Sandwiched between ragged mountains and the turquoise sea, Split is a vibrant city jutting out of the Dalmatian coastline. Offering visitors an attractive blend of old and new, this stylish city oozes charm and history. It promises a good time for all kinds of travellers, which is why it’s one of my favourite mini-break destinations!
Although it’s a port city and is often busy with the comings and goings of cruise ships and ferries, many local islanders commute into the city as well. This means there is still a chance to experience authentic Dalmatian life whilst enjoying the excellent amenities on offer.
As well as fantastic restaurants, a buzzing nightlife, and breathtaking beaches, Split is renowned for its historical sites. The Diocletian’s Palace is probably the most famous, boasting the title of World Heritage Site since 1979. However, since the port city’s fame is mostly thanks to the Romans, there are plenty of ruins and medieval churches to marvel at alongside the trendy shops and boutique bars.
Two Days in Split
The city may be small by some standards, but it feels like it’s bursting with things to do and places to see. So, if you’re planning to visit, I’d highly recommend dedicating two full days (at least!) to exploring. If you’re looking for inspiration, keep reading and I’ll share my complete two-day itinerary in this harbour city.
Day One
Whenever I recommend cities that I’ve loved to fellow travellers, I always say to start with a walking tour. Whether you want to explore on your own or prefer to leave it up to a guide, there is no better way to get to know a place than by walking its streets. Often you’ll find yourself discovering some lesser-known place or the best local cafes. That being said, here are some unmissable sites in that should be on any walking tour itinerary:
The Palace of Diocletian – The title of “palace” is a bit misleading, as this huge fourth-century complex now covers half the old town – it truly is like stepping back in time. It does get busy, even more so since it was used for the filming of many Game of Thrones scenes, but it is 100% worth braving the crowds. Be sure not to miss climbing the famous Bell Tower, which rewards visitors with some of the best views of the Old Town below.
Markets – Spend time exploring the bustling markets of the Old Town, which has been completely pedestrianised giving it an old-world feel.
The Harbour – Make your way to the beautiful harbourside, where you’ll find all kinds of boats from swanky yachts to immense cruise ships. It’s fun just to see which is the fanciest.
While I like to experience a mixture of everything in a walking tour, there are dedicated Game of Thrones tours that are perfect for hardcore fans. If you’re a lover of the show, be sure to book one of these special experiences.
Later in the day: a visit to Klis Fortress
If you have time (and the energy) I would highly recommend venturing a little way out of the city and exploring this remarkable historic attraction. Klis Fortress spreads across the limestone hills that lead down to the valley into Split and visitors have the chance to clamber all over the ruins, which boast amazing views of the valley below. The history is long, starting back in the second century BC, so there’s plenty to explore here.
Day Two
Today is all about the ocean and I recommend taking a boat trip to the unmissable Blue Lagoon and its Blue Cave. And yes, the water is that blue! The shallow lagoon is found at the centre of the Dalmatian archipelago and is unusually sheltered. This means that its waters are mostly calm, making it the perfect spot for a spot of snorkelling.
Later in the day: visit Bacvice Beach
You can’t visit Split without spending at least a couple of hours soaking up the sunshine on one of the beautiful beaches. Bacvice is my personal favourite. The sandy stretch of the coastline is the most popular in the area, but it’s also huge – which assures that you’ll never feel too cramped. It also means that you’ll have all the amenities you can wish for, including a summer cinema!
Where to Stay
Penthouse Matkovic – This modern apartment is complete with a private terrace and set within the walls of the UNESCO heritage site, Diocletian’s Palace, and just a stone’s throw from the Cathedral of St Dujam. This luxury accommodation is in the heart of the action, making it the perfect place from which to explore the city.
Cornaro Hotel – For visitors who want a sophisticated stay in the centre of the city, this hotel is the ideal choice. The rooftop terrace boasts a relaxing hot tub with a welcoming bar, plus rooms that offer brilliant city views and air conditioning. This is great for a romantic city break or a friend-group weekend getaway.
Amphora’s Garden – This complex of luxurious apartments has everything you could want during your Split holiday. With facilities such as a rooftop pool, extensive fitness centre, gorgeous spa and restaurant, it’s great for those who just want to relax. You’ll also be treated to spectacular sea views, so what more could you want?
How to Get There
Croatia is a popular destination for travellers from all over the world, and flights from the UK are easy and plentiful. A flight from London to Split, for example, takes just over two hours, so it’s the perfect destination for a last-minute break. Depending on the time of year, it can also be very reasonably priced. April is the best month as tickets are the cheapest and the weather is still pretty good. I would avoid travelling during December as this is when tickets shoot up in price and the place becomes packed.
One of my top tips when travelling is to prebook a Split airport transfer. A transfer from Split airport to Split is only about 30 minutes and not only does it take away the hassle of navigating public transport, but it’s a beautiful drive along the coast too. Book your Split transfer as soon as you book your flight and then you won’t have to think about it again.
Overview
UK to SPU Flight Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
SPU to Split Distance: 26 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 35 minutes
Types of Transfer
Whether you prefer to share the cost of transport or want to treat yourself to a private airport transfer, Split is an easy destination to get to and Shuttle Direct has plenty of options for you to choose from.
As I mentioned, one of the many fantastic Split transfers available is the airport taxi. Split can be tricky to navigate yourself by car so I’d highly recommend pre-booking one of these if you’re looking for a quick, hassle-free journey.
Shuttle Direct also offers a great shared transport option, which is the shuttle bus. When it comes to a reliable airport transfer, Split Airport to Split shuttle buses are the best, as there is plenty of room for luggage and it’s budget-friendly! You might even make some new friends for your holiday.
For some travellers, though, peace, quiet, and luxury are important – which is where a private transfer (Split airport to Split) comes in handy. It may cost a little more but if you’re looking for the most comfortable, quick, door-to-door way to get to your final destination, it is totally worth it.
Finally, we have the minibus transfer. Similar to the shuttle bus but a little bigger, this is great for groups of family or friends. While there are plenty of options for a Split airport transfer, this is an easy choice if you all want to travel in the same vehicle, which will save on logistical headaches. There’s also plenty of room for everyone’s luggage.
Choosing the Right Transfer
Before pre-booking your transfer from Split Airport to Split, you must consider a few important factors. Selecting the right airport transfer for you will depend on the two main things below:
Cost: While you may like to take a private transfer from Split airport to Split, if it’s not in your budget, then it might not be the right option. Consider what your budget is before pre-booking your Split transfer, and if you’d rather spend your money on all the fun to be had at your destination, a shared shuttle is the way to go.
Convenience: However, if it’s all about convenience for you, you need to choose what works best for your needs. If you want to travel in style, privacy and luxury, then a private option will be the way to go for your Split transfer, rather than sharing with other people.
About Shuttle Direct
Whether you need a lift to the airport, train, or boat, Shuttle Direct has a huge range of transfer options to suit your requirements. We have been serving our customers for decades, so with our extensive knowledge and wonderful team of drivers we will ensure your safety and comfort wherever you need to go.
