Diocletian's Palace
The building housing the Croatian National Theatre
(or HNK Zagreb) is as much a national treasure as the world-class
theatre, opera, music and ballet productions that take place on its
stage. Construction began on the theatre building in 1894, with
Croatian artist Vlaho Bukovac painting the ceremonial curtain while
Viennese artist Alexander Goltz decorated the ceiling of the
auditorium. At the entrance to the theatre, visitors can see the
large ornate fountain called 'The Well of Life', designed by
Croatian artist Ivan Meštrovic in 1905. The Croatian National
Theatre has hosted famous artists and performers from all over the
world, and culture enthusiasts shouldn't miss a show.
Diocletian's Palace
Judith Duk
Archaeological Museum
Founded in 1820, the Archaeological Museum in Split is the
oldest museum in Croatia. Its displays include artefacts from
prehistoric times, the Greek colonial period and from the Roman-,
early Christian- and Medieval ages. Most of the relics found in
excavations of the Roman city of Salona are displayed, as well as
sarcophagi, statues and friezes. The museum also contains a large
assembly of antique coins and a prominent library. Those who have
smartphones can make use of the free WiFi audio guide, which is
informative and enhances the experience. Outside the museum is a
lovely garden with a covered walkway and decorated with a number of
sculptures.
Address:
Zrinsko-Frankopanska 25
Ancient artefacts on display
Connie Ma
Brac Island
Bol and Supetar are the two main resorts on
Brac, with attractive old towns and laid-back charm. Brac is a
great destination for a number of watersports, with Bol being the
windsurfing capital of Croatia. It also boasts a famous strip of
beach that stretches out into the ocean, featuring on most Croatian
tourist brochures. Like much of Croatia, the beaches on Brac Island
are mainly rocky, boasting stunningly clear blue water and calm
seas. Those desperate to find a sandy beach should head down to
Lovrecina, which has its own beach bar and restaurant. Brac is
generally less crowded than Split and other popular areas on
Croatia's mainland, but can get busy during the peak summer
months.
Brac Island
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Split Airport
Location: The airport is situated 16 miles (25km) west of
Split.
Time: Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Saturday in
March to end of October).
Getting to the city:
Croatia Airlines operates a bus between the airport and the main
bus station, on the waterfront, in Split. Taxis are also
available.
Car Rental:
Car rental companies include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz,
National and others.
Airport Taxis:
There are taxis available outside the terminal during operating
hours.
Facilities:
Airport facilities include a restaurant and café, duty-free
shopping, banking and currency exchange services and a post
office.
Parking
Parking is available at the airport with discounts available for
long-term parking.
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A popular tourist destination, Split
provides travellers with a number of effective ways to get around
town. Travellers in Split should find it easy to move seamlessly
from one form of transport to the next, as the ferry, bus and train
stations are all near one another.
The primary form of public transportation
in Split is the city's bus network, which is extensive and covers
all areas of the city that might be of interest to travellers.
Buses usually run from about 5am until around midnight, and have
their destinations clearly laid out in route maps at most stops.
Visitors will find most of their travel needs attended to by the
bus stop near the ferry harbour, as it's a meeting point of the
most popular lines.
However, many travellers in Split may find
it easiest and most enjoyable to simply get around on foot. The
layout of the city is accommodating to pedestrians, with key
attractions and shopping centres within walking distance and a
scenic promenade along the water between the port and marina.
Visitors in Split also have the option of
renting a car. This can be especially useful for those wanting to
explore the surrounding area. Thankfully, Croatian roads are
famously good. Although renting a car is ideal for exploring the
wider region, prospective drivers should note that there isn't much
parking in the city centre and none in Split's old town.
Split is an ancient and attractive city
with centuries of history bolstering its modern appeal. As with
many Croatian settlements, the richest concentration of tourist
attractions in Split can be found in its oldest districts around
the famous Diocletian's Palace. This magnificent building was
constructed by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in 303 AD, and it's a
privilege and a pleasure to explore. There are several informative
walking tours through the palace complex and surrounding old
areas.
The impressive Cathedral of St Domnius and
a climb up its rather scary bell tower will often feature on these
tours. Another experience not to be missed is the remarkable clock
by West Gate, which has kept time in the city for more than a
century.
