Split © Croatian National Tourist Board
Why? Split is an excellent base from which to explore
Central Dalmatia's exquisite coastline. However a holiday in Split
offers not only beautiful surroundings and easy access to some of
Croatia's most popular islands, but also a fascinating old town
that is included on UNESCO's World Heritage list, a busy waterfront
promenade and all the amenities of a large city.
When? Croatia's coastal Mediterranean climate means that
summer is the most popular time to travel to Split, although the
off-season months of May and September are a good alternative for
pleasant weather and fewer people.
Who for? Those who choose to holiday in Split come for the
flourishing beach life in summer, but also to enjoy its unique
setting and high-spirited nature.
More Info: Our detailed Split guide lists a number of
worthwhile excursions from the city, as well as attractions within
Split itself.
Overview
The pretty city of Split has a rich history. Since ancient times
it has, in various guises, served as the economic and
administrative centre of the beautiful Croatian Adriatic coastal
region, today called Dalmatia. The city sits mainly on a peninsula
on the eastern part of the island of Ciovo, although it has
nowadays spread onto the mainland and encompasses the mouth of the
River Cetina. From the 5th to the 2nd century BC Greek colonists
settled the mainland and adjacent islands. Later came the Romans,
in particular the Emperor Diocletian, who, being of Dalmatian
origin, elected to build a huge palace at a spot then called
Salona, in AD 303. A town grew up around the palace, and
eventually, by the Middle Ages, the city of Split had begun to
develop.
The Diocletian's Palace still stands in the very heart of the
old part of Split, which charms visitors with its cobbled streets
and Roman architecture. The greater Split area is characterised by
its lush vegetation and green areas, particularly Marjan Hill on
the west of the peninsula with its ancient indigenous forest. The
city makes an ideal base from which to explore the islands, beauty
spots, and historic villages in central Dalmatia.
Split is also world renowned among seafarers for the quality,
and quantity, of its marinas. There are 44 of them in the city area
together.
