Did you know that the Croatian’s main coast stretches around 1700 km and has over 1000 islands making it a peak summer destination? When you have a beach, sun, mother nature and a coastal party, what else you need?Long coast!!Only after coming to Germany, I came to know that a country called Croatia existed. The popularity increased when this little country finished as runners in the FIFA world cup 2018 hosted by Russia.I heard from a few Germans that Croatia is one of the underrated European destinations. We set for a 3 day trip to Croatia visiting coastal cities of Split and DubrovnikIn this blog, let us have a look at Split.
Blog Contents
Croatian Currency
Croatian Kuna (CK) is the official currency and 1€ ~ 7.4 CK and 1$ ~ 6.7 CK.
Top things to do in Split
1. Diocletian’s Palace
Popularly known as ‘the city within the city’, this palace was our first stop. Dedicated to the Roman emperor Diocletian, this 7.5-acre vast complex is built of local marble and limestone. Find more info about the palace renovation in the World Monuments Fund.Declared as the UNESCO World Heritage site, the palace has three temples, a monumental peristyle (courtyard with a walkway), mausoleum (a group of tombs). Some sections have survived 1500 years. Diocletian’s palaceNear the Southern peristyle, steps are leading down to a small basement. This path was once used to sell food and wine but now you can find vendors selling souvenirs. Near the basement end, there was a long line. I had no idea why. Then I came to know that few scenes from the famous Game of Thrones(GOT) series were shot in the cellar. For all those crazy GOT fans, buy a ticket and explore the cellar.
Entry fee
By the time you search where the palace is, you are already inside the palace. Yes, the entry around the palace is free as it is considered as part of the city but a separate fee for Cellar (40 CK or 6€) Walls inside the palace
2. Saint Domnius Cathedral
Initially built as a part of Diocletian’s palace, St Domnius cathedral was converted to a cathedral in the 7th century. It is one of the well-preserved architecture.The Cathedral is split into two sections
A church dedicated to Virgin Mary
A Belltower dedicated to St Domnius (Roman bishop)
The Cathedral’s Belltower is a masterpiece from the Medieval era. You can also climb the Belltower (fee ~ 3.5 €) for a panoramic view.
For FAQs, scroll down to the bottom. I hope it helps.
3. Golden gate
This 4th century stone structure is the entrance to the Diocletian’s palace. Originally called Porta Orientalis, the gate got its name in the 16th century under the influence of Venice. The Golden gate
4. Grgur Ninski Statue
Just outside the Golden gate is the statue of Gregory of Nin, a bishop in the medieval Croatian capital. He has historic importance as the bishop was the defender of Croatian culture and language. The Balkan region has his sculpture in many towns and villagesGrgur Ninski StatueStanding 28 feet tall, the statue is easily recognizable. Rubbing his big toe is said to fulfil your wish. Hundreds of people rub this toe every day.
5. Let me pass the street
This tiny pathway is one of the narrowest streets in the world. The width is good enough for one person to pass at a time. Navigating to this street would be difficult. Ask the locals for help.One of the world’s narrowest streets !!!
6. Republic square
This square is a hub for concerts, festivals, and events. Constructed in Venetian style, this place is worth a stop for a cup of coffee or some traditional cuisine.Republica square almost emptyDuring our visit, the square was unoccupied as the weather was relatively cooler. Visit split has more info about every attraction.
7. Riva harbour
The best place to be in Split is the Riva harbour. It was by far the most lively and happening place. Lined with coffee shops, restaurants, currency exchange centres, souvenirs shops on one side, the other side had a stretch of palm trees for the pedestrian.Pedestrians paradiseGrab a seat under the trees and admire the beauty of the Adriatic sea. I lost count on how many pictures we clicked at this spot. Along with the palace, this point was built 1700 years ago and again redesigned in 2005.We came back to this spot once again for sunset. It was truly a mesmerizing experience. During the night, the place is completely lit with lights. I didn’t want to leave the harbour. Sunset
8. Piazza square
Known as People’s Square, the Piazza square is the main square in the Split old town. The renaissance clock tower is one of the oldest buildings in this area. The square is alive at any time of the day. Street musicians make your walk pleasant. Clock tower
Ice cream shops are famous and cheap (~1€) in this part of the country. We lost count of how many ice creams we had on the whole trip. Every corner had a busy ice cream shop.
Our teamIf you have more time, consider also visiting9. Poljud Stadium – a multi-use stadium located in the northern region of Split.10. Mestrovic Gallery – Art museum dedicated to Ivan Meštrović, a 20th-century sculptor.11. Bacvice beach – Located in the heart of Split, this is the favourite sandy beach for the locals.12. Split National theatre – One of the oldest surviving theatres, the theatre is located in the city centre. 13. Froggyland – Popular destination for kids, the museum has preserved over 500 dead frogs. The culture trip has more info about all these attractions.
How to reach Split
Bus
Many bus operators like Flixbus, Črnja Tours, Arriva connect Split with other parts of Europe. The prices start from 10€ to 80€ depending on your departure city. We boarded an overnight Flixbus from Munich, Germany to Split. But the negative side of buses is the disturbed night’s sleep.Get set, go !!Get by bus shows a handful of bus operators to Split. You can compare prices and select an operator.
Train
Zagreb, Croatia’s capital is the only connecting point to the Split train station. The scenic journey takes about 7-8 hours and costs about 200 CK. Remember that there is no train connection along the Croatian coast and the only way is through the air or by road. Hence train is the least preferred option in Croatia.
Croatia during peak summers (May-September) will be expensive as the entire coast is wrapped with tourists. The costs for accommodation, flights are tripled during this season compared to normal. So we visited during Spring(April) and Split was not touristy. I booked a home for 10€ pp in Booking.comThe beach was warm enough to stand but cold enough to do any water activity. A pleasant day
Overall…
I would say Croatia is Europe’s Thailand in terms of water sports, stunning beaches, and parties. One day in Split is good enough to see the highlights. Travel further down the South to see better places like Dubrovnik and islands like Hvar, Brac. Stay tuned to know about Dubrovnik in my upcoming blogs. Are you ready for Croatian summer?Overall experience: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ out of 5
FAQs
1. What is the best time to visit Croatia?
Croatia is warm enough throughout the year. But May – September is the peak season. Winter months, November – February is less touristy
2. Are there currency exchange centres?
All major cities have currency exchange centres in the main city centre. Many cafes, restaurants, and shops accept Euros but beware of their exchange rate.
3. Is Croatia expensive?
It depends on when you visit. We visited in April 2017. Our host said that two months from now everything becomes expensive. But compared to powerful European countries like Germany, Sweden or Norway a restaurant meal was cheaper. You can have a big Pizza slice for 2€.
4. Where to shop in Split?
Just near the Riva harbour, a big market (bazaar type) is spread on. In general, the prices are fixed. But try out also your bargaining skills.
5. Is Split safe?
Well, Split is very safe to visit. Even at night, you can have a calm walk around Riva harbour.
6. How is walking through the city?
Mountains, lakes, and forests cover the majority of Croatia. The city of Split is hilly. Our apartment Rainbow Sweet was located in a hilly place. Hence we had to make a small walk to reach the spot. But the stay was good and our host was very helpful by giving us all the smallest details.
7. Do Croatians speak English?
Almost 81% of the Croatians speak English. So you won’t face communication hurdles.
Time of visit: April 2017
““A change in latitude would help my attitude” – Anonymous”
