Sightseeing stop in Split: discover beautiful places in Croatia

Split highlight

historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

We at Monterrasol Transfers specialize in private car transfers. Together with the transfer itself, we propose that you visit some beautiful places along the transfer route. We call such places optional sightseeing stops (short excursions).

One of the places we selected to propose as a sightseeing stop is a beautiful Split in Croatia. Sightseeing stops are a perfect easy opportunity to see new places during your transfer across Croatia, especially during long distance transfers. Take it as a great option to get in touch with local culture and history. It's good to combine transportation and sightseeing together!

Split, the second-largest city in Croatia, located in the historical Dalmatia region, initially a Greek settlement Aspalathos, known for its historical complex with the Palace of Diocletian is a UNESCO World Heritage Site from 1979.

Last reviewed: 5 June 2026

Split description

Split is a stunning seaport and resort situated on a peninsula on the eastern shores of the Adriatic Sea in southern Croatia. As the largest and most important city in Dalmatia, it enjoys a deep, sheltered harbour on its southern side, which has made it a vital transportation and commercial hub for centuries. The city is uniquely positioned as a gateway to the numerous beautiful islands of the Adriatic, including Hvar, Brač, and Vis.

Split is the second-largest city in Croatia, with an estimated urban population of approximately 190,315 residents as of 2025. The wider urban area covers about 56 square kilometres, giving it a density of roughly 3,400 people per square kilometre. Despite its status as a major metropolis, the historic core remains surprisingly compact and easy to explore on foot.

The city's name has a fascinating origin rooted in the ancient world. Its old Greek name was ＂Aspalathos＂, which was also the name for a yellow-flowered, thorny shrub (Spanish broom) that still grows on the surrounding hills. According to legend, this was the name of a Greek settlement that existed on the same spot before the Romans arrived. From Aspalathos, the name evolved through the Latin ＂Spalatum＂ and the Venetian ＂Spalato＂ to its modern Croatian form, Split.

The modern history of Split began at the turn of the 4th century AD when the Roman Emperor Diocletian decided to build a massive fortified palace for his retirement. Construction took place between 295 and 305 AD, resulting in a 7-acre (3-hectare) compound that was more like a small, fortified city than a simple residence. This massive structure, built of white marble from the island of Brač, was designed to house the emperor's living quarters, military barracks, temples, and baths.

A crucial turning point occurred in the early 7th century when Slavic and Avar tribes sacked the nearby Roman city of Salona. The terrified residents fled to the safety of Diocletian's abandoned palace, whose massive walls offered them protection. These refugees built their new homes within the ancient Roman walls, and this ＂old town＂ has been continuously inhabited ever since, making it one of the most extraordinary examples of living history in Europe.

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Split came under Byzantine rule in the 9th century. It briefly fell to Venice at the end of the 10th century and then to the Croatian king around 1070. In 1105, it became a free commune under the Hungarian-Croatian rulers, entering a phase of economic and cultural prosperity. The Republic of Venice held the city for nearly four centuries, from 1420 to 1797, leaving a distinct Venetian architectural imprint.

The Venetians were supplanted by the Austro-Hungarians, who began expanding the city limits beyond the ancient palace walls and developing its industrial potential. The French, under Napoleon, ruled briefly between 1808 and 1813, after which Split returned to the Habsburgs. This period saw Split's importance grow as an administrative centre and a key Adriatic trade hub, with good rail and road connections being established.

After World War I, Split became part of the new Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which later became Yugoslavia. The city's harbour was partially destroyed during World War II, but the historic old town centred around the Roman palace miraculously escaped major damage. After the war, the harbour was rebuilt and expanded during the communist era. Split finally became part of an independent Croatia in 1992, following the breakup of Yugoslavia.

The Historical Complex of Split with the Palace of Diocletian was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, one of the first properties in Croatia to receive this honour. UNESCO recognises the palace as one of the most magnificent and best-preserved Roman architectural monuments in the world. The nomination category is cultural property, and the site is celebrated for its outstanding universal value as a living monument where a Roman palace forms the heart of a modern city.

