How many days do you need in Split?

2–3 days to see the Old Town properly; 4–5 days if combining island day trips. Split works as a week-long base if you're island-hopping.

Is Split or Dubrovnik better?

Different strengths. Dubrovnik is more dramatic visually; Split is more liveable and a better base for island travel. Most visitors who do both prefer Split for longer stays.

Can I walk from the ferry terminal to the Old Town?

Yes — the ferry terminal is directly adjacent to the Riva promenade, a few minutes from the palace gates.

Things to Do in Split 2026: Diocletian's Palace, Islands & Day Trips

Split combines one of the most significant Roman sites in Europe with easy access to the Dalmatian islands, National Parks, and sea caves. It works equally well as a destination in itself and as a logistical base. All prices in euros (€).

Inside the Old Town

Walk Diocletian’s Palace

The essential Split experience and one of the most impressive Roman sites in the Mediterranean. The palace was built as the retirement residence of Emperor Diocletian in the early 4th century; people have lived inside it ever since, and today it contains restaurants, boutiques, a cathedral, and residential apartments within 4th-century walls.

The Golden Gate, Silver Gate, Iron Gate, and Brass Gate mark the four entrances. The Peristyle (central courtyard) is the heart. The Cathedral of St. Domnius (converted from Diocletian’s octagonal mausoleum) is worth visiting.

Cost: Free to walk; cathedral bell tower €5

Cathedral of St. Domnius bell tower

The bell tower gives the best elevated view of the Old Town and harbour. A workout to climb but worth it.

Admission: €5

Klis Fortress

A dramatic hilltop fortress perched on a ridge 13km above Split, with views over the city, the sea, and the coastal mountains. Used as the filming location for Meereen in Game of Thrones. Accessible by local bus or taxi.

Admission: €10

Meštrović Gallery

Croatia’s most important sculptor lived and worked in Split, and his villa (now a gallery) holds an extensive collection of his monumental figures and reliefs. A striking building on the Meje headland, 15 minutes from the Old Town.

Admission: €10

The Riva

The 500m waterfront promenade in front of the palace’s south wall is where Split’s social life happens — morning coffee, ferries, ice cream, evening drinks. Worth a walk at any hour.

Green market and fish market

The daily market at Pazar (east of the palace) and the fish market just below sell local produce, cheese, and fresh catch. Open early mornings.

Beaches near Split

Bačvice — the most popular city beach, 10 minutes’ walk from the Old Town. Famous for picigin, a local sport played in shallow water. Pebble and sand.

Kaštelet Beach — on the Meje headland near the Meštrović Gallery. Quieter than Bačvice.

Day trips from Split

Hvar Island

The most fashionable Croatian island, 1 hour by catamaran or 2 hours by car ferry (to Stari Grad). The town has a Venetian fortress, lavender fields, and beach clubs.

Catamaran: €30–50 return

Brač — Zlatni Rat beach

Croatia’s most photographed beach — a pebble-and-sand spit near Bol. Ferry to Supetar, then bus to Bol.

Ferry: €20–30 return

Krka National Park

Waterfalls, boardwalks, and swimming in a river canyon. Organised tours from Split typically include transport and entry.

Organised tour: approx. €80 per person

Blue Cave, Biševo Island

The most visited sea cave in Croatia, with blue luminescence from sunlight refracting off the floor. Tours depart from Split harbour.

Organised tour: €80–110 per person

Vis Island

The most remote major Dalmatian island — car-free feel, clear water, and good konobas. 2.5 hours by catamaran.

Catamaran: €35–50 return

Price summary

Activity	Price
Diocletian’s Palace	Free
Cathedral bell tower	€5
Klis Fortress	€10
Meštrović Gallery	€10
Hvar catamaran (return)	€30–50
Brač ferry (return)	€20–30
Krka organised tour	approx. €80
Blue Cave tour	€80–110