Split is one of the most beautiful cities on the Dalmatian coast. This charming city is the second biggest city in Croatia after Zagreb and is located in the south of Croatia. It has a rich history and culture dating back to Roman times. Its unique beaches, sunny weather, delicious fresh food coupled with high security are some of the reasons it is becoming a major tourist destination. Why not visit Split to explore all that it offers? With that said, the following are 7 reasons why you should visit Split.
Weather
Split experiences nice weather for a better part of the year. However, it is usually best to visit Split during the hot months between May and September. During this time you will enjoy the sunny days when you can enjoy the beach. If you are a fan of walking and cycling then the cooler but sunny weather of early summer or autumn might be the best for you. The temperatures in Split range from 70ºF to 90ºF making Split an excellent summer destination. This city under the sun is among the sunniest Cities in Croatia and it experiences an average of 2800 hours of sun per year. This makes it great for outdoor adventures like sailing or visiting national parks like Krka.
History and culture
Split is over 1700 years old and therefore rich in unique history. You can explore the splendid old city streets built around the ancient ruins from Roman times as well as sights of Roman and Venetian architectural designs, memorials, and museums. While there, you can trace the fascinating Dalmatian tale of Kingdoms, wars and civil Unrest like the anti-fascist resistance. You can also visit the City’s main attraction, the Diocletian’s Palace, which originally housed Emperor Diocletian. Some other interesting history points in the complex include the Temple of Jupiter and the Peristylium. There are also two popular festivals you can enjoy in Split that highlight its cultural richness. One of the events is the Film Festival which is celebrated in the second week of September where you will get to see films of great reputation from all over the world. The second event is the Summer Split Festival which takes place from mid-July to mid-August with the Diocletian Place in the background adding magic to the festival. At this festival, you will see performances of music, theatre, opera and dance.
Food
Split is the place to go for the finest Croatian food and wine. There are a variety of specialties made of seafood straight out of the Adriatic sea which makes the food in restaurants very fresh. For the simple fried fish Buffet, Zlatna Ribica is the place to dine or Nostromo for a fine dining establishment. You can get a heavier platter of shellfish from as little as 240.00 kn which is about £28. Some common meals include Pasticada and Sarma which you can enjoy with a superb local white wine, Posip. This wine is obtained from the nearby locality which is full of vineyards. You can join other local shoppers in the morning fish market at the western fringes of Diocletian’s Palace and grab fresh food from the place of origin.
Beaches
It is almost a crime to go to Split and not visit its beautiful beaches that are like paradise with turquoise blue waters. One such beach is the Bacvice Beach which is the main place to visit with your family and have your kids to enjoy swimming in the warm waters. You should visit the beach during the morning hours when it is less crowded. This beach also offers a great nightlife. Be sure to play a game of picigin which is common among the locals. Some other beaches to visit in Split include; Bene beach, Znjan beach, Firule beach, Strozanac and the Kasjuni Marjan beach.
Transportation
Traveling to and across split is easy because of the excellent transportation system. There are several transportation options to get to Split which include plane, ferry, train and road. If you use a plane, you can decide to take a Taxi, either shared or private, to take you to Split from the airport. Prebooking is more efficient since you will find the driver waiting for you at the airport. This will cost you about € 35 for 1-3 people, and around € 45 for up to a maximum of 8 people. Another option is taking a bus from the airport. Bus services are offered by multiple companies that ply different routes. Always buy your tickets early to save time. Given that Split is Dalmatian coast’s main terminal, you can catch regular local ferry rides to Islands like Vis, Brac, and Hvar. There is also a good train network. The train station is few minutes walk on the Southeast of the city center.
Prices
Compared to most other places like Dubrovnik, Split offers reasonable prices. From the accommodation to the food, to the drinks, the prices here will surprise you. There are some items found in Split that you pay for almost half what you will pay in Dubrovnik. For around €20 you can get a 3-course meal in a decent restaurant that offers an attractive sea view. Accommodation in a 3-star hotel or reasonably priced private apartments, for example, can cost you around €50 in a day. For €11 you can afford 4 to 5 beers and a coffee at a bar. In addition to the price, you will always get good value for your money.
Safety
Safety is synonymous with Split. The crime rate is very low, although pickpocketing occasionally happens, just be aware of your surroundings and you’ll be fine. If you are going out at night, just take precaucions like you will at your own home town and you will surely get to your hotel safely.
Indeed visiting Split offers you a variety of interesting opportunities to enjoy. This makes it interesting destination for weekend home as well, and there are many people who are purchasing flat or house here and coming back on regular basis. Be it a personal or family holiday there is always something for everyone.
Author bio: 22 years old blogger girl from Croatia. Love to travel and write about the places I have visited. Currently employed by https://sothebysrealty.hr/ in their marketing department.