the piccolo, flat white, and cold brew tonic. Their homemade baked goods are the perfect addition to any drink. You can also try D16 or 4coffee soul food if you need a coffee-to-go!
Kava
Drinking, Eating, Indulging
This one is a no-brainer. Park yourself in a pub, restaurant, or cafe for hours and enjoy the change in weather. Gossip with friends, grab a book (which you can also rent from Split’s City Library), or get out your laptop to get ahead at work (er… realistically, catch up). If you’re at a restaurant, use the time to dig into Dalmatia’s local cuisine and wine. If you’re at a pub, take a drinking tour of Croatia’s craft beer. And if you’re at a cafe, eat the cake. Rainy weather is the ultimate excuse.
Adventure Time
Did you know that you can still go rafting down the Cetina river even if it rains? Less than an hour away by car from Split, head to Omis to get your adrenaline rush and sign up for a rafting tour! Hiking is another outdoor activity that is better in colder weather, and experienced cyclists might prefer this season, too. Exploring Split’s surroundings, like Trogir, Inland Dalmatia, Klis, Kastela, or Makarska can be reached by a short bus ride – but make sure you have your umbrella in tow!
Copyright Romulic & Stojcic
And if all else fails, stay in and order delivery
Did you know that Split has three online food delivery services now? Whether you choose Croatian delivery pioneer Dobar Tek, Wolt, or Glovo, you’ll be safe inside and still satisfied by some of Split’s best restaurants.
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