Central Dalmatia in Croatia serves up a diverse array of experiences.
Whether you’re after stunning ancient architecture in a vibrant city, warm turquoise waters for a beach getaway, or an adventurous island-hopping escapade, this region covers it all. There’s even something for fans of breathtaking waterfalls, mountain landscapes, and even “Game of Thrones.”
Recently, I had the chance to immerse myself in all that Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, and its surrounding landscapes have to offer, thanks to Jet2holidays. I spent five exciting days exploring a tapestry of mountains, islands, and UNESCO Heritage Sites. Here are my top highlights.
(Disclosure: My trip was hosted by Jet2holidays and the Central Dalmatia Tourist Board. This post may also contain affiliate links. For more details, please check the disclosure policy.)
Travel Guide to Split and Central Dalmatia
With Jen Lowthrop at the Marjan Hill viewpoint. Photo by the talented Catherine Frawley
Best Things to Do in Split
Step into Split and you’ll find a city where modern life exists seamlessly alongside ancient history. At the heart of it all lies an old town encased in the ancient walls of a Roman palace. Built by Emperor Diocletian for his seaside retirement in the 4th Century AD, Split has evolved within this historical grandeur. As you wander through the city, layered histories beckon, enhancing the lively dining scene with an unforgettable atmosphere.
Diocletian’s Palace
Most of Diocletian’s Palace is embedded within the fabric of modern-day Split, so no ticket is required for entry. Marvel at how Roman arches, gates, walls, and columns rise majestically above the bustling shops and cafes. If time permits, consider a guided tour to gain deeper insights into the ruins and their historical contexts.
You can purchase tickets to visit the excavated palace cellars, home to some of the best-preserved Roman ruins worldwide. They also gained fame as a filming location for “Game of Thrones,” where Daenerys kept her dragons.
Cathedral of Saint Domnius
For breathtaking views of Split, tackle the narrow stairway leading to the top of the Cathedral of Saint Domnius’ bell tower. This cathedral is one of the oldest Christian churches globally, although the bell tower was reconstructed at the dawn of the 20th century.
Once you make it to the top, take a moment to appreciate the cathedral, originally designed as Diocletian’s octagonal mausoleum.
Marjan Hill
Climbing approximately 100 steps to reach the peak of Marjan Hill rewards you with stunning views of the city. The lookout point offers a beautiful perspective of the Old Town, the harbor, and the majestic mountains beyond. The scenics along the way only heighten the experience.
After your trek, treat yourself to a well-deserved drink at Teraca Vidilica, conveniently located next to the Marjan viewpoint.
Peristyle Square
As the sun sets, Peristyle Square becomes an atmospheric gathering spot. Sit beneath majestic Roman Gothic columns while sipping cocktails and enjoying live music from Lvxor.
This popular café takes its name from the ancient Egyptian city of Luxor, where the sphinx that sits in the square originally hails. Originally, around 30 sphinxes were brought to Diocletian’s Palace in 305 AD, and this is one of the few remaining today.
Enjoying a cocktail in such historic surroundings is a rare experience.
Check out this reel for more on the best things to do in Split.
Best Restaurants in Split
Split’s culinary scene is nothing short of exceptional, making it easy to enjoy fantastic meals throughout your visit. Here are some places worth considering:
Fig Restaurant Split – Indulge in creative comfort foods within a charming 15th-century palace.
Zoi – For a more lavish evening, visit Zoi, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving exquisite Mediterranean dishes with stunning waterfront views.
Heritage Hotel Santa Lucia – Located on Pjaca Square, this boutique hotel’s restaurant offers spectacular people-watching opportunities paired with fine dining.
Konoba Varos – Experience traditional Croatian cuisine in an authentic setting.
Finish your culinary journey at D16 Coffee, a specialty coffee shop known for the best brews in Split.