There are lots of other things to see and
do in Split, such as the oldest museum in Croatia: the
Archaeological Museum. It collects and displays artefacts from the
city's long history and is a joy for history buffs. On a more
contemporary note, travellers will enjoy a stroll along the pretty
promenade of Riva Harbour, lined with bars and spots for outside
recreation.
Split is also a convenient base for
excursions and day trips to myriad beautiful islands and villages:
the nearby islands of Brac and Hvar offer stunning beaches and
charming little towns, and the coastal villages of Makarska and
Sibenik are enduring Croatian favourites. Lastly, the magical
walled town of Trogir, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is situated on
a tiny island between Ciovo and the mainland, and tops the list of
many a Croatian travel itinerary.
Hvar Island
Off the coast of Split is the island of Hvar, which abounds with
Romanesque and Renaissance buildings and a true Mediterranean
atmosphere. Hvar has been inhabited since ancient times;in fact,
archaeologists have found evidence dating back to 3500 BC. It's now
mainly a wine-growing area, with the main towns of Vrboska and
Jelsa famed for their Dalmatian vintages. Hvar is dotted with
picturesque rural villages, many fairly untouched by time and
tourism. Must-see attractions in Hvar include the incredible Hvar
Fortress, reached by a fairly strenuous climb, but with the reward
of exquisite views of the whole town and harbour. No visit to Hvar
would be complete without a visit to Dubovica Beach, so often
delightfully free of crowds.
![Hvar Island]()
Hvar Island
Gaucho
Trogir
Trakoscan is a legendary 13th-century Gothic castle
that was home to various influential families for centuries before
finally falling into abandoned disrepair in the second half of the
18th century, when it belonged to the Draskovic family.
In the 1950s, the castle was taken over by the state
and turned into a living museum, reconstructing life in a medieval
castle. Visitors can explore four levels, including the dungeon,
and finish their tour with a stroll through the surrounding
parklands.
Trakoscan Castle is a spectacular journey for the
imagination as it feels so authentic. Guests can wander with
freedom through the stone corridors, up and down the winding
staircases, and into the various rooms. It is also a great
attraction for the younger children as the castle, lake, and forest
settings transport the little ones to a fairytale world.
The castle features original artefacts from its
history, including furniture and weaponry, and displays are
informative and well laid out. As wandering through the castle and
its beautiful grounds can be somewhat tiring, visitors often stop
for a break at the restaurant by the lake.
![Trogir old town]()
Trogir old town
Judith Duk
Sibenik
Sibenik is a historic town, located in central
Dalmatia. Over the centuries, it has endured many rulers who have
claimed it as their own, from Byzantium to the Kingdom of Bosnia.
Naturally, it's a product of this complex past, with a diverse
tapestry of influences and rich cultural heritage. Sibenik is home
to the Cathedral of St Jacob, the crowning glory of the Dalmatian
Coast. The beautiful baptistery, domed roof and 71 stone heads on
the exterior walls truly make this Renaissance cathedral a thing of
divine beauty. The city also makes a good base from which to visit
the nearby Krka National Park.
![Sibenik Harbour]()
Sibenik Harbour
Macic7
Makarska
Fringed by the two green peninsulas of
Osejava and St Peter, Makarska's cobblestoned streets and natural
harbour nestle in the shadow of Mount Biokovo. This beautiful town
offers secluded beaches washed by an azure sea and lies at the
heart of the Makarska Riviera, characterised by pine forests and a
string of white pebble beaches. Makarska spans occupations by the
Venetians, Turks, French and Austrians, all leaving imprints of
their own culture and tradition. The town boasts a 16th century
Franciscan monastery, a Venetian fountain, several churches and
Baroque palaces. The main tourist district is lined with
fashionable boutiques, cafes and bars, all a stone's throw away
from the yachts and catamarans docked in the harbour.
![Makarska Beach]()
Makarska Beach
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Diocletian's Palace
Judith Duk
Ancient artefacts on display
Connie Ma
Brac Island
Zuffe
Hvar Island
Gaucho
Trogir old town
Judith Duk
Sibenik Harbour
Macic7
Makarska Beach
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