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Split
A lively Dalmatian port built in and around a Roman emperor’s palace, and the gateway to the islands
A lively Dalmatian port built in and around a Roman emperor’s palace, and the gateway to the islands
The heart of the old town, with the colonnaded Peristyle, the cathedral built from Diocletian’s mausoleum, the Temple of Jupiter and the palace cellars.
Climb the cathedral bell tower for views over the palace.
Photo: Following Hadrian, CC BY-SA 2.0
The palm-lined waterfront promenade in front of the palace, lined with cafés and busy from morning coffee to late at night.
Photo: Marie Thérèse Hébert and Jean Robert Thibault, CC BY-SA 2.0
A forested hill on the peninsula west of the centre, with walking paths, viewpoints, small chapels and swimming spots.
Walk up the steps from Varoš for the best view over the city.
Photo: Argo Navis, CC BY-SA 4.0
A small medieval town on an island about 30 minutes from Split, a UNESCO site with a Romanesque cathedral and narrow stone streets.
Photo: Michael Newman, CC BY 3.0
Try fresh fish, pašticada, soparnik (chard pie) and peka (meat or octopus slow-cooked under an iron bell), with local wines such as Plavac Mali.
Konobas (traditional taverns) in the old town and Varoš serve Dalmatian dishes.
Split Airport (SPU) is about 25km west, near Trogir; shuttle buses take around 30 to 45 minutes. Ferries and catamarans leave the main harbour for the islands, and buses run along the coast.
Croatia is in the EU and the Schengen area and uses the euro. EU citizens need only an ID card; citizens of the UK, US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, with biometric registration under the EU Entry/Exit System. An ETIAS travel authorisation is also due to be introduced. Check current rules before you travel.
Croatia has used the euro since 2023. Prices on the coast rise sharply in July and August.
Palace, hill and islands.
Explore Diocletian’s Palace, the cathedral and the cellars, then stroll the Riva in the evening.
Walk up Marjan in the morning and swim at Kaštilac or Bačvice beach.
Visit Trogir, or take a ferry to Brač or Hvar for the day.
🛂 Entry rules: EES and ETIAS
Croatia is in the Schengen area, which has two EU border systems for non-EU visitors.
EES (in force): since 10 April 2026 the EU’s Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors’ passport details, fingerprints and a photo the first time they enter the Schengen area, replacing passport stamps. Allow extra time at the border on your first trip; later crossings are quicker. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens are not registered.
ETIAS (not yet running): a €20 online travel authorisation for visitors who don’t need a visa, such as UK, US, Canadian and Australian citizens. It hasn’t started and no start date has been confirmed, so nobody can apply yet; ignore websites that offer to “pre-register” you for a fee.
Visa-free visitors can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the whole Schengen area, not per country.
Official information: EU: Travel to Europe (EES & ETIAS) · Reviewed September 2026
July and August are very busy and expensive; June and September are often the best balance of weather and crowds.
Book ferry and catamaran tickets in advance in summer; Jadrolinija and other operators sell online.
Most beaches are pebbly; water shoes help.
Parking near the old town is scarce; use public transport.
Quick answers for planning time in Split.
Yes, Croatia joined the Schengen area and adopted the euro on 1 January 2023.
Around 305 AD, as the retirement residence of the Roman emperor Diocletian.
About 30 minutes by bus or car.
By ferry or catamaran from Split harbour, in about one to two hours.
About 25km; shuttle buses take 30 to 45 minutes.
Google Maps works well; download offline maps for islands and national parks.
Free
Croatian is the language; English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Free
Bookable boat trips, walking tours and national park excursions.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Croatia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.