Where to Stay in Split
For your accommodations, I highly recommend Le Meridien Lav Split, a chic and family-friendly hotel just 20 minutes outside the city center, located by the coast in Podstrana. With an infinity pool, private beaches, and delightful dining options at their trendy waterfront eateries, it’s a fantastic choice. You can read a full review of this stylish hotel here.
Hotel Le Meridien Lav Split is one of the luxury options available through Jet2holidays, which offers a range of accommodations to suit varying budgets.
(Side note: New customers booking through Jet2holidays can get up to £45 cashback via TopCashback, and an additional £10 credit through my referral link. That’s a nice bonus for your next meal out!)
Best Day Trips from Split
Brac
One of my best experiences in Central Dalmatia was a day spent on the laid-back island of Brac. A 45-minute ferry ride from Split takes you to Supetar, where you can visit the Olive Oil Museum in Skrip, witnessing traditional olive oil production methods and sampling a taste of the Mediterranean diet.
Don’t miss the chance to swim in the crystal-clear waters of Zlatni Rat Beach in Bol. Known for its unique triangular shape that shifts with tides and winds, this beach is iconic in Croatia. It features sunbeds for hire and beach-side food and drink options. Remember to pack water shoes, as the beach is pebbly.
For an aerial view, climb to Vidora Gora, the highest point in the Adriatic, for a breathtaking vista of Zlatni Rat and its surrounds.
For lunch, check out Konoba Kopacina for traditional grilled lamb dishes and incredibly addictive fries.
Hvar
Returning to the island of Hvar, I was reminded why it was a favorite during my first visit in 2010—its captivating old town, a 13th-century fortress, and vibrant nightlife make it a hotspot. It also serves as an excellent launchpad for boat trips to the Pakleni Islands, an archipelago filled with pristine beaches and azure lagoons that resemble paradise.
Plitvice Lakes National Park
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, with 16 turquoise lakes linked by cascading waterfalls, is nestled in dense forest. It’s Croatia’s largest and oldest national park and a breathtaking natural spectacle in Europe.
Explore on foot along the wooden boardwalks, or take a boat or train ride to appreciate the park from varied angles. Though it’s a 2.5-hour drive from Split, the stunning landscape makes it a worthwhile day trip, particularly for those planning an extended road trip.
Trogir
Only 45 minutes from Split, Trogir is a small UNESCO World Heritage-listed town set on an island connected to the mainland by bridges.
With beautifully preserved medieval architecture, it showcases a Romanesque-Gothic cathedral, a Renaissance palace, and a Venetian fortress tucked among the winding alleys. It’s renowned as an open-air museum.
Stroll through this picturesque island to experience living history and enjoy a lively waterfront promenade and a bustling market. Don’t forget to enjoy a lovely lunch at Calebotta on the terrace.
Klis Fortress
Die-hard “Game of Thrones” fans will recognize Klis Fortress, a pivotal filming location for scenes set in Meereen. In real life, it’s a medieval fortress that played a crucial role in defending against various invaders, including the Ottoman Turks. Its preservation allows for exploration of its walls, tunnels, towers, and a small military museum.
Solin/Salona
Just a stone’s throw from Klis, Solin boasts the Roman ruins of Salona, the birthplace of Emperor Diocletian. Once the capital of the Roman province of Dalmatia and a significant city in the Roman Empire, Salona is home to Croatia’s largest archaeological park filled with numerous Roman ruins, including temples and a 2nd-century amphitheater capable of holding 15,000 spectators.
Considering the lack of shade, it’s best to visit early on warm days.
Skywalk Biokovo
For the thrill-seekers, Skywalk Biokovo awaits between Split and Dubrovnik. This glass walkway extends 11 meters over the cliff edge at the highest point of Biokovo Nature Park, offering an exhilarating view. On clear days, you can catch sight of Italy.
How to Get to Split
Traveling from London Stansted to Split via Jet2 flights takes just 2 hours and 40 minutes, which is great for families with young kids. Jet2holidays even includes free child spots, transfers, and baggage in their packages.