Today, the palace is not a sealed-off museum but a vibrant, living part of the city where over 3,000 people still live and work within its ancient walls. The complex is a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, bustling squares, and historic buildings, all seamlessly integrated with modern shops, restaurants, and bars. Visitors can explore the Peristyle (the central courtyard), the Roman temples, the emperor's mausoleum (now the Cathedral of St. Domnius), and the fascinating underground cellars.

The Riva is Split's most famous and beloved public space—a wide, palm-lined waterfront promenade that stretches along the southern wall of Diocletian's Palace. This bustling pedestrian zone is the city's living room, filled with cafes, restaurants, and benches where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy coffee, watch the sunset over the harbour, and embrace the laid-back ＂pomalo＂ (take it easy) Dalmatian pace of life. It is the perfect place to start or end any exploration of Split.

For the best panoramic views of the city and the sea, visitors should climb Marjan Hill, a forested peninsula that rises to the west of the old town. This green oasis offers a welcome escape from the summer heat and a network of walking and cycling paths. Reaching the highest viewpoint requires climbing 314 stairs, but the breathtaking reward, a golden light over the red-tiled rooftops of Split and the vast Adriatic, makes the effort well worthwhile. Marjan is also home to several quieter beaches and the historic Church of St. Jerome.

Split boasts several fantastic city beaches perfect for a refreshing swim. Bačvice is the most famous, a shallow sandy bay where locals play ＂picigin＂, a unique, volleyball-style, sea-based game that is a quintessential Split tradition. Other popular beaches include the clear waters of Firule, which is great for families, and Kasjuni, which is set against a scenic backdrop of pine trees. For a quieter vibe, visitors can head to Bene Beach, tucked inside the Marjan Forest Park.

Split has a wealth of excellent museums for culture lovers. The Split Archaeological Museum is the oldest museum in Croatia, housing a vast collection of prehistoric, Greek, and Roman artefacts from the region. The Museum of Croatian Archaeological Monuments is unique for its focus on the early medieval period, specifically the artefacts of the Croats from the 7th to the 10th centuries. The Meštrović Gallery is a stunning art museum dedicated to the works of Ivan Meštrović, Croatia's most famous modern sculptor, and is beautifully situated on the Marjan peninsula.

Fans of the popular TV series 'Game of Thrones' will recognise Split, as Diocletian's Palace was used as a filming location for the city of Meereen. The palace's cellars, alleys, and the nearby Klis Fortress (which overlooks the city) all served as backdrops for the show's epic scenes. Guided tours are available that take visitors to these iconic filming sites, offering a unique way to experience both the history and the fantasy of the city.

Split enjoys a classic hot-summer Mediterranean climate, characterised by long, hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. July and August are the warmest months, with average high temperatures around 30°C (86°F). The best time to visit for pleasant weather and fewer crowds is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October), when swimming is still possible, and the weather is warm but comfortable for sightseeing.

Split is unique because it offers an authentic ancient Roman experience that is not frozen in time but is instead a vibrant, modern city. Tourists love wandering through the maze-like alleyways of Diocletian's Palace, sipping coffee on the sunny Riva, climbing Marjan Hill for stunning views, and hopping on ferries to explore the beautiful nearby islands. The combination of a 1,700-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site at its core, a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, delicious cuisine, and friendly locals makes Split an unforgettable destination for every type of traveller.

We know good things to see in Croatia. We know the roads, well-known tourist attractions like UNESCO sites, and off-the-beaten-path places.

If you would like to learn more about Croatia and explore it by visiting different attractions, come with us for a private tour. We can travel all across Croatia and we will show you all the important tourist attractions together with the hidden gems of this beautiful country. Feel free to contact us!

We have developed numerous itineraries for private car tours in Croatia as well as in neighboring countries, including tours passing through several countries as one journey. Solo private tours and tours for Seniors are available also.

Transfers to Split

Currently we know prices for these car transfers to Split:

Private transfers from Bosnia-Herzegovina

• private car transfer Jajce to Split

• private car transfer Medjugorje (Međugorje) to Split

• private car transfer Sarajevo to Split

Private transfers from Croatia

• private car transfer Dubrovnik to Split

• private car transfer Dubrovnik airport Cilipi (Čilipi) to Split

Private transfers from Montenegro

• private car transfer Portonovi to Split

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If the transfer you need not exist in the list of our transfers, feel free to ask us for custom transfer by this form: ask for a custom private transfer to Split, Croatia.