An Insider's Guide to Split

Dreaming about a luxurious holiday surrounded by sandy beaches, luscious palm trees and sparkling turquoise waters? Set your sights on south-east Europe where you’ll find one of the continent’s most beautiful countries – Croatia.

Split, Croatia’s second-largest city, sits on the beautiful Dalmatian Coast, where picture perfect coastal mountains and dramatic sea views form the stunning backdrop.

Must see

The city’s most famous attraction is Diocletian’s Palace, an ancient Roman residence built in the 4th century A.D. This impressive sprawling structure takes up half of the Old Town in the city centre.

In 1979, the historic heart of Split surrounding the palace officially became a UNESCO World Heritage Monument.

The area around Diocletian’s Palace is now home to some 3,000 people and its narrow streets are lined with cafés, bars and shops – the perfect place for an afternoon spent wandering in the sunshine.

A visit to Split wouldn’t be complete without a stroll along Riva Harbour. Perfect for people watching, this spot has a wonderful holiday atmosphere. Enjoy an ice cream from one of the many restaurants along the promenade and take in a wonderful view of yachts, boats and cruise liners.

Eat at

When you’ve worked up an appetite from exploring the city, make sure to sample the abundant local cuisine. There is an endless array of hidden culinary gems dotted around the city. If you’re looking for the best coffee in town to fuel your morning, try 4coffee soul food, a charming little café famous for its cold brew and reasonable prices.

For a fantastic meal with a view, it’s hard to beat Dvor. This elegant and intimate spot has a beautiful outdoor garden with views of the sea. Smart travellers should plan ahead and book a meal at sunset for a truly unique dining experience.

Back to nature

Take a day to soak in some of the beautiful landscape surrounding the city in Krka National Park.

This serene natural paradise is home to seven spectacular waterfalls and is the only National Park in Croatia that allows public swimming. Taking a dip in these crystal clear waters is a must-do during a trip to Split.

Not a swimming fan? Get your hiking boots on and explore the park’s nature trail which offers a great view of the cascading waters and monastic ruins. This is an experience you won’t want to miss out on, so book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Day trip

A visit to Rizman Winery makes for the perfect day out. This family-owned vineyard is one of the leading wine producers in the region with a world-class selection of organic wines. Located around two hours away from Split, you can book a wine-tasting tasting tour which also allows you to take in some breath-taking views of the surrounding area.

Hit the beach

When you’re ready to relax, Split has plenty of beautiful beaches to help you to unwind. The most popular is Bačvice, which buzzes with locals all summer long and is a great spot to watch the acrobatic sport of picigin – a sort of rowdier version of volleyball.

If you’re feeling like a daredevil, why not try a kayak adventure? A great way to enjoy the sights of the city by water, it’s a wet and wild day out you’ll never forget.

Whatever type of holiday you’re after, Split’s combination of action and relaxation makes it a wonderful destination, and with direct flights from Dublin to Split with Aer Lingus, starting your summer adventure is easy.