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With its ideal climate, with 2,800 hours of sunlight each year, vibrant Split, stunningly located between mountains and the island-speckled Adriatic Sea, is home to a perfect fusion of modern and medieval. Whether you are visiting the remains of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Diocletian’s Palace, or the atmospheric old town, filled with small bars and great restaurants, we can guarantee you will be enamoured by this fascinating city along the Adriatic Coast.
The Old Town and the Diocletian Palace
Walking around the ancient walled city of Split Old Town, there is history everywhere you go. The city’s bustling port, on the Adriatic Sea, was first established by the ancient Greeks who built a settlement here. Split was later colonised and developed by several empires, from the Romans to the Byzantines, Venetians, and Ottomans. Today, it is still one of the most important trading ports in the Mediterranean. Split Old Town is both beautiful and unique, with a modern city built amongst, and incorporating some of the most impressive ancient ruins in the world.
Let’s start off with the 1700-year-old Diocletian Palace in the Old Town, the site the city is most famous for. Split was originally founded as a Greek colony in the second or third century BC, but it has gained its fame after the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruled between AD 284 and AD 305, started building his retirement palace there. Diocletian was born in Dalmatia to a low-status family and used his military skills and cunningness to rise through the ranks until he finally became the emperor. Diocletian has definitely left his mark on Split. The Diocletian’s Palace is is not really a palace but more of a very large fortress. Half of the palace was used for the personal use of Diocletian and the other half was used to house his military. The compound of the palace has a form of an irregular rectangle with towers on the western, northern, and eastern parts. No tower was built along the southern façade, since back then these walls rose directly from the Adriatic sea. Diocletian designed this palace so his ship could enter directly into the palace through the seaside gate. After the Roman era, many rulers and authorities ruled the area, and many of the original structures were destroyed or renovated.
Marjan to enjoy Split hiking
Do you and your loved ones want to take a break from the bustling lifestyle of the city after visiting the Old Town and the Palace? Your private driver will bring you to Marjan, unless, of course, you fancy a walk towards this part of the city. Marjan is an integral part of the city center that extends from the Marmont Street and continues to the west. In 1964 it was declared a park and since then is considered a protected part of Split. The hills and its forests are the lungs of the city, and a popular place to hang out.
Marjan Hill
Marjan Park covers the peninsula to the west of the Old Town core of Split. The area – often called the lungs of Split – is lush with trees, scenic viewpoints and paths for those who want to enjoy Split hiking to enjoy the wonderful nature Croatia has to offer. Just imagine yourself hiking Marjan when the sun is shining, the sea is shimmering, and the heavy scent of pine and fresh earth is in the air. Following the paths into Marjan Forest Park, you can take pictures with your loved ones while becoming immersed with nature. Listen to the birds chirping, chase butterflies floating near you, dancing with the soft breeze, watch caterpillars make their long trek to wherever it is they are headed. Whether you are looking for a Split city scenic viewpoint or a full dose of nature, Marjan Hill is the place to bring your family.
Stop at the informal entrance to Marjan Park at the top of the Varos Neighborhood and visit the outdoor café that is located there, Vidilica. Enjoy a well-deserved coffee at the small lookout point before you make your way over to the platform. From the platform, the views of the city are unbelievable and just stunning. The rising bell tower of the Split Cathedral stands out among the orange rooftops that wrap around the deep teal bay. The rocky mountains that stand behind the city offer the perfect backdrop. If the gate to the right of the café is open, wander up the stairs into the Old Jewish Cemetery. If the gate is not open, but you want to go inside, ask for the keys at the café, they might be able to help you out!
After taking in the city views, continue hiking Marjan Hill Split up the steep incline on the wide path. Benches line the way and just over the treetops you can catch a glimpse of the sea. Joggers, dog walkers, families, cyclists, locals, tourists and those just out for a stroll share the path. About 300 meters into Park Forest Marjan, you will find the small stone Church of St. Nicholas, one of many Catholic churches in Split, Croatia and one of several churches in Split Park Marjan. To get to the Marjan Park dwellings, follow the main trail in the park. The trail leads downhill slightly, passing the quaint Church of Our Lady of Bethlehem. There is a sea view lookout point on the opposite side of the path. Veer off the main path at the hairpin turn to get to St. Jerome Church and the hermitage caves.
Can you spot your yacht from here? Your crew is getting everything ready for a lovely afternoon and evening on board, after a day exploring the beautiful city of Split!
